The transcription factor Ofi1 is critical for white-opaque switching in natural MTLa/α isolates of Candida albicans.

Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, is able to switch between two distinct cell types: white and opaque. While white-to-opaque switching is typically repressed by the a1/α2 heterodimer in MTLa/α cells, it was recently reported that switching can also occur in some natural MTLa/α strains under certain environmental conditions. However, the regulatory program governing white-opaque switching in MTLa/α cells is not fully understood. Here, we collected 90 clinical isolates of C. albicans, 16 of which possess the ability to form opaque colonies. Among the known regulators implicated in white-opaque switching, only OFI1 exhibited significantly higher expression in these 16 strains compared to the reference strain SC5314. Importantly, ectopic expression of OFI1 in both clinical isolates and laboratory strains promoted switching frequency even in the absence of N-acetylglucosamine and high CO2 , the optimal condition for white-to-opaque switching in MTLa/α strains. Deleting OFI1 resulted in a reduction in opaque-formation frequency and the stability of the opaque cell in MTLa/α cells. Ofi1 binds to the promoters of WOR1 and WOR3 to induce their expression, which facilitates white-to-opaque switching. Ofi1 is conserved across the CTG species. Altogether, our study reported the identification of a transcription factor Ofi1 as the critical regulator that promotes white-to-opaque switching in natural MTLa/α isolates of C. albicans.

Matching actions to needs: shifting policy responses to the changing health needs of Chinese children and adolescents.

China is home to the second largest population of children and adolescents in the world. Yet demographic shifts mean that the government must manage the challenge of fewer children with the needs of an ageing population, while considering the delicate tension between economic growth and environmental sustainability. We mapped the health problems and risks of contemporary school-aged children and adolescents in China against current national health policies. We involved multidisciplinary experts, including young people, with the aim of identifying actionable strategies and specific recommendations to promote child and adolescent health and wellbeing. Notwithstanding major improvements in their health over the past few decades, contemporary Chinese children and adolescents face distinct social challenges, including high academic pressures and youth unemployment, and new health concerns including obesity, mental health issues, and sexually transmitted infections. Inequality by gender, geography, and ethnicity remains a feature of health risks and outcomes. We identified a mismatch between current health determinants, risks and outcomes, and government policies. To promote the health of children and adolescents in China, we recommend a set of strategies that target government-led initiatives across the health, education, and community sectors, which aim to build supportive and responsive families, safe communities, and engaging and respectful learning environments. TRANSLATION: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Zcf24, a zinc-finger transcription factor, is required for lactate catabolism and inhibits commensalism in Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a normal resident of humans and also a prevalent fungal pathogen. Lactate, a nonfermentative carbon source available in numerous anatomical niches, can be used by C. albicans as a carbon source. However, the key regulator(s) involved in this process remain unknown. Here, through a genetic screen, we report the identification of a transcription factor Zcf24 that is specifically required for lactate utilization in C. albicans. Zcf24 is responsible for the induction of CYB2, a gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase that is essential for lactate catabolism, in response to lactate. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed a significantly higher signal of Zcf24 on the CYB2 promoter in lactate-grown cells than that in glucose-grown cells. Genome-wide transcription profiling indicates that, in addition to CYB2, Zcf24 regulates genes involved in the ß-oxidation of fatty acids, iron transport, and drug transport. Surprisingly, deleting ZCF24 confers enhanced commensal fitness. This could be attributed to Crz1-activated ß-glucan masking in the zcf24 mutant. The orthologs of Zcf24 are distributed in species most closely to C. albicans and some filamentous fungal species. Altogether, Zcf24 is the first transcription factor identified to date that regulates lactate catabolism in C. albicans and it is also involved in the regulation of commensalism.

Automated Five-Dimensional Single Particle Tracking by Bifocal Parallax Dark-Field Microscopy with Electronic Tunable Lens.

We present a novel method for the precise tracking of plasmonic gold nanorods (AuNRs) in live cells, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the nanocargo's cellular dynamics. Traditional single particle tracking (SPT) struggles with accurately determining all five spatial parameters (x, y, z, ϕ, and θ) in live cells due to various challenges. Our innovation combines electronic tunable lens (ETL) technology with bifocal parallax dark-field (DF) microscopy, allowing continuous adjustment of the imaging focal plane for automatic tracking of both translational and rotational movements of AuNRs. This 5D single-particle orientation and rotational tracking (5D SPORT) method achieves remarkable precision, with 3D localization precisions of 9 (x), 10 (y), and 15 nm (z) and angular resolutions below 2°. To showcase its applicability, we investigated intracellular transport of nanocargos using transferrin-modified AuNRs as the imaging probe. Differentiated transport stages, such as active transport and pause period, were clearly unveiled from the observed dynamics in 5D. This advancement in single particle tracking holds promise for a wide range of applications in biomedical research, particularly when combined with other imaging modalities, such as light sheet fluorescence microscopy.

Frequency-Domain Low-Wavenumber Hyperspectral Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy.

In recent years, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy has experienced rapid technological advancements and has found widespread applications in chemical analysis. Hyperspectral SRS (hSRS) microscopy further enhances the chemical selectivity in imaging by providing a Raman spectrum for each pixel. Time-domain hSRS techniques often require interferometry and ultrashort femtosecond laser pulses. They are especially suited to measuring low-wavenumber Raman transitions but are susceptible to scattering-induced distortions. Frequency-domain hSRS microscopy, on the other hand, offers a simpler optical configuration and demonstrates high tolerance to sample scattering but typically operates within the spectral range of 400-4000 cm-1. Conventional frequency-domain hSRS microscopy is widely employed in biological applications but falls short in detecting chemical bonds with a weaker vibrational energy. In this work, we extend the spectral coverage of picosecond spectral-focusing hSRS microscopy to below 100 cm-1. This frequency-domain low-wavenumber hSRS approach can measure the weaker vibrational energy from the sample and has a strong tolerance to sample scattering. By expanding spectral coverage to 100-4000 cm-1, this development enhances the capability of spectral-domain SRS microscopy for chemical imaging.

Reaction-Initiated Single-Molecule Tracking of Mass Transfer in Core-Shell Mesoporous Silica Particles.

Understanding the host-guest interactions in porous materials is of great importance in the field of separation science. Probing it at the single-molecule level uncovers the inter- and intraparticle inhomogeneity and establishes structure-property relationships for guiding the design of porous materials for better separation performance. In this work, we investigated the dynamics of host-guest interactions in core-shell mesoporous silica particles under in situ conditions by using a fluorogenic reaction-initiated single-molecule tracking (riSMT) approach. Taking advantage of the low fluorescence background, three-dimensional (3D) tracking of the dynamics of the molecules inside the mesoporous silica pore was achieved with high spatial precision. Compared to the commonly used two-dimensional (2D) tracking method, the 3D tracking results show that the diffusion coefficients of the molecules are three times larger on average. Using riSMT, we quantitatively analyzed the mass transfer of probe molecules in the mesoporous silica pore, including the fraction of adsorption versus diffusion, diffusion coefficients, and residence time. Large interparticle inhomogeneity was revealed and is expected to contribute to the peak broadening for separation application at the ensemble level. We further investigated the impact of electrostatic interaction on the mass transfer of molecules in the mesoporous silica pore and discovered that the primary effect is on the fraction rather than their diffusion rates of resorufin molecules undergoing diffusion.

The Promising Seesaw Relationship Between Activity and Stability of Ru-Based Electrocatalysts for Acid Oxygen Evolution and Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis.

The development of electrocatalysts that are not reliant on iridium for efficient acid-oxygen evolution is a critical step towards the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) and green hydrogen industry. Ruthenium-based electrocatalysts have garnered widespread attention due to their remarkable catalytic activity and lower commercial price. However, the challenge lies in balancing the seesaw relationship between activity and stability of these electrocatalysts during the acid-oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This review delves into the progress made in Ru-based electrocatalysts with regards to acid OER and PEMWE applications. It highlights the significance of customizing the acidic OER mechanism of Ru-based electrocatalysts through the coordination of adsorption evolution mechanism (AEM) and lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism (LOM) to attain the ideal activity and stability relationship. The promising tradeoffs between the activity and stability of different Ru-based electrocatalysts, including Ru metals and alloys, Ru single-atomic materials, Ru oxides, and derived complexes, and Ru-based heterojunctions, as well as their applicability to PEMWE systems, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, this paper offers insights on in situ control of Ru active sites, dynamic catalytic mechanism, and commercial application of PEMWE. Based on three-way relationship between cost, activity, and stability, the perspectives and development are provided.

In Situ Electrochemical Rapid Induction of Highly Active γ-NiOOH Species for Industrial Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer.

Limited by the strong oxidation environment and sluggish reconstruction process in oxygen evolution reaction (OER), designing rapid self-reconstruction with high activity and stability electrocatalysts is crucial to promoting anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzer. Herein, trace Fe/S-modified Ni oxyhydroxide (Fe/S-NiOOH/NF) nanowires are constructed via a simple in situ electrochemical oxidation strategy based on precipitation-dissolution equilibrium. In situ characterization techniques reveal that the successful introduction of Fe and S leads to lattice disorder and boosts favorable hydroxyl capture, accelerating the formation of highly active γ-NiOOH. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations have also verified that the incorporation of Fe and S optimizes the electrons redistribution and the d-band center, decreasing the energy barrier of the rate-determining step (*O→*OOH). Benefited from the unique electronic structure and intermediate adsorption, the Fe/S-NiOOH/NF catalyst only requires the overpotential of 345 mV to reach the industrial current density of 1000 mA cm-2 for 120 h. Meanwhile, assembled AEM water electrolyzer (Fe/S-NiOOH//Pt/C-60 °C) can deliver 1000 mA cm-2 at a cell voltage of 2.24 V, operating at the average energy efficiency of 71% for 100 h. In summary, this work presents a rapid self-reconstruction strategy for high-performance AEM electrocatalysts for future hydrogen economy.

Timing of fractional flow reserve-guided complete revascularization in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: Rationale and design of the OPTION-STEMI trial.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend complete revascularization (CR) in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD). With regard to the timing of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for non-infarct-related artery (non-IRA), recent randomized clinical trials have revealed that immediate CR was non-inferior to staged CR. However, the optimal timing of CR remains uncertain. The OPTION-STEMI trial compared immediate CR and in-hospital staged CR guided by fractional flow reserve (FFR) for intermediate stenosis of the non-IRA. METHODS: The OPTION-STEMI is a multicenter, investigator-initiated, prospective, open-label, non-inferiority randomized clinical trial. The study included patients with at least 1 non-IRA lesion with ≥50% stenosis by visual estimation. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized into 2 groups at a 1:1 ratio: immediate CR (i.e., PCI for the non-IRA performed during primary angioplasty) or in-hospital staged CR. In the in-hospital staged CR group, PCI for non-IRA lesions was performed on another day during the index hospitalization. Non-IRA lesions with 50%-69% stenosis by visual estimation were evaluated by FFR, whereas those with ≥70% stenosis was revascularized without FFR. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and all unplanned revascularization at 1 year after randomization. Enrolment began in December 2019 and was completed in January 2024. The follow-up for the primary endpoint will be completed in January 2025, and primary results will be available in the middle of 2025. CONCLUSIONS: The OPTION-STEMI is a multicenter, non-inferiority, randomized trial that evaluated the timing of in-hospital CR with the aid of FFR in patients with STEMI and MVD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov. Unique identifier: NCT04626882; and URL: https://cris.nih.go.kr. Unique identifier: KCT0004457.

Prognostic impact of abnormal sodium burden in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Sodium abnormality is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of abnormal sodium burden on long-term mortality and hospitalization in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS: We analysed participants from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial with available baseline and follow-up data (n = 1717). Abnormal sodium burden was defined as the proportion of days with abnormal sodium plasma levels (either <135 mmol/L or > 145 mmol/L). To determine the independent prognostic impact of abnormal sodium burden on the long-term clinical adverse outcomes (The primary outcome was any cause death, the secondary outcomes include cardiovascular disease death, HF hospitalization, any cause hospitalization and the primary endpoint of the original study), a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model and time-updated Cox regression model were performed. RESULTS: Abnormal sodium burden occurred in 717 patients (41.76%). A high abnormal sodium burden was associated with 1.47 (95% CI, 1.15-1.89) higher risk with any cause mortality, 1.51 (95% CI, 1.08-2.09) higher risk with CVD death and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.02-1.69) higher risk with HF hospitalization when compared with no burden group. When sodium level changes over time were accounted for in time-updated models, abnormal sodium level was still associated with poor clinical outcomes. Diuretic and spironolactone usage did not show a statistical interaction effect on the prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS: In HFpEF patients, abnormal sodium burden was an independent predictor long-term any-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.

Efficacy and safety of different chemotherapy regimens concurrent with radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of different chemotherapy regimens concurrent with radiotherapy in treating locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). METHODS: Retrospective data was collected from LACC patients who were treated at our institution. These patients were categorized into three groups: the single-agent cisplatin (DDP) chemoradiotherapy group, the paclitaxel plus cisplatin (TP) chemoradiotherapy group, and the nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab-) paclitaxel combined with cisplatin (nPP) chemoradiotherapy group. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) and incidence of adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were enrolled (32 in the DDP group, 41 in the TP group, and 51 in the nPP group). There were differences in OS (P = 0.041, HR 0.527, 95% CI 0.314-0.884) and PFS (P = 0.003, HR 0.517, 95% CI 0.343-0.779) between the three groups. Notably, the 2-year OS rate was significantly higher in the nPP group compared to the DDP group (92.2% vs. 85.4%, P = 0.012). The 2-year PFS rates showed a marked increase in the TP group (78.0% vs. 59.4%, P = 0.048) and the nPP group (88.2% vs. 59.4%, P = 0.001) relative to the DPP group, with multiple comparisons indicating that the 2-year PFS rate was significantly superior in the nPP group versus the DDP group (88.2% vs. 59.4%, P = 0.001). Moreover, the ORR was also significantly higher in the nPP group than in the DDP group (P = 0.013); and no statistically significant differences were found in the incidence of AEs among the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In LACC treatment, the two cisplatin-based doublet chemotherapy regimens are associated with better outcomes, with the nab-paclitaxel plus cisplatin regimen showing better efficacy than the paclitaxel plus cisplatin regimen. Furthermore, the AEs associated with these regimens were deemed tolerable. These findings could provide a reference for the clinical treatment of LACC. However, further prospective studies are needed to verify it.

Adrenomedullin/FOXO3 enhances sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by inhibiting FDX1 expression and cuproptosis.

Cuproptosis, a new type of copper-induced cell death, is involved in the antitumor activity and resistance of multiple chemotherapeutic drugs. Our previous study revealed that adrenomedullin (ADM) was engaged in sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, it has yet to be investigated whether and how ADM regulates sunitinib resistance by cuproptosis. This study found that the ADM expression was elevated in sunitinib-resistant ccRCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, the upregulation of ADM significantly enhanced the chemoresistance of sunitinib compared with their respective control. Moreover, cuproptosis was involved in ADM-regulated sunitinib resistance by inhibiting mammalian ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) expression. Mechanically, the upregulated ADM activates the p38/MAPK signaling pathway to promote Forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) phosphorylation and its entry into the nucleus. Consequently, the increased FOXO3 in the nucleus inhibited FDX1 transcription and cell cuproptosis, promoting chemoresistance. Collectively, cuproptosis has a critical effector role in ccRCC progress and chemoresistance and thus is a relevant target to eradicate the cell population of sunitinib resistance.

High throughput spectrally resolved super-resolution fluorescence microscopy with improved photon usage.

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), a type of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, has become a strong technique in the toolbox of chemists, biologists, physicists, and engineers in recent years for its unique ability to resolve characteristic features at the nanoscopic level. It drastically improves the resolution of optical microscopes beyond the diffraction limit, with which previously unresolvable structures can now be studied. Spectrally resolved super-resolution fluorescence microscopy via multiplexing of different fluorophores is one of the greatest advancements among SMLM techniques. However, current spectrally resolved SMLM (SR-SMLM) methodologies present low spatial resolution due to loss of photons, low throughput due to spectral interferences, or require complex optical systems. Here, we overcome these drawbacks by developing a SR-SMLM methodology using a color glass filter. It enables high throughput and improved photon usage for hyperspectral imaging at the nanoscopic level. Our methodology can readily distinguish fluorophores of close spectral emission and achieves sub-10 nm localization and sub-5 nm spectral precisions.

Three-Dimensional Polyoxometalate Organic Frameworks with One-Dimensional Channels Constructed by Multiple Helical Chains Based on 22-Core Ln/Mn/Mo Clusters for Proton Conduction.

Two unique 22-core sandwich {[Mn6Mo6O37]Ln3[MnMo6O24]} (Ln = La or Pr) units have been assembled, featuring an undisclosed {Mn6Mo6} cluster. This assembly is subsequently integrated into two three-dimensional polyoxometalate organic frameworks, which exhibit one-dimensional hydrophilic hexagonal channels formed by six intertwined 63 helical chains, leading to effective proton conduction primarily facilitated by an abundance of water molecules within the channels.

A novelty strategy for AMD prevention by biogas slurry: Acetate acid inhibition effect on chalcopyrite biooxidation and leachate.

With the widespread application of anaerobic digestion technology, biogas slurry become the main source of organic amendments in practice. Comprehensive studies into the inhibitory effects of low molecular weight (LMW) organic acids, essential components in biogas slurry, on the sulfide minerals biooxidation and its bioleaching (AMD) have been lacking. In this study, acetic acid (AA) served as a representative of LMW organic acids in biogas slurry to investigate its impact on the inhibition of chalcopyrite biooxidation by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans). It was shown that AA could slow down the chalcopyrite biooxidation and inhibit the jarosite formation on the mineral surface. Compared with the control group (0 ppm AA), the sulfate increment in the leachate of the 50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 200 ppm AA-treated groups decreased by 36.4%, 66.8%, and 69.0%, respectively. AA treatment (≥50 ppm) could reduce the oxidation of ferrous ions in the leachate by one order of magnitude. At the same time, the bacterial concentration of the leachate in the 50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 200 ppm AA-treated groups decreased by 70%, 93%, and 94%, respectively. These findings provide a scientific basis for new strategies to utilize biogas slurry for mine remediation and contribute to an enhanced comprehension of organic amendments to prevent AMD in situ in mining soil remediation.

Non-adiabatic dynamics studies of the C+(2P1/2, 3/2) + H2 reaction: Based on global diabatic potential energy surfaces of CH2.

Global diabatic potential energy surfaces (PESs) of CH2+ are constructed using the neural network method with a specific function based on 18 213 ab initio points. The multi-reference configuration interaction method with the aug-cc-pVQZ basis set is adopted to perform the ab initio calculations. The topographical properties of the diabatic PESs are examined in detail. In general, the diabatic PESs provide an accurate quasi-diabatic representation. To validate the diabatic PESs, the dynamics studies of the C+(2P1/2, 3/2) + H2 (v0 = 0, j0 = 0) → H + CH+(X1Σ+) reaction are performed using the time-dependent wave packet method. The reaction probabilities, integral cross sections, differential cross sections, and rate constants are calculated and compared with the experimental and theoretical results. Non-adiabatic dynamics results are in good agreement with experimental data. In addition, the non-adiabatic effect in the C+(2P1/2, 3/2) + H2 reaction is significant due to the non-adiabatic results being obviously larger than adiabatic values. The reasonable non-adiabatic dynamics results indicate that present diabatic PESs can be recommended for any type of dynamics study.

Association between physical activity, peak expiratory flow, and cognitive function in aging: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aging global population is experiencing escalating challenges related to cognitive deficits and dementia. This study explored the interplay between pulmonary function, physical activity, and cognitive function in older U.S. adults to identify modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline. METHODS: Utilizing NHANES 2011-2012 data, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 729 participants aged ≥ 60 years. Cognitive function, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and physical activity were assessed. Weighted logistic regression and mediation analyses were employed to examine associations. RESULTS: The sample size was 729 (weighted mean [SD] age, 67.1 [5.3] years; 53.6% female participants). Preliminary correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between the global cognitive score and physical activity (ß = 0.16; p < 0.001), recreational activity (ß = 0.22; p < 0.001), and PEF in percent predicted (PEF%) (ß = 0.18; p < 0.001). Compared to those with a PEF% >100%, the PEF% (80-100%) group (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.34-5.29; p = 0.005) and PEF% <80% group (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.67-6.76; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with higher cognitive deficits risk. Recreational activity meeting guidelines was linked to a lower risk of cognitive deficits (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.10-0.57; p = 0.001). Mediation analysis demonstrated that PEF mediates the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function. CONCLUSION: This study revealed significant associations between lower PEF, diminished physical activity, and increased cognitive deficits in elderly individuals. The results supported the hypothesis that pulmonary function may mediate the connection between activity and cognitive health, emphasizing the importance of respiratory health in cognitive aging. Recognizing these associations is crucial for clinical care and public health policy aiming to mitigate cognitive decline in aging populations. While these findings are intriguing, validation through longitudinal design studies is deemed necessary.

Bioinspired micro/nanomotor with visible light energy-dependent forward, reverse, reciprocating, and spinning schooling motion.

In nature, microorganisms could sense the intensity of the incident visible light and exhibit bidirectional (positive or negative) phototaxis. However, it is still challenging to achieve the similar biomimetic phototaxis for the artificial micro/nanomotor (MNM) counterparts with the size from a few nanometers to a few micrometers. In this work, we report a fuel-free carbon nitride (C3N4)/polypyrrole nanoparticle (PPyNP)-based smart MNM operating in water, whose behavior resembles that of the phototactic microorganism. The MNM moves toward the visible light source under low illumination and away from it under high irradiation, which relies on the competitive interplay between the light-induced self-diffusiophoresis and self-thermophoresis mechanisms concurrently integrated into the MNM. Interestingly, the competition between these two mechanisms leads to a collective bidirectional phototaxis of an ensemble of MNMs under uniform illuminations and a spinning schooling behavior under a nonuniform light, both of which can be finely controllable by visible light energy. Our results provide important insights into the design of the artificial counterpart of the phototactic microorganism with sophisticated motion behaviors for diverse applications.

Comparison of the surgical outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in chronic dacryocystitis with or without previous bicanalicular silicone tube intubation.

AIMS: To compare the outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En-DCR) in chronic dacryocystitis (CD) with or without previous bicanalicular silicone tube intubation (BSTI), and investigate whether previous BSTI influenced postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of CD patients (group A) who had previously undergone BSTI for nasolacrimal duct stenosis and an age- and sex-matched control group of CD patients (group B) without previous intubation receiving En-DCR from November 2017 to January 2022. Sixty-one patients (61 eyes) were included in group A and age- and sex-matched 122 patients (122 eyes) in group B. Dacryocystic parameters were measured by computed tomography-dacryocystography and surgical findings were recorded during surgeries. The surgical success rates of the two groups were compared at 12 months post-operation. RESULTS: The mean horizontal, sagittal, and vertical lengths were 6.06 ± 1.24, 6.03 ± 1.44, and 8.05 ± 2.00 mm, respectively, in group A and 6.33 ± 1.25, 6.26 ± 1.19, and 10.40 ± 2.45 mm, respectively, in group B. There were no differences in the horizontal or sagittal parameters between the two groups. The vertical parameter in group A was significantly lower than that in group B. Scar formation in the sac was observed in 54 patients in group A but was absent in group B. At 12 months postoperatively, the anatomical and functional success rates were 88.52 % and 85.25 %, respectively, in group A and 92.62 % and 89.34 %, respectively, in group B, with no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Previous BSTI reduced dacryocyst vertical parameter and caused dacryocyst scar formation but did not affect postoperative En-DCR efficacy.

Computation of acoustic scattered fields and derived radiation force and torque for axisymmetric objects at arbitrary orientations.

This study presents a theoretical framework for calculating acoustic scattering fields, as well as radiation force and torque resulting from the interaction between an incident wave and an axisymmetric object positioned at arbitrary orientations. Grounded in the partial-wave expansion method, it formulates scattering products using beam-shape and scalar scattering coefficients. The incorporation of geometric features into the scalar scattering coefficients is achieved through the conformal transformation approach. Notably, its applicability is restricted to scenarios where the object is positioned at its standard orientation, a limitation circumvented by employing rotational transformations to extend the model to non-standard orientations. A rotational transformation tunes the original frame (observation coordinate system) into a reference frame (computation coordinate system), for any deviated orientation and facilitating solution of scattering products. While the non-intuitive nature of rotational transformations disrupts the inheritability of the partial-wave expressions for the scattering products, an alternative approach is provided based on rotation addition theorem. This method directly incorporates object orientations into the beam-shape and scalar scattering coefficients, bypassing rotational transformations and preserving the partial-wave format. Comparative analysis with full three-dimensional numerical simulations shows theoretical methods are computationally more efficient while ensuring substantial consistency.