Theoretical derivation and clinical validation of the resolution limit of human eye to spherical lens change: a self-controlled study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to deduce theoretically and verify the resolution limit of human eye to spherical lens change for more reasonable design of the trial lenses. METHODS: A total of 119 normal subjects with different myopia (not more than - 6D) were included. First, the resolution limit of discernible change in spherical power was derived based on the optical model. Then, the subjects were observed to see if they could perceive the changes in spherical power as per the resolution limit and compare the difference in the best-corrected visual acuity obtained with the resolution limit and interval of 0.25D. RESULTS: Assuming that the cone cell diameter is 3 µm and the pupil diameter of 4 mm, the theoretically resolution limit was 0.05D. When the diopter of spherical power was increased, the ratios of ability to perceive 0.05D spherical lens change were 98.3% and 96.7% in right and left eyes. When the diopter of spherical power was decreased, the ratios of ability to perceive 0.05D spherical lens change were 78.9% and 83.2% in right and left eyes. The best-corrected visual acuity obtained with the 0.05 D interval trial lens was significantly better than in the 0.25 D interval on both eyes (Right eye - 0.04 ± 0.07 vs - 0.02 ± 0.06, p < 0.001; Left eye - 0.07 ± 0.06 vs - 0.04 ± 0.06, t = 8.825, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The resolution limit of human eye to spherical lens change was about 0.05D and the better corrected visual acuity can be obtained by adjusting the spherical power at an interval of 0.05D. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100047074. Date of registration: 2021/6/7.

Ultrasonic characterization of multi-layered porous lithium-ion battery structure for state of charge.

A multi-layered porous finite element model of lithium-ion battery is proposed by using Voronoi polygons. The time domain simulation of ultrasonic transmission characteristics with different state of charge (SOC) are carried out, and the variation of acoustic parameters versus SOCs is explored. Then, in the experiment research, the ultrasonic transmission signals are obtained by employing piezoelectric ceramic transducers during the discharging step. By extracting the time domain characteristic parameters, it is discovered that the amplitude and time-of-flight (TOF) have a strong correlation with SOC, the slow pressure-wave (SPW) velocities of the experiments correspond well with the simulation results. In addition, the frequency domain analysis shows a linear link between the amplitude of the frequency spectrum and SOC. Moreover, via repeated experiments, it is found that the ultrasonic transmission method has good repeatability in probing the SOC, and the SPW velocities acquired by experiments can almost be covered by 95% confidence interval formed based on the results of the simulation. Furthermore, according to the results of the experiments, a gray model based on the particle swarm optimization-based-simulated annealing (GM-PSO-SA) is established, which realized the prediction of the SOC under the condition of small sample data. The research results can serve as a reference for creating a comprehensive finite element model of the multi-layered porous structure of lithium-ion battery. Meanwhile, it also provides a detection and evaluation tool for the monitoring of the SOC.

Preparation of inhalable N-acetylcysteine-loaded magnetite chitosan microparticles for nitrate adsorption in particulate matter.

Airborne particulate matter has been designated as a class 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Nitrate is a toxic substance that accounts for a large proportion of particulate matter, and nitrate toxicity has long been reported. In this study, we aimed to optimize the adsorption and removal of particulate matter containing nitrate for effective elimination by the lungs. To this end, particles were designed to optimize the inhalation and removal efficiencies. These particles were prepared as chitosan-based particles containing N-acetylcysteine by using emulsion diffusion methods. Chitosan adsorbs nitrate, while N-acetylcysteine dissolves mucus. This removal mechanism has been found to occur in various in vitro models that mimic respiratory environments and in vivo models. In particular, the removal of exogenous substances, such as particulate matter, by the motility of respiratory cilia through mucolytic effect was investigated. This new approach for the adsorption and elimination of toxic substances entering the lungs represents an alternative defense mechanism against exposure to nitrates from air pollution.

Neuro-immune-endocrine mechanisms with poor adherence to aromatase inhibitor therapy in breast cancer.

As the most commonly used endocrine therapy regimen for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) at present, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reduce the risk of localized and distant recurrence, contralateral BC and secondary cancer, and prolong disease-free survival. Clinical data show that poor adherence during AI treatment is mainly attributed to muscle and joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances during treatment. The rapid decline of estrogen caused by AIs in a short period of time enhances sympathetic activity, activates T cells in the body, produces inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-17A, and promotes the occurrence of inflammation and bone loss. This article reviewed the mechanism of poor dependence on AIs in BC patients from the neuro-immuno-endocrine (NIE) perspective and provided clues for clinical intervention against poor adherence.

Gallstone disease and the risk of cardiac mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Background: Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal disorder, which has previously been reported to be associated with the incidence of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the association between gallstone disease and long-term outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Materials and methods: A total of consecutive 13,975 ACS patients were included in this analysis. Gallstone disease in our study included both gallstones and cholecystectomy. The primary endpoint was cardiac mortality. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. Relative risks were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: During a median follow-up period of 2.96 years, 518 (4.2%) patients without gallstone disease and 62 (3.6%) patients in those with gallstone disease suffered cardiac death. After multivariable adjustment for established risk factors, subjects with gallstone disease had decreased risks of both cardiac mortality and all-cause mortality [hazard rate ratios (HR) = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.95 and HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62-0.90, respectively]. In patients with performed cholecystectomy, the associations between gallstones and risks for cardiac mortality and all-cause mortality turned out to be non-significant. HRs varied across subgroups depending on the presence of selected established risk factors. Conclusion: Presence of gallstone disease was associated with a significantly decreased risk of follow-up mortality in patients with ACS.

PPDPF Promotes the Progression and acts as an Antiapoptotic Protein in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Resistance to radiotherapy is frequently observed in the clinic and leads to poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). How to overcome resistance to radiotherapy is a challenge in the treatment of NSCLC. In this study, PPDPF was found to be upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and its expression negatively correlated with the overall survival of patients with NSCLC. PPDPF promoted the growth, colony formation and invasion of lung cancer cells. Moreover, knockout of PPDPF inhibited tumorigenesis in the KL (KrasG12D; LKB1f/f) mouse model of lung cancer. Additionally, overexpression of PPDPF led to radioresistance in lung cancer cells, and knockdown of PPDPF sensitized lung cancer cells to radiotherapy. Mechanistically, PPDPF interacted with BABAM2 (an antiapoptotic protein) and blocked its ubiquitination by MDM2, thus stabilizing BABAM2 and promoting the radioresistance of lung cancer cells. Our present study suggested PPDPF as a therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Multi-institutional expert update on the use of laparoscopic bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis: Lesson learned from 3950 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been a growing interest in the laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones with gallbladder in situ (LBDE), which is favoring the expansion of this technique. Our study identified the standardization factors of LBDE and its implementation in the single-stage management of choledocholithiasis. METHODS: A retrospective multi-institutional study among 17 centers with proven experience in LBDE was performed. A cross-sectional survey consisting of a semi-structured pretested questionnaire was distributed covering the main aspects on the use of LBDE in the management of choledocholithiasis. RESULTS: A total of 3950 LBDEs were analyzed. The most frequent indication was jaundice (58.8%). LBDEs were performed after failed ERCP in 15.2%. The most common approach used was the transcystic (63.11%). The overall series failure rate of LBDE was 4% and the median rate for each center was 6% (IQR, 4.5-12.5). Median operative time ranged between 60-120 min (70.6%). Overall morbidity rate was 14.6%, with a postoperative bile leak and complications ≥3a rate of 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The operative time decreased with experience (P = .03) and length of hospital stay was longer in the presence of a biliary leak (P = .04). Current training of LBDE was defined as poor or very poor by 82.4%. CONCLUSION: Based on this multicenter survey, LBDE is a safe and effective approach when performed by experienced teams. The generalization of LBDE will be based on developing training programs.

Surgical resection and liposomal amphotericin B to treat cavitary pulmonary zygomycosis in a patient with diabetes.

We describe a 24-year-old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus and a cavitary lesion in the right upper lobe, caused by a zygomycete. Surgical resection plus liposomal amphotericin B therapy was successful. We discuss predisposing condition, clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment of pulmonary zygomycosis.

Effect of Rta protein of Epstein-Barr virus on the cell cycle in HeLa cells.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) replication and transcription activator (Rta) is an immediate-early transcription factor that mediates the switch from latent to lytic infection. DNA viruses often modulate the function of critical cell cycle proteins to maximize the efficiency of virus replication. Here we have examined the effect of Rta on cell cycle progression. Cell cycle analysis revealed that Rta induced HeLa cells in G0/G1-phase to reenter the S-phase. Analysis of the expression pattern of a key set of cell cycle regulators revealed that expression of Rta inhibited the expression of Rb and p53 and induced the expression of E2F1. These findings suggest that Rta plays an active role in redirecting HeLa cell physiology through an Rta-mediated cell cycle transformation.

Altered serum calcium homeostasis independently predicts mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a retrospective observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Serum calcium levels (sCa) were reported to be associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between sCa and long-term mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). DESIGN: A retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Single-centre study with participants recruited from the local area. PARTICIPANTS: A total of consecutive 13 772 patients with ACS were included in this analysis. Patients were divided based on their sCa profile (≤2.1 mmol/L, 2.1-2.2 mmol/L, 2.2-2.3 mmol/L, 2.3-2.4 mmol/L, 2.4-2.5 mmol/L,>2.5 mmol/L) and followed up for a median of 2.96 years (IQR 1.01-4.07). PRIMARY OUTCOME: Long-term all-cause mortality. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 2.96 years, patients with sCa ≤2.1 mmol/L had the highest cumulative incidences of all-cause mortality (16.7%), whereas those with sCa 2.4-2.5 mmol/L had the lowest cumulative incidences of all-cause mortality (3.5%). After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, the Cox analysis revealed that compared with the reference group (sCa 2.4-2.5 mmol/L), all the other groups had higher mortality except for the sCa 2.3-2.4 mmol/L group (HR, 1.32, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.87). Restricted cubic splines showed that the relationship between sCa and all-cause mortality seemed to be U shaped. The optimal sCa cut-off point, 2.35 mmol/L, was determined based on the shape of restricted cubic splines. CONCLUSIONS: Altered serum calcium homeostasis at admission independently predicts all-cause mortality in patients with ACS. In addition, a U-shaped relationship between sCa and all-cause mortality exists, and maintaining sCa at approximately 2.35 mmol/L may minimise the risk of mortality.

Synthesis of benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyridin-5-ones as dopamine D4 receptor ligands.

The dopamine D4 receptor is highly expressed in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus and is hypothesized to relate with the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia while its level in brain regions is much lower. To date, no specific ligand is available for the study of D4 receptor in vivo. In this study, we report the synthesis and in vitro receptor binding assay of three benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyridin-5-ones as potential dopamine D4 receptor ligands. These new compounds have higher affinity and selectivity toward dopamine D4 receptor and their K(i) values for D4 receptor are in the nanomolar (nM) range.

[Study on main inheritable parameters of test-tube plants population of Bupleurum chinense in different growing periods].

OBJECTIVE: To determining the growth status and medicine quality of test-tube plants of Bupleurum chinense. METHODS: Measuring the field characters of the labeled plants at fixed period after turning green,such as plant height, number of tiller, number of leaves. Using statistical methods to analyse the measured data RESULTS: Each genetic characters standard deviation and relative standard deviation are all smaller at vegetative growth phase, bud forming phase and seed ripening phase. The test-tube plants population of Bupleurum chinense grows consistently. Its uniformity is higher, variability is low. Bupleurum chinense length and weight of root relative standard deviation are all low. The average root length and weight are more predominant than ordinary seed plants. The roots have high content of effective components. Bupleurum chinense population pharmaceutical character is excellent. The medicinal quality is consistent. The number of branch stem and effective fruit bunch is bigger, The seed production is higher. The aerial part yield is large, The economic value of test-tube plants of Bupleurum chinense is higher. The correlation between each characters of test-tube plants of Bupleurum chinense is different from the ordinary seed plants in different growing periods. CONCLUSION: The botanical and pharmacognostic characters of test-tube plants of Bupleurum chinense are excellent.

Identification and expression profiling of sugar transporter genes during sugar accumulation at different stages of fruit development in apricot.

Sugars are considered as an essential signaling molecule for fruit growth and development, which plays a key role in fruit quality. Up to now, the mechanism controlling sugar metabolism and transport in apricot is unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we measured sugar contents at six different stages of fruit development and ripening, and significant variations were observed throughout these stages. The concentration of glucose and fructose first decreased then increased, sucrose concentration first increased then decreased, while the concentration of sorbitol gradually decreased from growth to maturity. Furthermore, thirty sugar transporter genes related to sucrose synthesis and transport were identified and categorized into different subfamilies based on the phylogenetic analysis. The result of cis-regulatory components showed that under different plant hormones, biotic and abiotic stresses, few elements could be regulated. The correlation analysis showed a higher relationship between ParSuSy5, ParSuSy6, ParSuSy7, and ParFK1 genes and sugar contents, indicating that these genes might have a key role in sugar accumulation and fruit quality. In general, these findings will provide a deep understanding of genomic information and expression profiles of sugar transporter genes, which will contribute toward improvement in fruit quality of apricot.

Protocol for the CREST Choles (Chinese REgistry Study on Treatment of Cholecysto-Choledocholithiasis) study: an ambispective, multicenter, observational, open-cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The best approach for choledocholithiasis remains a matter of debate. Choledocholithiasis is usually treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) or laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE). Data pertaining to the clinical outcomes of these approaches in the management of patients with cholecysto-choledocholithiasis in China are limited. An analysis of the economic burden associated with these treatments is lacking. The Chinese REgistry Study on the Treatment of Cholecysto-Choledocholithiasis (CREST Choles) was designed to address these issues in a real-world setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: CREST Choles was an ambispective, multicenter, observational, open-cohort study. A total of 2700 patients undergoing one of the three treatments (EST+laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), LCBDE+LC and LTCBDE+LC) during the period from 1 January 2013 to 1 December 2018 at participating centres were enrolled in the study. Patients with gallstones and confirmed common bile duct stones were included. Data pertaining to demographics, disease history, procedural details, imaging features and follow-up were collected. Follow-up was conducted at least 6 months after enrolment in the study and annual follow-up will be conducted until December 2020. The primary outcome is the rate of adverse outcomes within 3 years postoperatively. Economic analysis (eg, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio) would be performed to compare expense across treatments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was obtained at all participating centres. The registry presented is the first attempt to comprehensively evaluate the cost of treatment for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis in China. Findings are expected to be available in 2020 and will facilitate clinical decision making in such cases. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02554097.

Protective effect of the Baicalin against DNA damage induced by ultraviolet B irradiation to mouse epidermis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether topical application of Baicalin affords protecting Balb/C mice epidermis from ultraviolet (UV)B-induced DNA damage and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A DNA damage model of UVB irradiation-induced mice epidermis was established. The immunohistochemical staining, Southwestern dot-blotting were used for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) detection; Western blotting was used for p53 detection; reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA level of Bcl-2 and Bax; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptotic cells. RESULTS: Topical application of Baicalin on Balb/C mice skin significantly decreased the amount of epidermal CPDs 1, 24 and 48 h after 180 mJ/cm(2) of UVB irradiation as compared with untreated mice. UVB-induced apoptosis was less pronounced in Baicalin-treated mice epidermis, which was accompanied by less p53 accumulation and higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio compared with that of untreated mice. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results suggest that topical Baicalin application mitigates DNA photo-damage. Baicalin is therefore a promising protective substance against UVB radiation.

EFFECT OF ASTRAGALOSIDE ON VITAMIN D-RECEPTOR EXPRESSION AFTER ENDOTHELIN-1-INDUCED CARDIOMYOCYTE INJURY.

BACKGROUND: Astragaloside, which is one of the main components of Astragalus membranaceus, has been widely used in the treatment of congestive heart failure in China, and it can protect cardiomyocytes. Its mechanism of action remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the influence of astragaloside on rat cardiomyocytes stimulated with endothelin-1 (ET-1), and explored the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ET-1 was used to stimulate primary rat cardiomyocytes and establish a cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model. Different astragaloside doses were administered in combination with ET-1. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and flow cytometry, respectively. The molecular mechanism was explored by analyzing the mRNA of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1(CYP27B), cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1(CYP24A) and renin mRNA levels by quantificational real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was established successfully. Astragaloside administration significantly affected cell apoptosis and significantly inhibited ET-1-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a dose-dependent manner. Astragaloside treatment affected the expression of signaling molecules in the vitamin D axis. CONCLUSION: Astragaloside inhibits ET-1-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. This effect can be reversed by regulating the levels of the relevant factors in the vitamin D axis.

Laparoscopic Transcystic Common Bile Duct Exploration in the Elderly is as Effective and Safe as in Younger Patients.

BACKGROUND: Choledocholithiasis represents a greater proportion of gallstone in the elderly. Elderly patients have more comorbidity, which could increase the operative risk and postoperative complications. However, no study has focused on the effect and safety of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE) in elderly patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether LTCBDE can be performed effectively and safely in elderly patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent LTCBDE for choledocholithiasis performed from January 2010 to December 2012. Patients of age 70 or older were included in the elderly group. The rest integrated the younger group. Demographic data and perioperative parameters were compared between groups. RESULTS: From January 2010 to December 2012, 171 patients admitted for choledocholithiasis and gallstone attempted a single-step treatment combining LTCBDE and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There were 104 women (60.8%) and 67 men (39.2%) with a median age of 57 (range 24-87) years. Elderly patients had significantly more preoperative risk factors. However, there was no significant difference in the success rate of LTCBDE (96.9% versus 92.7%, P = .142) for the two groups. The operative time was a little longer in elderly group than in younger group: median 80 (60-110) minutes versus 70 (50-95) minutes, respectively (P < .001). Postoperative recovery was slower in elderly group than in younger group, as reflected by a longer median postoperative hospital stay (2 days versus 1 day, P < .001) and a higher rate of abdominal drain placed (17.1% versus 8.5%, P = .202). The rates of postoperative complications at discharge were similar between groups (3.0% versus 4.9%, P = .952). CONCLUSION: LTCBDE in the elderly patients is as effective and safe as in younger patients.

Electromyographic Bridge-a multi-movement volitional control method for functional electrical stimulation: prototype system design and experimental validation.

The voluntary participation of the paralyzed patients is crucial for the functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy. In this study, we developed a strategy called "EMG Bridge" (EMGB) for volitional control of multiple movements using FES technique. The surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of the agonist muscles were transformed to stimulation pulses with various pulse width and frequency to stimulate the target paralyzed muscles using MAV/NSS co-modulation (MNDC) algorithm we proposed recently. Motion pattern classification based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was included to recognize the motion status and mapping the sEMG detection channel to the corresponding stimulation channel. A prototype EMGB system was built for real-time control of four hand movements. The test results showed that the movements can be reproduced with a successful rate of 92.5±3.5%. The angle trajectory of wrist joint and metacarpal-phalangeal joint can be mimicked with a maximum cross-correlation coefficient > 0.84 and a latency less than 300 ms.

[Changes in ultrastructure and bone morphogenetic protein expression in reconstructed mandibular condylar cartilage under continuous mandibular advancement in adult rats].

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the reconstructed mandibular condylar cartilage and the ultrastructural variations in mandibular condylar cartilage in adult rats as a result of mandibular advancement. METHODS: Thirty 9-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Rats in the experimental group were subjected to mandibular advancement. Rats were sacrificed on days 3, 7, 14, 21, 30. Sections were cut from condyles, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression in condylar cartilage was examined through immunohistochemical analysis. Condylar cartilage samples were harvested, and ultrastructural changes in these samples were observed under Micro-CT and transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the experimental group obviously displayed cartilage hyperplasia in the middle and rear of the condyle. Moreover, the number of BMP-2-positive cells in condylar cartilage and the gray value gradually increased in the experimental group on day 7 of the intervention. Ultrastructural changes, such as karyopyknosis, reduced microfilaments around the nucleus, reduction in size or even disappearance of lipid droplets, swelling of endoplasmic reticulum compartments, broadened and increased extracellular matrix, were observed in the condylar hypertrophic chondrocytes. Micro-CT revealed that the trabecula and the newly formed bone gradually thickened. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertrophic remodeling of the condylar cartilage and high BMP-2 expression are observed in adult rats as a result of continuous mandibular advancement.

Guide-wire detecting using a modified cascade classifier in interventional radiology.

Endovascular surgery is becoming a widespread procedure to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as abdominal aortic aneurysm and peripheral artery disease. The guide-wire is a crucial surgical instrument inserted into vessels to offer guidance to physicians during the surgery. There are some approaches for tracking the guide-wire, most algorithms consist of two phases, namely, the initialization phase and the tracking phase. In the initialization phase, most algorithms use B-splines for modeling the guide-wire which requires manually annotated data. In the tracking phase, the guide-wire motion is non-linearity because it is deforming and changing its shape and size as a result of patients' respiration, some algorithms decompose the non-linearity motion into rigid motion and non-rigid motion, while the computational complexity is high especially for the non-rigid motion. This paper mainly presents an approach to detect the guide-wire. The algorithm has two main advantages. First, without modeling the guide-wire, this approach uses a cascade classifier which can detect the guide-wire under arbitrary motion automatically. Second, by taking the guide-wire motion direction into consideration, the detection accuracy improves significantly. The presented work has been validated on a test set of 349 frames, and the mean tracking accuracy achieves more than 95% which proves the effectiveness of the proposed method.