A non-aggregated silicon(IV) phthalocyanine-lactose conjugate for photodynamic therapy.

To develop a highly efficient photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT), we have designed and synthesized a phthalocyanine-lactose conjugate (Pc-Lac) through axial modification of silicon(IV) phthalocyanine with lactose moieties. With the lactose substituents, Pc-Lac is highly hydrophilic and non-aggregated with efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in aqueous media. With these desirable properties, Pc-Lac shows high photocytotoxicity and cellular uptake toward HepG2 cells. In addition, in vivo fluorescence imaging shows that Pc-Lac could selectively remain at tumor site, leading to its enhanced photodynamic efficacy against H22 tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, Pc-Lac shows a great potential as a highly efficient molecular photosensitizer for PDT.

Reactivation of resolved hepatitis B virus infection combined with nephrotic syndrome in a patient after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: After allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) can be observed in patients with previous resolved Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is the main clinical manifestation of HBsAg-positive glomerulonephritis. However, the development of HBVr combined with NS after allo-HSCT is uncommon. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented a case of a 47-year-old female with acute myelogenous leukemia who underwent HLA-identical sibling allo-HSCT and achieved leukemia free survival. She had pretransplant serological markers of a resolved HBV infection (HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc and anti-HBs positive). However, she developed HBVr combined with nephrotic syndrome (NS) 16 months after HSCT. Her histological renal lesion was mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. IgA+, IgM+, and C1q deposits but not HBV antigens (HBsAg and HBcAg) were identified in her renal biopsy material. Long-term entecavir and immunosuppression resulted in decrease of HBV virus replication, amelioration of proteinuria and stabilisation of renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Entecavir combined with immunosuppression has efficacy in the treatment of HBVr combined with NS after allo-HSCT, but long course of treatment is needed. Closely monitoring and antiviral prophylaxis might be necessary for allo-HSCT recipients to prevent reactivation of resolved HBV infection and its related complications.

N,N'-Bis(3-bromo-2-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)propane-1,3-di-amine.

In the title compound, C17H16Br2N2O2, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 57.7 (3)°. The conformation of the central N-C-C-C-N chain is gauche-anti [torsion angles = -64.2 (4) and -167.8 (4)°]. Two intra-molecular O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds occur. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers.

[Accommodation perimeters after phakic posterior chamber implantable contact lens implantation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change of accommodation function after phakic posterior chamber implantable contact lens (PPC-ICL) implantation for high myopic eyes. METHODS: It was a retrospective case series study. PPC-ICL implantation surgery was performed in 36 eyes of 18 high myopic patients. Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual accuracy, amplitude of accommodation, pupil distance were tested and AC/A was calculated before, one month and three months after operation. Rank-sum test and variance analysis test was performed for statistic study. RESULTS: Before surgery, long-distance best corrected visual acuity was 0.55 (0.20, 1.50) for left eyes and 0.60 (0.10, 1.20) for right eyes. One and six months after surgery, it was 0.80 (0.40, 1.20), 0.85 (0.50, 1.50) for left eyes and 1.00 (0.30, 1.50), 0.95 (0.30, 1.50) for right eyes, all were improved. The difference between left and right eyes was statistically significant (W value 6.36, 6.18, P < 0.05). One and six months after surgery, uncorrected close-distance visual acuity was 1.00 (1.00, 4.00), 1.00 (1.00, 3.00) for left eyes and 1.00 (1.00, 4.00), 1.00 (1.00, 4.00) for right eyes. The difference for both eyes was not statistically significant compared with preoperative(W value 1.61, 2.72, P > 0.05). At one and six months after surgery, amplitude of accommodation was (8.28 ± 2.12) D, (8.28 ± 2.16) D for left eyes and (8.58 ± 1.98) D, (8.49 ± 2.10) D for right eyes, much better than the result (6.78 ± 1.96) D and (6.69 ± 2.14) D before surgery. The difference was statistically significant (F = 4.36, P < 0.05 and F = 4.04, P < 0.05). At one and six months after surgery, near and distant AC/A ratio were (3.96 ± 1.37) , (4.22 ± 1.33) , (4.78 ± 1.06) and (5.04 ± 1.01) , higher than (4.87 ± 0.97) and (5.23 ± 0.92) before surgery. The difference of near and distant AC/A ratio was statistically significant (F = 3.31, P < 0.05 and F = 4.10, P < 0.05). At one month and six months after surgery, near and distant pupil distance was (58.72 ± 2.78) mm, (61.56 ± 2.50) mm, (58.56 ± 2.4) mm and (61.61 ± 2.52) mm, smaller than that of (59.78 ± 2.39) mm and (62.44 ± 2.48) mm before surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant (F = 1.28, P > 0.05 and F = 0.76, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Accommodation parameters after PPC-ICL implantation are improved obviously compared with those before surgery.

Case Report: Double trouble: a rare case of successfully treated Mycoplasma hominis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa co-infection.

Background: Extra-urogenital infections due to Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) are rare, particularly co-infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Herein, we report on a patient who was co-infected and successfully treated despite delayed treatment. Case presentation: We reported the case of a 43-year-old man with M. hominis and P. aeruginosa co-infection after a traffic accident. The patient developed a fever and severe infection despite postoperative antimicrobial therapies. The blood culture of wound tissues was positive for P. aeruginosa. Meanwhile, culturing of blood and wound samples showed pinpoint-sized colonies on blood agar plates and fried-egg-type colonies on mycoplasma medium, which were identified as M. hominis by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and 16S rRNA sequencing. Based on antibiotic susceptibility and symptoms, ceftazidime-avibactam and moxifloxacin were administered for P. aeruginosa infection. Meanwhile, after the failure of a series of anti-infective agents, M. hominis and P. aeruginosa co-infection was successfully treated with a minocycline-based regimen and polymyxin B. Conclusion: The co-infection with M. hominis and P. aeruginosa was successfully treated with anti-infective agents despite delayed treatment, providing information for the management of double infection.

A Case of Invasive Fungal Infection Due to Scedosporium apiospermum in a Patient with Psoriasis.

Scedosporium apiospermum (S. apiospermum) is typically reported to be involved in superficial and subcutaneous fungal infections but overlooked in invasive infections, which is associated with a high mortality rate. It poses a diagnostic challenge due to its confusable characteristics to other hyaline hyphomycetes. Here, we reported a psoriasis patient with an invasive S. apiospermum infection. The patient presents an abscess at the intermuscular space of the left hip and an increased C-reactive protein level. Pus culture showed white-greyish, cottonlike colonies with aerial mycelium and terminal oval conidia, suggesting S. apiospermum. This rare fungus was rapidly confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and RNA sequencing. The patient was successfully treated with voriconazole with no recurrence of the abscesses despite delayed treatment. This is the first such case infection report from China that described an unusual case of intermuscular space abscesses due to S. apiospermum. This report highlights the possibility of fungal infections in deeper tissue, as well as the necessity of thorough evaluation and microbiological diagnosis for invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Hematopoietic cell kinase gene polymorphisms and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a Chinese population.

Hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck), a Src family kinase, has been recently suggested to be implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study aims to analyze the association of polymorphism of Hck gene with COPD in a Chinese population. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primer method (PCR-SSP) were used to type Hck polymorphisms in 120 patients with COPD and 100 healthy controls. There were significant differences in the genotype and allele distribution of -627 G/T polymorphism in Hck gene between cases and controls (P<.05). The GT genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of COPD as compared with the GG genotype (Odds ratio [OR]=2.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39-4.48; P=.002). Moreover, individuals carrying T allele had a significantly higher risk for developing COPD than those carrying G allele (OR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.26-3.79; P=.005). In haplotype analysis, compared with CG(deletion) haplotype, CT(insertion) haplotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of COPD (OR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.22-5.78; P=.011). These findings suggest the Hck gene polymorphisms may contribute to COPD susceptibility in Chinese population.

Catheter-related infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus in a patient with motor neurone disease: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) is a rapidly growing mycobacterium and ubiquitous in the environment, which infrequently causes disease in humans. However, it can cause cutaneous or respiratory infections among immunocompromised hosts. Due to the resistance to most antibiotics, the pathogen is formidable and difficult-to-treat. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we present a case of catheter-related M. abscessus infections in a patient with motor neurone disease. Catheter and peripheral blood cultures of the patient showed positive results during Gram staining and acid-fast staining. The alarm time of catheter blood culture was 10.6 h earlier than that of peripheral blood. After removal of the peripherally inserted central catheter, secretion and catheter blood culture were positive. M. abscessus was identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and 16S rDNA sequencing. CONCLUSION: For catheter-related M. abscessus infection, rapid diagnosis and timely and adequate antimicrobial therapy are crucial.

Active components and molecular mechanism of Syringa oblata Lindl. in the treatment of endometritis based on pharmacology network prediction.

Antibiotic treatment of endometritis was limited by the inevitable antibiotic residues and risk of bacterial resistance. Therefore, the development of safe and effective strategies for endometritis treatment is urgently needed. Syringa oblata Lindl. (SOL) showed great pharmacological potential against endometritis. However, the active components and underlying mechanism of SOL for endometritis treatment remain indeterminate. In our study, the active components and possible molecular mechanism of SOL against endometritis were predicted through computer data mining and biological networks construction. It was predicted that the main active components of SOL were luteolin, kaempferol, oleanolic acid, and rutin, and their anti-endometritis effect was mainly attributed to the TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, a green and efficient deep eutectic solvent combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (DES-UAE) was performed and optimized to obtain high contents of total flavonoid, rutin, and luteolin. The four predicted active components in the SOL extracts were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by LC/MS and HPLC. Finally, the pharmacological effects of SOL and active components have been verified by Staphylococcus aureus-endometritis models in mice. H&E staining and bacterial load in uterus tissues assays initially validated the pharmacodynamic effects of SOL, and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and ELISA results confirmed that SOL and four active components could ameliorate the uterus injury caused by Staphylococcus aureus, the mechanism of action is related to the TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents extraction of glabridin and isoliquiritigenin from Glycyrrhiza glabra: Optimization, extraction mechanism and in vitro bioactivities.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is extensively used owing to the superior pharmacological effects. However, its maximum application potential has not been fully exploited due to the limitation of currently available extraction solvent and methods. In this study, an eco-friendly deep eutectic solvent (NADESs) based ultrasound-assisted extraction (DES-UAE) method was applied to prepare licorice extracts. The DES-UAE using choline chloride and lactic acid as solvent was optimized and modeled by using response surface methodology to maximize the extraction yields of glabridin (GLA) and isoliquiritigenin (ISL). The optimized extracts possessed higher contents of GLA and ISL than available extraction methods, and the enriched products showed superior pharmacological activities in vitro. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular dynamic simulation analyses were performed to deeply investigate the interaction between solvent and targeted compounds. This study not only provides an eco-friendly method for high-efficient extraction of GLA and ISL from licorice but also illustrates the mechanism of the increased extraction efficacy, which may contribute to the application of licorice and deep insight into extraction mechanism using DES.

[Significance of optic disc topography and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurement by spectral-domain OCT in diagnosis of glaucoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the significance of optic disc tomography and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurement by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the diagnosis of glaucoma. METHODS: It was a noninterventional, observational study. The optic disc topographic parameters and total and regional RNFL thickness were measured by RTVue OCT in 60 normal eyes and 97 glaucomatous eyes. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the parameters above mentioned between normal and glaucomatous groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the sensitivity at 80% specificity were used to assess the ability of each testing parameter in the differentiation between normal and glaucoma eyes. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in all RTVue OCT measurement parameters (F = 1.024, P = 0.596;F = 36.519, 54.464, 27.659, 36.176, 20.562, 63.833, 30.031, 54.652, 98.146, 78.705, 99.839, 43.728, 75.720, 45.709, 39.380, 33.590, 66.887, 78.335, 45.485;P = 0.000) except disc area. The average RNFL thickness in normal, early, moderate and advanced glaucomatous eyes was 109.950, 93.313, 80.374 and 65.570 µm, respectively. Among the eight regions around the optic disc, the thickest RNFL was located at the inferotemporal (150.066 µm) and superotemporal (146.285 µm) regions in normal eyes, and the superotemporal (108.569, 103.420 and 88.708 µm in early, moderate and advanced glaucomatous eyes, respectively) and inferotemporal (108.201, 102.830 and 86.369 µm in early, moderate and advanced glaucomatous eyes, respectively) regions in glaucomatous eyes. Both in normal and glaucomatous eyes, the thinnest RNFL was located at the nasal and temporal regions, respectively. For optic disc topographic parameters, the highest AUC was vertical cup/disc ratio (AUC = 0.762, 0.946 and 0.988 in early, moderate and advanced glaucomatous eyes, respectively), and the sensitivity at 80% specificity was 62.2%, 76.5% and 99.2% in early, moderate and advanced glaucomatous eyes, respectively. For RNFL thickness, the highest AUC was superotemporal region RNFL thickness (AUC = 0.915) and the sensitivity at 80% specificity was 89.5% in early glaucomatous eyes. The highest AUC was inferior average RNFL thickness (AUC = 0.967) and the sensitivity at 80% specificity was 94.1% in moderate glaucomatous eyes. The highest AUC was average RNFL thickness (AUC = 0.985) and the sensitivity at 80% specificity was 99.2% in advanced glaucomatous eyes. Among the eight regions around the optic disc, RNFL thickness of region ST (AUC = 0.915, 0.926 and 0.966 in early, moderate and advanced glaucomatous eyes, respectively) achieved the highest AUC. RNFL thicknesses of the nasal and temporal regions showed the lowest AUCs. CONCLUSIONS: RTVue OCT shows fair discriminating ability in distinguishing normal from glaucomatous eyes. RTVue OCT is a useful equipment for the diagnosis of glaucoma.

Comparison of the accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation formulas for eyes after corneal refractive surgery.

BACKGROUND: In cataract surgery, calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power in patients who have previously received corneal refractive surgery on the same eye presents a clinical challenge. This study aims to compare the accuracy of the Haigis-L, Barrett True-K, and Shammas-PL formulas in predicting the IOL power in eyes following corneal refractive surgery. METHODS: This study analyzed 32 eyes belonging to 28 patients who underwent cataract surgery and IOL implantation after previously undergoing myopic corneal refractive surgery. The IOL power was calculated using the Haigis-L, Barrett True-K, and Shammas-PL formulas, and the accuracy of the three formulas was compared. RESULTS: The Haigis-L, Barrett True-K, and Shammas-PL formulas had a mean arithmetic IOL prediction error of -0.65, -0.39, and -0.46, respectively. The mean numerical errors of the three formulas were significantly different from zero (P<0.001). The smallest median absolute refraction prediction error (median =0.40) belonged to the Barrett True-K formula, which was significantly smaller than that of the Haigis-L formula (median =0.57, P<0.05) but similar to that of the Shammas-PL formula (median =0.49, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the percentage of eyes within either ±0.50 D or ±1.00 D of the predicted refraction error across the three formulas. CONCLUSIONS: The Barrett True-K formula can predict IOL power in eyes that have previously undergone myopic corneal refractive surgery better than the Haigis-L formula.

Retinal vascular diameter changes assessed with a computer-assisted software after strabismus surgery.

AIM: To quantitatively investigate the retinal vascular diameter changes, analyzing the early and long-term effects on the retinal circulation, with 6-month follow-up. METHODS: Patients underwent horizontal strabismus surgery were enrolled prospectively. Retinal vessel diameters on color fundus photographs were assessed before and 1, 7d, 6mo after surgery, using a computer-assisted quantitative assessment software. To evaluate the retinal vascular caliber changes, retinal vascular diameters were calculated by means of the Parr-Hubbard formula as the central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE). The arteriovenous ratio (AVR) was calculated as CRAE divided by CRVE. RESULTS: A total of 154 eyes of 104 consecutive patients were included. Compared with the data before surgery (121.55±24.67), the mean CRAE (131.18±28.29) significantly increased 1d after surgery (P=0.003), but went back to baseline level at 7d (118.89±30.35, P=0.15), and 6mo (123.22±15.32, P=0.60), so did the AVR (P<0.001, P=0.08, P=0.07). As for the mean CRVE, there was no significant difference between those four time points (172.43±33.25, 175.57±36.98, 174.03±40.18, 174.86±20.46, P=1.00). CONCLUSION: Strabismus surgery on both lateral and media rectus muscles, or single media rectus muscle may increase retinal blood flow during the early postoperative period, but would return to normal later. The number of transected anterior ciliary arteries rather might be the main cause of retinal hemodynamic changes early after strabismus surgery.

[Effect of different chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiotherapy on locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the effects of different chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiation on locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The data from 106 patients diagnosed as locally advanced NSCLC (IIIa: 29, IIIb: 77), who received various chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiotherapy, were retrospectively analyzed. Paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimen was administered in 55 patients, topotecan regimen in 21 patients, PE (cisplatin and etopside) regimen in 26 patients, and other regimens in the remaining 4 patients. The effect of different chemotherapy regimens on overall survival and toxicity was analyzed. RESULTS: The median survival time was 18.6 months, and the overall 1- and 3-year survival rates were 72.2% and 27.5%, respectively. The median survival time of 102 patients treated with paclitaxel-containing, topotecan-containing or PE regimens was 16.3, 27.3 and 29.1 months, respectively. The overall survival times of topotecan and PE groups were superior to that of paclitaxol-based group, but not significantly different (P = 0.32). Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that paclitaxol-based chemotherapy regimen was significantly associated with a poorer survival (P < 0.05). N stage was another significant prognostic factor determined by COX multivariate regression model. Compared with the other regimens (10.6%), paclitaxel-based regimen (27.3%) had more acute radiation pneumonitis (grade >or= 2, P = 0.03), but no significant differences were observed in blood toxicity and esophagitis. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between different chemotherapy regimens for concurrent chemoradiotherapy and the overall survival and acute radiation pneumonitis in patients with locally advanced NSCLC.

Changes of serum inflammatory factors and miR-145 expression in patients with osteoarthritis before and after treatment and their clinical value.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease with an incidence of 50% in people over 65 years old and 80% in people over 80 years old worldwide. It is the second leading reason of loss of working capacity after cardiovascular diseases and severely affects the society and families. Therefore, finding biological markers related to the diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis is of great significance in clinical practice. AIM: To observe the changes and clinical value of serum inflammatory factors and miR-145 expression in patients with osteoarthritis before and after treatment. METHODS: Eighty-three patients with knee osteoarthritis (observation group) who were admitted to our hospital from April 2013 to June 2015, and 60 healthy people (control group) during the same period were selected. After 4 wk of treatment, the levels of miR-145, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 were compared between the control group and the observation group before treatment. The correlation of miR-145, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels with visual analogue scale (VAS), Lysholm, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores was assessed by Pearson correlation analysis. The correlation of the expression of miR-145, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 with Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grades was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis. The critical levels of miR-145, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in distinguishing different K-L grades were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-145 in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group before treatment (P < 0.05). After treatment, the expression level of miR-145 in the observation group was significantly lower than that before treatment (P < 0.05). The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the level of IL-10 was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the observation group were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and IL-I0 level was significantly higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05). VAS and WOMAC scores were both positively correlated with miR-145, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with IL-10 (P < 0.05), while Lysholm scores were negatively correlated with miR-145, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P < 0.05), and positively correlated with IL-10 (P < 0.05). K-L grades were positively correlated with miR-145, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with IL-10 (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) and specificity of TNF-α in differentiating K-L grades I-II were the highest, which were 0.785 and 97.45%, respectively, and miR145 had the highest sensitivity of 94.59%; the AUC and sensitivity of IL-6 in differentiating K-L grades II-III were the highest, which were 0.766 and 97.30%, respectively, and TNF-α had the highest specificity of 86.68%. CONCLUSION: MiR-145 and inflammatory factors have certain diagnostic value in osteoarthritis, and they are expected to become potential indicators for the diagnosis and evaluation of osteoarthritis in the future.

Comparison of Efficacy between 3D Navigation-Assisted Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw and Minimally Invasive Reconstruction Plate in Treating Sacroiliac Complex Injury.

The clinical efficacy was compared between 3D navigation-assisted percutaneous iliosacral screw (3DPS) and minimally invasive reconstruction plate (MIRP) in treating sacroiliac complex injury and the surgical procedures of 3DPS were introduced. A retrospective analysis was performed on 49 patients with sacroiliac complex injury from March 2013 to May 2017. Twenty-one cases were treated by 3DPS, and 28 cases by MIRP. Intraoperative indexes as operative time, blood loss, incision length, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications were respectively documented. Quality of reduction was postoperatively evaluated by Matta radiological criteria, and clinical effect was assessed by Majeed scoring criteria at the last follow-up. Operative time and hospital stay were significantly shortened, and blood loss, and incision length were significantly reduced in 3DPS group as compared with those in MIRP group (P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between 3DPS group and MIRP group in the assessment of reduction and function (P>0.05). It was concluded that both 3DPS and MIRP can effectively treat the sacroiliac complex injury, and 3DPS can provide an accurate, safe and minimally invasive fixation with shorter operative time and hospital stay.

Size-Tunable Targeting-Triggered Nanophotosensitizers Based on Self-Assembly of a Phthalocyanine-Biotin Conjugate for Photodynamic Therapy.

Self-assembled phototheranostic nanomaterials used for photodynamic therapy (PDT) have attracted increasing attention owing to their several advantages. Herein, we developed a novel strategy for size-tunable self-assembled nanophotosensitizers for PDT through a simple method. A series of switchable self-assembled nanophotosensitizers (NanoPc90, NanoPc40, NanoPc20, and NanoPc10) of different particle sizes were readily prepared based on an amphiphilic silicon(IV) phthalocyanine (SiPc)-biotin conjugate by regulating the amount of the Cremophor EL surfactant used. The photoactivities, including fluorescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS), of the self-assemblies could be regulated by the particle size. The self-assemblies could be specifically disassembled by tumor-overexpressing biotin receptors, leading to the recovery of quenched photoactivities. Demonstrated by the competitive assay, the self-assemblies were able to enter HepG2 cells through a biotin-receptor-mediated pathway, followed by biotin-receptor-triggered fluorescence recovery at the cellular level. Moreover, the particle size could also affect the in vitro and in vivo PDT effects and tumor targeting. The photocytotoxicity of NanoPc20 against HepG2 cells was more potent compared to that of NanoPc90 because of its strong intracellular fluorescence, higher intracellular ROS generation, and different subcellular localization. In addition, NanoPc20 showed higher in vivo tumor targeting and photodynamic therapeutic efficacy than NanoPc90. This work would provide a valuable reference for the development of self-assembled nanophotosensitizers for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

[Treatment of old acetabular posterior wall fracture with 3D printing combined with composite plate internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value and clinical effect of three-dimensional printing combined with composite plate internal fixation in the treatment of old acetabular posterior wall fracture. METHODS: From May 2010 to October 2016, Mimics 19.0 software was used to plan preoperatively according to a 1:1 print pelvic 3D model. At the same time, 23 patients with old acetabular posterior wall fractures were treated with combined plate internal fixation, including 15 males and 8 females, aged 20 to 63 (43.0±5.1) years old, and the time from injury to operation was 23 to 101(47.0±10.5) days. According to Letournel-Judet classification, 11 cases were posterior wall fracture, 7 cases were transverse with posterior wall fracture, and 5 cases were posterior column with posterior wall fracture. All patients were treated with single Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined plate internal fixation, and the evaluation indexes were recorded during operation, after operation and during follow-up. RESULTS: The operation time of 23 patients was (113.5±11.5) min, bleeding was (550.0±104.7) ml and fluoroscopy was (12.7±0.8) s. Matta radiographic reduction criteria were used: excellent in 14 cases, good in 7 cases and poor in 2 cases; 23 patients were followed up for 10 to 24 (16.0±5.6) months. The hip function was evaluated according to the modified Merle d'Aubingne and Postal scoring system at the last follow-up: excellent in 11 cases, good in 8 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 1 case. There were 3 cases of traumatic arthritis, 1 case of femoral head necrosis, 2 cases of heterotopic ossification and 5 cases of sciatic nerve irritation. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printing technique is an effective and fast method for the treatment of old acetabular posterior wall fractures. In addition, the printing model can provide three-dimensional morphological structure for the operator, combined with preoperative simulation, facilitate intraoperative reduction, and effectively improve the efficiency of surgery.

Retinal vessels caliber changes after strabismus surgery: results of 6mo follow-up.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of strabismus surgery on retinal vessels calibers with digital color fundus photographs. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive strabismus patients underwent surgery, and 118 patients (female/male, 55/63) who finished 6-month follow-up were finally included in this study. Optic disc-centered digital color fundus photographs of both eyes of all patients were taken prior to surgery and 6mo post surgery. The retinal vascular caliber of 116 operated eyes were measured using the computer program IVAN. The operated eyes were divided into 3 groups according to the surgical methods, recession of one muscle, one muscle recession and one muscle folding, one muscle resection and one muscle recession. The effect of number of altered muscles on retinal vessels was analyzed using statistic software SPSS 16.0. RESULTS: The mean age was 12.4±8.6y. Averaged central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) of all patients was 120.31±23.02 µm preoperatively, and 122.87±15.93 µm six months after surgery. Averaged central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) was 171.11±31.73 µm preoperatively and 175.02±21.00 µm postoperatively. There was no significant difference of averaged CRAE (P=0.22) or CRVE (P=0.19) before and after operation. Averaged arteriole to venule ratio (AVR) was 0.71±0.07 before surgery and 0.70±0.07 after surgery. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative retinal vessels calibers among different surgical groups did not show significant differences. Also, there was no advantage of rectus muscle folding to muscle resection. CONCLUSION: Up to 6mo after strabismus surgery, the retinal vascular calibers were not altered. No more than two muscles in one surgery are safe for retinal perfusion.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy for medically inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical outcomes and toxicity of hypofractionated radiotherapy for medically inoperable stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Patients treated with radiotherapy at a dose of 4-6 Gy per fraction using fixed-field intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) at our hospital from June 2005 to December 2013 were analyzed. The total prescription doses ranged from 50-78 Gy with 4-6 Gy per fraction. The median follow-up period was 24 months. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients with stage I NSCLC were analyzed, including 43 primary NSCLC patients and 22 patients with recurrent or second primary NSCLC. An objective response (complete or partial response) was achieved at six months in 84.6% of patients. The three-year local control rate was 90.8%. Kaplan-Meier estimates of local failure-free, progression-free, overall, and cancer-specific survival rates at three years were 90.3%, 64.3%, 68.9%, and 88.8%, respectively. The rate of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis was 16.9%, and no grade 4-5 toxicity was observed. CONCLUSION: Favorable local control and outcome was achieved with hypofractionated radiotherapy in patients with inoperable stage I NSCLC with acceptable toxicity. The most common schedule of 6 Gy × 12 fractions may be a promising regimen, and a prospective study is in process.