Notch signaling pathway-based classification of bladder cancer in relation to tumor immune infiltration.

Introduction: The role of the Notch signaling pathway in the development of various tumors has received increasing attention, but the relationship between the Notch signaling pathway and the prognosis of bladder cancer has rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the function and risk evaluation value of Notch signaling pathway-related genes (NRGs) in bladder cancer. Material and methods: The list of genes related to the Notch signaling pathway was obtained from the molecular signature database. The bladder cancer dataset was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Cox regression analysis and Lasso regression analysis were used to construct the characteristics for predicting the overall survival of patients with bladder cancer. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to evaluate the infiltration of peripheral immune cells in different risk subgroups. Results: NRG expression was remarkably dysregulated in bladder cancer. Next, bladder cancer was classified into two subtypes (C1 and C2) based on NRG expression levels. The two subtypes had a significant difference in prognosis and were closely related to clinical characteristics. Further analysis showed that immune cell infiltration and immune scores were also significantly different between the two subtypes. Conclusions: Notch signaling pathway-based bladder cancer typing has different prognoses and may be related to tumor immunity. NRGs can be identified for risk evaluation and help improve clinical decision-making.

Ligand Design in Ligand-Protected Gold Nanoclusters.

The design of surface ligands is crucial for ligand-protected gold nanoclusters (Au NCs). Besides providing good protection for Au NCs, the surface ligands also play the following two important roles: i) as the outermost layer of Au NCs, the ligands will directly interact with the exterior environment (e.g., solvents, molecules and cells) influencing Au NCs in various applications; and ii) the interfacial chemistry between ligands and gold atoms can determine the structures, as well as the physical and chemical properties of Au NCs. A delicate ligand design in Au NCs (or other metal NCs) needs to consider the covalent bonds between ligands and gold atoms (e.g., gold-sulfur (Au-S) and gold-phosphorus (Au-P) bond), the physics forces between ligands (e.g., hydrophobic and van der Waals forces), and the ionic forces between the functional groups of ligands (e.g., carboxylic (COOH) and amine group (NH2 )); which form the underlying chemistry and discussion focus of this review article. Here, detailed discussions on the effects of surface ligands (e.g., thiolate, phosphine, and alkynyl ligands; or hydrophobic and hydrophilic ligands) on the synthesis, structures, and properties of Au NCs; highlighting the design principles in the surface engineering of Au NCs for diverse emerging applications, are provided.

CEUS examination of the outcome of radiofrequency ablation of canine prostate lesions.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to dynamically examine the scope and development of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) lesions in the canine prostate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten male canines were divided into two groups of five canines each: the 1 week after the RFA group and the 1 month after the RFA group. RFA was performed on one side of the prostate in each canine. For the 1 month after the RFA group, the other side of the prostate underwent RFA prior to euthanasia, and the RFA lesion on this side was included as the immediate RFA group. The RFA lesion volume was measured by CEUS. The evaluation efficacy of CEUS for prostate RFA lesions was determined and compared with the pathological measurements. RESULTS: In the immediately after RFA group, 1 week after RFA group, and 1 month after RFA group, the RFA lesion volumes were 0.77 ± 0.34, 1.11 ± 0.61, and 0.19 ± 0.09 cm3, as measured by CEUS; the volumes measured by pathology at the corresponding time points were 0.85 ± 0.28, 0.96 ± 0.31, and 0.20 ± 0.06 cm3, respectively. CEUS accurately assessed the RFA lesions at all the time points, and the measurement results were not significantly different from those of the pathological results (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: CEUS reflects the extent of prostate RFA lesions and dynamically shows their changes in blood flow perfusion.

[Overview of research in ginsenosides glycosyltransferase].

Glycosyltransferases(UGTs) are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of ginsenosides, which can catalyze the transfer of glycans from donor molecules to acceptor molecules, and form a variety of biologically active glycoside compounds. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology, a large number of medicinal plant genome and transcriptome sequences have been catalyzed, while more and more UGT genes have been discovered and verified. The methods of discovering UGT genes include differential expression analysis, homologous sequence screening, gene cluster screening, chemical proteome screening. This paper summarized the research progress of UGT genes screening and functional verification of three valuable Panax medicinal materials P. notoginseng, P. ginseng, and P. quinquefolius, so as to provide a reference for the study of UGT genes in natural products.

Unraveling the Impact of Gold(I)-Thiolate Motifs on the Aggregation-Induced Emission of Gold Nanoclusters.

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) provides an efficient strategy to synthesize highly luminescent metal nanoclusters (NCs), however, rational control of emission energy and intensity of metal NCs is still challenging. This communication reveals the impact of surface AuI -thiolate motifs on the AIE properties of Au NCs, by employing a series of water-soluble glutathione (GSH)-coordinated Au complexes and NCs as a model ([Au10 SR10 ], [Au15 SR13 ], [Au18 SR14 ], and [Au25 SR18 ]- , SR=thiolate ligand). Spectroscopic investigations show that the emission wavelength of Au NCs is adjustable from visible to the near-infrared II (NIR-II) region by controlling the length of the AuI -SR motifs on the NC surface. Decreasing the length of AuI -SR motifs also changes the origin of cluster luminescence from AIE-type phosphorescence to Au0 -core-dictated fluorescence. This effect becomes more prominent when the degree of aggregation of Au NCs increases in solution.

Effect of regulatory T cells on the efficacy of the fatty acid-binding protein vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum.

Schistosomiasis is one of the most devastating parasitic diseases, making it imperative to develop efficient vaccines to control the causative flatworms called schistosomes. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the Th1 immune response have been implicated in the effectiveness of vaccines to control schistosomiasis, but the mechanisms underlying their effects are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the role of Tregs on the efficacy of the 14 kDa FABP (fatty acid-binding protein) vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum. BALB/c female mice were randomly divided into five groups: an uninfected group, infected control group, anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD25 mAb) group, FABP group, and combined anti-CD25 mAb and FABP group. Compared with FABP alone, a combined treatment with FABP and anti-CD25 mAb increased the rate of S. japonicum inhibition in mice from 30.3 to 56.08% and decreased the number of eggs per gram of liver. Compared with that of the infected control group, the percentage of Tregs in the spleen decreased significantly after single or combined treatment with FABP and anti-CD25 mAb, while it increased gradually in the anti-CD25 mAb group. Further, the secretion of Th1 cytokines, IFN-γ, and IL-2 increased in splenocytes in the anti-CD25 mAb group. Our results indicate that anti-CD25 mAb partially blocks Tregs and concomitantly enhances the Th1 type immune response, thereby enhancing the protective effect of the FABP vaccine.

Expression of TREM-2 and its inhibitory effects on TNF-α induced inflammation in fibroblast-like synoviocytes via inhibiting p38 pathway activation.

OBJECTIVES: It is not clear whether TREM-2 (the "triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2") is expressed in fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs). In this study, we aimed to determine the expression of TREM-2 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-FLSs and explore whether and how TREM-2 modulates the function of RA-FLSs. METHODS: Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of TREM-2 in RA-FLSs, siRNA and lentivirus were used to down-regulate and up-regulate the expression of TREM-2 in RA-FLSs. Then mRNA expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and MMP-13 was determined by RT-qPCR. Protein secretion of IL-1ß, IL-6, and MMP-13 in the supernatant was determined by ELISA assay; expression of cell signal transduction molecules was determined by western blot. RESULTS: A: Relative to OA-FLSs, mRNA and protein expression levels of TREM-2 in RA-FLSs are significantly elevated. TREM-2 protein is mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of RA-FLSs; B: In RA, the expression of TREM-2 was reduced at first and then up-regulated after stimulation by TNF-α. TREM-2 also inhibited the activation of TNF-α induced of inflammation in RA-FLSs by the p38 pathway, which regulates the production of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases. CONCLUSIONS: TREM-2 expressed in RA-FLSs and TNF-α mediated reduction of inflammatory reactions. These phenomena indicated that TREM-2 may be a potential target in the treatment of RA.

The effect of general anesthesia for ambulatory dental treatment on children in Chongqing, Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of early childhood caries shows a significant increasing trend. Often, children younger than 6 years need additional help to finish the dental treatment. Therefore, general anesthesia (GA) could help to provide a successful environment for pediatric dental treatment. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of dental treatment under general anesthesia (DGA) on the patients' oral health in Chongqing, Southwest China using the P-CPQ and the FIS questionnaires. METHODS: We collected the hospital's records of the children who received DGA from 2013 to 2014 and the questionnaires answered by their parents or caregivers before and after the treatment. Then the data were integrated and analyzed to assess the effect of DGA on the children and their family, the incidence of the complications during or after DGA, and the satisfaction of their parents. RESULTS: We collected 659 patients' records including 55.4% boys and 44.6% girls. There were 443 children younger than 4 years, and 216 children older than 4 years. The main reason why they chose DGA was the patients' fear for the treatment (95.1%). The mean cost of DGA almost reached a half (61.5%) or a third (15.3%) of the family's monthly earning. The mean P-CPQ score and FIS score significantly decreased after DGA. The highest incidence of complications was emergence agitation, headache, and nausea/vomiting. The incidence of emergence agitation and headache was related to the operation time. The majority of families reported a high degree of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Children's oral health-related quality of life after DGA improved significantly. Meanwhile DGA showed a positive effect on the whole family and majority of families reported a high degree of satisfaction to it.

Stromal cell-derived factor 1 promoted migration of adipose-derived stem cells to the wounded area in traumatic rats.

BACKGROUND: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were effective in treating wound. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), a chemokine usually called CXCL12, is well known for its chemotaxis in induction of cell migration. However, little is known about the SDF-1responsible for the complex migration of ADSCs from residence to injured sites. OBJECTIVE: Herein, we firstly showed SDF-1 is a major regulator involved in migration of ADSCs during wound repair in vivo. METHODS: Trauma in rats was induced by surgical operation. The levels of SDF-1 in wounded tissue were assayed by ELISA. ADSCs were labeled with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), and then were transferred to injured rats by intracarotid injection. The plasma levels of ADSCs during wound healing were detected by flow cytometry, and ADSCs in injured tissue were evaluated by bioluminescence imaging in vivo and laser confocal microscopy (LCM), respectively. RESULTS: ADSCs were successfully labeled with GFP. SDF-1 level reached to the peak value on 24 h after injury and then decreased continuously. Additionally, levels of plasma ADSCs in SDF-1 treated rats reached to the peak value (12%) at d21 after medicine delivery, while those of normal and injured rats showed the peak values of 6.28% and 9.84% at d7 and d21, respectively. Finally, the results of LCM indicated treatment of ectogenic SDF-1 obviously enhanced GFP-ADSCs distribution in wounded tissues. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that SDF-1 treatment obviously promoted the migration and directed distribution of ADSCs in traumatic tissue.

Unraveling the Mechanism of the Brust-Schiffrin Formation of Au25(SR)18 through Mass Spectrometry.

The Brust-Schiffrin (BS) method for gold nanoparticle (Au NP) synthesis is celebrated for its ability to produce highly monodisperse NPs from toluene-water solutions, in contrast to aqueous methods, such as the Turkevich method. Despite the method's success, the actual formation mechanisms remain largely unknown due to difficulty in studying the intermediates with species-differentiating techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The issue lies in the use of solvents poorly compatible with these techniques and the difficulty in differentiating useful intermediate species from side products and impurities in such one-pot reactions. Herein, we use our recently formulated fully aqueous BS reaction to study the formation mechanisms. MS is chiefly employed to capture the intermediate species, and the Au25(SR)18 nanocluster is used as a thermodynamically reliable end-point. We find that the BS method may comprise a unilateral complex-shedding stage in addition to the known thiol-etching stage.

Highly sensitive determination of multiple pesticide residues in foods by supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

This experiment aimed to establish a green, simple and highly sensitive method (supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (IM-Q-TOF/MS)) for the detection of multiple pesticides in foods. During the experiments, several important SFC parameters, such as stationary phase, modifier, make-up solution, back-temperature and back-pressure were optimized. Here, single-field collision cross section (CCS) values and multifield CCS values of 20 pesticides were examined by IM-Q-TOF/MS as highly specific parameters with excellent experimental precision. In addition, based on accurate mass matching and fragment ion comparison, mass fragments were obtained by IM-Q-TOF/MS, which elucidated the regularities of compound structure and characteristic fragment ions. Under the optimized conditions, satisfactory linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9989) and recoveries (79.60 % to 112.97 %) were obtained. The intra- and interday precisions were favorable, with RSDs lower than 4.91 and 7.65 %, respectively. Additionally, the method showed low limits of detection (0.1-8.8 ng/mL). The proposed method has been successfully applied to the highly sensitive detection of phenylurea herbicide, triazine herbicides, organophosphorus pesticide, pyrethroid insecticide and acaricide in yam and potato.

Separation and determination of phenolic compounds using novel deep eutectic solvent-in-water microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography.

BACKGROUND: Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) is a mode of capillary electrophoresis with a wide range of applications in which microemulsion is utilized as background electrolyte to achieve the separation of analytes. Microemulsions are composed of oil droplets, aqueous buffer, surfactant, and co-surfactant. Currently, conventional organic reagents act as the most commonly used oil phase in microemulsions, which are unfriendly to the environment. Recently, deep eutectic solvent (DES) has become a new type of eco-friendly solvent due to its non-toxicity. Therefore, it is of great value to establish a new MEEKC method by replacing conventional organic reagents as the oil phase with DES. RESULTS: The novel DES/W MEEKC method was established for phenolic compounds in Senecio scandens samples. Single-factor experiments and response surface methodology were performed to systematically optimize the crucial parameters for the method, including the type and content of the oil phase, surfactant content, concentration of borax buffer, and pH of the background solution. Under the optimized conditions, satisfactory regression curves were established for all standard analytes with correlation coefficients ≥0.9990. The method featured high sensitivity and favorable accuracy, with the instrumental detection limit in the range of 0.22-1.04 µg/mL, and intraday and interday precision for migration time expressed as relative standard deviations of 0.18-0.82% and 1.25-2.50%, respectively. The DES/W MEEKC method was successfully applied to Senecio scandens with good recoveries of 87.72-106.99%. In conclusion, the newly established DES/W MEEKC method is highly efficient, green and environmentally friendly. SIGNIFICANCE: DES is considered a green and efficient solvent. The DES/W MEEKC method is highly efficient and environmentally friendly. Actually, the method provides a novel and effective analytical tool for the simultaneous separation and determination of multiple phenolic compounds, especially in complex plant matrices. In the future, the DES/W MEEKC method still has the prospect of being widely used in the separation of other complex phytochemicals.

On-line concentration and separation of multiple derivatized monosaccharides from edible fruit with cyclodextrin-encapsulated sweeping by micellar electrokinetic chromatography.

An on-line enrichment and separation of multiple derivatized monosaccharides with cyclodextrin-encapsulated sweeping (CDES) by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) was presented. Five monosaccharides (L-(-)-Mannose, D-(+)-Glucose, D-(-)-Ribose, D-(+)-Xylose, and L-(+)-Rhamnose) were derivatized with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone, subsequently concentrated and separated by MEKC. The optimized conditions were as follows: 50 mM phosphoric acid (PA), 100 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and 30 % (v/v) methanol in background solution; 140 s injection of sample solution containing 50 mM CD and 100 mM PA, followed by 90 s injection of 40 mM SDS solution. Under the optimized conditions, the correlation coefficients ≥ 0.9953, and the limits of detection ranged from 4.2 to 7.4 ng/mL. Relative standard deviation values ranged from 0.24-4.23 %, and sensitivity enrichment factors were in the range of 53-82 compared with typical injection (50 mbar, 3 s). The CDES-MEKC method was successfully applied to Jujube with good recoveries of 84.22-104.33 %. The method provides new ideas for the on-line enrichment and detection of trace monosaccharides and even other target analytes in foods with complex matrices.

Exogenous neuritin restores auditory following cochlear spiral ganglion neuron denervation of gerbils.

Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) transmit sound signals received by hair cells to the auditory center to produce hearing. The quantity and function are important for maintaining normal hearing function. Limited by the regenerative capacity, SGNs are unable to regenerate spontaneously after injury. Various neurotrophic factors play an important role in the regeneration process. Neuritin is a neurite growth factor that plays an important role in neural plasticity and nerve injury repair. In this study, we used bioinformatics analysis to show that neuritin was negatively correlated with cochlear damage. Then, we aimed to establish a cochlear spiral ganglion-specific sensorineural deafness model in gerbils using ouabain and determine the effects of exogenous neuritin protein in protecting damaged cochlear SGNs and repairing damaged auditory nerve function. The provides a new research strategy and scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of sensorineural deafness caused by the loss of SGNs. We were discovered that neuritin is expressed throughout the development of the gerbil cochlea, primarily in the SGNs and Corti regions. The expression of neuritin was negatively correlated with the sensorineural deafness induced by ouabain. In vitro and in vivo revealed that neuritin significantly maintained the number and arrangement of SGNs and nerve fibers in the damaged cochlea and effectively protected the high-frequency listening function of gerbils.

Magnetic-stirring-enhanced mechanical amorphous dispersion extraction for the hydrophobic phytochemical constituents using an aqueous solution from a medicinal plant.

A method involving chitosan-assisted magnetic-stirring-enhanced mechanical amorphous dispersion extraction was developed and utilized to extract hydrophobic anthraquinones from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma prior to ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography analysis. Incorporating natural chitosan as a dispersant facilitated the extraction of hydrophobic anthraquinones using purified water, considerably enhancing the eco-friendliness of the extraction methodology. To optimize extraction efficiency, an extensive evaluation of the crucial parameters influencing rhubarb yield was conducted. Furthermore, a response surface methodology was applied to optimize the extraction conditions. Under these optimized conditions, the method exhibited linearity ranges of 0.1-100 µg/mL, with correlation coefficients between 0.9990 and 0.9998. The method's intraday (n = 6) and interday (n = 6) precision levels were maintained at ≤3.58%, which was considered to be within acceptable limits. The computed detection and quantification limits were 16.54-24.60 and 54.91-82.04 ng/mL, respectively. Consequently, this optimized method was effectively employed to extract five specific compounds (aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, chrysophanol, and physcion) from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, achieving recoveries ranging from 86.43% to 102.75%.

Photoluminescent Characterization of Metal Nanoclusters: Basic Parameters, Methods, and Applications.

Metal nanoclusters (MNCs) can be synthesized with atomically precise structures and molecule formulae due to the rapid development of nanocluster science in recent decades. The ultrasmall size range (normally < 2 nm) endows MNCs with plenty of molecular-like properties, among which photoluminescent properties have aroused extensive attention. Tracing the research and development processes of luminescent nanoclusters, various photoluminescent analysis and characterization methods play a significant role in elucidating luminescent mechanism and analyzing luminescent properties. In this review, it is aimed to systematically summarize the normally used photoluminescent characterizations in MNCs including basic parameters and methods, such as excitation/emission wavelength, quantum yield, and lifetime. For each key parameter, first its definition and meaning is introduced and then the relevant characterization methods including measuring principles and the revelation of luminescent properties from the collected data are discussed. Then, it is discussed in details how to explore the luminescent mechanism of MNCs and construct NC-based applications based on the measured data. By means of these characterization strategies, the luminescent properties of MNCs and NC-based designs can be explained quantitatively and qualitatively. Hence, this review is expected to provide clear guidance for researchers to characterize luminescent MNCs and better understand the luminescent mechanism from the measured results.

New anti-inflammatory limonoids from the fruits of Melia azedarach.

The phytochemical study of the fruits of Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) led to the isolation and characterisation of two novel natural limonoids1-deoxy- 3, 20-dicinnamoyl-11-methoxy-meliacarpinin (1) and 12ß- O- methyl nimbolinin A (2), along with twelve known limonoids. Its structure was identified by 1D- and 2D-NMR, HR-ESI-MS and comparison with published data. The anti-inflammatory effect of the compounds was measured in vitro in RAW 264.7 cells by evaluating the production of NO stimulated by LPS. Compounds 1, 8 and 14 indicated significant anti-inflammatory effect with inhibition rate of 11.76, 8.45 and 6.59 µM, respectively. Limonoid 1 significantly inhibited the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-1ß in RAW 264.7 cells. Therefore, limonoid derivative may be a promising source of bioactive metabolite for inflammatory diseases.

Unveiling the age-related dynamics in Sjögren's syndrome: Insights from heart rate variability and autonomic function.

BACKGROUND: Sjögren's Syndrome (SS), mainly affecting women in their midlife, is characterized by persistent inflammation in glands producing tears and saliva, often leading to significant complications. This study investigates the differences in autonomic system functioning between individuals with SS and healthy controls. METHODS: From April 2019 to December 2022, 329 diagnosed primary SS (pSS) patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. The study assessed autonomic nervous system functioning using various HRV metrics. Participants were divided based on age and AECG criteria, including salivary gland biopsy and autoantibody status. RESULTS: Significant differences in Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were observed between pSS patients and healthy controls. The total power index was notably lower in pSS patients (4.98 ± 1.29) than in controls (5.54 ± 1.21, p = .022). Additionally, Vagal (VAG) activity was significantly reduced in the pSS group (4.95 ± 1.33) compared to the healthy control group (5.47 ± 1.19, p = .041). Age-stratified analysis highlighted that the ≤50 years pSS group had a higher heart rate (77.74 ± 10.42) compared to the >50 years group (73.86 ± 10.35, p = .005). This group also showed a higher total power index (5.78 ± 1.30) versus the >50 years group (4.68 ± 1.19, p < .001), and significantly lower VAG activity (4.70 ± 1.26, p = .007) compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, the Standard Deviation of Normal-to-Normal Intervals (SDNN) was greater in the ≤50 years SS group (44.45 ± 37.12) than in the >50 years group (33.51 ± 26.18, p = .007). In pSS patients, those positive for both salivary gland biopsy and autoantibodies demonstrated a lower Total Power (4.25 ± 1.32) and R-wave validity (93.50 ± 4.79, p < .05) than other groups, suggesting more severe autonomic imbalance. The R-R interval variation (RRIV) was also significantly higher in this dual-positive group (696.10 ± 975.41, p < .05). Additionally, the ESSPRI for dryness was markedly higher in the dual-positive group (8.10 ± 1.45, p < .05), indicating more severe symptoms. These findings reveal significant variations in autonomic function in SS patients, especially in those with dual-positive biopsy and autoantibody status. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates significant autonomic dysfunction in pSS patients compared to healthy controls, particularly in those positive for both salivary gland biopsy and autoantibodies. The age-stratified analysis further emphasizes the impact of aging on autonomic system functioning in pSS, suggesting a need for age-specific management approaches in pSS patient care.

Subsurface defects of fused silica optics and laser induced damage at 351 nm.

Many kinds of subsurface defects are always present together in the subsurface of fused silica optics. It is imperfect that only one kind of defects is isolated to investigate its impact on laser damage. Therefore it is necessary to investigate the impact of subsurface defects on laser induced damage of fused silica optics with a comprehensive vision. In this work, we choose the fused silica samples manufactured by different vendors to characterize subsurface defects and measure laser induced damage. Contamination defects, subsurface damage (SSD), optical-thermal absorption and hardness of fused silica surface are characterized with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), fluorescence microscopy, photo-thermal common-path interferometer and fully automatic micro-hardness tester respectively. Laser induced damage threshold and damage density are measured by 351 nm nanosecond pulse laser. The correlations existing between defects and laser induced damage are analyzed. The results show that Cerium element and SSD both have a good correlation with laser-induced damage thresholds and damage density. Research results evaluate process technology of fused silica optics in China at present. Furthermore, the results can provide technique support for improving laser induced damage performance of fused silica.

Modified Sling Midurethral Suspension+Hemolock Fixation Technique for Male Urinary Incontinence: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of a modified midurethral sling+hemolock fixation technique for treating male urinary incontinence. This study aims to provide a preliminary assessment of the short-term clinical efficacy of this technique. METHODS: We collected the clinical data of patients treated with modified sling midurethral suspension+ hemolock fixation technique. The primary evaluation criteria were surgery-related indicators and daily urinal pad usage by patients before and after treatment, and the secondary evaluation criteria were the corresponding incontinence scores and the results of surgery-related questionnaires. RESULTS: Follow-up 1-7months, eight patients achieved a clinical cure. Follow-up 1month after surgery showed that two patients (25.0%) used one pad daily and six patients (75.0%) did not need pads. The incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL) scores were (86.0 ± 7.0) and (89.0 ± 3.0) at three postoperative days and one postoperative month, respectively, which were significantly higher than the preoperative scores (26.0 ± 6.0) (P <.05). The scores of the International Continence Control Association Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICI-Q-SF) at three postoperative days and one postoperative month were (4.0 ± 2.0) and (4.0 ± 1.0), respectively, which were significantly lower than the preoperative scores of (18.0 ± 1.0) (P <.05). Besides, the results of the surgery-related questionnaires were positive. CONCLUSION: The short-term efficacy of the modified sling midurethral suspension+ hemolock fixation technique for the treatment of male urinary incontinence patients is safe, effective, minimally invasive, and has few complications. However, further validation in large samples, randomized, comparative, and longer-term follow-up studies is still needed.