Efficient removal of tetracycline and Cu2+ by honeycomb derived magnetic carbon: Adsorption mechanism and advanced oxidation regeneration mechanism.

The honeycomb magnetic carbons (xFe@HCNs) were prepared by sacrificial template method novelty using polyacrylamide resin (PAAS) as template and ammonium pyrrolidine dithioate/Fe3+ complex (APDC-Fe) as carbon skeleton and metal source. Tetracycline (TC) and copper (Cu2+) as target pollutants were used to investigate the adsorption properties of xFe@HCNs in single or binary TC and Cu2+ systems. The adsorption capacity sequence for TC among the adsorbents was (mmol·g-1): 2Fe@HCNs (0.088) > 8Fe@HCNs (0.061) > HCNs (0.054) > RC (0.036), and for Cu2+ was (mmol·g-1): 2Fe@HCNs (1.120) > 8Fe@HCNs (1.026) > RC (0.792) > HCNs (0.681). 2Fe@HCNs demonstrated notable affinity for adsorbing both TC and Cu2+. Additionally, the influence of hydrochemical factors (i.e., cation species, anion species, and pH) on the adsorption properties of 2Fe@HCNs. Combined with advanced oxidation technology, the regeneration methods of magnetic adsorbent were explored using oxidizing agents (e.g., H2O2 and peroxymonosulfate) as eluents which could increase the adsorption sites of magnetic carbon adsorbents during the regenerating process, which was the novelty of the study. Furthermore, the regeneration mechanisms of H2O2 as eluent were investigated. This study discussed the application and regeneration methods of magnetic adsorbents in water treatment, offering new insights into environmental remediation using magnetic materials.

Anaerobic co-digestion of thermo-alkaline pretreated microalgae and sewage sludge: Methane potential and microbial community.

To improve methane production from sewage sludge (SS), co-digestion of SS and microalgae (MA) was studied and the application of thermo-alkaline pretreatment to MA was evaluated. The results showed that thermo-alkaline pretreatment at 90°C for 120 min on MA was the optimum pretreatment condition. Furthermore, when the volatile solids (VS) ratio of SS and MA was 1:2, the methane yield reached maximum (368.94 mL/g VS). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the synergetic effects of thermo-alkaline pretreated MA on its co-digestion with SS. The analyses of microbial community indicated that Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina were the dominant methanogens during the co-digestion process. However, the relative abundance of Methanosarcina in thermo-alkaline pretreated groups was higher compared to unpretreated groups. The microbial community structure might be affected by thermo-alkaline pretreatment rather than by the MA dosage in the co-digestion.

Large-angle broadband transmission of electromagnetic waves through dielectric plates by embedding meta-atoms.

In many practical applications, dielectric electromagnetic (EM) windows are usually under large-angle incidence of EM waves rather than normal incidence. To guarantee normal operation of devices inside, high transmission must be maintained under large incident angles, especially for TE-polarized waves. In this work, we propose a method of achieving broadband transmission of TE-polarized waves under large incident angles by embedding meta-atoms within dielectric plates. To this end, long metallic wires and S-shaped structures are embedded in the original dielectric plate, the former of which will dilute the effective permittivity due to plasma oscillation and the latter will increase the effective permeability due to induced strong current loops under large incident angles. In this way, two consecutive transmission peaks can be generated, forming a broad transmission band under large incident angles. A proof-of-principle Ku-band prototype was designed, fabricated, and measured to verify this strategy. Both simulated and measured results show that the prototype can operate in the whole Ku-band under incident angle [60°, 85°] for TE-polarized waves, with significantly enhanced transmission. This work provides an effective method of enhancing large-angle transmission of EM waves and may find applications in radar, communications and others.

Accurate Prediction of Aqueous Free Solvation Energies Using 3D Atomic Feature-Based Graph Neural Network with Transfer Learning.

Graph neural network (GNN)-based deep learning (DL) models have been widely implemented to predict the experimental aqueous solvation free energy, while its prediction accuracy has reached a plateau partly due to the scarcity of available experimental data. In order to tackle this challenge, we first build a large and diverse calculated data set Frag20-Aqsol-100K of aqueous solvation free energy with reasonable computational cost and accuracy via electronic structure calculations with continuum solvent models. Then, we develop a novel 3D atomic feature-based GNN model with the principal neighborhood aggregation (PNAConv) and demonstrate that 3D atomic features obtained from molecular mechanics-optimized geometries can significantly improve the learning power of GNN models in predicting calculated solvation free energies. Finally, we employ a transfer learning strategy by pre-training our DL model on Frag20-Aqsol-100K and fine-tuning it on the small experimental data set, and the fine-tuned model A3D-PNAConv-FT achieves the state-of-the-art prediction on the FreeSolv data set with a root-mean-squared error of 0.719 kcal/mol and a mean-absolute error of 0.417 kcal/mol using random data splits. These results indicate that integrating molecular modeling and DL would be a promising strategy to develop robust prediction models in molecular science. The source code and data are accessible at: https://yzhang.hpc.nyu.edu/IMA.

Liposuction in cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema: an investigative study on clinical applications.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is a progressive, noncurable condition consisting of increases in subcutaneous fat and interstitial fluid in the limbs and fibrosis during later stages. The disease most commonly affects the limbs following injury to or removal of the lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic outcomes of liposuction for cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with cancer-related lymphedema in the unilateral lower extremity were recruited for this study, and all patients underwent liposuction. The volume of hemorrhage and lipids, the operation time, and the volume changes of the affected extremity were compared by applying the t tests, and the subjective feelings of patients were compared with the chi-square tests. RESULTS: The total lipid volume was 2539 ± 1253.5 ml, and the hemorrhage volume was 828 ± 311.8 ml. For the comparison of objective indices, (1) the percent volume differences (PVDs) before surgery, intraoperatively, and at the 3-month follow-up were 5.5 ± 12.2 vs. 11.6 ± 18.4 vs. 43.2 ± 23.7, P < 0.05, respectively; (2) greater lipid volumes and higher liposuction rates were observed for female patients, as was a smaller volume of hemorrhage; (3) greater hemorrhage volumes were observed in patients with a history of recurrent erysipelas; and (4) greater lipid volumes and liposuction rates (LRs) and smaller hemorrhage volumes were observed for stage II than for stage III patients. CONCLUSIONS: Liposuction is an effective therapy for cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema. Sex, stage, and recurrent erysipelas history influence the course and effect of liposuction.

Dataset Construction to Explore Chemical Space with 3D Geometry and Deep Learning.

A dataset is the basis of deep learning model development, and the success of deep learning models heavily relies on the quality and size of the dataset. In this work, we present a new data preparation protocol and build a large fragment-based dataset Frag20, which consists of optimized 3D geometries and calculated molecular properties from Merck molecular force field (MMFF) and DFT at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory for more than half a million molecules composed of H, B, C, O, N, F, P, S, Cl, and Br with no larger than 20 heavy atoms. Based on the new dataset, we develop robust molecular energy prediction models using a simplified PhysNet architecture for both DFT-optimized and MMFF-optimized geometries, which achieve better than or close to chemical accuracy (1 kcal/mol) on multiple test sets, including CSD20 and Plati20 based on experimental crystal structures.

Ultra-wide field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with diabetes without clinically detectable retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: To investigate alterations in retinal microvasculature in eyes with preclinical diabetic retinopathy (DR) using ultra-wide field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF SS OCTA). METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study. Fifty-five eyes of 30 diabetic patients without clinical retinal signs were included. All subjects underwent OCTA examination with a 12 × 12 mm2 field of view of 5 visual fixations (1 central fixation and 4 peripheral fixations) to compose a UWF OCTA image. In the UWF images, the central area corresponded to the original central image obtained using central fixation, and the peripheral area was the remaining area. Lesions, including nonperfusion areas (NPAs), microvascular dilation and tortuosity, and neovascularization (NV), were recorded in different areas. Diabetes history was also recorded. RESULTS: Peripheral areas presented significantly more microvascular dilation and tortuosity than central areas (P = 0.024) and more NPAs than central areas, with borderline significance (P = 0.085). The number of lesion types was associated with HbA1c levels in the peripheral and overall areas (all P values < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: UWF SS OCTA is a promising imaging method for detecting vascular alterations in diabetic eyes without clinical signs to reveal retinal microvascular alterations. These alterations were correlated with systemic conditions.

[Analysis of DNAH1 gene variant in two infertile males with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical feature and gene variant for two cases of primary male infertility caused by severe asthenospermia and to analyze the etiology of the disease. METHODS: Genomic DNA of peripheral blood samples of patients and their parents was extracted and gene variant analysis of the patients was conducted by using whole exome sequencing. Suspected pathogenic variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and pathogenic analysis. RESULTS: Whole exome sequencing showed that the DNAH1 gene of patient 1 had two heterozygous variants of c.2016T>G(p.Y672X) and c.6017T>G (p.V2006G). The DNAH1 gene of patient 2 had a homozygous variant of c.2610G>A(p.W870X), which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. According to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics standards and guidelines, the c.2016T>G (p.Y672X) and c.2610G>A (p.W870X) varaints of DNAH1 gene were predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PM2+PM3+PP3). CONCLUSION: The two patients of multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella may be caused by DNAH1 gene variant, which has resulted in primary male infertility.

ROLE OF DIAGNOSTIC PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY IN DETERMINING THE ETIOLOGY OF UVEITIS INITIALLY UNKNOWN.

PURPOSE: To estimate the success and safety of diagnostic pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in determining the etiology of uveitis initially unknown and analyze their characteristics. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Ovid were searched up to October 2017 to identify relevant studies. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Statistical analyses were performed with R version 3.3.1. Result in proportion were transformed by the Freeman-Tukey variant of arcsine square to attain symmetry of confidence intervals (CIs). The statistical heterogeneity was assessed by the chi-square test and I statistics. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by the Egger test. RESULTS: Sixteen studies involving 1,195 patients were finally included. The pooling result showed the successful rate of diagnostic PPV was 44% (95% CI [39%∼50%]). Among patients whose diagnostic PPV yielded a definitive diagnosis, 69% were infectious uveitis (95% CI [61%∼77%]), 23% were lymphoma (95% CI [17%∼30%]), and 4% were metastatic carcinoma (95% CI [2%∼10%]). Among patients diagnosed with infectious uveitis, the most frequent pathogens identified were viruses, followed by bacteria, Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma gondii, tuberculosis, and fungus. The incidence of postoperative cataract and postoperative retinal detachment was 19% (95% CI [8%∼29%]) and 5% (95% CI [1%∼10%]), respectively, and the rate of secondary vitrectomy surgery was 10% (95% CI [2%∼22%]). Postoperative visual improvement rate was 46% (95% CI [39%∼52%]), and the postoperative treatment strategy was changed in light of the results of diagnostic PPV in 20% of cases (95% CI [10%∼29%]). CONCLUSION: For uveitis of unknown cause, diagnostic PPV is an effective, reliable, and relatively safe procedure for establishing the definite diagnosis and guiding further treatment. Positive therapeutic effect could also be achieved.

THE OCCURRENCE, CHARACTERISTICS, MANAGEMENT, AND PROGNOSIS OF RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM TEARS IN PATIENTS WITH POLYPOIDAL CHOROIDAL VASCULOPATHY: A Retrospective Study of 397 Patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears in patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. METHOD: A retrospective review of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy cases with confirmed RPE tears was conducted. Patients' comprehensive clinical data were collected and analyzed. The treatment strategy was a loading dose of one intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection, combined with additional injections if exudative activities or visual deterioration were detected. RESULTS: Among 397 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy patients, 33 patients with RPE tears (8.3%) were included. 42.4% of them happened spontaneously. Pigment epithelial detachment (PED) occurred more frequently in RPE tear patients and most of them had serous vascularized or hemorrhagic PED. The height and greatest linear diameter of PED, and the subfoveal choroidal thickness of these cases were significantly larger, whereas the central foveal thickness was significantly smaller. Most of the RPE tears occurred at the edge of the PED. After our treatment strategy, patients' best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 2.13 ± 1.24 (median 20/52) to 1.32 ± 1.31 (median 20/166). Large subretinal hemorrhage may increase the risk of the formation of subretinal fibrosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Retinal pigment epithelium tears in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy are associated with high subRPE hydrostatic pressure, produced by a large PED or hemorrhage. After our intervention strategy, this condition may not necessarily result in poor prognosis.

Correction to: A combination of omega-3 and plant sterols regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with impaired glucose regulation: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Following publication of the original article [1], the Authors' Contributions statement need to be changed.

[Sperm-hyaluronan binding assay in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the application value of sperm-hyaluronan binding (SHB) assay in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: This retrospective study included 163 cases of IVF-ET performed in our hospital from January to August 2019 due to female fallopian tube abnormality-induced infertility. The men were found with normal seminal parameters at semen analysis. According to the SHB rate, we divided the patients into a normal group (n = 126) and an abnormal group (n = 37) and analyzed the general conditions and the rates of normal fertilization, cleavage, available embryos, embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between the normal and abnormal groups in the rates of SHB, normal fertilization and available embryos (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but not in the general conditions or the rates of cleavage, embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The SHB rate is not correlated with sperm concentration or the percentages of progressively motile sperm and morphologically normal sperm. Sperm-hyaluronan binding assay helps predict the outcomes of IVF-ET and embryo quality. An SHB rate of <58.5% indicates low rates of normal fertilization and available embryos, but has no significant correlation with the rates of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy.

Optical coherence tomography angiography analysis of the choriocapillary layer in treatment-naïve diabetic eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the capillary flow density (CFD) of choriocapillary (CC) microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in diabetic eyes and the association of CFD and systemic and metabolic factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. This study enrolled 282 eyes of 146 subjects, including 43 healthy control eyes, 56 diabetic eyes without diabetic retinopathy (DR), 43 eyes with mild nonproliferative DR (NPDR), 54 eyes with moderate NPDR, 38 eyes with severe NPDR, and 48 eyes with proliferative DR (PDR). CFD was measured in the CC layer. Clinical data were collected. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify associated clinical variables. RESULTS: CFD in the CC layer presented a downward trend with DR progression. Comparisons of CFD in the CC layer between adjacent stages of DR revealed significant differences between severe NPDR and PDR using both 3-mm and 6-mm scan patterns (P = 0.003, P = 0.001). CFD in the CC layer in DR with diabetic macular edema (DME) was less than that in DR without DME using both 3-mm and 6-mm scan patterns (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis in other locations, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and increased HbA1c were associated with CFD in the CC layer using both 3-mm and 6-mm scan patterns (all P values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: OCT-A revealed decreased CFD in the CC layer in the PDR stage and the presence of DME. Diabetic patients with apparently decreased CFD should be assessed carefully under general conditions.

A combination of omega-3 and plant sterols regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with impaired glucose regulation: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Lipid metabolism imbalance has been recognized as one of the major drivers of impaired glucose metabolism in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the rates of which are steadily increasing worldwide. Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of T2DM. The goal of this study was to further clarify whether the combination of plant sterols (PS) and omega-3 fatty acids yields any synergistic effect that enhances the prevention and treatment of IGR. METHODS: A total of 200 participants were randomized to receive PS and omega-3 fatty acids (n = 50), PS alone (n = 50), omega-3 fatty acids alone (n = 50), or placebo soy bean powder plus placebo capsules (n = 50) for 12 weeks. Patient characteristics including body composition, blood pressure, glucose metabolism (Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)), lipid metabolism (TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C) and inflammatory factors (Hs-CRP, IL-6) were all monitored in these IGR individuals. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the group receiving the combined intervention exhibited significantly decreased TG, HDL-C, FBG, HOMA-IR and HbA1c. Omega-3 fatty acids alone were associated with significant reductions in waistline, TG, FBG, HOMA-IR and Hs-CRP. PS alone was only associated with decreased TG and Hs-CRP. No interventions produced significant changes in body weight, BMI, blood pressure, FINS, body fat percentage, visceral fat rating, TC, LDL-C or IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study has demonstrated for the first time that PS, omega-3 fatty acids or the combination thereof significantly improved inflammation, insulin resistance, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism in IGR individuals. These findings may provide a scientific basis for the development of nutritional products incorporating PS and omega-3 fatty acids, and also for the development of nutritional supplement strategies aimed at preventing the development of disease in the IGR population.

Noninvasive multimodal imaging in diagnosing polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive multimodal imaging methods in diagnosing polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and distinguishing PCV from typical neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD). METHODS: Retrospective study. Imaging features of noninvasive multimodal imaging methods, including fundus photography (FP), B-scan optical coherence tomography (OCT), en face OCT, OCT angiography, and autofluorescence, of 103 eyes with PCV or typical nvAMD were reviewed. Diagnostic strategy was established based on imaging features and was validated in other 105 eyes with PCV or typical nvAMD. RESULTS: Features of subretinal orange nodule on FP, thumb-like PED on OCT, notched PED on OCT, bubble sign on OCT, and Bruch's membrane depression under serosanguinous PED on OCT were more common. When the diagnostic strategy of using at least 2 of 5 features was performed, there is 0.88 sensitivity and 0.92 specificity for diagnosing PCV. The results of the validation test further confirmed the diagnostic strategy with 0.94 sensitivity and 0.93 specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive multimodal imaging, especially FP and B-scan OCT, provide high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing PCV and distinguishing PCV from typical nvAMD, when at least 2 of 5 suggestive imaging features are present.

Five-year real-world outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy versus combination therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in a Chinese population: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate 5-year outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monotherapy and combination therapy of anti-VEGF agents and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in a real-world Chinese population. METHODS: Retrospective study. Fifty-three eyes of 46 patients with subtype 1 and 2 PCV followed up for at least 60 months were grouped into three regimens: anti-VEGF monotherapy, PDT combining with anti-VEGF therapy initially, and PDT combining with deferred anti-VEGF therapy. Main outcome measure was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR). RESULTS: The mean BCVA of eyes with subtype 1 PCV (n = 28) deteriorated from 0.69 logMAR at baseline to 1.25 logMAR at months 60 (P = 0.001), while the mean BCVA of eyes with subtype 2 PCV (n = 25) sustained stable from 0.62 logMAR at baseline to 0.57 at months 60 (P = 0.654). No significant differences of visual outcomes were found between the 3 treatment regimens for subtype 1 PCV. Anti-VEGF monotherapy and initial combination treatment had better visual outcomes in eyes with subtype 2 PCV than deferred combination group during part of follow-up significantly. Initial combination group needed a less number of PDT than deferred combination group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with subtype 1 PCV, subtype 2 PCV has a more favorable visual outcome in real world. All the regimens presented unfavorable visual outcomes for subtype 1 PCV. Anti-VEGF monotherapy and initial combination therapy should be superior to deferred combination therapy in the long-term management of subtype 2 PCV. Prospective randomized studies of larger size are needed to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of various treatment for PCV in real world.

Comparison of face-down posturing with nonsupine posturing after macular hole surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated face-down posturing (FDP) with the far less physically challenging nonsupine posturing (NSP) in the treatment of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (MHs). The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative posturing on the anatomical and functional outcomes of MH surgery. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from their earliest entries through December 2016 to identify the studies that had evaluated the effects of postoperative posturing with FDP or NSP for patients with MH surgery. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The relevant data were analyzed using StataSE 12.0 software. The weighted mean difference (WMD), relative risk (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association. RESULTS: Our search yielded 181 records from which 11 studies comprising 726 cases that had examined the effects of postoperative posturing with FDP for patients compared with NSP after MH surgery were included for review and analysis. Our meta-analyses showed that postoperative FDP could generally improve the overall MH closure rate compared to NSP (OR = 1.828, 95% CI: 1.063~3.143, P = 0.029). Subgroup analysis of the size of MH suggested a significant benefit of FDP for large MHs (≥400 µm) (OR = 4.361, 95% CI: 1.429~13.305, P = 0.010) while there was no difference in the MH closure rate for small MHs (< 400 µm) (OR = 1.731, 95% CI: 0.412~7.270, P = 0.453). Moreover, ILM peeling for large MHs could significantly increase the MH closure rate of the FDP group (OR = 2.489, 95% CI: 1.021~6.069, P = 0.045), while no difference existed for small MHs (OR = 3.572, 95% CI: 0.547~23.331, P = 0.184). Combined cataract surgery might not influence the MH closure rate under any circumstance (OR = 0.513, 95% CI: 0.089~2.944, P = 0.454). CONCLUSION: Based on all the available evidence, our study found that FDP after MH surgery could generally improve the overall MH closure rate compared to NSP. For MHs larger than 400 µm, ILM peeling combined with FDP could significantly increase the MH closure rate. Combined cataract surgery might not influence the MH closure rate.

Evaluation of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Salmonella during cocoa powder thermal processing.

Salmonella is capable of surviving in a low moisture environment for long periods. Once adapted to the xeric conditions, the thermal resistance of Salmonella is enhanced. Cocoa powder is a low water activity (aw) food (LawF) that is an essential component in a wide variety of desserts and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods and drinks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the desiccation and thermal resistance of Salmonella in cocoa powder, as well as to examine the suitability of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Salmonella during cocoa powder thermal processing. Natural unsweetened cocoa powder was inoculated with a 3-strain Salmonella cocktail or E. faecium and was equilibrated to aw 0.30 and 0.45 at room temperature, then subjected to isothermal treatments at 70-80 °C or 12-month storage at RT (room temperature, 22.0 ±â€¯0.5 °C, aw 0.30). At 70 and 80 °C, D-values of both Salmonella and E. faecium increased with decreasing aw. D-values of Salmonella at aw 0.30 cocoa powder were 46.2 ±â€¯4.7, 20.5 ±â€¯1.7, and 11.5 ±â€¯0.9 min at 70, 75 and 80 °C, respectively. Higher heat resistance of E. faecium in aw 0.30 cocoa powder was observed with D-values of 59.9 ±â€¯5.0, 28.9 ±â€¯1.8, and 16.1 ±â€¯1.4 min at 70, 75, and 80 °C, respectively. However, E. faecium demonstrated less heat resistance than Salmonella when aw was increased to 0.45. D-values for Salmonella at aw 0.45 were 31.6-7.0 min at 70-80 °C compared to 25.8-4.7 min for E. faecium. During 12 months of storage at RT, surviving E. faecium population in aw 0.30 cocoa powder was higher than that of the Salmonella cocktail; the population decreased by 1.39 and 3.75 logs, respectively. These findings indicate that the suitability of E. faecium as a surrogate organism for Salmonella is influenced by aw of cocoa powder. The aw correlates with thermal inactivation rates in both Salmonella and E. faecium, and should be considered as a significant contributor to the thermal resistance of Salmonella in cocoa powder.

Characteristic appearances of fundus autofluorescence in treatment-naive and active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: a retrospective study of 170 patients.

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristic appearances of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in patients with treatment-naive and active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). METHOD: Cases with the diagnosis of treatment-naive and active PCV from November 2012 to May 2017 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examination. Autofluorescence (AF) findings were described at the retinal sites of the corresponding lesions identified and diagnosed using indocyanine green angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: One hundred seventy patients with 192 affected eyes were included. The logMAR BCVA of the patients were 0.53 ± 0.28. The six AF patterns of 243 polypoidal lesions were confluent hypo-AF with hyper-AF ring (49.8%), confluent hypo-AF (22.6%), hyper-AF with hypo-AF ring (3.7%), granular hypo-AF (7.0%), blocked hypo-AF due to hemorrhage (8.6%), and polyps without apparent AF changes (8.2%). For 146 branching vascular networks (BVNs), 97.3% were granular hypo-AF, and others were blocked hypo-AF due to hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: In eyes with treatment-naive and active PCV, the polypoidal lesions and BVNs induce characteristic FAF changes. FAF images provide reliable adjunct reference for the diagnosis of PCV.

EFFICACY OF INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF BEVACIZUMAB IN VITRECTOMY FOR PATIENTS WITH PROLIFERATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY RETINAL DETACHMENT: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in vitrectomy for patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR)-related retinal detachment. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their earliest entries through October, 2016, to identify the studies that had evaluated the effects of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in vitrectomy for eyes with PVR-related retinal detachment. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The relevant data were analyzed using Stata 12.0 software. The weighted mean difference, relative risk, and their 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of the association. RESULTS: The authors' search yielded 133 records from which 3 studies that have examined the effects of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (120 eyes with PVR-related retinal detachment) were included for review and analysis. Their meta-analyses showed that neither the best-corrected visual acuity nor retinal redetachment rate showed any clinically or statistically important difference between the nonbevacizumab and bevacizumab groups (P > 0.05). In addition, bevacizumab did not influence the interval between vitrectomy and retinal redetachment (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence, intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in vitrectomy for patients with PVR-related retinal detachment did not decrease retinal redetachment rate or improve visual acuity. Better-designed studies with larger simple sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to reach valid conclusions regarding benefits and harms. Moreover, evaluation of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on surgical outcomes in eyes with milder subtypes of PVR or no PVR, but deemed at high risk of PVR, may be worthy of future consideration.