Towards Real-World Visual Tracking With Temporal Contexts.

Visual tracking has made significant improvements in the past few decades. Most existing state-of-the-art trackers 1) merely aim for performance in ideal conditions while overlooking the real-world conditions; 2) adopt the tracking-by-detection paradigm, neglecting rich temporal contexts; 3) only integrate the temporal information into the template, where temporal contexts among consecutive frames are far from being fully utilized. To handle those problems, we propose a two-level framework (TCTrack) that can exploit temporal contexts efficiently. Based on it, we propose a stronger version for real-world visual tracking, i.e., TCTrack++. It boils down to two levels: features and similarity maps. Specifically, for feature extraction, we propose an attention-based temporally adaptive convolution to enhance the spatial features using temporal information, which is achieved by dynamically calibrating the convolution weights. For similarity map refinement, we introduce an adaptive temporal transformer to encode the temporal knowledge efficiently and decode it for the accurate refinement of the similarity map. To further improve the performance, we additionally introduce a curriculum learning strategy. Also, we adopt online evaluation to measure performance in real-world conditions. Exhaustive experiments on 8 well-known benchmarks demonstrate the superiority of TCTrack++. Real-world tests directly verify that TCTrack++ can be readily used in real-world applications.

An improved method of anchoring chest drain and suture technique for Uni-portal VATS incision.

Uni-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic approach is currently a popular surgical technique in general thoracic surgery. After operation, a chest tube is usually placed through the incision to drain the effusion and gas from the thoracic cavity. In the conventional method, the retaining stitches should be taken out ten days after removing chest drain. To get better would-healing and avoid unsightly scar, we explored a method of anchoring chest drain and two-layer suture for Uni-portal incision without removing stitches post operation.

Dopamine Pathway Mediated by DRD5 Facilitates Tumor Growth via Enhancing Warburg Effect in Esophageal Cancer.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is among the most malignant cancers globally due to its aggressiveness and poor survival. To set off from the inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment, we analyzed tumor tissues of EC patients with or without lymphatic metastasis to explore the importance of cancer cell derived neurotransmitters. Results have emphasized that the accumulation of dopamine but not other neurotransmitters could be observed in EC tumor tissue of patients, especially those who are bearing lymphatic metastasis. Transcriptional analysis of mentioned tissues was also performed to filter out key enzymes involved in dopamine pathway including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), DOPA decarboxylase (DCC), monoamine oxidase (MAO), etc. Further analysis on tumor tissues of patients indicated that dopamine receptor D5 was aberrantly upregulated and co-located with TH. Both in vitro and in vivo tests have demonstrated that dopamine could stimulate the proliferation and outgrowth of EC tumor cells via the DRD5 mediated pathway. The exploration of mechanism has unveiled that activation of the dopamine pathway significantly enhanced the uptake of glucose and production of lactate of EC tumor cells. It can also facilitate the extracellular acid rate (ECAR), dedicating that DRD5-mediated activated dopamine pathway could effectively form and trigger Warburg effect, which is modulated by the cross-talk of mTOR and AKT pathway. Our results would unveil the relationship between cancer derived neurotransmitters and inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment, thus provide potential therapeutic targets and novel clinical strategy towards metastatic EC.

Design and evaluation of polar-embedded stationary phases containing triacontyl group for liquid chromatography.

The present work described two triacontyl-bonded silica adsorbents containing different polar embedded groups (i.e. amide- and carbamate-type) for high performance liquid chromatography, which were prepared by covalent surface modification of silica gel with respective pre-synthesized polar-embedded triacontyl (C30) silane. The acylimidazole-mediated method was used for the first time for the synthesis of amide-type alkyl silane, while the carbamate-type silane was obtained via an improved solvent-free procedure. A conventional C30 stationary phase was also developed on the same silica substrate in the similar manner, which was used as a reference column for comparison of the unique mechanisms facilitated and/or furnished by the polar groups. The successful immobilization of the designed C30 species was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. In further comparison with an amide-embedded octadecyl (C18) two other conventional C18 stationary phases of different surface chemistry, detailed chromatographic characterization of the C30 series stationary phases was performed in terms of surface density, hydrophobicity, aromatic selectivity, shape selectivity and water tolerance using a diversified range of analytes, including homologous alkylbenzenes, isomeric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carotenes, congeners of polychlorobiphenyls, aromatic amines, phenolic compounds, estrogens and nucleosides. A high resemblance between the chromatographic behaviors of the two polar-modified C30 stationary phases was observed, meanwhile they demonstrated noticeable differences from non-polar C30 stationary phase. The polar-embedded C30 phases showed satisfactory performance towards the solutes of interest in the studied conditions. The beneficial synergy of the polar groups and the triacontyl chains enabled these polar-enhanced C30 stationary phases to address challenging separation tasks with high selectivity.

A novel molecular and clinical staging model to predict survival for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Current prognostic factors fail to accurately determine prognosis for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after surgery. Here, we constructed a survival prediction model for prognostication in patients with ESCC. Candidate molecular biomarkers were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and Cox regression analysis was performed to determine significant prognostic factors. The survival prediction model was constructed based on cluster and discriminant analyses in a training cohort (N=205), and validated in a test cohort (N=207). The survival prediction model consisting of two genes (UBE2C and MGP) and two clinicopathological factors (tumor stage and grade) was developed. This model could be used to accurately categorize patients into three groups in the test cohort. Both disease-free survival and overall survival differed among the diverse groups (P<0.05). In summary, we have developed and validated a predictive model that is based on two gene markers in conjunction with two clinicopathological variables, and which can accurately predict outcomes for ESCC patients after surgery.

Left middle lobectomy for bronchiectasis in a patient with Kartagener syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Kartagener syndrome (KS) is a rare disorder characterized by the triad of chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and situs inversus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent cough with purulent expectoration, which had occurred intermittently for the past ten years. During the past 3 years, the episode frequency was 3-4 times per year. He was diagnosed with pulmonary infection and bronchiectasis of the left upper lobe, situs inversus, and KS. We concluded that the damaged left middle lobe was the source of repeat pulmonary infections. Thus the left middle lobe resection was performed to remove the source of the lung infection. CONCLUSIONS: The post-operative course was successful and pneumonia was apparently resolved during the 6 months' follow-up period. We further describe this case in the following report.

Impact of ABO blood group on the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: ABO blood type is an established prognostic factor in several malignancies, but its role in esophageal cancer (EC) is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to determine whether ABO blood group is associated with survival after esophagectomy for EC. METHODS: A total of 406 patients who underwent surgery for EC were enrolled. The associations of ABO blood group with clinical and pathological variables were assessed using chi-square test. Associations of ABO blood group with the survival were estimated using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: The ABO blood group proportionally associated with the grade of EC tumor (P = 0.049). The ABO blood group status did not correlate with disease-free survival (DFS) in univariable analysis or multivariable analysis (P > 0.05). And there was no significant relationship between the ABO blood group and overall survival (OS) in univariable analysis or multivariable analysis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that no association between ABO blood group and the survival was observed in patients undergoing surgery for EC.

[Strategies of surgery treatment for cervical esophageal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods and means of surgical treatment for cervical esophageal cancer in order to get the best efficacy. METHODS: Retrospective investigation and analysis were carried out in 137 patients with cervical esophageal cancer undergoing operation in our hospital from January 2005 to December 2013. According to lesion locations, these cases were divided into two groups: larynx preservation group(Group A) and laryngectomy group(Group B). Surgery options of Group A included inversion esophagectomy without thoracotomy, three-incision esophagectomy, end to end anastomosis of cervical esophagus after local resection. Group B included gastric-pharyngeal anastomosis, pharyn-esophagus plasty, colon replacement of the esophagus or jejunal interposition. All the patients received postoperative adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: There were no perioperative deaths. The main postoperative complications included anastomotic fistula in 20 cases(14.6%), postoperative massive bleeding after inversion esophagectomy in 3 cases, chylothorax in 1 case, anastomotic stenosis in 9 cases, severe gastroesophageal reflux in 6 cases and serious aspiration pneumonia in 2 cases. All these patients had complete resolution of disease with good postoperative quality of life. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival were 73.7%, 48.4% and 26.8% respectively. The most important causes of postoperative death included local recurrence, cervical or mediastinal lymph node metastases, cachexia and multiple organic metastasis. CONCLUSION: It is critical to select reasonable methods of operations to reduce postoperative complications and to receive proper adjuvant therapy.

ABO blood group and esophageal carcinoma risk: from a case-control study in Chinese population to meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The association between ABO blood group and the risk of esophageal carcinoma (EC) in previously published studies is uncertain and conflicting. The aim of the current study was to determine the correlation of ABO blood group with EC risk via a case-control study and meta-analysis. METHODS: We performed a population-based case-control study of 3,595 cases and 41,788 controls in Chinese population to evaluate the association between ABO blood group and EC risk. Then, a comprehensive meta-analysis combining our original data and previously published data was conducted to clearly discern the real relationship. The strength of association was measured by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: In our case-control study, the risk of EC in blood group B was significantly higher than that in non-B groups (A, O, and AB) (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.09-1.21). Compared with non-O groups (A, B, and AB), individuals with blood group O demonstrated a reduced risk of EC (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.85-0.94). The meta-analysis also indicated that blood group B was associated with significantly higher EC risk (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.10-1.31), and people with blood group O had a decreased EC risk (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.99). Neither the case-control study nor the meta-analysis produced any significant association of blood group A or AB with EC risk. CONCLUSION: Results from our case-control study and the followed meta-analysis confirmed that there was an increased risk of EC in blood group B individuals, whereas a decreased risk of EC was observed in blood group O individuals.

Tracheal diverticulum: a case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: Tracheal diverticulum (TD) is a rare, nonspecific symptom that is commonly associated with other malformations in clinical presentation and appearance on imaging. The case presented and the literature review performed highlight the importance of combining 3 D reconstruction technology and computerized Tomography (CT) results to better characterize TD on the list of differential diagnoses of patients. METHODS: The case described is of a 44-year-old male with a 1-year history of repeatedly coughing with white phlegm. Computerized tomography and three dimension reconstruction technology were employed to diagnose tracheal abnormalities. The patient underwent surgical resection of the tracheal diverticulum. Reexamination of the neck, chest, trachea and lungs of the patient was performed with CT scan post operation. RESULTS: Chest CT confirmed the presence of the air cavity lesion behind the neck segment and may be the trachea cysts. Bronchoscope examination was all normal. Furthermore, HRCT scan and the tracheal reconstruction were performed (as shown in Fig. 1), which show cystic cavity lesion was on right rear trachea and a tiny tha was connected the tracheal posterior wall. Post-operation, reexamination showed that the neck, chest CT, trachea and lungs had no detectable abnormity. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic techniques such as HRCT and 3D reconstruction technology may help to diagnose the tracheal diverticulum timely and accurately. Resection of the diverticulum is the proper surgery, but only for symptomatic congenital diverticulum; therefore preoperative definite classification is important (acquired or congenital diverticulum).

Childhood bronchial mucoepidermoid tumors: A case report and literature review.

Primary pulmonary neoplasms rarely occur in children, but the majority of those that do are malignant. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) represents ~10% of all primary pulmonary malignant tumors. However, MEC is not usually considered in the clinical differential diagnosis in pediatric practice. The present study presents the case of a seven-year-old female with a one-year history of recurrent hemoptysis. Computerized tomography (CT) scans revealed a tumor originating in the right lower lobe bronchus. The patient did not receive any radiation and chemotherapy following a lobectomy on the right lower lung. The tumor was histopathologically determined to be an MEC of the tracheobronchial tree. Subsequent to a six-year follow-up, the MEC was undetectable in this patient, according to the clinical and radiological evidence. The literature with regard to pediatric MEC is also reviewed in this study.

End-to-end anastomosis after segmental esophagectomy for early stage cervical esophageal carcinoma.

Surgical procedures are still controversial for patients with cervical esophagus carcinoma. Conventional surgical procedures of cervical esophagectomy or total esophagectomy and esophageal reconstruction are invasive and time taking, which contributes to higher morbidity and mortality. Here, we describe a technique of local esophagectomy for the treatment of early stage cervical esophageal carcinoma. The cervical esophagus is circumferentially mobilized and transected segmentally at the appropriate level, followed by direct end-to-end anastomosis of esophagus. The procedure has been performed in 7 patients aged 59 to 82 years old, with minor postoperative complications.

MUC1 induces metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase 13.

Esophagus squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most deadly malignances because of its high frequency of metastasis. Given the associations of MUC1 with ESCC and tumor metastasis, we explored a potential role of MUC1 in ESCC metastasis. Among 40 ESCC and 20 paired normal tissue specimens examined, we found a significant increase of MUC1 expression in ESCC and more importantly, that expression of MUC1 and MMP13 are strongly correlated in patients who had lymph node metastasis. Studies with cell models indicated that overexpression of MUC1 upregulates the expression of MMP13, leading to increased cell migration. In support of a mode of transcriptional regulation, promoter analysis revealed that MUC1 stimulates MMP13 expression through the Runx-2-binding site. The link of MUC1 to cell motility was further confirmed by the finding that depletion of MUC1 resulted in reduced expression of MMP13 and cell migration, invasion and adhesion. Moreover, the loss of cell metastatic potential was rescued by overexpression of MMP13 completely. Collectively, our findings indicate that MUC1 contributes to ESCC metastasis by stimulating MMP13 expression, suggesting MUC1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in ESCC.

[Tracheal reconstruction with memory alloy prosthesis coated with collagen].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of tracheal reconstruction with a prosthesis made of memory alloy coated with collagen sponge in mongrel dogs. METHOD: The basic skeleton of the prosthesis was knitted with Ni-Ti memory alloy wires. The tubular mesh was sealed with polyurethane membrane and then inner and external walls of the lumen were coated with collagen sponge. Cervical trachea segmental reconstruction was performed in 8 mongrel dogs with these prostheses. The efficacy of the implanted prostheses were periodically evaluated after operation using x-ray, tracheoscopy and specimen microscope examinations. RESULTS: One dog died of prosthesis dislocation 10 days after operation, another was killed 45 days later because of anastomotic stenosis. 6 dogs survived more than 90 days and the longest one lived for 150 days. Its implanted prosthesis was completely incorporated with the recipient tissue, where re-epithelialization occluded on anastomotic sites. The tracheal lumen was patent. CONCLUSION: This memory alloy tracheal prosthesis has been proved useful for reconstruction of large, circumferential tracheal defects, although its long-term safety and efficiency need to be confirmed.

[Research progress in tracheal prostheses].

It is difficult to perform a primary anastomosis when a pathological trachea is over-lengnthing resected. Thus the tracheal prosthesis is required to apply in the airway reconstruction. Severe defects in the early tracheal prosthesis result in failure of surgery. Great progress has been achieved in recent years as new materials and tissue-engineering techniques are applied. These efforts bring a bright future to clinical applications of tracheal prostheses.