[Clinical efficacy and safety of endobronchial one-way valves for the treatment of bronchopleural fistula].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of interventional endobronchial one-way valves (EBV) for the treatment of peripheral bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Methods: A total of 33 patients with peripheral BPF who underwent EBV implantation in Endoscopy Center of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from August 2017 to December 2021 were selected as the research objects. All the patients were diagnosed with peripheral BPF before the implantation surgery. The detailed medical records of the patients were collected, and the etiology, lesion location, treatment method and operation process, treatment efficacy and postoperative complications were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EBV implantation. Results: Of the 33 patients in our study, 26 were male and 7 were female. The median age was 54.7 (28-86) years. There were 18 cases of BPF after thoracic surgery (54.5%), 6 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with spontaneous pneumothorax (18.2%), and 12 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection with spontaneous pneumothorax (36.4%). A total of 63 valves were inserted in the 33 cases, and a maximum of valves and at least one were inserted in a single case. The lesions were located in the right lower lobe in 16 cases (48.5%) and the left upper lobe in 12 cases (36.4%). Of the 33 patients undergoing EBV placement, 22 (66.7%) were successful, with chest drainage tube indwelling duration of (88.5±36.6) days and (29.6±11.4) days, respectively, before and after EBV treatment. The time from EBV placement to successful withdrawal of EBV was (102.2±31.3) days. During a postoperative follow-up of 6 months after EBV treatment, the main complications were 29 cases with attachment of secretions to the EBV (90.6%) and 13 cases (40.6%) with mild granulation proliferation. In addition, there were five patients with moderate to severe granulation proliferation (15.6%), one with valve displacement or shedding (3.1%), and one with bleeding (3.1%). Conclusions: In this study, the success rate of EBV placement and occlusion was 66.7%. Transbronchoscopic EBV placement in the treatment of peripheral BPF is a effective treatment with relatively minor complications.

SIRT3 Promotes the Development of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating Hexokinase 2 through the AKT Signaling Pathway.

In the present study, we explored whether sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) regulates the proliferation and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and investigated the mechanisms underlying the oncogene role of SIRT3. siRNA was used to transfect Eca109 cells and downregulate SIRT3. The proliferation and migration of Eca109 cells were examined by the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, and scratch test. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect SIRT3, hexokinase 2, AKT, and p-AKT in Eca109 cells. Functional assays showed that downregulation of SIRT3 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells. Reduced SIRT3 expression downregulated hexokinase 2 expression and inhibited AKT activation in ESCC. These results indicated that SIRT3 promote ESCC development and progression by regulating hexokinase 2 through the AKT signaling pathway. SIRT3 promote ESCC proliferation and migration by regulating HK-2 through the AKT signaling pathway.

One-stage extreme lateral interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in lumbar spine tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES: We explored the efficacy of minimal invasive surgery including one-stage debridement and intervertebral fusion through extreme lateral channel (XLIF) combined with lateral or percutaneous posterior pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of lumbar spine tuberculosis. METHODS: Twenty two patients with lumbar tuberculosis who underwent surgery with XLIF technique and internal fixation were included in the study. Their data about operative time, intraoperative blood loss, bone fusion, kyphosis correction, and clinical recovery were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative blood loss was 249.8±27.8 ml and the operative time 347.5±20.7 min. At the final follow-up, 11 to 15 months postoperatively, ESR and CRP were normal and pain (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were significantly reduced (23.0±-3.1 vs 0.6±-0.7 and 57.2±-1.6 vs 6.4±-1.2 respectively) compared to preoperative values. Progression of the kyphotic deformity was effectively prevented (mean Cobb angle 23.9° +/-1.9° vs 24.5° +/-1.4°, P>0.05). There was one failure of the fixation associated to poor therapy adherence. All the patients showed neurological recovery. CONCLUSION: Debridement and interbody fusion by extreme lateral channel combined with lateral or percutaneous posterior pedicle screw fixation effectively retained the spine stability and provided clinical and neurologic recovery in selected patients with lumbar spine tuberculosis.

Highly accurate fiber transfer delay measurement with large dynamic range.

A novel and efficient method for fiber transfer delay measurement is demonstrated. Fiber transfer delay measurement in time domain is converted into the frequency measurement of the modulation signal in frequency domain, accompany with a coarse and easy ambiguity resolving process. This method achieves a sub-picosecond resolution, with an accuracy of 1 picosecond, and a large dynamic range up to 50 km as well as no measurement dead zone.

Accurate self-calibrated fiber transfer delay measurement.

An accurate self-calibrated fiber transfer delay measurement method is demonstrated. Using the simplified self-calibration configuration, the measurement uncertainty of fiber transfer delay is improved. To demonstrate the accuracy of the method, the measurement results of two systems are compared. It shows that this method achieves a sub-picosecond accuracy. Besides, the chromatic dispersion of fiber under test is also obtained, which is in agreement with the nominal value.

Expression of lamin A/C protein in degenerated human intervertebral disc.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the expression characteristics of lamin A/C proteins in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVD) specimens from patients with different degeneration grades. Lamin A/C proteins have been shown to result in age-related changes in the osteoarticular system. However, the expression characteristics of these nuclear proteins in degenerated human IVD tissues have not been explored previously. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Degenerated human IVD tissues were obtained during spinal surgery. Articular cartilage samples after total knee replacement surgery were used as controls. Sections of these tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, safranin O, and immunostained using lamin A/C antibody. Western blot was performed to evaluate lamin A/C expression in IVD tissues. Lamin A/C expression was analyzed based on different degeneration grades. RESULTS: In patients with IVD degeneration, mild or moderate degenerative discs contained high amounts of lamin A/C proteins. Lamin A/C expression was primarily localized in the nuclear envelope of IVD cells, and associated with apoptosis in cell nuclei, as determined by immunostaining and TUNEL assay. CONCLUSIONS: This paper is the first to report that lamin A/C proteins are present in IVD tissues and its expression may be related to disc degeneration.

Robust absorption broadband in one-dimensional metallic-dielectric quasi-periodic structure.

We demonstrated that a broad and robust absorption band for a wide range of incidence angles and for both polarizations can be realized using a one-dimensional metallic-dielectric quasi-periodic structure, when the thickness of the constituent metal is comparable to its skin depth. The absorptance in such peculiar structure can exceed 99% to meet different applications. Furthermore, employing the effective medium approach, a theoretical expression has been deduced to instruct the working frequency of the absorption band. By tuning the permittivity and thickness of the constituent layers, the robust absorption band can cover the wavelength from the visible to the near-infrared.

Self-trapped spatiotemporal necklace-ring solitons in the Ginzburg-Landau equation.

We consider a class of self-trapped spatiotemporal solitons: spatiotemporal necklace-ring solitons, whose intensities are azimuthally periodically modulated. We reveal numerically that the spatiotemporal necklace-ring solitons carrying zero, integer, and even fractional angular momentum can be self-trapped over a huge propagation distance in the three-dimensional cubic-quintic complex Ginzburg-Landau equation, even in the presence of random perturbations.

Accurate and fast fiber transfer delay measurement based on phase discrimination and frequency measurement.

An accurate and fast fiber transfer delay measurement method is demonstrated. As a key technique, a simple ambiguity resolving process based on phase discrimination and frequency measurement is used to overcome the contradiction between measurement accuracy and system complexity. The system achieves a high measurement accuracy of 0.2 ps with a 0.1 ps measurement resolution and a large dynamic range up to 50 km as well as no dead zone.

Enhancing local luminescence in a hollow ZnO microcolumn by antiresonant reflecting.

Hollow ZnO microcolumns with size induced photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties were prepared by a thermal chemical vapor transport and condensation method. It was found that the luminescence emission could be confined in the nano-sized hollow core and the wavelength dependent light intensity could be influenced by the geometric structure of the ZnO microcolumn, which can act as a hollow optical waveguide. Based on the antiresonant reflection in the optical waveguide, we established a theoretical model to address the field enhancement in the hollow ZnO microcolumn, which systematically clarifies the influence of the geometric structure of the microcolumn on the field enhancement. We report for the first time, the enhanced emission of the near ultraviolet light (working wavelength of 385 nm) along the axial direction of the ZnO microcolumn. The corresponding microsized light emitter has also been obtained. Experiments agree well with both theoretical predictions and computer simulations based on the finite-difference time-domain method with perfectly matched layer boundary conditions. These findings provide valuable information for the application of ZnO micro- and nanostructures in optoelectronic devices.

Formation principles of two-dimensional compound photonic lattices by one-step holographic lithography.

From the view of crystallography, a systematic theoretical study on one-step formation of two-dimensional compound photonic lattices by four noncoplanar elliptical waves is presented. A general formula for the interference intensity of N elliptically polarized waves, and relevant phase shifts that compensate for the initial phases and control the relative position and size of the motifs, have been deduced. Using appropriate polarization configurations, four kinds of beam geometries can be used to form various compound lattices. This provides an ideal new experimental platform for fabricating large-area compound photonic lattices.

Tunable sharp angular defect mode with invariant transmitted frequency range in one-dimensional photonic crystals containing negative index materials.

We propose a different photonic crystal structure with a novel defect mode. In this defect mode, the transmitted angle is sharp and the pass band is of rectangular shape. Surprisingly, there is a critical refractive index of the defect layer in the crystal. By changing the refractive index in a range higher than this critical value, the sharp transmitted angle can be tuned with transmitted frequency range maintained; when the refractive index is lower than this critical value, only the transmittance of the defect mode is adjusted, with the sharp transmitted angle and transmitted frequency kept unchanged. All these phenomena provide possible mechanisms for angular filtering, optical switching (i.e., an optical switch working in the angular domain) and setting optical limits.

Square Kilometre Array Telescope--Precision Reference Frequency Synchronisation via 1f-2f Dissemination.

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is an international effort to build the world's largest radio telescope, with a one-square-kilometre collecting area. In addition to its ambitious scientific objectives, such as probing cosmic dawn and the cradle of life, the SKA demands several revolutionary technological breakthroughs, such as ultra-high precision synchronisation of the frequency references for thousands of antennas. In this report, with the purpose of application to the SKA, we demonstrate a frequency reference dissemination and synchronisation scheme in which the phase-noise compensation function is applied at the client site. Hence, one central hub can be linked to a large number of client sites, thus forming a star-shaped topology. As a performance test, a 100-MHz reference frequency signal from a hydrogen maser (H-maser) clock is disseminated and recovered at two remote sites. The phase-noise characteristics of the recovered reference frequency signal coincide with those of the H-maser source and satisfy the SKA requirements.

[Protection of superoxide dismutase on hypoxia-reoxygenation injury to endothelial cell].

Short term hypoxia induced endothelial cells (ECs) injury, as manifested in increasing lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, decreasing nitric oxide (NO) production and antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and increased intracellular calcium concentration, which were further exaggerated by reoxygenation. Administration of 200 U/ml superoxide dismutase (SOD) before hypoxia could partially prevent EC from such injuries, suggesting that the presence of oxygen free radicals may be one of the main factors involved in hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. The ameliorative effect of SOD in case is obviously due to elimination of oxygen free radicals.

[The effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide on vascular tension in two-kidney, one clip model of hypertension].

In the present study, the effects of lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on endothelial function in the two-kidney, one clip model of hypertension were observed. The results showed that the increase of blood pressure in hypertension rats (HR) could be prevented significantly by treatment with 10% LBP. In isolated aortic rings of LBP-treated rats, the contraction of phenylephrine (PE) was reduced as compared with HR rats. Removal of the endothelium abolished the difference of PE-induced vasoconstriction among groups. In vitro incubation of aortic rings from LBP-treated rats with methyl blue (MB) or N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) increased the magnitude of PE-induced contraction. Meanwhile the response to acetylcholine (ACh) was significantly increased in LBP-treated rats, but the response to nitroprusside had no significant difference among groups. Pretreatment with L-arginine partially restored ACh-induced relaxation in RH rats, but no effect in LBP-treated rats. These results suggested that the role of LBP in decreasing vasoconstriction to PE may be mediated by increase of the effects or/and production of endothelium-derived relaxation factor (EDRF). LBP increased formation of EDRF may be related to increase the substrate of EDRF.

[Integrated control of pests injuring Chinese hawthorn Crataegus pinatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br. by nonpollution techniques].

Field experiments on integrated control of pests injuring Chinese hawthorn by some nonpollution techniques including agricultural biological and physical methods, were carried out in Xinglong County, Hebei Province during 1989-1991. Satisfactory results were obtained. Compared with synthetic pesticides, the new techniques improve the control effect by 30%-60% generally, increase the number of natural enemies by 51.26%-68.51%, and enhance the yield by 47.58%. The test shows that the hawthorns from the field treated by the new techniques are either free of pesticide residual or with a residual 500-1000 times less than the residual standard fixed by FAO/WHO or the state.

[The dynamic changes of NOSmRNA in endothelial cells of aortae and pulmonary arteries in rats under tail suspension].

Objective. Through the observations of dynamic changes of eNOSmRNA and iNOSmRNA in arterial endothelial cells of systematic circulation and pulmonary circulation under simulated weightlessness, to collect some data for studies of the adaptive mechanisms of local regulation in arterial systems. Method. Wistar rats were -30 degrees tail suspended to simulate the effects of weightlessness. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (CON), 7-day tail suspension group (TS7) and 14-day tail suspension group (TS14). Changes of NOSmRNA expresses in endothelial cells of the thoracic aortae and pulmonary arteries were observed with in situ hybridization technique. Result. The eNOSmRNA and iNOSmRNA of thoracic aortic and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells in TS7 rats increased very significantly. The eNOSmRNA of thoracic aortic endothelial cells from TS14 rats returned to control level, but remained very significantly increased in pulmonary arteries. The iNOSmRNA in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from TS14 rats decreased very significantly, but that in thoracic aortae returned to the control level. Conclusion. The responses of eNOSmRNA and iNOSmRNA in arterial endothelial cells of systematic circulation to tail suspension were similar, but they were different in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells, which might be due to the difference in the peak course of the shift of fluid from lower body entering the pulmonary or systematic circulation during initial period of simulated weightlessness. It could be a kind of important sign of depressed local regulative function under simulated weightlessness and might contribute to orthostatic intolerance after simulated weightlessness.

N(6)-(3-methoxyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) adenine riboside induces sedative and hypnotic effects via GAD enzyme activation in mice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: N(6)-(3-methoxyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) adenine riboside (B2) is an analog of N(6)-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenine riboside (NHBA), which was originally isolated from Gastrodia elata Blume. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that B2 can produce strong sedative and hypnotic effects, but the mechanism remains to be determined. There is evidence that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a major role in sleep regulation, and participates in the sedative and hypnotic effects of B2. Therefore, we studied the interactions between B2 and several GABAergic neurochemical parameters based on the sedative and hypnotic effects of B2. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The GABA and glutamic acid (Glu) in the mouse brain were derivatized with o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and measured by high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The GAD and GABA-T enzyme activities were determined by measuring GABA and NADH production, respectively. The sleep structure analyses were performed by EEG studies in mice. KEY RESULTS: B2 increased the GABA levels and GAD enzyme activity in the mouse hypothalamus and cortex. The EEG results confirmed that B2 significantly shortened the sleep latency and increased the amount of NREM sleep. The GAD enzyme inhibitor semicarbazide (SCZ) blocked the sedative and hypnotic effects of B2. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings suggest that the GAD enzyme plays a significant role in the sedative and hypnotic effects of B2. Therefore B2 may be a promising candidate for further clinical studies and the appropriate use of GAD agonist may be a promising approach for sleep disorders.

[Association of air pollution with unscheduled outpatient visits in Beijing Longfu Hospital, 1991].

Outpatient visits to Beijing Longfu Hospital, a community-based hospital, were analyzed to assess the association of air pollution with daily outpatient visits in 1991. Measurements of total suspended particulate (TSP) were available for 224 days (mean was 359 micrograms/m3) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) for 221 days (mean was 124 micrograms/m3). The effects of TSP and SO2 were assessed by linear regressions adjusting for temperature, humidity, seasons and the workdays as covariables with a Markov correction for auto-correlation in time series data. There was a significant exposure-response relationship between TSP level and non-surgery outpatient visits but not for surgery visits. SO2 was only significantly associated with pediatric visits.