Buried interface molecular hybrid for inverted perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells with an inverted architecture provide a key pathway for commercializing this emerging photovoltaic technology because of the better power conversion efficiency and operational stability compared with the normal device structure. Specifically, power conversion efficiencies of the inverted perovskite solar cells have exceeded 25% owing to the development of improved self-assembled molecules1-5 and passivation strategies6-8. However, poor wettability and agglomeration of self-assembled molecules9-12 cause interfacial losses, impeding further improvement in the power conversion efficiency and stability. Here we report a molecular hybrid at the buried interface in inverted perovskite solar cells that co-assembled the popular self-assembled molecule [4-(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz) with the multiple aromatic carboxylic acid 4,4',4″-nitrilotribenzoic acid (NA) to improve the heterojunction interface. The molecular hybrid of Me-4PACz with NA could substantially improve the interfacial characteristics. The resulting inverted perovskite solar cells demonstrated a record certified steady-state efficiency of 26.54%. Crucially, this strategy aligns seamlessly with large-scale manufacturing, achieving one of the highest certified power conversion efficiencies for inverted mini-modules at 22.74% (aperture area 11.1 cm2). Our device also maintained 96.1% of its initial power conversion efficiency after more than 2,400 h of 1-sun operation in ambient air.

Highly-reflective facet-coated multi-wavelength DFB laser array with exact wavelength spacings.

A distributed feedback (DFB) laser array of twenty wavelengths with highly reflective and anti-reflective (HR-AR) coated facets is both theoretically analyzed and experimentally validated. While the HR facet coating enhances high wall-plug efficiency, it inadvertently introduces a random facet grating phase, thereby compromising the lasing wavelength's predictability and the stability of the single-longitudinal-mode (SLM). In this study, two key advancements are introduced: first, the precisely spaced wavelength is achieved with an error of within ±0.2 nm using the reconstruction-equivalent-chirp (REC) technique; second, the random grating phase on the HR-coated facet is compensated by a controllable distributed phase shift through a two-section laser structure. The SLM stability can be improved while the wavelength can be continuously tuned to the standard wavelength grid. The overall chip size is compact with an area of 4000 × 500 µm2. The proposed laser array has a light power intensity above 13 dBm per wavelength, a high side mode suppression ratio above 50 dB, and low relative intensity noise under -160 dB/Hz. These attributes make it apt for deployment in DWDM-based optical communication systems and as a light source for optical I/O.

Photonic convolution accelerator based on a hybrid integrated multi-wavelength laser array by photonic wire bonding for real-time image classification.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a compact and efficient photonic convolution accelerator based on a hybrid integrated multi-wavelength DFB laser array by photonic wire bonding. The photonic convolution accelerator operates at 60.12 GOPS for one 3 × 3 kernel with a convolution window vertical sliding stride of 1 and generates 500 images of real-time image classification. Furthermore, real-time image classification on the MNIST database of handwritten digits with a prediction accuracy of 93.86% is achieved. This work provides a novel, to the best of our knowledge, compact hybrid integration platform to realize the optical convolutional neural networks.

Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction promotes PDGF-primed bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for myocardial protection in acute Myocardial Infarction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) has emerged as a promising strategy for the targeted delivery of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the ischemic myocardium. However, the limited migration capacity and poor survival of MSCs remains a major therapeutic barrier. The present study was performed to investigate the synergistic effect of UTMD with platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) on the homing of MSCs for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: MSCs from male donor rats were treated with PDGF-BB, and a novel microbubble formulation was prepared using a thin-film hydration method. In vivo, MSCs with or without PDGF-BB pretreatment were transplanted by UTMD after inducing AMI in experimental rats. The therapeutic efficacy of PDGF-BB-primed MSCs on myocardial apoptosis, angiogenesis, cardiac function and scar repair was estimated. The effects and molecular mechanisms of PDGF-BB on MSC migration and survival were explored in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that the biological effects of UTMD increased the local levels of stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), which promoted the migration of transplanted MSCs to the ischemic region. Compared with UTMD alone, UTMD combined with PDGF-BB pretreatment significantly increased the cardiac homing of MSCs, which subsequently reduced myocardial apoptosis, promoted neovascularization and tissue repair, and increased cardiac function 30 days after MI. The vitro results demonstrated that PDGF-BB enhanced MSC migration and protected these cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, PDGF-BB pretreatment promoted MSC migration and inhibited H2O2-induced MSC apoptosis via activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Furthermore, crosstalk between PDGF-BB and stromal-derived factor-1/chemokine receptor 4 (SDF-1/CXCR4) is involved in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that UTMD combined with PDGF-BB treatment could enhance the homing ability of MSCs, thus alleviating AMI in rats. Therefore, UTMD combined with PDGF-BB pretreatment may offer exciting therapeutic opportunities for strengthening MSC therapy in ischemic diseases.

10×10 Gbs directly modulated DFB laser array based on the REC technique.

We proposed and experimentally demonstrated a directly modulated distributed feedback (DFB) laser array with a transmission rate of 100 Gbps (10c h a n n e l s×10G b p s). The grating design is based on the reconstruction equivalent chirp (REC) technique, which enables precise control of the channel wavelength spacing to 100 GHz, as specified in the ITU-DWDM standard. DFB laser arrays incorporating the REC technique demonstrate excellent consistency performance, with a side-mode suppression ratio exceeding 48 dB, threshold current of approximately 20 mA, and modulation bandwidth of greater than 13 GHz at a bias current of 100 mA. We evaluated the laser's performance by loading a 10 Gbps nonreturn-to-zero signal onto the laser using direct modulation and transmitting it over a 10 km single-mode fiber. Based on our experimental results, the proposed DFB laser array is promising to be utilized in the next generation of low-cost, 100 Gbps DWDM communication systems.

High-power tapered two-section distributed feedback laser based on a chirped sampled grating.

We propose and theoretically study a two-section high-power distributed feedback (DFB) laser with three equivalent phase shifts (3EPSs). A tapered waveguide with a chirped sampled grating is introduced to amplify the output power and keep a stable single-mode operation. The simulation exhibits the maximum output power and side mode suppression ratio of a 1200 µm length two-section DFB laser as high as 306.5 mW and 40 dB, respectively. Compared with traditional DFB lasers, the proposed laser has a higher output power, which may benefit wavelength division multiplexing transmission systems, gas sensors, and large-scale silicon photonics.

A giant ascending aortic aneurysm associated with a ruptured sinus of valsalva into the right atrium: Role of multimodality imaging.

A giant ascending aortic aneurysm associated with a ruptured sinus of Valsalva is rare. A 53-year-old male patient successfully underwent Bentall procedure after multimodality imaging which enable the correct diagnosis to be established and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography provides additional information on the surgical planning.

UBE2S promotes the development of ovarian cancer by promoting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to regulate cell cycle and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is one of the important factors that seriously threaten women's health and its morbidity and mortality ranks eighth among female cancers in the world. It is critical to identify potential and promising biomarkers for prognostic evaluation and molecular therapy of OV. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2S (UBE2S), a potential oncogene, regulates the malignant progression of various tumors; however, its role in OV is still unclear. METHODS: The expression and prognostic significance of UBE2S at the pan-cancer level were investigated through high-throughput gene expression analysis and clinical prognostic data from TCGA, GEPIA, and GEO databases. 181 patients with OV were included in this study. Cell culture and cell transfection were performed on OV cell lines (SKOV3 and A2780) and a normal ovarian cell line (IOSE80). The expression level and prognostic significance of UBE2S in OV were verified by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Through cell transfection, CCK-8, Ki-67 immunofluorescence, wound healing, Transwell, clonogenic, and flow cytometry assays, the effect and detailed mechanism of UBE2S knockdown on the malignant biological behavior of OV cells were explored. RESULTS: UBE2S exhibited abnormally high expression at the pan-cancer level. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blotting indicated that UBE2S was significantly overexpressed in ovarian cancer cell lines compared with normal cell lines (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Immunohistochemistry indicated that overexpression of UBE2S was related to poor prognosis of OV (HR > 1, P < 0.05). Results of in vitro experiments indicated that UBE2S gene knockdown might inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and prognosis of OV cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby blocking the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: UBE2S is a potential oncogene strongly associated with a poor prognosis of OV patients. Knockdown of UBE2S could block the cell cycle and promote apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and ultimately inhibit the proliferation, migration and prognosis of ovarian cancer, which suggested that UBE2S might be used for molecular therapy and prognostic evaluation of ovarian cancer.

Experimental demonstration of a photonic convolutional accelerator based on a monolithically integrated multi-wavelength distributed feedback laser.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple and energy-efficient photonic convolutional accelerator based on a monolithically integrated multi-wavelength distributed feedback semiconductor laser using the superimposed sampled Bragg grating structure. The photonic convolutional accelerator operates at 44.48 GOPS for one 2 × 2 kernel with a convolutional window vertical sliding stride of 2 and generates 100 images of real-time recognition. Furthermore, a real-time recognition task on the MNIST database of handwritten digits with a prediction accuracy of 84% is achieved. This work provides a compact and low-cost way to realize photonic convolutional neural networks.

Recombinant platelet-derived growth factor-BB alleviates osteoarthritis in a rat model by decreasing chondrocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease that mainly affects the diarthrodial joints. Treatments for OA include non-pharmacological interventions, topical and oral therapies, intra-articular therapies and joint surgery. However, all the treatments mentioned above mainly aim to control the symptoms instead of improving or reversing the joint condition. In this research, we observed the effect of recombinant platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB on OA in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat model and revealed the possible mechanisms. In vitro, the level of inflammation in the chondrocytes was gradually alleviated, and the apoptosis rate was gradually decreased by PDGF-BB at increasing concentrations. The levels of p-p38, Bax and caspase-3 decreased, and the level of p-Erk increased with increasing PDGF-BB concentration. In vivo, PDGF-BB could significantly reverse chondrocyte and matrix loss. Furthermore, high concentrations of PDGF-BB could alleviate cartilage hyperplasia to remodel the tissue. The level of collagen II was up-regulated, and the levels of collagen X and apoptosis were down-regulated by increasing concentrations of PDGF-BB. In conclusion, recombinant PDGF-BB alleviated OA by down-regulating caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. The effects of PDGF-BB on OA mainly include inhibiting chondrocyte loss, reducing cartilage hyperplasia and osteophyte formation, and regulating collagen anabolism.

Assessment of Myocardial Fibrosis Using Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Advanced Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to depict strain parameters derived from 2-dimensional (2D)- and 3-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking echocardiography and to explore which may best reflect myocardial fibrosis (MF) in dilated cardiomyopathy with advanced heart failure by comparing with histologic fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed 75 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with advanced heart failure who underwent echocardiographic examination before heart transplantation. Strain parameters derived from 2D- and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography were as follows: left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), global radial strain (GRS) and tangential strain (TS). The degree of MF was quantified using Masson's staining in left ventricular myocardial samples obtained from all patients. Seventy-five patients were divided into 3 groups according to the tertiles of histologic MF (mild, moderate, and severe MF groups). Patients with severe MF had lower 3DGLS, 3DGRS, 3DTS, and 2DGLS than those with mild and moderate MF. MF strongly correlated with 3DGLS (r = 0.72, P < .001), weakly with 3DGRS (r = -0.39, P = .001), 3DGCS (r = 0.30, P = .009), 3DTS (r = 0.47, P < .001), and 2DGLS (r = 0.44, P < .001), but did not correlate with 2DGCS and 2DGRS. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the area under the curve of 3DGLS for detecting severe MF was significantly larger than that of other strain parameters (0.86 vs 0.59-0.70, P < .05 for all). The multivariate linear regression models using 3DGLS (R2 = 0.76; Akaike information criterion = 331) was found to be a more accurate indicator to predict MF than that with 3DTS (R2 = 0.65, Akaike information criterion = 354) and 2DGLS (R2 = 0.66, Akaike information criterion = 352). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional GLS may be an optimal surrogate marker for reflecting MF in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with advanced heart failure.

LINC01158 works as an oncogene in glioma via sponging miR-6734-3p to boost CENPK expression.

BACKGROUND: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been certified to play vital biological functions in glioma and have received considerable attention in the recent literature. Nonetheless, the role of LINC01158 in glioma remains to be elucidated. METHODS: qRT-PCR, western blot and GEPIA database were applied for reporting the expression of CENPK and LINC01158 in glioma and the correlation between LINC01158 and CENPK expression. EdU, colony formation, CCK-8, caspase-3 activity and TUNEL assays probed the impacts of LINC01158 on glioma cell growth. Subcellular fractionation and FISH assays revealed the cellular distribution of LINC01158. Luciferase reporter and RIP assays examined ceRNA network of LINC01158, CENPK and miR-6734-3p. RESULTS: LINC01158 and CENPK were both overexpressed in glioma and a positive regulation of LINC01158 on CENPK was corroborated. LINC01158 served a pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic part in glioma by sponging miR-6734-3p to augment CENPK. CONCLUSION: LINC01158 enhances CENPK by serving as sponge for miR-6734-3p to facilitate glioma development, proposing LINC01158 as a new player in glioma.

Biomimetic PLGA Microbubbles Coated with Platelet Membranes for Early Detection of Myocardial Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Early diagnosis of myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury is important for protecting the myocardium and improving patient prognoses. Fortunately, the platelet membrane possesses the ability to target the region of MI/R injury. Therefore, we hypothesized that platelet membrane-coated particles (PMPs) could be used to detect early MI/R injury by ultrasound imaging. We designed PMPs with a porous polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) core coated with a platelet membrane shell. Red blood cell membrane-coated particles (RMPs) were fabricated as controls. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence microscopy were applied to confirm the membrane coatings of the PMPs and RMPs. In vitro imaging of the PMPs and RMPs was verified. Moreover, binding experiments were designed to examine the targeting ability of the PMPs. Finally, we assessed the signal intensity of the adherent PMPs in the risk area and remote area by ultrasound imaging based on an MI/R rat model. The platelet membrane equipped the PMPs with an accurate targeting ability. Compared with RMPs, PMPs showed significantly more adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells and collagen IV in vitro. Both PMPs and RMPs exhibited good enhancement ability in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the signal intensity of PMPs in the risk area was significantly higher than that in remote areas. These results were further validated by an immunofluorescence assay and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. In summary, ultrasound imaging with PMPs can detect early MI/R injury in a noninvasive manner.

Noninvasive Radionuclide Molecular Imaging of the CD4-Positive T Lymphocytes in Acute Cardiac Rejection.

Heart transplantation (HT) is an effective treatment for end-stage heart disease. However, acute rejection (AR) is still the main cause of death within one year after HT. AR is an acute immune response mediated by T lymphocytes, mainly CD4+ T lymphocytes. This study innovatively develops a radiolabeled probe 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbCD4 for noninvasive visualization of CD4+ T lymphocyte infiltration and detection of AR. The 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbCD4 and its isotype control 99mTc-HYNIC-IgG were successfully prepared and characterized. The specificity and affinity of the probe in vitro were assessed by cell-binding experiments. Binding of 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbCD4 to CD4+ T lymphocytes was higher than that of the macrophages and IgG probe groups, and mAbCD4 was effective in the blockade of the binding reaction. The biodistribution data confirmed the SPECT/CT images, with significantly higher levels of 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbCD4 observed in allografts compared to allograft treatment (10 mg/kg/d Cyclosporin A subcutaneously for 5 consecutive days after surgery), isografts, or in rats which received allografts injected with 99mTc-HYNIC-IgG. Histological examination confirmed more CD4+ T lymphocyte infiltration in the allograft hearts than other groups. In summary, 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbCD4 achieved high affinity and specificity of binding to CD4+ T lymphocytes and accumulation in the transplanted heart. Radionuclide molecular imaging with 99mTc-HYNIC-mAbCD4 may be a potential diagnostic method for acute cardiac rejection.

Prognostic value of bedside lung ultrasound score in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a useful and non-invasive tool to detect lung involvement and monitor changes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical significance of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the LUS score in patients with COVID-19. METHOD: The LUS protocol consisted of 12 scanning zones and was performed in 280 consecutive patients with COVID-19. The LUS score based on B-lines, lung consolidation and pleural line abnormalities was evaluated. RESULTS: The median time from admission to LUS examinations was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3-10). Patients in the highest LUS score group were more likely to have a lower lymphocyte percentage (LYM%); higher levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, hypersensitive troponin I and creatine kinase muscle-brain; more invasive mechanical ventilation therapy; higher incidence of ARDS; and higher mortality than patients in the lowest LUS score group. After a median follow-up of 14 days [IQR, 10-20 days], 37 patients developed ARDS, and 13 died. Patients with adverse outcomes presented a higher rate of bilateral involvement; more involved zones and B-lines, pleural line abnormalities and consolidation; and a higher LUS score than event-free survivors. The Cox models adding the LUS score as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.05, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.02 ~ 1.08; P < 0.001; Akaike information criterion [AIC] = 272; C-index = 0.903) or as a categorical variable (HR 10.76, 95% CI 2.75 ~ 42.05; P = 0.001; AIC = 272; C-index = 0.902) were found to predict poor outcomes more accurately than the basic model (AIC = 286; C-index = 0.866). An LUS score cut-off > 12 predicted adverse outcomes with a specificity and sensitivity of 90.5% and 91.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The LUS score devised by our group performs well at predicting adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and is important for risk stratification in COVID-19 patients.

Endoscopic treatment for choledocholithiasis in asymptomatic patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A few small retrospective studies recently found that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in asymptomatic compared with symptomatic common bile duct stones (CBDSs) patients appeared to increase the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). This study aimed to determine the risk of ERCP in asymptomatic CBDS patients. METHODS: A total of 327 consecutive patients with native papilla were invited to participate into the study and divided into two groups: 53 in the asymptomatic group and 274 in the symptomatic group, who underwent CBDS removal by ERCP. Patient's characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 46 (14.1%) patients had ERCP-related complications, including PEP, cholangitis, perforation, and bleeding. The overall complication rate in the asymptomatic group was higher than in the control group (26.4% vs 11.7%, P < 0.01). PEP was the most common complication (30/327, 9.2%). Of the 30 cases of PEP, 25 (83.3%) were mild, and the severity in both groups was similar (9/1/1 vs 16/2/1, P > 0.05). The incidence rate of PEP in the asymptomatic group was higher than in the symptomatic group (20.8% vs 6.9%, P < 0.01). Multivariate regression analysis identified asymptomatic CBDSs (odds ratio = 0.241, 95% confidence interval: 0.092-0.628) as being independently associated with PEP occurrence. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic CBDSs were associated with increased incidence of PEP compared with symptomatic CBDSs.

Multimodality imaging in preparation for resection of a right atrial cavernous hemangioma.

A cardiac cavernous hemangioma is an extremely rare primary benign cardiac tumor. Herein, we report a case of cavernous hemangioma in the right atrium and close to the coronary sinus of an asymptomatic 56-year-old male who underwent multimodality imaging and successful resection of the cavernous hemangioma. Our case highlights that multimodality imaging plays an important role in characterizing cardiac hemangiomas and determining the surgical plan.

Feasibility of a Nurse-Trained, Family Member-Delivered Rehabilitation Model for Disabled Stroke Patients in Rural Chongqing, China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Stroke rehabilitation was seriously inadequate in rural regions of China. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel nurse-trained, family member-delivered rehabilitation model for disabled stroke patients in rural southwest China. METHODS: A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted at a rural county hospital in Chongqing, China. Eligible stroke patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group or to a control group. In the intervention group, patients and their caregivers received stroke rehabilitation training focusing on mobility, self-care, and toileting delivered by trained nurses before discharge, and 3 post-discharge telephone calls at 2nd, 4th, and 8th week. The control group received routine care. The primary outcome was functional independence indicating by Barthel Index (BI) scores, and secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire, EQ-5D) and caregiver burden (Caregiver Burden Inventory, CBI). Outcome assessment was carried out at pre-discharge, 3- and 6-months after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 61 stroke patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=31) or the control group (n = 30). Compared with that in the control group, BI increased more at 3 months and decreased less at 6 months in the intervention group, there was a significant difference in mean BI scores across the three time points (F = 21.96, p = 0.0001), but no significant between-group difference (F = 0.94, p = 0.3371). In the intervention group, BI scores at 3-and 6-months post-discharge were higher than that before discharge (t = 8.38, p = 0.0001; t = 4.14, p = 0.0003). In the control group, BI scores at 3 months were higher than that before discharge (t = 5.29, p = 0.0001), but no significant difference at 6 months. At 6 months post-discharge, the intervention group and the control group had similar EQ-5D scores (p = 0.91), and similar CBI scores (3.67 vs 3.68, p = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the novel nurse-trained, family member-delivered rehabilitation model improved physical recovery indicated by BI scores without increasing caregiver burden, compared to usual care, for rural stroke patients in southwest China.

Caregiver-Delivered Stroke Rehabilitation in Rural China.

Background and Purpose- Stroke disability is a major health burden in rural China where rehabilitation services are inadequate. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a novel nurse-led, caregiver-delivered model of stroke rehabilitation in rural China. Methods- A multicenter prospective, randomized open, blinded outcome assessed, controlled trial was conducted in 3 rural county hospitals in China: Zhangwu, Liaoning Province (Northeast); Qingtongxia, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Northwest); and Dianjiang, Chongqing Municipality (Southwest). Adult patients (age 18-79 years) with residual disability (Barthel Index score ≤80/100) after a recent acute stroke were randomized to a new service model or usual care. The new intervention was multifaceted and was based on a task-shifting / training-the-trainers model, supported by a custom-designed smartphone application, where patients and caregivers received evidence-based in-hospital education and stroke rehabilitation training (focus on mobility, self-care, and toileting), delivered by trained nurses before hospital discharge, and 3 postdischarge support telephone calls. Outcome assessments were undertaken before hospital discharge and at 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome was physical functioning (Barthel Index scores) at 6 months, assessed by research staff blind to treatment allocation, adjusted for baseline covariates in an intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary outcomes included measures of mobility, health-related quality of life, mood, and caregiver burden. The study included a process evaluation that assessed intervention fidelity. Results- From November 2014 to December 2016, 246 stroke patients were randomized to intervention (n=118) or control (n=128) groups. There was no statistically significant difference in adjusted 6-month Barthel Index scores between groups (70.1 versus 74.1, mean difference, -4.0 [95% CI, -10.0 to 2.9]), nor any differences across the other outcome measures. Process evaluation interviews revealed that the intervention was desirable and positively accepted by nurses, caregivers, and patients but was considered too complex despite efforts to simplify materials for the rural context. Key strategies identified for future studies included the use of community health workers, smartphone application enhancement, and simpler and more frequent training for nurses, caregivers, and patients. Conclusions- A novel nurse-led, digital supported, caregiver-delivered stroke rehabilitation program did not improve patient physical functioning after stroke in rural China. Further stroke rehabilitation research suitable for resource-poor settings is required, with several components being suggested through stakeholder interviews in our study. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02247921.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with minor sphincterotomy for periampullary diverticular papilla.

Background To observe the outcome of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with minor sphincterotomy (mEST) for periampullary diverticular papilla related to stone removal. Methods Patients with confirmed periampullary diverticulum (PAD) during stone removal from May 2016 to April 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The Chi-square test with Yates correction or Fisher's exact test was used for the analysis of categorical data and a normality test was applied for continuous data. Results A total of 154 consecutive patients (89 males and 65 females, aged 51-87 years) with confirmed PAD during stone removal were included in the study. Cases were divided into the conventional EST group (n = 79) and the mEST plus EPLBD group (n = 75). The number of patients with an initial treatment success was greater in the EPLBD+mEST group compared with the EST group (96% vs 86.1%, p=0.03) and the procedure time for EPLBD+mEST was shorter than that for EST alone (46.1±13.7 min vs 53.3±11.6 min, p=0.01). The rate of complications in the EPLBD+mEST group was lower than in the EST group (17.3% vs 32.9%, p=0.04). When PAD was >15 mm, the initial success rate was higher (92.6% vs 73.9%, p=0.04) and the rate of overall complications was lower (14.8% vs 41.7%, p=0.03) in the EPLBD+mEST group than those in the EST group. Although, this was similar when PAD was <15 mm. Conclusion EPLBD+mEST might be safer and more effective than conventional EST alone for stone removal in the presence of PAD.