Miniaturizing a Chip-Scale Spectrometer Using Local Strain Engineering and Total-Variation Regularized Reconstruction.

A wafer-thin chip-scale portable spectrometer suitable for wearable applications based on a reconstructive algorithm was demonstrated. A total of 16 spectral encoders that simultaneously functioned as photodetectors were monolithically integrated on a chip area of 0.16 mm2 by applying local strain engineering in compressively strained InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well heterostructures. The built-in GaN pn junction enabled a direct photocurrent measurement. A non-negative least-squares (NNLS) algorithm with total-variation regularization and a choice of a proper kernel function was shown to deliver a decent spectral reconstruction performance in the wavelength range of 400-645 nm. The accuracies of spectral peak positions and intensity ratios between peaks were found to be 0.97% and 10.4%, respectively. No external optics, such as collimation optics and apertures, were used, enabled by angle-insensitive light-harvesting structures, including an array of cone-shaped backreflectors fabricated on the underside of the sapphire substrate.

A regenerable and reducing false-positive fluorescent switch for detection of ß-amyloid 1-42 oligomers.

The conventional fluorescence analysis methods for disease identification are vulnerable to the restriction with false-positive. Here, a fluorescent switch with high efficiency and regeneration by the black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets-regulated was developed to overcome false-positive issue in the assay of ß-amyloid1-42 oligomers (Aß) process. The Aß was rapidly recognized using the fluorescent emitter-nitrogen-doped carbon nanodots (N-CDs) under the regulation of BP nanosheets, while the N-CDs alone cannot recognize Aß without the introduction of BP. The fluorescence analysis methods exhibited a wide sensing range of 0.25-15.0 ng/mL and a low detection limit of 83 pg/mL for Aß analysis, which was superior to the reported fluorescence analysis method. Further, BP nanosheets were recycled, demonstrating the fluorescent switch with highly efficient, stable, and regenerable. This provides a new idea for developing high-efficiency and high-precision fluorescence detection platform.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese exercise for sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Exercise (TCE) for sarcopenia. Methods: A literature search was conducted in eight online databases from inception until September 2022. Based on the Cochrane risk of bias tool, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with RoB score ≥ 4 were included for further analyses. The primary outcome was muscle strength and physical function, and the secondary outcomes were adverse events. Data collection and analyses were conducted by RevMan 5.4 Software. GRADE system was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Results: A total of 13 eligible RCTs with 718 subjects were identified and included in this study. Among them, 10 RCTs involved Yijinjing; 2 involved Tai Chi; and 1 involved Baduanjin. Meta-analyses showed that TCE had better clinical effects than control measures in the chair stand test (P < 0.00001, I2 = 38%; Certainty of evidence: Moderate), squatting-to-standing test (P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%; Certainty of evidence: Moderate), 6-m gait speed (P < 0.00001, I2 = 13%; Certainty of evidence: Moderate), Time Up and Go Test (P = 0.03, I2 = 81%; Certainty of evidence: Low), peak torque of the extensors (P = 0.03, I2 = 0%; Certainty of evidence: Moderate), total work of the extensors (P = 0.03, I2 = 35%; Certainty of evidence: Moderate), peak torque of the flexors (P = 0.03, I2 = 47%; Certainty of evidence: Low), total work of the flexors (P = 0.02, I2 = 42%; Certainty of evidence: Low), the average power of the flexors (P = 0.03, I2 = 30%; Certainty of evidence: Moderate), and balance function (P < 0.00001, I2 = 53%; Certainty of evidence: Low). In additional, no adverse events were reported in participants who receive TCE. Conclusion: The findings of the present systematic review, at least to a certain extent, provided supporting evidence for the routine use of TCE for sarcopenia.

Protective Effect of Compound Formula Rehmannia against Neurotoxicity and Apoptosis Induced by α-Syn in In Vivo and In Vitro Models of Parkinson's Disease.

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of compound formula Rehmannia (CFR) against the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). After the in vivo and in vitro models of PD were established with overexpression α-syn induced, CFR was administrated into the PD model rats for 6 weeks or SK-N-SH cells with coincubation for 48 h. Apomorphine-induced rotation test, CCK8 assay, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot assay were performed to evaluate the behavioral changes, cell viability, cell apoptosis, α-syn, GSK-3ß, P-GSK-3ß (Ser9), P-GSK-3ß (Tyr216), and ß-catenin expression in PD rats or SK-N-SH cells. PD rat behavior results showed that the rotation numbers were significantly decreased in the CFR treatment group comparing with the AAV-α-syn PD model group. The cell viability suppressed by H2O2 and α-syn in SK-N-SH model cells was also significantly improved with CFR administration. Cell apoptosis and α-syn overexpression observed in PD rats and SK-N-SH cells were also inhibited by CFR treatment. Furthermore, the protein expression of α-syn, GSK-3ß, P-GSK-3ß (Ser9), P-GSK-3ß (Tyr216), and ß-catenin in in vivo and in vitro was also significantly regulated by CFR. The present study suggested that CFR may be considered as a potential neuroprotective agent against PD, and this application will require further investigation.

[Soil Aggregate Stability and Its Stoichiometric Characteristics in Robinia pseudoacacia Forest within Different Vegetation Zones on the Loess Plateau, China].

With the aim of studying the effects of different vegetation zones on soil aggregate stability and its stoichiometric characteristics, the soils under Robinia pseudoacacia plantations located within different vegetation zones on the Loess Plateau were selected as the research object. Indicators including the content, stoichiometry, and stability of different aggregate fractions were analyzed. The results showed that the content of >2 mm and 0.25-2 mm, the mean diameter (EMWD), and the geometric mean diameter (EGMD) of aggregate fractions were in the order of forest zone > forest-steppe zone > grassland zone. However, the stability proxies of aggregate fractions across the three vegetation zones indicated that the content and erodibility (K factor) of 0.053-0.25 mm exhibited an opposite trend. The overall trend of the soil organic carbon and total nitrogen of aggregate fractions among the three vegetation zones was that the forest zone significantly overtopped the forest-steppe zone and grassland zone, while the content of total phosphorus showed no significant differences among the three vegetation zones. Additionally, the content of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen of < 0.053 mm and 0.25-2 mm was the highest among the different fractions in the grassland zone, while that of 0.053-0.25 mm and 0.25-2 mm was the highest in the forest-steppe zone. In contrast, there were no significant differences in the content of organic carbon and total nitrogen in the forest zone among the different aggregate fractions. The total phosphorus content topped in < 0.053 mm fractions in the grassland zone and the forest-steppe zone, while that in the forest zone had no significant differences among the different aggregate fractions. Besides, the C:N ratios of < 0.053 mm and 0.053-0.25 mm in the steppe zone and the forest-steppe zone were higher than that in the forest zone, while that of 0.25-2 mm and >2 mm had insignificant differences among the three vegetation zones. The C:P and N:P ratios of fractions in the forest zone were significantly higher than that in the forest-steppe zone and steppe zone. Overall, the stability and stoichiometry of soil aggregate fractions exhibited relatively significant differences among the three vegetation zones. Additionally, the stability, soil organic carbon, and total nitrogen content of aggregate fractions in the forest zone were generally higher than those in the forest-steppe zone and grassland zone.

[Application value of reduced field intensity modulated radiation therapy for advanced cervical cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value and efficacy of reduced field intensity modulated radiation therapy (RF-IMRT) for patients with advanced cervical cancer. METHODS: Seventy-one patients with stage IIB-IIIB cervical cancer, who underwent reduced field IMRT (RF-IMRT group) and 72 patients treated with conventional radiotherapy (c-RT group) in Shandong Cancer Hospital between 2005 August and 2011 August, were enrolled in this study. The RF-IMRT plans were as follows: whole pelvic IMRT plan was performed to deliver an initial dose of 30 Gy, then the irradiated volume was reduced to lymphatic drainage region as well as paracervix and parametrium for an additional 30 Gy boost. Conventional 2-field RT plan was performed in these patients using ADAC Pinnacle 3 planning system, to be given the same prescription dose, and to compare the irradiation dose of organs at risk (OARs). At the same time, conventional 2-field RT was performed in 72 patients of the c-RT group. Concurrent chemotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy were also performed in the two groups. The treatment response, toxicities, normal tissue avoidance, and survival were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients of the RF-IMRT group and 65 patients of the c-RT group fulfilled the treatment plan. IMRT plans yielded better dose conformity to the target (0.711 ± 0.057 vs. 0.525 ± 0.062, P = 0.032) and better sparing of the rectum, bladder and small intestine (rectum: 41.6 ± 6.8 vs. 50.8 ± 3.2, P = 0.016; bladder: 40.2 ± 2.9 vs. 51.4 ± 1.8, P = 0.007; small intestine: 22.3 ± 2.6 vs. 35.8 ± 3.9, P = 0.004). The mean dose delivered to the planning target volume (PTV) was significantly higher in the RF-IMRT group than that in the c-RT group (60.8 vs. 51.2 Gy, P = 0.006). The RF-IMRT patients experienced significantly lower acute and chronic toxicities with comparable short-term effects than did those treated with conventional RT (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups for 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates, while a significantly higher progression-free survival (PFS, 65.2% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.031) rate was observed in the RF-IMRT group. CONCLUSIONS: RF-IMRT yields higher dose distributions and lower toxicities compared with conventional RT, and both the tumor target volume and pelvic lymphatic drainage region achieve curative dose irradiation, the adjacent organs at risk are well protected, and with tolerable adverse reactions. Yet, RF-IMRT provides comparable clinical outcomes and higher PFS.

Application value of reduced field intensity modulated radiation therapy for advanced cervical cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical value and efficacy of reduced field intensity modulated radiation therapy (RF-IMRT) for patients with advanced cervical cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-one patients with stage IIB-IIIB cervical cancer, who underwent reduced field IMRT (RF-IMRT group) and 72 patients treated with conventional radiotherapy (c-RT group) in Shandong Cancer Hospital between 2005 August and 2011 August, were enrolled in this study. The RF-IMRT plans were as follows: whole pelvic IMRT plan was performed to deliver an initial dose of 30 Gy, then the irradiated volume was reduced to lymphatic drainage region as well as paracervix and parametrium for an additional 30 Gy boost. Conventional 2-field RT plan was performed in these patients using ADAC Pinnacle 3 planning system, to be given the same prescription dose, and to compare the irradiation dose of organs at risk (OARs). At the same time, conventional 2-field RT was performed in 72 patients of the c-RT group. Concurrent chemotherapy and intracavitary brachytherapy were also performed in the two groups. The treatment response, toxicities, normal tissue avoidance, and survival were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sixty-six patients of the RF-IMRT group and 65 patients of the c-RT group fulfilled the treatment plan. IMRT plans yielded better dose conformity to the target (0.711 ± 0.057 vs. 0.525 ± 0.062, P = 0.032) and better sparing of the rectum, bladder and small intestine (rectum: 41.6 ± 6.8 vs. 50.8 ± 3.2, P = 0.016; bladder: 40.2 ± 2.9 vs. 51.4 ± 1.8, P = 0.007; small intestine: 22.3 ± 2.6 vs. 35.8 ± 3.9, P = 0.004). The mean dose delivered to the planning target volume (PTV) was significantly higher in the RF-IMRT group than that in the c-RT group (60.8 vs. 51.2 Gy, P = 0.006). The RF-IMRT patients experienced significantly lower acute and chronic toxicities with comparable short-term effects than did those treated with conventional RT (P > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups for 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates, while a significantly higher progression-free survival (PFS, 65.2% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.031) rate was observed in the RF-IMRT group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>RF-IMRT yields higher dose distributions and lower toxicities compared with conventional RT, and both the tumor target volume and pelvic lymphatic drainage region achieve curative dose irradiation, the adjacent organs at risk are well protected, and with tolerable adverse reactions. Yet, RF-IMRT provides comparable clinical outcomes and higher PFS.</p>

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for advanced cervical cancer: a comparison of dosimetric and clinical outcomes with conventional radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the dosimetry, efficacy and toxicity of reduced field intensity-modulated radiation therapy (RF-IMRT) for patients with advanced cervical cancer. METHODS: From August 2005 to August 2010, 60 patients with stage IIB-IIIB cervical cancer underwent reduced field IMRT (RF-IMRT group) and 62 patients treated with conventional radiotherapy (c-RT group) were enrolled. The RF-IMRT plans were as follows: whole pelvic IMRT plan was performed to deliver a dose of 30Gy firstly, then the irradiated volume was reduced to lymphatic drainage region as well as paracervix and parametrium for an additional 30Gy boost. Intracavitary brachytherapy and concurrent chemotherapy were performed during external irradiation. The tumor coverage and normal tissue avoidance were evaluated. Treatment response, toxicities and survival were assessed. RESULTS: The mean dose delivered to the planning target volume was significantly higher in RF-IMRT group than in c-RT group (61.5 vs. 50.8Gy, P=0.046). IMRT plans yielded better dose conformity to the target and better sparing of the rectal, bladder and small intestine. The RF-IMRT patients experienced significantly lower acute and chronic toxicities with comparable short-term effects than did those treated with conventional RT (CR: 87.7% vs. 88.3%, P=0.496; PR: 7.0% vs. 6.7%, P=0.440). No significant differences were found between treatment groups for 1year, 3year, and 5year overall survival (OS) levels, although the latter approached statistical significance in favor of IMRT, while a significantly higher progression-free survival (PFS; P=0.031) was seen for IMRT. CONCLUSIONS: RF-IMRT yields improved dose distributions, with lower toxicities, while providing comparable clinical outcomes. The increased PFS may be an advantage.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy as guidance for radical trachelectomy in young patients with early stage cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) detection using 99mTc phytate in predicting pelvic lymph nodes status for radical abdominal trachelectomy (RAT) in patients with early stage cervical cancer. METHODS: Sixty-eight women with stage IA2-IB1 cervical cancer and scheduled to undergo fertility-sparing surgery enrolled in this study. 99mTc-labeled phytate was injected before surgery. Intraoperatively, SLNs were identified, excised, and submitted to fast frozen section. Systematic bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and/or para-aortic lymph node dissection was performed. Then RAT was performed in patients with negative SLNs. All nodes were sent for routine pathological examination and immunostained with anti-cytokeratin antibody to detect micrometastases. Outcomes of follow up and fertility were observed. RESULTS: SLNs were identified in 64 of 68 patients (94.1%). Of these, SLNs of 8 patients (11.8%) were positive on frozen sections and proved to be metastasis by final pathologic examination. The sensitivity, accuracy, and false negative rates were 100%, 100%, and 0%, respectively. All 60 patients with negative SLN underwent RAT successfully. Two relapses occurred and no one died of tumor progression during follow-up. Five of the 15 patients with procreative desire conceived 8 pregnancies (3 term delivery, 2 premature birth, 1 spontaneous abortion, and 2 were still in the duration of pregnancy) after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of SLN using 99mTc-labeled phytate is accurate and safe to assess pelvic nodes status in patients with early cervical cancer. SLNs biopsy guided RAT is feasible for patients who desire to have fertility preservation.

[Chemical constituents of flavonoids from flowers of Koelreuteria paniculata].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents from flowers of Koelreuteria paniculata. METHODS: Column chromatography and spectral analysis were used to isolate and identify the constituents. RESULTS: The EtOAc fraction from flowers of Koelreuteria paniculata was separated and purified. Nine compounds were obtained and identified as:sitosterol glucoside (I), gallic acid (II), kaempferol (III), luteolin (IV), kaempferol-3-O-(6"-acetyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (V), hyperoside-2"-O-acetyl (VI), hyperoside-2"-O-galloyl (VII), hyperoside (VIII), kaempferol-3-O-D-glucopyranoside (IX). CONCLUSION: Nine compounds are isolated for the first time from flowers of Koelreuteria paniculata. Compounds IV, V, VI and IX are isolated from this genus for the first time.

The effect of phytohormones on safflower regeneration plant.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of phytohormones on the regeneration of safflower, in order to provide a foundation for the rapid propagation of safflower seeds and genetic transformation. METHODS: The experiment used the cotyledons as the explant and studied the influence of calli induction, differentiation and rooting by phytohormones. RESULTS: 1. Different hormones by single using induced calli, but didn't directly produce adventitious buds; 2. With the combination of different phytohormones on the differentiation of adventitious buds were significantly different, the roots were also significantly different; 3. Cotyledon calli induction medium: MS + 3% Sucrose + 0.7% Agar + 1.0 mg/L NAA; differentiation medium: MS + 3% Sucrose + 0.7% Agar + 0.2 mg/L NAA + 1.0 mg/L 6-BA; rooting medium: 1/4 MS + 2.0 mg/L NAA + 0.5 mg/L IAA. CONCLUSION: We have screened out the best culture medium of calli induction, differentiation and rooting via using singularity phytohormone and two phytohormones.

[Neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radiotherapy in treatment of patients with cervical carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in treatment of cervical carcinoma. METHODS: A clinical prospective study was carried out from Jan 1991 to Dec 2003. Totally 1609 patients with cervical carcinoma were given two cycles of combined chemotherapy before radiotherapy (neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, group A). Another 375 patients who accepted radiotherapy alone in our hospital from Jan 1989 to Dec 1990 were chosen as the control group (group B). Short-term control rate, long-term survival rate and complications were observed and analyzed. RESULTS: In group A, after two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the overall response rate was 74.5% (1199/1609), the complete response rate was 1.6% (25/1609). The survival rate of 3, 5 and 10-year was 90.3% (1017/1126), 75.3% (652/866), and 59.0% (200/339), respectively. Five-year survival rate in stage II was higher than that in stage III (P < 0.05), but 3-year and 10-year survival rate were not different between stages II and III (P > 0.05). In group B, 3, 5 and 10-year survival rate was 81.1% (304/375), 59.2% (222/375), and 40.3% (151/375), respectively. The 5-year and 10-year survival rate was significantly higher in stage II than that in stage III (P < 0.05). The 5 and 10-year survival rate was significantly higher in group A than that in group B (P < 0.05). The 3, 5 and 10-year survival rate of patients with adenocarcinoma in group A was obviously higher than that in group B (P < 0.05), and the 3 and 5-year recurrent and metastatic rate was significantly lower in group A than that in group B (P < 0.05). In group A, the short-term toxicity and side-effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were mainly slight and moderate, and the short-term and long-term radiation complications had no obvious difference between two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of cervical carcinoma. Because of satisfactory short-term control rate and high long-term survival rate, neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be popularized in clinical treatment, especially in those patients with adenocarcinoma and in patients at clinically advanced stage of cervical carcinoma.