Enhancement of blue and ultraviolet components in PCF-based supercontinuum generation through inter-modal dispersive-wave radiation.

Broadband supercontinuum (SC) light sources generated through nonlinear effects in solid-core photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have been widely used in spectroscopy, metrology, and microscopy, leading to great application successes. The short-wavelength extension of such SC sources, a longstanding challenge, has been the subject of intensive study over the past two decades. However, the exact mechanism of blue and ultraviolet light generation, especially for some resonance spectral peaks in the short-wavelength regime, is not yet fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that the effect of inter-modal dispersive-wave radiation, which results from phase matching between pump pulses at the fundamental optical mode and packets of linear waves at some higher-order modes (HOMs) propagating in the PCF core, might be one of the critical mechanisms that can result in some resonance spectral components with wavelengths much shorter than that of the pump light. We observed in an experiment that several spectral peaks resided in the blue and ultraviolet regimes of the SC spectrum, whose central wavelengths can be tuned by varying the PCF-core diameter. These experimental results can be interpreted well using the inter-modal phase-matching theory, providing some useful insights into the SC generation process.

[The value of cell free DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis].

Objective: To detect the cell-free DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Cf-TB) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM), and to assess the diagnostic value of this method for TBM. Methods: We prospectively included patients with suspected meningitis from the Department of Tuberculosis, Beijing Chest Hospital, Department of Neurology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital and Department of Neurology, 263 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from September 2019 to March 2022. A total of 189 patients were included in this study. Among them, 116 were male and 73 were female, aged from 7 to 85 years, with an average of (38.5±19.1) years. The CSF specimens of the patients were collected for Cf-TB, MTB culture and Xpert MTB/RIF. SPSS 20.0 was used for statistical analysis and the difference was statistically significant with P<0.05. Results: Among the 189 patients, there were 127 patients in the TBM group and 62 patients in the non-TBM group. The sensitivity of Cf-TB was 50.4% (95%CI 41.4%-59.3%), the specificity was 100% (95%CI 92.7%-100.0%), the positive predictive value was 100% (95%CI 92.9%-100.0%), and the negative predictive value was 49.6% (95%CI 40.6%-58.6%). Using clinical diagnosis as the gold standard, the sensitivity of Cf-TB was 50.4% (64/127), which was significantly higher than that of MTB culture (8.7%, 11/127) and Xpert MTB/RIF (15.7%,20/127) (all P<0.001). Using etiology as the gold standard, the sensitivity of Cf-TB was 72.7% (24/33), which was significantly higher than that of MTB culture [33.3%, 11/33, (χ2=10.28, P=0.001)] and was similar to Xpert MTB/RIF (60.6%, 20/33) (χ2=1.091, P=0.296). Conclusion: The sensitivity of the Cf-TB test was significantly higher than that of CSF MTB culture and Xpert MTB/RIF. Cf-TB may provide evidence for earlier diagnosis and treatment of TBM.

[Impact of different diagnostic criteria for assessing mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis: an analysis based on a prospective, multicenter, real-world study].

Objective: To compare the differences in the prevalence of mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) among patients with cirrhosis by using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and the Stroop smartphone application (Encephal App) test. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, real-world study was initiated by the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Portal Hypertension Alliance and registered with International ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05140837). 354 cases of cirrhosis were enrolled in 19 hospitals across the country. PHES (including digital connection tests A and B, digital symbol tests, trajectory drawing tests, and serial management tests) and the Stroop test were conducted in all of them. PHES was differentiated using standard diagnostic criteria established by the two studies in China and South Korea. The Stroop test was evaluated based on the criteria of the research and development team. The impact of different diagnostic standards or methods on the incidence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was analyzed. Data between groups were differentiated using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ (2) test. A kappa test was used to compare the consistency between groups. Results: After PHES, the prevalence of MHE among 354 cases of cirrhosis was 78.53% and 15.25%, respectively, based on Chinese research standards and Korean research normal value standards. However, the prevalence of MHE was 56.78% based on the Stroop test, and the differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (kappa = -0.064, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that the MHE prevalence in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 74.14%, 83.33%, and 88.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Chinese researchers, while the MHE prevalence rates in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C were 8.29%, 23.53%, and 38.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Korean researchers. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of MHE in the three groups of patients with Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C were 52.68%, 58.82%, and 73.53%, respectively, according to the Stroop test standard. However, among the results of each diagnostic standard, the prevalence of MHE showed an increasing trend with an increasing Child-Pugh grade. Further comparison demonstrated that the scores obtained by the number connection test A and the number symbol test were consistent according to the normal value standards of the two studies in China and South Korea (Z = -0.982, -1.702; P = 0.326, 0.089), while the other three sub-tests had significant differences (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MHE in the cirrhotic population is high, but the prevalence of MHE obtained by using different diagnostic criteria or methods varies greatly. Therefore, in line with the current changes in demographics and disease spectrum, it is necessary to enroll a larger sample size of a healthy population as a control. Moreover, the establishment of more reliable diagnostic scoring criteria will serve as a basis for obtaining accurate MHE incidence and formulating diagnosis and treatment strategies in cirrhotic populations.

[Early results of modified Bikini approach periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of developmental hip dysplasia under 50 years of age].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of modified Bikini approach periacetabular osteotomy in the treatment of developmental hip dysplasia under 50 years of age. Methods: The clinical data of 39 patients with developmental hip dysplasia who underwent periacetabular osteotomy in the Department of Orthopedics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital from June 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them, 20 patients (21 hips) underwent the improved Bikini approach (study group) and 19 patients (20 hips) underwent the improved Smith-Petersen approach (control group).In the study group, there were 3 males and 17 females, aged(M(IQR))27.5 (14.3) years (range:11 to 44 years).In the control group, there were 2 males and 17 females, aged 27.5 (19.3) years (range:17 to 47 years).Both groups were sutured in the same manner by the same physician.Incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss and complications were recorded.X-ray images, anterior central marginal angle (ACE), lateral central marginal Angle (LCE) and acetabulum tilt angle (Tonnis AI) were measured before and after the operation.The coverage rate of acetabulum to femoral head (AHI) was measured and calculated, and the healing time was observed.Harris Hip score, International Hip score (IHOT)-12 and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded before and after surgery.Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score and patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) score were recorded 12 months after surgery.The independent sample t test,Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ2 test or Fisher exact test were used to compare the clinical efficacy between the two groups. Results: All patients successfully completed the operation.There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (all P>0.05).The incision length of the study group was smaller than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (10.5(5.0)cm vs.15.0(3.0),W=309.000,P=0.007).Patients were followed up for (19.1±11.1) months (range:12 to 60 months).Femoral nerve stretching injury occurred in 2 cases and sciatic branch fracture occurred in 1 case in the study group, all of which recovered to normal at 3 months follow-up, while no corresponding injury occurred in the control group.Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury occurred in 3 cases in the study group and 2 cases in the control group.Delayed wound healing occurred in 1 case in each of the two groups, and both healed after re-operation debridement and suture.Pubic branch nonunion occurred in 4 patients in the study group and 5 patients in the control group.There were no serious complications such as sciatic nerve and femoral blood vessel injury between the 2 groups, and there was no statistical significance in the incidence of complications between the 2 groups (52.4%(11/21)vs.40.0%(8/20),χ2=0.631,P=0.427).The clinical healing time of the patient was (4.5±1.3) months after surgery (range:3.0 to 8.0 months).There were no significant differences in ACE, LCE, Tonnis AI and AHI between the 2 groups (all P>0.05).At the last follow-up, there were no significant differences in VAS,Harris hip score and IHOT-12 score between the two groups (all P>0.05).The incision scars in the study group were smaller than those in the control group, and the differences in VSS and POSAS were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the improved Smith-Petersen approach, the improved Bikini approach has the same early clinical efficacy in the treatment of patients with developmental hip dysplasia under the age of 50, and has the advantages of smaller postoperative incision scars, more hidden and beautiful incision, and no serious complications, which is worthy of further study and promotion.

Dual-energy CT perfusion imaging for differentiating invasive thymomas, thymic carcinomas, and lymphomas in adults.

AIM: To evaluate the role of dual-energy computed tomography perfusion (DECTP) imaging in differentiating invasive thymomas (ITs), thymic cancers (TCs), and lymphomas in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five patients with solid masses in the prevascular mediastinum who underwent DECTP examinations were enrolled in this study. The perfusion parameters (blood flow, BF; blood volume, BV; mean transit time, MTT; permeability surface, PS) and spectral parameters (water concentration, WC; iodine concentration, IC; normalised iodine concentration, NIC; the slope of spectral radiodensity [Hounsfield units] curve, λHU) of the lesions were analysed. RESULTS: There were no differences in the MTT or WC values among ITs, TCs, and lymphomas (all p>0.05). The IC, NIC, and λHU values in the optimal arterial and venous phases and PS values of TCs were higher than those of ITs and lymphomas (all p<0.05), and there were no differences between ITs and lymphomas (all p>0.05). The BF and BV values of lymphomas were lower than those of ITs and TCs (all p<0.05), and there were no differences between ITs and TCs (all p>0.05). The cut-off values for BF and BV used to differentiate lymphomas from ITs and TCs were 42.83 ml/min/100 g and 4.66 ml/100 g, respectively (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.847 and 0.839; sensitivity, 80.6% and 82.1%; specificity, 75% and 71.4%; accuracy, 78.9% and 81.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The perfusion and spectral parameters of DECTP imaging help to identify ITs, TCs, and lymphomas, and BF and BV values help to differentiate lymphomas from ITs and TCs.

[Effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and liraglutide on acute lung injury].

Objective: To explore the protective effect of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and liraglutide on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced acute lung injury (ALI) . Methods: AD-MSCs were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, LPS group (30 mg/L) , and LPS (30 mg/L) +liraglutide (10 nM) group. MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of AD-MSCs at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h. Annexin V-FITC / PI double staining flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of the cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 at 72 h in vitro. For the in vivo experiment, 60 male SPF BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group, ALI group, ALI+AD-MSCs group, ALI+Liraglutide group, and ALI+AD-MSCs+Lraglutide group. The mice were sacrificed on day 2 and day 7 after LPS treatment. HE staining was used to examine the pathological changes of the lungs of mice, and the scores of lung injury were measured. The lung tissues of mice were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of the marker protein Nanog of mesenchymal stem cells was observed. BALF was collected, and the number of BALF neutrophils was counted by Rayleigh Giemsa staining. The wet/dry specific gravity of mouse lung tissue was recorded. Results: The apoptosis of AD-MSCs stimulated by LPS was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) , and the proliferation of AD-MSCs at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h was significantly lower than that of the control group (all P<0.05) . The addition of Liraglutide reduced the apoptosis of AD-MSCs (P<0.05) , and promoted the proliferation of AD-MSC at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h. Compared with the control group, in the 2 d and 7 d model groups, the lung injury pathology of ALI group had lung injury, increased number of neutrophils in BALF (65.63±1.34 vs 1.74±0.17, 51.67±1.35 vs 1.55±0.13) ×10(4)/ml (all P<0.05) , and increased W/D of lung tissues. The expression level of Nanog protein was low in the 7 d model group. Compared with the ALI group, in 2 d and 7 d model groups, the ALI+AD-MSCs group, the ALI+liraglutide group, and the ALI+AD-MSCs+liraglutide group showed reduced lung injury pathology, and the number of neutrophils was decreased, (37.04±1.23, 29.17±0.68) ×10(4) / ml (all P<0.05) in the ALI+AD -MSCs group, (39.58±1.67, 35.42±0.25) ×10(4) / ml in the ALI+Liraglutide group (all P<0.05) and (28.54±0.37, 21.46±0.89) ×10(4)/ml (all P<0.05) in the ALI+AD-MSCs+Liraglutide group. Lung tissue W/D in the ALI+AD-MSCs group, ALI+Liraglutide group and ALI+AD-MSCs+Liraglutide group showed the same trend. Nanog protein expression increased in the 7 d model group. Conclusions: AD-MSCs play a protective role in acute lung injury in mice under the synergistic effect of liraglutide.

Primary vs myocutaneous flap closure of perineal defects following abdominoperineal resection for colorectal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Perineal wound complications after abdominoperineal resection (APR) have become a major clinical challenge. Myocutaneous flap closure has been proposed in place of primary closure to improve wound healing. We conducted this comprehensive meta-analysis to evaluate the current scientific evidence of primary closure vs myocutaneous flap closure of perineal defects following APR for colorectal disease. METHODS: We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to identify all relevant studies. After data extraction from the included studies, meta-analysis was performed to compare perioperative outcomes of primary closure and myocutaneous flap closure. RESULTS: Eighteen studies with a total of 17 913 patients (16 346 primary closure vs 1567 myocutaneous flap closure) were included. We found that primary closure was significantly associated with higher total perineal wound complications (P = 0.007), major perineal wound complications (P < 0.001) and perineal wound infection (P = 0.001). On the other hand, myocutaneous flap closure takes more operation time (P < 0.001) and increases the risk of perineal wound dehiscence (P = 0.01), deep surgical site infection (P < 0.001), enterocutaneous fistulas (P = 0.03) and return to the operating room (P = 0.0005). There were no significant differences between the two groups for other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first systematic review with meta-analysis comparing primary closure with myocutaneous flap closure of perineal defects after APR for colorectal disease. Although taking more operation time and an increased risk of specific complications, the pooled results have validated the use of myocutaneous flaps for reducing total/major perineal wound complications. More investigations are needed to draw definitive conclusions on this dilemma.

[Progress in research on tumor immune PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway in malignant bone tumors].

Programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 have been shown to play an important role in evading the immune system. In recent years, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has shown significant clinical effects in many malignancies, including malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, classic Hodgkin lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer and so on. PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway has become a new target of immunotherapy in patients with malignant tumors. However, there are few researches on immunotherapy in malignant bone tumors, and the progress of clinical research on PD-1/PD-L1 remains to be elucidated. This review started from the mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in tumor immunity, and analyzed the application prospect of PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in malignant bone tumors. We hope to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of malignant bone tumors based on PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway in China.

[Early functional recovery of direct anterior approach versus anterolateral approach for total hip arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early clinical effects of direct anterior approach (DAA) versus anterolateral approach (ALA) on safety and functional recovery following total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Between January 2015 and May 2016, a randomized clinical trial was performed at Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital. A total of 50 patients who underwent THA were allocated for either the DAA (n=25) or ALA (n=25). DDA group had 25 patients (25 hips), including 16 males and 9 females, with the mean age of (62±2) years, BMI of (23.26 ±4.95) kg/m2(range: 19.6 to 29.5), and preoperative Harris score of (33.4 ±15.5) (range: 17.9 to 48.9). Eleven cases were diagnosed as primarily hip osteoarthritis, 4 were developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH, Crowe 2) and 10 were hip avascular necrosis (AVN, Stages 3 to 4). ALA group had 25 patients (25 hips), including 18 males and 7 females, with the mean age of (59±3) years, BMI of (25.35 ±5.8) kg/m2(range: 18.2 to 29.8), and preoperative Harris score of (38.6 ± 16.7) (range: 23.1 to 56.5). Ten cases were diagnosed as primarily hip osteoarthritis, 3 were developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH, Crowe 2) and 12 were hip avascular necrosis (AVN, Stages 3 to 4). Operation time, incision length, intra-operative blood loss and functional recovery of hip postoperatively were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The surgical incision of both groups were stage I healing. The mean follow-up was 6 months. There was no significant difference regarding operation time, incision length, and intra-operative blood loss between the two groups. However, we also found that there was no significant difference in the Harris score 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. In addition, two patients in ALA group suffered claudication (physical examination: abduction dysfunction of hip). We also found that DAA group resulted in better recovery of abductor strength and gait than ALA group during early follow-up. CONCLUSION: Both DAA and ALA could obtain good results of early curative effect following THA. Moreover, DAA resulted in better gait than ALA during early follow-up.

[Clinical comparison analysis in surgically induced astigmatism of the total, anterior and posterior cornea after 2.2-mm versus 3.0-mm clear corneal incision cataract surgery].

Objective: To compare the surgical induced astigmatism(SIA) of the total, anterior and posterior cornea between eyes with 2.2-mm and 3.0-mm clear corneal incisions in phacoemulsification. Methods: A prospective double-blind randomized controlled study was conducted on 131 patients (131 eyes) with age-related cataract from October 2017 to June 2018. They were randomized according to the random number table. Sixty-nine patients received phacoemulsification through a 2.2-mm clear corneal incision at 140 degrees; 62 patients were recruited in the control group with a 3.0-mm clear corneal incision at the same position. Lens density was graded and compared between the groups preoperatively. Total corneal refractive power (TCRP), simulated keratometry (SimK) and posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA) (Apex, 4-mm zone) were recorded through the Pentacam preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Corneal astigmatism was decomposed to vertical/horizontal (X) and oblique changes (Y) using the power vector analysis. Independent sample t test and matched t test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 123 patients (123 eyes) completed 3 months of follow-up including 65 in the 2.2-mm group and 58 in the control group. The age of the two groups was (69±9) and (71±10) years old, and the lens density was (2.08±0.47) and (2.12±0.46) grades, respectively. Both the age and the lens density of the two groups were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). Preoperative TCRP, SimK and PCA were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). SIA was calculated using the vector analysis. Centroid SIA conducted from TCRP, SimK and PCA in the 2.2-mm group was -0.11 D@146°, -0.11 D@151° and -0.03 D@67°, respectively, at 3 months postoperatively. In the 3.0-mm group, it was -0.25 D@158°, -0.24 D@147° and -0.04 D@47°, respectively. Statistical significance was found between the two groups in the Y polar value of SIA of the anterior surface [(-0.10±0.30) vs.(-0.22±0.37) D, t=-2.133, P=0.035] and the SIA of the posterior surface [(0.24±0.16) vs. (0.19±0.12) D, t=2.009, P=0.047] at 3 months postoperatively. In the comparison of the SIA of TCRP and anterior surface, statistical significance was found in the absolute value of SIA at all the intervals in the 2.2-mm group [(0.87±0.80) vs. (0.58±0.48) D, (0.58±0.48) vs. (0.50±0.28)D, (0.57±0.37) vs. (0.47±0.28) D, t=5.102, 4.155, 3.877, all P<0.01] and at 1 week and 1 month in the 3.0-mm group [(0.82±0.57) vs. (0.58±0.41) D, (0.59±0.36) vs. (0.50±0.28) D, t=5.034, 3.919, both P<0.01]. X components of SIA(TCRP) and SIA(simk) were significantly different at 3 month postoperatively in 3.0-mm group (P<0.05). Y components of SIA(TCRP) and SIA(SimK) were significantly different at 1 week postoperatively in the 2.2-mm group[(-0.48±0.85) vs.(-0.24±0.42) D, P<0.01] and 3.0-mm group [(-0.58±0.66) vs. (-0.37±0.42) D, P<0.01]. Conclusions: Compared with the 3.0-mm incision, the 2.2-mm coaxial micro-incision cataract surgery has a lower and more stable SIA. The effect of a clear corneal incision in cataract surgery on the total cornea is more obvious than that on the anterior surface of the cornea. The difference is significant in the early stage and gradually decrease with time. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 495-501).

[The influence of two calculation methods on the outcomes of Toric intraocular lenses].

Objective: To evaluate the influence of Barrett calculator and AcrySof calculator on astigmatism correction effect. Methods: This is a randomized prospective study. A total of 64 cases (81 eyes) who planed to undergo phacoemulsification at Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital during January 2017 and March 2018 were enrolled and divided into two groups randomly, including of the Barrett calculator group of 34 cases (41 eyes) and the AcrySof calculator group of 30 cases (40 eyes). Preoperative ocular biological parameters were measured using Lenstar LS900. The Toric intraocular lenses (IOL) plans were determined based on Barrett calculator and the AcrySof calculator for the two groups respectively. Subjective optometry was performed by phoropter and Toric IOL alignment was detected by slitlamp examination at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was taken with the data of 29 cases (35 eyes) in the Barrett calculator group and 26 cases (35 eyes) in the AcrySof calculator group, there were 20 males (25 eyes) and 35 females (45 eyes) with an average age of (72±10) years. The difference between the predicted residual astigmatism by the two calculators and the residual astigmatism obtained by postoperative optometry is the error of refractive astigmatism (ERA). The magnitude error is the algebraic difference of ERA. Vector error(VE) is a vector difference of ERA. Statistical analysis of magnitude error and VE between the two groups were taken by student's t test or rank sum test. Results: At 1 months and 3 months, the magnitude error absolute value of Barrett calculator group were (0.19±0.16)D, (0.28±0.24)D, and those of AcrySof calculator group were (0.36±0.28)D, (0.46±0.41)D, and the differences were statistically significant (t=-3.050, -2.036, both P<0.05). At 1 month postoperatively, the overall, with-the-rule astigmatism, and against-the-rule astigmatism VE of the Barrett calculator group were (0.30±0.21)D, (0.26±0.22)D, (0.37±0.26)D respectively, and those of the AcrySof calculator group were (0.47±0.33)D, (0.51±0.34)D and (0.52±0.38)D respectively, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (t=-2.533, -2.436, -2.150, all P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the overall, with-the-rule astigmatism, and against-the-rule astigmatism VE of the Barrett calculator group were (0.37±0.28)D, (0.29±0.17)D, (0.35±0.27)D respectively, and those of the AcrySof calculator group were (0.59±0.46)D, (0.54±0.37)D, (0.64±0.52)D respectively, the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (t=-2.142, -2.038, -2.481, all P<0.05).The difference of X(EV) between the Barrett calculator group and the AcrySof calculator group was statistically significant[-0.13(-0.36-0.80)D vs. 0.19(-1.01-0.71)D, Z=-2.965,P<0.01], and the difference of Y(EV) was statistically significant [-0.02(-0.51-0.64)D vs. -0.15(-0.88-1.10)D, Z=-2.076, P<0.05] at 1 months. There was no significant difference in X(EV) and Y(EV) (both P>0.05) at 3 months. Conelusion: As compared to AcrySof Toric calculator, the application of Barrett calculator in selecting Toric IOL may reduce ERA and improve Toric IOL correction outcomes. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:208-213).

[MRI findings and pathological features of occult breast cancer].

Objective: To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and clinicopathological features of primary lesions in patients with occult breast cancer (OBC). Methods: The imaging reports from the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System in 2013 were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the morphology and the time signal intensity curve (TIC) of breast lesions in patients with OBC. The clinical and pathological characteristics of these patients were also included. Results: A total of 34 patients were enrolled. Among these patients, 24 patients underwent modified radical mastectomy and 18 of them had primary breast carcinoma in pathological sections. MRI detected 17 cases of primary lesions, including six masse lesions with a diameter of 0.6-1.2 cm (average 0.9 cm), and 11 non-mass lesions with four linear distributions, three segmental distributions, three focal distributions, and one regions distribution. Five patients had TIC typeⅠprimary lesions, ten had TIC type Ⅱ primary lesions, and two had TIC type Ⅲ primary lesions. Among all 34 cases, 23 of them had complete results of immunohistochemistry: 11 estrogen receptor (ER) positive lesions (47.8%), tenprogesterone receptor (PR) positive lesions (43.5%), seven human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) positive lesions (30.4%), and 20high expression(>14%) of Ki-67 (87.0%). The proportion of type luminal A was 4.3%, type luminal B was 43.5%, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) was 30.4%, and HER-2 over expression accounted for 21.7%. Conclusions: The primary lesions of OBC usually manifested as small mass lesions, or focal, linear or segmental distribution of non-mass lesions. The positive rate of ER and PR was low, but the positive rate of HER-2 and the proliferation index of Ki-67 was high. Type luminal B is the most common molecular subtype.

[Evaluation of progression-free survival for locally advanced rectal cancer by MRI after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision].

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of MRI features and pathological parameters on local recurrence, metastasis and progression free survival (PFS) for locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and subsequent total mesorectal excision surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 95 patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent total mesorectal excision after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of MRI features before chemoradiation and postoperative pathological parameters on progression free survival. Results: Among the 95 cases, 5 cases occured local recurrence, 21 cases developed, 3 cases including both locally recurrence and distant metastasis, 19 died and 47 had no recurrence or metastasis at the last of follow-up. Univariant analysis showed that MRI signs before chemoradiation, namely, mr circumferential resection margin, mr levator ani muscle invasion, mr lymphatic vessel invasion, mr tumor deposition and postoperative pathological parameters, yp circumferential resection margin, yp lymphatic vessel invasion were related to PFS (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis of Cox proportional hazard model showed that mr lymphatic vessel invasion and mr tumor deposition were independent factors for PFS (OR=2.774 and 3.029, P<0.05). Conclusions: Lymphatic vessel invasion and tumor deposition on MRI are independent prognostic factors for progression free survival of locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and TME surgery. To some extent, MRI signs can assess local recurrence and distant metastasis in locally advanced rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and mesorectal excision.

[Analysis on the exposure level and geographic distribution trend of toxicological indicators in rural drinking water, Shandong Province, in 2015].

Objective: To analyze the exposure level and the geographical distribution trend of toxicological indicators of rural drinking water in Shandong Province. Methods: The drawing method was used to randomly select no less than 60% villages and towns from 137 counties (cities, districts) of 17 cities in Shandong Province in 2015, and then 1-3 rural centralized water supply units were selected according to the circumstance of rural centralized water supply units in each village and town. In total, 735 villages and towns, 1 473 rural centralized water supply units were selected, and 1 473 water samples were collected. The water treatment process, water supply population and other circumstances of the rural centralized water supply units were investigated, the water quality was monitored, the content of toxicological indicators of drinking water in different areas was compared, and the trend surface isogram of excessive toxicological indicators was drawn. Results: The qualified rate of toxicological indicators in 1 473 water samples was 83.64% (n=1 232). The main toxicological indicators that affected the qualified rate of toxicological indicators of drinking water in rural areas in Shandong Province were nitrate and fluoride. The excessive rate of fluoride was 5.70% (n=84) and the exposed population was 1 736 709 (4.22%). The excessive rate of nitrate (as nitrogen) was 12.29% (n=181) and the exposed population was 1 393 612 (3.39%). The P(5)0 content of fluoride in the eastern, middle and western regions was 0.24, 0.29 and 0.59 mg/L, respective;which was higher in the western region than in the east and the middle regions (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the eastern and the middle regions (P>0.05). The P(50) content of nitrate (as nitrogen) in the eastern, middle and western regions was 8.00, 7.48, and 2.00 mg/L, which was higher in the eastern and middle regions than in the west region (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between the eastern and the middle regions (P>0.05). The trend surface isogram of nitrate and fluoride content showed that the content of nitrate (as nitrogen) in rural drinking water in the eastern region was significantly higher than that in the western region, especially there was a high peak area in the northeastern region, and this high content distribution extended diagonally to the central region, while the other regions were in a relatively low range. The content of fluoride in rural drinking water in the western region was significantly higher than that in the eastern region, and there were high peaks in the southwest and northwest regions, and the other regions were in a relatively low range. Conclusion: The high exposed toxicological indicators in rural drinking water in Shandong Province were nitrate (as nitrogen) and fluoride, and their distribution showed obvious geographical distribution trend.

[Preliminary evaluation of PET-CT and DWI for the detection of lymphoma bone marrow infiltration].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of PET-CT and DWI for the detection of bone marrow infiltration of lymphoma. Methods: The bone marrow samples of 93 untreated patients with pathologically diagnosed lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed. 61 patients underwent PET-CT examination, and other 32 underwent DWI examination. With bone marrow biopsy results as "gold standard" , the rates and sites of bone marrow infiltration of various lymphoma subtypes were analyzed, and the detection rates of the two imaging techniques were compared according to different lymphoma subtypes. Results: 39 patients were diagnosed as bone marrow infiltration based on pathological examination of bone marrow biopsies from routine sampling sites and bone marrow pathological examination of biopsies guided by PET-CT and DWI. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of PET-CT for lymphoma bone marrow infiltration were 80.8%, 88.6%, 85.3%, 84.0% and 86.1%, respectively; for DWI examination, these rates were 84.6%, 89.5%, 87.5%, 84.6% and 89.5%, respectively. The detection rates of the two imaging techniques for aggressive lymphoma were 37.5% (18/48) and 38.1% (8/21), respectively, which were slightly higher than those for the indolent lymphoma [23.1% (3/13) and 27.3% (3/11)], although the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.521, P=0.660). For both aggressive lymphoma and indolent lymphoma, the detection rates of DWI were numerically slightly higher than those of PET-CT(P=0.963, P=1.000). Conclusions: PET-CT and DWI have important and similar diagnostic value for bone marrow infiltration of lymphoma. None of PET-CT and DWI can replace bone marrow biopsy (BMB). However, image-guided bone marrow biopsies can improve the detection rate of bone marrow infiltration of lymphoma.

[Clinical study of 19 cases of steroid-refractory gastrointestinal acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with fecal microbiota transplantation].

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for treating steroid-refractory gastrointestinal acute graft-versus-host disease (GI-aGVHD) . Methods: This analysis included 29 patients with hematology who developed steroid-refractory GI-aGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in Huaian Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University from March 2017 to March 2022. Among them, 19 patients underwent FMT treatment (the FMT group) and 10 patients did not (the control group). The efficacy and safety of FMT were assessed, as well as the changes in intestinal microbiota abundance, lymphocyte subpopulation ratio, peripheral blood inflammatory cytokines, and GVHD biomarkers before and after FMT treatment. Results: ① Complete remission of clinical symptoms after FMT was achieved by 13 (68.4%) patients and 2 (20.0%) controls, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Intestinal microbiota diversity increased and gradually recovered to normal levels after FMT and FMT-related infections did not occur. ②The proportion of CD3(+) and CD8(+) cells in the FMT group after treatment decreased compared with the control group, and the ratio of CD4(+), regulatory T cells (Treg), and CD4(+)/CD8(+) cells increased (all P< 0.05). The interleukin (IL) -6 concentration in the FMT group was lower than that in the control group [4.15 (1.91-5.71) ng/L vs 6.82 (2.40-8.91) ng/L, P=0.040], and the IL-10 concentration in the FMT group was higher than that in the control group [12.11 (5.69-20.36) ng/L vs 7.51 (4.10-9.58) ng/L, P=0.024]. Islet-derived protein 3α (REG3α) was significantly increased in patients with GI-aGVHD, and the REG3α level in the FMT group was lower than that in the control group after treatment [30.70 (10.50-105.00) µg/L vs 74.35 (33.50-139.50) µg/L, P=0.021]. Conclusion: FMT is a safe and effective method for the treatment of steroid-refractory GI-aGVHD by restoring intestinal microbiota diversity, regulating inflammatory cytokines, and upregulating Treg cells.

Retraction Note: Role of long non-coding RNA SNHG1 in occurrence and progression of ovarian carcinoma.

The article "Role of long non-coding RNA SNHG1 in occurrence and progression of ovarian carcinoma, by J. Ge, X.-M. Wu, X.-T. Yang, J.-M. Gao, F. Wang, K.-F. Ye, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (2): 329-335-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201801_14176-PMID: 29424921" has been retracted by the authors. After publication, the article was questioned on PubPeer. Concerns were expressed about Figures 2 and 3, raising doubts about the originality of data and the reliability of the published results. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause https://www.europeanreview.org/article/14176.

[Gray matter morphological changes in children with cleft palate speech disorder].

Objective: To analyze the morphological changes of gray matter in clefts lip and palate (CLP) children using voxel-based morphometric (VBM) and surface-based morphometric (SBM) methods. So as to provide a reference for the neural mechanism of cleft palate speech disorder (CPSD) in CLP population. Methods: A total of 29 CLP children with CPSD who were admitted to Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Plastic & Tramuma Surgery, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology from January 2017 to January 2022 were selected (CLP group), including 9 males and 20 females, aged (9.6±3.2) years (5-17 years old). During the same period, 33 healthy children (healthy control group) were recruited in Beijing Children's Hospital, including 9 males and 24 females, aged (9.6±2.4) years (5-16 years). Results: There were no significant differences in age and gender between the healthy control group and the CLP group (t=-0.07, P=0.944; χ2=0.11, P=0.745). Compared with the healthy control group, the left inferior temporal gyrus, right inferior parietal angular gyrus, and left upper cerebellar gray matter volume in the CLP group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the volume of the right medial superior frontal gyrus was significantly increased (P<0.05). The left inferior frontal gyrus insula and the right insula cortical thickness of the subjects in the CLP group were significantly thinner [family-wise error rate (FWER) correction, P=0.035]. The right hemisphere cingulate gyrus isthmus sulcus index increased in the CLP group (FWER correction, P=0.040). Conclusions: CLP children with speech disorder have multiple language-related brain regions with reduced gray matter (GM) volume, decreased cortical thickness, and increased gyrificaition index. The abnormal changes in GM morphology in these brain regions may be related to the characteristics of cleft palate speech disorder in the CLP population.

The effect of BMP2/Smads pathway mediating platelet-rich fibrin on rat bone mesenchymal stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the influences on platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to rat Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs), as well as the role of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)/maternal signal protein homolog (Smads) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proposed research is approved by the ethics board of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. The BMSCs were isolated and purified. The BMSCs were assigned to a control group arbitrarily, PRF group, BMP activator group and BMP inhibitor group (hereinafter referred to as activator group and inhibitor group). Each group of BMSCs in the logarithmic growth phase was detected for the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity since 3 days and 14 days of culture; CCK-8 assay was conducted for detection of the proliferation of BMSCs; Real time PCR was conducted for detection of the osteogenic differentiation marker collagen I (COL-I), BMP2, Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA relative expression levels; Western-Blot detection of BMP2, OCN, P-SMAD1/5/8, relative expression level of RUNX2 protein. RESULTS: In contrast to the control group, BMSCs' the ALP activity of the PRF group, activator group, as well as inhibitor group increased for 3 days and 14 days, and the activator group>PRF group>inhibitor group (p≤0.05). ALP activity in each group was elevated with the increase in culture time, the ALP activity of the control group, PRF group, activator group and inhibitor group increased (p≤0.05). In comparison to the control group, the relevant expression levels of COL-I, BMP-2, RUNX2 and OCN in the PRF group, activator group, and inhibitor group increased, and the activator group>PRF group>inhibitor group (p≤0.05). The relative expression levels of BMP2, OCN, p-SMAD1/5/8 and RUNX2 protein in each group were statistically different, the activator group>PRF group>control group>inhibitor group (p≤0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PRF can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs by activating the BMP2/Smads signaling pathway.