Research on Detection Efficiency of Imaging Plates for Alpha Particles Using Two Types of Imaging Plate.

ABSTRACT: Imaging plates can measure isotopes with alpha decay (such as radon and its progeny, americium, and so on). However, the detection efficiency of imaging plates is affected by alpha particle energy, types of imaging plates, and the overlapping effect. In this study, simulations were performed to analyze the relationship between detection efficiency and these three influence factors. The research findings suggest that BAS-TR and BAS-MS are well-suited for the detection of alpha particles with energy levels below 6.83 MeV and above, respectively. The track overlap effect correction method proposed in this study is applicable to both BAS-TR and BAS-MS image plates. The measurement results of radon progeny demonstrate that the correction method enhances the detection efficiency from 0.203 to 0.288. This study presents a valuable approach for selecting the appropriate image plate and correcting the track overlap effect in the measurement of alpha radioactive material concentration and other related information.

Absolutely interferometric calibration of phase liquid crystal spatial light modulators using honeycomb gratings composited with Billet-split Fresnel zone plates.

The traditional interferometric calibration of phase spatial light modulators (SLM) based on interference fringes shift is easily disturbed due to environmental vibration. Here a kind of absolutely interferometric calibration of phase SLM is investigated to eliminate the disturbance using dual honeycomb gratings composited with Billet-split Fresnel zone plates (BsFZP), in which honeycomb gratings split an incident beam into three beams and the first two beams are interfered by BsFZP while the last beam is chosen as the absolute reference point. The experiments on both 532 and 632.8 nm incident wavelengths were separately carried out, and the measuring accuracy was proved by a SID4 wavefront sensor. The proposed high-accuracy calibration provided the basis for SLM application scenarios with high precision.

High Prevalence of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales Colonization Among Intensive Care Unit Patients in a Tertiary Hospital, China.

Intestinal colonization with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) has been shown as a significant risk factor for subsequent CRE infections, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal CRE colonization among ICU patients in a Chinese tertiary hospital. Fecal sample screenings for CRE were performed on ICU patients weekly. Antibiotic-susceptibility profile of CRE strains was determined using the Vitek-2 analysis system and broth microdilution method. The carbapenemases of all isolates were determined by phenotypes and genotypes. Clonal relatedness was analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Whole-genome sequencing was used to identify the multilocus sequence type (ST), plasmid replicons, and insertion sequences (ISs) of isolates. The overall colonization rate of CRE was 40.4% (82/203). A total of 84 CRE strains were detected, mostly with Klebsiella pneumoniae (92.9%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing profile revealed that 84 CRE strains were resistant to most antibiotics except for tigecycline and colistin. The carbapenemase-encoding genes including blaKPC-2, blaNDM-1, and blaIMP-4 were detected, and blaKPC-2 was the predominant genotype (90.8%). A total of 9 STs were identified among 84 CRE strains, and ST11 was the most common type (83.3%). A variety of mobile genetic elements, including plasmids and ISs, were detected via online tool prediction. PFGE analysis of the 78 K. pneumoniae strains showed 8 different pulsotypes, and pulsotype A was highly prevalent. This study found that the prevalence of CRE colonization was alarmingly high in the ICU, and that effective infection control measures are urgently needed to prevent the dissemination of CRE.

Neoadjuvant Camrelizumab for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Multicenter, Real-World Study (CTONG2004).

BACKGROUND: Camrelizumab has shown encouraging efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), either as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy. However, evidence of neoadjuvant camrelizumab for NSCLC remains lacking. METHODS: Patients with NSCLC treated with neoadjuvant camrelizumab-based therapy followed by surgery between December 2020 and September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical data, details of neoadjuvant therapy and surgical information were retrieved. RESULTS: In this multicenter retrospective real-world study, 96 patients were included. Ninety-five patients (99.0%) received neoadjuvant camrelizumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy, with a median of 2 cycles (range 1-6). The median interval from the last dose to surgery was 33 days (range 13-102 days). Seventy patients (72.9%) underwent minimally invasive surgery. Lobectomy was the most frequent surgical procedure (94 [97.9%]). The median estimated intraoperative blood loss was 100 mL (range 5-1200 mL), and the median operative time was 3.0 h (range 1.5-6.5 h). The R0 resection rate was 93.8%. Twenty-one patients (21.9%) experienced postoperative complications, with the most common being cough and pain (both 6 [6.3%]). The overall response rate was 77.1% (95% CI 67.4-85.0%), and the disease control rate was 93.8% (95% CI 86.9-97.7%). Twenty-six patients (27.1%, 95% CI 18.5-37.1%) had pathological complete response. Neoadjuvant treatment-related adverse events of grade ≥ 3 were reported in seven patients (7.3%), with the most frequent being abnormal liver enzymes (two [2.1%]). No treatment-related deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: The real-world data indicated that camrelizumab-based therapy had promising efficacy for NSCLC in the neoadjuvant setting, with manageable toxicities. Prospective studies investigating neoadjuvant camrelizumab are warranted.

Research on Three-level Enrichment Method Based on 222Rn.

ABSTRACT: Various low-concentration inert gases, including 222Rn, 133Xe, and 85Kr, pollute the atmosphere near nuclear facilities (e.g., nuclear power plants or reprocessing plants). Owing to the detection limits of instruments, it has become urgent to determine the concentration of these gases efficiently and perform their online monitoring. However, current technologies are limited by low enrichment efficiencies. In this study, a high-pressure, low-flow, large-volume, and high-efficiency adsorption method has been proposed along with a high-temperature, low-pressure, high-flow, and small-volume rapid desorption and collection method, which are based on the gas enrichment principle of activated carbon. The results demonstrated that when dynamic adsorption was implemented using a two-level enrichment method, the final desorbed gas concentration was proportional to the volume ratio of both the large and small activated carbon beds. At a volume ratio of 15:1, 222Rn concentration increased from 110 to 21,016 Bq m-3 after the two-level enrichment; meanwhile, 222Rn concentration increased from 110 to 42,012 Bq m-3 after three-level enrichment. The three-level enrichment technology provides technical support for the enrichment of low-concentration inert gases in the environment, while offering an important technical foundation for improving the monitoring of low-concentration inert gases in specific environments as well as the atmospheric environment.

Short-term efficacy of empagliflozin in children with glycogen storage disease type Ⅰb / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To analyze the short-time efficacy of empagliflozin in the treatment of glycogen storage disease type Ⅰb (GSD Ⅰb). Methods: In this prospective open-label single-arm study, the data of 4 patients were collected from the pediatric department in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 2020 to December 2022. All of them were diagnosed by gene sequencing and had neutropenia. These patients received empagliflozin treatment. Their clinical symptoms such as height and weight increase, abdominal pain, diarrhea, oral ulcer, infection times, and drug applications were recorded at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 15 months after treatment to assess the therapeutic effect. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was used to monitor the changes in 1, 5-anhydroglucitol (1, 5AG) concentration in plasma. At the same time, adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia and urinary tract infection were closely followed up and monitored. Results: The 4 patients with GSD Ⅰb were 15, 14, 4 and 14 years old, respectively at the beginning of empagliflozin treatment, and were followed up for 15, 15, 12 and 6 months, respectively. Maintenance dose range of empagliflozin was 0.24-0.39 mg/(kg·d). The frequency of diarrhea and abdominal pain decreased in cases 2, 3, and 4 at 1, 2 and 3 months of treatment, respectively. Their height and weight increased at different degrees.The absolute count of neutrophils increased from 0.84×109, 0.50×109, 0.48×109, 0.48×109/L to 1.48×109, 3.04×109, 1.10×109, 0.73×109/L, respectively. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was gradually reduced in 1 patients and stopped in 3 patient. Plasma 1, 5 AG levels in 2 children were significantly decreased after administration of empagliflozin (from 46.3 mg/L to 9.6 mg/L in case 2, and from 56.1 mg/L to 15.0 mg/L in case 3). All 4 patients had no adverse reactions such as hypoglycemia, abnormal liver or kidney function, or urinary system infection. Conclusion: In short-term observation, empagliflozin can improve the symptoms of GSD Ⅰb oral ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and recurrent infection, also can alleviate neutropenia and decrease 1, 5AG concentration in plasma, with favorable safety.

Risk factors for pulmonary cement embolism associated with percutaneous vertebral augmentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary cement embolism (PCE) was a rare but fatal complication for percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA). Thus we did a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies to investigate the risk factors for PCE after PVA. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, web of science, and ClinicalTrial.gov from the establishment of the database to September 2021. All eligible studies assessing the risk factors for PCE after PVA were incorporated. Dichotomous data was calculated by risk difference (RD) from Mantel-Haenszel method (M - H method); continuous data was analyzed by mean difference (MD) from Inverse-Variance method (I-V method). All variables were taken as measure of effect by fixed effect model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were also performed. RESULTS: This study totally included 13 studies. According to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), 7 studies were considered as low quality, with NOS< 6. The others were of relatively high quality, with NOS≥6. 144/6251 patients (2.3%) had PCE after PVA. percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) (RD = 0.02, 95%CI: [0.01, 0.04], Z = 3.70, P < 0.01), thoracic vertebra (RD = 0.03, 95%CI: [0.01, 0.05], Z = 3.53, P < 0.01), higher cement volume injected per level (MD = 0.23, 95%CI: [0.05, 0.42], Z = 2.44, P = 0.01), more than three vertebrae treated per session (MD = -0.05, 95%CI: [-0.08, -0.02], Z = 3.65, P < 0.01), venous cement leakage (RD = 0.07, 95%CI: [0.03, 0.11], Z = 3.79, P < 0.01) were more likely to cause PCE. CONCLUSION: This study showed that risk factors for PCE included PVP, thoracic vertebra, higher cement volume injected per level, more than three vertebrae treated per session, venous cement leakage. As a serious complication, PCE should be paid attention and avoided.

LaOx modified MnOx loaded biomass activated carbon and its enhanced performance for simultaneous abatement of NO and Hg0.

A battery of agricultural straw derived biomass activated carbons supported LaOx modified MnOx (LaMn/BACs) was prepared by a facile impregnation method and then tested for simultaneous abatement of NO and Hg0. 15%LaMn/BAC manifested excellent removal efficiency of Hg0 (100%) and NO (86.7%) at 180 °C, which also exhibited splendid resistance to SO2 and H2O. The interaction between Hg0 removal and NO removal was explored; thereinto, Hg0 removal had no influence on NO removal, while NO removal preponderated over Hg0 removal. The inhibitory effect of NH3 was greater than the accelerative effect of NO and O2 on Hg0 removal. The physicochemical characterization of related samples was characterized by SEM, XRD, BET, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, and XPS. After incorporating suitable LaOx into 15%Mn/BAC, the synergistic effect between LaOx and MnOx contributed to the improvement of BET surface area and total pore volume, the promotion of redox ability, surface active oxygen species, and acid sites, inhibiting the crystallization of MnOx. 15%LaMn/BAC has the best catalytic oxidation activity at low temperature. That might be answerable for superior performance and preferable tolerance to SO2 and H2O. The results indicated that 15%LaMn/BAC was a promising catalyst for simultaneous abatement of Hg0 and NO at low temperature.

Study on the Performance of an Alpha Energy Spectrum Radon Measuring Instrument Based on CdZnTe Detector.

ABSTRACT: To realize a fast and reliable approach for continuous radon measurements, a CdZnTe (CZT) detector based on the electrostatic collection method was developed. The experimental results show that when the external temperature varies from 5 °C to 30 °C, the maximum drifts of the characteristic peak positions of 218Po and 214Po are only 8 and 6. Furthermore, the measurement error associated with the constant radon concentration is less than 5.5%. As the temperature increases or decreases, the measurement error becomes larger, with the maximum error being 43.1%. The response of the proposed instrument for constant radon concentration is better than that of the RAD7 radon measurement instrument. At 25 °C, the value measured using the NRL-II radon meter with the PIPS detector is in good agreement with the actual value. The new radon measurement instrument exhibits a good compliance from the third measurement cycle (measurement deviation 0.53-3.95%), while RAD7 has good compliance from the fourth measurement cycle (measurement deviation of 1.17-4.88%). The theoretical and practical values of the iterative correction factor (influence of the previous measurement on the current measurement) of the radon measurement instrument are in good agreement. The iterative correction factor can be used for performing continuous radon measurements independently, with the aim of achieving a rapid response to environmental radon concentrations.

A PW12/Ag functionalized mesoporous silica-coated magnetic Fe3O4 core-shell composite as an efficient and recyclable photocatalyst.

The novel composite, Fe3O4@SiO2@mSiO2-PW12/Ag, was successfully prepared by in situ loading Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on the surface of grafted phosphotungstate (denoted as PW12) Fe3O4@SiO2@mSiO2via a photoreduction deposition method. PW12 not only acts as a reducing agent and stabilizer for Ag NPs but also as a bridge to link Ag NPs and the SiO2 shell in the loading process. Its activity toward the photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) and photoreduction of Cr2O72- anions was evaluated. Experimental results showed that Fe3O4@SiO2@mSiO2-PW12/Ag with 5.3 wt% Ag loading and 18.65 wt% of PW12 exhibits the highest photocatalytic efficacy, and complete degradation of MO and 91.2% photoreduction of Cr(vi) were realized under simulated sunlight for 75 min, respectively. The enhanced catalytic activities of the composite are due to its high specific surface area, the synergistic effect among the components and the formation of a heterojunction of PW12/Ag. The possible enhanced photocatalytic mechanism is proposed. The catalyst is durable and can be easily recovered using a magnet for recycling without a significant loss of catalytic activity.

Clinical and radiological subsequent fractures after vertebral augmentation for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) and prospective non-RCTs to further investigate whether percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) was associated with clinical and radiological subsequent fractures on unoperated levels. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, web of science, and ClinicalTrial.gov from the establishment of the database to January 2020. All eligible studies comparing subsequent fractures after PVA with those after conservative treatment (CT) were incorporated. The pooled risk ratio (RR) with its 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) was used. Heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed. RESULTS: In all, 32 studies were included in the study: 82/512 patients (16.02%) and 58/433 patients (13.39%) had clinical subsequent fractures in the PVA group and CT group, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the two groups [RR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.70-2.12, P = 0.49]. Further, 175/837 patients (20.91%) in the PVA group and 160/828 patients (19.32%) in the CT group had radiological subsequent fractures. No significant difference was observed between groups [RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.71-2.12, P = 1.16]. Further, no statistical difference was observed on subgroup analysis between RCTs and non-RCTs or PVP and PKP. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review revealed that subsequent fractures on unoperated levels were not associated with PVA, regardless of whether they were clinical or radiological subsequent fractures.

Xanthan gum protects temporomandibular chondrocytes from IL­1ß through Pin1/NF­κB signaling pathway.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a complicated and multi­factorial disease related to inflammation and cartilage destruction. Intra­articular injection of xanthan gum (XG) has been demonstrated to protect the joint cartilage and reduce osteoarthritis progression. However, the role and mechanism of XG in TMD is still unclear. In the present study, chondrocytes were isolated from rats and identified by immunofluorescence. Cells were stimulated by XG or interleukin (IL)­1ß. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF­α) and IL­6 levels were determined by ELISA. The expression of monocyte chemoattractive protein­1 (MCP­1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), collagens, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), peptidyl­prolyl isomerase 1 (Pin1) and phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (NF­κB) p65 (p­p65) was analyzed by quantitative PCR or western blotting. MMP activity was assessed by gelatin zymography. Compared with the control, XG treatment partially reversed the IL­1ß­reduced cell viability. In addition, IL­1ß stimulation increased inflammatory cytokine expression, including TNF­α, IL­6 secretion, MCP­1 and iNOS expression, whereas XG treatment reduced the expression of these inflammatory cytokines compared with that of the IL­1ß­stimulated cells. Additionally, XG increased the expression of collagen, but reduced MMP expression and activity as compared with that in the IL­1ß group. In addition, XG treatment prevented the IL­1ß­increased Pin1 and p­p65 expression. These data suggested that XG reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and may maintain the balance between collagens and MMPs partially through the Pin1/NF­κB signaling pathway in IL­1ß­stimulated temporomandibular chondrocytes. Therefore, XG may be useful in the treatment of TMD.

Tepidiphilus olei sp. nov., isolated from the production water of a water-flooded oil reservoir in PR China.

A novel, moderately thermophilic, Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated strain J18T, was isolated from a water-flooded oil reservoir. Cells were aerobic, oxidase- and catalase-positive, with a polar flagellum. Growth occurred at 35-60 °C and at pH 6-8.5. The respiratory quinones were ubiquinone 8 and ubiquinone 9. The dominant cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c). The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The strain showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Tepidiphilus margaritifer DSM 15129T (98.6 %), Tepidiphilus succinatimandens DSM 15512T (98.4 %) and Tepidiphilus thermophilus DSM 27220T (98.1 %), respectively, and the similarity to other species was lower than 93 %. In the phylogenetic trees, it constituted a unique sub-cluster within the genus Tepidiphilus. The DNA G+C content of strain J18T was 64.44 mol%. As compared with the type strains, the genome-to-genome distances of strain J18T were 34.7-40 %. These results confirmed the separate species status of J18T with its close relatives. On the basis of physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses along with the low levels of identity at the whole-genome level, it can be concluded that strain J18T represents a new species of the genus Tepidiphilus, for which the name Tepidiphilus olei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of T. olei is J18T (=CGMCC 1.16800T=LMG 31400T).

Oleiliquidispirillum nitrogeniifigens gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Rhodospirillaceae isolated from oil reservoir water.

A novel Gram-staining-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium, designated strain 64-1T, was isolated from oil reservoir water collected from Liaohe oilfield, north-eastern China. Growth occurred at 15-55 °C and pH 6.0-10.0. The sole respiratory quinone was Q-10. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c /C18 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0 and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), an unidentified aminophospholipid (UAPL), an unidentified aminolipid (UAL) and two unidentified polar lipids (UPL). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 64-1T was 64.5 mol%. Strain 64-1T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Phaeospirillum chandramohanii JA145T (92.0 %) and Telmatospirillum siberiense 26-4b1T (91.8 %). In the phylogenetic trees, the strain constituted a sub-cluster within the family Rhodospirillaceae. Based on the results of morphological, physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic analysis, strain 64-1T represents a new species of a novel genus within the family Rhodospirillaceae, for which the name Oleiliquidispirillum nitrogeniifigens gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 64-1T (=CGMCC 1.16798T=LMG 31399T).

Therapeutic effect analysis of skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion treatment by transmission straight wire technique / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and advantages of skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion treatment by transmission straight wire technique.@*METHODS@#Ninety-seven patients who received treatment for skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion at the Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2012 to January 2017 were selected for this retrospective study. All these patients refused surgery. They were divided into two groups in accordance with the type of skeletal malocclusion: mild-to-moderate skeletal malocclusion group (-4°≤ANB <0°) and severe skeletal malocclusion group (-8°≤ANB<-4°). Each of the two groups was divided further into two small groups in accordance with the technique used: T group (transmission straight wire technique) and M group (MBT technique).@*RESULTS@#The crossbite of all 59 patients in the mild-to-moderate skeletal malocclusion group was successfully treated. The molars were classified as classⅠrelationship, and the facial profile improved. Significant differences were found in the values of U1/SN angle, L1/MP angle, and Lip-Diff between the T and M groups before and after the treatment (P<0.05). The extent of incisor root resorption was lighter in the T group than in the M group (P<0.05). In the severe skeletal malocclusion group, the crossbite of all 38 patients was cured or partially cured. Fourteen patients showed severe lower anterior teeth inclination (five in the T group and nine in the M group), and the profiles did not significantly improve. Significant differences were observed in the values of U1-NA value, U1/SN angle, L1-NB value, L1/MP angle, LLP, and Lip-Diff between the T and M groups before and after the treatment (P<0.05). The extent of incisor root resorption was lighter in the T group than in the M group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Relative to the MBT technique, the transmission straight wire technique has great advantages in improving facial profile, reducing the compensatory inclination of the upper and lower anterior teeth, and reducing the risk of root resorption in the treatment of skeletal class Ⅲ malocclusion.

Clinical features and TTC21B genotype of a child with nephronophthisis type 12 / 中国当代儿科杂志

Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is a group of autosomal recessive tubulointerstitial cystic kidney disorders. This article reports a case of NPHP type 12 caused by TTC21B mutations. The girl had an insidious onset, with moderate proteinuria, renal dysfunction, stage 2 hypertension, situs inversus, and short phalanges when she visited the hospital for the first time at the age of 3 years and 6 months. The renal lesions progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) before she was 4 years old. Urine protein electrophoresis showed glomerular proteinuria. There were significant increases in urinary β2-microglobulin and α1-microglobulin. Gene detection revealed two compound heterozygous mutations, c.1552T>C (p.C518R) and c.752T>G (p.M251R), in the TTC21B gene, which came from her father and mother respectively. The c.752T>G mutation was a novel mutation. It is concluded that besides typical tubular changes of NPHP, marked glomerular damage is also observed in patients with TTC21B gene mutations.

Long-Term Outcome of Dynesys Dynamic Stabilization for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Many clinical studies over the past decade have indicated positive outcomes for patients treated with Dynesys dynamic stabilization for lumbar degenerative disease. However, long-term outcomes of Dynesys for lumbar spinal stenosis are rarely reported. The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated with Dynesys stabilization. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were treated with Dynesys stabilization from July 2008 to March 2010. The minimal duration of follow-up was 72 months. The patients were divided into stenosis and spondylolisthesis groups according to degenerative spondylolisthesis. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographic evaluations included range of motion (ROM) and the disc heights of stabilized segments and the upper adjacent segments. We also evaluated the occurrence of radiographic and symptomatic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). RESULTS: There were 23 patients in stenosis group and 15 patients in spondylolisthesis group. The ODI scores were significantly improved at the final follow-up evaluation, as compared to the baseline values (16.1 ± 5.7 vs. 57. 2 ± 14.2, t = 61.41, P < 0.01). The VAS scores for back and leg pain were significantly improved from 4.82 ± 0.89 and 4.04 ± 0.82 preoperatively to 0.93 ± 0.61 and 0.54 ± 0.51 postoperatively (t = 6.59, P < 0.01, and t = 5.91, P < 0.01, respectively). There were no differences between the two groups with respect to VAS and ODI scores. The ROM of stabilized segments decreased significantly from 7.8° ± 2.4° to 4.5° ± 1.5° (t = 7.18, P < 0.05), while the upper adjacent segments increased significantly from 8.3° ± 2.4° to 10.4° ± 2.4° (t = 2.87, P = 0.01). The change in disc height of stabilized segments was not significant (11.9 ± 2.1 preoperatively vs. 12.5 ± 1.5 postoperatively, t = 1.43, P = 0.15), whereas the decrease in disc height of the upper adjacent segments was significant (12.5 ± 2.0 preoperatively vs. 11.0 ± 1.7 postoperatively, t = 2.94, P = 0.01). The occurrence of radiographic and symptomatic ASD was 16% (6/38) and 3% (1/38), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Decompression and Dynesys stabilization for lumbar stenosis with or without spondylolisthesis showed good long-term clinical and radiographic results. Lumbar stenosis with or without Grade I spondylolisthesis, particularly in patients <60 years of age with mild-to-moderate lumbar disc degeneration, would be one of the main indications for the Dynesys system.

Controlling 212Bi to 212Pb activity concentration ratio in thoron chambers.

It is necessary to establish a reference atmosphere in a thoron chamber containing various ratios of 212Bi to 212Pb activity concentrations (C(212Bi)/C(212Pb)) to simulate typical environmental conditions (e.g., indoor or underground atmospheres). In this study, a novel method was developed for establishing and controlling C(212Bi)/C(212Pb) in a thoron chamber system based on an aging chamber and air recirculation loops which alter the ventilation rate. The effects of main factors on the C(212Bi)/C(212Pb) were explored, and a steady-state theoretical model was derived to calculate the ratio. The results show that the C(212Bi)/C(212Pb) inside the chamber is mainly dependent on ventilation rate. Ratios ranging from 0.33 to 0.83 are available under various ventilation. The stability coefficient of the ratios is better than 7%. The experimental results are close to the theoretical calculated results, which indicates that the model can serve as a guideline for the quantitative control of C(212Bi)/C(212Pb).

Comparison of Predictors of Heart Failure With Preserved Versus Reduced Ejection Fraction in a Multiracial Cohort of Preclinical Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction.

Preclinical diastolic dysfunction (PDD) is a well-known but poorly understood risk factor for heart failure. We aimed to investigate risk factors contributing to progression of PDD to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with echocardiogram from 2003 to 2008 with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, grade I diastolic dysfunction, and free of clinical heart failure were included. The end point was incident HFpEF or HFrEF. Cumulative probabilities were estimated and multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regressions were performed to examine predictors of incident HFpEF and HFrEF. In total, 7,878 patients with PDD (79.2% nonwhite) were included. At the end of follow-up (median 5.9 years), 146 patients developed HFrEF, and 635 patients developed HFpEF. The 10-year cumulative probabilities of HFrEF and HFpEF were 3.1% and 12.6%, respectively. Incidence of HFrEF was significantly lower in non-Hispanic blacks (2.2%) compared with non-Hispanic whites (4.5%). Age, diabetes, myocardial infarction, and renal disease were independent predictors of both HFrEF and HFpEF. Male gender, cerebrovascular accident, and low baseline left ventricular ejection fraction were associated with HFrEF only; whereas pulmonary disease, blood urea nitrogen, and anemia were predictors of HFpEF only. In conclusion, our results revealed a distinct set of predictors of HFrEF and HFpEF in patients with PDD and underscored a differential approach of risk stratification, prevention, and early treatment based on heart failure subtypes.

Combination therapy with lamivudine and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker for hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis with mild to moderate proteinuria: a clinical review of 38 cases.

PURPOSE: The treatment of HBV-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) is still a challenge in clinical practice now. The objective of this study was to report the pathological characteristics of HBV-GN presenting with mild to moderate proteinuria and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of lamivudine (LAM) in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) as compared to ACEI/ARB monotherapy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study in HBV-GN patients between 2005 and 2014. The patients were classified into two groups: Group 1 included patients treated with LAM plus ACEI/ARB (n = 20), and group 2, patients treated with ACEI/ARB alone (n = 18). Their clinical and pathological characteristics were collected; we analyzed the therapeutic responses and assessed the correlation between renal and liver pathologies. RESULTS: Our results showed that the most common type of HBV-GN was IgA nephropathy. LAM plus ACEI/ARB therapy was better in reducing 24-h urinary protein excretion, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels, while maintaining the level of kidney function. The proportion of patients who achieved remission (CR + PR) was higher in the LAM plus ACEI/ARB group than in the ACEI/ARB monotherapy group (χ 2 = 5.371, P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: In the HBV-GN patients with mild to moderate proteinuria, LAM plus ACEI/ARB not only improved liver function but also better reduced 24-h proteinuria.