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.

[Analysis on the status quo of the awareness rate of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment and its influencing factors among residents in Liaoning Province in 2021].

Objective: To analyze the status quo of the knowledge and related factors of cancer prevention and treatment among residents in Liaoning Province in 2021. Methods: From August to November 2021, through network sampling method, 17 474 permanent residents aged 15-69 years in Liaoning Province were surveyed. The WeChat public account was used to collect information such as demographic characteristics and core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment. The Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of the level of the cancer prevention and treatment knowledge among different groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors. Results: Among the 17 474 subjects, 43.1% (7 528) were male and 58.7% (10 262) were urban residents. The overall awareness rate was 72.3%, and the awareness rate of cancer cognition, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, cancer management and rehabilitation were 71.4%, 67.6%, 72.7%, 83.4% and 63.5%, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the residents who were man (OR: 0.850, 95%CI: 0.781-0.925), in rural areas (OR: 0.753, 95%CI: 0.694-0.817), 55-59 years old (OR: 0.851, 95%CI: 0.751-0.963), quitters (OR: 0.721, 95%CI: 0.640-0.813) and smoker (OR: 0.724, 95%CI: 0.654-0.801) had lower awareness rates, while the residents who were 35-54 years old (OR: 1.312, 95%CI: 1.202-1.432), with an educational level of junior high school/senior high school/college degree or above (OR: 1.834-5.130, 95%CI: 1.575-6.047), technical personnel (OR: 1.592, 95%CI: 1.367-1.854), civil servant/institution staff (OR: 1.282, 95%CI: 1.094-1.503), enterprise/business/service staff (OR: 1.218, 95%CI: 1.071-1.385), retired (OR: 1.324, 95%CI: 1.114-1.573) and with family history of cancer (OR: 1.369, 95%CI: 1.266-1.481) had higher awareness rates. Conclusion: The level of the awareness of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment among residents in Liaoning Province has met the requirements of the Healthy China Action. Region, gender, education level, age, family history of cancer and smoking are relevant factors.

Location of MMPs in human radicular dentin and the effects of MMPs inhibitor on the bonding stability of fiber posts to radicular dentin.

This study explored the location of MMP-2, -3, -8 in human root dentin and the inhibition of EGCG/EGCG-3Me on dentin-originated collagen proteases activities. Also, the study evaluated EGCG/EGCG-3Me modified etch-and-rinse adhesives (Single Bond 2, SB 2) for their bonding stabilities to intraradicular dentin. Immunostaining and liquid chip analysis demonstrated that MMP-2 and MMP-8 are widely distributed in root dentin while MMP-3 shows a higher fluorescence intensity in the middle and apical third of the root. The contents of MMP-2, -3 and -8 varies in different locations of human tooth root and MMP-2 has the highest content than MMP-3 and MMP-8 at each third of teeth root. Both EGCG and EGCG-3Me showed an inhibitory effect on the root dentin-derived MMPs in a concentration dependent manner (P < 0.05) and the inhibitory activity of EGCG-3ME was stronger than that of EGCG at the same concentration (P < 0.05). EGCG and EGCG-3Me were incorporated separately into the adhesive SB 2 at concentrations of 200, and 400 µg/mL respectively. The immediate push-out strength of SB 2 was not compromised by EGCG/EGCG-3Me modification. EGCG/EGCG-3Me modified adhesive had higher push-out strength than SB 2 after thermocycling, showing no correlation with concentration.

A novel dentin bonding scheme based on extrafibrillar demineralization combined with covalent adhesion using a dry-bonding technique.

Dentin bonding is a dynamic process that involves the penetration of adhesive resin monomers into the extrafibrillar and intrafibrillar demineralized collagen matrix using a wet-bonding technique. However, adhesive resin monomers lack the capacity to infiltrate the intrafibrillar space, and the excess water that is introduced by the wet-bonding technique remains at the bonding interface. This imperfectly bonded interface is inclined to hydrolytic degradation, severely jeopardizing the longevity of bonded clinical restorations. The present study introduces a dentin bonding scheme based on a dry-bonding technique, combined with the use of extrafibrillar demineralization and a collagen-reactive monomer (CRM)-based adhesive (CBA). Selective extrafibrillar demineralization was achieved using 1-wt% high-molecular weight (MW) carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) within a clinically acceptable timeframe to create a less aggressive bonding substance for dentin bonding due to its selectively extrafibrillar demineralization capacity. CMCS demineralization decreased the activation of in situ collagenase, improved the shrinking resistance of demineralized collagen, and thus provided stronger and more durable bonding than traditional phosphoric acid etching. The new dentin bonding scheme that contained CMCS and CBA and used a dry-bonding technique achieved an encouraging dentin bonding strength and durability with low technical sensitivity. This bonding scheme can be used to improve the stability of the resin-dentin interface and foster the longevity of bonded clinical restorations.

[Advances in color stability of resin cements and its influence on all-ceramics restorations].

Resin cements have been widely employed for bonding all-ceramic restorations in clinical practice, its color stability is directly related to long-term prosthetic effect of restorations. Discoloration of resin cements can be attributed to two causes: endogenous factors are generally related to material compositions and initiation mechanism of polymerization; exogenous factors are mainly related to stimulation of local oral environment. Color stability of resin cements has close relationship with esthetic effect of all-ceramic restorations. The aim of this literature review was to make a presentation and discussion systematically about color stability of resin cements commonly used clinically, its influence factors and influence on all-ceramic restorations, so as to provide a reference for the application of all-ceramic restorations.

Plant protein diet suppressed immune function by inhibiting spiral valve intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, anti-oxidation, apoptosis, autophagy and proliferation responses in amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii).

An 8-week growth trial was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing dietary fishmeal with a plant protein blend on the growth performance, mucosal barrier integrity and the related regulation mechanism in Amur Sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) with initial weight of 87.48 g. Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were prepared. A basal diet containing 540 g/kg fishmeal (P0), whereas the other two diets were formulated by replacing 50% and 100% of FM with plant protein blend (soybean protein concentrate and cottonseed protein concentrate), and named as P50 and P100, respectively. Although essential amino acids, fatty acids, and available phosphorus had been balanced according to the nutrient requirement of sturgeon, compared with the fish of P0 and P50, the full plant protein diet (P100) significantly reduced growth performance and survival, and accompanied with serious spiral valve intestinal (SVI) damage. The increased tissue necrosis and failed responses in anti-oxidation, programming apoptosis, autophagy and cell proliferation system were regulated by inhibiting ERK1 phosphorylation, which indicated that SVI hypoimmunity and functional degradation were the main reasons for the high mortality and low utilization ability of plant protein in Amur sturgeon.

[Ursodeoxycholic acid combined with bezafibrate in the treatment of refractory primary biliary cholangitis: a meta-analysis].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and remission rates of pruritus of bezafibrate and UDCA combination therapy in the treatment of refractory PBC. Methods: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library databases, Science direct, Web of Science, CBM, WangFang Data, CNKI, VIP databases were searched to collect randomized controlled trials, crossover trials and self-control clinical trials of combination therapy of UDCA and bezafibrate with UDCA monotherapy for PBC up to June, 2018. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the risk of bias of relevant study. Results: Eleven studies, including 465 patients were included. Ursodeoxycholic acid combined with bezafibrate had greatly improved liver biochemical indicators (P < 0.01) and pruritus scores in patients with refractory primary biliary cholangitis (MD = -2.97, 95% CI: -4.34~ -1.60, P < 0.01). However, there was no statistically significant differences in adverse events (RR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.70, P = 0.09), and mortality rate (RR = 2.58, 95% CI: 0.57 to 11.73, P = 0.22) between the two groups. Conclusion: Ursodeoxycholic acid combined with bezafibrate may improve the biochemical response and pruritus score of refractory PBC, but has no significant effect on adverse events and mortality rate.

Three new phosphates, Cs8Pb4(P2O7)4, CsLi7(P2O7)2 and LiCa(PO3)3: structural comparison, characterization and theoretical calculation.

Through the high temperature solution method, three new phosphates, Cs8Pb4(P2O7)4, CsLi7(P2O7)2 and LiCa(PO3)3, were obtained. X-ray diffraction analyses suggest that they crystallize in the space group P1[combining macron] of the triclinic crystal system. However, the three-dimensional (3D) structures of Cs8Pb4(P2O7)4 and CsLi7(P2O7)2 consist of various isolated P2O7 groups, while LiCa(PO3)3 is built up by the 1D (PO3)∞ chain. Detailed structural comparison suggests that the different sizes and coordination environments of Ca2+ and Zn2+ cations influence the whole structures of LiX(PO3)3 (X = Ca and Zn). IR spectroscopy and UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyses have been performed to investigate their optical properties. First-principles theoretical studies were also carried out to aid the understanding of electronic structures and linear optical properties.

Ba3B10O17Br2: a new barium borate halide with B-O layered structure.

A new barium borate halide, Ba3B10O17Br2, has been obtained. A detailed structural comparison with other barium borate halides suggested that Ba3B10O17Br2 is the first barium borate halide with a B-O layered structure. First-principles theoretical studies were conducted to aid understanding of the electronic structure and optical properties.

[Comparison of effects of oleic acid and palmitic acid on lipid deposition and mTOR / S6K1 / SREBP-1c pathway in HepG2 cells].

Objective: To explore the effects of oleic acid and palmitic acid on lipid deposition and mTOR/S6K1/SREBP-1c pathways in HepG2 cells. Methods: The model of steatosis was established with induction of oleic acid and palmitic acid and was intervened by rapamycin. The changes in lipid droplets were observed after staining the cells with oil Red O. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) contents in cells were measured by TG kit. mTOR, S6K1, and SREBP-1c mRNA expression levels were detected using QRT-PCR. Western blot was used to determine protein expression levels of mTOR, S6K1 and SREBP-1c. Results: Both fatty acids increased lipid droplets in HepG2 cells. Fatty degeneration with elevated TG occurred with significant changes in oleic acid group lipids. Rapamycin alleviated lipid deposition caused by oleic acid and palmitic acid and inhibited their induction of increased expression of mTOR, S6K1, and SREBP-1c. QRT-PCR and Western blot results showed that mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR, S6K1, and SREBP-1c in oleic acid and palmitic acid group were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). The increase was more pronounced in the palmitic acid group (P < 0.05); however, after rapamycin intervention, the expression of mRNA and protein in the three groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the change in palmitic acid group was more pronounced (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Oleic acid and palmitic acid can induce lipid deposition in HepG2 cells and increase expression of every component of mTOR/S6K1/SREBP-1c pathway; however, Oleic acid-induced lipid deposition is more pronounced, and the mTOR, S6K1, and SREBP-1c pathway change is more obvious in palmitic acid. Rapamycin has high potent inhibitory effect on palmitic acid-induced lipid deposition. These results specify that lipid synthesis involved in the mTOR/S6K1/SREBP-1c pathways are mainly associated to palmitic acid in HepG2 cells, whereas other signaling pathway may mediate oleic acid-induced lipid synthesis.

Plasmonic nanoparticles embedded in single crystals synthesized by gold ion implantation for enhanced optical nonlinearity and efficient Q-switched lasing.

We report on the synthesis of embedded gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) in Nd:YAG single crystals using ion implantation and subsequent thermal annealing. Both linear and nonlinear absorption of the Nd:YAG crystals have been enhanced significantly due to the embedded Au NPs, which is induced by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect in the visible light wavelength band. Particularly, through a typical Z-scan system excited by a femtosecond laser at 515 nm within the SPR band, the nonlinear absorption coefficients of crystals with Au NPs have been observed to be nearly 5 orders of magnitude larger than that without Au NPs. This giant enhancement of nonlinear absorption properties is correlated with the saturable absorption (SA) effect, which is the basis of passive Q-switching or mode-locking for pulsed laser generation. In addition, the linear and nonlinear absorption enhancement could be tailored by varying the fluence of implanted Au+ ions, corresponding to the NP size and concentration modulation. Finally, the Nd:YAG wafer with embedded Au NPs has been applied as a saturable absorber in a Pr:LuLiF4 crystal laser cavity, and efficient pulsed laser generation at 639 nm has been realized, which presents superior performance to the MoS2 saturable absorber based system. This work opens an avenue to enhance and modulate the nonlinearities of dielectrics by embedding plasmonic Au NPs for efficient pulsed laser operation.

Dietary butylated hydroxytoluene improves lipid metabolism, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic response of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

A 10-week growth trail was conducted to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of dietary butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) by evaluating inflammation, apoptosis and hepatic disease related to oxidative stress in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Four experimental diets were prepared with BHT supplement levels of 0 (B0), 150 (B150), 300 (B300) and 1500 (B1500) mg/kg, in which B150 was at the maximum recommended level established by European Union Regulation, and the B300 and B1500 levels were 2 and 10-fold of B150, respectively. Each diet was fed to 6 replicates with 30 largemouth bass (initial body weight, IBW = 6.20 ± 0.01 g) in each tank. The BHT inclusion level did not affect the specific growth rate, but fish in the B150 group showed the lowest feed conversion rate (P < 0.05). BHT inclusion significantly decreased the levels of plasma TC, TG, LDL, ALT and AKP, and increased the (HDL-C)/TC ratio (P < 0.05). Plasma MDA was significantly decreased in the B150 group and GSH-Px was extremely enhanced in each BHT inclusion group (P < 0.05). Hepatic T-AOC was significantly enhanced and O2- was significantly decreased in each BHT inclusion group compared to the B0 group (P < 0.05), as well as hepatic MDA was significantly decreased in B1500 group (P < 0.05). Dietary BHT inclusion down-regulated the hepatic mRNA levels of inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis related genes, including TNFα, TGF-ß1, α-SMA, IL8, IL11ß and caspase-9. Moreover, BHT could improve hepatic lipid metabolism via up-regulating the mRNA levels of APOA1, CYP7A1, CYP8B1, and down-regulating the mRNA levels of PPAR-γ and APOB. Histological examination of the liver morphology with H&E and Sirius Red staining showed that BHT inclusion decreased necrotic degenerative changes and collagen deposition in largemouth bass. An immunofluorescence examination revealed significantly decreased cleaved caspase-3 signals in the BHT groups. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that ROS induces hepatic cell apoptosis and fibrosis via the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis by activating caspase-9 in the mitochondria and then initiates apoptosis by activating caspase-3. Consuming 2.32-23.80 mg/kg·bw/d (150-1500 mg/kg in diet) of BHT effectively improved the plasma and hepatic lipid metabolism, antioxidant response as well as reduced ROS production, protecting hepatic cells from injury. It is implied that even a 10-fold increase of the maximum level of BHT (150 mg/kg) is safe for the largemouth bass.

[Reliability and validity of the Chinese version on Comprehensive Scores for Financial Toxicity based on the patient-reported outcome measures].

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version on comprehensive scores for financial toxicity (COST), based on the patient-reported outcome measures. Methods: A total of 118 cancer patients were face-to-face interviewed by well-trained investigators. Cronbach's α and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to evaluate reliability. Content validity index (CVI) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to evaluate the content validity and construct validity, respectively. Results: The Cronbach's α coefficient appeared as 0.889 for the whole questionnaire, with the results of test-retest were between 0.77 and 0.98. Scale-content validity index (S-CVI) appeared as 0.82, with item-content validity index (I-CVI) between 0.83 and 1.00. Two components were extracted from the Exploratory factor analysis, with cumulative rate as 68.04% and loading>0.60 on every item. Conclusion: The Chinese version of COST scale showed high reliability and good validity, thus can be applied to assess the financial situation in cancer patients.

[Accuracy of CT colonography for the detection of colorectal neoplasm: a subgroup Meta-analysis].

Objective: To assess the accuracy of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) for detection of colorectal neoplasm. Methods: Publications prior to January 2016 from the Medline, Embase, CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP literature databases were systematically reviewed. A QUADAS checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies. According to the sizes of tumor (≥6 mm or ≥10 mm), diagnostic test accuracy indexes (area under the curve, sensitivity and specific) were pooled and stratified. Spearman correlation and curve of summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) were applied to comprehensively assess the threshold effect. A bi-variate mixed-effects model was used for testing the overall merging value and heterogeneity. Results: A total of 19 articles (n=11 540) were included in the analysis. A total of 18 studies were from Europe and Unite States, with 1 from Asia. Numbers of studies regarding information on general population, high-risk groups and clinical symptoms were 9, 5 and 5, respectively. In 19 articles, data on the accuracy of CTC diagnosis (≥6 mm group) was recorded, with another 17 on the group ≥10 mm. Area under the SROC curve in the ≥6 mm group was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.92-0.94). It was estimated that the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73-0.86) and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86-0.92) respectively. In area under the SROC curve, the pooled sensitivity and specificity in ≥10 mm group were 0.87(95%CI:0.80-0.92), 0.97(95%CI:0.95-0.98), respectively. Results from the subgroup showed that the sensitivity of with or without the fecal tagging groups were 0.84 and 0.67 in the ≥6 mm group, 0.92 and 0.76 in the ≥10 mm group. It was also found that in the experienced or less experienced readers, rates of sensitivity were 0.83 and 0.75 in the ≥6 mm group, 0.91 and 0.79 in the ≥10 mm group. Conclusions: CTC had high diagnostic efficiency for colorectal neoplasm, especially in the ≥10 mm group. Fecal tagging and experience of the reasers can improve the diagnostic sensitivity.

High-performance temperature sensing using a selectively filled solid-core photonic crystal fiber with a central air-bore.

A high-performance temperature sensor based on mode-coupling principle is proposed using a selectively filled, solid-core photonic crystal fiber with a central air-bore. The fibers are fabricated using the "stack-and-draw" method, with a micro scale central bore deliberately kept during the drawing procedure. The addition of the central air-bore enhances the mode-coupling efficiency between the fundamental core mode and modes in the high-index liquid-filled holes in the fiber cladding, therefore, the fiber can be used for a novel sensing architecture, when cladding holes are selectively filled with temperature sensitive liquids. Based on this concept, numerical analyses are accomplished using finite element method, showing that this fiber-based temperature sensor possesses high sensitivity of -6.02 nm/°C, with a resolution of 3.32 × 10-3 °C, in the temperature range from -80 to 90 °C. The selective hole-filling is verified by a multi-step infiltration technique. A particularly designed probe with improved sensitivity and manipulation is also proposed for this system.

[Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate modification on the bonding stability of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to intraradicular dentin].

Objective: To evaluate the effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) modification on the bonding stability of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to intraradicular dentin, and to find a new strategy to improve the stability of bonding interface. Methods: EGCG was incorporated into Single Bond 2 (SB2) with the concentration of 200 mg/L and 400 mg/L respectively to fabricated experimental adhesives group A and group B, while Single Bond 2 without EGCG was used as control group. Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe the bacterial biofilm adherent to the surface of the cured adhesive. Micro-Raman spectrum was used to test the degree of conversion (DC) of adhesives. The push-out bond strength of instant testing and aging with thermocycling for 5 000 times were also tested. Results: Group A and group B showed inhibiting effect on the biofilm formation of Enterococcus faecalis and performed better with higher concentration. No significant differences were detected in DC among group A ([69.73±0.68]%), group B ([69.03±1.65]%) and control group ([70.06±1.62]%) (P>0.05), and the immediate push-out bond strength of control group ([10.45±2.00] MPa) was not compromised compared to group A ([10.02±2.03] MPa) and group B ([9.95±3.03] MPa) (P>0.05). After thermocycling for 5 000 times, group A ([7.01±1.39] MPa) and group B ([7.62±1.88] MPa) showed significantly higher push-out bond strength than control group did ([5.08±1.56] MPa) (P<0.05). Conclusions: EGCG modified etch-and-rinse adhesives showed anti-bacterial effect and enhanced bonding stability of intraradicular dentin-adhesive interfaces.

Long-term follow-up of Dupuytren disease after injection of triamcinolone acetonide in Chinese patients in Taiwan.

Injection of triamcinolone acetonide is a non-operative treatment for early-stage Dupuytren disease in Caucasians, but its effectiveness in non-Caucasians is unclear. We report averaged 5-year follow-up results of 37 patients (49 affected hands) with early-stage Dupuytren disease for patients in Taiwan (non-Caucasian) who received a single dose of 5 mg triamcinolone acetonide injection into nodules monthly for 3 months. Using ultrasound, we recorded no progression of sizes of the modules following injection after 6 months. After an average 5-year follow-up, two patients with three hands (6%) experienced reactivation of the treated nodules. None required surgical intervention. Ultrasound examination showed that sizes of the treated Dupuytren nodules decreased significantly by 40% 6 months after injection and 56% at the final follow-up. We conclude that in these Chinese patients in Taiwan with early Dupuytren nodules, triamcinolone acetonide injection was effective in reducing the size of the Dupuytren nodules and maintaining long-term durable control of the nodular growth. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The minimum effective concentration (MEC90 ) of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

The aim of this study was to determine the minimum effective concentration of ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Fifty-one patients undergoing arm surgery received double-injection ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block using ropivacaine 40 ml. The concentration of ropivacaine administered to each patient started at 0.225% and then depended on the response of the previous one, based on a biased coin design up-and-down sequential method. In case of failure, the ropivacaine concentration was increased by 0.025% w/v in the next subject. In the case of a successful block, the next patient was randomised to the same concentration or a concentration 0.025% w/v less. Success was defined as complete sensory blockade of the brachial plexus 30 min after the block together with pain-free surgery. The minimum effective ropivacaine concentration in 90% of subjects was 0.257% w/v (95% CI 0.241-0.280%).