[Comparative study of decompression of unilateral biportal endoscopic compared to laminectomy with fusion and internal fixation in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis].

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (UBE-ULBD) to posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis (SLSS). Methods: The clinical data of 64 patients with SLSS treated with PLIF and UBE-ULBD in Dalian Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University from April 2018 to April 2021 were collected and divided into UBE group and PLIF group according to the different surgical procedures. There were 30 cases in the UBE group, including 12 males and 18 females, aged (69.8±6.8) years. There were 34 patients in the PLIF group, including 15 males and 19 females, aged (69.3±6.3) years. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, surgical complications, the volume of drainage, transfusion, post-operative bed rest time, postoperative hospital stay, surgical costs of both groups were recorded and analyzed. The visual analogue scales (VAS) of back/leg pain (pre-operation and 1 d, 1 month, 6 month, 12 month post-operation) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) (pre-operation and 1 month, 6 month, 12 month post-operation) were used to determine the outcome. And the dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCA) and Schizas grade of both groups preoperatively and 6 month postoperatively were recorded. Results: The operation time in the UBE group was (69.2±8.0) min, it was lower than that in the PLIF group (139.0±15.3) min (P<0.05). The intraoperative blood loss and drainage in the UBE group were (19.5±5.6) ml and (15.0±10.8) ml, which were both lower than those in the PILF group [(212.4±34.1) ml and (169.6±43.8) ml] (both P<0.05). The postoperative bed rest time and hospital stay in the UBE group were (1.8±0.7) days and (3.0±0.9) days, which were both shorter than those in the PLIF group [(4.5±1.4) days and (7.1±1.7) days] (both P<0.05). The surgical cost was also lower in the UBE group than that in the PLIF group [RMB,(18.4±1.0) thousands yuan vs (33.9±2.4) thousands yuan, P<0.05]. In addition, no patient received blood transfusion in the UBE group. Dural sac tear occurred in 2 cases in the UBE group and in 3 cases in PLIF group; nerve root injury and infection occurred in one case in the PLIF group, respectively. In the PLIF group, the VAS of back pain was not significantly improved 1 day after operation when compared with that before the operation, but it significantly improved 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after operation (all P<0.05). The VAS for back pain at 1 day after operation and ODI at 1 month after operation in the UBE group were significantly superior to those in the PLIF group (both P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the two groups in the VAS for back pain at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after operation and ODI at 6 months and 1 year after operation. Both groups got significant canal expansion after the surgery and the PLIF group showed larger canal expansion extent (all P<0.05). Both groups improved significantly after surgery in the Schizas grade, there were 25 cases in UBE group improved to grade A, 5 cases to grade B while 30 cases in PLIF group improved to grade A, 4 cases to grade B, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: ULBD-UBE could achieve full decompression of the whole spinal canal with limited structures damage in treating SLSS. Compared with PLIF, UBE-ULBD could get complete decompression as well as less iatrogenic damage, it may be an ideal alternative surgical technique for SLSS with less invasion.

Direct acceleration of collimated monoenergetic sub-femtosecond electron bunches driven by a radially polarized laser pulse.

High-quality ultrashort electron beams have diverse applications in a variety of areas, such as 4D electron diffraction and microscopy, relativistic electron mirrors and ultrashort radiation sources. Direct laser acceleration (DLA) mechanism can produce electron beams with a large amount of charge (several to hundreds of nC), but the generated electron beams usually have large divergence and wide energy spread. Here, we propose a novel DLA scheme to generate high-quality ultrashort electron beams by irradiating a radially polarized laser pulse on a nanofiber. Since electrons are continuously squeezed transversely by the inward radial electric field force, the divergence angle gradually decreases as electrons transport stably with the laser pulse. The well-collimated electron bunches are effectively accelerated by the circularly-symmetric longitudinal electric field and the relative energy spread also gradually decreases. It is demonstrated by three-dimensional (3D) simulations that collimated monoenergetic electron bunches with 0.75° center divergence angle and 14% energy spread can be generated. An analytical model of electron acceleration is presented which interprets well by the 3D simulation results.

[Effect of postoperative hypoalbuminemia and supplement of human serum albumin on the development of poor wound healing following lumbar internal fixation surgery].

Objective: To analyze the association between postoperative hypoalbuminemia and poor wound healing, and to evaluate whether postoperative supplementation of human serum albumin can improve postoperative wound healing after lumbar internal fixation surgery. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2018, 602 patients who underwent lumbar internal fixation surgery in the Department of Orthopedics, Zhujiang Hostiptal of Southern Medical University were identified. There were 250 males (41.5%) and 352 females (58.5%), with an average age of (60±12) years. All patients' clinical records were reviewed, including demographics data, comorbidity data, preoperative serum laboratory values, intraoperative factor, postoperative serum laboratory values and wound healing, and the incidence rate of poor wound healing was calculated. The statistical analyses were performed with R software and Empower(R) to analyze the factors related to poor wound healing. Multiple logistic regression models were performed with adjustment for the potential confounders to evaluate the effect of postoperative hypoalbuminemia and supplementation of human serum albumin on the development of poor wound healing. Results: Poor wound healing occurred in 51(8.47%) patients. After adjusting for the confounding factors, multiple regression analysis showed that there was no correlation between postoperative albumin levels and poor wound healing(OR=1.00, 95%CI: 0.91-1.10, P=1.000). Compared with patients with postoperative normal albumin level, postoperative hypoalbuminemia would increase the risk of poor wound healing by 13% (OR=1.13, 95%CI: 0.47-2.70, P=0.787). There was no correlation between supplementation of human serum albumin and poor wound healing in patients with normal albumin levels or postoperative hypoalbuminemia (P>0.05). Conclusions: There is no correlation between postoperative hypoalbuminemia and poor wound healing after lumbar internal fixation surgery. Postoperative supplementation of human serum albumin can't improve wound healing.

[Investigation and analysis of 7 cases of acute lung injury caused by a welding operation].

Objective: Throughing the investigation and analysis of seven cases of acute lung injury caused by a welding operation, the hazards and production pathways of harmful gases such as phosgene and nitrogen oxides are understood, which will serve as a reference for preventing similar events in the future. Methods: Throughing the accident scene environment investigation and clinical case analysis, combined with the laboratory test results, carried on the comprehensive analysis. Results: The accident caused a total of 7 people to suffer from acute lung injury to varying degrees. Three of them were sent to the ICU ward for treatment due to acute respiratory failure. After active treatment, 7 people were discharged from the hospital with obvious relief. Conclusion: Welding is also a kind of profession that causes the high incidence of acute lung injury accidents. It is necessary to strengthen the knowledge training and protection awareness education of welding workers to avoid the occurrence of acute harmful gas poisoning accidents.

Histone deacetylase inhibitor treatment restores memory-related gene expression and learning ability in neonicotinoid-treated Apis mellifera.

Apis mellifera plays crucial roles in maintaining the balance of global ecosystems and stability of agricultural systems by helping pollination of flowering plants, including many crops. In recent years, this balance has been disrupted greatly by some pesticides, which results in great losses of honeybees worldwide. Previous studies have found that pesticide-caused memory loss might be one of the major reasons for colony loss. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are chemical compounds that inhibit the activity of histone deacetylases and are known to cause hyperacetylation of histone cores and influence gene expression. In our study, the HDACi sodium butyrate was applied to honeybees as a dietary supplement. The effect of sodium butyrate on the expression profiles of memory-related genes was analysed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The results revealed that this HDACi had up-regulation effects on most of the memory-related genes in bees, even in bees treated with imidacloprid. In addition, using the proboscis extension reflex to evaluate olfactory learning in bees, we found that this HDACi boosted the memory formation of bees after impairment owing to imidacloprid exposure. This study investigated the association between gene expression and memory formation from an epigenetic perspective. Additionally, we further demonstrate the possibility of enhancing bee learning using HDACis and provide initial data for future research.

[Emphasis on awareness of early-onset colorectal cancer].

The incidence and mortality rates of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) among people under 50 years old are showing an upward trend. Although traditional epidemiological studies have conducted relatively deep research and screened out environmental factors related to EOCRC, our understanding of the causes, mechanisms, and treatment of this disease is still far from sufficient. In this review, we clarify the current progress of EOCRC, with a particular focus on epidemiology, screening status, clinical symptoms, and prognosis. This provides new evidence for secondary prevention, including precision screening, and offers new ideas for improving the diagnosis and treatment of EOCRC.

[Updates of colonoscopy surveillance guidelines after screening and polypectomy, and related research progress].

With the widespread application of colorectal cancer screening, the surveillance and management of the increasing number of screened population has become a pivotal aspect in preventing and controlling colorectal cancer. In recent years, researches have been conducted on the risk of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in the population after screening. At the same time, various organizations in Europe and the United States have continuously updated colonoscopy surveillance after screening and polypectomy based on the latest research evidence. In this review, we summarized the current progress of studies on colorectal cancer risk in post-screening colorectal cancer populations and the key points of relevant guideline updates, in order to provide a reference for conducting relevant studies and formulating surveillance guidelines or consensus in China.

[Remodeling midwifery by introducing sterilization in childbirth in the period of Republic of China].

In the period of the Republic of China, the maternal and infant mortality rates were high, most of which were caused by puerperal fever and neonatal tetanus. In this sense, Chinese traditional midwives were often regarded as "dirty". After western obstetrics was introduced into China in the late Qing Dynasty and the early period of the Republic of China,the occurrence of postpartum infection was effectively reduced with childbirth disinfection. To improve the health status of women and infants, the government of the Republic of China put in place measures to develop midwifery. The training of the traditional midwives was included in midwifery education. The delivery basket was used to help promote the new method of delivery and popularise the concept of sterilization of delivery. Thus, midwifery was remodeled and the remodeled midwives played an important role in family midwifery education.

[Interpretation of updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk individuals in the United States].

In recent years, due to changes in the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in the United States, the update of evidence-based medical evidence for screening, and the emergence of various new screening methods, various organizations in the United States, such as American College of Gastroenterology、Preventive Services Task Force, have updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk individuals. These guidelines have different recommendation levels in terms of starting and ending age, screening methods and frequency for colorectal cancer screening. A comprehensive understanding of the key points of these guideline updates and the similarities and differences recommended by different guidelines has important reference value for the colorectal cancer screening in China.

cDNA cloning and mRNA expression of a tandem-repeat galectin (PoGal2) from the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata.

Galectins can recognize and specifically bind to ß-galactoside residues, playing crucial roles in innate immune responses of vertebrates and invertebrates. We cloned the cDNA of a tandem-repeat galectin from the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata (designated as PoGal2). PoGal2 cDNA is 1347 bp long and consists of a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 3 bp, a 3'-UTR of 297 bp with one cytokine RNA instability motif (ATTTA), and an open reading frame of 1047 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 349 amino acids, with an estimated molecular mass of 38.1 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 8.5. PoGal2 contains two carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs); both have the conserved carbohydrate-binding motifs H-NPR and WG-EE. PoGal2 shares 50.6 and 50.9% identity with those of abalone (Haliotis discus) and the Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the tandem-repeat galectins formed two clades for the different species. Molluscan tandem-repeat galectins were clustered into a single clade, and nematode tandem-repeat galectins were clustered into another single clade. In both clades, CRD-N and CRD-C were divided into different groups. PoGal2 mRNA was constitutively expressed in all tissues analyzed, and the expression level of PoGal2 mRNA was found to be significantly up-regulated in digestive glands, gills and hemocytes after Vibrio alginolyticus stimulation/infection. Expression profile analysis showed that the expression level of PoGal2 mRNA was significantly up-regulated at 8, 12 and 24 h after V. alginolyticus infection. These results suggest that PoGal2 is a constitutive and inducible acute-phase protein involved in the innate immune response of pearl oysters.

The antibacterial effect and physical performance of pit and fissure sealants based on an antibacterial core-shell nanocomposite.

The application of pit and fissure sealants is a well-established method to prevent and treat early childhood caries. Resin-based sealants with antibacterial properties provide additional benefits for caries prevention in a cariogenic oral environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an antibacterial core-shell AgBr/cationic polymer nanocomposite (AgBr/BHPVP) on the properties of a resin-based pit and fissure sealant. A commercialized pit and fissure sealant without fluoride, Concise (3M, ESPE, USA), was used as the parent material and negative control. Experimental antibacterial sealants were formulated by the addition of AgBr/BHPVP nanoparticles at mass fractions of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt% to the parent material. A fluoride-releasing sealant, Clinpro (3M, ESPE), was used as the positive control. Bacterial colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, metabolic activity tests, field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observations were used to evaluate the antibacterial properties of AgBr/BHPVP-modified sealants against Streptococcus mutans before and after five months of aging. The Vickers microhardness, degree of conversion, and microleakage level of the sealants were also investigated. According to the results of CFU counts and metabolic tests, sealants containing AgBr/BHPVP showed better contact-killing bactericidal activity against S. mutans than the two commercial sealants, irrespective of aging conditions (both P < 0.05). The AgBr/BHPVP-modified sealants also showed a significant inhibitory effect on the planktonic S. mutans around the cured sealant surfaces. In addition, the Vickers microhardness, degree of conversion, and microleakage level of the parent material were not damaged by modification with AgBr/BHPVP (P > 0.05). AgBr/BHPVP-modified pit and fissure sealant with a dual bactericidal mechanism is a promising option for the prevention of pit and fissure caries.

Circ_0001742 promotes tongue squamous cell carcinoma progression via miR-431-5p/ATF3 axis.

OBJECTIVE: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to involve in the development of various cancers. This study aimed to investigate the functions of circ_0001742 on regulating tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) development and the underlying mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of circ_0001742, miR-431-5p and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and ATF3 were measured by Western blot analysis. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assay were used to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Besides, Cell migration and invasion were assessed by transwell assay. The relationships between circ_0001742 and miR-431-5p, miR-431-5p and ATF3 were predicted by online software and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and pull-down assay. RESULTS: The expression of circ_0001742 was upregulated in TSCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_0001742 inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT and induced apoptosis in TSCC cells. Then, miR-431-5p was identified as a target of circ_0001742, and knockdown of miR-431-5p reversed the effects of circ_0001742 knockdown on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and EMT of TSCC cells. Moreover, miR-431-5p could bind to ATF3, and overexpression of ATF3 rescued the effects mediated by miR-431-5p in TSCC cells. In addition, circ_0001742 regulated ATF3 expression through miR-431-5p. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that circ_0001742 plays a tumor-promoting effect in TSCC cells by serving as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate miR-431-5p/ATF3 axis, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for TSCC.

Determination of interfacial tension between two immiscible polymers with and without surfactants at the interface.

A second-order drop deformation method for inferring interfacial tension between two immiscible polymers is proposed and shown to improve the accuracy of tension estimate appreciably. A small step-strain method, which uses a strong flow (capillary number >1) and short flow time approximately O(0.1s), is successfully developed to avoid complications caused by the surfactants for surfactant-laden drops. This method is demonstrated to give good tension estimates for a range of viscosity ratios and surface coverage.