Suppression of viral RNA polymerase activity is necessary for persistent infection during the transformation of measles virus into SSPE virus.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by measles virus (MV), which typically develops 7 to 10 years after acute measles. During the incubation period, MV establishes a persistent infection in the brain and accumulates mutations that generate neuropathogenic SSPE virus. The neuropathogenicity is closely associated with enhanced propagation mediated by cell-to-cell fusion in the brain, which is principally regulated by hyperfusogenic mutations of the viral F protein. The molecular mechanisms underlying establishment and maintenance of persistent infection are unclear because it is impractical to isolate viruses before the appearance of clinical signs. In this study, we found that the L and P proteins, components of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), of an SSPE virus Kobe-1 strain did not promote but rather attenuated viral neuropathogenicity. Viral RdRp activity corresponded to F protein expression; the suppression of RdRp activity in the Kobe-1 strain because of mutations in the L and P proteins led to restriction of the F protein level, thereby reducing cell-to-cell fusion mediated propagation in neuronal cells and decreasing neuropathogenicity. Therefore, the L and P proteins of Kobe-1 did not contribute to progression of SSPE. Three mutations in the L protein strongly suppressed RdRp activity. Recombinant MV harboring the three mutations limited viral spread in neuronal cells while preventing the release of infectious progeny particles; these changes could support persistent infection by enabling host immune escape and preventing host cell lysis. Therefore, the suppression of RdRp activity is necessary for the persistent infection of the parental MV on the way to transform into Kobe-1 SSPE virus. Because mutations in the genome of an SSPE virus reflect the process of SSPE development, mutation analysis will provide insight into the mechanisms underlying persistent infection.

Enzyme-Mediated Bioorthogonal Cascade Catalytic Reaction for Metabolism Intervention and Enhanced Ferroptosis on Neuroblastoma.

It remains a tremendous challenge to explore effective therapeutic modalities against neuroblastoma, a lethal cancer of the sympathetic nervous system with poor prognosis and disappointing treatment outcomes. Considering the limitations of conventional treatment modalities and the intrinsic vulnerability of neuroblastoma, we herein develop a pioneering sequential catalytic therapeutic system that utilizes lactate oxidase (LOx)/horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-loaded amorphous zinc metal-organic framework, named LOx/HRP-aZIF, in combination with a 3-indole-acetic acid (IAA) prodrug. On the basis of abnormal lactate accumulation that occurs in the tumor microenvironment, the cascade reaction of LOx and HRP consumes endogenous glutathione and a reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to achieve the first stage of killing cancer cells via antioxidative incapacitation and electron transport chain interference. Furthermore, the generation of reactive oxygen species induced by HRP and IAA through bioorthogonal catalysis promotes ferritin degradation and lipid peroxidation, ultimately provoking self-enhanced ferroptosis with positive feedback by initiating an endogenous Fenton reaction. This work highlights the superiority of the natural enzyme-dependent cascade and bioorthogonal catalytic reaction, offering a paradigm for synergistically enzyme-based metabolism-ferroptosis anticancer therapy.

Cachexia Index as a Predictor of Reduced Survival in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The cachexia index is a novel indicator of cachexia, but its prognostic implications for survival outcomes have not been systematically assessed in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between the cachexia index and survival outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify studies that evaluated the prognostic significance of the cachexia index in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The prognostic value of the cachexia index was determined by combining the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Thirteen studies were identified, including a total of 4207 patients. Meta-analysis indicated that a lower cachexia index was associated with shorter overall survival (HR 2.18; 95% CI 1.78-2.66) and disease-free survival (HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.50-1.97) in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Further stratified analysis confirmed the significant association between a lower cachexia index and shorter overall survival in different study designs, regions, patients' age, sample sizes, gastrointestinal cancer subtypes, tumor stages, and follow-up duration subgroups. The cachexia index could be utilized as a predictor of overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, future prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Cells in the liver microenvironment regulate the process of liver metastasis.

The research of liver metastasis is a developing field. The ability of tumor cells to invade the liver depends on the complicated interactions between metastatic cells and local subpopulations in the liver (including Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and immune-related cells). These interactions are mainly mediated by intercellular adhesion and the release of cytokines. Cell populations in the liver microenvironment can play a dual role in the progression of liver metastasis through different mechanisms. At the same time, we can see the participation of liver parenchymal cells and nonparenchymal cells in the process of liver metastasis of different tumors. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to summarize the relationship between cellular components of liver microenvironment and metastasis and emphasize the importance of different cells in the occurrence or potential regression of liver metastasis.

Efficient Near-Infrared Spectrum Detection in Nondestructive Wood Testing via Transfer Network Redesign.

This study systematically developed a deep transfer network for near-infrared spectrum detection using convolutional neural network modules as key components. Through meticulous evaluation, specific modules and structures suitable for constructing the near-infrared spectrum detection model were identified, ensuring its effectiveness. This study extensively analyzed the basic network components and explored three unsupervised domain adaptation structures, highlighting their applications in the nondestructive testing of wood. Additionally, five transfer networks were strategically redesigned to substantially enhance their performance. The experimental results showed that the Conditional Domain Adversarial Network and Globalized Loss Optimization Transfer network outperformed the Direct Standardization, Piecewise Direct Standardization, and Spectral Space Transformation models. The coefficients of determination for the Conditional Domain Adversarial Network and Globalized Loss Optimization Transfer network are 82.11% and 83.59%, respectively, with root mean square error prediction values of 12.237 and 11.582, respectively. These achievements represent considerable advancements toward the practical implementation of an efficient and reliable near-infrared spectrum detection system using a deep transfer network.

An International Consensus Survey among Pediatric Surgeons on the Role of Appendectomy in Malrotation.

Introduction: Ladd's procedure, originally described in 1936 for the treatment of malrotation, does not traditionally include appendectomy as a standard step. We conducted a multinational survey to investigate the current consensus on the role of appendectomy in Ladd's procedure. Methodology: An anonymous online survey was distributed to pediatric surgeons worldwide. The survey collected demographic data and explored surgical preferences related to the management of malrotation. Open-ended questions were used to assess the opinions regarding the necessity of appendectomy, decision-making factors, and complications associated with appendectomy during Ladd's procedure. Results: A total of 343 responses were received from 46 countries. Of the respondents, 319 (93%) were consultants and 24 (7%) were residents/trainees. When asked about the choice between open and laparoscopic Ladd's procedure, 292 (85%) preferred open surgery. Overall, 184 (53%) respondents favored appendectomy in both open and laparoscopic Ladd's procedure. Furthermore, 172 (50%) surgeons advocated for appendectomy in all malrotation cases, citing concerns about potential future appendicitis. While differences existed between all comparisons, none of them reached statistical significance. The factors influencing the decision to preserve the appendix included the risk of postoperative complications and the potential future use of the appendix as a surgical conduit. The surgical complications following appendectomy included surgical site infections in 14 (33%) patients, adhesive obstruction in 13 (31%) patients, intrabdominal abscesses in 10 (24%) patients, and fecal fistulas in 5 (12%) patients. Conclusion: The majority of surgeons aim to perform appendectomy in all malrotation cases, considering the potential risks and benefits of this approach. These findings offer valuable insights for clinical practice and may inform future guidelines and decision-making algorithms.

Quercetin inhibits the amphiregulin/EGFR signaling-mediated renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy.

Quercetin is a widely distributed, bioactive flavonoid compound, which displays potential to inhibit fibrosis in several diseases. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of quercetin treatment on renal fibrosis and investigate the mechanism. Human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) stimulated by transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and a rat model of unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) that contributes to fibrosis were used to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of quercetin. PD153035 (N-[3-Bromophenyl]-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-4-amine) was used to inactivate EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). The level of fibrosis, proliferation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in HK-2 were measured. All data are presented as means ± standard deviation (SD). p-value < .05 was considered statistically significant. In UUO rats, quercetin reduced the area of fibrosis as well as inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. In cultured HK-2 cells, quercetin significantly ameliorated the EMT induced by TGF-ß1, which was accompanied by increased amphiregulin (AREG) expression. Moreover, quercetin inhibited AREG binding to the EGFR receptor, thereby further affecting other downstream pathways. Quercetin may alleviate fibrosis in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the activation of AREG/EGFR signaling indicating a potential therapeutic effect of quercetin in renal fibrosis.

Wood Veneer Defect Detection Based on Multiscale DETR with Position Encoder Net.

Wood is one of the main building materials. However, defects on veneers result in substantial waste of wood resources. Traditional veneer defect detection relies on manual experience or photoelectric-based methods, which are either subjective and inefficient or need substantial investment. Computer vision-based object detection methods have been used in many realistic areas. This paper proposes a new deep learning defect detection pipeline. First, an image collection device is constructed and a total of more than 16,380 defect images are collected coupled with a mixed data augmentation method. Then, a detection pipeline is designed based on DEtection TRansformer (DETR). The original DETR needs position encoding functions to be designed and is ineffective for small object detection. To solve these problems, a position encoding net is designed with multiscale feature maps. The loss function is also redefined for much more stable training. The results from the defect dataset show that using a light feature mapping network, the proposed method is much faster with similar accuracy. Using a complex feature mapping network, the proposed method is much more accurate with similar speed.

M protein of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus, synergistically with the F protein, plays a crucial role in viral neuropathogenicity.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by a measles virus (MV) variant, SSPE virus, that accumulates mutations during long-term persistent infection of the central nervous system (CNS). Clusters of mutations identified around the matrix (M) protein in many SSPE viruses suppress productive infectious particle release and accelerate cell-cell fusion, which are features of SSPE viruses. It was reported, however, that these defects of M protein function might not be correlated directly with promotion of neurovirulence, although they might enable establishment of persistent infection. Neuropathogenicity is closely related to the character of the viral fusion (F) protein, and amino acid substitution(s) in the F protein of some SSPE viruses confers F protein hyperfusogenicity, facilitating viral propagation in the CNS through cell-cell fusion and leading to neurovirulence. The F protein of an SSPE virus Kobe-1 strain, however, displayed only moderately enhanced fusion activity and required additional mutations in the M protein for neuropathogenicity in mice. We demonstrated here the mechanism for the M protein of the Kobe-1 strain supporting the fusion activity of the F protein and cooperatively inducing neurovirulence, even though each protein, independently, has no effect on virulence. The occurrence of SSPE has been estimated recently as one in several thousand in children who acquired measles under the age of 5 years, markedly higher than reported previously. The probability of a specific mutation (or mutations) occurring in the F protein conferring hyperfusogenicity and neuropathogenicity might not be sufficient to explain the high frequency of SSPE. The induction of neurovirulence by M protein synergistically with moderately fusogenic F protein could account for the high frequency of SSPE.

Ascorbic acid mitigates the deleterious effects of nicotine on tendon stem cells.

Purpose: Nicotine causes tendon degeneration, whereas ascorbic acid imparts beneficial effects on tendon cells. Tendon stem cells (TSCs) play a vital role in maintaining tissue integrity and promoting restoration of structure and function after tendon injury. In the present study, cell culture experiments were performed to determine the effects of nicotine on TSCs and whether ascorbic acid supplementation could antagonize the action of high concentration nicotine. Methods: After treatment with nicotine and ascorbic acid, TSC proliferation, migration, stemness, apoptosis, and differentiation were analyzed. Results: TSC proliferation and expression of stem cell markers were significantly impaired by a high concentration of nicotine (1000 ng/mL), but a lower concentration (100 ng/mL) induced proliferative effects in TSCs. Moreover, the highest concentration of nicotine tested (1000 ng/mL) significantly inhibited the migratory ability of TSCs, while relatively high concentrations (100 and 1000 ng/mL) significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated non-tenocyte genes. When ascorbic acid was added, the inhibitory effects of nicotine on the proliferation, migration, and stemness of TSCs were reversed. In addition, flow cytometry analysis showed that these nicotine concentrations could induce cell apoptosis, while the addition of ascorbic acid inhibited apoptosis. Conclusion: Addition of ascorbic acid partially reversed the inhibitory effect of a high concentration of nicotine. These findings indicate that while nicotine impairs the biological characteristics of TSCs, ascorbic acid can mitigate these deleterious effects and, therefore, may be useful for decreasing nicotine-induced tendon degeneration.

Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract in Children with Congenital Heart Defects.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the incidence and clinical characteristics of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in children with congenital heart defects (CHD). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children with CHD with CAKUT admitted to the Shanghai Children's Medical Center affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine between September 2018 and March 2019. Patients underwent routine examinations for liver, kidney, and coagulation function, and urinary tract ultrasonography, and we summarized patients' clinical manifestations and imaging abnormalities. RESULTS: A total of 1,410 children with CHD were diagnosed and treated in our hospital. The total number of patients with abnormal urogenital systems was 104, and hydronephrosis was the most common abnormality, followed by vesicoureteral reflux and duplication of the kidney and ureter. The overall prevalence of CAKUT was 7.4%. There was no statistically significant difference for maternal age, sex, parity, gestational age, and history of medication during pregnancy between the patients with CAKUT and those without CAKUT. CONCLUSION: The incidence of CAKUT in our patients with CHD was significantly higher than that in the general population. We recommend urinary ultrasonography as a routine examination for children with CHD for early detection of CAKUT, to avoid missed diagnoses, and to initiate appropriate treatment.

Prognostic Assessment of COVID-19 in the Intensive Care Unit by Machine Learning Methods: Model Development and Validation.

BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) have a high mortality rate, and methods to assess patients' prognosis early and administer precise treatment are of great significance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use machine learning to construct a model for the analysis of risk factors and prediction of mortality among ICU patients with COVID-19. METHODS: In this study, 123 patients with COVID-19 in the ICU of Vulcan Hill Hospital were retrospectively selected from the database, and the data were randomly divided into a training data set (n=98) and test data set (n=25) with a 4:1 ratio. Significance tests, correlation analysis, and factor analysis were used to screen 100 potential risk factors individually. Conventional logistic regression methods and four machine learning algorithms were used to construct the risk prediction model for the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 in the ICU. The performance of these machine learning models was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Interpretation and evaluation of the risk prediction model were performed using calibration curves, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME), etc, to ensure its stability and reliability. The outcome was based on the ICU deaths recorded from the database. RESULTS: Layer-by-layer screening of 100 potential risk factors finally revealed 8 important risk factors that were included in the risk prediction model: lymphocyte percentage, prothrombin time, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, eosinophil percentage, creatinine, neutrophil percentage, and albumin level. Finally, an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model established with the 8 important risk factors showed the best recognition ability in the training set of 5-fold cross validation (AUC=0.86) and the verification queue (AUC=0.92). The calibration curve showed that the risk predicted by the model was in good agreement with the actual risk. In addition, using the SHAP and LIME algorithms, feature interpretation and sample prediction interpretation algorithms of the XGBoost black box model were implemented. Additionally, the model was translated into a web-based risk calculator that is freely available for public usage. CONCLUSIONS: The 8-factor XGBoost model predicts risk of death in ICU patients with COVID-19 well; it initially demonstrates stability and can be used effectively to predict COVID-19 prognosis in ICU patients.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Coupled Chemometric Algorithms for Rapid Origin Identification and Lipid Content Detection of Pinus Koraiensis Seeds.

Lipid content is an important indicator of the edible and breeding value of Pinus koraiensis seeds. Difference in origin will affect the lipid content of the inner kernel, and neither can be judged by appearance or morphology. Traditional chemical methods are small-scale, time-consuming, labor-intensive, costly, and laboratory-dependent. In this study, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was used to identify the origin and lipid content of P. koraiensis seeds. Principal component analysis (PCA), wavelet transformation (WT), Monte Carlo (MC), and uninformative variable elimination (UVE) methods were used to process spectral data and the prediction models were established with partial least-squares (PLS). Models were evaluated by R2 for calibration and prediction sets, root mean standard error of cross-validation (RMSECV), and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP). Two dimensions of input data produced a faster and more accurate PLS model. The accuracy of the calibration and prediction sets was 98.75% and 97.50%, respectively. When the Donoho Thresholding wavelet filter 'bior4.4' was selected, the WT-MC-UVE-PLS regression model had the best predictions. The R2 for the calibration and prediction sets was 0.9485 and 0.9369, and the RMSECV and RMSEP were 0.0098 and 0.0390, respectively. NIR technology combined with chemometric algorithms can be used to characterize P. koraiensis seeds.

Extracellular vesicles from bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells regulate inflammation and enhance tendon healing.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles from bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC-EVs) can play important roles in the repair of injured tissues. However, no reports have investigated the role and underlying mechanisms of BMSCs-EVs in the tendon repair process. We hypothesized that BMSC-EVs may play a role in modulating inflammation during tendon healing and improving tendon repair in a rat model of patellar tendon injury. METHODS: First, we created window defects in the patellar tendons of Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats (n = 16) were then randomly assigned to three groups: BMSC-EVs group, Fibrin group, and control group. Rats in the BMSC-EVs group were treated with BMSC-EVs and fibrin glue (25 µg in 10 µL). Rats in the fibrin group were treated with fibrin only, and those in the control group received no treatment. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analyses were performed at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, tendons treated with BMSC-EVs showed regularly aligned and compact collagen fibers as compared with the disrupted scar-like healing in rats in the fibrin and control groups. The expression of genes related to tendon matrix formation and tenogenic differentiation: collagen (COL)-1a1, scleraxis (SCX), and tenomodulin (TNMD) was significantly higher in the BMSC-EVs group than in the other two groups. With histopathology, we observed significantly higher numbers of CD146+ tendon stem cells and fewer numbers of apoptotic cells and C-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7)-positive proinflammatory macrophages in the BMSC-EVs group. BMSC-EVs treatment also led to an increase in the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10 and IL-4) at 2 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our findings show that the local administration of BMSC-EVs promotes tendon healing by suppressing inflammation and apoptotic cell accumulation and increasing the proportion of tendon-resident stem/progenitor cells. These findings provide a basis for the potential clinical use of BMSC-EVs in tendon repair.

MFG-E8 regulates inflammation and apoptosis in tendon healing, and promotes tendon repair: A histological and biochemical evaluation.

Several studies have identified potential roles for MFG-E8 in promoting tissue repair. However, the effects of MFG-E8 on tendon repair have not yet been investigated. Therefore, we explored the role of MFG-E8 on tendon repair using a rat model of patellar tendon injury. The patellar tendons of Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24/group) received window defects and, after modeling, three groups were randomly assigned: (a) recombinant MFG-E8 (rMFG-E8) group, implantation with MFG-E8 and fibrin glue (400 ng in 10 µl); (b) fibrin group, implantation with fibrin only; and (c) control group, without any treatment. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analyses were performed at 2 and 4 weeks after healing. Administration of rMFG-E8 in injury sites significantly improved tendon healing histologically at 4 weeks after injury. In addition, numbers of M1 macrophages and M1-stimulator genes, including IFNG, Il-1B, and Il-6, were reduced in the repair sites at 2 weeks by rMFG-E8 administration. In parallel, rMFG-E8 significantly increased the number of M2 macrophages and expression of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and IL-4 at 2 weeks after injury. Treatment with rMFG-E8 markedly decreased tendon cell apoptosis. Moreover, rMFG-E8 significantly enhanced the expression of genes related to tendon matrix formation at 2 weeks after injury, including Col1a1and tenascin-C. We conclude that MFG-E8 could regulate inflammatory responses and apoptotic cell accumulation in tendon repair, and promote the healing process of injured tendon tissue. Thus, exogenous application of MFG-E8 might have therapeutic potential for repair of tendon injuries.

Color-tunable visible photoluminescence of Eu:CaF2 single crystals: variations of valence state and local lattice environment of Eu ions.

In this article, Eu-activated CaF2 single crystals were synthesized by Bridgman-Stockbarge method. The dependence of photoluminescence properties of Eu: CaF2 crystals in UV-Vis regions on EuF3 doping concentrations were investigated. While the EuF3 doping concentration is increased from 0.6% to 6.0%, the CIE (Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage) color coordinates of Eu: CaF2 crystals can be tuned from (0.28, 0.12) to (0.60, 0.38), corresponding to the luminescence color from blue to orange. XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) measurements indicated that Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions both existed in the crystals. With EuF3 doping concentration increasing, the proportion of Eu3+ ions increase from 16.73% to 39.00%, while that of Eu2+ ions decrease from 83.27% to 61.00%. Moreover, the integrated intensity ratio (R) of the 614 nm to 593 nm of Eu3+ ions increase from 0.38 to 0.44, indicating the local lattice environment symmetry of Eu3+ ions become lower with higher EuF3 doping concentrations. Furthermore, the CIE chromaticity coordinates of Eu: CaF2 crystals greatly depend on the excitation wavelength. The warm white-light emission has been realized in 0.6%Eu: CaF2 crystal when the excitation wavelength is around 322 nm.

A nanocomposite consisting of ZnO decorated graphene oxide nanoribbons for resistive sensing of NO2 gas at room temperature.

A composite prepared from zinc oxide and graphene oxide nanoribbons (ZnO/GONR) is demonstrated to enable improved room temperature (RT) detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Low-cost hydrothermal synthesis is used to construct the composite. The properties of the resistive sensor, including the sensitivity, response and recovery times, repeatability and selectivity, were investigated in the NO2 concentration range from 1 to 50 ppm at RT. The sensor, typically operated at a voltage of 5 V, exhibits a low detection limit of 1 ppm, a fast response-recovery time, and excellent repeatability which outperforms that of pure ZnO sensors. The sensing mechanism is explained in terms of a redox reaction between NO2 and oxygen anions on the surface of the ZnO/GONR composite. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of the NO2 sensing mechanisms on the surface of the ZnO/GONR composite and overall improved NO2 gas-sensing performance.

Highly-efficient mid-infrared CW laser operation in a lightly-doped 3 at.% Er:SrF2 single crystal.

3 at.% Er:SrF2 laser crystals with high optical quality were successfully grown using the temperature gradient technique (TGT). The intense mid-infrared emission was observed around 2.7 µm with excitation by a 970 nm LD. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, the emission cross-sections of the 4I13/2-4I11/2 transition were calculated by using the Fuchtbauer-Ladenburg (FL) method. Efficient continuous-wave laser operation at 2.8 µm was achieved with the lightly-doped 3 at.% Er:SrF2 crystal pumped by a 970 nm laser diode. The laser output power reached up to 1.06 W with a maximum slope efficiency of 26%.

Predictive Factors of Contralateral Operation after Initial Pyeloplasty in Children with Antenatally Detected Bilateral Hydronephrosis Due to Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to analyze the predictive factors of a contralateral operation after initial pyeloplasty in patients with antenatally detected bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. METHODS: Patients with prenatally diagnosed bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction who underwent initial pyeloplasty (aged <12 months at initial pyeloplasty) were offered to participate in the study. Patients were recruited from January 2012 to December 2015. The anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter, parenchymal thickness, and calyceal dilatation were evaluated. Predictive factors of contralateral pyeloplasty after initial unilateral pyeloplasty were also examined. RESULTS: In total, 82 patients were included in the study (mean age, 2.8 months). Among all patients who underwent initial pyeloplasty, additional contralateral pyeloplasty was required in 11 patients (13.4%). The outcome of contralateral hydronephrosis was assessed as resolution, persistence, or surgery. The median anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter and calyceal dilatation were significantly different among the groups (p < 0.001). Calyceal dilatation of ≥10 mm and a calyceal dilatation/parenchymal thickness ratio of ≥5 strongly suggested the likelihood of a contralateral operation. CONCLUSIONS: In most patients with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, improvement or resolution of contralateral hydronephrosis following initial unilateral pyeloplasty can be expected. Patients with contralateral calyceal dilatation >10 mm and the calyceal dilatation/parenchymal thickness ratio >5 are at higher risk of surgery.

Curcumin improves tendon healing in rats: a histological, biochemical, and functional evaluation.

Curcumin, a compound extracted from the roots of Zingiberaceae, has been proposed as a treatment for tissue injury but studies are yet to be done on its effect on tendon healing. Therefore, we performed a series of experiments to test our hypothesis that curcumin has positive effects on tendon repair. Patellar tendon window defect was created in Sprague-Dawley rats and these were divided into two groups: (i) control and (ii) curcumin-treated. Curcumin (100 mg/kg body weight) was applied by oral gavage. Its potential for promoting tendon healing was assessed by histological evaluation, mRNA expression of tenocyte-related genes, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity, quantification of hydroxyproline (HOPro), and biomechanical testing. In this tendon injury model, curcumin significantly improved the healing properties as evidenced by extensive deposition of well-organized collagen fibers, decreased MDA levels, and increase in the biomechanical properties and MnSOD activity of the regenerated tendon tissues. The current study showed that curcumin can improve the quality of tendon rupture healing, and thus represents a promising strategy in the management of injured tendon tissue.