Performance evaluations of hybrid modulation with different optical labels over PDQ in high bit-rate OLS network systems.

Two orthogonal modulation optical label switching(OLS) schemes, which are based on payload of polarization multiplexing-differential quadrature phase shift keying(POLMUX-DQPSK or PDQ) modulated with identifications of duobinary (DB) label and pulse position modulation(PPM) label, are researched in high bit-rate OLS network. The BER performance of hybrid modulation with payload and label signals are discussed and evaluated in theory and simulation. The theoretical BER expressions of PDQ, PDQ-DB and PDQ-PPM are given with analysis method of hybrid modulation encoding in different the bit-rate ratios of payload and label. Theoretical derivation results are shown that the payload of hybrid modulation has a certain gain of receiver sensitivity than payload without label. The sizes of payload BER gain obtained from hybrid modulation are related to the different types of label. The simulation results are consistent with that of theoretical conclusions. The extinction ratio (ER) conflicting between hybrid encoding of intensity and phase types can be compromised and optimized in OLS system of hybrid modulation. The BER analysis method of hybrid modulation encoding in OLS system can be applied to other n-ary hybrid modulation or combination modulation systems.

Meta-analysis of correlation between the CYP1A2 -3860 G > A polymorphism and lung cancer risk.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the association between a polymorphism (-3860 G > A) in the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) gene and lung cancer susceptibility. Relevant studies were retrieved from the PubMed and EMBase databases, and additionally evaluated for conformance with the inclusion criteria. The odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) in all selected studies were used to assess the relationship between the CYP1A2 -3860 G > A polymorphism and lung cancer risk. The data was pooled using Stata v.11. Six studies, comprising 1168 lung cancer patients and 1598 controls, were included in this meta-analysis. We found no correlation between the CYP1A2 -3860 G > A polymorphism and lung cancer risk in any of the models (AA vs GG: OR = 4.79, 95%CI = 0.03-702.67; GA vs GG: OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 0.74-2.39; dominant model: OR = 1.41, 95%CI = 0.69-2.90; recessive model: OR = 4.07, 95%CI = 0.04-368.35). Moreover, we observed no statistically significant association between CYP1A2 -3860 G > A and lung cancer susceptibility when stratified by the ethnicity of the sample populations, sample size, and study quality, except in a low-quality study. Our findings indicated that the -3860 G > A polymorphism in CYP1A2 might not be a risk factor for lung cancer.

[Identification and genetic analysis of new mutations in EYA1 gene of BOS syndrome].

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestations of a patient with branchiootic syndrome(BOS) and her families and to carry out genetic testing in order to specify the biological pathogenesis. Methods: Clinical data of the patient and her families were collected. Genomic DNA in the peripheral blood of the proband and her family members was extracted. All exons of 406 deafness-related susceptible genes as well as their flanking regions were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing, and the mutation sites of the proband and her parents were validated by Sanger sequencing. Results: There were nine members in three generations, of whom four presented with hearing loss, preauricular fistula and branchial fistula which met the diagnostic criteria of BOS. Proband and her mother presented with auricle malformation and inner ear malformation. And no one had abnormalities in the kidneys of all the patients. Pedigree analysis revealed that the mode of inheritance in the family was consistent with the autosomal dominant pattern. Mutational analysis showed that all the affected patients detected a heterozygous frameshift variation c.1255delT in the EYA1 gene, which had not been reported. Genotype and phenotype were co-isolated in this family. Such a frameshift variation produced a premature termination codon, thereby causing premature termination of translation (p.C419VFS*12). ACMG identified that the mutation was pathogenic. This mutation was novel and not detected in controls. A heterozygous missense variation mutation c.403G>A(p.G135S) in EYA1 gene was also detected in three members of this family. ACMG identified that the mutation clinical significance was uncertain. However, two of whom were normal, which seemed the disease was not caused by this mutation in this family. Conclusions: A novel frameshift mutation in EYA1(c.1255delT) is the main molecular etiology of BOS in the Chinese family. This study expands the mutational spectrum of EYA1 gene. The clinical manifestations are heterogeneous among patients in this family. The diagnosis of BOS should combine gene tests with clinical phenotypes analysis.

[Analysis of genetic characteristics in two Chinese children of type â ¡ Waardenburg syndrome].

Objective: To screen and analyze the mutations of MITF gene in two children of type Ⅱ Waardenburg syndrome (WS2) from different families in Yunnan,China,and to explore the possible molecular pathogenesis. Methods: With informed consent, medical history collection, physical examinations, audiological evaluation, and high resolution computer tomography (HRCT) scan of temporal bone were performed on the two WS2 probands and their family members. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of all individuals. The coding regions including all exons, part of introns and promoters of MITF, PAX3, SOX10, SNAI2, END3, ENDRB, and KITLG genes were sequenced by high-throughput sequencing. According to the results of high-throughput sequencing, pathogenic mutations detected in the probands and their parents were verified by Sanger sequencing. Results: The proband 1 carried c.641_643delGAA mutation in the 7th exon of MITF gene, which was a frame-shift mutation resulting in an amino acid change of p.214delR. It was a de novo mutation as the parents of proband 1 showed no variation on this site. The proband 2 carried heterozygous loss of the large fragment ranging from exon 1 to exon 9 of MITF gene, which defected the function of MITF protein. Conclusion: Genetic examinations provide important evidence for diagnosis of Waardenburg syndrome. Heterozygous mutation c.641_643delGAA and heterozygous loss of the large fragment ranging from exon 1 to exon 9 of MITF gene might be the molecular pathogenesis of the two WS2 probands in this study.

Photochemical properties of CeO2-coated ZnO nanorods.

Well-aligned ZnO nanorods were deposited by a mild hydrothermal process and coated with nanosized CeO2 particles (approximately 5 nm) by an oxidative-soak-coating method at 45 degrees C. The low growth temperature proved useful in avoiding interfacial reaction between the two phases. Correlation of photoluminescence results indicated that the defects responsible for the deep level emission (DLE) from ZnO were largely located at the surface. The CeO2 coating reduced the DLE but also the photocatalytic activity as surficial hydroxyl groups were involved in the nucleation of the CeO2 phase and thus not available for absorption of the methylene blue species for degradation. Still, CeO2 coated ZnO nanorods retained their photocatalytic ability and could be useful as bifunctional catalyst to treat multiple contaminants simultaneously.

Up-regulation of exosomal miR-106a may play a significant role in abdominal aortic aneurysm by inducing vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and targeting TIMP-2, an inhibitor of metallopeptidases that suppresses extracellular matrix degradation.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is a dramatic and lethal clinical condition with a high risk of death. Emerging evidence indicates a role for miRNAs in AAA pathogenesis, therefore we aimed to identify miRNAs that differently expressed in exosomes from AAA patients and explore the underlying mechanisms of how miR-106a plays its role in this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Exosomes were isolated from plasma of AAA patients, as well as from the tissue-conditioned culture medium. The exosomal expression profiles of several miRNAs including miR-106a were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. To determine the potential role of miR-106a in the pathogenesis of AAA, miR-106a was overexpressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and then cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by performing CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Afterwards, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to assess the expression levels of some proteins involved in the modulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Furthermore, the target gene of miR-106a was predicted and verified through Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: MiR-106a was up-regulated in exosomes from plasma of those patients with AAA as compared with healthy peers. Likely, increased level of miR-106a was observed in exosomes released from AAA tissue in comparison to those from adjacent normal tissues. Enhanced expression of miR-106a in VSMCs suppressed cell viability but promoted cellular apoptosis, whereas inhibition of miR-106a in VSMCs resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage of apoptotic cells compared to the control group. In addition, the protein levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs, including MMP-2 and MMP-12) secreted from VSMCs were significantly up-regulated, while their inhibitor TIMP-2 was down-regulated due to miR-106a overexpression. Finally, TIMP-2 was validated subsequently as the direct target of miR-106a through Dual-Luciferase reporter assay. CONCLUSIONS: In aggregate, our results suggest that increased expression of miR-106a promotes VSMC cell apoptosis and down-regulates TIMP-2 through directly targeting its 3'-UTR, which in turn restores MMP production and ultimately accelerates ECM degradation. Therefore miR-106a is proposed to play a crucial role in AAA development and this will provide an update on the understanding of the clinical value of miRNAs as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disease.

[Treatment of parotid hemangioma in children].

Objective:To summarize the treatment and effect of children with parotid hemangioma. Method:Thirty-three children with parotid hemangioma were treated with drug in 22 cases, 9 of which received propranolol orally, accounting for 27%; 13 cases underwent B-ultrasound guided bleomycin injection, accounting for 40%; another 11 cases were used. The treatment of surgical removal of hemangioma, accounting for 33%. Result:In 22 children with drug therapy, the evaluation criteria were evaluated by Achauer et al. 12 cases of grade Ⅳ, accounting for 54.5%; 7 cases of grade Ⅲ, accounting for 31.8%; 2 cases of grade Ⅱ, accounting for 9%. For example, accounted for 4.5%; 2 of them（1 in gradeⅠand Ⅱ） were treated with drug therapy for 6 months after surgical resection of hemangioma. Eleven children underwent surgical resection of hemangioma, and 8 patients underwent complete resection of the tumor, accounting for 73%. Among them, 3 patients had residual hemangiomas during operation, and the residual tumor was treated with bleomycin. This group of medications showed that children aged<12 months, after oral propranolol, the tumors were reduced to varying degrees, the most significant change within 1 week after administration, and then the tumor was further reduced until the end of treatment. Conclusion:B-ultrasoun lower bleomycin injection in children with parotid hemangioma is effective, and the incidence of adverse reactions is low, but multiple courses of treatment are required. For patients with poor drug treatment, recurrence or limited range, surgical resection of blood vessels can be selected. Tumor surgery should pay attention to the choice of indications and surgical operation skills, reduce the risk of facial nerve injury and postoperative facial scars. There are many different treatments for infantile hemangioma, but there is still no treatment for all children. The drug treatment of this group showed that after oral propranolol, the tumors were all reduced to varying degrees, the color became lighter, the texture became softer, and the change was most significant within 1 week after administration, and then the tumor was further reduced until the end of treatment. B-ultrasound guided bleomycin injection in children with parotid hemangioma is effective. After 1-2 courses of treatment, the tumor shrinks significantly and the incidence of adverse reactions is low. Drug treatment of parotid hemangioma in children is simple. A safe and effective method. For children with poor drug treatment, recurrence or limited range, surgical treatment of hemangioma can be selected. Surgery should pay attention to the choice of indications and surgical operation skills, reduce the risk of facial nerve injury and postoperative facial scars.

[Misdiagnosic analysis and treatment of pyriform sinus fistula in children].

Objective: To discuss the misdiagnosis of pyriform sinus fistula and to better understand this kind of illness. Methods: The analysis was based on twenty-eight patients with congenital pyriform sinus fistula aged from 11 months to 14 years, with the median age of 5 years, and who were surgically treated from January 2013 to January 2017 in Kunming Children's Hospital.Twenty patients were misdiagnosed in other hospital.After the routine examination of neck ultrasound and enhanced CT, internal fistula was found by self-retaining laryngoscope, traced by methylene blue, and excised by high ligation. Results: Twenty patients were misdiagnosed.The misdiagnosis time ranged from 6 months to 3 years.Under self-retaining laryngoscope, piriform fossa fistula were found in all patients.Nineteen fistula were found in the left and 1 in the right.The fistula in patients was unilateral.Seven cases were misdiagnosed as suppurative lymphadensitis, undergone abscess incisional drainage many times.Three cases were misdiagnosed as thyroglossal duct cyst and performed excision of thyroglossal duct cyst.One case was treated by extended Sistruck operation again because the doctor considered that excision of middle segment of hyoid bone was not enough and the fistula was not ligated completely.One case was misdiagnosed as second branchial cleft fistula on the right side of the neck.Nine cases were misdiagnosed as hyroid-associated diseases including 2 cases suppurative thyroiditis, 2 cases subacute thyroiditis and 5 cases thyroid neoplasms.Among them, 2 cases underwent partial thyroidectomy.All the patients were treated with high ligation of fistula under general anesthesia.The operation was smooth, and no hoarseness, bucking and pharyngeal fistula occurred after the operation.Postoperative follow-up time ranged from 12 months to 4 years and the median follow-up was 18 months without recurrence.The diagnosis was confirmed pathologically. Conclusions: Pyriform sinus fistula in children was uncommon and easily misdiagnosed in clinic.The majority of physician including some otolaryngologists were lack of understanding of the disease.It should be regarded as one of the important differential diagnosis of neck mass in children.Children with recurrent left neck infection and/or abscess should be highly suspected.Self-retaining laryngoscopic examination can make a definite diagnosis and high ligation of the fistula through the external neck approach can achieve good therapeutic effect.

[Minimally invasive surgical techniques of cochlear implantation withround window pathways in young children].

Objective:To discuss the minimally invasive surgical techniques and the effect of cochlear implantation with round window pathways in young children(≤3 years).Method:One hundred and sixty patients with bilateral profound sensorineural hearin loss received MED-EL cochlear implantation,including 144 cases of normal middle and inner ear,4 cases of Mondini deformity,12 cases of large vestibular aqueduct syndrome.Result:Of 160 patients underwent CIs,148 patients were performed with round window pathways,the rate was 92.5%. Iit's difficult to exposure round window in 12 patients,performing from promontory.All electrodes of 158 cases with unilateral CI and 2 cases with bilateral CI were implanted successfully,in which the CI went normally and electrode array were protected well.All implant devices had worked normally and all patients had performed well during an average follow-up period of 8 month-3 years.Post-operatively complications of cerebrospinal fluid leakage,facial nerve injury haven't been found.Conclusion:Cochlear implantation could be performed in patients wit with round window pathways,and it is a safe and effective way in young children.

[Sclerotherapy for faciocervical lymphatic malformations under digital subtraction angiography in children].

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and advantages of fluoroscopy sclerotherapy treatment for the faciocervical lymphatic malformations (LMs) under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in children. Method:Retrospective analysis of 48 cases of lymphatic malfromations who were treated with intratumoral injection of Pingyangmycin and iohexol under DSA and fluoroscopy, and followed up in Kunming children's hospital. Result:Forty-eight cases of children were treated 1 to 5 intratumoral injection of Pingyangmycin and iohexol that carried out under DSA and fluoroscopy. Follow up ranged from 6 to 18 months, 22 cases (45.83%) were cured, 19 cases (39.85%) were markedly effective, 5 cases (10.42%) were effective and 2 cases (4.17%) were ineffective. The total effective rate was 95.83% with no scarring, pigmentation and significant postoperative complications. Conclusion:Intratumoral injection of Pingyangmycin under DSA is an effective and safe method for treatment of lymphatic malformations in children and has the advantages of positioning accuracy, less damage, fewer complication and no influence on apperarence and function.

Association of vitiligo with HLA-A2: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Linkage and association studies suggest that the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region may be involved in the genetic susceptibility of vitiligo. HLA-A2 has been reported to be associated with vitiligo in some, but not all, studies. OBJECTIVE: To identify sources of the heterogeneity among studies and to quantify effect estimates, we examined the association of HLA-A2 with vitiligo in a meta-analysis of all observational studies comparing the frequencies of HLA-A2 between vitiligo individuals and controls during 1966-2005. METHODS: The summary odds ratio (OR) was calculated by using a fixed- or a random-effects model. Meta-regression analysis was undertaken to investigate the effects of study characteristics on the pooled OR. RESULTS: Eleven case-controlled studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The studies identified a total of 777 patients and 4820 controls. Meta-analysis showed a significantly increased frequency of HLA-A2 in vitiligo among cases [OR = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67-2.58]. Heterogeneity was explained by the quality of the study and the ethnic background of the participants. Meta-regression analysis further showed that the percentage of familial vitiligo among the subjects had a significant effect on the pooled OR (P = 0.008). No study had a significant effect on the pooled OR and no publication bias presented in the studies analysed (P = 0.688). CONCLUSION: These findings strongly suggest an association between HLA-A2 and vitiligo.

[A survey of antibodies to arboviruses in residents in south-western part of Yunnan province].

In order to provide serological evidence for arbovirus infection in Yunnan province, 760 Samples of human sera collected from nine counties in south-western part of Yunnan province were examined for HI antibodies to 11 arboviral antigens. The viruses used in this experiment included 3 alphaviruses (MAY, VEE and CHIK) and 8 flaviviruses (JE, MVE, KUN, DEN3, DEN4, KFD, LGT and POW). 275 samples were found positive for HI antibodies to alphaviruses (36.2%) and 189 of them (68.7%) reacted with MAY virus, 61 (22.2%) with CHIK. The GMT of HI titers for VEE, MAY and Chik were 164.4, 94.5 and 66.7, respectively. 588 samples of sera (77.4%) were found positive for HI antibodies to flaviviruses. The positive HI antibody rates were as follows: JE, 27.9%; DEN, 36.6%; KFD, 22.2%; MVE, 22.1%; KUN, 18.7%; POW, 8.8% and LGT, 7.9%, respectively. Its average GMT was 356, and the antibody titers of 403 samples of sera were higher than 1/640. Cross reactions among viruses, especially flaviviruses, were usually found by HI test, and superinfections were present. In addition to the existence of JE and DEN viruses the results clearly showed that many Kinds of arboviruses might exist in Yunan Province.