Quantitative analysis of multiple elements in healthy and remodeled epithelium from human upper airway mucosa using nuclear microscopy

Elements are vital in airway mucosal physiology and pathology, but their distribution and levels in the mucosa remain unclear. This study uses the state‐of‐the‐art nuclear microscopy facility to map and quantify multiple elements in the histology sections of nasal mucosa from patients with nasal polyps or inverted papilloma. Our results demonstrate that P and Ca are the most abundant elements in mucosa and their distinct difference between epithelial and subepithelial regions; more importantly, our results reveal decreased amounts of Cu and Zn in the remodeled epithelium as compared to the normal epithelium. These findings suggest that Cu and Zn may be beneficial targets to regulate aberrant epithelial remodeling in airway inflammation.     

Realized niche shift during a global biological invasion

Accurate forecasts of biological invasions are crucial for managing invasion risk but are hampered by niche shifts resulting from evolved environmental tolerances (fundamental niche shifts) or the presence of novel biotic and abiotic conditions in the invaded range (realized niche shifts). Distinguishing between these kinds of niche shifts is impossible with traditional, correlative approaches to invasion forecasts, which exclusively consider the realized niche. Here we overcome this challenge by combining a physiologically mechanistic model of the fundamental niche with correlative models based on the realized niche to study the global invasion of the cane toad Rhinella marina. We find strong evidence that the success of R. marina in Australia reflects a shift in the species’ realized niche, as opposed to evolutionary shifts in range-limiting traits. Our results demonstrate that R. marina does not fill its fundamental niche in its native South American range and that areas of niche unfilling coincide with the presence of a closely related species with which R. marina hybridizes. Conversely, in Australia, where coevolved taxa are absent, R. marina largely fills its fundamental niche in areas behind the invasion front. The general approach taken here of contrasting fundamental and realized niche models provides key insights into the role of biotic interactions in shaping range limits and can inform effective management strategies not only for invasive species but also for assisted colonization under climate change.Understanding the factors that limit species’ geographic ranges has long stood as a fundamental goal in ecology (1) and is critical for making robust predictions of species’ range shifts as a result of climate change and biotic exchange. Niche theory (2) argues that species’ ranges are limited by physiological tolerances (which define the fundamental niche), as well as biotic interactions and dispersal barriers (which further constrain the fundamental niche to the realized niche), but the relative roles of these factors in shaping range limits remain poorly understood. Standard approaches to range prediction are based on correlations between species'' observed distributions and climate (i.e., the realized niche) (3, 4), and thus confound the influences of abiotic and biotic constraints on species’ ranges.Range shift projections based on correlative models also assume that species’ niches (both realized and fundamental) are conserved through space and time (3, 5, 6). However, there is growing evidence to suggest that species can undergo rapid niche shifts in novel environments (7–9) through either evolved environmental tolerances (fundamental niche shifts) (10, 11) or release from dispersal barriers or biotic constraints (realized niche shifts) (12, 13). Understanding whether such niche shifts are widespread in nature not only is important for validating the use of correlative models in climate change and invasive species impact assessments but also has implications for understanding patterns of community assembly and speciation (14, 15).Invasive species frequently experience release from biotic interactions and dispersal barriers in their invaded ranges (4, 12, 16), and thus provide model systems for investigating the degree to which niches are spatially and temporally conserved. Current approaches for examining niche shifts in invasive species primarily rely on comparisons of climates occupied by species in their native and invaded ranges (6, 7, 17, 18). However, such correlative comparisons fail to differentiate between the influences of adaptation after introduction and biotic interactions and dispersal barriers that are absent in a species’ invaded range. Here we present an approach that helps resolve this issue by integrating correlative niche models with mechanistic biophysical predictions of the fundamental niche (19). Biophysical models incorporate links between climate and an organism’s functional traits and are developed independent of a species’ current distribution. The biophysical approach thus provides a prediction of where a species can survive and reproduce in the absence of biotic interactions and dispersal limitations (19). We apply this mechanistic approach to investigate whether the invasion of Australia by the cane toad (Rhinella marina, formerly Bufo marinus) has been facilitated by a shift in the species’ realized or fundamental niche. Since its introduction to Australia in 1935 as a biological control agent, R. marina has expanded its range to include more than 1.2 million km² of the continent (20). This large-scale invasion has been facilitated by thermal acclimation (21, 22), as well as evolutionary shifts in locomotor performance (23). Have the environmental tolerances of toads evolved as well?     

The effect of ferrule height on stress distribution within a tooth restored with fibre posts and ceramic crown: A finite element analysis

ObjectivesTo evaluate via finite element analysis the effect of different ferrule heights on stress distribution within each part of a maxillary first premolar (MFP) restored with adhesively luted glass fiber-reinforced resin (GFRR) posts and a ceramic crown.MethodsThe solid models consisted of MFP, periodontal ligament and the corresponding alveolar bone process. Four models were created representing different degrees of coronal tissue loss (0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm of ferrule height). First set of computing runs was performed for in vivo FE-model validation purposes. In the second part, a 200-N force was applied on the buccal cusp directed at 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. Principal stresses values and distribution were recorded within root, abutment, posts, crown and related adhesive interfaces.ResultsAll FE-models showed similar stress distribution within roots, with highest stress present in the chamfer area. In composite abutments higher stress was observed when no ferrule was present compared to ferruled FE-models. Stress distribution within crown and GFRR posts did not differ among the models. Stress values at the adhesive interfaces decreased with increasing ferrule height.SignificanceThe stress state at abutment-crown and post-root interfaces was very close to their strength, when ferrule was not present. Similarly, higher ferrule produced more favorable stress distribution at post-abutment and abutment-root interfaces. Endodontically treated teeth with higher ferrule exhibit lower stress at adhesive interfaces that may be expected to lower the probability of clinical failure.     

Influence of Ferrule,Post System,and Length on Biomechanical Behavior of Endodontically Treated Anterior Teeth

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of post system, length, and ferrule on biomechanical behavior of endodontically treated anterior teeth.

Methods

The investigation was conducted by using laboratory tests and 3-dimensional finite element analysis. Eighty bovine incisors were selected and divided into 8 treatment groups (n = 10) with absence of ferrule and 2.0 mm of ferrule, restored with glass fiber post or cast post and core, and 12.0 and 7.0 mm of post length. The specimens were loaded at 135° angle, and the strain was measured by using strain gauge method. Specimens were subsequently loaded until fracture. Strain and fracture resistance results were analyzed by 3-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference tests (α = 0.05). Three-dimensional models of a maxillary central incisor were generated with the same treatment variations used in laboratory tests. Each model was subjected to 100 N oblique loads. Results were evaluated by von Mises criterion.

Results

Ferrule was a determining factor in the strain, fracture resistance, and fracture pattern. In the absence of ferrule, the use of fiberglass posts represents a conservative choice from the standpoint of the fracture patterns observed. The length of 7 mm for cast post and cores produced high rates of root fractures. Finite element analysis showed that glass fiber post showed homogeneous stress distribution, whereas cast post showed stress concentration into root canal.

Conclusions

Post length influenced only the cast post strain and stress distribution. The ferrule groups always showed more satisfactory stress distribution and fracture resistance.     

Three dimensional finite element analysis of the stress distribution around the mandibular posterior implant during non-working movement according to the amount of cantilever

PURPOSE

In case of large horizontal discrepancy of alveolar ridge due to severe resorption, cantilevered crown is usually an unavoidable treatment modality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical criteria for the placement of the aforementioned implant crown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The mandible model with 2 mm thick cortical bone and cancellous bone was fabricated from CT cross-section image. An external connection type implant was installed and cantilevered crowns with increasing offset of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 mm were connected. Vertical load and 30° oblique load of 300 N was applied and stress around bone and implant component was analyzed. A total of 14 cases were modeled and finite element analysis was performed using COSMOS Works (Solid works Inc, USA).

RESULTS

As for the location of the vertical load, the maximum stress generated on the lingual side of the implant became larger according to the increase of offset distance. When the oblique load was applied at 30°, the maximum stress was generated on the buccal side and its magnitude gradually decreased as the distance of the offset load increased to 5 mm. After that point, the magnitude of implant component''s stress increased gradually.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that for the patient with atrophied alveolar ridge following the loss of molar teeth, von-Mises stress on implant components was the lowest under the 30° oblique load at the 5 mm offset point. Further studies for the various crown height and numbers of occusal points are needed to generalize the conclusion of present study.     

压力旋流喷染技术在血涂片染色中的研究与应用

针对人工滴染血涂片出现的染色不均匀、效率较低等问题,提出一种基于压力旋流雾化喷头对血涂片进行喷染的方法。采用数值模拟与实验相结合的方法对瑞氏-姬姆萨染液雾化过程进行分析,并探索最佳喷染参数。首先利用ANSYS软件仿真计算染液在喷头内部的流动状态,然后使用相机和喷雾激光粒度仪搭建喷头外部雾化场实验平台,喷头外部入口压力分别选取0.10、0.12、0.14、0.16、0.18、0.20、0.22、0.24 MPa,测量染液的雾化角以及喷头正下方10~50 mm的雾化区域内测量点的雾滴粒径参数(D_v10,D_v90和雾滴体积中径D_v50),计算粒度分布跨度S,并在此基础上开展血涂片喷染研究,并对比了人工滴染和喷染后的细胞图像背景灰度参数。仿真结果表明:染液在压力旋流雾化喷头出口处形成高速液膜,为形成雾化场提供理论依据。实验结果表明:当喷头入口压力为0.20 MPa时,距离喷头正下方35 mm处喷染界面具备最优的雾化质量,此时喷头雾化角为76.13°,雾滴体积中径为75 μm,雾滴粒度分布跨度为1.72。基于该参数条件进行喷染后的细胞图像背景灰度参数与滴染相比存在显著性差异(P＜0.01),喷染后的细胞图像背景灰度显著降低。研究结果表明,压力旋流雾化喷头可以应用于血涂片染色,并且喷染后的血涂片染色均匀,具备良好的染色效果,为血涂片染色提供了新的方案。     

头颈部面罩和胸部体罩固定对胸上段食管癌放疗剂量分布的影响

目的:研究头颈部面罩和胸部体罩固定在胸上段食管癌（EC）三维放疗计划系统（TPS）放疗应用中对剂量分布的影响。方法:回顾性分析128例胸上段EC患者临床资料,根据放疗时体位固定工具不同,将患者分为面罩组46例和体罩组82例,所有患者均取仰卧位并采用调强适形放射治疗进行干预,体位固定方法为面罩组以热塑头颈面罩固定,体罩组采用热塑体膜固定,比较两组摆位误差、剂量分布、危及器官受照剂量、近期疗效和不良反应等指标。结果:面罩组X轴、Y轴和Z轴摆位误差绝对值明显低于体罩组（P<0.05）,面罩组射线均匀性指数明显低于体罩组,射线适形度指数明显高于体罩组（P<0.05）,两组肿瘤靶区Dmax、Dmin和Dmean比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;面罩组双肺V10、V20、V30以及脊髓Dmean均低于体罩组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;面罩组和体罩组患者客观缓解率分别为58.70%和54.88%,两组近期疗效比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;面罩组放射性肺炎发生率低于体罩组（P<0.05）。结论:头颈部面罩固定用于胸上段EC放疗有利于降低摆位误差,提升TPS放疗剂量分布均匀度和适形度,减少周围正常器官照射剂量和放疗相关不良反应发生。     

应用集中度和圆形分布分析保山市流行性乙型脑炎的时间分布特征

目的 探讨保山市2005-2014 年流行性乙型脑炎发病的时间分布特征。方法 应用集中度和圆形分布法对保山市 2005-2014 年流行性乙型脑炎疫情资料进行处理、分析。结果 2005-2014年保山市流行性乙型脑炎发病时间分布的集中度M=0.818, 圆形分布r=0.820, 平均角ā=203.87, Z=205.08, P0.0001, 发病高峰日为第238日, 流行高峰期是200～274日。结论 保山市2005-2014 年流行性乙型脑炎发病有很强的季节性, 集中度和圆形分布指标可以较为准确地反映保山市乙型脑炎的流行高峰及流行时间。     

338株鲍曼不动杆菌感染分布特征及耐药性分析

目的了解我院鲍曼不动杆菌的感染分布及其耐药性情况,指导临床抗生素的合理选择。方法对我院2010年1月～2010年12月从临床患者标本中分离的338株鲍曼不动杆菌进行耐药性分析,并用WHONET软件进行数据处理。结果分离的鲍曼不动杆菌主要分布在重症监护病房135株（39.94%）,其次是呼吸内科65株（19.23%）;痰标本中分离的鲍曼不动杆菌最多,为236株（68.82%）。鲍曼不动杆菌对头孢哌酮/舒巴坦、多黏菌素敏感,其次对亚胺培南、美洛培南较敏感。对临床常用的头孢三代和氟喹诺酮类抗菌药物的耐药率大于45.0%。结论我院临床医师应掌握鲍曼不动杆菌的耐药情况,合理使用敏感抗生素,控制多重耐药株的流行,加强医院感染控制。     

New indicators in evaluation of hemolysis,elevated liver enzymes,and low platelet syndrome: A case-control study

BACKGROUNDIndices such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and red cell distribution width (RDW) are considered new markers of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR), and have been widely implemented for the diagnosis of patients with inflammatory diseases. These new indicators have also been widely investigated in preeclampsia (PE) but less analyzed in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome.AIMTo compare SIR markers among HELLP patients, PE only patients, and healthy gravidae.METHODSThis retrospective case-control study enrolled 630 cases, including 210 patients with HELLP syndrome (HELLP group), 210 patients with only PE (PE group) and 210 healthy gravidae (control group). The three groups were matched by age, parity, status of assisted reproduction, and multiple pregnancies. Birthweight, gestational age at complete blood count collection, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, etc. were recorded. The main indices as NLR, PLR, MPV, PDW, and RDW among the groups were compared, as well as some secondary outcomes including neutrophil, platelets, and hemoglobin.RESULTSThe NLR (6.4 vs 4.3 vs 3.5), MPV (11.9 vs 11.2 vs 10.7), PDW (16.4 vs 13.3 vs 14.2), leukocyte (12.4 × 10⁹/L vs 9.7 × 10⁹/L vs 8.7 × 10⁹/L) and neutrophil count (9.9 × 10⁹/L vs 7.3 × 10⁹/L vs 6.1 × 10⁹/L) were highest in the HELLP group, lower in the PE group, and lowest in the control group. Both the overall comparisons between the three groups (all ^bP < 0.01) and pairwise comparisons between every two groups elicited statistically significant differences (all ^dP < 0.01, except control vs PE: ^cP < 0.05 in PDW). The average lymphocyte counts were 1.4 (1.1, 2.0) × 10⁹/L in the HELLP group, 1.6 (1.3, 2.0) × 10⁹/L in the PE group and 1.7 (1.4, 2.0) × 10⁹/L in the control group. The overall comparison of lymphocyte count within the three groups had statistically significant differences (P = 0.000). The pairwise comparisons between every two groups demonstrated that the HELLP group had a lower lymphocyte count than both the PE (P = 0.019) and control groups (P = 0.000), but the difference between the PE and control groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.432). The overall comparisons on platelet counts and the PLR among these three groups also showed statistically significant differences (both P = 0.000), from low to high being those in the HELLP group (43.4 × 10⁹/L, 64.0), control group (180.5 × 10⁹/L, 103.6) and PE group (181.5 × 10⁹/L, 112.8). Pairwise comparisons of neither index displayed statistically significant differences between the PE and control groups (both P > 0.05), while the differences in the two indices between the HELLP group and the two other groups were still statistically significant (all P = 0.000). RDW values were highest in the HELLP group (14.5% [13.6, 15.3]), lower in the control group (14.1% [13.5, 14.8]) and lowest in the PE group (13.9% [13.4, 14.9]). The difference between the PE and control group did not show statistical significance (P = 1.000), while RDW values in the HELLP group were higher than those in the other two groups (^cP < 0.05 vs control, ^dP < 0.01 vs PE).CONCLUSIONSIR markers such as NLR, RDW, MPV, and PDW were increased and PLR was decreased in HELLP. These SIR markers may become new indicators in the evaluation of HELLP syndrome.