Audiovisual integration and the P2 component in adult Asperger’s syndrome: An ERP-study

BackgroundA widened temporal window of integration (TWI) in audiovisual processing has been detected for children with autism spectrum disorder. However, research indicates a narrowing of this TWI and an associated change in audiovisual integration in the course of development.MethodsTo further elucidate audiovisual integration processes in adulthood, we compared adult participants with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) to healthy controls (HC) by using the sound-induced double flash illusion. For a better understanding of underlying neural mechanisms, event-related potentials were measured via electroencephalography (EEG).ResultsThe number of reported sound-induced flash illusions indicated audiovisual integration. A similar TWI size for both, participants with AS and HC, was found. Additionally, enhanced P2 amplitudes were detected for participants with AS compared to HC.ConclusionResults indicate an involvement of attentional processes in audiovisual perception in participants with AS.     

Ketorolac plus Lidocaine vs Lidocaine for pain relief following core needle soft tissue biopsy: A CONSORT-compliant double-blind randomized controlled study

Backgrounds:The main objective of this study was to compare the pain control efficacy of local administration of Lidocaine with or without the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Ketorolac, and local conventional Lidocaine injection in core needle biopsy of the musculoskeletal tumor.Methods:The current study was a randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial that included 128 patients with suspected musculoskeletal tumors. Patients were randomly assigned to either the Ketorolac plus Lidocaine (n = 64) or Lidocaine group (n = 64). The Ketorolac – Lidocaine combination syringe contained 30 mg Ketorolac and 2% Lidocaine – adrenaline dosage, and the Lidocaine syringe contained 2% Lidocaine – adrenaline dosage. The level of pain after core needle biopsy was evaluated for each patient at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and >48 hours by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The mean VAS changes over time were compared between the Ketorolac plus Lidocaine and Lidocaine groups using a linear mixed model.Results:baseline information including mean age of patients in Lidocaine group (51.5 ± 19.4 years) and in Lidocaine – Ketorolac combination group (50.1 ± 18 years), diagnosis (malignant, benign, metastatic, infection), tumor location (upper and lower extremities, back), VAS score 1-hour post-operation (mild and moderate pain) were noted. The VAS score ratings were significantly lower in Lidocaine – Ketorolac combination group when compared to the Lidocaine group during the 1 to 24 hours post-operation time period.Conclusion:Patients receiving Lidocaine – Ketorolac combination dosage had significantly lower VAS scores, and these results confirm that local injection of Lidocaine – Ketorolac combination had a superior pain-controlling effect during the first 24 hours after the biopsy procedure in comparison to Lidocaine injection alone, as measured by VAS score scale.     

双针刺疗法联合米索前列醇在118例孕足月产妇催产中的应用及对产妇宫颈成熟的影响＊

目的 研究118例孕足月产妇催产中采用双针刺疗法联合米索前列醇的效果对其宫颈成熟的影响。方法 选取2019年6月-2020年6月在我院就诊的足月催产患者118例，按照随机数字分配法分为米索前列醇治疗组和联合治疗组，各59例。米索前列醇治疗组给予米索前列醇片进行治疗，联合治疗组在米索前列醇治疗组的基础上给予双针刺疗法针刺双侧合谷、三阴交穴位。统计两组患者宫颈成熟、子宫活动力、宫口扩张速度、出血量、产程、分娩方式、新生儿情况及催产效率。结果 联合治疗组宫颈口扩张、宫颈管消退、先露位置、宫颈硬度、宫口位置指标均大于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。联合治疗组子宫活动力、宫口扩张速度均大于米索前列醇治疗组，产时出血量、产后2 h出血量均低于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。联合治疗组第一产程、第二产程、第三产程、总产程均小于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。联合治疗组阴道分娩患者例数多于米索前列醇治疗组，剖宫产患者例数少于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。联合治疗组催产效率高于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。结论 双针刺疗法联合米索前列醇在足月产妇催产中应用能促进患者宫颈成熟，减少产后出血量，缩短产程，促进阴道分娩，催产效率高。     

Thinned-out skin paddle versus collagen matrix as an optimized peri-implant soft tissue following fibula osteoseptocutaneous free flap: 3-year retrospective study

The objective of this study was to compare the implant longevity following two methods of peri-implant soft tissue optimization following free fibula flap (FFF): thinning of skin paddle (SP) and collagen matrix (CM). All patients who underwent rehabilitation with dental implants after mandibular reconstruction with FFF between June 2009 to May 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Two methods of peri-implant soft tissue optimization were applied: (1) SP group, (2) CM group. Outcome measurements were: modified plaque index (mPI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), marginal bone loss (MBL), implant success rate and complication rates. A total of 24 patients with 69 implants were included in the study, with 8.7% (n = 6) of implants lost in 3 years. No statistically significant difference was found regarding the outcome measurements in both groups. Failed implants presented with statistically significant higher mPI, mSBI, PD and MBL scores during prosthesis delivery and subsequent follow-ups (P<0.03). In the SP group, one patient experienced SP necrosis which later underwent soft tissue optimization using CM. CM is an alternative peri-implant soft tissue, while thinning of SP is feasible if thickness is well controlled.     

Outcomes of Irreversible Electroporation for Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma: A Prospective Pilot Study

PurposeTo investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous or open irreversible electroporation (IRE) in a prospective cohort of patients with locally advanced, unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC).Materials and MethodsIn a multicenter Phase I/II study, patients with unresectable PHC due to extensive vascular involvement or N2 lymph node metastases or local recurrence after resection for PHC were included and treated by open or percutaneous IRE combined with palliative chemotherapy (current standard of care). The primary outcome was the number of major adverse events occurring within 90 d after IRE (grade ≥3), and the upper limit was predefined at 60%. Secondary outcomes included technical success rate, hospital stay, and overall survival (OS).ResultsTwelve patients (mean age, 63 y ± 12) were treated with IRE. The major adverse event rate was 50% (6 of 12 patients), and no 90-d mortality was observed. All procedures were technically successful, with no intraprocedural adverse events requiring additional interventions. The median OS from diagnosis was 21 mos (95% confidence interval, 15–27 mos), with a 1-y survival rate of 75% after IRE.ConclusionsPercutaneous IRE in selected patients with locally advanced PHC seems feasible, with a major adverse event rate of 50%, which was below the predefined upper safety limit in this prospective study. Future comparative research exploring the efficacy of IRE is warranted.     

Role of site-directed mutagenesis and adjuvants in the stability and potency of anthrax protective antigen

Anthrax is a zoonotic infection caused by the gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Depending on the origin of the infection, serious health problems or mortality is possible. The virulence of B. anthracis is reliant on three pathogenic factors, which are secreted upon infection: protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF). Systemic illness results from LF and EF entering cells through the formation of a complex with the heptameric form of PA, bound to the membrane of infected cells through its receptor. The currently available anthrax vaccines have multiple drawbacks, and recombinant PA is considered a promising second-generation vaccine candidate. However, the inherent chemical instability of PA through Asn deamidation at multiple sites prevents its use after long-term storage owing to loss of potency. Moreover, there is a distinct possibility of B. anthracis being used as a bioweapon; thus, the developed vaccine should remain efficacious and stable over the long-term. Second-generation anthrax vaccines with appropriate adjuvant formulations for enhanced immunogenicity and safety are desired. In this article, using protein engineering approaches, we have reviewed the stabilization of anthrax vaccine candidates that are currently licensed or under preclinical and clinical trials. We have also proposed a formulation to enhance recombinant PA vaccine potency via adjuvant formulation.     

改良眶隔法和传统睑板法切开重睑术的术后重睑形态、瘢痕发生率、角膜暴露率比较研究

目的 比较改良眶隔法和传统睑板法切开重睑术中的应用效果及对术后重睑形态、瘢痕发生率、角膜暴露率的影响。方法 选取2020年3月-2021年3月首都医疗爱育华医院收治的80例单睑患者，采用随机数字表法将其分对照组和观察组，各40例。对照组接受传统睑板法切开重睑术，观察组接受改良眶隔法切开重睑术，比较两组术后重睑形态、瘢痕发生率、角膜暴露率、并发症发生率。结果 观察组总有效率高于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）；观察组GAIS评分高于对照组，VAS评分低于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）；观察组右侧角膜暴露率增加值、左侧角膜暴露率增加值高于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）；观察组并发症发生率为5.00%，低于对照组的22.50%，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 相比于传统睑板法切开重睑术，改良眶隔法切开重睑术不会过度增加术后角膜暴露率，术后瘢痕发生率更低，重睑形态更理想，患者接受度更高。     

飞秒激光辅助超声乳化联合Ahmed青光眼引流阀植入术治疗合并难治性青光眼的白内障

目的：评估飞秒激光辅助超声乳化联合Ahmed青光眼引流阀植入术治疗合并难治性青光眼的白内障的有效性和安全性。

方法：回顾性病例对照研究。2019-10/2021-10入院合并难治性青光眼的白内障患者53例53眼，依据自愿选择分为飞秒激光辅助白内障超声乳化(FLACS)组26例26眼和常规白内障超声乳化(CPCS)组27例27眼。两组分别行FLACS和CPCS联合Ahmed青光眼引流阀植入术。比较两组患者术中超声乳化能量释放量(CDE)、有效超声时间(EPT)的差异和术前与术后抗青光眼药物数量的变化，以及术后观察不同时期(1d，1wk，1、3mo)在提高最佳矫正视力(BCVA)，降低眼压、角膜内皮细胞损伤程度和手术并发症及成功率状况。

结果：FLACS组术中CDE和EPT明显低于CPCS组(t=8.50、5.16； P<0.01、=0.001)。两组术后抗青光眼药物较术前均明显减少(t=9.12、7.76； P=0.011、0.016)，但两组间无差异(t=1.79，P=0.082)。两组术后BCVA均较术前改善，眼压均较术前降低(P<0.05)。FLACS组在术后早期(1d，1wk)BCVA的改善较CPCS组更显著(t=9.74、8.49； P=0.008、0.012)，但在术后1、3mo的BCVA改善程度并无不同(t=0.62、0.44； P=1.415、2.021)。CPCS组在术后随访不同时期的角膜内皮细胞损伤较FLACS组更明显(P<0.05)。术后随访的不同时期FLACS组和CPCS组在控制眼压方面无差异(F_组间=0.64，P_组间=0.421)。FLACS组的手术并发症发生率27%(7/26)较CPCS组89%(24/27)低(χ²=20.95，P<0.01)，其中角膜水肿(8% vs 41%)、前囊撕裂(0 vs 11%)在FLACS组中明显低于CPCS组，后囊破裂(0 vs 7%)、玻璃体脱出(0 vs 4%)及人工晶状体偏位(0 vs 7%)也均发生在CPCS组。但两组的治疗总成功率相近(P=28.718)。

结论：飞秒激光辅助超声乳化联合Ahmed青光眼引流阀植入术可充分发挥联合手术的精准微创可控优势，帮助合并难治性青光眼的白内障患者有效降低眼压及更早获得视力恢复。