Higher Dosage of HIFU Treatment May Lead to Higher and Longer Efficacy for Moderate to Severe Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

Objectives: This study was to compare the efficacies and side effects of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) with regular and increased dosage.Study design: A prospectively assembled cohort was retrospectively analyzed through visual analogue scale (VAS).Methods: Regular dosage of HIFU treatment was applied to 56 PAR patients in group A. An increased dosage as twice as the regular one was applied to 48 patients in group B. Nasal obstruction, sneezing, rhinorrhea and rhinocnesmus, which were recognized as the four main symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), were evaluated before treatment, 3 months after treatment, and 1 year after treatment. The satisfaction of patients was also evaluated at 1 year postoperatively. Biopsy of the inferior turbinate and morphometric analysis were applied to 11 patients in group A and 10 in group B before HIFU treatment and 3 months after treatment.Results: Comparing the AR symptoms before treatment, There is no statistical difference observed between group A and B (p>0.05). The four main symptoms at 3 months and 1 year after treatment were all significantly improved (p<0.01) in both group A and B. The VAS scores of AR symptoms in Group B were lower than those in Group A at the same stage after treatment, especially at 1 year after treatment (p<0.05). Comparing the results at 3 months and 1 year after treatment, a tendency of recurrence of these symptoms was observed statistically in group A (p<0.05), but not in group B (p>0.05). More cases of nasal dryness and perirhinal swelling were found in group B than those in group A (p<0.05), while all side effects were mild and temporary. Patients in group B were more satisfied than those in group A (p=0.0866 >0.05), though not statistically significant. More reduction of the eosinophils, other inflammatory cells, and the submucosal glands was observed after HIFU treatment in group B than that in group A (p<0.05).Conclusions: A proper increment of HIFU dosage may be recommended to meet the needs of more improvement of AR symptoms and less recurrence.     

Constructing Rh–Rh3+ modified Ta2O5@TaON@Ta3N5 with special double n–n mutant heterojunctions for enhanced photocatalytic H2-evolution

A multiple core–shell heterostructure Rh–Rh³⁺ modified Ta₂O₅@TaON@Ta₃N₅ nanophotocatalyst was successfully constructed through nitriding Rh³⁺-doped Ta₂O₅ nanoparticles, which exhibited a much higher carrier separation efficiency about one order of magnitude higher than the Ta₂O₅@Ta₃N₅ precursor, and thus an excellent visible light photocatalytic H₂-evolution activity (83.64 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹), much superior to that of Rh anchored Ta₂O₅@TaON (39.41 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹), and improved stability due to the residual Rh–O/N in the Ta₃N₅ shell layer. Rh-modifying significantly extended light absorption to the overall visible region. Localized built-in electric fields with hierarchical potential gradients at the multiple interfaces including a Rh/Ta₃N₅ Schottky junction and double n–n Ta₃N₅/TaON/Ta₂O₅ mutant heterojunctions, drove charge carriers to directionally transfer from inside to outside, and efficiently separate. Enhanced photoactivity was ascribed to a synergetic effect of improved light absorption ability, increased carrier separation efficiency, and accelerated surface reaction. A promising strategy of developing excellent Ta₃N₅-based photocatalysts for solar energy conversion is provided by constructing double n–n mutant heterojunctions.

Localized built-in electric fields at multiple hierarchical interfaces facilitate the efficient separation and fast inside-out directional transfer of photogenerated carriers.     

不同碳水化合物肠内营养液对应激性高血糖患者早期血糖水平与预后的影响

目的观察不同的碳水化合物肠内营养液［肠内营养乳剂（TPF-D）和肠内营养混悬液（TPF）］用于早期肠内营养对应激性高血糖患者血糖水平与预后的影响,探讨其作为应激性高血糖患者早期肠内营养制剂的临床可行性。 方法选入2020年6至10月徐州医科大学附属医院急诊ICU收治的合并应激性高血糖的患者为研究对象。根据入排标准,最终71例患者纳入研究,随机数字表法将其分为观察组（35例,鼻饲TPF-D）和对照组（36例,鼻饲TPF）。收集患者一般资料,包括性别、年龄、急性生理与慢性健康状况（APACHE Ⅱ）评分;记录患者第1、3、7天每4小时一次血糖数据,并计算平均血糖值（GLU_AVE）、平均血糖波动幅度（GLU_MAGE）;计算治疗后3、7 d胰岛素应用总量;监测患者第1、7天相关营养指标变化,如总蛋白（TP）、白蛋白（ALB）、前白蛋白（PA）;记录胃肠道并发症（如反流、呕吐、腹泻、腹胀等）、ICU住院时间及28 d病死率。 结果（1）2组性别比例、年龄、APACHE Ⅱ评分比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。（2）2组第1、3、7天GLU_AVE及第1、3天GLU_MAGE比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;观察组第7天GLU_MAGE显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义［（0.72±0.08）mmol/L vs（1.56±0.10）mmol/L,t=6.22,P=0.02］。（3）观察组治疗3、7 d胰岛素应用总量显著低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义［（60.40±39.80）U vs（102.70±49.60）U,t=0.17,P=0.02;（110.50±43.30）U vs（202.80±56.40）U,t=2.52,P=0.01］。（4）2组第1、7天TP、PA、ALB比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。（5）2组胃肠道并发症、ICU住院时间、28 d病死率比较,差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。 结论应激性高血糖患者早期营养中,TPF-D较TPF能更好地降低血糖变异性,控制血糖波动幅度,并减少临床中胰岛素用量,但不影响预后。     

Dynamic fluorescence lifetime sensing with CMOS single-photon avalanche diode arrays and deep learning processors

Measuring fluorescence lifetimes of fast-moving cells or particles have broad applications in biomedical sciences. This paper presents a dynamic fluorescence lifetime sensing (DFLS) system based on the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) principle. It integrates a CMOS 192 × 128 single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array, offering an enormous photon-counting throughput without pile-up effects. We also proposed a quantized convolutional neural network (QCNN) algorithm and designed a field-programmable gate array embedded processor for fluorescence lifetime determinations. The processor uses a simple architecture, showing unparallel advantages in accuracy, analysis speed, and power consumption. It can resolve fluorescence lifetimes against disturbing noise. We evaluated the DFLS system using fluorescence dyes and fluorophore-tagged microspheres. The system can effectively measure fluorescence lifetimes within a single exposure period of the SPAD sensor, paving the way for portable time-resolved devices and shows potential in various applications.     

三维胸腔镜辅助下心脏外科手术50例

目的 总结三维(3D)胸腔镜辅助下心脏外科手术的疗效和安全性.方法 对2013年10月至2014年7月50例3D胸腔镜辅助下心脏手术进行回顾性分析,包括房间隔缺损修补术5例,室间隔缺损修补术1例,三房心、无顶冠状窦综合征及部分型心内膜垫缺损矫治术各1例,二尖瓣置换术28例(含再次手术1例),三尖瓣置换术1例,二尖瓣成形术9例,左房黏液瘤切除术2例及左乳内动脉采集术+小切口冠状动脉旁路移植术1例.采用Karl Storz 3D摄像系统、30°胸腔镜、高清3D显示屏及配套手术器械,股动静脉及经颈上腔静脉插管建立体外循环,在3D图像引导下完成胸内操作.结果 全组无围术期死亡,其中因心包粘连中转正中开胸1例.平均手术时间(232.8 ±54.7)min,体外循环时间(128.0±42.5)min,主动脉阻断时间(74.7 ± 25.1) min.平均ICU停留时间(30.4±22.0)h,呼吸机辅助通气时间(13.7±11.9)h.平均胸腔引流时间(3.34±1.91)天,平均住院时间(6.52±3.06)天.术后并发症11例(22％),包括术后出血4例,切口感染1例,胸腔积液3例,臂丛神经损伤1例,顽固性呃逆1例,轻度瓣周漏1例.与同期20例2D胸腔镜下二尖瓣置换术对比,3D组手术时间、体外循环时间及主动脉阻断时间无显著差异(P＞0.05).结论 3D胸腔镜辅助下心脏外科手术是安全可行的,值得进一步推广和普及.     

Prostate cancer detection upon transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy in relation to digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen level: what to expect in the Chinese population?

We investigated the prostate cancer detection rates upon transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy in relation to digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and risk factors of prostate cancer detection in the Chinese population. Data from all consecutive Chinese men who underwent first TRUS-guided prostate biopsy from year 2000 to 2013 was retrieved from our database. The prostate cancer detection rates with reference to DRE finding and PSA level of < 4, 4–10, 10.1–20, 20.1–50 and > 50 ng ml⁻¹ were investigated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate for potential risk factors of prostate cancer detection. A total of 2606 Chinese men were included. In patients with normal DRE, the cancer detection rates were 8.6%, 13.4%, 21.8%, 41.7% and 85.2% in patients with PSA < 4, 4–10, 10.1–20, 20.1–50 and > 50 ng ml⁻¹ respectively. In patients with abnormal DRE, the cancer detection rates were 12.4%, 30.2%, 52.7%, 80.6% and 96.4% in patients with PSA < 4, 4–10, 10.1–20, 20.1–50 and > 50 ng ml⁻¹ respectively. Older age, smaller prostate volume, larger number of biopsy cores, presence of abnormal DRE finding and higher PSA level were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer detection upon multivariate logistic regression analyses (P < 0.001). Chinese men appeared to have lower prostate cancer detection rates when compared to the Western population. Taking the different risk factors into account, an individualized approach to the decision of TRUS-guided biopsy can be adopted.     

Activated pancreatic stellate cells can impair pancreatic islet function in mice

Background

Pancreatic or islet fibrosis is often associated with activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). PSCs are considered not only to promote fibrosis, but also to be associated with glucose intolerance in some diseases. We therefore evaluated morphological and functional relationships between islets and PSCs in the normal mouse pancreas and transplanted islets.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to map the presence of PSCs in the normal mouse pancreas and islets implanted under the renal capsule. We isolated and cultured mouse PSCs and characterized them morphologically by immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, we measured their cytokine production and determined their effects on insulin release from simultaneously cultured islets.

Results

PSCs were scattered throughout the pancreas, with occasional cells within the islets, particularly in the islet capsule. In islet transplants they were found mainly in the graft periphery. Cultured PSCs became functionally activated and produced several cytokines. Throughout the culture period they linearly increased their production of interleukin-6 and mammalian keratinocyte-derived chemokine. PSC cytokine production was not affected by acute hyperglycemia. Syngeneic islets co-cultured with PSCs for 24–48 h increased their insulin release and lowered their insulin content. However, short-term insulin release in batch-type incubations was unaffected after 48 h of co-culture. Increased islet cell caspase-3 activation and a decreased islet cell replication were consistently observed after co-culture for 2 or 7 days.

Conclusion

Activated PSCs may contribute to impaired islet endocrine function seen in exocrine pancreatitis and in islet fibrosis associated with some cases of type 2 diabetes.     

下颌下入路手术治疗Hangman骨折的解剖与临床应用

目的：探讨下颌下入路手术的解剖要点及其治疗Hangman骨折的临床疗效。方法对5具成人新鲜尸体标本下颌下区的重要血管和神经进行解剖观察,并测量舌下神经与喉上神经内侧支之间纵向的最短距离;其中男3具、女2具,年龄39~62岁,均排除颈椎相关疾病病史。回顾分析2006年12月—2012年1月第二军医大学附属长征医院脊柱外科采用下颌下入路手术治疗21例Hangman骨折患者的临床资料,其中男14例、女7例,年龄27~59岁;根据Levine-Edward分型,Ⅱ型骨折18例,Ⅱa型骨折2例,Ⅲ型1例。结果下颌下入路的相关重要解剖结构在尸体解剖中得以充分显露,舌下神经与喉上神经内侧支之间纵向的最短距离为（21．7±3．1) mm,通过适当牵拉能够充分暴露C2、C3水平,满足Hangman骨折手术治疗操作要求。21例临床病例随访（21．3±8．1)个月,骨折愈合均良好,术后神经症状及颈肩部疼痛程度均较术前明显改善,JOA 改善率为64．9%。1例术中减压过程中出现脑脊液漏,术中行明胶海绵及Surgiflo填塞处理,术后常压引流3 d未引出脑脊液,引流拔除后手术切口愈合良好;1例术后出现声音嘶哑症状,2个月后自行恢复。结论下颌下入路可充分显露手术内固定治疗Hangman骨折所需的手术节段,手术疗效满意。熟知下颌下三角区域解剖结构、重要神经血管的走行是手术成功、减少手术并发症发生的关键因素。     

HPV-16 E6 promotes cell growth of esophageal cancer via downregulation of miR-125b and activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a possible cause of esophageal cancer. However, the molecular pathogenesis of HPV-infected esophageal cancer remains unclear. The expression levels of some microRNAs including miR-125b have been negatively correlated with HPV infection, and miR-125b downregulation is associated with tumorigenesis. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been suggested to play an important role in esophageal cancer (EC). We examined miR-125b and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in HPV-16 E6 promoted tumor progression in EC. HPV-16 E6 transfection decreased markedly the expression levels of miR-125b and promoted the colony formation in the Eca 109 and Kyse 150 cell lines, and restoration of miR-125b expression level antagonized the increased colony formation in HPV-16 E6 transfected cell lines. We also demonstrated that overexpression of E6 upregulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity via modulating the multiple regulators including TLE1, GSK3β, and sFRP4. Overexpression of miR-125b restored the expression levels of these proteins. Expression of miR-125b was lower in HPV-16 E6 positive esophageal cancer tissues, and was negatively correlated with E6 mRNA levels. Our results indicate that HPV-16 E6 promotes tumorigenesis in EC via down-regulation of miR-125b, and this underlying mechanism may be involved in the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.