[The adhesion separation operation with CO₂ laser combined withtriamcinolone acetonide vocal cord submucosal injection for the treatment to vocal cord adhesion]

Objective:To investigate the effect of adhesion separation operation with CO₂ laser via prop-up laryngoscope combine with triamcinolone acetonide submucosal injection via electrolaryngoscope to vocal cords adhesion.Method:Sixteen cases of vocal cord adhesion patients(2 cases of children,14 cases of adult) were enrolled in the study. Fourteen patients had the history of surgery(Reinke edema,vocal polyp,pediatric laryngeal papilloma,laryngeal cancer),2 cases were diagnosed as laryngeal tuberculosis. Adhesion separation operation and triamcinolone acetonide submucosal injection(once a week,three weeks) were conducted. All patients were examined with electronic laryngoscope every month for six monthes.Result:Fourteen patients had good triangle shape of glottis vocalis and good sound voice. One cases of laryngeal cancer and 1 cases of laryngeal tuberculosis patients still had adhesion in the anterior commissure of the vocal cords,but with the improvement in breathing and pronunciation.Conclusion:Adhesion separation operation with CO₂ laser via prop-up laryngoscope combine with triamcinolone acetonide submucosal injection via electrolaryngoscope were effective for treatment to vocal cord adhesion,whichimprove the patient's breathing and voice with little trauma and few complications.

[Effects of different sulfonylureas on the warm-up phenomenon in diabetes patients with coronary artery disease]

Objective: To explore the different effects of chronic treatment with glibenclamide and gliclazide on the warm-up phenomenon in diabetes patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: A total of seventy-one patients with chronic stable angina and diabetes who were positive for exercise test and was proven that the stenosis degree was 70%-90% in at least one major branch through coronary angiogram were included into the study.They were divided into three groups, diet control group (DMD), glibenclamide group (DMG1) and gliclazide group (DMG2), according to the treatment of diabetes.All of the patients underwent two bicycle exercise tests (EX) at 15-minute interval.Parameters including ischaemic threshold (the rate-pressure product at 1-mm ST-segment depression, RPP), time to ischaemic (the time to 1 mm ST-segment depression, T-STD), the maximum ST-segment depression (STDmax) and exercise duration (ED) were recorded respectively. Results: In group DMD, T-STD and ED were prolonged [(360±83) s vs (409±80) s, P<0.001] and [(518±90) s vs (549±96) s, P=0.001], STDmax were shortened [(1.91±0.43) mm vs (1.60±0.36) mm, P<0.001], and RPP was increased [(180±27) beats·min(-1)·mmHg·10(2) vs (195±28) beats·min(-1)·mmHg·10(2), P<0.001] as the parameters during EX2 were compared with those during EX1. In group DMG1, there was no statistic difference in these indexes except that ED was prolonged [(458±70) s vs (472±66) s, P=0.045] when those of EX2 and EX1were compared. In the group DMG2, all the analyzed variables improved significantly during two sequential exercise tests as the results in the group DMD except that ischaemic threshold was not increased [(199±41) beats·min(-1)·mmHg·10(2) vs (211±39) beats·min(-1)·mmHg·10(2), P=0.071]. Conclutions: Warm-up phenomenon is abolished in diabetic patients with stable angina treated with glibenclamide, partially preserved in gliclazide-treated patients. and the KATP channel may be involved in those different effects. Gliclazide should be the safer choice for the patients with diabetes and chronic stable angina.

Extraction-controlled terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers with a diagonal LO-phonon extraction and injection stage

We report an extraction-controlled terahertz (THz)-frequency quantum cascade laser design in which a diagonal LO-phonon scattering process is used to achieve efficient current injection into the upper laser level of each period and simultaneously extract electrons from the adjacent period. The effects of the diagonality of the radiative transition are investigated, and a design with a scaled oscillator strength of 0.45 is shown experimentally to provide the highest temperature performance. A 3.3 THz device processed into a double-metal waveguide configuration operated up to 123 K in pulsed mode, with a threshold current density of 1.3 kA/cm² at 10 K. The QCL structures are modeled using an extended density matrix approach, and the large threshold current is attributed to parasitic current paths associated with the upper laser levels. The simplicity of this design makes it an ideal platform to investigate the scattering injection process.

[Study of the effects in vitro of berberine combined with bortezomib on multiple myeloma cell line U266 cells]

Objective: To investigate the effects of berberine in combination with bortezomib on proliferation and apoptosis of multiple myeloma (MM) cell line. Methods: MM cell line U266 cells were treated with berberine and/or bortezomib. The effects of berberine and/or bortezomib on proliferation of cells were measured by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Flow cytometric Annexin Ⅴ/PI double staining method was used to detect effect of either drug alone or in combination on apoptosis of MM cell line U266. ELISA was used to measure the expression of casepase-3,-8,-9 affected by the two drugs. Western blot was used to detect the expression of the apoptosis-related protein TRADD and FADD. King formula was used to determine if there was a synergistic effect of berberine in combination with bortezomib. Results: ① Both berberine and bortezomib as single agent had dose- and time-dependent effects of proliferation inhibition on U266 cells. Berberine (20 μmol/L) and bortezomib (5 nmol/L) had a synergistic effect of proliferation inhibition (Q value: 1.31-1.65). ② The proportion of early stage apoptosis in both single agent groups and combination group significantly increased compared to control group (P< 0.05). Berberine and bortezomib had a synergistic effect on cell apoptosis (Q value after 6 h and 12 h were 0.896 and 1.197, respectively). ③ Berberine in combination with bortezomib significantly upregulated expressions of caspase-3, -8 and -9, which were statistically significant (P<0.05). ④Berberine in combination with bortezomib significantly upregulated expressions of TRADD (0.91±0.01, 0.70±0.01) and FADD (0.98±0.01, 0.98±0.01) compared with control group (both P<0.05). Conclusion: Berberine in combination with bortezomib had synergistic effects on proliferation inhibition and apoptosis, which were mediated by up-regulated levels of TRADD and FADD.

Label-free detection of fibrillar collagen deposition associated with vascular elements in glioblastoma multiforme by using multiphoton microscopy

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM-WHO grade IV) is the most common and the most aggressive form of brain tumors in adults with the median survival of 10-12 months. The diagnostic detection of extracellular matrix (ECM) component in the tumour microenvironment is of prognostic value. In this paper, the fibrillar collagen deposition associated with vascular elements in GBM were investigated in the fresh specimens and unstained histological slices by using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG). Our study revealed the existence of fibrillar collagen deposition in the adventitia of remodelled large blood vessels and in glomeruloid vascular structures in GBM. The degree of fibrillar collagen deposition can be quantitatively evaluated by measuring the adventitial thickness of blood vessels or calculating the ratio of SHG pixel to the whole pixel of glomeruloid vascular structure in MPM images. These results indicated that MPM can not only be employed to perform a retrospective study in unstained histological slices but also has the potential to apply for in vivo brain imaging to understand correlations between malignancy of gliomas and fibrillar collagen deposition.

Gly71Arg UGT1A1 polymorphism is associated with breast cancer susceptibility in Han Chinese women

Breast cancer is among the most common causes of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between prolonged estrogen exposure and increased risk of breast cancer. Uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1-1 (UGT1A1) plays a significant role in the detoxification of estrogens. Two major genetic polymorphisms have been identified in the UGT1A1 locus. UGT1A1*28 has been previously linked to increased risk of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible correlation between UGT1A1*6, a single nucleotide polymorphism causing a Gly71Arg substitution, and breast cancer susceptibility. Forty-six women diagnosed with breast cancer, 15 patients with gastrointestinal cancer, and 13 healthy women were recruited to this study. The genotype in the polymorphic UGT1A1 locus was determined by DNA sequencing. The frequency of each genotype was compared among the three groups. The frequency of the UGT1A1*6 allele was significantly higher in breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancer patients than that in healthy females (both P < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between the UGT1A1*6 polymorphism and estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, HER-2 expression status, menstrual status, or metastasis (all P > 0.05). Therefore, the UGT1A1*6 polymorphism was deduced to be a risk factor for breast cancer in women of Han Chinese ethnicity. UGT1A1 may serve as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and other estrogen-related diseases.

[Forensic Analysis of 20 Dead Cases Related to Heroin Abuse]

OBJECTIVES

To perform retrospective analysis on 20 dead cases related to heroin abuse, and to provide references for the forensic assessment of correlative cases.

METHODS

Among 20 dead cases related to heroin abuse, general situation, using method of drug, cause of death and result of forensic examination were analyzed by statistical analysis for summarizing the cause of death and pathologic changes.

RESULTS

The dead were mostly young adults, with more male than female. The results of histopathological examinations showed non-specific pathological changes. There were four leading causes of death, including acute poisoning of heroin abuse or leakage （13 cases, 65%）, concurrent diseases caused by heroin abuse （3 cases, 15%）, inspiratory asphyxia caused by taking heroin （2 cases, 10%）, and heroin withdrawal syndrome （2 cases, 10%）.

CONCLUSIONS

The forensic identification on dead related to heroin abuse must base on the comprehensive autopsy, and combine with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of heroin and its metabolites in death and the case information, as well as the scene investigation.

Tiapride is more effective and causes fewer adverse effects than risperidone in the treatment of senile dementia

OBJECTIVE

We wanted to compare the effects of tiapride and risperidone in treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of senile dementia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

108 patients with senile dementia received respective treatments (54 patients per treatment, either with 100 mg/day risperidone or 2.0 mg tiapride/day) for 2 months. Outcomes included the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores, the curative rate of senile dementia, and prevalence of adverse effects (somnolence, headache, loss of weight, extrapyramidal system response, irritation and insomnia).

RESULTS

PANSS scores before treatment were comparable between treatment groups. On days 7, 15, 30, and 60 of the treatment, the differences between two treatment groups became evident. Thus, curative rates in patients treated with risperidone were 74.1% and in those treated with tiapride 88.9% (p < 0.05). Prevalence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the latter group (9.3% vs. 25.9% in patients treated with risperidone; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Tiapride is more effective in improving clinical symptoms of senile dementia and causes fewer adverse effects.

Diffraction-limited ultrabroadband terahertz spectroscopy

Diffraction is the ultimate limit at which details of objects can be resolved in conventional optical spectroscopy and imaging systems. In the THz spectral range, spectroscopy systems increasingly rely on ultra-broadband radiation (extending over more 5 octaves) making a great challenge to reach resolution limited by diffraction. Here, we propose an original easy-to-implement wavefront manipulation concept to achieve ultrabroadband THz spectroscopy system with diffraction-limited resolution. Applying this concept to a large-area photoconductive emitter, we demonstrate diffraction-limited ultra-broadband spectroscopy system up to 14.5 THz with a dynamic range of 10(3). The strong focusing of ultrabroadband THz radiation provided by our approach is essential for investigating single micrometer-scale objects such as graphene flakes or living cells, and besides for achieving intense ultra-broadband THz electric fields.

Experimental transmission of Babesia microti by Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides

Background

Human babesiosis is considered an emerging threat in China. Dozens of human infections with Babesia microti have been reported recently, especially in southern China. However, the transmission vectors of this parasite in these areas are not well understood. Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, which is one of the dominant tick species in southern China, is a major vector of bovine babesiosis in China. However, whether this tick has the potential to transmit B. microti has not been tested. The present study experimentally investigated the transmission competence of B. microti through R. haemaphysaloides ticks.

Methods

Larvae and nymphs of R. haemaphysaloides ticks were fed on laboratory mice infected by B. microti. The infection was detected by PCR at 4 weeks post-molting. BALB/c and NOD/SCID mice were infested by nymphs molting from larvae that ingested the blood of infective mice, and blood samples were then analyzed by PCR.

Results

Experimental transstadial transmission of R. haemaphysaloides for B. microti was proved in both the larvae to nymph and the nymph to adult transstadial routes. The positive rate of B. microti was 43.8 % in nymphs developed from larvae consumed infected mice and 96.7 % in adults developed from nymphs exposed to positive mice. Among the mice infested by infective nymphs, B. microti was detected in 16.7 % (2/12) of the BALB/c mice and in all of the NOD/SCID (6/6). However, the parasite was not observed to persist beyond more than one molt, and transovarial transmission did not occur.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate that B. microti can be transmitted artificially by R. haemaphysaloides. This tick species might be a potential vector of human babesiosis in southern China, which represents a public health concern.

Detection of dextrogastria by gastroscopy: Report of two cases and literature review

To summarize the characteristics of gastroscopic manifestations of dextrogastria, two patients with dextrogastria who underwent gastroscopy were analyzed retrospectively and a literature review was performed. The two patients underwent successful gastroscopy in the left lateral decubitus position, and the gastroscopic detection was more difficult than that for normal stomach. Several important characteristics of gastroscopic manifestations were found: (1) The gastric fundus was found on the right of the cardia when the gastroscope arrived the cardia; (2) The folds of the greater curvature run contrary to the normal direction; (3) There were lakes of mucin in the gastric antrum but not in the gastric fundus. These characteristics can be used to diagnose dextrogastria by gastroscopy.

Dynamic evolution process of multilayer core-shell microstructures within containerlessly solidifying Fe(50)Sn(50) immiscible alloy

Multilayer core-shell structures are frequently formed in polymers and alloys when temperature and concentration fields are well symmetrical spatially. Here we report that two- to five-layer core-shell microstructures were the dominant structural morphology of a binary Fe(50)Sn(50) immiscible alloy solidified under the containerless and microgravity states within a drop tube. Three dimensional phase field simulation reveals that both the uniformly dispersive structure and the multilayer core-shells are the various metastable and transitional states of the liquid phase separation process. Only the two-layer core-shell is the most stable microstructure with the lowest chemical potential. Because of the suppression of Stokes motion, solutal Marangoni migration becomes important to drive the evolution of core-shell structures.

Large-Scale Self-Assembly of 3D Flower-like Hierarchical Ni/Co-LDHs Microspheres for High-Performance Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors

In this study, a facile and inexpensive and self-assembled strategy to massively fabricate Ni/Co layered double hydroxides (LDHs) is developed under mild reaction conditions (55 °C). The resulting composite material displays a special three-dimensional hierarchical microsphere structure with well-defined flower-like configuration. The fabrication mechanism can be ascribed to stepwise and regular reaction process of nanoparticles and nanosheets gradually growing to nanopetals and then assembling into flower-like microspheres, based on the systematically investigation of various reaction factors including the Ni:Co feeding ratio, the reaction time and the initial pH-value. Because of its large surface, ultrathin feature and synergetic results of this Ni/Co LDHs nanosheets (20 nm), these Ni/Co-LDHs microspheres deliver an excellent capacitance value about 2228 F·g(-1) (1 A·g(-1)). An all-solid-state flexible asymmetric supercapacitor is designed and assembled by exploiting this Ni/Co-LDHs as the positive materials, which exhibits energy density of 165.51 Wh·kg(1-) at 1.53 KW·kg(1-). It may have vast potential significance in personal wearable equipment. Moreover, this monolithic design provides a promising approach for large scale fabrication of other LDHs materials.

Mid-infrared photodetectors operating over an extended wavelength range up to 90 K

We report a wavelength threshold extension, from the designed value of 3.1 to 8.9 μm, in a p-type heterostructure photodetector. This is associated with the use of a graded barrier and barrier offset, and arises from hole-hole interactions in the detector absorber. Experiments show that using long-pass filters to tune the energies of incident photons gives rise to changes in the intensity of the response. This demonstrates an alternative approach to achieving tuning of the photodetector response without the need to adjust the characteristic energy that is determined by the band structure.

Amorphization of cobalt monoxide nanocrystals and related explosive gas sensing applications

Amorphous nanomaterials have attracted attention due to their excellent performances, highly comparable to their crystalline counterparts. Sensor materials with amorphous phases are usually evaluated to be unsuitable for sensors because of poor performance. As a matter of fact, amorphous nanomaterials have rather unique sensor behaviors. Here, we report the amorphousization of cobalt monoxide (CoO) nanocrystals driven by a unique process involved in laser ablation in liquid (LAL). We also established that a fast and nonequilibrium process created by LAL results in the amorphousization of nanocrystals. The as-prepared amorphous CoO (a-CoO) nanoflakes possess a high aspect ratio, which showed good sensing of explosive gases. The fabricated gas sensor can detect CO and H2 at levels as low as 5 and 10 ppm, respectively, at 100 °C. The performance characteristics of this sensor, including high sensitivity, low working temperature, and low detection limit, are superior to those of sensors made with crystalline phase oxides. Meanwhile, a temperature-dependent p-n transition was observed in the sensor's response to CO, suggesting that the sensing properties can be tailored by changing the carrier type, thus tuning the selectivity of sensors to different gases. These findings demonstrate the potential applications of amorphous nanomaterials as gas sensor components.

P1BS, a conserved motif involved in tolerance to phosphate starvation in soybean

Available phosphate (Pi) is a major limiting factor for plant growth, development, and productivity. Phosphate starvation response 1 (PHR1) is a binding dimer that binds to an imperfect palindromic sequence. PHR1-binding sequences (GnATATnC) exist in the promoter of Pi starvation-responsive structural genes, indicating an effect occurring downstream in the Pi starvation signaling pathway. These sequences are referred to as PHR1-binding site (P1BS) structures. In this study, the sequences of GmPHR1 and GmSPX1 from Glycine max (L.) Merr. soybean were determined and analyzed. We found that GmPHR1 is an MYB-related transcription factor. In addition, GmSPX1 contained a P1BS structure, which is an important cis-regulatory motif in the phosphate signaling pathway. We found that GmPHR1 can physically interact with GmSPX1 through the cis-element, which may be a major pathway for the GmPHR1-mediated Pi starvation stress response. Thus, the P1BS structure in the Pi starvation signaling pathway is an important cis-regulatory motif that improves the tolerance to low phosphorus conditions in soybean.

Three-dimensional terahertz imaging using swept-frequency feedback interferometry with a quantum cascade laser

We demonstrate coherent three-dimensional terahertz imaging by frequency modulation of a quantum cascade laser in a compact and experimentally simple self-mixing scheme. Through this approach, we can realize significantly faster acquisition rates compared to previous schemes employing longitudinal mechanical scanning of a sample. We achieve a depth resolution of better than 0.1 μm with a power noise spectral density below -50  dB/Hz, for a sampling time of 10  ms/pixel.

Active phase-nulling of the self-mixing phase in a terahertz frequency quantum cascade laser

We demonstrate an active phase-nulling scheme for terahertz (THz) frequency quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) under optical feedback, by active electronic feedback control of the emission frequency. Using this scheme, the frequency tuning rate of a THz QCL is characterized, with significantly reduced experimental complexity compared to alternative approaches. Furthermore, we demonstrate real-time displacement sensing of targets, overcoming the resolution limits imposed by quantization in previously implemented fringe-counting methods. Our approach is readily applicable to high-frequency vibrometry and surface profiling of targets, as well as frequency-stabilization schemes for THz QCLs.

Optical sideband generation up to room temperature with mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers

Mid-infrared (MIR) sideband generation on a near infrared (NIR) optical carrier is demonstrated within a quantum cascade laser (QCL). By employing an externally injected NIR beam, E(NIR), that is resonant with the interband transitions of the quantum wells in the QCL, the nonlinear susceptibility is enhanced, leading to both frequency mixing and sideband generation. A GaAs-based MIR QCL (E(QCL) = 135 meV) with an aluminum-reinforced waveguide was utilized to overlap the NIR and MIR modes with the optical nonlinearity of the active region. The resulting difference sideband (E(NIR) - E(QCL)) shows a resonant behavior as a function of NIR pump wavelength and a maximum second order nonlinear susceptibility, χ((2)), of ~1 nm/V was obtained. Further, the sideband intensity showed little dependence with the operating temperature of the QCL, allowing sideband generation to be realized at room temperature.

The MBE growth and optimization of high performance terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers

The technique of molecular beam epitaxy has recently been used to demonstrate the growth of terahertz frequency GaAs/AlGaAs quantum cascade lasers (QCL) with Watt-level optical output powers. In this paper, we discuss the critical importance of achieving accurate layer thicknesses and alloy compositions during growth, and demonstrate that precise growth control as well as run-to-run growth reproducibility is possible. We also discuss the importance of minimizing background doping level in maximizing QCL performance. By selecting high-performance active region designs, and optimizing the injection doping level and device fabrication, we demonstrate total optical (two-facet) output powers as high as 1.56 W.

A metallic metal oxide (Ti5O9)-metal oxide (TiO2) nanocomposite as the heterojunction to enhance visible-light photocatalytic activity

Coupling titanium dioxide (TiO2) with other semiconductors is a popular method to extend the optical response range of TiO2 and improve its photon quantum efficiency, as coupled semiconductors can increase the separation rate of photoinduced charge carriers in photocatalysts. Differing from normal semiconductors, metallic oxides have no energy gap separating occupied and unoccupied levels, but they can excite electrons between bands to create a high carrier mobility to facilitate kinetic charge separation. Here, we propose the first metallic metal oxide-metal oxide (Ti5O9-TiO2) nanocomposite as a heterojunction for enhancing the visible-light photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles and we demonstrate that this hybridized TiO2-Ti5O9 nanostructure possesses an excellent visible-light photocatalytic performance in the process of photodegrading dyes. The TiO2-Ti5O9 nanocomposites are synthesized in one step using laser ablation in liquid under ambient conditions. The as-synthesized nanocomposites show strong visible-light absorption in the range of 300-800 nm and high visible-light photocatalytic activity in the oxidation of rhodamine B. They also exhibit excellent cycling stability in the photodegrading process. A working mechanism for the metallic metal oxide-metal oxide nanocomposite in the visible-light photocatalytic process is proposed based on first-principle calculations of Ti5O9. This study suggests that metallic metal oxides can be regarded as partners for metal oxide photocatalysts in the construction of heterojunctions to improve photocatalytic activity.

THz quantum cascade lasers operating on the radiative modes of a 2D photonic crystal

Photonic-crystal lasers operating on Γ-point band-edge states of a photonic structure naturally exploit the so-called "nonradiative" modes. As the surface output coupling efficiency of these modes is low, they have relatively high Q factors, which favor lasing. We propose a new 2D photonic-crystal design that is capable of reversing this mode competition and achieving lasing on the radiative modes instead. Previously, this has only been shown in 1D structures, where the central idea is to introduce anisotropy into the system, both at unit-cell and resonator scales. By applying this concept to 2D photonic-crystal patterned terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers, surface-emitting devices with diffraction-limited beams are demonstrated, with 17 mW peak output power.

Improved ion implant fluence uniformity in hydrogen enhanced glow discharge plasma immersion ion implantation into silicon

Enhanced glow discharge plasma immersion ion implantation does not require an external plasma source but ion focusing affects the lateral ion fluence uniformity, thereby hampering its use in high-fluence hydrogen ion implantation for thin film transfer and fabrication of silicon-on-insulator. Insertion of a metal ring between the sample stage and glass chamber improves the ion uniformity and reduces the ion fluence non-uniformity as the cathode voltage is raised. Two-dimensional multiple-grid particle-in-cell simulation confirms that the variation of electric field inside the chamber leads to mitigation of the ion focusing phenomenon and the results are corroborated experimentally by hydrogen forward scattering.