Quantum oscillations of electrical resistivity in an insulator

In metals, orbital motions of conduction electrons on the Fermi surface are quantized in magnetic fields, which is manifested by quantum oscillations in electrical resistivity. This Landau quantization is generally absent in insulators. Here, we report a notable exception in an insulator-ytterbium dodecaboride (YbB₁₂). The resistivity of YbB₁₂, which is of a much larger magnitude than the resistivity in metals, exhibits distinct quantum oscillations. These unconventional oscillations arise from the insulating bulk, even though the temperature dependence of the oscillation amplitude follows the conventional Fermi liquid theory of metals with a large effective mass. Quantum oscillations in the magnetic torque are also observed, albeit with a lighter effective mass.

[Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for treating renal hilar tumors: a clinical study of 22 cases]

Objective: To analyze and summarize the surgical experience of robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for treating renal hilar tumors, and assess the efficacy and safety of this surgery. Methods: The clinical data of 22 renal hilar tumor patients who underwent RAPN in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between September 2015 and September 2017 was analyzed. The patients included 19 males and 3 females, with an average age of (55.6 ±13.0) years old and the age range was 28-75 years. In 13 cases, the tumors were in left kidney, and 9 in the right. There were 10 large tumors (>4 cm diameter), the average tumor size was (3.7±1.9) cm. Preoperative glomerular filtration rate was normal in all cases. Results: The surgery was successfully finished in all of the cases, with no conversion to open surgery. The mean duration of the surgery was 80-270 min, with an average of (134.7±44.5) min. The blood loss was 80-500 ml, with an average of (135.9±130.7) ml, and none of the cases needed intraoperative blood transfusion. The warm ischemia time was 8-25 min, with an average of (18.2±4.0) min. The postoperative length of hospitalization was 7-23 d, with an average of (11.5±4.1) d. Serious gross hematuria occurred in 1 patient, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation occurred in 1 patient after surgery. The post-operative pathology showed renal clear cell carcinoma in 18 cases, papillary renal cell carcinoma in 2 cases, chromophobe cell carcinoma in 1 case and well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor in 1 case. The tumor resection margin was negative in all cases. Neither local recurrence nor metastasis was observed during a follow-up of 1 to 15 months. Renal function of all the patients was in normal range. Conclusion: RAPN is a safe, useful approach and a minimally invasive operation for treating renal hilar tumors and it owns crucial advantages in complete and accurate resection of the renal hilar tumors and the reconstruction of the kidney.

Purification, Characterization, and Crystal Structure of Parvalbumins, the Major Allergens in Mustelus griseus

Fish play important roles in human nutrition and health, but also trigger allergic reactions in some population. Parvalbumin (PV) represents the major allergen of fish. While IgE cross-reactivity to PV in various bony fish species has been well characterized, little information is available about allergens in cartilaginous fish. In this study, two shark PV isoforms (named as SPV-I and SPV-II) from Mustelus griseus were purified. Their identities were further confirmed by mass spectroscopic analysis. IgE immunoblot analysis showed that sera from fish-allergic patients reacted to both SPV-I and SPV-II, but the majority of sera reacted more intensely to SPV-I than SPV-II. Thermal denaturation monitored by CD spectrum showed that both of the SPV allergens are highly thermostable. SPV-I maintained its IgE-binding capability after heat denaturation, while the IgE-binding capability of SPV-II was reduced. The results of crystal structure showed that SPV-I and SPV-II were similar in their overall tertiary structure, but their amino acid sequences shared lower similarities, indicating that the differences in the IgE-binding capabilities of SPV-I and SPV-II might be due to differential antigen epitopes in these two isoforms.

[Assessment on Application of 24 Y-STR Loci in Forensic Science]

OBJECTIVES

To select a Y-STR marker system with strong haplotype identification ability, appropriate mutation rate and high compatibility and to assess its forensic application.

METHODS

The 24 Y-STR loci were tested by self-built fluorescent multiplex system, and the forensic assessment was conducted by 139 pairs of father-son samples collected in Jinan, Shandong province.

RESULTS

Totally 176 alleles were identified among the 24 Y-STR loci in the sample of 139 unrelated individuals labeled with father, and the gene diversity （GD） distributed between 0.083 7 （DYS645）-0.966 9 （DYS385a/b）. According to the 24 Y-STR loci, 139 different haplotypes were detected from 139 unrelated male individuals labeled with father in Han population of Shandong province and with no shared haplotype observed. The overall haplotype diversity （HD） was 1 and the discrimination capacity （DC） was 1. A total of 5 one-step mutations events were observed among the 24 Y-STR loci in 139 pairs of father-son. The average mutation rate was 0.001 5 [95% CI （0.000 5, 0.003 5）].

CONCLUSIONS

The system of 24 Y-STR loci shows a strong individual recognition ability and low mutation rate in the population in Jinan, Shandong province, and it has good application value in forensic science.

[Influence of blue light from visual display terminals on human ocular surface]

Objective: To investigate the influence of blue light from visual display terminals (VDTs) on human ocular surface. Methods: Prospective intervention test Thirty volunteers were recruited to watch videos on the same VDT in a dark environment, about 40 cm from the screen. Volunteers were supposed to watch videos in the night shift mode that reduces the amount of blue light for 1 hour. At the same time of the second day, they watched the same videos on the VDT in the normal mode for 1 hour. Tear film break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining scores, lipid layer thickness (LLT), times of blinking in 19.1 seconds and the ratio of partial blinking in 19.1 seconds were measured before and after each watching. Meanwhile, volunteers were asked to complete a questionnaire about their subjective experience after watching. Results: BUT, corneal fluorescein staining scores and LLT showed no significant decreases in the volunteers after they watched videos on the VDT in the night shift mode [BUT before watching: (8.08±3.15)s, BUT after watching in the night shift mode: (5.31±2.49)s, t=-0.52, P>0.05], but there were significant decreases after they watched videos in the normal mode [BUT after watching in the normal mode: (3.35±1.95) s, t=2.40, P<0.05]. At the same time, there was a significant difference between night shift mode and normal mode[BUT after watching in the night shift mode (5.31±2.49)s, BUT after watching in the normal mode: (3.35±1.95)s, t=3.67, P<0.05). Times of blinking and the ratio of partial blinking in 19.1 seconds were increased modestly after watching in 2 different modes, but there was no significant difference(times of blinking after watching in the night shift mode were 5.55±3.27, times of blinking after watching in the normal mode were 5.93±3.59, t=-0.92, P>0.05). The questionnaire results showed that 70.0%(21) of the volunteers reported mild discomfort including eye dryness, itching, pain, foreign body sensation, redness and asthenopia, 46.7%(14) reported no difference between the 2 modes, 36.7%(11) preferred the night shift mode, 16.6%(5) felt better with the normal mode, and 80.0%(24) would like to try the night shift mode in their daily life. Conclusions: Use of VDTs for a short period of time can lower the stability of tear film. The night shift mode may cause less damage to the ocular surface than the normal mode. High-energy blue light from VDTs can be a risk factor in the ocular surface damage, but the damage is reversible. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 426-431).

Involvement of clip-domain serine protease in the anti-Vibrio immune response of abalone (Haliotis discus hannai)-Molecular cloning, characterization and functional analysis

Vibrio parahemolyticus (V. parahemolyticus) is a major pathogen for abalone, an important economical shellfish in coastal area of China. There is little known about the abalone innate immune system against pathogen infection. Clip-domain serine proteases (cSPs) are increasingly recognized to play important roles in host immune defense in invertebrates. In this study, we cloned a cSP (Hdh-cSP) from abalone (Haliotis discus hannai). We found out that Hdh-cSP was widely expressed in multiple tissues of abalone, with highest level in the immune-like organ, hepatopancreas. V. parahemolyticus infection induced significantly elevated expression of Hdh-cSP in addition to better-characterized innate immune component genes including Rel/NF-κB, allograft inflammatory factor (ALInFa), macrophage expressed protein (MEP) and caspase-8. Importantly, the silencing of Hdh-cSP reduced the expression of these genes, suggesting that Hdh-cSP was an upstream regulatory factor in V. parahemolyticus infection. Further analysis showed that apoptosis of hemocytes was inhibited when the transcription of Hdh-cSP was knocked down, suggesting that Hdh-cSP participated in cell apoptosis by regulation of caspase 8 expression in V. parahemolyticus infection. Therefore, our study established an important role of cSP in the innate immunity against V. parahemolyticus infection in abalone.

Nontraumatic Acute Anterior Cord Syndrome Caused by Cervical Disc Herniation after Napping with Neck Extension

Nontraumatic acute anterior cord syndrome caused by disc herniation occurring in the cervical spine is rare. A 39-year-old man presented with a sharp burning pain in bilateral upper limbs and progressive paraplegia after a nap with neck extension. He had impaired sensation of pain and temperature with preservation of proprioception and light touch below the C6 level. The magnetic resonance imaging showed focal hyperintensity of the anterior cord at the C5-C7 level and central herniation of C5-6 and C6-7 discs. An anterior discectomy of C5-6 and C6-7 was conducted because of the poor response to a high dose of steroid. A postoperative intensive rehabilitation treatment was also performed. The patient showed significant improvement in motor and sensory function three months postoperatively. Long-term repetitive neck extension should be avoided because it may be a risk for degenerative spondylotic change and cord compression disorders. Surgical intervention should be considered in a patient with anterior cord syndrome associated with nontraumatic cervical disc herniation. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2013;20:389-391)

Rapidly increasing liver progenitor cell numbers in human regenerating liver after portal vein ligation and liver partition

BACKGROUND

Liver regeneration is dependent on the proliferation of hepatocytes. Hepatic progenitor cells are intra-hepatic precursor cells capable of differentiating into hepatocytes or biliary cells. Although liver progenitor cell proliferation during the regenerative process has been observed in animal models of severe liver injury, it has never been observed in vivo in humans because it is unethical to take multiple biopsy specimens for the purpose of studying the proliferation of liver progenitor cells and the roles they play in liver regeneration. Associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is a staged procedure for inducing remnant liver hypertrophy so that major hepatectomy can be performed safely. This staged procedure allows for liver biopsy specimens to be taken before and after the liver begins to regenerate.

CASE PRESENTATION

The liver progenitor cell proliferation is observed in a patient undergoing ALPPS for a metastatic hepatic tumour. Liver biopsy is acquired before and after ALPPS for the calculation of average number of liver progenitor cell under high magnification examination by stain of immunomarkers. This is the first in vivo evidence of growing liver progenitor cells demonstrated in a regenerating human liver.

[Value of evaluating the coronary collateral circulation by transluminal attenuation gradient in patients with chronic total occlusion and related influencing factors]

Objective: To observe the value of evaluating the coronary collateral circulation of chronic total occlusion (CTO) by transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG) and Rentrop grading, and analyze the influencing factors for coronary collateral circulation. Methods: A total of 179 CTO patients admitted to Beijing Anzhen hospital during June 2013 to August 2016 were included in this study.All patients received coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) examination before coronary angiography.Finally, 75 patients (79 vessels) were enrolled.Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of Rentrop classification.The Rentrop 3 was defined as a well-developed coronary collateral circulation group, including 50 CTO vessels, Rentrop 2 or below was defined as poorly-developed collateral circulation group, including 29 vessels.TAG values in patients with various Rentrop grades were analyzed.Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine the predictors of collateral circulation. Results: TAG increased consistently in proportion to the angiographic extent of collateral flow (TAG was (-33.6±24.4), (-16.5±15.7) and (-12.8±15.8) HU/10 mm in patients with Rentrop grade 0 or 1, 2 and 3, respectively, P=0.007). Number of good collateral circulation vessels predicted by TAG≥15.6 HU/10 mm was 45(57.0%, 45/79), and 50 (63.3%, 50/79) by Rentrop grade (P=0.383). Prevalence of diabetes was significantly lower (20.8%(10/48) vs. 48.1%(13/27), P=0.01), while history of previous myocardial infarction (MI) was significantly higher (35.4%(17/48) vs. 11.1%(3/27), P=0.02) in patients with good collateral circulation than in patients with poor collateral circulation.The TAG of the good collateral circulation group was significantly higher than in poorly collateral circulation group ((-12.8±15.8) HU/10 mm vs. (-21.2±19.6) HU/10mm, P=0.041). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that history of MI (OR=0.196, 95%CI 0.041-0.936, P=0.041) and diabetes(OR=6.604, 95%CI 1.726-25.274, P=0.006) were independent predictors of coronary collateral circulation. Conclusions: TAG could be used to evaluate status of coronary collateral circulation.Presence of MI history and absence of diabetes history are the two independent predictors of well-developed coronary collateral circulation in CTO patients.

[Comparison of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy and open distal pancreatectomy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To compare and evaluate the curative effect of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy(LDP) and traditional open distal pancreatectomy(ODP) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 15 patients treated by LDP and 87 contemporaneous cases treated by ODP from January 2010 to November 2015 was collected, and the curative effect and prognosis of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The operation time of LDP group was (286.5±48.1) min, significantly longer than that of OPD group(226.6±56.8) min (P<0.05). The operative hemorrhage, postoperative exhaust time, recovery eating time, the whole and postoperative hospitalization time of LDP group were (188.7±108.9) ml, (2.2±1.3) d, (2.9±1.1) d, (13.2±10.4) d and (9.3±8.1) d, respectively, dramatically shorter than those of ODP group (625.2±982.1) ml, (4.3±1.7) d, (5.2±1.8) d, (20.7±8.7) d and (14.9±7.8) d, respectively (all of P<0.05). There were no intraoperative blood transfusion case in LDP group, however, 13 patients in ODP group received intraoperative blood transfusion, without significant difference (P=0.207). Alternatively, 6 cases occurred pancreatic fistula in LDP group, among them, 5 cases were grade A and 1 case was grade B; In ODP group, 17 cases occurred pancreatic fistula, among them 13 cases were grade A, 1 case was grade B and 3 cases were grade C, without significant differences (P=0.130). There were 2 cases of delayed gastric empty, 1 case of pulmonary infection in LDP group. In ODP group, there were 5 cases of postoperative delayed gastric empty, 3 cases of pulmonary infection and 6 cases of intra-abdominal infection, without significant differences (P>0.05). In both LDP group and ODP group, none occurred percutaneous drainage, re-admissions, second operation or perioperative death. Conclusions: Compared to ODP, LDP is much safer and more steady in perioperative periodand operation. Patients of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma received LDP can acquire more benefit and recovery sooner, and LDP is a safe and effective operative method.

[Expression of microRNA-221 and IL-17 in papillary thyroid carcinoma and correlation with clinicopathologic features]

Objective: To study the expression of microRNA-221(miR-221) and IL-17 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and their roles in the carcinogenesis of PTC. Methods: Real-time RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to detect the expression of miR-221 and IL-17 in 40 cases of PTC, 20 adjacent normal thyroid tissues and 20 cases of nodular goiter, and the correlation with clinicopathologic features was analyzed. Results: (1)The expression level of miR-221 was significantly higher in PTC compared with nodular goiter and adjacent normal thyroid tissue (P<0.05), but not between the latter two (P>0.05). The expression of miR-221 was related to TNM staging, capsular invasion and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05) but not to patients' age, sex, tumor size, multifocality, tumor spread and vascular invasion.(2)Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot showed that higher levels of IL-17 mRNA and IL-17 protein in PTC than nodular goiter and adjacent normal thyroid tissue (P<0.05), but not between the latter two (P>0.05). IHC assay showed positive expression of IL-17 in PTC but not in nodular goiter and adjacent normal thyroid tissue. IL-17 expression was related to TNM staging, capsular invasion and lymph node metastasis, but not to patients' age, sex, tumor size, tumor spread and vascular invasion.(3) Expression analysis revealed a significant correlation between the miR-221 and IL-17 expression (r=0.524, P=0.001). Conclusions: The expressions of miR-221 and IL-17 are significantly higher and positively correlated in PTC, suggesting that miR-221 may regulate IL-17 expression by interacting with a variety of cytokines and inflammatory cells to participate in the development of PTC. miR-221 may be a potential novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for PTC.

[Comparison of MPure-12 Automatic Nucleic Acid Purification and Chelex-100 Method]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the forensic application value of MPure-12 automatic nucleic acid purification （MPure-12 Method） for DNA extraction by extracting and typing DNA from bloodstains and various kinds of biological samples with different DNA contents.

METHODS

Nine types of biological samples, such as bloodstains, semen stains, and saliva were collected. DNA were extracted using MPure-12 method and Chelex-100 method, followed by PCR amplification and electrophoresis for obtaining STR-profiles.

RESULTS

The samples such as hair root, chutty, butt, muscular tissue, saliva stain, bloodstain and semen stain were typed successfully by MPure-12 method. Partial alleles were lacked in the samples of saliva, and the genotyping of contact swabs was unsatisfactory. Additional, all of the bloodstains （20 μL, 15 μL, 10 μL, 5 μL, 1 μL） showed good typing results using Chelex-100 method. But the loss of alleles occurred in 1 μL blood volume by MPure-12 method.

CONCLUSIONS

MPure-12 method is suitable for DNA extraction of a certain concentration blood samples．Chelex-100 method may be better for the extraction of trace blood samples．This instrument used in nucleic acid extraction has the advantages of simplicity of operator, rapidity, high extraction efficiency, high rate of reportable STR-profiles and lower man-made pollution.

[Forensic Application of HuaxiaTM Platinum Kit]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the genetic polymorphism of 23 autosomal STR loci of Huaxia™ Platinum kit in Chinese Han population, and to evaluate the forensic efficiency of Huaxia™ Platinum kit.

METHODS

A total of 500 unrelated healthy individuals from Han population were genotyped with Huaxia™ Platinum kit. The frequency distribution and the parameter of population genetics of STR loci were analysed statistically. Huaxia™ Platinum kit was compared with other 7 commercial STR kits commonly seen at home and abroad in the number of STR loci, interior label, fluorescent mark, total number of alleles in Ladder and system effectiveness.

RESULTS

All the 23 autosomal STR loci were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium （P>0.05）. The discrimination power was 0.791 5-0.986 2. The polymorphism information content （PIC） was 0.559 0-0.914 0. The combined discrimination power （CDP） was 1-4.1×10⁻²⁸, while combined probability of paternity exclusion in trio （CPET） and in duo （CPED） were 1-4.1×10⁻¹⁰ and 1-8.4×10⁻⁷, respectively. Compared with other 7 kits, Huaxia™ Platinum kit contained the most number of alleles within the Ladder.

CONCLUSIONS

All the 23 autosomal STR loci of Huaxia™ Platinum kit with highly polymorphic in Han population can be used for paternity testing and individual identification. Compared with other 7 kits, it appears that Huaxia™ Platinum kit can provide more genetic information.

Prophylactic Dual Catheter Technique to Prevent Side Branch Snowplowing Complications during Angioplasty and Stenting

Objective

Angioplasty and Stenting of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions have a higher complication rate and a large proportion of this is attributable to side branch arterial occlusion from forceful displacement of the atheroma into the ostia or snowplowing effect. This can result in severe disabilities when it result in small infarcts involving eloquent areas in the posterior circulation or the motor tracts.

Materials and Methods

We present a series of 6 cases utilizing a new dual catheter technique for maintaining the patency of at-risk vessels during angioplasty and stenting. There are several methods previously described to help reduce the incidence of stroke but because they do not have a physical presence in the ostia to protect it, they are unable to guarantee the patency of the vessel.

Results

All 6 patients underwent angioplasty and stenting with the technique. The patients were assessed for complications with post-procedure magnetic resonance imaging and no complications were found.

Conclusion

In this preliminary series, the dual catheter technique appears to safe and effective in preventing occlusion of the adjacent branch arteries. This technique may facilitate the use of the Wingspan stent in the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenotic segments by reducing the risk of peri-procedural stroke.

[Effect of artesunate on the transplantation tumor of parotid gland in the nude mice with adenoid cystic carcinoma drug resistance cell]

Objective:To observe the effect of Artesunate on the transplantation tumor of parotid gland in the nude mice with adenoid cystic carcinoma drug resistance cell and to explore its clinical application prospect as an anticancer drug.Method:Twenty male BALB/C mice were chose to set up parotid gland transplantation tumor model, then used the method of random Numbers table 20 nude mice were randomly divided into normal saline control group, positive control group DDP 2 mg/kg group, the ART of 200 mg/kg group, ART 100 mg/kg+DDP 1 mg/kg group, a total of 4 groups. Abdominal cavity injection was performed twice a day, and we measured weight of each nude mice and transplantation tumor major axis and minor axis. Treatments were conducted for 4 weeks, then the mice were sacrificed, and tumor weight was measured to calculate the inhibitory rates. The tumors were examined by HE staining to observe each tumor tissue pathological changes and by immunohistochemical method to detect Survivin expression in transplanted tumor tissue. Result:Four weeks after treatments, the inhibitory rate of DDP 2 mg/kg group was 59.86%, but this group of nude mice lost weight obviously； the ART 200 mg/kg group was 43.54%，this group of nude mice had a good mental state, and weight had gaining continuously；the ART 100 mg/kg+DDP 1 mg/kg group was 41.16%, this group of nude mice had reducing weight slightly.HE staining showed:The tumor nuclei were hyperchromatic and shrinkage, nuclear chromatin condensed and cracked into flake in the ART 200 mg/kg group, DDP 2 mg/kg group and the ART 100 mg/kg+DDP 1 mg/kg group. Conclusion:Artesunate can inhibit adenoid cystic carcinoma resistant cells NACC/DDP proliferation in nude mice in vivo and promote its apoptosis, and the side effects of Artesunate on nude mice were lower than Cisplatin.

[A randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled and multicentre study: compare the efficacy and safety of domestic and imported human recombinant FSH in WHO group Ⅱ anovulatory infertility]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of domestic human recombinant FSH(rhFSH)in women with anovulation of WHO group Ⅱ.

METHODS

A randomized, blind, parallel-controlled, non-inferiority and multicenter study was performed. A total of 534 admitted to 13 hospitals from May 2008 to August 2009. There were 531 women with ovulatory disorder was included in the statistical analysis, were randomly divided into test group(domestic rhFSH, n=352)and control group(imported rhFSH, n=179). Percentage of cycle with mature follicle, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome(OHSS)and adverse events were observed.

RESULTS

No statistical significant differences(P>0.05)were observed between the two groups in terms of the efficiency on mature follicle[91.8%(323/352)versus 88.8%(159/179)], ovulation rate[91.3%(295/323)verus 90.6%(144/159)], clinical pregnancy rate[19.2%(62/323)verus 18.2%(29/159)], the number of the follicles<14 mm, the level of serum LH and progesterone, the thickness of endometrium on the day of hCG administration. The number of follicle≥18 mm and 14 mm≤follicle<18 mm and the level of serum estradiol on the day of hCG in the test group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). The number of days of rhFSH administration in the test group was significantly less than that in the control group[(9.8±2.2)versus(11.4± 0.6)days, P<0.05], the dosage of rhFSH was significantly lower than that in the control group[(879 ± 419)versus(1 043±663)U, P<0.05]. The multiple pregnancy rate in the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group[21%(13/62)versu 10%(3/29), P<0.05]. The incidence of OHSS and adverse events were similar between the two groups(P>0.05), and no other adverse events were observed in test group during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian stimulation with domestic rhFSH is effective, safe and economical in women with anovulation of WHO group Ⅱ.

Distinct Electronic Structure for the Extreme Magnetoresistance in YSb

An extreme magnetoresistance (XMR) has recently been observed in several nonmagnetic semimetals. Increasing experimental and theoretical evidence indicates that the XMR can be driven by either topological protection or electron-hole compensation. Here, by investigating the electronic structure of a XMR material, YSb, we present spectroscopic evidence for a special case which lacks topological protection and perfect electron-hole compensation. Further investigations reveal that a cooperative action of a substantial difference between electron and hole mobility and a moderate carrier compensation might contribute to the XMR in YSb.

MRI audit of complications in intracranial stenosis treated with Wingspan device

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Wingspan device for the treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).

METHODS

We audited a prospective ongoing database of consecutive patients who received Wingspan stenting between January 2013 and December 2015. All patients underwent MRI to audit any complications during the early follow-up period. We focused on the clinical demographics, lesion characteristics, treatment results, and periprocedural complications. Functional outcomes were measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge and after 3 months.

RESULTS

Intracranial stenting was performed in 50 patients (100%). Mean stenosis pre-stenting was 76.5±13.1% and post-stenting residual stenosis was 19.8±13.8%. The overall 30-day rate of procedure-related complications was 6.0% (3/50). Two patients (4%) developed in-stent restenosis, one of whom had a dissection at the middle cerebral artery. Interestingly, on the follow-up MRI scan there was a high incidence of asymptomatic diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensities, 46% (23/50) presumed to be due to microembolic causes. At the 90-day, 180-day, and 1-year follow-up, three patients had further strokes resulting in a total complication rate of 12%. 92% had excellent outcomes (mRS 0-1) and only one patient had deterioration of his mRS score.

CONCLUSIONS

ICAS treated by Wingspan stenting using pre-placement balloon angioplasty appears safe and effective with a high technical success rate and favorable outcomes. There is a high incidence of asymptomatic DWI hyperintensites post-procedure, but these do not appear to result in long-term sequelae.