Temperature-Dependent Excitonic Light Manipulation with Atomically Thin Optical Elements

Monolayer 2D semiconductors, such as WS2, exhibit uniquely strong light-matter interactions due to exciton resonances that enable atomically thin optical elements. Similar to geometry-dependent plasmon and Mie resonances, these intrinsic material resonances offer coherent and tunable light scattering. Thus far, the impact of the excitons' temporal dynamics on the performance of such excitonic metasurfaces remains unexplored. Here, we show how the excitonic decay rates dictate the focusing efficiency of an atomically thin lens carved directly out of exfoliated monolayer WS2. By isolating the coherent exciton radiation from the incoherent background in the focus of the lens, we obtain a direct measure of the role of exciton radiation in wavefront shaping. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of exciton-phonon scattering by characterizing the focusing efficiency as a function of temperature, demonstrating an increased optical efficiency at cryogenic temperatures. Our results provide valuable insights into the role of excitonic light scattering in 2D nanophotonic devices.

[Preliminary clinical application of novel magnetic navigation and ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography drainage through the right liver duct for malignant obstructive jaundice]

Objective: To analyze the clinical application value of a novel magnetic navigation ultrasound (MNU) combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) dual-guided percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTCD) through the right hepatic duct for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice. Methods: Randomized controlled trial. The clinical data of 64 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice requiring PTCD through the right hepatic duct at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Jiangsu Province People's Hospital) from December 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The MNU group (n=32) underwent puncture guided by a novel domestic MNU combined with DSA, and the control group (n=32) underwent puncture guided by traditional DSA. The operation time, number of punctures, X-ray dose after biliary stenting as shown by DSA, patients' tolerance of the operation, success rate of the operation, pre- and post-operative total bilirubin, and incidence of postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: The operation time of the MNU group was significantly shorter than that of the control group [(17.8±7.3) vs. (31.6±9.9) min, t=-6.35,P=0.001]; the number of punctures in the MNU group was significantly lower [(1.7±0.6) vs. (6.3±3.9) times, t=-6.59, P=0.001]; and the X-ray dose after biliary stenting as shown by DSA in the MNU group was lower than that in the control group [(132±88) vs. (746±187) mGy, t=-16.81,P<0.001]; Five patients in the control group were unable to tolerate the operation, and two stopped the operation, however all patients in the MNU group could tolerate the operation, and all completed the operation, with a success rate of 100% (32/32) in the MNU group compared to 93.8%(30/32) in the control group; the common complications of PTCD were biliary bleeding and infection, and the incidence of biliary bleeding (25.0%, 8/32) and infection (18.8%, 6/32) in the MNU group was significantly lower than that in the control group, 53.1% (17/32) and 28.1% (9/32), respectively. Conclusion: Magnetic navigation ultrasound combined with DSA dual-guided PTCD through the right biliary system for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice is safe and feasible.

[Infection status and Molecular types of Rhinovirus among Cases of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Luohe City, Henan Province, from 2017 to 2022]

Objective: To understand the infection status and molecular types of rhinovirus (RV) among cases of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) in Luohe City, Henan Province, from 2017 to 2022. Methods: From October 2017 to June 2022, clinical and epidemiological data were collected from 2 270 cases of ARIs at Luohe Central Hospital in Henan Province. Throat swab specimens were obtained from these cases. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to screen for RV-positive specimens. Subsequently, the positive samples were subjected to nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nested RT-PCR) to amplify the full-length VP1 region. Using the MEGA software, along with 169 RV reference strains recommended by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine RV types. Results: Among the 2 270 cases of ARIs, there were 1 283 male cases (56.52%). The median age (Q1, Q3) was 3 (1, 6) years, with the population under 5 years old accounting for 68.59% (1 557/2 270). RV was detected in 137 cases (6.04%), of which 68 cases (49.64%) showed co-detection with other viruses, with the most common being co-detection with enterovirus, accounting for 14.60% (20/137). The RV detection rates in the age groups of 0~4 years, 5~14 years, 15~59 years, and≥60 years were 6.42% (100/1 557), 4.69% (21/448), 3.80% (6/158), and 9.35% (10/107), respectively, with no statistically significant differences (χ2=5.310, P=0.150). The overall detection rates of RV before (2017-2019) and during (2020-2022) the COVID-19 pandemic showed no statistically significant difference (χ2=1.823, P=0.177). A total of 109 VP1 sequences were obtained, including 62 types. Among them, RV-A, RV-B, and RV-C had 42, 3, and 17 types respectively. Conclusion: RV is one of the predominant pathogens in ARIs cases in Luohe City, Henan Province, from 2017 to 2022. Multiple types of RV co-circulate without any apparent dominant type.

[Current Status of Surveillance Systems for Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus]

To conduct timely surveillance of the seasonal characteristics and disease burden of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) in various geographical regions of China, and further develop more precise and effective prevention and intervention strategies, there is an urgent need for China to establish a nationwide, effective, and stable HRSV surveillance system. Through combining the current status of domestic and international HRSV surveillance systems and the existing surveillance framework in China, this study proposed an HRSV surveillance type applicable to China based on different surveillance purposes, and considering the feasibility of implementation. This article aimed to provide solid scientific and technical support to monitor the dynamic changes of HRSV epidemic timely, carry out a risk assessment and early warning, and further understand the disease burden of HRSV in China. It also helps to improve the diagnosis, prevention, and control of the HRSV diseases research and development, use, and evaluation of HRSV vaccines and drugs in China.

Evaluation of Usefulness of Yeast-Based Biological Phantom and Preliminary Study for Verification of Hypoxic Effect of Flash Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

As a basic hypothesis for the effectiveness of flash radiation therapy, the effect of preserving normal tissue during flash radiation is due to the instantaneous chemical depletion of oxygen. A yeast-based biological phantom was created to verify the hypoxic effect of flash radiation therapy. A study to upgrade the previously developed X-Band LINAC to a flash irradiation mode is in progress, and a preceding study is conducted to evaluate the usefulness of a yeast-based biological phantom manufactured by analyzing the change in oxygen by irradiating a high dose in a general radiation therapy device.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Freeze-dried yeast sample (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S288C) is activated and sub-cultured. For mass production of yeast samples, yeast culture medium is prepared by adding yeast colonies to the ypd medium. This study was conducted to verify the hypoxic effect among the biological mechanisms that occur during flash radiation therapy at the basic stage, and the oxygen concentration change during general radiation irradiation was measured in real time using a DO (Dissolved oxygen) meter and fiber optic sensor designed to do that. To prevent scatter, which is a concern during flash irradiation, the fiber form was used, and precise experiments are possible as a non-invasive oxygen concentration measurement method. Based on 10MV of general radiation therapy device, high-dose radiation of 500-10,000 cGy is irradiated to measure real-time oxygen concentration change.

RESULTS

As a result of irradiation with high-dose (500-10,000 cGy) radiation of general LINAC, it was confirmed that the oxygen concentration of the yeast culture medium decreased by 5.7-63.2%, and the usefulness of the biological phantom fabricated based on the yeast culture medium was evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Prior to the analysis of oxygen concentration change in yeast cells during X-Band LINAC flash irradiation, a preliminary study was conducted at a high dose in a general LINAC to obtain a significant result of oxygen concentration change and confirm the usefulness of the yeast-based biological phantom. Prior research was conducted and verified as a general irradiation experiment using a yeast-based biological phantom manufactured based on a DO meter and a fiber optic oxygen sensor. After irradiation with high-dose radiation, the oxygen concentration of the yeast culture medium was measured 5 times, and it was confirmed that there was a change in oxygen concentration of 5.7-63.2%, verifying the usefulness and stability of the biological phantom. The usefulness of the yeast-based biological phantom for high doses was confirmed, and it is expected that the usefulness of the biological phantom for flash radiation can be verified by additionally measuring the change in oxygen concentration of the biological phantom according to the high dose rate in the future.

[A single-center retrospective study of percutaneous drainage clinical characteristics of grade B and C postoperative pancreatic fistula and determination of the optimal intervention time]

Objective: To classified the fluid location of of grade B and C postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) and propose processing flow. Methods: Data from 232 patients who underwent pancreatic surgery from January 2018 to December 2022 at Department of General Surgery & Hepato-billo-pancreatic,Beijing Hospital were collected retrospectively. Forty-six patients who suffered from grade B and C POPF underwent ultrasound-guided drainage. There were 32 males and 14 females, with an age of (60.2±13.7)years (range:18 to 85 years). The imaging data of postoperative CT were collected and the the fluid location was classified. Then analyzed the drainage status when patents were diagnosed as POPF. Machine learning was performed and a random forest model was applied to construct the relationship between intervention time and mortality. The optimal intervention time was calculated. The patients were then divided into early and late intervention groups and clinical data and outcomes were compared using the t test,Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact test between the two groups. Results: Based on the results of the random forest model, the optimal puncture time was within 5.38 days after the diagnosis of POPF. Based on the optimal time, 21 patients were subsumed into early intervention group and 25 patients were subsumed into late intervention group. The location of fluid collection was classified into four types: peripancreatic (32.7%,15/46), extra-pancreatic and epigastric (41.3%,19/46), extra-pancreatic and hypogastic (13.0%,6/46) and diffused (13.0%,6/46). The status of the drainage included normal in 10 patients (21.8%), displaced drain in 18 patients (39.1%) and drain removed or blocked in 18 patients (39.1%). The perioperative mortality rate was 19.0% (4/21) in the early intervention group and 8.0%(2/25) in the late. The late intervention group had significantly higher rates of positive drainage fluid cultures (88.0%(22/25) vs. 42.9%(10/21), χ2=10.584, P=0.001), secondary surgery (24.0%(6/25) vs. 0(0/21), P=0.025), and readmission within 90 days(32.0%(8/25) vs. 4.8%(1/21),χ2=5.381, P=0.020) than the early group, and a significantly longer postoperative hospital stay(M(IQR))(24(20)days vs. 39(53)days,Z=3.023,P=0.003). Conclusions: The location of the POPF fluid collection is classified into four types. Early radiological evaluation can detect abdominal effusion promptly,and early puncture and drainage will be beneficial in improving outcomes in these patents.

Off-axis metasurfaces for folded flat optics

The overall size of an optical system is limited by the volume of the components and the internal optical path length. To reach the limits of miniaturization, it is possible to reduce both component volume and path length by combining the concepts of metasurface flat optics and folded optics. In addition to their subwavelength component thickness, metasurfaces enable bending conventional folded geometries off axis beyond the law of reflection. However, designing metasurfaces for highly off-axis illumination with visible light in combination with a high numerical aperture is non-trivial. In this case, traditional designs with gradient metasurfaces exhibit low diffraction efficiencies and require the use of deep-subwavelength, high-index, and high-aspect-ratio semiconductor nanostructures that preclude inexpensive, large-area nanofabrication. Here, we describe a design approach that enables the use of low-index (n ≈ 1.5), low-aspect ratio structures for off-axis metagratings that can redirect and focus visible light (λ = 532 nm) with near-unity efficiency. We show that fabricated optical elements offer a very large angle-of-view (110°) and lend themselves to scalable fabrication by nano-imprint lithography.

[Analysis of enterovirus infection type among acute respiratory tract infection cases in Luohe City, Henan Province from 2017 to 2021]

Objective: To understand the infection status of Enterovirus (EV) in cases of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in Luohe City, Henan Province from 2017 to 2021, and analyze the prevalence and type composition of EV in ARIs. Methods: From October 2017 to May 2021, pharyngeal swab samples were collected from 1 828 patients with ARIs in Luohe Central Hospital and the clinical epidemiological data of these cases were also collected. EV-positive samples were identified by Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). The 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) was amplified by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The results of 5'UTR region were initially typed by Enterovirus Genotyping Tool Version 1.0. Based on the typing results, the full-length of VP1 region was amplified by RT-PCR. The EV typing was identified again by VP1 region. Results: Among 1 828 cases of ARIs, 56.7% (1 036) were males. The median (Q₁, Q₃) age was about 3 (1, 5) years. Patients under 5 years old accounted for 71.6% (1 309 cases). Among all cases, a total of 71 EV-positive samples were identified by qPCR, with a detection rate of 3.88% (71/1 828). The EV detection rates for men and women were 3.28% (34/1 036) and 4.67% (37/792), without statistically significant differences (χ²=2.32, P=0.14). The EV detection rates for 2 to <6 years, 6 months to <2 years, 6 to <10 years, and <6 months were 6.29% (48/763), 3.00% (18/600), 2.52% (4/159), and 1.67% (1/60) (χ²=27.91, P<0.001). The EV detection rate was 0.92% (3/326) in autumn and winter of 2017. The EV detection rates were 1.18% (6/508), 2.47% (12/485) and 8.31% (34/409) in each year from 2018 to 2020, with an increasing trend year by year(χ²_trend=29.76, P<0.001). The main prevalent seasons were summer and autumn. The detection rate in spring of 2021 was 4.00% (4/100). A total of 12 types were identified and classified as CVA2, CVA4, CVA5, CVA6, CVA10, CVB3, CVB5, E5, E11, E30, PV-1, and EV-D68. The types of CVA2, CVA10, CVA6, and CVB3 were the dominant phenotypes. In 59 sample of EV typing, the main clinical manifestation was upper respiratory tract infection (36/59, 61.01%). The dominant types detected in upper respiratory tract infections were CVA10 (10/36, 27.78%), CVA6 (9/36, 25.00%) and CVB3 (8/36, 22.22%). The dominant type detected in lower respiratory tract infections was CVA2 (7/19, 36.84%). Conclusion: In Luohe City, Henan Province from 2017 to 2021, EV infection in ARIs cases has clear seasonal and age-specific patterns, and the dominant types of upper and lower respiratory tract infections are different.

Quantitative phase contrast imaging with a nonlocal angle-selective metasurface

Phase contrast microscopy has played a central role in the development of modern biology, geology, and nanotechnology. It can visualize the structure of translucent objects that remains hidden in regular optical microscopes. The optical layout of a phase contrast microscope is based on a 4 f image processing setup and has essentially remained unchanged since its invention by Zernike in the early 1930s. Here, we propose a conceptually new approach to phase contrast imaging that harnesses the non-local optical response of a guided-mode-resonator metasurface. We highlight its benefits and demonstrate the imaging of various phase objects, including biological cells, polymeric nanostructures, and transparent metasurfaces. Our results showcase that the addition of this non-local metasurface to a conventional microscope enables quantitative phase contrast imaging with a 0.02π phase accuracy. At a high level, this work adds to the growing body of research aimed at the use of metasurfaces for analog optical computing.

Metasurface optofluidics for dynamic control of light fields

The ability to manipulate light and liquids on integrated optofluidics chips has spurred a myriad of important developments in biology, medicine, chemistry and display technologies. Here we show how the convergence of optofluidics and metasurface optics can lead to conceptually new platforms for the dynamic control of light fields. We first demonstrate metasurface building blocks that display an extreme sensitivity in their scattering properties to their dielectric environment. These blocks are then used to create metasurface-based flat optics inside microfluidic channels where liquids with different refractive indices can be directed to manipulate their optical behaviour. We demonstrate the intensity and spectral tuning of metasurface colour pixels as well as on-demand optical elements. We finally demonstrate automated control in an integrated meta-optofluidic platform to open up new display functions. Combined with large-scale microfluidic integration, our dynamic-metasurface flat-optics platform could open up the possibility of dynamic display, imaging, holography and sensing applications.

[Association between body mass index and coronary heart disease in Qingdao: a prospective study]

Objective: To analyze the association between body mass index (BMI) and coronary heart disease. Methods: The data for the present study were from the prospective cohort study of China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) in Qingdao, a total of 33 355 participants aged 30-79 years were included in the study. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between BMI and coronary heart disease. Results: During the follow-up for an average 9.2 years, a total of 2 712 cases of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and 420 cases of major coronary events (MCE) were found. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, compared with participants with normal BMI, the participants who were overweight had a 41% and 87% higher risk of IHD and MCE, the adjusted HR were 1.41 (95%CI: 1.27-1.56) and 1.87 (95%CI: 1.43-2.44), respectively. The participants who were obesity had 91% and 143% higher risk of IHD and MCE, the adjusted HR were 1.91 (95%CI: 1.72-2.13) and 2.43 (95%CI: 1.82-3.24), respectively. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity might increase the risk for IHD and MCE.

[Effects and mechanism of diammonium glycyrrhizinate on liver injury in severely scalded rats]

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanism of diammonium glycyrrhizinate (DG) on liver injury in severely scalded rats. Methods: The experimental research method was used. Fifty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 7-9 weeks were divided into sham injury group with simulated injury on the back, and simple scald group and scald+DG group with scald of 30% total body surface area on the back, with 18 rats in each group. Rats in sham injury group were not specially treated after injury, and rats in simple scald group and scald+DG group were rehydrated for antishock. Besides, rats in scald+DG group were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg DG at post injury hour (PIH) 1, 25, and 49. Rats in the three groups were collected, the serum content of liver function injury related indexes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein, and albumin was measured by automatic biochemical assay analyzer, and serum content of ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method at PIH 24, 48, and 72; hepatic histopathological changes at PIH 72 were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining; the mRNA expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) in liver tissue were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction at PIH 24, 48, and 72. The protein expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, GRP78, PERK, and ATF4 in liver tissue were detected by Western blotting at PIH 72 in sham injury group and PIH 24, 48, and 72 in simple scald group and scald+DG group. The number of samples was 6 in each group at each time point. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, and Bonferroni test. Results: Compared with that in sham injury group, the serum content of AST, ALT, and LDH was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the serum content of total protein and albumin was significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) of rats in simple scald group at all post-injury time points. Compared with those in simple scald group, the serum AST content of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 24 was decreased significantly (P<0.05); the serum AST, ALT, and LDH content of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 48 was decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the serum total protein content was increased significantly (P<0.01); the serum AST, ALT, and LDH content of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 72 was decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the serum total protein and albumin content was increased significantly (P<0.01). At PIH 24, 48, and 72, the serum OCT content of rats in simple scald group was (48.5±3.9), (40.8±2.4), and (38.7±2.0) U/L, which was significantly higher than (15.1±2.5), (15.7±2.6), and (16.4±3.7) U/L in sham injury group (P<0.01), and (39.0±4.5), (31.8±2.0), and (22.1±2.6) U/L in scald+DG group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At PIH 72, the cells in liver tissue of rats in sham injury group had normal morphology and regular arrangement, with no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration; the cells in liver tissue of rats in simple scald group had disordered arrangement, diffuse steatosis, and moderate inflammatory cell infiltration; the cells in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group arranged regularly, with scattered steatosis and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with those in sham injury group, the Bcl-2 mRNA (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and protein expressions of liver tissue were significantly decreased, and the mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expressions of Bax were significantly increased in rats in simple scald group at PIH 24, 48, and 72. Compared with those in simple scald group, the mRNA (P<0.05) and protein expressions of Bax in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group were decreased significantly at PIH 48; the mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expressions of Bax in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group were significantly decreased, and the mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expressions of Bcl-2 were significantly increased at PIH 72. Compared with those in sham injury group, the mRNA (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and protein expressions of ATF4, GRP78, and PERK in liver tissue were significantly increased in rats in simple scald group at all post-injury time points. Compared with those in simple scald group, the mRNA (P<0.01) and protein expressions of ATF4 in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 48 were significantly decreased, and the mRNA (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and protein expressions of ATF4, GRP78, and PERK were significantly decreased in liver tissue of rats in scald+DG group at PIH 72. Conclusions: DG can effectively reduce the degree of liver injury in rats after severe scald, and the mechanism may involve alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitigating mitochondrial damage.

[Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To study the surgical safety and efficacy of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with anti-angiogenic drugs in patients with China liver cancer staging(CNLC)-Ⅱb and Ⅲa resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The data of 129 patients with Ⅱb and Ⅲa hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups: the neoadjuvant therapy group(n=14,13 males and 1 female,aged (55.4±12.6)years(range:34 to 75 years)) received immune combined targeted therapy before surgery,immune checkpoint inhibitor camrelizumab was administered intravenously at a dose of 200 mg each time,every 2 weeks for 3 cycles,anti-angiogenesis drug apatinib was taken orally and continuously with a dose of 250 mg for 3 weeks and the conventional surgery group(n=115,103 males and 12 females,aged (55.8±12.0)years(range:21 to 83 years)) did not receive antitumor systemic therapy before surgery. There were 3 patients with CNLC-Ⅱb,11 with CNLC-Ⅲa in the neoadjuvant group;28 patients with CNLC-Ⅱb,87 with CNLC-Ⅲa in the conventional group. Student's t test or rank-sum test was used to compare the differences between two groups for quantitative data, Fisher's exact probability method was used to compare the differences of proportions between two groups, and Log-rank test was used to compare survival differences between two groups. Results: The 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 42.9%,and the 1-year recurrence rate in the conventional group was 64.0%,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(χ²=3.850,P=0.050);The 1-year survival rate in the neoadjuvant group was 100% and that in the conventional group was 74.2%,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(χ²=5.170,P=0.023). According to the stratified analysis of the number of tumors,for single tumor,the 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 25.0%,and that in the conventional surgery group was 71.0%,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(χ²=5.280, P=0.022). For multiple tumors, the 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 66.7%,and the 1-year recurrence rate in the conventional surgery group was 58.9%,with no significant difference between the two groups(χ²=0.110,P=0.736). The operative time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative hospital stay in the neoadjuvant group were similar to those in the conventional group,and their differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with anti-angiogenic targeted drugs as a neoadjuvant therapy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma can reduce the 1-year recurrence rate and improve the 1-year survival rate,especially for those with solitary tumor. Limited by the sample size of the neoadjuvant group,the safety of immune combined targeted therapy before surgery cannot be observed more comprehensively,and further studies will be explored.

[Study on mechanisms of Th17/Treg imbalance in patients with cystic echinococcosis based on miRNA expression profiles]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the serum microRNA (miRNA) expression and examine the impact of miRNA expression profiles on T helper type 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) imbalance among patients with cystic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into the illustration of the mechanisms underlying chronic Echinococcus granulosus infections, and long-term pathogenesis.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from the sera of cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls, and subjected to high-throughput sequencing with the Illumina sequencing platform. Known miRNAs were annotated and new miRNAs were predicted using the miRBase database and the miRDeep2 tool, and differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using the software miRanda and TargetScan, and the intersection was selected for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs with the 20 highest fold changes, miRNAs that targeted genes relating to key transcription factors RORC and FOXP3 that determine the production of Th17 and Treg cells or their important regulatory pathways (PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways) were matched.

RESULTS

A total of 53 differentially expressed miRNAs were screened in sera of cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls, including 47 up-regulated miRNAs and 6 down-regulated miRNAs. GO enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNA were involved DNA transcription and translation, cell components, cell morphology, neurodevelopment and metabolic decomposition, and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNA were mainly involved in MAPK, PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathways. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs with the 20 highest fold changes, there were 3 miRNAs that had a potential for target regulation of RORC, and 15 miRNAs that had a potential to target the PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant changes are found in serum miRNA expression profiles among patients with E. granulosus infections, and differentially expressed miRNAs may lead to Th17/Treg imbalance through targeting the key transcription factors of Th17/Treg or PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways, which facilitates the long-term parasitism of E. granulosus in hosts and causes a chronic disease.

Response After Repeated Ketamine Injections in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain

Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist, reduces pain by decreasing central sensitization and pain windup. However, chronic ketamine use can cause tolerance, dependency, impaired consciousness, urinary symptoms, and abdominal pain. This study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated ketamine injections and ketamine readministration after discontinuation in a rat model of neuropathic pain. To induce neuropathic pain, partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) was performed in 15 male Wistar rats, and these animals were divided into three groups: PSNL (control), PSNL + ketamine 5 mg/kg (K5), and PSNL + ketamine 10 mg/kg (K10; n=5 each). Ketamine was injected intraperitoneally daily for 4 weeks, discontinued for 2 weeks, and then readministered for 1 week. Following PSNL, the mechanical withdrawal threshold was determined weekly using the Von Frey. The K10 group showed a significant increase in the mechanical withdrawal threshold, presented here as the target force (in g), at 21 and 28 days compared to the time point before ketamine injection (mean±SE, 276.0±24.0 vs. 21.6±2.7 and 300.0±0.0 vs. 21.6±2.7, respectively; P<0.01) and at 14, 21, and 28 days compared to the control group (108.2±51.2 vs. 2.7±1.3, 276.0±24.0 vs. 2.5±1.5, and 300.0±0.0 vs. 4.0±0.0, respectively; P<0.05). However, in the K10 group, the ketamine effects decreased significantly at 7 days after readministration compared to those after 28 days of repeated injections (P<0.05). In the K10 group, repeated ketamine injections showed a significant increase in antinociceptive effect for >2 weeks, but this ketamine effect decreased after drug readministration.

Non-local metasurfaces for spectrally decoupled wavefront manipulation and eye tracking

Metasurface-based optical elements typically manipulate light waves by imparting space-variant changes in the amplitude and phase with a dense array of scattering nanostructures. The highly localized and low optical-quality-factor (Q) modes of nanostructures are beneficial for wavefront shaping as they afford quasi-local control over the electromagnetic fields. However, many emerging imaging, sensing, communication, display and nonlinear optics applications instead require flat, high-Q optical elements that provide substantial energy storage and a much higher degree of spectral control over the wavefront. Here, we demonstrate high-Q, non-local metasurfaces with atomically thin metasurface elements that offer notably enhanced light-matter interaction and fully decoupled optical functions at different wavelengths. We illustrate a possible use of such a flat optic in eye tracking for eyewear. Here, a metasurface patterned on a regular pair of eye glasses provides an unperturbed view of the world across the visible spectrum and redirects near-infrared light to a camera to allow imaging of the eye.

[Attention should be paid to the detection and surveillance of human respiratory syncytial virus]

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the main pathogen of severe lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children. It seriously endangers children's health. In recent years, great breakthroughs have been made in the research and development of HRSV vaccines and antibody-based biological products. The research and development and use strategies are inseparable from the monitoring of HRSV prevalence and virus variation characteristics. The World Health Organization (WHO) pays great attentions to the surveillance of HRSV epidemiology and virus variation characteristics, but China lacks national level and multi-center HRSV surveillance data, the surveillance case definitions used by various laboratories are inconsistent, and the detection and surveillance methods of HRSV are not unified. Results from different laboratories are difficult to be compared and analyzed. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a nation-wide HRSV surveillance network in China, and to persistently monitor the epidemic characteristics and virus variation characteristics of HRSV by using standardized HRSV detection methods and surveillance guideline, so as to provide basic scientific data for the research and development, use and evaluation of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines.

[Viral pathogenic spectrum analysis of severe acute respiratory infection cases in Luohe City, Henan province from 2017 to 2019]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of viral pathogen spectrum and the epidemiological characteristics of each viral pathogen in hospitalized cases associated with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) in Luohe City, Henan Province from 2017 to 2019. Methods: Based the SARI Case Surveillance Platform, SARI cases were collected in Central Hospital of Luohe City, Henan Province from November 2017 to February 2019. In the end, 783 SARI cases were included, whose throat swabs were taken within 24 h of admission, as well as their demographic characteristics, onset time, clinical characteristics and other information recorded. At the same time, viral identification was performed, and the age and time distribution of each virus were analyzed. Results: The age of 783 SARI cases shown as M (P₂₅, P₇₅) was 3 (1, 5) years old, ranging from 1 month to 95 years old. Children under 5 years old were the majority (71.01%). The males (61.81%) were more than females (38.18%). Among the 783 SARI cases, a total of 9 kind of viruses were identified with 64.88% (508/783) of the throat swabs tested positive for at least one virus. The positive rate of influenza virus and human respiratory syncytial virus were both 20.18% (158 cases), which was the highest among all the detected respiratory virus. The co-infection rate was 15.84% (124/783), among which double infection was the most common, accounting for 85.48% (106/124) of the co-infected cases. And human respiratory syncytial virus, human rhinovirus and influenza virus were the most common pathogen in co-infection cases. Moreover, the viral positive rate was 68.71% in children aged 5 years and 63.27% in people aged 60-95 years. Influenza and human respiratory syncytial virus dominated in winter and spring, while human parainfluenza virus was the main infection in summer. Conclusion: Influenza virus and human respiratory syncytial virus were the main viruses in throat swabs of SARI cases from 2017 to 2019 in Luohe City, Henan Province. There were differences in the age and seasonal epidemiological characteristics of each virus.

[Genotype and genetic characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus circulating in Quanzhou, 2018-2019]

Objective: To study the prevalence and genetic characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in Quanzhou city, from 2018 to 2019. Methods: A total of 141 throat swabs were collected from children patients of lower respiratory tract infection in Quanzhou children Hospital, Fujian Province from November 2018 to May 2019. RT-PCR was used to amplify the 3 'end of G gene HRSV. Sequencer 5.0 and MEGA5.05 softwares were used for sequence editing, phylogenetic tree construction and genotyping analysis. Results: Twenty-five samples were positive for HRSV. Seventeen samples succeeded to obtain the target gene, including 13 of HRSVA and 4 of HRSVB. Two genotypes were identified: ON1 genotype (13 samples, HRSVA) and BA9 genotype (4 samples, HRSVB). Five strains of ON1 genotype sequences were clustered with the ON1 sequences prevalent in Beijing, Changchun and Zhejiang from 2012 to 2015 (cluster1); one strain (FJ19-02) was clustered with the sequences of ON1 genotype circulating in many regions of China from 2012 to 2015 (cluster2); Seven strains were clustered independently (cluster FJ). FJ18-02, FJ19-14 and FJ19-15 of HRSVB were clustered with the BA9 genotype sequences prevalent in Changchun, Jilin Province in 2015, while FJ19-13 was closely related to the BA9 genotype sequences prevalent in Guangzhou and Zhejiang Province in 2013. Both the ON1 and BA9 genotypes showed variations of nucleotide and amino acid in 72 and 60 insertion segments. Amino acid mutation (H266L) only occurred among the sequence of cluster-FJ, and the mutations of H261Q and Q265L only appeared in strain FJ19-13. Conclusion: BA9 and ON1 genotypes were prevalent in Quanzhou city, from 2018 to 2019. Cluster-FJ was a newly discovered independent transmission chain, which may continue to circulate in local Quanzhou area.

[Influence of parental compliance on the treatment of hypertrophic scars in burn children]

Objective: To explore the influence of parental compliance on the treatment of hypertrophic scars in burn children. Methods: A retrospective cohort study method was used. From June 2014 to June 2019, 49 children with post-burn hypertrophic scars who met the inclusion criteria and visited the outpatient department of the Department of Burns of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were included in this study. In the follow-up of 9 months, according to the registration form and the results of the compliance questionnaire for parents, the children were divided into good compliance group (34 cases, 21 males and 13 females, aged 2.0 (2.0, 3.5) years) and poor compliance group (15 cases, 6 males and 9 females, aged 3.0 (2.0, 4.0) years). At the first attendance and in the follow-up of 3, 6, and 9 months, the scar scores of children in good compliance group were evaluated by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). At the first attendance and in the follow-up of 9 months, the scar scores of children in poor compliance group were evaluated by VSS. At the first attendance and in the follow-up of 9 months, the scar pruritus scores of children in the 2 groups were evaluated by Verbal Rating Score (VRS). Data was statistically analyzed with chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Mann-Whitney U test, independent sample t test, and paired sample t test. Results: At the first attendance, the color, vascular distribution, softness, and thickness scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children in the two groups were similar (Z=0.834, 0.026, 0.837, 0.076, 1.074, P>0.05). In the follow-up of 9 months, the softness and thickness scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children in good compliance group were significantly lower than those in poor compliance group (Z=5.518, 4.732, 5.042, P<0.01). Compared with those in the first attendance, the color, vascular distribution, softness, and thickness scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children in good compliance group were significantly decreased in the follow-up of 9 months (Z=5.241, 5.273, 5.214, 5.245, 3.451, P<0.01); the color and vascular distribution scores, and total score in VSS scoring of scars of children in poor compliance group were significantly decreased in the follow-up of 9 months (Z=3.606, 3.542, 3.448, P<0.01). At the first attendance, the VRS score of scar pruritus of children in good compliance group was 6.00 (5.00, 6.25) points, which was similar to (5.47±1.69) points in poor compliance group (Z=0.607, P>0.05). In the follow-up of 9 months, the VRS score of scar pruritus of children in good compliance group was 1.00 (1.00, 1.25) points, which was significantly lower than (3.27±1.71) points in poor compliance group (Z=2.606, P<0.01). Compared with those in the first attendance, the VRS score of scar pruritus of children in good compliance group was significantly decreased in the follow-up of 9 months (Z=4.002, P<0.01), while there was no obvious change in poor compliance group in the follow-up of 9 months (t=3.550, P>0.05). Conclusions: Under the same treatment plan, good parental compliance has a positive effect on the treatment of hypertrophic scars in burn children decreasing the degree of scar hyperplasia and pruritus.

Nanoelectromechanical modulation of a strongly-coupled plasmonic dimer

The ability of two nearly-touching plasmonic nanoparticles to squeeze light into a nanometer gap has provided a myriad of fundamental insights into light-matter interaction. In this work, we construct a nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) that capitalizes on the unique, singular behavior that arises at sub-nanometer particle-spacings to create an electro-optical modulator. Using in situ electron energy loss spectroscopy in a transmission electron microscope, we map the spectral and spatial changes in the plasmonic modes as they hybridize and evolve from a weak to a strong coupling regime. In the strongly-coupled regime, we observe a very large mechanical tunability (~250 meV/nm) of the bonding-dipole plasmon resonance of the dimer at ~1 nm gap spacing, right before detrimental quantum effects set in. We leverage our findings to realize a prototype NEMS light-intensity modulator operating at ~10 MHz and with a power consumption of only 4 fJ/bit.

Direct laser writing of volumetric gradient index lenses and waveguides

Direct laser writing (DLW) has been shown to render 3D polymeric optical components, including lenses, beam expanders, and mirrors, with submicrometer precision. However, these printed structures are limited to the refractive index and dispersive properties of the photopolymer. Here, we present the subsurface controllable refractive index via beam exposure (SCRIBE) method, a lithographic approach that enables the tuning of the refractive index over a range of greater than 0.3 by performing DLW inside photoresist-filled nanoporous silicon and silica scaffolds. Adjusting the laser exposure during printing enables 3D submicron control of the polymer infilling and thus the refractive index and chromatic dispersion. Combining SCRIBE's unprecedented index range and 3D writing accuracy has realized the world's smallest (15 µm diameter) spherical Luneburg lens operating at visible wavelengths. SCRIBE's ability to tune the chromatic dispersion alongside the refractive index was leveraged to render achromatic doublets in a single printing step, eliminating the need for multiple photoresins and writing sequences. SCRIBE also has the potential to form multicomponent optics by cascading optical elements within a scaffold. As a demonstration, stacked focusing structures that generate photonic nanojets were fabricated inside porous silicon. Finally, an all-pass ring resonator was coupled to a subsurface 3D waveguide. The measured quality factor of 4600 at 1550 nm suggests the possibility of compact photonic systems with optical interconnects that traverse multiple planes. SCRIBE is uniquely suited for constructing such photonic integrated circuits due to its ability to integrate multiple optical components, including lenses and waveguides, without additional printed supports.

High quality factor phase gradient metasurfaces

Dielectric microcavities with quality factors (Q-factors) in the thousands to billions markedly enhance light-matter interactions, with applications spanning high-efficiency on-chip lasing, frequency comb generation and modulation and sensitive molecular detection. However, as the dimensions of dielectric cavities are reduced to subwavelength scales, their resonant modes begin to scatter light into many spatial channels. Such enhanced scattering is a powerful tool for light manipulation, but also leads to high radiative loss rates and commensurately low Q-factors, generally of order ten. Here, we describe and experimentally demonstrate a strategy for the generation of high Q-factor resonances in subwavelength-thick phase gradient metasurfaces. By including subtle structural perturbations in individual metasurface elements, resonances are created that weakly couple free-space light into otherwise bound and spatially localized modes. Our metasurface can achieve Q-factors >2,500 while beam steering light to particular directions. High-Q beam splitters are also demonstrated. With high-Q metasurfaces, the optical transfer function, near-field intensity and resonant line shape can all be rationally designed, providing a foundation for efficient, free-space-reconfigurable and nonlinear nanophotonics.

Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome Reduces Age-Related Experimental Alveolar Bone Loss

The cause of chronic inflammatory periodontitis, which leads to the destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, is multifactorial. An increasing number of studies have shown the clinical significance of NLRP3-mediated low-grade inflammation in degenerative disorders, but its causal linkage to age-related periodontitis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the therapeutic potential of NLRP3 inhibition in age-related alveolar bone loss by using in vivo and in vitro models. The poor quality of alveolar bones in aged mice was correlated with caspase-1 activation by macrophages and elevated levels of IL-1β, which are mainly regulated by the NLRP3 inflammasome, in periodontal ligament and serum, respectively. Aged mice lacking Nlrp3 showed better bone mass than age-matched wild-type mice via a way that affects bone resorption rather than bone formation. In line with this finding, treatment with MCC950, a potent inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, significantly suppressed alveolar bone loss with reduced caspase-1 activation in aged mice but not in young mice. In addition, our in vitro studies showed that the addition of IL-1β encourages RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis from bone marrow-derived macrophages and that treatment with MCC950 significantly suppresses osteoclastic differentiation directly, irrelevant to the inhibition of IL-1β production. Our results suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical mediator in age-related alveolar bone loss and that targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome could be a novel option for controlling periodontal degenerative changes with age.

[Analysis of reasons for failure of Meek micro-skin grafting in children with severe burn and treatment measures]

Objective: To analyze the reasons for failure of Meek micro-skin grafting in children with severe burns and to observe the clinical effects of the treatment measures. Methods: Thirty children with severe burns hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (hereinafter referred to as the author's affiliation) from January 2012 to January 2018, conforming to the inclusion criteria were included to failed skin graft group. Children in failed skin graft group were performed with Meek micro-skin grafting operation and the operation failed, including 17 males and 13 females aged 1 to 12 year(s). Thirty children with severe burns hospitalized in the author's affiliation during the same period of time, conforming to the inclusion criteria, were included to successful skin graft group. Children in successful skin graft group were performed with Meek micro-skin grafting operation and the operation succeeded, including 16 males and 14 females aged 1 to 12 year(s). Main treatment measures and effects before operation, area and survival rate of Meek micro-skin graft, infected pathogens status, selection status of sensitive antibiotics, preoperative nutrition status, and wound infection status in plum rain season of children in the two groups, and nutritional status before and after strengthening nutritional support of postoperative surviving children in failed skin graft group were analyzed retrospectively. Data were processed with chi-square test and t test. Results: (1) The numbers of children in the two groups performed with main treatment measures of dilatation and anti-shock, tracheotomy intubation, ventilator-assisted respiration, and limb incision decompression after admission were close (χ(2)=0, 0.016, 0.025, 0.009, P>0.05). After taking the above-mentioned main treatment measures, effects of correcting shock, preventing asphyxia, correcting breathing difficulty, and improving peripheral circulation of limb were achieved. (2) The area of Meek micro-skin grafting of children in successful skin graft group was (20.6±2.5)% total body surface area (TBSA), close to (21.2±2.2)% TBSA in failed skin graft group (t=0.534, P>0.05). The survival rate of Meek micro-skin graft of children in successful skin graft group was (79±5)%, significantly higher than (26±3)% in failed skin graft group (t=2.956, P<0.01). (3) The microbial culture of wound secretion of 5 (16.67%) children in 30 patients in successful skin graft group was positive, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 2 children, and Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus of one patient respectively. As children in successful skin graft group were with no symptom of systemic infection, no blood microbial culture was done. The microbial culture of wound secretion of 30 (100.00%) children in 30 patients in failed skin graft group was positive, and blood microbial culture of 8 (26.67%) children was positive. The main pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 11 (36.67%) children in 8 pathogens caused infection with gram-negative bacteria of 22 (73.33%), gram-positive bacteria of 11 (36.67%) children, and fungi of 6 (20.00%) children. (4) Ten kinds of sensitive antibiotics such as cephalosporins, glycopeptides, carbapenems, and tetracyclines antibiotics were used in children in failed skin graft group, of which the use rate of imipenem of 9 (30.00%) was the highest. Only 4 kinds of sensitive antibiotics such as ceftazidime were used in 30 children in successful skin graft group. (5) The preoperative levels of albumin and prealbumin of children in successful skin graft group were (32±4) g/L and (133±41) mg/L respectively, significantly higher than (27±4) g/L and (93±35) mg/L in failed skin graft group (t=5.090, 4.064, P<0.01). The albumin and prealbumin levels of postoperative surviving children in failed skin graft group after nutritional support treatment were (35±4) g/L and (168±49) mg/L, significantly higher than (27±4) g/L and (94±38) mg/L before nutritional support treatment (t=6.911, 6.315, P<0.01). (6) Wound infection of 9 children in 30 children with wound infection in failed skin graft group happened in the plum rain season, and fungi infection of 3 children in 6 children with fungi infection happened in the plum rain season. Wound infection of 2 children in 5 children with wound infection in successful skin graft group happened in the plum rain season, and the only one children with fungi infection happened in the plum rain season. Conclusions: The main reasons for the failure of Meek micro-skin grafting in children with severe burns include infection, nutrition, and season factors, etc. Measures of strengthening wound dressing change, reasonable use of sensitive antibiotics to control infection, internal and external intestinal nutritional support, and reducing disturbance of the plum rain season by enhancing ventilation are effective and worthy of clinical promotion.

Histone deacetylase inhibition has cardiac and vascular protective effects in rats with pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have shown beneficial effects in animal models of cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that HDAC inhibitor, sodium valproate (VPA), has cardiac and vascular protective effects in rats with pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). Sections of the heart were visualized after hematoxylin and eosin staining, picrosirius red staining and immunohistochemistry. The expression of genes related to cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and oxidative stress was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The aortic ring tension analysis was conducted using both the ascending aorta and descending thoracic aorta. TAC increased the expression of hypertrophic, fibrotic, and oxidative stress genes, which was attenuated by VPA. In the ascending aorta with intact endothelium, there was a significant decrease in the relaxation response, which was recovered by VPA treatment. These results indicate that VPA has cardiac and vascular protective effects in rats with pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy.

[The effect of standardized lymphectomy and sampling of resected lymph nodes on TNM staging of resectable pancreatic head cancer]

Objective: To examine the effect of standardized lymphectomy and sampling of resected lymph nodes (LN) on TNM staging of resectable pancreatic head cancer. Methods: Consecutive patients with resectable pancreatic head cancer who received standard pancreatoduodenctomy at Department of General Surgery in Beijing Hospital from December 2017 to November 2018 were recruited as study group. After operation, the surgeon sampled lymph nodes from the fresh specimen following the Japanese Gastric Cancer Guidelines.Thirty-three cases were recruited in the study group and the mean age was (59.8±15.2) years.Pathologic reports from December 2015 to November 2016 were taken as control group, containing 29 cases with age of (57.0±13.0) years. Number of lymph nodes, standard-reaching ratio and positive nodes ratio were compared between two groups. According to the seventh edition and eighth edition of TNM staging, the changes of N staging and TNM staging were analysed. The quantitative data conforming to normal distribution were tested by independent sample t test, the quantitative data not conforming to normal distribution were tested by rank sum test, and the enumeration data were analysed by χ(2) test. Results: The basal data of the two groups were comparable (all P>0.05) . The number of lymph nodes sampled in the study group was 23.27±8.87, significantly more than in control group (12.86±5.90, t=0.653, P=0.000) .Ratio of cases with more than 15 nodes was 81.8% (27/33) in the study group and 34.5% (10/29) in the control group with statistical significance (χ(2)=14.373, P=0.000) . In the study group, the positive lymph node ratios of No. 17a+17b, 14a+14b, 8a+8p LN were 36.4% (12/33) , 30.3% (10/33) and 9.1% (3/33) respectively. The positive lymph node ratio in No.14a+14b LN was higher than in No.8 LN (χ(2)=4.694, P=0.030) . According to the change in N staging system in the AJCC eighth edition, 2 cases (6.1%, 2/33) changed from ⅠB to ⅡA, 7 cases (21.2%, 7/33) from ⅡA to ⅠB and 5 cases (15.2%, 5/33) changed from ⅡB to Ⅲ (25.0%, 5/20) . Conclusions: No.14 LN should be treated as the first station rather than second station because of the anatomic character and higher metastatic ratio. Standardised lymphectomy and sampling may increase the number of LN resected and improve the TNM staging of resectable pancreatic head cancer.

[Mortality trend and age-period-cohort analysis of colorectal cancer among residents in Yangpu District of Shanghai from 1975 to 2014]

Objective: To describe the 40-years trend for the mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Shanghai and to estimate the effect of age, period, and birth cohort with Age-Period-Cohort (APC) model. Methods: Data on tumor-releated death from 1975 Janurary 1 to 2014 December 31 was derived from the Yangpu District of Shanghai Center for Diseases Prevention and Control tumor registration system. Colonrectal cancer cases (C18.2-C18.9 and C20 in ICD10) were selected for analyses. Crude mortality, age-adjusted mortality, and Average Annual Percent Changes (AAPCs) were calculated for colon cancer and rectal cancer. The difference of AAPCs between male/female and different age groups were tested. An APC model (reference cohort and period were 1900 and 1975, respectively) was constructed to estimate the age-effect, period-effect, and cohort-effect on the colorectal cancer death. Results: During 1975-2014, 6 725 cases died of colorectal cancer (the cased of colon and rectal cancer were 3 684 and 3 041, respectively). The crude mortality and age-adjusted mortality of colon cancer was 8.83/100 000 and 6.76/100 000, respectively. The crude mortality and age-adjusted mortality of rectal cancer were 7.32/100 000 and 5.67/100 000, respectively. For population in Yangpu District, the crude mortality and age-adjusted mortality of colon cancer increased with time, and the crude mortality of rectal cancer increased with time (P<0.001). AAPC of the crude mortality rate (5.6%) and age-adjusted mortality rate (2.3%) of colon cancer were higher than those in rectal cancer (3.0% and -0.3%), respectively (both P values <0.001). AAPC of the crude mortality rate (males vs. females was 6.2% vs. 5.0%, P<0.05) and age-adjusted mortality rate (males vs. females was 2.7% vs. 1.7%, P<0.05) of colon cancer were higher in males than in females. APC model indicted that CRC-related death increased with age. During 1901 to 1941, the RR values of cohort effects for colon and rectal cancer death were 1.09-5.57 and from 1.04-2.28, respectively; During 1946 to 1991, the RR values of cohort effects for colon cancer and rectal cancer were 5.51-4.32 and 2.16-0.89. Conclusion: From 1975 to 2014, the mortality of CRC in Yangpu District increased gradually, and colon cancer mortality in males increased faster than that in females. The risk of death from colorectal cancer in the 1946-1991 birth cohort declined.

[Characteristics of scar hyperplasia after burn and the rehabilitation treatment in children]

After the wound healing of deep burn in children, there will be scar tissue proliferation in varying degrees. Burn scar seriously affects the quality of life and the psychological health during the growth and development of children, so parents of children pay more and more attention to scar treatment and functional rehabilitation after burn. The treatment of scar after burn in children has become an important issue for medical workers in burn, plastic surgery, and rehabilitation. This article analyzes and summarizes the relationship between scar hyperplasia and age, race, and position of scar hyperplasia after burn in children. The treatment and functional rehabilitation methods of scar are also discussed, so as to provide some guidance for the formulation of appropriate individualized treatment plan.

[Forward marching Department of Burns of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University]

For 60 years, through the continuous efforts, the Department of Burns of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University has made many contributions to the treatment of burns in Chinese and Western medicine during the early phase of the establishment of the department. In recent years, we have also made some achievements in acute and chronic wound repair, burn immunonutrition, burn sepsis, and shock fluid recovery. In the future, we will work harder to make due contributions to the Chinese burn medicine.

Spectrally interleaved topologies using geometric phase metasurfaces

Metasurfaces facilitate the interleaving of multiple topologies in an ultra-thin photonic system. Here, we report on the spectral interleaving of topological states of light using a geometric phase metasurface. We realize that a dielectric spectrally interleaved metasurface generates multiple interleaved vortex beams at different wavelengths. By harnessing the space-variant polarization manipulations that are enabled by the geometric phase mechanism, a vectorial vortex array is implemented. The presented interleaved topologies concept can greatly enhance the functionality of advanced microscopy and communication systems.

Graft Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Caused by Prerenal Transplant Computed Tomography: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

We report a case of posttransplant contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) that occurred after performing computed tomography (CT) scanning for pretransplant cardiac and vascular evaluation.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient had an 8-year history of hemodialysis and was admitted to the hospital for a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. Cardiac CT imaging and 3-dimensional low-extremity CT angiography were performed to confirm the patient's cardiac and iliac artery function. After successful transplantation surgery, the patient had a urine output of 250 mL and a reduced creatinine level from 8.8 to 2.3 mg/dL on postoperative day 4. However, urine output suddenly decreased to 30 mL and the creatinine level suddenly increased to 7.6 md/dL without any symptoms such as fever or graft tenderness. The patient tested negative for panel-reactive antibodies and donor-specific antibodies, and he was discharged 1 week later with an improvement in symptoms. Results of a graft biopsy indicated CIN, and the contrast-enhanced kidney was observed on noncontrast CT imaging that was performed immediately after transplantation to rule out vascular problems as well as other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

There may be residual contrast present from pretransplant CT imaging, which could affect the functional kidney grafts after transplantation and can lead to CIN. This scenario could potentially lead to loss of graft function, suggesting that caution should be observed when ordering CT imaging in this patient population.

Prospective multinational serosurveillance study of Bordetella pertussis infection among 10- to 18-year-old Asian children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Bordetella pertussis continues to cause outbreaks worldwide. To assess the role of children and adolescent in transmission of pertussis in Asia, we performed a multinational serosurveillance study.

METHODS

From July 2013 to June 2016, individuals aged 10 to 18 years who had not received any pertussis-containing vaccine within the prior year were recruited in 10 centres in Asia. Serum anti-pertussis toxin (PT) IgG was measured by ELISA. Demographic data and medical histories were obtained. In the absence of pertussis immunization, anti-PT IgG ≥62.5 IU/mL was interpreted as B. pertussis infection within 12 months prior, among them levels ≥125 IU/mL were further identified as infection within 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 1802 individuals were enrolled. Anti-PT IgG geometric mean concentration was 4.5, and 87 (4.8%) individuals had levels ≥62.5 IU/mL; among them, 73 (83.9%) had received three or more doses of pertussis vaccine before age 6 years. Of 30 participants with persistent cough during the past 6 months, one (3.3%) had level ≥125 IU/mL. There was no significant difference in proportions with anti-PT IgG ≥62.5 IU/mL among age groups (13-15 vs. 10-12 years, 16-18 vs. 10-12 years), between types of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DTP; whole cell vs. acellular), number of doses before age 6 years within the DTP whole-cell pertussis vaccine (five vs. four doses) or acellular pertussis vaccine (five vs. four doses) and history of persistent cough during the past 6 months (yes vs. no).

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant circulation of B. pertussis amongst Asian children and adolescents, with one in 20 having serologic evidence of recent infection regardless of vaccination background.

Fabrication and near-field visualization of a wafer-scale dense plasmonic nanostructured array

This paper presents the fabrication and near-field visualization of a wafer-scale dense plasmonic nanostructured array.

Adequate interval for the monitoring of vital signs during endotracheal intubation

Background

In the perioperative period, it may be inappropriate to monitor vital signs during endotracheal intubation using the same interval as during a hemodynamically stable period. The aim of the present study was to determine whether it is appropriate to use the same intervals used during the endotracheal intubation and stable periods to monitor vital signs of patients under general anesthesia.

Methods

The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were continuously measured during endotracheal intubation (15 min after intubation) and hemodynamically stable (15 min before skin incision) periods in 24 general anesthesia patients. Data was considered “unrecognized” when continuously measured values were 30% more or less than the monitored value measured at 5- or 2.5-min intervals. The incidence of unrecognized data during endotracheal intubation was compared to that during the hemodynamically stable period.

Result

There were significantly more unrecognized MAP data measured at 5-min intervals during endotracheal intubation than during the hemodynamically stable period (p value <0.05). However, there was no difference in the incidence of unrecognized MAP data at 2.5 min intervals or HR data at 5 or 2.5 min intervals between during the endotracheal intubation and hemodynamically stable periods.

Conclusion

A 5-min interval throughout the operation period was not appropriate for monitoring vital signs. Therefore, , a 2.5-min interval is recommended for monitoring the MAP during endotracheal intubation.

High Resolution Full-Aperture ISAR Processing through Modified Doppler History Based Motion Compensation

A high resolution inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) technique is presented using modified Doppler history based motion compensation. To this purpose, a novel wideband ISAR system is developed that accommodates parametric processing over extended aperture length. The proposed method is derived from an ISAR-to-SAR approach that makes use of high resolution spotlight SAR and sub-aperture recombination. It is dedicated to wide aperture ISAR imaging and exhibits robust performance against unstable targets having non-linear motions. We demonstrate that the Doppler histories of the full aperture ISAR echoes from disturbed targets are efficiently retrieved with good fitting models. Experiments have been conducted on real aircraft targets and the feasibility of the full aperture ISAR processing is verified through the acquisition of high resolution ISAR imagery.

[Application of percutaneous AngioJet thrombectomy in patients with acute symptomatic portal and superior mesenteric venous thrombosis]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of percutaneous AngioJet thrombectomy in treatment of acute symptomatic portal and superior mesenteric venous thrombosis venous thrombosis (PVMVT) . Method: From January 2014 to January 2016, a total of 8 patients in Nanjing First Hospital with PVMVT verified by color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) were analyzed retrospectively. Under ultrasound guidance , the branch of the right portal vein(PV) was punctured with a micropuncture set and a 4-F infusion catheter was advanced to the superior mesenteric vein(SMV). The venogram demonstrated the thrombosis in the PV/SMV and a 6-F AngioJet Xpeeedior catheter was advanced over the guidewire and positioned in the distal SMV. Percutaneous thrombectomy was performed after a mixture of 250 000 U of urokinase in 100 ml of normal saline for mechanical pulse spray of thrombus in all patients for approximately 15 minutes. 2 patients underwent PTA and stent implantation after the thrombectomy procedure, 1 of them and the others 6 patients received continuous transcatheter infusion of urokinase (500 000 U/d) for 24 or 48 hours until the thrombosis was completely dissolved confirmed by angiography at 24 and 48 hours.After procedure and the thrombolytic therapy was discontinued, removal of the infusion catheter and the sheath from the liver, the transhepatic tract was embolized with coils or gelfoam to reduce the risk of bleeding. The patency rate of PV /SMV was assessed by CTA at 1 and 6 months after the procedure. Patients were discharged with oral anticoagulation regimen for at least 6 months.The following criteria were used in evaluation of thrombolysis: grade Ⅰ<50% thrombus removal; grade Ⅱ 50%~90% thrombus removal, and grade Ⅲ>90% thrombus removal. Results: All 8 patients with PVMVT were treated by AngioJet thrombectomy. Angiography after the thrombectomy procedure showed complete thrombus removal (>90%) was in 3 cases, substantial thrombus removal (50%~90%) in 5 cases. Grade Ⅲ (complete) thrombolysis was achieved in 7 cases and grade Ⅱ (50%~90%) lysis in 1 case post thrombolytic therapy for 24 or 48 hours. 2 patients had underwent PTA and stent implantation. Large volume intraperitoneal hemorrhage was discovered in 1 patient after removal of the catheter and sheath from the liver. The patient restored stability after a blood transfusion.Venous patency was comfirmed in all 8 patients at 1 or 6 months after the treatment. There was no patient with major complications death related to the procedure. Conclusion: Percutaneous AngioJet thrombectomy with adjunctive thrombolytic therapy is an effective and safe treatment modality in patients with acute symptomatic PVMVT.

Switching of Photonic Crystal Lasers by Graphene

Unique features of graphene have motivated the development of graphene-integrated photonic devices. In particular, the electrical tunability of graphene loss enables high-speed modulation of light and tuning of cavity resonances in graphene-integrated waveguides and cavities. However, efficient control of light emission such as lasing, using graphene, remains a challenge. In this work, we demonstrate on/off switching of single- and double-cavity photonic crystal lasers by electrical gating of a monolayer graphene sheet on top of photonic crystal cavities. The optical loss of graphene was controlled by varying the gate voltage V_g, with the ion gel atop the graphene sheet. First, the fundamental properties of graphene were investigated through the transmittance measurement and numerical simulations. Next, optically pumped lasing was demonstrated for a graphene-integrated single photonic crystal cavity at V_g below -0.6 V, exhibiting a low lasing threshold of ∼480 μW, whereas lasing was not observed at V_g above -0.6 V owing to the intrinsic optical loss of graphene. Changing quality factor of the graphene-integrated photonic crystal cavity enables or disables the lasing operation. Moreover, in the double-cavity photonic crystal lasers with graphene, switching of individual cavities with separate graphene sheets was achieved, and these two lasing actions were controlled independently despite the close distance of ∼2.2 μm between adjacent cavities. We believe that our simple and practical approach for switching in graphene-integrated active photonic devices will pave the way toward designing high-contrast and ultracompact photonic integrated circuits.

Abstract P2-01-32: Second sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with local recurrence after breast cancer surgery

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy(SLNB) has become standard procedure for primary breast cancer patients who have no tumor metastasis in sentinel lymph node(SLN). In this study, we evaluated feasibility and pathologic outcomes of second SLNB in patients with locally recurrent breast cancer and their follow-up results.

Methods: From January 2008 to December 2015, 114 patients underwent operation for locally recurrent breast cancer. In 42 patients of them, lymphatic mapping was performed for second SLNB. When SLN was visualized in lymphangiography, SLNB was performed. In the cases where SLN metastasis was confirmed, axillary lymph node dissection(ALND) was performed. Follow-up studies were performed every 6 months for 5 years and then annually.

Results: The mean interval to local recurrence from the initial surgery of breast cancer was 64.6±53.1 months. In 38 of 42 patients(90.5%), lymphatic mapping was successfully performed. There was no significant difference of success rate of lymphatic mapping according to previous operation method of breast and axilla or history of radiation therapy.

Aberrant lymphatic pathway was observed in 15 of 38 patients(39.5%). The rate of aberrant lymphatic pathway was higher in patients who underwent ALND previously then in patients who underwent SLNB only(81.8% vs 22.2%, p=0.001). In 6 patients who previously underwent ALND followed by radiation therapy, all their lymphatic pathway was altered. There was no significant difference of the rate of aberrant lymphatic pathway according to previous operation method of breast.

Of 38 patients in whom lymphatic mapping was successfully performed, 37 patients underwent SLNB. SLNs were identified in 31 patients(83.8%). There was no significant difference of success rate of SLNB according to previous operation method of breast and axilla or history of radiation therapy.

Of 31 patients whose SLNs were identified, 4 patients(12.9%) had tumor metastasis in their SLN. Among them, 3 patients underwent ALND but SLN was the only lymph node(LN) in which tumor metastasis was confirmed. The other patient underwent no further ALND because ipsilateral internal mammary LNs were only LNs in which tumor metastasis was confirmed in frozen section biopsy and micrometastasis was additionally confirmed in only one contralateral axillary LN in permanent biopsy.

The mean follow-up period after operation for local recurrence was 33.0±24.5 months. There were 10 cases(23.8%) of loco-regional recurrence or distant metastasis at 14 months of mean follow-up. Among them, one patient had ipsilateral axillary recurrence solitary at 11 months of follow-up. The patient underwent breast conserving surgery and SLNB for primary breast cancer which stage was I. Second SLNB for local recurrence was tried at 48 months after first operation but SLN was not identified. Because there was no evidence of axillary LN metastasis in preoperative image study, no further ALND was performed.

Conclusion: Second SLNB should be considered for patients with locally recurrent breast cancer because occult LN metastasis could be identified in the ipsilateral axilla or other site through aberrant lymphatic pathway. Further studies are needed to verify accuracy of axillary staging using second SLNB and also its oncologic safety.

Citation Format: Park JY, Song JH, Choi JE, Lee SJ. Second sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with local recurrence after breast cancer surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-32.

Abstract P1-11-13: Re-excision rate in breast conservation surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background : The goal of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to reduce tumor size and convert mastectomy to breast-conservation surgery (BCS). In response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the regression rate and pattern of breast cancer is variable. And the re-excision rate to secure negative resection margin is reported limitedly in this case. The purpose of this study was to compare the re-excision rate and BCS success rate of patients who received and who did not received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Method : In this retrospective cohort study, between January 2009 and December 2012, total 256 women were included who had clinical T2 breast cancer and were planed to receive BCS as initial operation or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Fifty-nine patients of them received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Clinical data were collected including age, preoperative or initial clinical tumor size, mammographic microcalcifications, ultrasound multifocality and axillary nodal status, retrospectively. In the resected specimen from BCS, we reviewed the pathologic tumor size, multifocality, histologic type, hormone receptor and Her-2-neu status, ki67, DCIS and EIC component. The re-excision rate and BCS success rate were investigated. Univariate analysis and regression model were used for identify clinicopathologic factors associated with re-excision. To reduce the effect of selection bias, propensity score matching-based anaylsis was also performed.

Results : Of the 256 patients, 178 patients (90.4%, 178/197) received BCS finally in neoadjuvant group and 56 patients (94.9%, 56/59) in non-neoadjuvant group (p=0.406). There was no statistical difference in the re-excision rate between two groups (35.6% (21/59) in neoadjuvant group vs 34.0% (67/197) in non-neoadjuvant group, p=0.946). In propensity-matched cohorts (N=118), the re-excision rate was same in two groups (35.6% (21/59) in neoadjuvant group vs 35.6% (21/59) in non-neoadjuvant group, p=1.000). BCS success rate was higher in neoadjuvant group(94.9% 56/59) than non-neoadjuvant group (86.4%(51/59)), but there was no statistical difference (p=0.205). In this cohorts, clinicopathologic factors associated with re-excision were pathologic multifocality (OR=4.56, p=0.0142), high ki67 (≥50%) (OR=0.7, p=0.0243) and DCIS component (OR=2.67, p=0.0261) in logistic regression model.

Conclusion: This study showed neoadjuvant chemotherapy could increase the BCS success rate but could not decrease the re-excision rate. The re-excision rate is more associated with pathologic finding rather than effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Citation Format: Song JH, Park JY, Choi JE, Bae YK, Lee SJ. Re-excision rate in breast conservation surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-11-13.

The use of continuous negative pressure after open debridement for septic arthritis of the shoulder

AIMS

The treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder is challenging. The infection frequently recurs and the clinical outcome can be very poor. We aimed to review the outcomes following the use of continuous negative pressure after open debridement with a large diameter drain in patients with septic arthritis of the shoulder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 68 consecutive patients with septic arthritis of the shoulder underwent arthrotomy, irrigation and debridement. A small diameter suction drain was placed in the glenohumeral joint and a large diameter drain was placed in the subacromial space with continuous negative pressure of 15 cm H2O. All patients received a standardised protocol of antibiotics for a mean of 5.1 weeks (two to 11.1).

RESULTS

Negative pressure was maintained for a mean of 24 days (14 to 32). A total of 67 patients (98.5%) were cured without further treatment being required. At a mean follow-up of 14 months (three to 72), the mean forward flexion was 123° (80° to 140°) and the mean external rotation was 28°(10° to 40°) in those with a rotator cuff tear, and 125° (85° to 145°) and 35° (15° to 45°) in those without a rotator cuff tear.

CONCLUSION

Continuous negative pressure, following open arthrotomy, irrigation and debridement, was effective in treating septic arthritis of the shoulder. The rate of recurrence was significantly lower than with conventional treatment involving arthroscopic or open debridement reported in the literature. Functional outcomes, even in patients with rotator cuff tears, were excellent.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Continuous negative pressure is effective in treating septic arthritis of the shoulder. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:660-5.

Resonant magneto-optic Kerr effects of a single Ni nanorod in the Mie scattering regime

We present a systematic, theoretical investigation of the polar magneto-optical (MO) Kerr effects of a single Ni nanorod in the Mie regime. The MO Kerr rotation, ellipticity, amplitude ratio, and phase shift are calculated as a function of the length and width of the nanorod. The electric field amplitude ratio of the MO Kerr effect is locally maximized when the nanorod supports a plasmonic resonance in the polarization state orthogonal to the incident light. The plasmonic resonances directly induced by the incident light do not enhance the amplitude ratio. In the Mie regime, multiple local maxima of the MO Kerr activity are supported by the resonant modes with different modal characteristics. From the viewpoint of first-order perturbation analysis, the spatial overlap between the incident-light-induced electric field and the Green function determines the local maxima.

Abscess of Native Kidney Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in Renal Transplantation: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Abscess of native kidney is a rare postoperative event after renal transplantation. This report describes a case of back pain, fever and pyuria caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in a patient who underwent renal-transplantation.

CASE REPORT

A 40-year-old man, presenting with hypertension and renal failure, underwent renal transplantation 1 month previously. He developed sudden intense back pain and fever (39°C). There was normal blood flow in graft kidney but there were the swelling and cyst of right native kidney. We aspirated the pus in native kidney and performed the native nephrectomy. The carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) was isolated as in pus and native kidney. We performed the tigecyline monotherapy during 3 weeks. He recovered without complication after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, no report in the literature to date describes abscess in native kidney secondary to CRAB in a renal transplant. Infections caused by CRAB have become critical for immunosuppressed patients. The presence of complication greater risk, by an organism whose pathogenicity and virulence are not yet elucidated should determine an aggressive empirical antimicrobial therapy.

Microstructured Air Cavities as High-Index Contrast Substrates with Strong Diffraction for Light-Emitting Diodes

Two-dimensional high-index-contrast dielectric gratings exhibit unconventional transmission and reflection due to their morphologies. For light-emitting devices, these characteristics help guided modes defeat total internal reflections, thereby enhancing the outcoupling efficiency into an ambient medium. However, the outcoupling ability is typically impeded by the limited index contrast given by pattern media. Here, we report strong-diffraction, high-index-contrast cavity engineered substrates (CESs) in which hexagonally arranged hemispherical air cavities are covered with a 80 nm thick crystallized alumina shell. Wavelength-resolved diffraction measurements and Fourier analysis on GaN-grown CESs reveal that the high-index-contrast air/alumina core/shell patterns lead to dramatic excitation of the low-order diffraction modes. Large-area (1075 × 750 μm(2)) blue-emitting InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated on a 3 μm pitch CES exhibit ∼39% enhancement in the optical power compared to state-of-the-art, patterned-sapphire-substrate LEDs, while preserving all of the electrical metrics that are relevant to LED devices. Full-vectorial simulations quantitatively demonstrate the enhanced optical power of CES LEDs and show a progressive increase in the extraction efficiency as the air cavity volume is expanded. This trend in light extraction is observed for both lateral- and flip-chip-geometry LEDs. Measurements of far-field profiles indicate a substantial beaming effect for CES LEDs, despite their few-micron-pitch pattern. Near-to-far-field transformation simulations and polarization analysis demonstrate that the improved extraction efficiency of CES LEDs is ascribed to the increase in emissions via the top escape route and to the extraction of transverse-magnetic polarized light.

Long non-coding antisense RNA KRT7-AS is activated in gastric cancers and supports cancer cell progression by increasing KRT7 expression

Alterations in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with human carcinogenesis. One group of lncRNAs, which are antisense in orientation to coding mRNAs (ASs), have been recently described in cancers but are poorly understood. We sought to identify ASs involved in human gastric cancer (GC) and to elucidate their mechanisms of action in carcinogenesis. We performed massively parallel RNA sequencing in GCs and matched normal tissues, as well as in GC-derived and normal gastric epithelial cell lines. One AS, designated Homo sapiens keratin 7 (KRT7-AS), was selected due to its marked upregulation and concordant expression with its cognate sense counterpart, KRT7, in GC tissues and cell lines. KRT7-AS formed an RNA-RNA hybrid with KRT7 and controlled KRT7 expression at both the mRNA and the post-transcriptional levels. Moreover, forced overexpression of the KRT7-overlapping region (OL) of KRT7-AS (but not its non-KRT7-OL portions) increased keratin 7 protein levels in cells. Finally, forced overexpression of full-length KRT7-AS or OL KRT7-AS (but not its non-KRT7-OL regions) promoted GC cell proliferation and migration. We conclude that lncRNA KRT7-AS promotes GC, at least in part, by increasing KRT7 expression.

Differential expression of microRNAs may regulate pollen development in Brassica oleracea

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding endogenous negative regulators that regulate gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. However, little is known about the expression characteristics of miRNAs during pollen development in Brassica oleracea. In this study, five known and three novel miRNAs were identified and their expression patterns were compared in the flower buds of B. oleracea using stem-loop reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR. The results revealed that the eight miRNAs were constantly expressed during pollen development but exhibited different expression patterns during the five developmental stages of the flower buds between the cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line and its fertile maintainer. The highest miRNA expression levels occurred at the uninucleate microspore stage in the fertile line Bo01-12B and at the bicellular pollen stage in the CMS line Bo01-12A. Potential target genes for the miRNAs were predicted and analyzed, and suggested that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of target genes related to pollen development. The results of this study further our understanding of the regulatory role of miRNAs in pollen development.