[Analysis of 1 case of convulsion death caused by large dose of diquat poisoning]

A retrospective analysis of a case of death from sudden convulsions caused by oral high-dose diquat was conducted, and the mechanism and treatment of central damage caused by diquat were investigated to lay the foundation for increasing the success rate of treatment of high-dose diquat poisoning. At the same time, at the same time, our clinical treatment experience has also been accumulated.

Randomized Clinical Trial on Sodium Fluoride with Tricalcium Phosphate

This 24-mo randomized controlled trial was based on a double-blind parallel design, and it compared the effectiveness of 2 fluoride application protocols in arresting dentine caries in primary teeth. Three-year-old children with active dentine caries were recruited and randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups. Children in group A received a semiannual application of a 25% silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution followed by a commercially available varnish with 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) on the carious tooth surfaces. Children in group B received a semiannual application of a 25% AgNO₃ solution followed by another commercially available varnish with 5% NaF containing functionalized tricalcium phosphate (fTCP). Carious tooth surfaces that were hard when probing were classified as arrested. Intention-to-treat analysis and a hierarchical generalized linear model were undertaken. A total of 408 children with 1,831 tooth surfaces with active dentine caries were recruited at baseline, and 356 children (87%) with 1,607 tooth surfaces (88%) were assessed after 24 mo. At the 24-mo evaluation, the mean (SD) number of arrested carious tooth surfaces per child were 1.8 (2.2) and 2.6 (3.3) for group A (without fTCP) and group B (with fTCP), respectively (P = 0.003). The arrest rates at the tooth surface level were 42% for group A and 57% for group B (P < 0.001). Results of the hierarchical generalized linear model indicated that protocol B (with fTCP) had a higher predicted probability (PP = 0.656) in arresting dentine caries than protocol A (without fTCP; PP = 0.500) when the carious lesions were on buccal/lingual surfaces, were on anterior teeth, had dental plaque coverage, and were in children from low-income families (P = 0.046). In conclusion, protocol B, which applied a 25% AgNO₃ solution followed by a commercially available 5% NaF varnish with fTCP semiannually, is more effective in arresting dentine caries in primary teeth as compared with protocol A, which applied a 25% AgNO₃ solution followed by another commercially available 5% NaF varnish without fTCP semiannually (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03423797).

Fluid-Structure Interaction Based Algorithms for IOP and Corneal Material Behavior

Purpose: This paper presents and clinically validates two algorithms for estimating intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal material behavior using numerical models that consider the fluid-structure interaction between the cornea and the air-puff used in non-contact tonometry. Methods: A novel multi-physics fluid-structure interaction model of the air-puff test was employed in a parametric numerical study simulating human eyes under air-puff pressure with a wide range of central corneal thickness (CCT = 445-645 μm), curvature (R = 7.4-8.4 mm), material stiffness and IOP (10-25 mmHg). Models were internally loaded with IOP using a fluid cavity, then externally with air-puff loading simulated using a turbulent computational fluid dynamics model. Corneal dynamic response parameters were extracted and used in development of two algorithms for IOP and corneal material behavior; fIOP and fSSI, respectively. The two algorithms were validated against clinical corneal dynamic response parameters for 476 healthy participants. The predictions of IOP and corneal material behavior were tested on how they varied with CCT, R, and age. Results: The present study produced a biomechanically corrected estimation of intraocular pressure (fIOP) and a corneal material stiffness parameter or Stress-Strain Index (fSSI), both of which showed no significant correlation with R (p > 0.05) and CCT (p > 0.05). Further, fIOP had no significant correlation with age (p > 0.05), while fSSI was significantly correlated with age (p = 0.001), which was found earlier to be strongly correlated with material stiffness. Conclusion: The present study introduced two novel algorithms for estimating IOP and biomechanical material behavior of healthy corneas in-vivo. Consideration of the fluid structure interaction between the cornea and the air puff of non-contact tonometry in developing these algorithms led to improvements in performance compared with bIOP and SSI.

Simulation of Air Puff Tonometry Test Using Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) Deforming Mesh for Corneal Material Characterisation

: Purpose: To improve numerical simulation of the non-contact tonometry test by using arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian deforming mesh in the coupling between computational fluid dynamics model of an air jet and finite element model of the human eye.

METHODS

Computational fluid dynamics model simulated impingement of the air puff and employed Spallart-Allmaras model to capture turbulence of the air jet. The time span of the jet was 30 ms and maximum Reynolds number was Re=2.3×104, with jet orifice diameter 2.4 mm and impinging distance 11 mm. The model of the human eye was analysed using finite element method with regional hyperelastic material variation and corneal patient-specific topography starting from stress-free configuration. The cornea was free to deform as a response to the air puff using an adaptive deforming mesh at every time step of the solution. Aqueous and vitreous humours were simulated as a fluid cavity filled with incompressible fluid with a density of 1000 kg/m3.

RESULTS

Using the adaptive deforming mesh in numerical simulation of the air puff test improved the traditional understanding of how pressure distribution on cornea changes with time of the test. There was a mean decrease in maximum pressure (at corneal apex) of 6.29 ± 2.2% and a development of negative pressure on a peripheral corneal region 2-4 mm away from cornea centre.

CONCLUSIONS

The study presented an improvement of numerical simulation of the air puff test, which will lead to more accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal material behaviour estimation. The parametric study showed that pressure of the air puff is different from one model to another, value-wise and distribution-wise, based on cornea biomechanical parameters.

Determination of Corneal Biomechanical Behavior in-vivo for Healthy Eyes Using CorVis ST Tonometry: Stress-Strain Index

Purpose: This study aims to introduce and clinically validate a new algorithm that can determine the biomechanical properties of the human cornea in vivo.

Methods: A parametric study was conducted involving representative finite element models of human ocular globes with wide ranges of geometries and material biomechanical behavior. The models were subjected to different levels of intraocular pressure (IOP) and the action of external air puff produced by a non-contact tonometer. Predictions of dynamic corneal response under air pressure were analyzed to develop an algorithm that can predict the cornea's material behavior. The algorithm was assessed using clinical data obtained from 480 healthy participants where its predictions of material behavior were tested against variations in central corneal thickness (CCT), IOP and age, and compared against those obtained in earlier studies on ex-vivo human ocular tissue.

Results: The algorithm produced a material stiffness parameter (Stress-Strain Index or SSI) that showed no significant correlation with both CCT (p > 0.05) and IOP (p > 0.05), but was significantly correlated with age (p < 0.01). The stiffness estimates and their variation with age were also significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with stiffness estimates obtained earlier in studies on ex-vivo human tissue.

Conclusions: The study introduced and validated a new method for estimating the in vivo biomechanical behavior of healthy corneal tissue. The method can aid optimization of procedures that interfere mechanically with the cornea such as refractive surgeries and introduction of corneal implants.

[Effect of different medication time prior to corneal refractive surgery on tear film stability]

Objective: To investigate the effect of different medication time prior to corneal refractive surgery on tear film stability. Methods: Prospective cohort study. A total of 60 patients (60 eyes), including 38 males (63.3%) and 22 females (37.7%) with an average age of (24.2±5.1) years (form 18 to 37 years), who had planned for corneal refractive surgery with normal ocular surface disease index score were included in this study. The patients were divided into 1d group (medication of 1 day, 30 eyes) and 3d group (medication of 3 days, 30 eyes) randomly. The first tear break up time (FBUT), the average tear break up time (AVBUT) and the dry eye grade score were recorded on the examination day and the operation day with Keratograph 5M. The difference of FBUT and AVBUI between the two groups was compared with the independent sample t test. The difference of FBUT and AVBUT between the examination day and the operation day was compared with the paired t test. The difference of the dry eye classification between the two groups was compared using chi-square test. Results: The FBUT and AVBUT of 1d group and 3d group were (10.89±5.19)s and (10.88±6.82)s, (16.24±3.62)s and (16.21±4.74)s respectively in preoperative examination, and (10.65±6.03)s and (8.14±5.75)s, (15.14±5.30)s and (12.86±5.92)s respectively in operation day. There was no significant difference in FBUT and AVBUT between the two groups (t=0.01, 1,47, 0.02, 1.44; P>0.05). However, in the 3d group, the AVBUT of operation day decreased as compared with that of the examination day, and the difference was statistically significant (t=2.31, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of dry eye classification between the two groups (χ(2)=0.07, 3.36; P>0.05). Conclusion: Both of medication of 1 day and medication of 3 days prior to corneal refractive surgery can provide a similar tear film stability, however more attention should be paid to the medication for patients with asymptomatic but abnormal BUT. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 744-747).

Effect of pre-slaughter shackling and wing flapping on plasma parameters, postmortem metabolism, AMPK, and meat quality of broilers

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of shackling and wing flapping on stress, postmortem metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and quality of broiler pectoralis major. Before slaughter, a total of 80 Arbor Acres broilers was randomly categorized into 2 replicate pens (40 broilers per pen) and each pen randomly divided into 2 groups (shackling, T; control, C). Corticosterone, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase were determined on blood plasma parameters. Pectoralis major were removed after evisceration and used for determination of energy metabolism, meat quality, and AMPK phosphorylation. In this study, shackling and wing flapping increased (P < 0.05) plasma corticosterone level, creatine kinase activity, and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Shackling and wing flapping increased (P < 0.05) AMPKα(Thr172) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) phosphorylation, followed by rapid glycolysis and accumulation of lactic acid, and leading to a fast pH decline in the initial postmortem meat. Shackling and wing flapping have an adverse effect on final meat quality, which increased (P < 0.05) muscle lightness, drip loss, and cooking loss. The results indicate that antemortem shackling and wing flapping increased stress and AMPKα(Thr172) phosphorylation, which may accelerate glycolysis and lead to a low water-holding capacity of broiler meat.

Ex-vivo experimental validation of biomechanically-corrected intraocular pressure measurements on human eyes using the CorVis ST

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the Corvis ST (Oculus; Wetzlar, Germany) biomechanical correction algorithm (bIOP) in determining intraocular pressure (IOP) using experiments on ex-vivo human eyes. Five ex-vivo human ocular globes (age 69 ± 3 years) were obtained and tested within 3-5 days post mortem. Using a custom-built inflation rig, the internal pressure of the eyes was controlled mechanically and measured using the CorVis ST (CVS-IOP). The CVS-IOP measurements were then corrected to produce bIOP, which was developed for being less affected by variations in corneal biomechanical parameters, including tissue thickness and material properties. True IOP (IOPt) was defined as the pressure inside of the globe as monitored using a fixed pressure transducer. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the accuracy of both CVS-IOP and bIOP, and their correlation with corneal thickness. While no significant differences were found between bIOP and IOP_t (0.3 ± 1.6 mmHg, P = 0.989) using ANOVA and Bonferroni Post-Hoc test, the differences between CVS-IOP and IOPt were significant (7.5 ± 3.2 mmHg, P < 0.001). Similarly, bIOP exhibited no significant correlation with central corneal thickness (p = 0.756), whereas CVS-IOP was significantly correlated with the thickness (p < 0.001). The bIOP correction has been successful in providing close estimates of true IOP in ex-vivo tests conducted on human donor eye globes, and in reducing association with the cornea's thickness.

The Relationship Between Mechanical Properties, Ultrastructural Changes, and Intrafibrillar Bond Formation in Corneal UVA/Riboflavin Cross-linking Treatment for Keratoconus

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship between mechanical behavior in cross-linked corneas and changes in the corneal ultrastructure after corneal cross-linking (CXL).

METHODS

Porcine corneas were treated following the "Dresden" protocol, the current gold standard for clinical treatment, consisting of dropwise application of 0.1% riboflavin in 20% dextran followed by 30 minutes of ultraviolet-A (UVA) irradiation. The effect of CXL was assessed using uniaxial tensile testing, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, with results compared against corneas treated with each of the treatment solution components individually.

RESULTS

UVA/riboflavin cross-linked corneas displayed 28% ± 17% increase in the material tangent modulus compared with dextran treatment alone, and altered collagen architecture within the first 300 µm of stromal depth consisting of 5% increase in the thickness of collagen fibrils, no significant changes to interfibrillar spacing, and an 8% to 12% decrease in number of fibrils per unit area. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed formation of interfibrillar bonds (P = .012) induced by UVA-mediated CXL.

CONCLUSIONS

The data support a model wherein collagen fibril diameter and structural density are fundamental parameters in defining tissue stiffening following UVA/riboflavin CXL and provide benchmarks against which modifications to the Dresden CXL protocol can be evaluated. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(4):264-272.].

Clinical evaluation of a new correction algorithm for dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer tonometry before and after laser in situ keratomileusis and small-incision lenticule extraction

PURPOSE

To compare a biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) algorithm provided by the dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer (Corvis ST) with Goldmann applanation tonometry IOP (Goldmann IOP) and standard dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer IOP measurements before and after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and refractive lenticule extraction small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgeries.

SETTING

Smile Eye Clinic, Munich, Germany, and University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Patients scheduled for LASIK and patients scheduled for small-incision lenticule extraction for myopia or myopic astigmatism were included. The preoperative and postoperative evaluations included Goldmann, Scheimpflug tomography, and dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer IOP measurements.

RESULTS

The study comprised 14 patients in the LASIK group and 22 patients in the small-incision lenticule extraction group. Preoperative Goldmann IOP and Scheimpflug analyzer IOP values showed significant positive correlation with central corneal thickness (CCT) (P = .05 for LASIK; P = .003 for small-incision lenticule extraction). No significant correlation was found between bIOP and CCT (P > .05). After both surgeries, there were significant decreases in Goldmann IOP (-3.2 mm Hg ± 3.4 [SD] and -3.2 ± 2.1 mm Hg, respectively; both P < .001) and Scheimpflug analyzer IOP (-3.7 ± 2.1 mm Hg and -3.3 ± 2.0 mm Hg, respectively, both P < .001) compared with preoperative readings, whereas bIOP did not differ significantly (0.1 ± 2.1 mm Hg and 0.8 ± 1.8 mm Hg, respectively; P = .80 and P = .273, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The bIOP readings before and after LASIK and small-incision lenticule extraction were neither significantly different nor correlated with CCT. In contrast, both Goldmann IOP and Scheimpflug analyzer IOP had significant reductions postoperatively and showed significant correlation with CCT preoperatively.

Tunable quantum dot arrays as efficient sensitizers for enhanced near-infrared electroluminescence of erbium ions

Under electrical pumping conditions, high-efficiency Si-based near-infrared light generation and amplification on a chip have long been pursued for future optical interconnection technology. However, the overall performance of Si-based near-infrared electroluminescence (EL) devices, including the overall efficiency, turn-on voltage and stability under operational conditions, can rarely meet the requirements of monolithic optoelectronic integration. In this work, we designed a confined crystallization growth strategy for fabricating metal oxide quantum dot (QD) arrays embedded in Si-based films as sensitizers of Er³⁺ ions. Through the precise control of particle size and number density of QD sensitizers, the near-infrared photoluminescence (PL) emission of Er³⁺ ions can be enhanced by more than three orders of magnitude. More significantly, such hierarchical control over the regular arrangement of QD arrays not only considerably enhances the resonance energy transfer efficiency, but also offers an effective conduction path for carrier transport. Therefore, the corresponding near-infrared EL device exhibits a decreased turn-on voltage of 4.5 V, a high external quantum efficiency of 0.7%, and a long operational lifetime of more than 1000 hours, making this device superior to most Si-based on-chip near-infrared EL devices. This well-controlled metal oxide QD array represents an ideal sensitizer to effectively promote the EL emission of rare earth ions and reduce the turn-on voltage. Meanwhile, the analysis of the carrier transport mechanism paves the way for future research into resonance energy transfer under electrical pumping conditions.

The effects of electrical stunning voltage on meat quality, plasma parameters, and protein solubility of broiler breast meat

This study was designed to compare the effects of different stunning voltages of pulsed direct current on meat quality of broilers. For this purpose, plasma parameters, blood loss, carcass damage, and meat water holding capacity, color, shear force, pH, and protein solubility were analyzed. A total of 400 broilers were divided into 5 treatment groups and stunned with 5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 V at 750 Hz and 10 s, respectively. Blood samples were collected immediately after cutting the neck. Pectoralis major muscles were removed from the carcass after chilling and placed on ice. Breast muscle pH and meat color were determined at both 2 and 24 h postmortem. Dripping loss, cooking loss, pressing loss, and cooked breast meat shear values were determined after 24 h postmortem. The 5 V treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) blood plasma corticosterone and lactate concentration compared with the other groups. The carcass damage of wings, Pectoralis major, and Pectoralis minor was significant in the 5, 35, and 45 V groups. The pH of 2 h postmortem in the 5 and 45 V groups was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the 15 and 25 V groups. In the 5 and 45 V groups, the protein solubility and shear force value were significantly lower (P < 0.05) and dripping loss was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other groups.

Effect of fast pH decline during the early postmortem period on calpain activity and cytoskeletal protein degradation of broiler M. pectoralis major

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fast pH decline during the early postmortem period on calpain activity and the degradation of cytoskeletal proteins in broilers. Eighty broilers were randomly categorized into two groups: physical restraint (PR) and free struggle (FS). M. pectoralis major (PM) was used for determination of calpain activity, shear value, ultrastructure of myofibrils, and the degradation of desmin, titin, nebulin, and troponin-T. The pH (6.05) of FS group is significantly low than PR group (6.38) at 0.3 h postmortem. Fast pH decline during the early postmortem period led to a decrease of μ/m-calpain activities at 0.3 and 3 h postmortem (P < 0.05), but did not affect the ultimate μ/m-calpain activity. An initial fast decrease in pH increased the degradation of desmin, titin, nebulin, and increased the 30 kDa degradation fragments of troponin-T. Therefore, the fast pH decline during the early postmortem period decreased the μ/m-calpain activity and increased the degradation of cytoskeletal proteins in broiler muscle. It is possible that the fast pH decline experienced an earlier activation of calpains that resulted in earlier protein degradation and ultimately lower shear force.

Characterization of grass carp spleen transcriptome during GCRV infection

The aim of the study was to investigate the grass carp hemorrhagic infection pathway and its key-related genes. Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) might cause hemorrhagic disease in grass carps. Healthy grass carp fingerlings (N = 60) were divided into control and infected groups. Fish in the control group were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 0.6% fish physiological saline; the infected group received 5,000,000 50% tissue culture infective doses of GCRV 873 standard strain, a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus strain, ip, in 0.5 mL. Illumina HiSeqTM 2000 was used for transcriptome sequencing, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used to detect complement factors II (C2), III (C3), and V (C5); profibrinolysin (PLG); and coagulation factor II (F2) expression. A total of 2,722,223 reads were detected in the control group, and 2,751,111 in the infected group. Among 11,023 unigenes obtained after transcriptome assembly, 10,021 unigenes were significantly differentially expressed. Gene ontology and KEGG analysis, a collection of databases dealing with genomes and biological pathways, were performed to classify unigenes into functional categories, to understand gene function and identify regulatory pathways. Real-time PCR analysis showed that C2, C3, C5, PLG, and F2 expression levels were down-regulated, confirming results of pathway-enrichment analysis. This is the first application of high-throughput sequencing technology to investigate the in vivo effects of GCRV, on genes and pathways involved in the immune response to infection in grass carp.

Cloning, characterization and expression analysis of coagulation factor II gene in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Here, we characterized the structure and function of the coagulation factor II (FII) gene in grass carp and determined its role in coagulation mechanisms. The FII gene EST was obtained using a constructed splenic transcriptome database; the full-length FII gene sequence was obtained by 3' and 5' RACE. The open reading frame (ORF) of FII was cloned and the full-length gene was found to be 1718 bp, with an ORF of 1572 bp; the gene contained a 25 bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR) and 108 bp 3'-UTR. The ORF encoded 524 amino acids, including 74 alkaline amino acids (arginine and lysine) and 69 acidic amino acids (aspartic acid and glutamic acid). The theoretical pI was 6.22. The calculated instability index (II) was 39.81, indicating that FII was a stable protein; the half-life period was predicted to be approximately 30 h. Amino acid sequence comparisons indicated that grass carp FII showed most similarity (71%) to FII of Takifugu rubripes, followed by Oplegnathus fasciatus (48% similarity) and Larimichthys crocea (47% similarity). A real-time reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that under normal circumstances, FII was most highly expressed in the liver, followed by the gill, spleen, thymus, and head-kidney (P < 0.001). After injection of the grass carp reovirus 873 (GCRV873), the pattern of FII expression was significantly altered (P < 0.001); gene expression was high after injection, suggesting a response involving the initiation of the coagulation system and defense of the body in combination with the platelet and complement system.

Epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Ningbo City, China 2000-2011

The objective of this study was to explore the trend and the epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Ningbo from 2000 through 2011 and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control. Using the retrospective study, data relating to malaria epidemics during 2000-2011 in Ningbo were collected through the questionnaires of the cases and other important surveillance data. Adult mosquitoes were collected using CDC light traps baited with CO2. Results showed that Plasmodium vivax was the main species, and Anopheles sinensis was the only vector species of malaria. The annual incidence rates (per 100000) ranged from 0.156 to 3.224, and about 95.41% of the cases were imported. The cases occurred mainly between May and November and the incidence showed two peaks, and the local transmission of malaria was determined by vector density. Considering the vast majority of these infections were imported vivax malaria cases from domestic endemic areas (particularly Anhui province), and may lead to limited local transmission, strengthening the routine monitoring of imported malaria, ensuring timely diagnosis, improving case detection rate, giving a standardized treatment to patients and intensifying public health education on malaria prevention are extremely important to malaria prevention and control activities.

Use of twin dorsal middle phalangeal finger flaps for thumb or index finger reconstruction

Amputation or degloving injuries of the thumb or index finger are highly disabling. We describe the use of twin dorsal middle finger flaps harvested from the dorsal aspects of the middle and ring fingers, and based on one palmar proper digital artery, its venae comitantes, and the dorsal branches of the palmar digital nerves of the middle and ring fingers, respectively. These flaps offer advantages when large soft tissue defects of the thumb or index finger are present. In this study, twin dorsal middle finger flaps were used in nine patients (six thumbs, three index fingers). All flaps completely survived. At the mean follow-up of 20 months, the appearance of the reconstructed thumbs or index fingers was acceptable, the length was maintained, and the mean static 2-point discrimination values were 10 mm in the palmar flap and 13 mm in the dorsal flap of the reconstructed digit. All patients were satisfied with the appearance and mobility of the donor fingers. All but one donor finger showed normal finger pulp sensibility, with a static 2-point discrimination between 3 and 6 mm.

Predicting beef tenderness using color and multispectral image texture features

The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of raw meat surface characteristics (texture) in predicting cooked beef tenderness. Color and multispectral texture features, including 4 different wavelengths and 217 image texture features, were extracted from 2 laboratory-based multispectral camera imaging systems. Steaks were segregated into tough and tender classification groups based on Warner-Bratzler shear force. The texture features were submitted to STEPWISE multiple regression and support vector machine (SVM) analyses to establish prediction models for beef tenderness. A subsample (80%) of tender or tough classified steaks were used to train models which were then validated on the remaining (20%) test steaks. For color images, the SVM model correctly identified tender steaks with 100% accurately while the STEPWISE equation identified 94.9% of the tender steaks correctly. For multispectral images, the SVM model predicted 91% and STEPWISE predicted 87% average accuracy of beef tender.

Broadband antireflection and absorption enhancement by forming nano-patterned Si structures for solar cells

In this letter, we report the antireflection and light absorption enhancement by forming sub-wavelength nano-patterned Si structures via nano-sphere lithography technique. It is found that the surface reflection can be significantly suppressed in a wide spectral range (400-1000 nm) and the weighted mean reflection is less than 5%. Meanwhile, the broad band optical absorption enhancement is achieved consequently. Heterojunction solar cells are prepared by depositing ultrathin amorphous Si film on the nano-patterned Si structures, the short circuit current density increases to 37.2 mA/cm(2)and the power conversion efficiency is obviously improved compared to the reference cell on flat Si substrate.

Enhanced electroluminescence from SiN-based multilayer structure by laser crystallization of ultrathin amorphous Si-rich SiN layers

Luminescent SiN-based multilayers were prepared in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system followed by subsequently laser crystallization of ultrathin amorphous Si-rich SiN sublayers. The cross-sectional TEM analysis reveals that grain size of Si nanocrystals embedded in the Si-rich SiN sublayers is independent of the laser fluence, while the grain density can be well controlled by the laser fluence. The devices containing the laser crystallized multilayers show a low turn-on voltage of 5 V and exhibit strong green light emission under both optical and electrical excitations. Moreover, the device after laser-irradiated at 554 mJ/cm(2) shows a significantly enhanced EL intensity as well as external quantum efficiency compared with the device without laser irradiation. The EL mechanism is suggested from the bipolar recombination of electron-hole pairs at Si nanocrystals. The improved performance of the devices was discussed.

Structural characteristic, Raman analysis and optical properties of indium-doped ZnO nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method

Un-doped and indium (0-9 at.%) doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel method. The nanoparticles were heated at 700 degrees C-800 degrees C for 1 hour in air and then analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDS), Raman spectra and photoluminescence (PL). The results were compared to investigate the structural characteristics and physical properties. XRD patterns of the Indium-doped ZnO (IZO) nanoparticles were similar to those of the ZnO nanoparticles. Notably, the crystalline quality of the ZnO nanoparticles had reduced with increasing the concentration of indium doping. The In2O3 phase of IZO and the crystallized structures affected the UV emission band and the green emission band of PL. The Indium-doped (5 at.% - 7 at.%) ZnO nanoparticles possessed higher crystalline quality and better optical properties.

Electroluminescent devices based on amorphous SiN/Si quantum dots/amorphous SiN sandwiched structures

A single layer of dense Si quantum dots with average size of 4 nm sandwiched in amorphous SiN layers was prepared by laser crystallization of ultrathin amorphous Si film followed by subsequently thermal annealing. The electroluminescent diodes were fabricated by evaporating Al electrodes on back sides of p-Si substrates and the top surface of samples. Room temperature electroluminescence can be detected with applying the negative voltage around 10V on the top gate electrode and the luminescent intensity is increased with increasing the applied voltage. It was found that the integrated luminescent intensity is linearly proportional to the injection current which suggested the intensity depends on the concentrations of injected carriers after Fowler-Nordheim tunneling through amorphous SiN barriers. The influence of the amorphous SiN with different band gap on the device performance was also discussed briefly.

Genetic variation and phylogenetics of Lanyu and exotic pig breeds in Taiwan analyzed by nineteen microsatellite markers

The Lanyu pig is an indigenous miniature pig breed on Lanyu Islet near Taiwan, with a mitochondrial DNA genetic lineage remote from Asian and European pig breeds. The unknown population genetic structure and increased inbreeding among the small population of conserved Lanyu pigs is now of great conservation concern. Additionally, the presence for more than a century of exotic pig breeds in Taiwan has made gene introgression from exotic pig breeds into Lanyu pigs very possible. The present study thus aimed to investigate nuclear genetic variation within the conserved Lanyu pigs and the phylogenetic relationship and possible genetic introgression between Lanyu and exotic pig breeds by determining the polymorphism of 19 microsatellite loci. In the neighbor-joining tree constructed from 7 pig breeds based on Cavalli-Sforza and Edward chord genetic distances, 3 major clades were recognized, in which the Asian and European breeds were separately clustered into 2 clades with a 93.0 and 99.9% bootstrap confidence value, respectively. All individuals of the Lanyu breed formed a unique subclade within the Asian clade based on the distance of the proportion of shared alleles, -ln(ps), suggesting that the Lanyu breed possesses a unique nuclear genetic structure and that no nuclear gene introgression from exotic breeds into the conserved Lanyu pigs has occurred in recent history. Fifteen of 19 microsatellite loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (by Wright's statistic), suggesting a significant loss of heterozygosity in the conserved population. The valuable nuclear genetic structure and phylogenetic information should assist future conservation and population management of Lanyu pigs.

Erratum: ZnO-based MIS photodetectors

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2007.06.006.].

New self-limiting assembly model for Si quantum rings on Si(100)

We propose a new self-limiting assembly model for Si quantum rings on Si(100) where the ring's formation and evolution are driven by a growth-etching competition mechanism. The as-grown ring structure in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system has excellent rotational symmetry and superior morphology with a typical diameter, edge width, and height of 150-300, 10, and 5 nm, respectively. Based on this model, the size and morphology can be controlled well by simply tuning the timing procedure. We suggest that this growth model is not limited to certain material system, but provides a general scheme to control and tailor the self-assembly nanostructures into the desired size, shape, and complexity.

Initial ocular following in humans depends critically on the fourier components of the motion stimulus

Visual motion is sensed by low-level (energy-based) and high-level (feature-based) mechanisms. Our interest is in the motion detectors underlying the initial ocular following responses (OFR) that are elicited at ultrashort latencies by sudden motions of large images. OFR were elicited in humans by applying horizontal motion to vertical square-wave gratings lacking the fundamental. In the frequency domain, a pure square wave is composed of the odd harmonics--first, third, fifth, seventh, etc.--such that the third, fifth, seventh, etc., have amplitudes that are one-third, one-fifth, one-seventh, etc., that of the first, and the missing fundamental stimulus lacks the first harmonic. Motion consisted of successive quarter-wavelength steps, so the features and 4n+1 harmonics (where n = integer) shifted forward, whereas the 4n-1 harmonics--including the strongest Fourier component (the third harmonic)--shifted backward (spatial aliasing). Thus, the net Fourier energy and the non-Fourier features moved in opposite directions. Initial OFR, recorded with the search coil technique, had minimum latencies of 60 to 70 ms and were always in the direction of the third harmonic, for example, leftward steps resulted in rightward OFR. Thus, the earliest OFR were strongly dependent on the motion of the major Fourier component, consistent with mediation by oriented spatiotemporal visual filters as in the well-known energy model of motion detection. Introducing interstimulus intervals of 10 to 100 ms (during which the screen was uniform gray) reversed the initial direction of tracking, consistent with extensive neurophysiological and psychophysical data suggesting that the visual input to the motion detectors has a biphasic temporal impulse response.

Short-latency disparity vergence in humans: evidence for early spatial filtering

Our study was concerned with the disparity detectors underlying the initial disparity vergence responses (DVRs) that are elicited at ultrashort latencies by binocular disparities applied to large images. DVRs were elicited in humans by applying horizontal disparity to vertical square-wave gratings lacking the fundamental (termed here, the "missing fundamental"). In the frequency domain, a pure square wave is composed of odd harmonics--first, third, fifth, seventh, etc.--such that the third, fifth, seventh, etc., have amplitudes that are one-third, one-fifth, one-seventh, etc., that of the first, and the missing fundamental lacks the first harmonic. The patterns seen by the two eyes have a phase difference of one-quarter wavelength, so the disparity of the features and 4n + 1 harmonics (where n = integer) has one sign (crossed or uncrossed), whereas the 4n - 1 harmonics--including the strongest Fourier component (the third harmonic)--has the opposite sign (uncrossed or crossed): spatial aliasing. The earliest DVRs, recorded with the search-coil technique, had minimum latencies of 70 to 80 ms and were generally in the direction of the third harmonic, that is, uncrossed disparities resulted in convergent eye movements. In other experiments on the DVRs, one eye saw a missing fundamental and the other saw a pure sine wave with the contrast and wavelength of the third harmonic but differing in phase by one-quarter wavelength. This resulted in short-latency vergence in accordance with matching of the third harmonic. These data all indicate the importance of the Fourier components, consistent with early spatial filtering prior to binocular matching.

The initial ocular following responses elicited by apparent-motion stimuli: reversal by inter-stimulus intervals

Transient apparent-motion stimuli, consisting of single 1/4-wavelength steps applied to square-wave gratings lacking the fundamental ("missing fundamental stimulus") and to sinusoidal gratings, were used to elicit ocular following responses (OFRs) in humans. As previously reported [Sheliga, B. M., Chen, K. J., FitzGibbon, E. J., & Miles, F. A. (2005). Initial ocular following in humans: a response to first-order motion energy. Vision Research, in press], the earliest OFRs were strongly dependent on the motion of the major Fourier component, consistent with early spatio-temporal filtering prior to motion detection, as in the well-known energy model of motion analysis. Introducing inter-stimulus intervals (ISIs) of 10-200 ms, during which the screen was gray with the same mean luminance, reversed the initial direction of the OFR, the peak reversed responses (with ISIs of 20-40 ms) being substantially greater than the non-reversed responses (with an ISI of 0 ms). When the mean luminance was reduced to scotopic levels, reversals now occurred only with ISIs > or=60 ms and the peak reversed responses (with ISIs of 60-100 ms) were substantially smaller than the non-reversed responses (with an ISI of 0 ms). These findings are consistent with the idea that initial OFRs are mediated by first-order motion-energy-sensing mechanisms that receive a visual input whose temporal impulse response function is strongly biphasic in photopic conditions and almost monophasic in scotopic conditions.

Initial ocular following in humans: a response to first-order motion energy

Visual motion is sensed by low-level (energy-based) and high-level (feature-based) mechanisms. Ocular following responses (OFR) were elicited in humans by applying horizontal motion to vertical square-wave gratings lacking the fundamental ("missing fundamental stimulus"). Motion consisted of successive 1/4-wavelength steps, so the features and 4n+1 harmonics (where n=integer) shifted forwards, whereas the 4n-1 harmonics--including the strongest Fourier component (the 3rd harmonic)--shifted backwards (spatial aliasing). Initial OFR, recorded with the electromagnetic search coil technique, were always in the direction of the 3rd harmonic, e.g., leftward steps resulted in rightward OFR. Thus, the earliest OFR were strongly dependent on the motion of the major Fourier component, consistent with early spatio-temporal filtering prior to motion detection, as in the well-known energy model of motion analysis.

Risk factors for peptic ulcer disease in renal transplant patients--11 years of experience from a single center

BACKGROUND

Peptic ulcer disease is a common complication among renal transplant recipients and causes significant morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

From 1990 through 2000, 465 renal transplant patients were followed-up in our institute. Most patients received corticosteroids and cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimen. About one third (n = 156) of them received mycophenolate mofetil. Patients with endoscopy-proved peptic ulcer disease were identified by reviewing medical records. Possible risk factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 465 kidney transplant patients, there were 181 (38.9%) who suffered at least 1 episode of peptic ulcer disease. The most frequent types of peptic ulcer disease were gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, esophagitis, duodenitis and esophageal ulcer. By multivariate analysis, the use of methylprednisolone pulse therapy (odds ratio = 3.954, 95% confidence interval = 3.154-18.312, p = 0.03) and history of pre-transplant peptic ulcer disease (odds ratio = 7.599, 95% CI = 1.211-12.905, p < 0.0001) were independent risk factors for posttransplant peptic ulcer disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that renal transplant patients who undergo methylprednisolone pulse therapy for acute rejection or who have a history of pre-transplant peptic ulcer disease carry a high risk for the development of peptic ulcer disease and deserve intensive antiulcer treatment.

A panel study on the effects of a Chinese medicinal suppository, Vigconic VI-28, on insulin-like growth factor 1 and homocysteine in healthy men

Changes in serum homocysteine (Hcy), often related to stroke and vascular dementia, are negatively correlated with changes in serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) replacement decreases Hcy levels in men with GH deficiency. Very little information on the effects of Chinese medicines on GH and Hcy is available in the literature published in English. In this study, the effects of a Chinese medicine suppository, Vigconic VI-28 (VI-28), consisting of concentrated extracts of a composite mixture of herbal materials, on serum IGF-1 and Hcy were studied. In vivo observations after treatment with Chinese medicines have often indicated changes in biochemical profiles of measurable parameters related to those changes in endocrine secretions. Thirty six healthy males (age 47-66) were under observation over a 16-week schedule after using VI-28 suppository from 0 to 12 weeks. Blood specimens were taken monthly (except at the end of week 8) for analysis of Hcy and IGF-1 levels. Compared with week 0, IGF-1 levels (192.5 +/- 66.4 ng/ml) were significantly elevated at week 4 (211.7 +/- 80.5, p < 0.05) and week 12 (226.6 +/- 95.2 ng/ml, p = 0.01). No significant changes were observed for Hcy for the whole cohort from week 0 to week 16. When the cohort was divided into 2 groups using a Hcy level of 13.0 micro mol/l as the cut-off, a significant (p < 0.05) difference in IGF-1 was observed between the 2 groups at week 12 only. The mean IGF-1 of 14 subjects with higher Hcy levels was lower than that of the 22 subjects with lower Hcy. We believe that VI-28 may exert a regulatory effect on the relationship between Hcy and IGF-1, at least in subjects with relatively low levels of Hcy. In addition, we also observed an apparent association of hyperhomocysteinemia (Hcy> or =13.0 micromol/l) with decreased IGF-1.

Modeling head tracking of visual targets

Control of the head involves somatosensory, vestibular, and visual feedback. The dynamics of these three feedback systems must be identified in order to gain a greater understanding of the head control system. We have completed one step in the development of a head control model by identifying the dynamics of the visual feedback system. A mathematical model of human head tracking of visual targets in the horizontal plane was fit to experimental data from seven subjects performing a visual head tracking task. The model incorporates components based on the underlying physiology of the head control system. Using optimization methods, we were able to identify neural processing delay, visual control gain, and neck viscosity parameters in each experimental subject.

[The protective effects of yi-xin-kang capsule on the structure and function of rat myocardial mitochondria]

OBJECT

To observe the injury induced by Isoproterenol (ISO) on the structure and function of rat myocardial mitochondria and the protective effects of Yi-Xin-Kang Capsule (H303).

METHOD

After injection of ISO, rat myocardial mitochondria were isolated. The activities of phospholipidase A2(PLA2) and Ca(2+)-ATPase, the content of phospholipids (PL) and high-energy phosphates, membrane lipid fluidity (LFU) and respiration function were determined respectively.

RESULT

ISO induced severe injury to myocardial mitochondria. The activity of PLA2 was significantly activated. The intensity of LFU, the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase, respiration function of mitochondria and the contents of PL and high-energy phosphates of myocardium tissue were significantly decreased. Oral administration of H303 significantly decreased the activity of PLA2. The contents of PL and LFU, the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase were significantly increased. The respiration function of mitochondria was protected by accelerating III state respiration rate, improving ADP/O ratio and recovering the depressed respiration control rate.

CONCLUSION

H303 possessed protective effect on structural and functional injury of mitochondria induced by ISO.

Sesquiterpenes from the Formosan stolonifer Tubipora musica

Eight new sesquiterpenes, tubipolides A-G (1-7) and tubiporone (8) (novel carbon skeleton), and a known sesquiterpene, spirotubipolide, have been isolated from the Formosan stolonifer Tubipora musica. The structures of compounds 1-8 were determined by 1D and 2D NMR spectral analysis.

[Relationship between coronary angiography and syndrome differentiation type of TCM]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the relationship between the coronary Angiography (CA) reflected degree of coronary artery lesion and the TCM Syndrome Differentiation-type (TCM-SDT).

METHODS

Patients TCM-SDT were differentiated adopting the standard of Syndrome Differentiation for coronary artery diseases revised in 1990, and the comparison of TCM-SDT with the findings in CA was carried out.

RESULTS

CA examination showed that 29 patients (39.73%) were of one-artery lesion, 9 patients (12.33%) two-artery lesion and 35 patients (47.95%) three-artery lesion; the stenosis degree of them were: 54 arteries were mild stenosis, 38 moderate stenosis and 31 severe stenosis; 29 arteries were completely occluded, the sum total of affected artery was 152 (69.41%), and the other 67 arteries (30.59%) had no lesion. TCM-SDT showed that all the 73 patients had secondary Excess Syndrome, among them 73 patients (100%) with blood stasis Syndrome, 39 patients (53.4%) with Phlegm-Turbid Syndrome, 16 (21.0%) with Qi-stagnation Syndrome and 7 (9.6%) with Cold condensation Syndrome. 63 patients (86.3%) with obvious primary Deficiency Syndrome, among them, 57 (78.1%) were Qi-Deficiency, 18 (24.7%) Yang-Deficiency, 28 (38.4%) Yin-Deficiency and 5 (6.8%) Yang collapse. All patients had blood stasis of various degrees, manifesting on tongue proper prominently. In the 80.8% patients who had angina pectoris, 74.0% had their mouth, lips and gum dark red, dark purple or light dark in color. The comparison between TCM-SDT and Blood-Stasis score revealed that patients of Cold condensation-blood stasis Syndrome and Yang collapse-blood stasis Syndrome were serious. Patients of Qi stagnation-blood stasis Syndrome and Yin Deficiency-blood stasis Syndrome were mild cases, while patients of Phlegm Turbid-blood stasis Syndrome and Qi Deficiency-blood stasis Syndrome were moderate severity cases. The number of affected artery in Cold condensation patients was the most, and in Yin-Deficiency patients was the least. The coronary artery stenosis degree in patients of Qi-stagnation and Yin-Deficiency were milder than in those of Yang-collapse and Yang-Deficiency patients.

CONCLUSION

The more the number of arterial lesion, the severer the degree of stenosis and the higher the blood stasis score, then the more serious the degree of stasis.

[Effect of xiongshao capsule on vascular remodeling in porcine coronary balloon injury model]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Xiongshao Capsule (XS) on vascular remodeling in porcine coronary balloon injury model.

METHODS

Restenosis model was established by oversized balloon injury at mid-region of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The effect of drugs on late lumen loss and vascular remodeling was evaluated with quantitative histological method by combining results from histopathological analysis and coronary arteriography.

RESULTS

Vascular remodeling explained (59 +/- 20)% of late lumen loss. All drugs significantly reduced late lumen loss 4 weeks after balloon injury (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Both low-dose and high-dose XS markedly reduced late lumen loss resulting from vascular remodeling, as compared with the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Vascular remodeling played an important role in late lumen stenosis after balloon injury of coronary artery. XS could significantly inhibit pathological vascular remodeling after balloon injury, thus reduce late lumen loss and prevent restenosis.

Ocular ischemic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features and management of ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) and factors influencing its development.

METHODS

Ten patients (12 eyes) with OIS underwent detailed medical and ocular histories, complete ophthalmic evaluation including fluorescein angiography, internal carotid artery evaluation by duplex ultrasonography, and management. The following outcome measures were considered: visual acuity, anterior segment neovascularization, lens status, retinal and choroidal changes, and carotid artery stenosis or occlusion.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 63 +/- 8 years. Presenting visual symptoms included gradual (82.5%) or sudden (17.5%) onset of vision loss. At initial visit, eyes with OIS had visual acuity less than or equal to counting fingers in 50%, iris neovascularization in 58%, and neovascular glaucoma in 42%. Initially associated systemic diseases in these patients included arterial hypertension (60%), diabetes mellitus (40%), coronary artery disease (20%), previous stroke (30%) and hemodialysis (10%). Complete occlusion or severe occlusion (70-99%) of the internal carotid artery was seen in 75% on the side of OIS. Panretinal photocoagulation did not prevent OIS from progressing but vitreous hemorrhage and rubeosis iris regressed. Carotid endarterectomy had some benefit in stabilizing or improving vision in patients with OIS.

CONCLUSION

OIS has a poor visual prognosis. It is imperative that the clinician be aware of the signs and symptoms of carotid disease in order to facilitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate referral, because OIS may be the presenting sign of serious ischemic cerebrovascular and ischemic heart disease.

[Protective effect of yixinkang capsule containing serum on oxygen stress damaged mitochondrial membrane potential in guinea-pig myocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Yixinkang (H303) capsule, a composite preparation of Chinese herbal medicine for antagonizing myocardial ischemia, containing serum on oxygen stress damaged mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in guinea-pig myocytes.

METHODS

Myocyte damage was induced by incubating myocytes with hydroxy free radical (Fe2+/H2O2) generating system for 30-60 mins, then H303-containing serum was added in to observe the protective effect. MMP was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

After oxygen stress, the cytochrome oxidase (CCO) activity and MMP in mitochondria significantly decreased. These changes could be significantly lessened by H303-containing serum, demonstrated as obviously increase of CCO activity and myocyte survival rate. H303-containing serum also showed a significant protective effect on membrane potential of myocytes.

CONCLUSION

Oxygen stress could cause decrease of MMP in myocytes and H303-containing serum could protect it to maintain the membrane stability of mitochondria.

Central areolar choroidal and retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy: a family report

Central areolar choroidal and retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy (CACD) is a rare hereditary macular disease characterized by a bilateral, symmetric, and well-circumscribed solitary area in the macula with choroidal and retinal pigment epithelial atrophy. We report a family of CACD confirmed by both clinical presentation and hereditary pattern. Three members of the family were examined. They had noticed gradual visual deterioration with poor color discrimination since the fourth to fifth decades. All of them showed a bilaterally symmetric bull's-eye pattern of macular dystrophy with a sharp border of underlying large or middle choroidal vessels, which was unassociated with any surrounding lesions. Fluorescein angiography revealed a transmission window defect due to retinal pigment epithelial atrophy with remaining choriocapillaris intermingled with a hypofluorescent area of choriocapillaris atrophy. Electroretinography revealed a mild reduction in the photopic amplitude, while the scotopic response was normal. A normal electro-oculography was also noted. The family history indicated autosomal dominant inheritance. The loss of visual acuity was caused by progressive atrophy of both the retinal pigment epithelium and the choriocapillaris. It is important to detect CACD in the early stages, because this diagnosis can exert a considerable influence on a patient's subsequent life.

[Effect of combination of Chinese herbal drugs on clinical bioavailability of ferulic acid in serum]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of combination of Chinese herbal drugs on bioavailability of Ligusticum walichii (LW) derived ferulic acid (FA) in serum.

METHODS

Healthy volunteers were given LW decoction (1 g/kg), LW combined with Paeonia veitchii (PV, 1:1) decoction (2 g/kg) and Coronary Heart No. 2 (CH-II, 3 g/kg, containing LW 0.5 g/kg) once respectively. The serum FA concentration-time (c-t) curve was performed by HPLC using the method established by the authors, and the area under that curve (AUC) was calculated and compared.

RESULTS

The FA c-t curve in the three groups was double peak curve. As compared with the AUC in subjects who were administered LW decoction, the AUC in those taken LW + PV decoction was lower [(15734.88 +/- 7737.97) ng/(min.ml) vs (5717.92 +/- 6124.63) ng/(min.ml)], P < 0.05), while that in those taken CH-II was relatively higher [(8072.00 +/- 4424.31) ng/(min.ml), P > 0.05)].

CONCLUSION

Combination of LW and PV could significantly lower the bioavailability of FA, but when LW was added in CH-II, the FA bioavailability was not affected.