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This study aimed to find appropriate nickel‐titanium instruments for lingual canals in mandibular first premolars with two canals. Forty‐two extracted mandibular first premolars with lingual canals (Vertucci type V) verified by micro‐CT scanning were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups, and their lingual canals were instrumented by M3, HyFlex CM and XP‐endo Shaper, respectively. After instrumentation, the canal morphology was scanned again by micro‐CT. The canal morphologies of pre‐ and post‐instrumentation were reconstructed and aligned. Morphological changes of the lingual canals were evaluated. No instrument breakages occurred during the procedure of root canal instrumentation. HyFlex CM and XP‐endo Shaper performed better than M3 files in preparation of lingual canals (Vertucci type V) of mandibular first premolars in terms of apical transportation and unprepared surface area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure red mixed halide CsPbBr3−xIx perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) exhibit a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM), but there are phase stability issues that hinder their application in displays. In this work, we propose pure red CsPbBr0.96I2.04/SiO2 core/shell NCs by using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane as the surface ligand and silicon source via a hot-injection and in situ hydrolytic process. The CsPbBr0.96I2.04/SiO2 NCs not only show excellent optical properties with a near-unity PLQY but also exhibit high stability against moisture, blue light, and heat. Pure red CsPbBr0.96I2.04/SiO2 NC inks were prepared by dispersing CsPbBr0.96I2.04/SiO2 NCs into a mixed solvent of toluene and dodecane and used to inkjet print NC color conversion films (NC-CCFs) with excellent luminescence uniformity and high stability. Finally, white-emitting Mini-LEDs were fabricated by combining pure red CsPbBr0.96I2.04/SiO2 NC-CCFs with green CsPbBr3/SiO2 NC-CCFs and blue Mini-LED chips, showing a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 24.8% and an ultrawide color gamut of 132.58% NTSC and 99.2% Rec. 2020 standards. This demonstrates the potential of pure red CsPbBr0.96I2.04/SiO2 NCs for Mini-LED backlights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, more and more growers are transitioning to the use of over-the-row machine harvesters for harvesting fresh market blueberries. This study assessed the microbial load of fresh blueberries harvested by different methods. Samples (n = 336) of 'Draper' and 'Liberty' northern highbush blueberries, which were harvested using a conventional over-the-row machine harvester, a modified machine harvester prototype, ungloved but sanitized hands, and hands wearing sterile gloves were collected from a blueberry farm near Lynden, WA, in the Pacific Northwest at 9 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm on four different harvest days during the 2019 harvest season. Eight replicates of each sample were collected at each sampling point and evaluated for the populations of total aerobes (TA), total yeasts and molds (YM), and total coliforms (TC), as well as for the incidence of fecal coliforms and enterococci. The harvest method was a significant factor (p < 0.05) influencing the TA and TC counts, the harvest time was a significant factor influencing the YM counts, while the blueberry cultivar was an insignificant (p > 0.05) factor for all three indicator microorganisms. These results suggest that effective harvester cleaning methods should be developed to prevent fresh blueberry contamination by microorganisms. This research will likely benefit blueberry and other fresh fruit producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemangioma of the azygos venous arch is an exceedingly rare incident. This is a case of a thoracoscopic complete resection of a hemangioma of the azygos venous arch in a 37-year-old woman.

This study aims to compare the biological characteristics of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) isolated from different-aged populations and examine the effects of Biodentine on proliferation and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs isolated from the elderly in vitro. hDPSCs were isolated from three different-aged populations: group A (≤18 years old), group B (19–59 years old), and group C (≥60 years old). The adhesion, proliferation, odonto/osteogenesis, and senescence were compared. The optimal concentration of aqueous Biodentine extract was determined by CCK-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alizarin red staining (ARS). The effect of Biodentine on odonto/osteogenic gene and protein expression of hDPSCs in each group was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) and Western blot. hDPSCs were successfully isolated from three different-aged populations. Flow cytometry revealed that all isolated hDPSCs were positive for CD73 (>90%), CD90 (>90%), CD146 (<30%), and negative for CD45 (<1%). There existed an age-related decline in proliferation, odonto/osteogenic gene expression, and S-phase fraction (p < 0.05), an increase in senescence genes and p21 and p16 expression, and time needed for cell adhesion. Biodentine promoted hDPSC proliferation and mineralization in each group, particularly at a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. Biodentine markedly enhanced odonto/osteogenesis-related gene and protein expression in each group (p < 0.05). hDPSCs can be obtained from populations of all ages. Though there is an age-related decline in their biological properties, hDPSCs from the elderly still maintain certain proliferation and multidirectional differentiation abilities. Biodentine can significantly promote the proliferation and odonto/osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs isolated from the elderly over 60 years old, which could be considered a pulp capping material for vital pulp therapy in the elderly. Nevertheless, the efficacy of Biodentine in clinical application has to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB)-guided microwave ablation is a minimally invasive technology for treating pulmonary lesions. This study analysed the short-term safety and efficacy of ENB-guided microwave ablation in multiple pulmonary nodules (MPNs). METHODS This retrospective study reports a single-centre experience with ENB-guided microwave ablation for MPNs. Clinical, surgical and pathological data were obtained for patients who underwent ENB-guided microwave ablation from 23 December 2019 to 23 June 2021. The primary end points were technical safety and efficiency. RESULTS The study assessed 65 patients who underwent ENB-guided microwave ablation, 57 of whom simultaneously underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery. In total, 216 nodules were treated. Of 96 nodules treated by ENB-guided microwave ablation, 94 nodules had ground-glass opacity. Ablation efficiency was confirmed by hybrid cone-beam computed tomography. Of 120 nodules surgically removed, 106 nodules had ground-glass opacity. The mean nodule size was 7.9 mm in ablated nodules and 10.2 mm in resected nodules. Distance between nodules and pleura or fissure was 17.45 mm in ablated nodules and 7.29 mm in resected nodules. The overall malignancy rate was 47.7% (103/216); the complication rate was low (65 patients). At short-term follow-up, the post-ablation target zone shrank by 1 week and stabilized after 4–6 months. No local recurrence or enlargement of other pulmonary nodules was noted. CONCLUSIONS To treat MPNs, ENB-guided microwave ablation is safe and efficient. The combination of this treatment and video-assisted thoracic surgery is a potential application, which can preserve as much pulmonary function as possible and treat MPNs to the maximum extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Open in new tab Download slide Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES Oesophagogastric anastomosis is a core part of oesophagectomy, and anastomotic leakage is among its main concerns. We used the oversewing technique to reinforce the anastomosis created with a circular stapler. This study investigated the use of oversewing to reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage without increasing morbidity. METHODS This study enrolled 1734 patients who underwent oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April 2012 and December 2019. Using propensity score-matched analysis, the clinical results of postoperative complications were compared between anastomotic-oversewn and -unsewn oesophagectomies. RESULTS Of the 1734 patients, 661 were included in the anastomotic-unsewn group and 661 in the anastomotic-oversewn group after propensity score matching. The clinical characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups, but the frequency of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in the anastomotic-unsewn group than in the anastomotic-oversewn group (10.3% vs 4.7%, P  < 0.001). Multivariable logistic analysis showed oversewn anastomosis and smoking history as the independent factors associated with anastomotic leakage (odds ratios, 0.399 and 2.383; P  < 0.001 and P  = 0.012, respectively). On the sub-group analysis, the relative risk for anastomotic leakage was significantly higher with unsewn than with oversewn anastomosis in patients <65 years old, those with American Association of Anesthesiologists score II, those who had middle segment oesophageal cancer and those who have undergone the McKeown approach and cervical anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS Anastomosis oversewing technique may be a practical method to reduce anastomotic leakage, especially in younger patients and those who have undergone the McKeown approach and cervical anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cushing disease is a potentially fatal endocrine disorder caused by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)‐secreting microadenomas in the pituitary gland. Accurate detection and localization of the adenomas is the key to clinical treatment. This study analysed the value of contrast‐enhanced Sampling Perfection with Application‐optimized Contrasts using different flip angle Evolutions (SPACE) sequence in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of ACTH‐secreting pituitary microadenomas. Design and Patients: We carried out a retrospective study in which 45 patients with ACTH‐secreting pituitary microadenomas were enrolled. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) coronal T1‐SE sequence was performed. A contrast‐enhanced coronal SPACE sequence was added immediately after DCE MRI finished. Two independent observers assessed the tumour existence and location, then the results were compared with surgical findings. Results: Twenty‐four lesions (53.3%) were detected by the DCE T1‐SE sequence alone, while 35 lesions (80.0%) were detected with the addition of contrast‐enhanced SPACE sequence. The sensitivity (58.5% vs. 85.3%; p <.05) and best diagnostic accuracy (62.0% vs. 84.4%; p <.05) were significantly better for addition with SPACE sequence than DCE‐SE images alone in detection of ACTH‐secreting pituitary microadenomas. For lesions <5 mm, the detected numbers were 4 (16.6%) versus 10 (27.8%) by DCE T1‐SE sequence and combined DCE T1‐SE with SPACE sequence. Conclusions: A combination of contrast‐enhanced SPACE with DCE T1‐SE sequence could improve the detection of ACTH‐secreting pituitary microadenomas. Contrast‐enhanced SPACE sequence could be a supplementary sequence for imaging of ACTH‐secreting pituitary adenomas when T1‐SE sequence provides negative or equivocal findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We accidentally found an unusual case of a middle aged Tibetan woman who had eight metallic foreign bodies (eight needles) in her head, chest and abdomen. These needles were not related to any surgical intervention or trauma. The diagnosis “metallic foreign bodies” cannot usually be made in an acute setting. Some patients may present chronic symptoms, such as infection or pain. However, in some cases, the patients do not have any symptoms. Key words: Cranial cavity; Thoracic cavity; Abdominal cavity; Foreign bodies

Background: With the popularity of lung cancer screening and advances in imaging technology, more and more synchronous multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas (SMPLA) are being diagnosed clinically, however, the clinical characteristics and prognosis of SMPLA with different EGFR mutations remains unclear. We aimed to explore clinical features and surgical outcomes of these patients to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of SMPLA. Methods: Medical records of patients with different EGFR mutations who have been diagnosed as SMPLA and underwent surgical resection from March 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were investigated. Results: A total of 70 patients (68.6% female and 77.1% non-somkers) were included. Total of 161 lesions in all patients, 84.4% were ground-glass opacity (GGO) lesions. EGFR mutations were detected in 108 lesions, most of which were L858R (35.4%) and 19Del (20.5%). The mutation rate of mixed GGO is significantly higher than that of pure GGO and solid nodules (SN); the mutation rate of invasive adenocarcinoma is significantly higher than that of other histology subtypes; the mutation rate of lesions >20 mm was significantly higher than that of ≤20 mm. However, there is no significant difference in the mutation rate of specific driver gene between different radiological features, pathological characteristics and sizes. After a median follow-up time of 29 months, the 3-year OS and RFS were 94.4% and 86.0%, respectively. Conclusions: A high discordance of EGFR mutations were identified between tumors in patients with SMPLA. Synchronous multiple lung adenocarcinomas with predominantly multiple GGO should be considered as SMPLA, and surgery may be aggressively performed for these patients due to a good prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to present the clinical and surgical results in patients who underwent segmental bronchial sleeve reconstruction. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 16 patients with central non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent segmental bronchial sleeve resection from April 2015 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: According to the type of segmental bronchial reconstruction, procedures were divided into four types: right upper S6 sleeve lobectomy in three cases (type A); left lower lingular sleeve lobectomy in 10 cases (type B); left upper S6 sleeve lobectomy in two cases (type C); and left lower propriolateral superior sleeve lobectomy in one case (type D). A total of three patients (18.75%) experienced anastomotic complications, including two with anastomotic stenosis and one with anastomotic fistula. All patients achieved R0 resection. Apart from one patient who died of acute lung infection after surgery, the rest were successfully discharged. The average follow‐up time was 28 months, and the overall survival rates of patients at one, two, and three years were 80.0%, 53.3%, and 40.0%, respectively. Conclusions: Segmental bronchial sleeve resection is complex in technique and may have an increased risk of complications compared to a standard sleeve resection, but it is an effective and safe procedure, especially for selected patients with central lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of bagasse as a raw material to prepare activated carbon adsorbents is an effective way to solve the water pollution problem, while achieving the goal of treating waste simultaneously. An effective activated carbon-based adsorbent was prepared from sugar cane bagasse with a one-step method of pyrolysis and ZnCl2 activation for efficient Cr(VI) removal from water. Morphology, physicochemical properties and structure of the adsorbent samples were studied by Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, N2 adsorption and desorption, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The batch and fixed bed adsorption experiments were adopted to confirm the one-step preparation of pyrolysis and ZnCl2 during the activation process and to investigate the adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI). The maximum adsorption capacity was 80.880 mg g−1, while the adsorption behavior fitted better with Freundlich equation and pseudo-second-order kinetics. These results confirmed that chemical adsorption is the strongest adsorption interaction during the adsorbing process of Cr(VI), and the adsorbents could effectively capture Cr(VI) to form monodentate and bidentate complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly conductive, thermally insulating, and three‐dimensional (3D) macromolecular network‐structured nanocomposite biofoams with very low density were designed from soy oil‐based polyurethane (PU) and hydroxyl‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT‐OH) using a facile one‐pot process with water as the sole blowing agent. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses revealed homogeneous dispersion as well as interaction or reaction of MWCNT‐OH with the PU biofoam matrix or a polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) to form a 3D macromolecular network structure. Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity were remarkably enhanced with the increase of MWCNT‐OH. Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis results showed that all the nanocomposite PU biofoam products had good thermal stability properties. Hence, the prepared nanocomposites hold promise as rigid biopolyurethane (BioPU) foams, serving the needs of the conductive composite material fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A waste material, bagasse, recovered from the sugarcane industry, was used for designing a high-efficiency phosphate adsorbent. Eutrophication is one of the most serious problems afflicting people throughout the world, so the adsorption of low-concentration phosphate from water by the innovation of a bagasse-based adsorbent is important for a greener environment. In this work, the bagasse was esterified with nitric acid and then Fe3+ was chelated to design Fe(iii)-complexed bagasse. FTIR, XPS, ζ potential analysis and SEM were used to characterize this adsorbent. The analyzed results showed that the binding site for phosphate adsorption is the iron atom. SEM pictures explained that the adsorbent had a stable structure during the adsorption. The kinetic and isotherm adsorption experiments followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir model, respectively. The results of both the characterizations and the adsorption experiments demonstrated that the phosphate was adsorbed onto Fe(iii)-complexed bagasse by the coordinate linkage between phosphate and the iron element on Fe-CB. This study suggested that bagasse waste could be designed as high value-added adsorbent materials to adsorb eutrophic ions such as phosphate in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IFN‐γ plays a crucial role in anti‐tumor responses and also induces expression of PD‐L1, a well‐established inhibitor of anti‐tumor immune function. Understanding how molecular signaling regulates the function of IFN‐γ might improve its anti‐tumor efficacy. Here, we show that the tumor expression of IFN‐γ expression alone has no significant prognostic value in patients with locally advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Surprisingly, patients with tumors expressing both IFN‐γ and PD‐L1 have the best prognosis compared to those with tumors expressing IFN‐γ or PD‐L1 alone. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that tumor tissues expressing IFN‐γ display gene expression associated with suppressed cell cycle progression and expansion. Unexpectedly this profile was observed in PD‐L1+ but not PD‐L1− tumors. The current concept is that PD‐L1 functions as a shield protecting tumor cells from cytolytic T cell (CTL)‐mediated anti‐tumor progression. However, our data indicate that PD‐L1 expression in the presence of IFN‐γ might serve as biomarker for the sensitivity of tumors to the inhibitory effect of IFN‐γ. Mechanistic analysis revealed that in lung adenocarcinoma cells IFN‐γ‐induced activation of JAK2‐STAT1 and PI3K‐AKT pathways. The activation of JAK2‐STAT1 is responsible for the anti‐proliferative effect of IFN‐γ. Inhibition of PI3K downregulated PD‐L1 expression and enhanced the anti‐proliferative effect of IFN‐γ, suggesting that blockade of PI3K might maximize the IFN‐γ‐mediated anti‐tumor effect. Our findings provide evidence for crosstalk between JAK2‐STAT1 and PI3K‐AKT pathways in response to IFN‐γ in lung adenocarcinoma and have implications for the design of combinatorial targeted therapy and immunotherapy for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the development of the uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) technique, the use of uniportal VATS has become increasingly popular for the surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study is to introduce a novel modularly designed surgical pattern for uniportal VATS for lung cancer resection and to investigate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of this novel method.Materials and Methods: The clinical data of NSCLC patients who underwent a curative uniportal VATS lobectomy between March 2015 and April 2016, including via the modular pattern (MP) and the conventional pattern (CP), were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Perioperative and postoperative parameters, including the operation duration, estimated intraoperative blood loss, rate of conversion to thoracotomy, lymph node dissection number, and postoperative complications, were compared between the two groups.Results: A total of 321 patients were identified, among whom 221 underwent MP uniportal VATS lobectomy and 100 were treated via CP uniportal VATS lobectomy. Patients in the MP group experienced a shorter operation duration (135.58 ± 47.16 minutes versus 148.86 ± 42.53 minutes, P = .017) and less estimated intraoperative blood loss (75.20 ± 37.99 mL versus 89.50 ± 41.11 mL, P = .003) than patients in the CP group. No significant difference was observed in the intraoperative conversion rate (2.7% versus 5.0%, P = .477), total number of lymph nodes dissected (24.67 ± 7.73 versus 25.34 ± 7.62, P = .471), postoperative drainage duration (4.86 ± 1.96 days versus 4.78 ± 2.10 days, P = .755), length of stay (9.60 ± 2.93 days versus 9.97 ± 2.80 days, P = .286), or incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. No postoperative deaths occurred.Conclusions: MP uniportal VATS lobectomy combined with mediastinal lymphadenectomy appears to be a safe and feasible technique for the treatment of NSCLC. The use of this technique can reduce the operation duration and intraoperative blood loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The αvβ6 integrin is a cell surface adhesion molecule that plays critical roles in the injury and inflammation processes. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in αvβ6 integrin genes (ITGAV and ITGB6) might be associated with the risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in lung cancer patients treated with thoracic radiation. We genotyped three potentially functional αvβ6 integrin single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs1839123 and rs4129787 in ITGAV, and rs4665162 in ITGB6) and found that the genotypes of rs4665162 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were predictors of RP development (for grade ≥2 RP, HR = 1.505, 95 % CI 1.069-2.119, P = 0.019; for grade ≥3 RP, HR = 3.006, 95 % CI 1.431-6.313, P = 0.004). Our results showed that AG/GG genotypes of ITGB6 rs4665162 gene were associated with a higher risk of RP in patients with lung cancer receiving radiotherapy and thus may serve as a reliable predictor of RP. Further studies will be needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling and simulation are important tools in the study of power distribution faults due to the limited amount of actual data and the high cost of experimentation. Although a number of software packages are available to simulate the electrical signals, approaches for simulating fault events in different environments have not been well developed. In this paper, we propose a framework for modeling and simulating fault events in power distribution systems based on environmental factors and the cause-effect relationships among them. The spatial and temporal aspects of significant environmental factors leading to various faults are modeled as raster maps and probability functions, respectively. The cause-effect relationships are expressed as fuzzy rules and a hierarchical fuzzy inference system is built to infer the probability of faults in the simulated environments. A test case simulating a part of a typical city's power distribution systems demonstrates the effectiveness of the framework in generating realistic distribution faults. This work is helpful in fault diagnosis for different local systems and provides a configurable data source to other researchers and engineers in similar areas as well. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Adsorption and desorption behaviors of tetracycline hydrochloride by activated carbon-based adsorbents derived from sugar cane bagasse modified with ZnCl2 were investigated. The activated carbon was tested by SEM, EDX, BET, XRD, FTIR, and XPS. This activated carbon exhibited a high BET surface area of 831 m2 g−1 with the average pore diameter and pore volume reaching 2.52 nm and 0.45 m3 g−1, respectively. The batch experimental results can be described by Freundlich equation, pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the intraparticle diffusion model, while the maximum adsorption capacity reached 239.6 mg g−1 under 318 K. The effects of flow rate, bed height, initial concentration, and temperature were studied in fixed bed adsorption experiments, and adsorption data were fitted with six dynamic adsorption models. The results of characterizations and the batch experiments were analyzed to study the adsorption and desorption mechanisms. Tetracycline hydrochloride and activated carbon were bonded together by π–π interactions and cation–π bonds. Ethanol was used as an eluent which bonded with 10 hydrogen bond acceptors on tetracycline hydrochloride to form a complex by hydrogen bonding to achieve recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]