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The COVID-19 infection adversely affects the cardiovascular system. Transthoracic echocardiography has demonstrated diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic utility. We report biventricular myocardial strain in COVID-19. Methods: Biventricular strain measurements were performed for 12 patients. Patients who were discharged were compared with those who needed intubation and/or died. Results: Seven patients were discharged and five died or needed intubation. Right ventricular strain parameters were decreased in patients with poor outcomes compared with those discharged. Left ventricular strain was decreased in both groups but was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Right ventricular strain was decreased in patients with poor outcomes and left ventricular strain was decreased regardless of outcome. Right ventricular strain measurements may be important for risk stratification and prognosis. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Burn injury leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy, also known as mitophagy. The alleviation of mitochondrial damage may be a potential method for the treatment of burn injury and complications. In this animal study, we analyzed the expression of mitochondrial damage- and mitophagy-related factors, specifically PINK1 and PRKN. The results showed mitochondria damage in the skin; compared with the normal control group, genes involved in the mitochondrial damage, such as Nrf-1, UQCRC2, CYC1, and NDUFA9, as well as in the mitophagy, including PINK1, PRKN, MFN1, and USP30, were differentially expressed. Furthermore, PINK1 interacted with PRKN and participated in mitophagy in the skin. In conclusion, our data reveal more about the mechanism underlying mitophagy in burns, providing a potential clinical treatment.

This study aims to show our institute’s experience in the treatment of HH and its associated facial deformities in adults and growing adolescents and to investigate condylar remodeling and volumetric changes and long-term stability of orthognathic surgery in adults. The study included consecutive patients with clinical and radiological features of HH who underwent high condylectomy with or without simultaneous orthognathic surgery from 2013 to 2018. The clinical outcomes were assessed based on functional activities, TMJ pain, and recurrence. Postoperative 3D condylar remodeling and orthognathic stability were evaluated with the use of ITK-Snap and 3D Slicer. Thirteen patients (8 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 26.3 ± 5.79 years (range; 13–34 years) were included with facial asymmetry as the chief complaint. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 4 years (mean; 16.85 ± 10.04). There were no postoperative complications, and all patients achieved a satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcome using a one-stage surgical procedure. There was no incidence of recurrence or further asymmetries, with long-term stability at the selected points showing a mean difference of less than ±1 mm. The affected condylar volume was significantly reduced following high condylectomy, with mean changes between T1 and T2 of −144. 80 mm3 (p = .012). However, the contralateral condylar volume remained stable, with a mean change of 2.54 mm3 (p = .881). One-stage high condylectomy and orthognathic surgery is a viable measure for the treatment of HH and associated deformities in adults. High condylectomy in early adolescence could result in termination of the disease, and aesthetic improvement with further constant orthodontist-surgeon follow-up is required.

Aim. To investigate whether vitamin C performs well as a supplemental treatment for common cold.Method. After systematically searching through the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Elsevier, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP databases, and Wanfang databases, 10 randomized controlled trials were selected for our meta-analysis with RevMan 5.3 software. Published in China, all 10 studies evaluated the effect of combined vitamin C and antiviral therapy for the treatment of common cold.Results. The total efficacy (RR=1.27, 95% CI (1.08, 1.48),P=0.003), the time for symptom amelioration (MD=−15.84, 95% CI (-17.02, -14.66),P<0.00001), and the time for healing (I, 95% CI (-14.98, -4.22),P=0.0005) were better with vitamin C supplementation than with antiviral therapy alone.Conclusions. Vitamin C could be used as a supplementary therapy along with antiviral regimens to relieve patients from the symptoms of common cold.

Introduction Early rehabilitation of mechanically ventilated patients is safe, feasible and beneficial to prevent ICU-AW and its consequences. However, there are no guidelines or evidence-based studies about the optimal protocol of early rehabilitation. There is traditional meta-analysis about the effect of simple protocol, such as active mobilization, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, in-bed cycling exercise, interactive video games and so on, but no studies to explore the effects of multiple protocols together. For the extensive clinical implementation, it is important to conduct a network meta-analysis to compare the effect of different protocols of early rehabilitation.Methods and analysis PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, EMbase, grey literature and referent literature will be searched from inception to August 2019. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment will be performed independently by two reviewers. The primary outcome is ICU acquired weakness (ICU-AW), secondary outcomes include the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in ICU and hospital. Statistical analysis and graphical presentations will be conducted by R software (V.3.6.0). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews (V5.1.0) will be used to conduct the quality assessment. The rank possibility will be performed by the histogram. Statistical inconsistency assessment, sensitivity analysis and publication bias will be performed.Discussion This protocol is prepared in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. The protocol gives an insight into the scope and parameters for the systematic review to be carried out.Registration number PROSPERO CRD42020141901

Nowadays, the short video platform represented by TikTok is rising rapidly. The iterative upgrade of the Internet celebrity economy has also provided new opportunities for short videos. As a result, influencer marketing has emerged. In this study, the research objects are the top ten TikTok bloggers in the popular list published from March to May in 2020 in the “Food Interesting Stomach Project” organized by a TikTok account named “TikTok Gourmet”. With the same TikTok bloggers excluded, there are 20 TikTok food bloggers left in total. We adopt the coefficient of variation method to calculate the effect of promoting products in TikTok. By defining the effect of TikTok gourmet bloggers’ short videos with the merchandise, the factors that affect the effect of promoting products are analyzed in terms of the categories of goods, the number of times of promoting goods, and the goods platform. We compare the marketing strategies and provide methods for promoting the video traffic monetization through gourmet bloggers.

At this stage, 5G data system technology has been widely used in practical life and has gradually penetrated into all aspects of people’s lives and work, which is very important in the information age. Just because of insufficient time and lack of experience in 5G data system technology, there are still some flaws in the use process, which poses some threats to people’s privacy and security. Therefore, it is necessary to study the issue of data protection in the era of information and communication technology. Water-containing deposits in the sea have high p-wave velocity, high elastic impedance, high P-impedance, high s-impedance, high λρ, and low Poisson’s ratio. On the contrary, free gas-bearing deposits have low p-wave velocity, low elastic impedance, and low Poisson’s ratio, p-impedance, normal s impedance, low λρ and low Poisson' s ratio. This article is about the financial management of coastal enterprises, focusing on the analysis of big data and financial management concepts and related theoretical knowledge. Based on theoretical analysis, the current financial management status of L company is investigated and analyzed, combined with massive data and computer technology, the necessity of financial management reorganization in coastal enterprises and the application of massive data in company financial management are discussed. This article combines information management and proposes innovative financial management strategies. It is hoped that Company L can seize the opportunity of the development of informationization of the times, rationally use the convenience brought by big data, and promote its own continuous development and development.

Background Tracheostomy and endotracheal intubation can result in subglottic tracheal stenosis, and predisposition to keloid scar formation can increase stenosis risk after tracheal injury. This study aims to compare the incidence and severity of subglottic tracheal stenosis in keloid and non‐keloid patients following iatrogenic tracheal injury, in particular tracheostomy. Methods From 2012 to 2017, 218 573 patients were intubated for surgery; 2276 patients received tracheostomy in People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China. Among these patients, 133 patients, who developed tracheal stenosis after intubation and/or tracheostomy, were divided into keloid or non‐keloid groups; their Myer and Cotton grading of tracheal stenosis, time‐to‐onset of airway stenosis, and treatment outcome were assessed and compared. Results The percentages of high grade (Myer and Cotton grading III/IV) tracheal stenosis were higher among keloid patients than non‐keloid patients (intubation: 83.3% vs 25.7%; tracheostomy: 77.7% vs 33.3%). Time‐to‐onset of airway stenosis following intubation (tracheostomy) was 27 ± 5 (38 ± 13) and 41 ± 7 (82 ± 14) days for keloid and non‐keloid patients, respectively (P

ObjectivesTo identify echocardiographic signatures featuring left ventricular longitudinal strain (LS) associated with genetic risk for cardiac amyloidosis (CA) due to theTTRVal142Ile (V142I) variant in African American (AA) and Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) individuals.BackgroundHereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) can cause CA in ∼60-70% of older V142I carriers, but amyloid deposition progresses over many years. Disease-modifying therapy for CA is now available and early initiation is a priority for improving outcomes. Genomic screening programs and familial cascade genetic testing uncover pre-symptomatic V142I carriers, yet no guidelines exist for early CA detection.MethodsExome sequencing data linked to electronic health records (EHRs) of BioMebiobank participants were queried for AA or H/LTTR- andTTR+ (V142I) subjects without hATTR diagnoses and with prior echocardiograms suitable for retrospective LS analysis. Systemic “red flag” features of ATTR were extracted from EHRs ofTTR+ subjects. Speckle tracking echocardiography was retrospectively applied to determine global (GLS) and segmental LS. Relative apical sparing (RAS) was calculated.Results57TTR+ and 46TTR-age- and ancestry-matched subjects were included. GLS declined with age in females but not males, and was abnormal (TTR+ and 7 (15.2%)TTR-subjects (p = 0.066). Apical sparing was observed in 13 (22.8%)TTR+ and 11 (23.9%)TTR-subjects (p = 1.0). After adjusting for relevant demographic and echocardiographic covariates, neither GLS nor RAS was associated withTTR+ V142I status. Red flag features were not associated with GLS or RAS inTTR+ subjects.ConclusionsNeither GLS nor RAS were significantly different betweenTTR+ andTTR-subjects. Since >50% ofTTR+ subjects were ≥ 60 years old, penetrance of CA by echocardiography among unselected V142I carriers may be lower than previously estimated. These findings indicate that surveillance for CA in individuals at increased genetic risk due to V142I should not rely solely on echocardiography, even with LS.

COVID-19 infection can affect the cardiovascular system. We sought to determine if left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) is affected by COVID-19 and if this has prognostic implications. Materials & methods: Retrospective study, with LVGLS was measured in 58 COVID-19 patients. Patients discharged were compared with those who died. Results: The mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LVGLS for the cohort was 52.1 and -12.9 ± 4.0%, respectively. Among 30 patients with preserved LVEF(>50%), LVGLS was -15.7 ± 2.8%, which is lower than the reference mean LVGLS for a normal, healthy population. There was no significant difference in LVGLS or LVEF when comparing patients who survived to discharge or died. Conclusion: LVGLS was reduced in COVID-19 patients, although not significantly lower in those who died compared with survivors., Lay abstract COVID-19 infection can affect the cardiovascular system including the heart muscle. Myocardial strain measures the function of the heart muscle at cell level and can pick up unusual heart function before routine measurements. Ejection fraction (how hard the heart muscle is squeezing) can be seen with our own eyes, but strain cannot and needs special techniques to see it. In this study we wanted to find out what was the strain on COVID-19 patients and if there was a relationship between strain and the outcome of the patients (if they were able to recover from COVID-19). The important finding of our study is that strain was low in all patients with COVID-19 infection regardless of routine measurements when compared with patients without the infection. However, in this study we found no correlation between the low strain and the result of the infection for the COVID-19 patients.

Background: The relationship between cancer with body mass index has been extensively reported. However, association between urinary cancers with these risk factors remains unclear, with existing reports showing conflicting findings. The current review, therefore, sought to clarify the latter association by assessing the methodological and reporting quality of existing systematic reviews on the subject. Methods: We will screen PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature and subjected the resulting articles to meta-analysis. We will adopt the AMSTAR and PRISMA checklists for assessing methodological, and reporting quality, respectively. The association between BMI and different urinary cancers will be estimated by computing the pooled relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), which will be calculated from the adjusted RR, odds ratio, or hazard ratio, and 95% CI offered in the studies. Heterogeneity between studies will be assessed with the I statistic as a measure of the proportion of total variation in estimates that is due to heterogeneity, where I values of 25%, 50%, and 75% correspond to cut-off points for low, moderate, and high degrees of heterogeneity. The random effects model will be used as the pooling method when significant heterogeneity existed and the fixed effect model will be used when no heterogeneity was observed. Possible publication bias will be tested by Begg and Egger test. Conclusion: Our evidence synthesis will provide a new commentary on the current systematic review evidence for the association between BMI and the risk of different urinary cancers. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019119459.

This study aimed to evaluate whether ultrasound-guided techniques are superior compared to traditional palpation techniques in patients undergoing radial artery catheterization (RAC).Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The relative risks (RRs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to calculate the pooled effect estimates using the random effects model for categories and continuous data, respectively.A total of 19 RCTs comprising a total of 3220 individuals were selected for final analysis. The pooled RR suggested that ultrasound-guided techniques were associated with higher incidence of first attempt success than traditional palpation techniques (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.21-1.59; P 0.001). Moreover, we noted that ultrasound-guided techniques were associated with fewer mean attempts to success (WMD, -0.80 s; 95% CI, -1.35 to -0.25; P = 0.004) and a shorter mean time to success (WMD, -41.18 s; 95% CI, -75.43 to -6.93; P = 0.018) than traditional palpation techniques. Furthermore, individuals using ultrasound-guided techniques had a reduced risk of hematoma (RR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22-0.72; P = 0.003).This study indicated that ultrasound-guided techniques were superior compared to traditional palpation techniques for RAC in terms of efficacy and complications.

This study aims to explore the potential benefits of antidepressant drugs related to metabolic enzyme and drug-targeted genes, identify the optimal treatment of major depression, and provide a reference for individualized medication selection. A prospective randomized single-blind investigation was conducted for 8 weeks. A pharmacogenomic-based interpretive report was provided to the treating physician in the guided group. Patients in this group were informed that their medication selection was directed by DNA testing. In the unguided group, treatment was provided based on the clinical experience of the physician without the guidance of pharmacogenomic testing. Pharmacogenomic-based interpretive report was not provided to these patients until treatment completion. The 17-item Hamilton depression scale (HAMD-17), Hamilton anxiety scale, and treatment emergent symptom scale were used to assess the clinical efficacy and side effects at baseline and after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of treatment. Among the 80 initially enrolled patients with depression, 71 participated in the full data analysis sets and were designated into guided (31) and unguided (40) groups, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) in HAMD-17 total scores, response and remission rates was found between the guided and unguided groups at the end of the treatment. The incidence rate of adverse reaction was 55.56% in guided group and 57.89% in the unguided group. Our study suggested that pharmacogenomic testing might not considerably improve the clinical efficiency and safety for the guided group.

Background/Aims: Chemotherapy is still the main strategy used to prevent the relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). As the most abundant stromal component in bone marrow (BM), marrow adipocytes have been previously shown to promote leukaemogenesis. The present study was designed to further validate whether marrow adipocytes exert synergistic effects on strengthening chemotherapeutic efficacy and evaluate the underlying mechanism. Methods: A retrospective study of BM biopsies from 80 patients with AML in remission and 71 control subjects was applied to quantitatively analyse the marrow adipocyte volume. Toxicity tests were used to assess the effect of chemotherapy drugs on BM cells. The possible mechanisms by which chemotherapy regulated the reduced marrow adipocyte content were investigated using antibody neutralization experiments, with an emphasis on growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). Results: In our study, the marrow adipocyte content was obviously reduced in the AML- complete remission (CR) group compared with the control group (P

Objective: To summarize the nursing treatment of patients who underwent implantation of a blood flow diverter to treat complex intracranial aneurysms. Methods: Data from 22 patients with complex aneurysms, diagnosed at an interventional center for blood flow diverter implantation between February 2015 and February 2016, treated in the Henan Provincial People’s Hospital (Zhengzhou, China), were retrospectively analyzed. Nursing methods, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, were analyzed. Results: All 22 patients underwent successful surgery, with no related complications or hospital mortality, and were cured in hospital. Conclusion: Interventional flow diverter therapy for patients with complex intracranial aneurysms is a new technology, and involves intensive care by nursing staff and appears to be a promising new treatment method. Keywords: Intracranial aneurysm, Flow diverter, Retrospective, Nursing

Sodium (Na+) channels are the basis for action potential generation and propagation, which play a key role in the regulation of neuronal excitability. SCN3A is a gene encoding for sodium channel protein type 3 subunit alpha (or known as Nav1.3). This study aimed to explore SCN3A genetic variants in a cohort of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) via whole exome sequencing. A novel SCN3A missense variant (c.A1816G, p.Ser606Gly) was identified in a patient with CAE. This variant had not been reported in both 1000G and ExAC databases. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that this variant was pathogenic and could transform the protein structure of Nav1.3. The reported phenotypes of SCN3A-related central nerve system disorders included multiple seizure types, polymicrogyria and different degrees of developmental delay/intellectual disability. The patient with p.Ser606Gly variant exhibited typical absence seizures. The MRI and CT scan results were normal, and EEG showed that 3-Hz spike-slow wave discharges. In conclusion, our findings not only broaden the pathogenic spectrum of SCN3A, but also extend the clinical phenotypes of SCN3A-related CAE.

Background Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture involves needling of the Neiguan (PC6), Renzhong (DU26), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints. The technique has a significant clinical effect in many neurological diseases. In the present report, we have developed a protocol for a scientific trial to analyze whether Xingnao Kaiqiao can be used to treat gastrointestinal dysfunction after laparoscopic surgery. In this context, we intend to execute a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture via intradermal needling. Methods/design This will be a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. It has been designed on the basis of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT 2010) guidelines and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA). The subjects will be recruited from among inpatients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery at the Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China. Using random numbers generated in SPSS 19.0, the recruited subjects will be allocated to either the “Xingnao Kaiqiao” group or the sham stimulation group. A specially appointed investigator will be in charge of the randomization. Xingnao Kaiqiao via intradermal needling (or sham needling) will be administered 6 h after laparoscopic surgery, and then every 12 h for a total of six sessions, each of which will last 3 min. The subjects will undergo their first evaluation shortly before the first treatment (6 h after laparoscopic surgery); evaluations will be repeated every 12 h until a total of seven evaluations have been completed. The primary outcome will be the time until the first postoperative flatus. The secondary outcomes will be: the time until the first postoperative defecation; levels of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and nausea; blood ghrelin level; occurrence of vomiting; psychological status; and quality of life. Discussion This upcoming randomized clinical trial was designed as a standardized method to assess the efficacy and safety of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture using intradermal needles on PC6, DU26, and SP6 in the treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction after laparoscopic surgery. We aim to provide evidence and thus improve the clinical application of this technique. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IOR-17010763. Registered on 2 March 2017. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2319-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Generally, Z-scheme heterojunctions with outstanding photocatalytic capacity require electron mediators to boost electrons transfer. But traditional electron mediators generally cause the reduction of visible-light absorption ability, weak durability of photocatalyst, and various backward reactions between semiconductor photocatalyst and redox mediator. Therefore, exploring an appropriate electron transfer mediator for the Z-scheme heterojunction is very desirable. In this study, we dedicatedly designed and prepared oxygen vacancies (OVs) mediated 3D/2D Z-scheme BiO1−XBr/Fe2O3 (BF) composites via a facile hydrothermal process. Notably, introducing rich OVs could enhance the visible-light response and TC adsorption capability of photocatalysts. What's more, the rich OVs could act as the electron mediators of Z-scheme system by capturing photoinduced electrons. These results of transient photocurrent analysis, EIS, and PL demonstrated that introducing rich OVs and constructing 3D/2D Z-scheme heterostructure on BF composites could promote charge separation. The photocatalytic performance of prepared samples was evaluated by tetracycline (TC) removal. And the result demonstrated that the photocatalyst with stronger adsorption capacity showed stronger photodegradation ability. The BF composite with optimal ratio (BF-30) showed the most outstanding ability of TC removal, which were benefited mainly from the synergistic effect of 3D/2D Z-scheme heterojunction and OVs. The possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism of BF(30) was also revealed by active species capture experiments. The present study brought a new opportunity to rationally design OV-rich 3D/2D Z-scheme heterojunction for the enhanced photocatalytic ability.

Background Primary dysmenorrhoea (PD), defined as painful menses in women with normal pelvic anatomy, is one of the most common gynaecological syndromes. Acupoint-stimulation could potentially be an effective intervention for PD. Our aim was to determine the effectiveness of acupoint-stimulation compared with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NASIDs) in the treatment of PD. Methods Six databases were searched to December 2014. Sixteen studies involving 1679 PD patients were included. We included randomized controlled trials that compared acupoint-stimulation with NASIDs for the treatment of PD. The main outcomes assessed were clinical effectiveness rate, symptom score, visual analogue score, variation in peripheral blood prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and side effects. All analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis statistical software. Results (1) The total efficacy was better than control group: odds ratio = 5.57; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 3.96, 7.83; P

Recent advances in neuroendocrinology and immunology have provided an entry to understand acupuncture. Here, we highlight these progresses and use endometriosis as an example to provide a perspective in how to effectively engage acupuncture into modern biomedicine. Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammatory disease in which endometrial tissue progressively grows outside the uterine cavity and into the pelvic region, including the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Also, estrogen promotes the endometriosis progression through on-site inflammation. Current treatments for endometriosis involve hormonal therapy and surgical procedures, however, they both may induce several side effects. Several studies have shown that the administration of exogenous dopamine agonists can significantly suppress endometriosis progression. Acupuncture is multivalent in which it can simultaneously stimulate the secretion of endogenous dopamine to modulate the GnRH neuroendocrine pathway in CNS and the COX-2 inflammatory pathway in PNS. Hence, acupuncture can smoothly manage endometriosis without the side effects of exogenous dopamine. The endometriosis management by acupuncture provides us an example of how to incorporate acupuncture into current biomedical systems. Acupuncture may provide a convenient, physiological method to regulate the neuroendocrine system in an integrative, systematic means.

Endometriosis has many hypothesized etiologies. Known risk factors include genetic predisposition, uterine outflow abnormalities, and iatrogenic causes. Of increasing concern is prenatal environmental exposures. However, the findings of studies investigating the relationships between prenatal environmental exposures and the development of endometriosis have not always been conclusive, and therefore, the relationships are debatable. This review presents a summary and analysis of the current studies that investigated the effects of prenatal environmental exposures on the development of endometriosis in female offspring. Prenatal exposureto estrogenic substances (such as ethinyl estradiol and diethylstilbestrol) and environmental toxins (such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls, and bisphenol A) may increase the incidence of endometriosis in female offspring. However, exposure to cigarette smoke may protect againstthe development of endometriosis in female offspring mainly because of its antiestrogenic effects. Certain prenatal environmental exposures might result in the development of endometriosis in female offspring. In addition to known environmental exposures that predispose the development of endometriosis in adulthood, such as dioxin and radiation exposure (animal modeis), prenatal exposures are of increasing concern.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine combined with escitalopram in treating patients with epilepsy and depressive disorder, and their influence on the prognostic quality of life. A total of 108 patients with epilepsy and depression were selected as research participants. Among them, 53 patients were treated by oxcarbazepine combined with escitalopram (group A) and 55 patients were treated by lamotrigine combined with escitalopram (group B). Following six-month treatment, efficacy, epilepsy frequency and duration, Hamilton Depression Rating (HAMD) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating (MADRS) scores, adverse reactions, improvement of electroencephalogram (EEG) epileptic discharge, quality of life, 1-year drug retention rate and withdrawal reasons of the two groups were compared. There was no remarkable difference in the total efficacy rate between both groups. The number and duration of epileptic seizures, improvement of EEG epileptic discharge and quality of life in the two groups significantly improved after treatment, with no marked difference. HAMD and MADRS scores of patients from group B were significantly lower after treatment compared with those of patients from group A. The incidence rate of adverse reactions in group B was dramatically lower compared with group A, and the 1-year drug retention rate of group B was dramatically higher compared with that in group A. Both oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine combined with escitalopram exhibited good efficacy in patients with epilepsy and depressive disorder, and they may effectively improve the prognostic quality of life of patients. Lamotrigine combined with escitalopram presented with a better antidepressant effect and safety, with higher patient tolerance.

Objective. To comprehensively compare the effects of conventional therapy combined with intravenous vitamin C and conventional therapy on viral myocarditis in children through a meta-analysis. Methods. Relevant articles including clinical trials of normal treatment combined with intravenous vitamin C and conventional therapy for viral myocarditis in children that were published between January 2000 and February 2018 were selected from PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and WANFANG database. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane systematic review method (version 5.1.0); data quality was evaluated by two independent researchers. The total effective rate; LDH, CK, and CK-MB levels; and other indicators were analyzed using Rev Man 5.3 software. Results. Eight studies were eligible for this meta-analysis, which included a total of 426 patients in the treatment group and 363 patients in the control group. The meta-analysis results of six studies showed that the total effective rate of intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy was higher than that of conventional therapy alone [Z = 5.46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21 (1.13 to 1.30), P < 0.00001]; that of five studies showed that LDH levels were lower in children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy than in those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 3.70, 95% CI: −1.88 (−2.88 to −0.88), P = 0.0002]; that of three studies showed that CK levels were lower in children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy than in those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 4.21, 95% CI: −0.55 (−0.81 to −0.30), P < 0.0001]; that of four studies showed that CK-MB levels were lower in children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy than in those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 13.64, 95% CI: −1.44 (−1.65 to −1.24), P < 0.00001]; that of two studies showed that CD3 levels were higher in children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy than in those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 2.45, 95% CI: 0.41 (0.08–0.73), P = 0.01]; that of two studies showed no significant difference in changes in CD4 levels between children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy and those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 0.28, 95% CI: −0.21 (−1.69 to 1.28), P = 0.78]; and that of two studies showed no significant difference in changes in CD4/CD8 between children receiving intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy and those receiving conventional therapy alone [Z = 0.07, 95% CI: −0.03 (−0.73 to 0.67), P = 0.94]. Conclusion. The meta-analysis results showed that intravenous vitamin C combined with conventional therapy is better than the simple, conventional therapy for the treatment of viral myocarditis in children in terms of the total effective rate and LDH, CK, and CK-MB levels.

A 38-year-old man with a history of resistant hypertension for more than 10 years underwent laparoscopic-based perivascular unilateral renal sympathetic nerve denervation in 2012. After the operation, the patient’s blood pressure has been controllable while the antihypertensive drug intake has decreased over 6 years. Laparoscopic-based perivascular unilateral renal sympathetic nerve denervation may be a potentially feasible and effective option in treating patients with resistant hypertension.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare disease in children, and its clinical severity varies. To better understand disease manifestation and treatment outcome, we analyzed 68 children diagnosed as AIHA for clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes. Data show that primary AIHA accounted for 39.7% of all patients, whereas secondary AIHA accounted for 60.3%. Among them, Evans syndrome (ES) accounted for 20 cases (29.4%). Average hemoglobin was lower in the 1-year or below age group than in the above 1-year age group, combined-antibody group than single-antibody group, and IgM-contained group than non-IgM-contained group (P

Ligustrazine is a principal ingredient of chuanxiong. Concerns regarding the evaluation of the effectiveness of ligustrazine in the treatment of UA have resulted in a meta-analysis combined with recent clinical evidence. Seven computer databases that included the China hospital knowledge database (CHKD), Wanfang Med Online, the Chinese medical journal database (CMJD), PubMed, Cochrane, Embase (Ovid), and Medline (Ovid) were systematically searched. We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials. Our systematic review identified 16 RCTs that met our eligibility criteria. Ligustrazine combined with conventional medicine was associated with an increased rate of marked improvement in symptoms and an increased rate of marked improvement of ECG compared with conventional Western medicine alone. Additionally, the use of ligustrazine was associated with significant trends in the reduction of the consumption of nitroglycerin and the level of fibrinogen when compared with conventional Western medicine alone. No firm results were found between the intervention and the control method groups in the reduction of the time of onset or the frequency of acute attack angina due to the high level of heterogeneity. In conclusion, our meta-analysis found that ligustrazine was associated with some benefits for people with unstable angina.

The left ventricle (LV) compensates for the increased afterload encountered in severe aortic stenosis (AS) through hypertrophy. However, a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF

Pathogenic gene variants in transthyretin ( TTR ) can cause heritable amyloidosis (hATTR) and confer a 60% risk of heart failure. Echocardiography with global longitudinal strain (GLS) discriminates fully manifest cardiac amyloid (CA) but its ability to detect preclinical CA is unknown. We

BACKGROUND Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is related to the health of the human body and is an indispensable nutrient for human beings. Some studies indicated that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) may be associated with vitamin D deficiency, but the current understanding of this point of view remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D (25 [OH] D) concentration and DPN in patients with T2DM by a meta-analysis, and to provide a reference for doctors. METHODS Relevant studies were selected from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP databases, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform databases dating from 2000 to December 2017. A total of 75 articles related to serum 25 (OH) D and DPN were selected from 2000 to December 2017. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the literature, a quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and a meta-analysis was performed by RevMan5.3 statistical software. RESULTS Thirteen studies that involved a total of 2814 type 2 diabetic patients were finally included into the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results, heterogeneity test showed that, P

Purpose Immune suppression is common in patients with advanced breast cancer but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have not been sufficiently studied. In this study, we aimed to identify B7 family members that were able to predict the immune status of patients, and which may serve as potential targets for the treatment of breast cancer. We also aimed to identify microRNAs that may regulate the expression of B7 family members. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas data from 1,092 patients with breast cancer, including gene expression, microRNA expression and survival data, were used for statistical and survival analyses. Polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to measure messenger RNA and protein expression, respectively. Luciferase assay was used to investigate direct microRNA target. Results Bioinformatic analysis predicted that microRNA (miR)-93, miR-195, miR-497, and miR-340 are potential regulators of the immune evasion of breast cancer cells, and that they exert this function by targeting CD274, PDCD1LG2, and NCR3LG1. We chose CD274 for further investigations. We found that miR-195, miR-497, and CD274 expression levels were inversely correlated in MDA-MB-231 cells, and miR-195 and miR-497 expressions mimic inhibited CD274 expression in vitro. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that miR-195 and miR-497 directly target CD274 3' untranslated region. Conclusion Our data indicated that the level of B7 family members can predict the prognosis of breast cancer patients, and miR-195/miR-497 regulate CD274 expression in triple negative breast cancer. This regulation may further influence tumor progression and the immune tolerance mechanism in breast cancer and may be able to predict the effect of immunotherapy on patients.

Aim. To investigate whether vitamin C is effective in the treatment of the common cold.Method. After systematically searching the National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Elsevier, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP databases, and WANFANG databases, 9 randomized placebo-controlled trials were included in our meta-analysis in RevMan 5.3 software, all of which were in English.Results. In the evaluation of vitamin C, administration of extra therapeutic doses at the onset of cold despite routine supplementation was found to help reduce its duration (mean difference (MD) = -0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-1.03, -0.10], and P = 0.02), shorten the time of confinement indoors (MD = -0.41, 95% CI [-0.62, -0.19], and P = 0.0002), and relieve the symptoms associated with it, including chest pain (MD = -0.40, 95% CI [-0.77, -0.03], and P = 0.03), fever (MD = -0.45, 95% CI [-0.78, -0.11], and P = 0.009), and chills (MD = -0.36, 95% CI [-0.65, -0.07], and P = 0.01).Conclusions. Extra doses of vitamin C could benefit some patients who contract the common cold despite taking daily vitamin C supplements.

Objectives: This study was designed to observe the efficacy and safety of renal denervation from the inside and outside of renal arteries. Methods: Fourteen beagles were randomly divided into a control group (n = 4) and treatment group (n = 10). One renal artery in every beagle of the treatment group was randomly assigned to an intimal group (10 renal arteries) which underwent percutaneous renal denervation from the inside, and another renal artery was assigned to an adventitial group (10 renal arteries) which underwent renal denervation from the outside by laparotomy. Results: Compared with the intimal group, the renal norepinephrine (NE) concentration in the adventitial group had significantly decreased (p = 0.003) at 3 months postsurgery. Renal artery HE staining showed that the perineurium from the adventitial group appeared thickened. Western blotting showed that renal tissue tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression in the adventitial group was significantly lower than that in the intimal group (p < 0.01) at 3 months postsurgery. There was a renal artery stenosis and a renal atrophy in the intimal group after 1 month of follow-up. Conclusion: The inhibitory effect on renal sympathetic nerve activity was more effective in the adventitial group than the intimal group, and renal denervation in the former group was safe.

For children with precursor B (pre-B) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene, their prognosis has been a controversial topic. From January 2008 to December 2012 in our hospital, 450 patients were diagnosed as ALL. Clinical characteristics of 20 patients with TCF3-PBX1 fusion gene were analyzed retrospectively, which were classified to the intermediate-risk (IR) group according to Chinese Children Leukemia Group-2008 (CCLG-2008) risk-stratification criteria and protocol based on the backbone of BFM 95 trails. Eighty five cases without TCF3-PBX1 in the same IR group were regarded as the comparison group. There were no differences in age, gender, initial white blood cell (WBC) count, status of central nerves system (CNS) at diagnosis and complete remission (CR) rates of bone marrow (BM) between the two groups (P.05). The 5-year probability of event-free survival (EFS) rates were 84.4 ± 15.6% and 73.5 ± 15.6% in the TCF3-PBX1 group and the comparison group (P = .35), respectively. The 5-year probability of overall survival (OS) rates were 86.0 ± 17.6% and 81.8 ± 17.6% (P = .46), respectively. Relapse rates were 10.5% and 12.9% (P = 1.00), respectively. There were not cases with CNS relapse in the TCF3-PBX1 group. When intensive chemotherapy was used, the TCF3-PBX1 was associated with a favorable outcome in childhood pre-B ALL.

Background: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is considered a novel method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer, but currently, there is no conclusive evidence of its accuracy. Using CEUS in discriminating between pancreatic carcinoma and other pancreatic lesions, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS in predicting pancreatic tumours. Methods: Relevant studies were selected from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Elsevier, CNKI, VIP, and WANFANG databases dating from January 2006 to May 2017. The following terms were used as keywords: “pancreatic cancer” OR “pancreatic carcinoma,” “contrast-enhanced ultrasonography” OR “contrast-enhanced ultrasound” OR “CEUS,” and “diagnosis.” The selection criteria are as follows: pancreatic carcinomas diagnosed by CEUS while the main reference standard was surgical pathology or biopsy (if it involved a clinical diagnosis, particular criteria emphasized); SonoVue or Levovist was the contrast agent; true positive, false positive, false negative, and true negative rates were obtained or calculated to construct the 2 × 2 contingency table; English or Chinese articles; at least 20 patients were enrolled in each group. The Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy was employed to evaluate the quality of articles. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, summary receiver-operating characteristic curves, and the area under curve were evaluated to estimate the overall diagnostic efficiency. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with fixed-effect models. Results: Eight of 184 records were eligible for a meta-analysis after independent scrutinization by 2 reviewers. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratios were 0.86 (95% CI 0.81–0.90), 0.75 (95% CI 0.68–0.82), 3.56 (95% CI 2.64–4.78), 0.19 (95% CI 0.13–0.27), and 22.260 (95% CI 8.980–55.177), respectively. The area under the SROC curve was 0.9088. Conclusion: CEUS has a satisfying pooled sensitivity and specificity for discriminating pancreatic cancer from other pancreatic lesions.

Background Endometriosis is a multifactorial, oestrogen-dependent, inflammatory, gynaecological condition that can result in long-lasting visceral pelvic pain and infertility. Acupuncture could be an effective treatment for endometriosis and may relieve pain. Our aim in the present study was to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for endometriosis-related pain. Methods In December 2016, six databases were searched for randomised controlled trials that determined the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of endometriosis-related pain. Ultimately, 10 studies involving 589 patients were included. The main outcomes assessed were variation in pain level, variation in peripheral blood CA-125 level, and clinical effective rate. All analyses were performed using comprehensive meta-analysis statistical software. Results Of the 10 studies included, only one pilot study used a placebo control and assessed blinding; the rest used various controls (medications and herbs), which were impossible to blind. The sample sizes were small in all studies, ranging from 8 to 36 patients per arm. The mean difference (MD) in pain reduction (pre- minus post-interventional pain level—measured on a 0–10-point scale) between the acupuncture and control groups was 1.36 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.01–1.72, P

Objective Diabetes substantially increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CAD) and is associated with an increased risk of CAD mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in coronary artery plaque, coronary artery calcification (CAC) measured in outpatients with and without type 2 diabetes, and the occurrence rate of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) throughout follow-up with the same patients. Methods Five hundred eighty-eight outpatients with suspected CAD comprising 208 diabetic and 380 non-diabetic patients were enrolled in this study. Coronary artery plaque and CAC scores were detected and measured by dual-source computed tomography. The major MACE during the follow-up period (4.0–20 months) was recorded and its relationship to type 2 diabetes and CAC was investigated. Results The diabetes group had higher CAC scores in the left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries and total CAC burden than the group without diabetes. The diabetes group had more diseased coronary segments and more obstructed vessels than the non-diabetes group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that diabetes is positively associated with mixed coronary plaque and non-calcified plaque. All patients in the diabetes group and all patients with higher CACs in both groups had a higher incidence rate of MACEs. Conclusion Patients with type 2 diabetes have a higher prevalence of obstructive CAD, higher CAC scores, and a higher incidence rate of MACEs than those without diabetes. Diabetes and higher CAC scores were the important predictors of the occurrence of MACEs throughout follow-up with patients.

Despite its dual role in determining cell fate in a wide array of solid cancer cell lines, autophagy has been robustly shown to suppress or kill acute myeloid leukemia cells via degradation of the oncogenic fusion protein that drives leukemogenesis. However, autophagy also induces the demise of acute leukemia cells that do not express the known fusion protein, though the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Nevertheless, since it can induce cooperation with apoptosis and differentiation in response to autophagic signals, autophagy can be manipulated for a better therapy on acute myeloid leukemia.

Black TiO2, with enhanced solar absorption and photocatalytic activity, has gained extensive attention, inspiring us to investigate the reduction of other wide-bandgap semiconductors for improved performance. Herein, we report the preparation of gray Ta2O5 nanowires with disordered shells and abundant defects via aluminum reduction. Its water decontamination is 2.5 times faster and hydrogen production is 2.3-fold higher over pristine Ta2O5. The reduced Ta2O5 also delivers significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical performance compared with the pristine Ta2O5 nanowires, including much higher carrier concentration, easier electron–hole separation and 11 times larger photocurrent. Our results demonstrate that Ta2O5 will have great potentials in photocatalysis and solar energy utilization after proper modification.

Background Wilms’ tumor (WT) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms of the urinary tract in children. Anaplastic histology (unfavorable histology) accounts for about 10% of whole WTs, and it is the single most important histologic predictor of treatment response and survival in patients with WT; however, until now the molecular basis of this phenotype is not very clearly. Methods A real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array was designed and tested. Next, the gene expression profile of pediatric anaplastic histology WT and normal adjacent tissues were analyzed. These expression data were anlyzed with Multi Experiment View (MEV) cluster software further. Datasets representing genes with altered expression profiles derived from cluster analyses were imported into the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis Tool (IPA). Results 88 real-time PCR primer pairs for quantitative gene expression analysis of key genes involved in pediatric anaplastic histology WT were designed and tested. The gene expression profile of pediatric anaplastic histology WT is significantly different from adjacent normal controls; we identified 15 genes that are up-regulated and 16 genes that are down-regulated in the former. To investigate biological interactions of these differently regulated genes, datasets representing genes with altered expression profiles were imported into the IPA for further analysis, which revealed three significant networks: Cancer, Hematological Disease, and Gene Expression, which included 27 focus molecules and a significance score of 43. The IPA analysis also grouped the differentially expressed genes into biological mechanisms related to Cell Death and Survival 1.15E−12, Cellular Development 2.84E−11, Cellular Growth and Proliferation 2.84E-11, Gene Expression 4.43E−10, and DNA Replication, Recombination, and Repair 1.39E−07. The important upstream regulators of pediatric anaplastic histology WT were TP53 and TGFβ1 signaling (P = 1.15E−14 and 3.79E−13, respectively). Conclusions Our study demonstrates that the gene expression profile of pediatric anaplastic histology WT is significantly different from adjacent normal tissues with real-time PCR array. We identified some genes that are dysregulated in pediatric anaplastic histology WT for the first time, such as HDAC7, and IPA analysis showed the most important pathways for pediatric anaplastic histology WT are TP53 and TGFβ1 signaling. This work may provide new clues into the molecular mechanisms behind pediatric anaplastic histology WT. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12935-015-0197-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the recanalization efficacy and safety of a novel stent retriever in a swine model of acute arterial occlusion.MethodsThe JRecan thrombectomy device, a stent retriever with a weaving stent design, was evaluated in 18 occluded cervicocerebral vessels of swine. The flow restoration effect immediately upon deployment, the reperfusion rate after retrieval, thromboembolic events, and complications were assessed. The histologic structure of the renal arteries after retriever passage was measured to further assess the safety of JRecan.ResultsImmediate flow restoration was achieved in 66.7% of occlusions (12/18). The reperfusion rate was 94.4% (two Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b and 15 TICI 3). Distal thromboembolic events did not occur. Microscopic examination of the arteries after retrieval showed mild degrees of endothelial loss in 96.6% (29/30), fibrin or platelet deposition in 53.3% (16/30), and disruption of the internal elastic lamina in 10% (3/30), without severe pathologic lesions.ConclusionsThe JRecan is highly effective at clot removal with a favorable safety profile and merits further development as a stent retriever for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

В современных инженерных расчетах важное место занимают расчеты усталостной долговечности и оценка надежности динамических систем при их случайном нагружении. При проведении этих расчетов необходимо знать плотность спектра напряжений для исследуемого компонента динамической системы. Современный уровень развития компьютерных технологий и теорий численного моделирования позволяет моделировать плотность спектра напряжений динамических систем. На основании этого предложен метод численного моделирования для прогнозирования усталостной долговечности динамической конструкции, который базируется на модельных уравнениях для плотности спектра напряжений и усталостной долговечности. В качестве примера выполнен виртуальный анализ усталостной долговечности и надежности большегрузного грузового автомобиля CW-200k. Показаны применимость метода для оценки существующих динамических конструкций и его перспективность для оценки усталостной долговечности разрабатываемых новых конструкций У сучасних інженерних розрахунках важливе місце займають розрахунки втомної довговічності й оцінка надійності динамічних систем при їх випадковому навантаженні. Для проведення цих розрахунків необхідно знати густину спектра напруги для досліджуваного компонента динамічної системи. Сучасний рівень розвитку комп ютерних технологій і теорій числового моделювання дозволяє моделювати густину спектра напруг динамічних систем. На основі цього запропоновано метод числового моделювання для прогнозування втомної довговічності динамічної конструкції, що базується на модельних рівняннях для густини спектра напруг і втомної довговічності. Як приклад виконано віртуальний аналіз втомної довговічності і надійності великовантажного грузового автомобіля CW-200k. Показано застосування методу для оцінки існуючих динамічних конструкцій та його перспективи для оцінки утомної довговічності розроблюваних нових конструкцій.

Endometriosis is a complex disease that affects a large number of women worldwide and may cause pain and infertility. To systematically review published studies evaluating the relationship between menstrual cycle length and risk of endometriosis. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE in databases in July 2014 using the keywords “case–control studies,” “epidemiologic determinants,” “risk factors,” “menstrual cycle,” “menstrual length,” “menstrual character,” and “endometriosis.” We included case–control studies published in English that investigated cases of surgically confirmed endometriosis and examined the relationship between endometriosis risk and menstrual cycle. Eleven articles that met the inclusion criteria included data of 3392 women with endometriosis and 5006 controls. Fixed-effects and random-effects models were used for the evaluation. For the association of risk of endometriosis and menstrual cycle length shorter than or equal to 27 days (SEQ27) or length longer than or equal to 29 days (LEQ29), the odds ratio was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.43) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.48–0.96), respectively. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that menstrual cycle length SEQ27 increase the risk of endometriosis and cycle length LEQ29 decrease the risk.

In this report, a Ti:Sapphire oscillator was utilized to realize synchronization-free stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. With pump power of 4.6 W and sample irradiance of 310 mW, we achieved super-resolution as high as 71 nm. With synchronization-free STED, we imaged 200 nm nanospheres as well as all three cytoskeletal elements (microtubules, intermediate filaments, and actin filaments), clearly demonstrating the resolving power of synchronization-free STED over conventional diffraction limited imaging. It also allowed us to discover that, Dylight 650, exhibits improved performance over ATTO647N, a fluorophore frequently used in STED. Furthermore, we applied synchronization-free STED to image fluorescently-labeled intracellular viral RNA granules, which otherwise cannot be differentiated by confocal microscopy. Thanks to the widely available Ti:Sapphire oscillators in multiphoton imaging system, this work suggests easier access to setup super-resolution microscope via the synchronization-free STED. © 2012 Liu et al.

In order to improve precision of fault diagnosis which based on artificial immune system, a kind of fault diagnosis algorithm based on immune danger theory was presented. The algorithm can make judgment according to whether existing danger signals and reduce false rate. The algorithm also can adjust databases online. The algorithm was applied to automobile axle driving fault diagnosis. the result shows that 6% normal axle drivings are judged as abnormal axle drivings, 4% abnormal axle drivings are judged as normal axle drivings. Compared with testing result of advanced negative selection algorithm which based on self-nonself recognition, the fault diagnosis algorithm based on artificial immune danger theory result has a lower false rate.