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Cu1+n/BDNC with synergistic copper nanoparticles and adjacent single atoms shows optimal OER activity and a small cell voltage of 1.65 V for overall water splitting.

The last steps of cellular respiration—an essential metabolic process in plants—are carried out by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This process involves a chain of multi-subunit membrane protein complexes (complexes I–V) that form higher-order assemblies called supercomplexes. Although supercomplexes are the most physiologically relevant form of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes, their functions and structures remain mostly unknown. Here we present the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of the supercomplex I + III2 from Vigna radiata (mung bean). The structure contains the full subunit complement of complex I, including a newly assigned, plant-specific subunit. It also shows differences in the mitochondrial processing peptidase domain of complex III2 relative to a previously determined supercomplex with complex IV. The supercomplex interface, while reminiscent of that in other organisms, is plant specific, with a major interface involving complex III2’s mitochondrial processing peptidase domain and no participation of complex I’s bridge domain. The complex I structure suggests that the bridge domain sets the angle between the enzyme’s two arms, limiting large-scale conformational changes. Moreover, complex I’s catalytic loops and its response in active-to-deactive assays suggest that, in V. radiata, the resting complex adopts a non-canonical state and can sample deactive- or open-like conformations even in the presence of substrate. This study widens our understanding of the possible conformations and behaviour of complex I and supercomplex I + III2. Further studies of complex I and its supercomplexes in diverse organisms are needed to determine the universal and clade-specific mechanisms of respiration.

Agnes Heller continued her commitment to socialist theory, seeking a democratic alternative to the actually existing socialist system in Soviet-type societies in the early 1980s. Heller conceptualized socialism as a long-term social experiment based on social imagination and the radicalization of democracy, which contrasted with the Soviet socialist project on the one hand, and went beyond Western parliamentary systems on the other hand. My aim in this paper is to examine the 1982 pamphlet, Why We Should Maintain the Socialist Objective, and present it as a crucial step that Heller takes to depart from Marxism and explore her post-Marxist socialist theory. This paper will examine the social imagination, radicalization of democracy, and other key ideas elaborated in the pamphlet, linking these ideas to her subsequent book, Dictatorship Over Needs, and her essay ‘The Great Republic’.

The electrocatalytic upgrade of biomass-derived platform molecules (alcohols, furans and carboxylic acids) into high-value-added chemicals and fuels is expected to compensate for traditional organic synthesis based on nonrenewable fossil resources.

Background Myocardial fibrosis is caused by the adverse and powerful remodeling of the heart secondary to the death of cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction. Regulators of G protein Signaling (RGS) 4 is involved in cardiac diseases through regulating G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Methods Cardiac fibrosis models were established through cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) treatment with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in vitro and mice subjected to myocardial infarction in vivo. The mRNA expression of RGS4, collagen I/III and α-SMA detected by qRT-PCR. Protein level of RGS4, collagen I, CTGF and α-SMA detected by Western blot. The ejection fraction (EF%) and fractional shortening (FS%) of mice were measured by echocardiography. Collagen deposition of mice was tested by Masson staining. Results The expression of RGS4 increased in CFs treatment with TGF-β1 and in MI mice. The model of cardiac fibrosis detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. It was demonstrated that inhibition of RGS4 expression improved cardiac fibrosis by transfection with small interfering RNA in CFs and injection with lentivirus shRNA in mice. The protective effect of choline against cardiac fibrosis was counteracted by overexpression of RGS4 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, choline inhibited the protein level of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 in CFs treated with TGF-β1, which were restored by RGS4 overexpression. Conclusion This study demonstrated that RGS4 promoted cardiac fibrosis and attenuated the anti-cardiac fibrosis of choline. RGS4 may weaken anti-cardiac fibrosis of choline through TGF-β1/Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.

The development of proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology will give rise to a great evolution toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly life by powering clean electric vehicles or stations. However, several vital problems still hinder the commercialization of PEMFCs. The foremost issue is the high cost compared to the contenders, deriving from both the high consumption of Pt catalysts and low service life under practical operations. In this review, deeper investigations on how to further lower the cost of PEMFCs show the importance of understanding and engineering the multiphase transport processes in the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The definitions, rules, numerical simulations, and experimental validations of various mass transfer processes across the MEA are introduced to provide a holistic evaluation and enable optimization to improve the cell performance and reliability. In addition, because the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction in the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) requires most of the Pt catalysts, the oxygen/water-related multiphase transfer in CCLs is taken as a focus for detailed analysis. Several successful strategies, such as triple-phase boundary engineering, graded design, and novel ordered three-dimensional structure construction, are proven to be promising in greatly reducing the Pt consumption in the CCL and facilitating the microscopic multiphase transfer processes of the MEA. With optimized engineering of the electrode structure and configuration inside the MEA, the mass transfer resistances can be minimized to give the best operating conditions for electrochemical reactions to occur in the catalyst layers. Finally, the main challenges and some perspectives for developing advanced MEAs with lower cost in high-performance and reliable PEMFCs are provided.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) pathway is associated with ischemic heart diseases (IHD). 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), BDNF mimetic, is a potent agonist of TrkB. We aimed to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of 7,8-DHF on cardiac ischemia. Myocardial ischemic mouse model was induced by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. 7,8-DHF (5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally two days after ischemia for four weeks. Echocardiography, HE staining and transmission electron microscope were used to examine the function, histology and ultrastructure of the heart. H9c2 cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 7,8-DHF or TrkB inhibitor ANA-12. The effects of 7,8-DHF on cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial superoxide generation were examined. Furthermore, mitochondrial fission and protein expression of mitochondrial dynamics (Mfn2 [mitofusin 2], OPA1 [optic atrophy 1], Drp1 [dynamin-related protein 1] and Fis-1 [fission 1]) was detected by mitotracker green staining and western blot, respectively. 7,8-DHF attenuated cardiac dysfunction and cardiomyocyte abnormality of myocardial ischemic mice. Moreover, 7,8-DHF increased cell viability and reduced cell death accompanied by improving MMP, inhibiting mitochondrial superoxide and preventing excessive mitochondrial fission of H2O2-treated H9c2 cells. The cytoprotective effects of 7,8-DHF were antagonized by ANA-12. Mechanistically, 7,8-DHF repressed OMA1-dependent conversion of L-OPA1 into S-OPA1, which was abolished by Akt inhibitor. In conclusion, 7,8-DHF protects against cardiac ischemic injury by inhibiting the proteolytic cleavage of OPA1. These findings provide a novel pharmacological effect of 7,8-DHF on mitochondrial dynamics and a new potential target for IHD.

Aiming at the problem of mining coal resources under the Yuxing Mine Ecological Park in Inner Mongolia, China, we adopted a continuous mining and continuous backfilling (CMCB) cemented-fill mining method; based on the systematic description of the mining and backfilling craft of the CMCB mining process, comprehensive use of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and similar simulation test methods to analyze the control mechanism of overlying strata. By establishing the mechanical model of roof movement for the CMCB mining, the roof deflection curve equation is deduced, and the roof instability criterion is put forward based on the maximum tensile stress criterion. Numerical simulation showed that the stress curve at the shallow part of the roof fluctuates up and down in a “w” shape, the stress curve of the upper surrounding rock sinks slowly, and the coal pillars and filling bodies are alternately loaded during the staged mining process to jointly limit the movement of the overlying strata. The similar simulation test results showed that the roof has no structural damage, the roof cracks are not obvious, and the overlying strata control effect is good. On site tests showed that the CMCB mining method can effectively limit the movement of the overlying rock in the stope, control the surface subsidence of the ecological park, and increase the recovery rate of coal resources. It can provide a reference for the development of coal resources and ecological protection in a fragile environment.

The grid structure is an indispensable part of most dry powder inhalers, but the effects of grid geometry on inhaler performance are rarely reported. This study aims to systemically investigate the influence of grid design on the aerosolization performance of capsule-based inhalers through experiments and computational analysis. In-vitro aerosolization and deposition performance of commercial and 3D-printed customized inhalers with different grid mesh designs were experimentally studied using a Next Generation Impactor (NGI). Flow fields in the inhalers were generated, and average turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) and airstream trajectories were obtained through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, delineating the effects of the different grid designs. Comparative studies using the commercial inhalers and the 3D-printed inhalers show a slightly better performance for the latter, probably due to the different materials used for the inhalers, confirming the suitability of 3D printing. Experimental results show that intensive grid meshes with a relatively small aperture size are beneficial to enhancing inhaler performance. Computational results illustrate that the intensive grid meshes can reduce vortexed airstreams and increase turbulent kinetic energy at the grids in general, which also supports the experimental results. In summary, inhalers with intensive grid meshes are preferred for capsule-based inhalers to enhance aerosolization performance. These findings have significant implications for the comprehensive understanding of how grid designs influence inhaler performance.

Additional file of The association between RGS4 and choline in cardiac fibrosis

Additional file 3. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-staining of heart tissue in MI mice.

Additional file 1. The RGS4 protein level after knocking down and overexpression.

In this study, black soybean was firstly processed by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with a probiotic fungus Eurotium cristatum YL-1. The effect of SSF on the nutritional components (including proximate, amino acids, minerals, and fatty acids), total phenolics, isoflavones, antioxidant activity, and volatile organic compounds of black soybeans were revealed. Results of this work demonstrated that black soybean processed by SSF with E. cristatum greatly increased the contents of protein, essential amino acids, and some minerals (e.g., calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium). GC results revealed that more than 80% of the total lipids from both fermented and non-fermented black soybeans were unsaturated fatty acids, and SSF influenced the fatty acids composition. Higher contents of total phenolics and aglycone isoflavones (i.e., genistein, daidzein, and glycitein) of fermented black soybeans were achieved by SSF. Furthermore, SSF with E. cristatum considerably augmented the ferric reducing antioxidant power, scavenging effects against ABTS·+ and DPPH radical, reducing power, and chelating ability of black soybeans, which evaluated with various polarity solvent extracts. HS-GC-IMS analysis detected a total of 66 volatile compounds in FBS and BS, and 56 volatile organic compounds were successfully identified. The intensities of main volatile compounds (i.e., 10 esters, 11 alcohols, and 19 aldehydes) differed remarkably by fermentation with E. cristatum. The intensities of seven alcohols and nine aldehydes considerably decreased, whereas higher levels of esters were achieved by SFF. Thus, our results confirmed that black soybeans processed by SSF with E. cristatum is a promising approach to substantially improve its nutritional value, flavor characteristics, and biological effect, and might have great potential in the development of new functional foods or be used as a new nutritional ingredient applied in food design.

Radiative cooling is an age-old cooling practice that advantages in decreasing cooling energy requirements without power input. To apply this technology to the energy-efficient building industry, radiative coolers’ performances should be assessed in advance. Using a simulation approach, the work in this study was to justify whether a promising radiative cooler would lead to the cooling energy reduction on a modelled roof in Beijing. The promising radiative cooler was reported to have the potential to achieve a temperature of 9.9 degrees Celsius below ambient temperature, which is a significant improvement over the results found in previous literature. Simulation outputs show that this material can lead to the cooling energy reduction on a modelled, 1000 square meters roof constructed in Beijing. This also implies that the promising cooler have a large potential of energy savings if they could be applied in Beijing.

Background: A large proportion of the patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma are young women. Therefore, minimally invasive endoscopic thyroidectomy with central neck dissection (CND) emerged and showed well-accepted results with improved cosmetic outcome, accelerated healing, and comforting the patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), compared with conventional open procedure in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Methods: One-hundred patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma from March 2014 to January 2015 in Jinan Military General Hospital of People's Liberation Army (PLA) were randomly assigned to robotic group or conventional open approach group (n = 50 in each group). The total operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, numbers of lymph node removed, visual analog scale (VAS), postoperative hospital stay time, complications, and numerical scoring system (NSS, used to assess cosmetic effect) were analyzed. Results: The robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via BABA was successfully performed in robotic group. There were no conversion from the robotic surgeries to open or endoscopic surgery. The subclinical central lymph node metastasis rate was 35%. The mean operative time of the robotic group was longer than that of the conventional open approach group (118.8 ± 16.5 min vs. 90.7 ± 10.3 min, P < 0.05). The study showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of the VASs (2.1 ± 1.0 vs. 3.8 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) and NSS (8.9 ± 0.8 vs. 4.8 ± 1.7, P < 0.05). The differences between the two groups in the estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay time, numbers of lymph node removed, postoperative thyroglobulin levels, and complications were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Neither iatrogenic implantation nor metastasis occurred in punctured porous channel or chest wall in both groups. Postoperative cosmetic results were very satisfactory in the robotic group. Conclusions: Robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via BABA is safe and effective for Chinese patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma who worry about the neck scars.

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was applied to rapid screening of positive plasmid clones. Insert-specific primer pairs were used in qPCR colony screening, and false positive colonies could easily be distinguished from true positive ones by comparing their Ct values. In addition, qPCR is particularly suitable when amplicon is small (

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic lateral cervical lymph node dissection via BABA, 260 thyroid cancer patients with suspected level II, III, IV, and Vb lymph node metastasis were selected. The lateral cervical compartment was exposed by splitting the sternocleidomastoid muscle longitudinally, and separating between the strap muscles and the anterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The procedure was completed in 260 patients. Mean time for robotic lateral node dissection took 80 ± 21 min. The wound catheter was removed 6.3 days. Postoperative transient symptomatic hypocalcemia was observed in 51 patients, transient hoarseness in three, seroma in three, chyle leakage in two, and tracheal injury in one. 124 patients were confirmed to have lymph node metastasis on final pathological report. Average postoperative hospital stay was 6.5 days. Robotic lateral neck dissection by BABA is the acceptable operative alternative for thyroid cancer patients who wished to keep their surgical history private.

Background The molecular classification of breast cancer mainly focuses on estrogen receptor (ER), Progesterone receptor (PgR), and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2(HER2/Neu) status detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis. The β -tubulin isotype III (TUBB3) gene was thought to be a marker of taxane resistance or cancer aggressiveness. Methods To evaluate the clinicopathological significance of TUBB3 expression in breast cancer patients, we measured TUBB3 mRNA levels in 92 breast cancer patients by Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and examined their correlation with ER, PgR, and HER2 status detected by IHC. Results We observed a significant positive correlation between the TUBB3 mRNA expression and the immunohistochemical positivity of both PgR (p= 0.000) and HER2 (p= 0.001). In addition, TUBB3 mRNA expression was associated with lymph nodes status (P= 0.008) and tumor stages (0.029), but no correlation was found with other clinicopathological features, such as age, pathohistological grades and tumor size. Conclusions In conclusion, TUBB3 expression correlated significantly with molecular markers of breast cancer, such as PgR and HER2, suggesting that TUBB3 mRNA level facilitate the identification of a subset of patients who respond to Taxane treatment in addition to hormonal therapy and trastuzumab.

The dual-emissive properties of solid-state difluoroboron β-diketonate-poly(lactic acid) (BF2bdkPLA) materials have been utilized for biological oxygen sensing. In this work, BF2dbm(X)PLA materials were synthesized, where X = H, F, Cl, Br, and I. The effects of changing the halide substituent and PLA polymer chain length on the optical properties in dilute CH2Cl2 solutions and solid-state polymer films were studied. These luminescent materials show fluorescence, phosphorescence, and lifetime tunability on the basis of molecular weight, as well as lifetime modulation via the halide substituent. Short BF2dbm(Br)PLA (6.0 kDa) and both short and long BF2dbm(I)PLA polymers (6.0 or 20.3 kDa) have fluorescence and intense phosphorescence ideal for ratiometric oxygen sensing. The lighter halide-dye polymers with hydrogen, fluorine, and chlorine substitution have longer phosphorescence lifetimes and can be utilized as ultrasensitive oxygen sensors. Photostability was also analyzed for the polymer films.

Luminescent materials are important for imaging and sensing. Aromatic difluoroboron β-diketonate complexes (BF2bdks) are classic fluorescent molecules that have been explored as photochemical reagents, two-photon dyes, and oxygen sensors. A series of BF2bdks with naphthyl and phenyl groups was synthesized, and photophysical properties were investigated in both methylene chloride and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Polymer molecular weight and dye attachment site along with bromide heavy atom placement were varied to tune optical properties of dye–PLA materials. Systems without heavy atoms have long phosphorescence lifetimes, which is useful for lifetime-based oxygen sensing. Bromine substitution on the naphthyl ring resulted in intense, clearly distinguishable fluorescence and phosphorescence peaks important for ratiometric oxygen sensing and imaging.

The first legal acupuncture center established in the United States (US) of America was on the east coast in Washington, D.C. in 1972. However, the most important state in the acupuncture profession is on the west coast — in the state of California, which has the longest history of acupuncture practice and the largest number of licensed acupuncturists in the US. While I was planning to document the history of acupuncture in the US, Dr. William Prensky, one of the pioneers in the US acupuncture profession, recommended that I should take a look at the career of Dr. Miriam Lee (Figure 1). Indeed, Dr. Lee was a very famous and influential acupuncturist, to such an extent that people call her “the George Washington of American acupuncture”. Dr. Lee was “the first acupuncturist in California”, and because of her inspirational legend, many young people in the US have become acupuncturists.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application and superiority of the da Vinci(®) Si Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) in total parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.Total parathyroidectomy was performed with the da Vinci Si Surgical System by the four-trocar axillo-bilateral-breast approach. The patients were placed in the supine position, and the operation procedure included creating the workspace, docking, and consoling stages. The camera arm is centered in the working space. Three working arms are then placed adjacent to the camera. The Harmonic(®) scalpel (Ethicon Endo-surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, OH) was used for hemostasis and gland resection, and dissected parathyroid was taken out by a specimen pouch.Total parathyroidectomy with trace amounts of parathyroid tissue autotransplantation in 6 patients was successfully performed with the da Vinci Si Surgical System. There were no operation-related complications and no conversions to open or endoscopic surgery. Mean operation time was 156 minutes. Patients were discharged from the hospital 6 days after surgery. The postoperative cosmetic result was satisfactory, with minimal numbness and tingling on the anterior chest.This initial study shows that robotic total parathyroidectomy via the axillo-bilateral-breast approach is a safe and feasible alternative to selected patients, especially those with esthetic concerns.

Background Electrocautery has been proven to be associated with prolonged serous drainage that might result in several complications in patients requiring axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. We proposed that the Harmonic Focus might outperform electrocautery in axillary lymph node dissection, resulting in shorter operative times and reduced postoperative complications. Patients and Methods One hundred twenty-eight women with confirmed T1-3 N1-2 breast cancer were randomly assigned to undergo mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery with axillary dissection by using Harmonic Focus or electrocautery. Sixty-four has surgery with Harmonic Focus (group A) and 64 with electrocautery (group B) by the same surgical team. Operative time, blood loss, total drainage volume and days, incidence of seroma, hematoma, pain score, and flap necrosis were recorded. Results Using Harmonic Focus significantly diminished operative time, blood loss, total drainage volume, days of stay, and visual analogue scale as compared with traditional electrocautery. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups regarding seroma, hematoma, and flap necrosis. Conclusion Axillary lymph node dissection using Harmonic Focus is feasible, safe, and a more comfortable design for the surgeon.

Difluoroboron β–diketonate poly(lactic acid) materials exhibit both fluorescence (F) and oxygen sensitive room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP). Introduction of halide heavy atoms (Br and I) is an effective strategy to control the oxygen sensitivity in these materials. A series of naphthyl-phenyl (nbm) dye derivatives with hydrogen, bromide and iodide substituents were prepared for comparison. As nanoparticles, the hydrogen derivative was hypersensitive to oxygen (0–0.3%), while the bromide analogue was suited for hypoxia detection (0–3% O2). The iodo derivative, BF2nbm(I)PLA, showed excellent F to RTP peak separation and an 0–100% oxygen sensitivity range unprecedented for metal-free RTP emitting materials. Due to the dual emission and unconventionally long RTP lifetimes of these O2 sensing materials, a portable, cost-effective camera was used to quantify oxygen levels via lifetime and red/green/blue (RGB) ratiometry. The hypersensitive H dye was well matched to lifetime detection, simultaneous lifetime and ratiometric imaging was possible for the bromide analogue, whereas the iodide material, with intense RTP emission and a shorter lifetime, was suited for RGB ratiometry. To demonstrate the prospects of this camera/material design combination for bioimaging, iodide boron dye-PLA nanoparticles were applied to a murine wound model to detect oxygen levels. Surprisingly, wound oxygen imaging was achieved without covering (i.e. without isolating from ambient conditions, air). Additionally, would healing was monitored via wound size reduction and associated oxygen recovery, from hypoxic to normoxic. These single-component materials provide a simple tunable platform for biological oxygen sensing that can be deployed to spatially resolve oxygen in a variety of environments.

To evaluate surgical outcomes and the feasibility of robotic thyroidectomy and central neck dissection (CND).The clinical data of 40 patients of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma underwent total thyroidectomy (or lobectomy and isthmusectomy) and CND using the Da Vinci system through axillo-bilateral-breast approach in Jinan Military General Hospital of People's Liberation Army from February to December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively (robotic group). Other forty patients of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma underwent total thyroidectomy (or lobectomy and isthmusectomy) and CND by open approach were selected as the control (open group). Cosmetic satisfaction was assessed after a month postoperation by the numerical score system. t-test and χ(2) test were used to compare the clinical characters, total operative time, intraoperative estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, number of lymph nodes removed, visual analogue scale for pain, postoperative complications, and cosmetic effect between the 2 groups.All 80 patients were diagnosed of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. The total thyroidectomy (or lobectomy/isthmusectomy) with CND of 40 patients were successfully performed by da Vinci Si surgical system. The numbers of total thyroidectomy of robotic group and the open group were 36 and 37, respectively. The numbers of metastatic lymph nodes of robotic group and open group were 14 and 15, respectively. The operation time of the robotic group was (130±12) minutes, which was longer than that of open group (98±11) minutes (t=12.432, P0.05). The study showed statistical significant difference between the two groups regarding the visual analog scale pain assessment (1.9±0.9 vs.3.9±1.1, t=8.900, P0.05). There were no statistical significant difference of intraoperative estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, number of lymph nodes removed, and the complication rate between the 2 groups.Postoperative cosmetic result was more satisfying on the robotic group (9.1±0.5) than open group (4.8±1.5) (t=17.200, P0.05).The robotic total thyroidectomy (or lobectomy and isthmusectomy) and CND has similar surgery safety and feasibility as open procedures. The robotic thyroidectomy is a good alternative surgical modality for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma who wish to avoid neck scars.

Branchial cleft cysts are prone to recurrence and secondary infections, and hence, surgical resection is necessary. These masses are traditionally removed through an overlying incision; however, the resulting scar can be considered aesthetically displeasing. We accomplished a case of endoscopic resection of branchial cleft cyst in the right side of the neck of an 18-year-old female patient. Incisions were made in the bilateral mammary areolae and right axilla of the patient. We completely resected the mass using an ultrasonic scalpel and electrocoagulation hook within 45 minutes. All of the procedures were finished on the deep face of platysma muscle, which was not severed. There was no significant bleeding during the operation and the postoperative recovery was smooth, without recurrence for 6 months. The endoscopic resection of the neck mass through bilateral areolae and axillary incisions is simple, safe, and feasible, because there were covert incisions and fewer complications.

Gynecomastia is a benign clinical condition that is the unilateral or bilateral enlargement of the male breast, but sometimes it causes serious psychological and physical stress in young men and brings about phobia of malignancy in elderly men. Minimally invasive and functional therapy represents an inevitable trend in breast surgery. We investigated the feasibility and safety of vacuum-assisted biopsy device in treating gynecomastia.From January 2006 to January 2010, 20 male patients with gynecomastia were treated by an 8-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy device. The average age was 24.7 years (range, 18-47 years).The operation was successfully performed in all 20 patients with a mean operating time of 51 minutes and a hospital stay of 4 days. Postoperative complications included 1 case of hematoma, but no nipple necrosis, local skin necrosis, or skin buttonhole occurred. No other operation-related complications were observed. Satisfactory chest contour was gained in all cases without any abnormality, skin redundancy, or recurrence during the follow-up of 6-48 months.Treatment of gynecomastia by the Mammotome device is distinctive, practicable in manipulation, safe, and can achieve excellent cosmetic results. The Mammotome procedure simply represents another novel treatment option for gynecomastia.

Internal mammary node (IMN) metastasis has a similar prognostic importance as axillary nodal involvement. However, sampling of IMN is not performed routinely.To evaluate a simplified method for internal mammary sentinel node (IMSN) biopsy of breast cancer patients.A combination of simultaneous perilesional and intradermal radiocolloid injections over the lesion was used. All IMSNs were confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy and Carbon Nanoparticles Suspension Injection preoperatively and excised extrapleurally through the intercostal muscles.Twenty-three of the 94 patients were found to have metastatic disease in the IMSNs. Four of 65 patients had metastases in the IMNs but not in the axilla. All 23 patients with positive IMSN were upstaged and received radiation to the internal mammary chain. The time from separating the pectoral major muscle to touch the node was ranged 21-48 min. The detecting sensitivity combined with preoperative lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative gamma probe detection, and intraoperative black dye methods for IMSN was 100%.The approach used is a reliable surgical technique for removing IMSN. It can improve the nodal staging in breast cancer with IMN metastases.

Dual emissive luminescence properties of solid-state difluoroboron β-diketonate-poly(lactic acid) (BF2bdk-PLA) materials have been utilized as biological oxygen sensors. Dyes with red-shifted absorption and emission are important for multiplexing and in vivo imaging, thus hydroxyl-functionalized dinaphthoylmethane initiators and dye-PLA conjugates BF2dnm(X)PLA (X = H, Br, I) with extended conjugation were synthesized. The luminescent materials show red-shifted absorbance (~435 nm) and fluorescence tunability by molecular weight. Fluorescence colors range from yellow (~530 nm) in 10 – 12 kDa polymers to green (~490 nm) in 20 – 30 kDa polymers. Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) are present under a nitrogen atmosphere. For the iodine-substituted derivative, BF2dnm(I)PLA, clearly distinguishable fluorescence (green) and phosphorescence (orange) peaks are present, making it ideal for ratiometric oxygen-sensing and imaging. Bromide and hydrogen analogues with weaker relative phosphorescence intensities and longer phosphorescence lifetimes can be used as highly sensitive, concentration independent, lifetime-based oxygen sensors or for gated emission detection. BF2dnm(I)PLA nanoparticles were taken up by T41 mouse mammary cells and successfully demonstrated differences in vitro ratiometric measurement of oxygen.

The axillary reverse mapping (ARM) procedure can distinguish lymphatics draining the arm from those draining the breast. It has been proposed to preserve lymphatic drainage of the upper limbs and reduce the incidence of upper limb lymphedema during breast cancer surgery. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of ARM in modified radical mastectomy and to evaluate its effect on prevention of lymphedema.From January 2012 to March 2014, a prospective study was performed in 265 breast cancer patients who underwent modified radical mastectomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups, 127 patients (47.93%, control group) received a traditional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and 138 patients (52.07%, experimental group) received ARM preservation of the nodes and lymphatics during ALND. Radioactive tracer and methylene blue were used for ARM of the nodes and lymphatics. All of the identified ARM nodes were diagnosed using fine needle aspiration cytology for assessment of metastatic status. All resected axillary lymph nodes were conducted in a pathology examination to evaluate tumor metastasis. Data were collected on variations in identification of the ARM nodes and lymphatics, the metastasis of ARM nodes, and the occurrence of lymphedema.In the experimental group, the ARM procedure was successfully conducted in 129 cases (93.48%). ARM nodes metastasis occurred in 11 patients (8.53%). The median follow-up time was 20 months, at the last evaluation there were 42 patients who developed upper limb lymphedema in the control group (33.07%), and in the experimental group the incidence of lymphedema was 5.93% (7/118; P .001). None of the patients had nodal relapses during the follow-up time.ARM appears to be a feasible technique with which to identify upper arm nodes and lymphatics during the modified radical mastectomy procedure. The incidence of lymphedema can be decreased in patients with use of the ARM procedure.

Background The aim of the study was to evaluate total parathyroidectomy with trace amounts of parathyroid tissue (30 mg) as a surgical option in secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) treatment. Methods From January 2008 to March 2012, 47 patients underwent parathyroidectomy. Comparisons of demographic data, symptoms, and preoperative or postoperative biochemistry were made between total parathyroidectomy with trace amounts of parathyroid tissue autotransplantation group and total parathyroidectomy group. Results Out of 47 cases, 45 had successful operation. 187 parathyroid glands identified at the initial operation were reported in 47 patients. 43 patients had been diagnosed with parathyroid hyperplasia, and 4 patients had a benign adenoma. After operation, pruritus, bone pain and muscle weakness disappeared, also serum PTH and serum phosphate were declined markedly as well. After discharge, two patients (in total parathyroidectomy group) were readmitted because of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Graft-dependent recurrence was not observed in an average follow-up of 42 months. Conclusions Total parathyroidectomy with sternocleidomastoid muscle trace amounts of parathyroid tissue autotransplantation is considered to be a feasible, safe and effective surgical option for the patients with sHPT.