AIM：To evaluate the potential role of hyperreflective foci（HF） as a prognostic indicator of visual outcome in patients with macular edema（ME） due to retinal vein occlusion（RVO）.METHODS：We retrospectively revie...AIM：To evaluate the potential role of hyperreflective foci（HF） as a prognostic indicator of visual outcome in patients with macular edema（ME） due to retinal vein occlusion（RVO）.METHODS：We retrospectively reviewed 50 eyes of 50 patients with ME due to ischemic central retinal vein occlusion（CRVO）,non-ischemic CRVO and branch retinal vein occlusion（BRVO） who were treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor（anti-VEGF） at Beijing Tongren Eye Center from January 2013 to July 2016.All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity（BCVA）,spectral domain optical coherence tomography（SD-OCT） at baseline and follow-up.Such factors were evaluated and compared among three groups as baseline and final BCVA,central retinal thickness（CRT）,external limiting membrane（ELM） status and the numbers of HF in different position.Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between baseline HF and final BCVA.Changes of HF before and after treatment were evaluated too.RESULTS：Among three groups,HF could be located in each retinal layers,as well as in vitreous cavity.The mean HF in outer retinal layer（ORL） at baseline was 5.29±8.48 in ischemic CRVO with intact ELM,1.93±2.76 in non-ischemic CRVO,and 1.75±2.05 in BRVO.With disrupted ELM,the mean HF in ORL increased.There was statistically difference of HF in ORL between intact and disrupted ELM.The numbers of HF in ORL were associated with poor visual outcome among three groups.However,HF in inner retinal layer（IRL） and vitreous cavity were not associated with poor visual outcome.Meanwhile,the baseline HF in ORL and vitreous cavity reduced significantly in nonischemic CRVO and BRVO after anti-VEGF treatment.CONCLUSION：The numbers of HF in ORL are prognostic factors associated with the final BCVA in patients with ME due to RVO after anti-VEGF treatment.展开更多
The pathogenesis of colon cancer involves sequential and multistep progression of epithelial cells initiated to a cancerous state with defined precancerous intermediaries. Aberrant crypt foci （ACF） represent the ear...The pathogenesis of colon cancer involves sequential and multistep progression of epithelial cells initiated to a cancerous state with defined precancerous intermediaries. Aberrant crypt foci （ACF） represent the earliest identifiable intermediate precancerous lesions during colon carcinogenesis in both laboratory animals and humans. ACF are easily induced by colon-specific carcinogens in rodents and can be used to learn more about the process of colon carcinogenesis. For over two decades, since its first discovery, azoxymethane （AOM）-induced rodent ACF have served as surrogate biomarkers in the screening of various anticarcinogens and carcinogens. Several dietary constituents and phytochemicals have been tested for their colon cancer chemopreventive efficacy using the ACF system. There has been substantial effort in defining and refining ACF in terms of understanding their molecular make-up, and extensive research in this field is currently in progress. In chemoprevention studies, AOM-induced rat ACF have been very successful as biomarkers, and have provided several standardized analyses of data. There have been several studies that have reported that ACF data do not correlate to actual colon tumor outcome, however, and hence there has been an ambiguity about their role as biomarkers. The scope of this mini-review is to provide valuable insights and limitations of AOM-induced rat ACF as biomarkers in colon cancer chemoprevention studies. The role of the dynamics and biological heterogeneity of ACF is critical in understanding them as biomarkers in chemoprevention studies.展开更多
AIM:To clarify the relationship of human rectal aberrant crypt foci and formation of colorectal polyp.METHODS:Eighty-nine subjects were recruited from the population of Japanese individuals who underwent polypectomy a...AIM:To clarify the relationship of human rectal aberrant crypt foci and formation of colorectal polyp.METHODS:Eighty-nine subjects were recruited from the population of Japanese individuals who underwent polypectomy at Yokohama City University Hospital.All patients had baseline adenomas removed at year 0 colonoscopy.Aberrant crypt foci(ACF) were defined as lesions in which the crypts were more darkly stained with methylene blue than normal crypts and had larger diameters,often with oval or slit-like lumens and a thicker epithelial lining.RESULTS:A total of 366 ACFs were identified in 89 patients;all had baseline adenomas removed at the first examination(year 0) colonoscopy and returned for the second(year 1).ACF in the lower rectum were assessed at year 0 and study group were divided into two groups depend on ACF numbers,0-3 or over 3.All participants were examined in the number and maximum size of adenoma.There was no statistical difference in number and maximum size of ACF at year 0,however,maximum size of adenoma was larger in over 3 group than 0-3 group at year 1.CONCLUSION:The number of ACF may be a predictive factor of relatively large adenoma incidence in the pilot phase study.展开更多
Genetic and metabolic engineering approaches are powerful tools for improving the tolerance of maize to abiotic stresses because they are faster and can afford greater control over agronomically useful traits.However,...Genetic and metabolic engineering approaches are powerful tools for improving the tolerance of maize to abiotic stresses because they are faster and can afford greater control over agronomically useful traits.However,in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling response to abiotic stresses is the prerequisite for successful implementation of these strategies.A great flaw to dissect the biological mechanisms by genome sequencing is that genome sequencing approach could not reflect real-time molecular actions of plants especially under the stresses because the living organisms rarely live in unchanging environments.Post-genomics such as transcriptomics,metabolomics,and proteomics can generate knowledge that is closer to the biological processes.With the development of post-genomics,it can be expected that voluminous data will be generated.This paper proposes that future research on maize stress tolerance in the era of post-genomics should focus on metabolomics and proteomics;stress tolerance of whole plant rather than individual tissues or organs;coordination of expression of genes among tissues;characterization of promoters of stress-responsive genes;interrelation between mechanisms for tolerance to,and growth recovery from the stress;hexose metabolism as well as the glycolysis pathway;and foundation genotypes.展开更多
Objective： To evaluate the incidence and clinical outcome of adenosine triphosphate（ATP） plus isoproterenol（ISP）-induced non-pulmonary vein（PV） foci before and after circumferential PV isolation（CPVI） during ...Objective： To evaluate the incidence and clinical outcome of adenosine triphosphate（ATP） plus isoproterenol（ISP）-induced non-pulmonary vein（PV） foci before and after circumferential PV isolation（CPVI） during index ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation（PAF）. Methods： In 80 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for drug-refractory, symptomatic PAF at our hospital from April 2010 to January 2011, atrial fibrillation（AF） was provoked with ATP（20 mg） and ISP（20 μg/min） administration before and after CPVI. The spontaneous initiation of AF was mapped and recorded. Results： Before ablation, AF mostly originating from PVs（PV vs. non-PV, 36/70 vs. 3/70; P〈0.01） was induced in 39 patients with sinus rhythm. CPVI significantly suppressed AF inducibility; however, more non-PV foci were provoked（post-CPVI vs. pre-CPVI, 13/76 vs. 3/70; P=0.016）. Patients with pre- and post-CPVI induced AF（n=49） were divided according to non-PV foci being induced（group N, n=17） or not（group P, n=32）. After mean（19.2±8.2） months follow-up, 88.2%（15/17） and 65.6%（21/32） of patients in groups N and P, respectively, were free from AF recurrence（P=0.088）. Conclusions： ATP＋ISP administration effectively provokes non-PV foci, especially after CPVI in PAF patients. Although in this study difference did not achieve statistical significance, supplementary ablation targeting non-PV foci might benefit clinical outcome.展开更多
With the advancement of retinal imaging,hyperreflective foci(HRF)on optical coherence tomography(OCT)images have gained significant attention as potential biological biomarkers for retinal neuroinflammation.However,th...With the advancement of retinal imaging,hyperreflective foci(HRF)on optical coherence tomography(OCT)images have gained significant attention as potential biological biomarkers for retinal neuroinflammation.However,these biomarkers,represented by HRF,present pose challenges in terms of localization,quantification,and require substantial time and resources.In recent years,the progress and utilization of artificial intelligence(AI)have provided powerful tools for the analysis of biological markers.AI technology enables use machine learning(ML),deep learning(DL)and other technologies to precise characterization of changes in biological biomarkers during disease progression and facilitates quantitative assessments.Based on ophthalmic images,AI has significant implications for early screening,diagnostic grading,treatment efficacy evaluation,treatment recommendations,and prognosis development in common ophthalmic diseases.Moreover,it will help reduce the reliance of the healthcare system on human labor,which has the potential to simplify and expedite clinical trials,enhance the reliability and professionalism of disease management,and improve the prediction of adverse events.This article offers a comprehensive review of the application of AI in combination with HRF on OCT images in ophthalmic diseases including age-related macular degeneration(AMD),diabetic macular edema(DME),retinal vein occlusion(RVO)and other retinal diseases and presents prospects for their utilization.展开更多
Dear Editor,We’re interested in the article by Mo and colleagues about＂Evaluation of hyperreflective foci as a prognostic factor of visual outcome in retinal vein occlusion＂.They performed a multiple linear regress...Dear Editor,We’re interested in the article by Mo and colleagues about＂Evaluation of hyperreflective foci as a prognostic factor of visual outcome in retinal vein occlusion＂.They performed a multiple linear regression analysis with backward elimination to analyse the association of best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）with the numbers of hyperreflective foci（HF）in different layers.展开更多
In this paper, we investigate the existence of local limit cycles obtained by perturbing degenerate and weak foci of two-dimensional cubic systems of differential equations. In particular, we consider a specific class...In this paper, we investigate the existence of local limit cycles obtained by perturbing degenerate and weak foci of two-dimensional cubic systems of differential equations. In particular, we consider a specific class of such systems where the origin is a degenerate focus. By utilizing a Liapunov function method and the stability results that follow, we first determine constraints on the system to maximize the number of local limit cycles that can be obtained by perturbing the degenerate focus at the origin. Once this is established, we add on the additional assumption that the system has a weak focus at , where , and determine conditions to maximize the number of additional local limit cycles that can be obtained near this fixed point. We will ultimately achieve an example of a cubic system with three local limit cycles about the degenerate focus and one local limit cycle about the weak focus.展开更多
AIM:To study the genetic alteration in ACF and to define the possibility that ACF may be a very early morphological lesion with molecular changes,and to explore the relationship between ACF and colorectal adenoma even...AIM:To study the genetic alteration in ACF and to define the possibility that ACF may be a very early morphological lesion with molecular changes,and to explore the relationship between ACF and colorectal adenoma even carcinoma. METHODS: DNA from 35 CRC, 15 adenomas, 34 ACF and 10 normal mucus was isolated by means of microdissection. Direct gene sequencing of K-ras gene including codon 12, 13 and 61 as well as the mutation cluster region (MCR) of APC gene was performed. RESULTS: K-ras gene mutation frequency in ACF, adenoma and carcinoma was 17.6% (6/34), 13.3% (2/15), and 14.3% (5/35) respectively, showing no difference (P 】 0.05) in K-ras gene mutation among three pathologic procedures. The K-ras gene mutation in adenoma, carcinoma and 4 ACF restricted in codon 12 (GGT GAT), but the other 2 mutations from ACF located in codon 13 (GGC GAC). K-ras gene mutation was found more frequently in older patients and patients with polypoid cancer. No mutation in codon 61 was found in the three tissue types. Mutation rate of APC gene in adenoma and carcinoma was 22.9% (8/35) and 26.7% (4/15), which was higher than ACF (2.9%) (P 【0.05). APC gene mutation in carcinoma was not correlated with age of patients, location, size and differentiation of tumor. CONCLUSION: ACF might be a very early morphological lesion in the tumorogenesis of colorectal tumor. The morphological feature and gene mutation status was different in ACF and adenoma. ACF is possibly putative microadenoma that might be the precursor of adenoma. In addition, the development of a subgroup of colorectal carcinomas might undergo a way of normal epithelium ACF carcinomas .展开更多
Translocator protein positron emission tomography(TSPO-PET)is a novel imaging modality that leverages the high expression of TSPO in activated microglia and other cells within seizure foci.It has been increasingly app...Translocator protein positron emission tomography(TSPO-PET)is a novel imaging modality that leverages the high expression of TSPO in activated microglia and other cells within seizure foci.It has been increasingly applied in the preoperative evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy(DRE)to aid in the localization of these foci.With advances in tracer development,TSPO-PET has achieved higher signal-to-noise ratios and broader clinical utility.Clinical studies indicate that TSPO-PET yields significantly higher positive detection rates for seizure foci compared to magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.This review summarizes recent progress in TSPO-PET radiotracer technology,its mechanism of action,and its clinical applications for managing DRE.展开更多
To confirm the existence of point mutations in the SSU rDNA variable regions of 5 Leishmania donovani (L d ) isolates from different epidemic foci in China Methods Specific SSU rDNA fragments from nuclear DNA of 7...To confirm the existence of point mutations in the SSU rDNA variable regions of 5 Leishmania donovani (L d ) isolates from different epidemic foci in China Methods Specific SSU rDNA fragments from nuclear DNA of 7 Leishmania species/isolates were amplified by PCR and then cloned into pGEM R T Easy Vectors After that, the specific fragments were sequenced by an automated DNA sequencer Results Sequence analysis showed that the amplified DNA fragments of 7 Leishmania species/isolates were all 392 bp in length All 5 point mutations were located in two unique sequence blocks (UQ Ⅰ and UQ Ⅱ), and no insertions or deletions were found The identities of comparison of Leishmania in GeneBank were more than 98% Conclusion Five point mutations exist in the SSU rDNA variable region of 5 L d isolates from different epidemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in China Sequence differences of the SSU rDNA variable region exist among L d isolates from different foci展开更多
Background:Schistosoma mansoni,causing intestinal schistosomiasis,is widely distributed in Ethiopia and new transmission foci are continually reported.Here we report new transmission sites and prevalence ofS.mansoni i...Background:Schistosoma mansoni,causing intestinal schistosomiasis,is widely distributed in Ethiopia and new transmission foci are continually reported.Here we report new transmission sites and prevalence ofS.mansoni infection among school children in Yachi areas,southwestern Ethiopia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among school children of Yachi Yisa and Yachi Efo elementary schools,southwestern Ethiopia,from April 2017 to June 2017.Three hundred seventeen school children aged six to 15 years were randomly selected to provide stool specimens for helminth infection examination by Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques.Snail survey was carried out to assess schistosome infection inBiomphalaria pfeifferi.Laboratory bred mice were also exposed to schistosome cercariae shed byB.pfeifferi en masse for definite identification ofSchistosoma species.Results:From the 317 stool specimens examined using double Kato-Katz thick smear and single formol-ether concentration techniques,224(70.7%)were found positive for at least one intestinal helminth species.The most prevalent parasite wasS.mansoni(42.9%)followed byTrichuris trichiura(34.1%)andAscaris lumbricoides(14.2%).The prevalence ofS.mansoni infection was significantly higher among the children attending Yachi Yisa School(49.4%)than those in Yachi Efo School(35.6%)(P=0.002).The study also revealed that there was a significantly higher prevalence ofS.mansoni infection among males(51.2%)than females(33.1%)(P<0.001).However,the prevalence ofS.mansoni infection was not significantly associated with age categories(P=0.839).B.pfeifferi snails infected with schistosomes were collected from the water bodies found in the study area.After six weeks post exposure,adultS.mansoni worms were harvested from the mesenteric veins of laboratory bred mice.Conclusions:The study revealed establishment of newS.mansoni transmission foci and moderate prevalence of schistosomiasis in Yachi areas.Hence,treatment of all school-age children once every two years is recommended.Snail control and non-specific control approaches including provision of clean water supply and health education should also complement mass drug administration of praziquantel.展开更多
The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still an unresolved mystery.In this study,we systematically reviewed the main research progress of wild animals carrying virus highly homologous to SARS-CoV-2 and analyzed the natural foci ...The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still an unresolved mystery.In this study,we systematically reviewed the main research progress of wild animals carrying virus highly homologous to SARS-CoV-2 and analyzed the natural foci characteristics of SARS-CoV-2.The complexity of SARS-CoV-2 origin in wild animals and the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 long-term existence in human populations are also discussed.The joint investigation of corona virus carried by wildlife,as well as the ecology and patho-ecology of bats and other wildlife,are key measures to further clarify the characteristics of natural foci of SARS-CoV-2 and actively defend against future outbreaks of emerging zoonotic diseases.展开更多
文摘AIM：To evaluate the potential role of hyperreflective foci（HF） as a prognostic indicator of visual outcome in patients with macular edema（ME） due to retinal vein occlusion（RVO）.METHODS：We retrospectively reviewed 50 eyes of 50 patients with ME due to ischemic central retinal vein occlusion（CRVO）,non-ischemic CRVO and branch retinal vein occlusion（BRVO） who were treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor（anti-VEGF） at Beijing Tongren Eye Center from January 2013 to July 2016.All patients underwent best-corrected visual acuity（BCVA）,spectral domain optical coherence tomography（SD-OCT） at baseline and follow-up.Such factors were evaluated and compared among three groups as baseline and final BCVA,central retinal thickness（CRT）,external limiting membrane（ELM） status and the numbers of HF in different position.Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between baseline HF and final BCVA.Changes of HF before and after treatment were evaluated too.RESULTS：Among three groups,HF could be located in each retinal layers,as well as in vitreous cavity.The mean HF in outer retinal layer（ORL） at baseline was 5.29±8.48 in ischemic CRVO with intact ELM,1.93±2.76 in non-ischemic CRVO,and 1.75±2.05 in BRVO.With disrupted ELM,the mean HF in ORL increased.There was statistically difference of HF in ORL between intact and disrupted ELM.The numbers of HF in ORL were associated with poor visual outcome among three groups.However,HF in inner retinal layer（IRL） and vitreous cavity were not associated with poor visual outcome.Meanwhile,the baseline HF in ORL and vitreous cavity reduced significantly in nonischemic CRVO and BRVO after anti-VEGF treatment.CONCLUSION：The numbers of HF in ORL are prognostic factors associated with the final BCVA in patients with ME due to RVO after anti-VEGF treatment.
基金Supported by Health Canada,Government of Canada,Canada
文摘The pathogenesis of colon cancer involves sequential and multistep progression of epithelial cells initiated to a cancerous state with defined precancerous intermediaries. Aberrant crypt foci （ACF） represent the earliest identifiable intermediate precancerous lesions during colon carcinogenesis in both laboratory animals and humans. ACF are easily induced by colon-specific carcinogens in rodents and can be used to learn more about the process of colon carcinogenesis. For over two decades, since its first discovery, azoxymethane （AOM）-induced rodent ACF have served as surrogate biomarkers in the screening of various anticarcinogens and carcinogens. Several dietary constituents and phytochemicals have been tested for their colon cancer chemopreventive efficacy using the ACF system. There has been substantial effort in defining and refining ACF in terms of understanding their molecular make-up, and extensive research in this field is currently in progress. In chemoprevention studies, AOM-induced rat ACF have been very successful as biomarkers, and have provided several standardized analyses of data. There have been several studies that have reported that ACF data do not correlate to actual colon tumor outcome, however, and hence there has been an ambiguity about their role as biomarkers. The scope of this mini-review is to provide valuable insights and limitations of AOM-induced rat ACF as biomarkers in colon cancer chemoprevention studies. The role of the dynamics and biological heterogeneity of ACF is critical in understanding them as biomarkers in chemoprevention studies.
基金Supported by Grant-in-Aid for Research on the Third Term Comprehensive Control Research for Cancer from the Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare,Japan to Nakajima Aa grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation (NBIO) to Nakajima Aa grant from the Ministry of Education,Culture,Sports,Science and Technology,Japan (KIBAN-B) to Nakajima A and (KIBAN-C) to Takahashi H
文摘AIM:To clarify the relationship of human rectal aberrant crypt foci and formation of colorectal polyp.METHODS:Eighty-nine subjects were recruited from the population of Japanese individuals who underwent polypectomy at Yokohama City University Hospital.All patients had baseline adenomas removed at year 0 colonoscopy.Aberrant crypt foci(ACF) were defined as lesions in which the crypts were more darkly stained with methylene blue than normal crypts and had larger diameters,often with oval or slit-like lumens and a thicker epithelial lining.RESULTS:A total of 366 ACFs were identified in 89 patients;all had baseline adenomas removed at the first examination(year 0) colonoscopy and returned for the second(year 1).ACF in the lower rectum were assessed at year 0 and study group were divided into two groups depend on ACF numbers,0-3 or over 3.All participants were examined in the number and maximum size of adenoma.There was no statistical difference in number and maximum size of ACF at year 0,however,maximum size of adenoma was larger in over 3 group than 0-3 group at year 1.CONCLUSION:The number of ACF may be a predictive factor of relatively large adenoma incidence in the pilot phase study.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(2011CB100100)the 948 Program from the Ministry of Agriculture of China(2001-205)+2 种基金the Development Programs for Guangxi Science and Technology Research,China(Guikegong 10100005-4 and 0228019-6)the Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Microbial and Plant Genetic Engineering,China(Director’s grant-06-11)the Opening Project of Guangxi Key Laboratory of Subtropical Bioresource Conservation and Utilization,China(SB0601)
文摘Genetic and metabolic engineering approaches are powerful tools for improving the tolerance of maize to abiotic stresses because they are faster and can afford greater control over agronomically useful traits.However,in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling response to abiotic stresses is the prerequisite for successful implementation of these strategies.A great flaw to dissect the biological mechanisms by genome sequencing is that genome sequencing approach could not reflect real-time molecular actions of plants especially under the stresses because the living organisms rarely live in unchanging environments.Post-genomics such as transcriptomics,metabolomics,and proteomics can generate knowledge that is closer to the biological processes.With the development of post-genomics,it can be expected that voluminous data will be generated.This paper proposes that future research on maize stress tolerance in the era of post-genomics should focus on metabolomics and proteomics;stress tolerance of whole plant rather than individual tissues or organs;coordination of expression of genes among tissues;characterization of promoters of stress-responsive genes;interrelation between mechanisms for tolerance to,and growth recovery from the stress;hexose metabolism as well as the glycolysis pathway;and foundation genotypes.
文摘Objective： To evaluate the incidence and clinical outcome of adenosine triphosphate（ATP） plus isoproterenol（ISP）-induced non-pulmonary vein（PV） foci before and after circumferential PV isolation（CPVI） during index ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation（PAF）. Methods： In 80 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for drug-refractory, symptomatic PAF at our hospital from April 2010 to January 2011, atrial fibrillation（AF） was provoked with ATP（20 mg） and ISP（20 μg/min） administration before and after CPVI. The spontaneous initiation of AF was mapped and recorded. Results： Before ablation, AF mostly originating from PVs（PV vs. non-PV, 36/70 vs. 3/70; P〈0.01） was induced in 39 patients with sinus rhythm. CPVI significantly suppressed AF inducibility; however, more non-PV foci were provoked（post-CPVI vs. pre-CPVI, 13/76 vs. 3/70; P=0.016）. Patients with pre- and post-CPVI induced AF（n=49） were divided according to non-PV foci being induced（group N, n=17） or not（group P, n=32）. After mean（19.2±8.2） months follow-up, 88.2%（15/17） and 65.6%（21/32） of patients in groups N and P, respectively, were free from AF recurrence（P=0.088）. Conclusions： ATP＋ISP administration effectively provokes non-PV foci, especially after CPVI in PAF patients. Although in this study difference did not achieve statistical significance, supplementary ablation targeting non-PV foci might benefit clinical outcome.
基金Supported by Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.LGF22H120013)the Ningbo Natural Science Foundation(No.2023J209,No.2021J023)+2 种基金Ningbo Medical Science and Technology Project(No.2021Y57)Ningbo Yinzhou District Agricultural Community Development Science and Technology Project(No.2022AS022)Ningbo Eye Hospital Scientific Technology Plan Project and Talent Introduction Start Subject(No.2022RC001).
文摘With the advancement of retinal imaging,hyperreflective foci(HRF)on optical coherence tomography(OCT)images have gained significant attention as potential biological biomarkers for retinal neuroinflammation.However,these biomarkers,represented by HRF,present pose challenges in terms of localization,quantification,and require substantial time and resources.In recent years,the progress and utilization of artificial intelligence(AI)have provided powerful tools for the analysis of biological markers.AI technology enables use machine learning(ML),deep learning(DL)and other technologies to precise characterization of changes in biological biomarkers during disease progression and facilitates quantitative assessments.Based on ophthalmic images,AI has significant implications for early screening,diagnostic grading,treatment efficacy evaluation,treatment recommendations,and prognosis development in common ophthalmic diseases.Moreover,it will help reduce the reliance of the healthcare system on human labor,which has the potential to simplify and expedite clinical trials,enhance the reliability and professionalism of disease management,and improve the prediction of adverse events.This article offers a comprehensive review of the application of AI in combination with HRF on OCT images in ophthalmic diseases including age-related macular degeneration(AMD),diabetic macular edema(DME),retinal vein occlusion(RVO)and other retinal diseases and presents prospects for their utilization.
文摘Dear Editor,We’re interested in the article by Mo and colleagues about＂Evaluation of hyperreflective foci as a prognostic factor of visual outcome in retinal vein occlusion＂.They performed a multiple linear regression analysis with backward elimination to analyse the association of best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）with the numbers of hyperreflective foci（HF）in different layers.
文摘In this paper, we investigate the existence of local limit cycles obtained by perturbing degenerate and weak foci of two-dimensional cubic systems of differential equations. In particular, we consider a specific class of such systems where the origin is a degenerate focus. By utilizing a Liapunov function method and the stability results that follow, we first determine constraints on the system to maximize the number of local limit cycles that can be obtained by perturbing the degenerate focus at the origin. Once this is established, we add on the additional assumption that the system has a weak focus at , where , and determine conditions to maximize the number of additional local limit cycles that can be obtained near this fixed point. We will ultimately achieve an example of a cubic system with three local limit cycles about the degenerate focus and one local limit cycle about the weak focus.
基金This subject is supported by the Fund for Returned Scientists and Scholars,[1999]363.Chinese Ministry of Education.
文摘AIM:To study the genetic alteration in ACF and to define the possibility that ACF may be a very early morphological lesion with molecular changes,and to explore the relationship between ACF and colorectal adenoma even carcinoma. METHODS: DNA from 35 CRC, 15 adenomas, 34 ACF and 10 normal mucus was isolated by means of microdissection. Direct gene sequencing of K-ras gene including codon 12, 13 and 61 as well as the mutation cluster region (MCR) of APC gene was performed. RESULTS: K-ras gene mutation frequency in ACF, adenoma and carcinoma was 17.6% (6/34), 13.3% (2/15), and 14.3% (5/35) respectively, showing no difference (P 】 0.05) in K-ras gene mutation among three pathologic procedures. The K-ras gene mutation in adenoma, carcinoma and 4 ACF restricted in codon 12 (GGT GAT), but the other 2 mutations from ACF located in codon 13 (GGC GAC). K-ras gene mutation was found more frequently in older patients and patients with polypoid cancer. No mutation in codon 61 was found in the three tissue types. Mutation rate of APC gene in adenoma and carcinoma was 22.9% (8/35) and 26.7% (4/15), which was higher than ACF (2.9%) (P 【0.05). APC gene mutation in carcinoma was not correlated with age of patients, location, size and differentiation of tumor. CONCLUSION: ACF might be a very early morphological lesion in the tumorogenesis of colorectal tumor. The morphological feature and gene mutation status was different in ACF and adenoma. ACF is possibly putative microadenoma that might be the precursor of adenoma. In addition, the development of a subgroup of colorectal carcinomas might undergo a way of normal epithelium ACF carcinomas .
基金supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC2503803).
文摘Translocator protein positron emission tomography(TSPO-PET)is a novel imaging modality that leverages the high expression of TSPO in activated microglia and other cells within seizure foci.It has been increasingly applied in the preoperative evaluation of drug-resistant epilepsy(DRE)to aid in the localization of these foci.With advances in tracer development,TSPO-PET has achieved higher signal-to-noise ratios and broader clinical utility.Clinical studies indicate that TSPO-PET yields significantly higher positive detection rates for seizure foci compared to magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.This review summarizes recent progress in TSPO-PET radiotracer technology,its mechanism of action,and its clinical applications for managing DRE.
基金ThisprojectwassupportedbyagrantfromtheNationalNaturalScienceFoundationofChina (No 39970 667)
文摘To confirm the existence of point mutations in the SSU rDNA variable regions of 5 Leishmania donovani (L d ) isolates from different epidemic foci in China Methods Specific SSU rDNA fragments from nuclear DNA of 7 Leishmania species/isolates were amplified by PCR and then cloned into pGEM R T Easy Vectors After that, the specific fragments were sequenced by an automated DNA sequencer Results Sequence analysis showed that the amplified DNA fragments of 7 Leishmania species/isolates were all 392 bp in length All 5 point mutations were located in two unique sequence blocks (UQ Ⅰ and UQ Ⅱ), and no insertions or deletions were found The identities of comparison of Leishmania in GeneBank were more than 98% Conclusion Five point mutations exist in the SSU rDNA variable region of 5 L d isolates from different epidemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in China Sequence differences of the SSU rDNA variable region exist among L d isolates from different foci
基金We sincerely thank the School of Graduate Studies,Addis Ababa University for financial support.
文摘Background:Schistosoma mansoni,causing intestinal schistosomiasis,is widely distributed in Ethiopia and new transmission foci are continually reported.Here we report new transmission sites and prevalence ofS.mansoni infection among school children in Yachi areas,southwestern Ethiopia.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted among school children of Yachi Yisa and Yachi Efo elementary schools,southwestern Ethiopia,from April 2017 to June 2017.Three hundred seventeen school children aged six to 15 years were randomly selected to provide stool specimens for helminth infection examination by Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration techniques.Snail survey was carried out to assess schistosome infection inBiomphalaria pfeifferi.Laboratory bred mice were also exposed to schistosome cercariae shed byB.pfeifferi en masse for definite identification ofSchistosoma species.Results:From the 317 stool specimens examined using double Kato-Katz thick smear and single formol-ether concentration techniques,224(70.7%)were found positive for at least one intestinal helminth species.The most prevalent parasite wasS.mansoni(42.9%)followed byTrichuris trichiura(34.1%)andAscaris lumbricoides(14.2%).The prevalence ofS.mansoni infection was significantly higher among the children attending Yachi Yisa School(49.4%)than those in Yachi Efo School(35.6%)(P=0.002).The study also revealed that there was a significantly higher prevalence ofS.mansoni infection among males(51.2%)than females(33.1%)(P<0.001).However,the prevalence ofS.mansoni infection was not significantly associated with age categories(P=0.839).B.pfeifferi snails infected with schistosomes were collected from the water bodies found in the study area.After six weeks post exposure,adultS.mansoni worms were harvested from the mesenteric veins of laboratory bred mice.Conclusions:The study revealed establishment of newS.mansoni transmission foci and moderate prevalence of schistosomiasis in Yachi areas.Hence,treatment of all school-age children once every two years is recommended.Snail control and non-specific control approaches including provision of clean water supply and health education should also complement mass drug administration of praziquantel.
基金This work was supported by the State Key Research Development Program of China(2019YFC1200601,2019YFC1200500,2019YFC1200700).
文摘The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still an unresolved mystery.In this study,we systematically reviewed the main research progress of wild animals carrying virus highly homologous to SARS-CoV-2 and analyzed the natural foci characteristics of SARS-CoV-2.The complexity of SARS-CoV-2 origin in wild animals and the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 long-term existence in human populations are also discussed.The joint investigation of corona virus carried by wildlife,as well as the ecology and patho-ecology of bats and other wildlife,are key measures to further clarify the characteristics of natural foci of SARS-CoV-2 and actively defend against future outbreaks of emerging zoonotic diseases.
