Visual electrophysiological assessment of children with poor response to treatment for functional amblyopia

AIM:To assess the visual electrophysiological outcomes in children with functional amblyopia who exhibited poor response to conventional treatment.METHODS:Twenty-one children with functional amblyopia,aged 5.7±2.1y(range:4-10y),underwent comprehensive ophthalmic and refractive evaluations.Spectral domain-optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)and multifocal electroretinography(mfERG)were conducted to analyze the macular retinal thickness and the first-order response P1 ring of the mfERG in the amblyopic eye(AE)compared to the fellow good eye(GE).RESULTS:Initially,visual acuity in the AE ranged from 20/800 to 20/40,while the GE exhibited a range of 20/25 to 20/20(P<0.01).After 6mo of treatment,17 patients demonstrated improved visual acuity in the AE to 20/50 or better,while 4 children showed no improvement.SD-OCT revealed comparable macular and optic disc structures between the AE and GE.Prior to treatment,the mfERG P1 ring amplitude was significantly reduced in the AE compared to GE(P<0.05).The AE/GE ratio of P1 ring amplitude showed significant improvement post-treatment.However,a smaller AE/GE ratio before treatment was associated with poorer improvement post-treatment.CONCLUSION:In the management of functional amblyopia,a thorough assessment of amblyopic eye examinations is crucial.Approximately 20%of amblyopic eyes may not achieve significant improvement in visual acuity,despite the absence of detectable organic retinal abnormalities.mfERG may reveal underlying abnormalities.Integrating mfERG into initial assessments or treatment follow-ups can aid in identifying potential hidden retinal defects and predicting the prognosis of the amblyopic eye.

基于Tv-SECOND的自动驾驶场景下的3D目标检测

针对自动驾驶场景中复杂环境下的3D目标检测任务,特别是远距离和遮挡条件下,为提高模型的检测准确率,在SECOND的基础上提出了Tv-SECOND两阶段算法。该算法提出一种基于Transformer架构的提案框特征提取模块,并在传统体素特征编码基础上提出可变形的体素特征编码模块。在KITTI数据集上进行测试,结果显示,所提出的算法相比SECOND在远距离和遮挡严重的情况下分别提高了7.49%、9.72%。同时与其他先进的两阶段方法相比,检测精度有不同程度的提升,证明了Tv-SECOND算法的有效性。新算法能够建立特征之间的依赖关系,聚合周边广域的上下文信息,增强模型的学习推理能力,有效提升了模型在远距离和遮挡的情况下的检测性能。

Diagnosis of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the stomach by confocal laser endomicroscopy:A case report

BACKGROUND In recent years,confocal laser endomicroscopy(CLE)has become a new endoscopic imaging technology at the microscopic level,which is extensively performed for real-time in vivo histological examination.CLE can be performed to distinguish benign from malignant lesions.In this study,we diagnosed using CLE an asymptomatic patient with poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old woman was diagnosed with gastric mucosal lesions,which may be gastric cancer,in the small curvature of the stomach by gastroscopy.She consented to undergo CLE for morphological observation of the gastric mucosa.Through the combination of CLE diagnosis and postoperative pathology,the intraoperative CLE diagnosis was considered to be reliable.According to our experience,CLE can be performed as the first choice for the diagnosis of gastric cancer.CONCLUSION CLE has several advantages over pathological diagnosis.We believe that CLE has great potential in the diagnosis of benign and malignant gastric lesions.

Development,characterization and solubility enhancement of comparative dissolution study of second generation of solid dispersions and microspheres for poorly water soluble drug

The poor dissolution characteristics of water-insoluble drugs are a major challenge for pharmaceutical scientists.Reduction of the particle size/increase in the surface area of the drug is a widely used and relatively simple method for increasing dissolution rates.The objective of this study was to improve solubility,release and comparability of dissolution of a poorly soluble drug using two different types of formulations(solid dispersions and microspheres).Hydrochlorothiazide was used as a model drug.The solid dispersions and microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation method using ethyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in different drug-to-carrier ratios(1:1,1:2 w:w).The prepared formulations were evaluated for interaction study by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,differential scanning calorimetry,percentage of practical yield,drug loading,surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy,optical microscopy and in-vitro release studies.The results showed no interaction between the drug and polymer,amorphous state of solid dispersions and microspheres,percentage yield of 42.53%to 78.10%,drug content of 99.60%to 99.64%,good spherical appearance in formulation VI and significant increase in the dissolution rate.

Associated Factors to Poor Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensives Followed Up at the Campus University Hospital of Lome (Togo)

Introduction: Hypertension is a real public health issue and its control is very difficult. We aim to determine the frequency of uncontrolled hypertension in hypertensive patients followed up as an outpatient at the campus university hospital of Lome (Togo) and to search for the associated factors. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical, carried out from February (2022) to August 2022 in 260 hypertensive patients aged 22 years old, followed up (on an) as an outpatient for at least 3 months at the Lome University Hospital campus. A univariate then multivariate analysis were conducted in order to highlight the most common factors significantly linked to uncontrolled. Results: The mean age of hypertensives was 56.4 ± 12.7 years, the sex ratio (M/F) was 0.59. Prevalence of uncontrolled blood pressure was 42%. Associated Factors to poor blood pressure control in our study were age > 60 years (OR = 1.6 CI [1.17 - 2.50]), low socio-economic level (OR = 2.2 CI [1.96 - 4.33]), high cardiovascular risk level (OR = 3.1 CI [2.18 - 4.52]), non-adherence to regular blood pressure monitoring (OR = 3.3 CI [2.21 - 5.55]), low compliance to treatment (OR = 4.1 CI [2.33 - 6.76]) and a chronic renal failure (OR = 2.1 CI [1.21 - 3.10]). Conclusion: Nearly half of the hypertensives in our study had poorly controlled blood pressure by antihypertensive treatment medication. The factors of this poor control were age > 60 years, low socio-economic level, high or very high level of cardiovascular risk, low compliance to treatment, and renal failure.

Gallbladder carcinosarcoma with a poor prognosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder is a rare malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis.To date,only approximately 100 patients have been reported in the English literature.The prognosis of this tumor type is poor,the preoperative diagnosis is difficult,and there is a possibility of a misdiagnosis.We present an unsuccessful case of carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder with a preoperative misdiagnosis and rapid early postoperative recurrence.Therefore,we have a deeper understanding of the poor prognosis of gallbladder carcinosarcoma(GBC)patients.CASE SUMMARY The patient is a 65-year-old male.He was admitted to the hospital because of right upper abdomen distending pain and discomfort for half a month.Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed a polycystic mass in the right lobe of the liver and the fossa of the gallbladder.After admission,the patient was diagnosed with a liver abscess,which was treated by abscess puncture drainage.Obviously,this treatment was unsuccessful.Hepatectomy and cholecystectomy were performed one month after the puncture.Postoperative pathologic examination revealed carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder,and the resected specimen contained two tumor components.One month after surgery,the patient's tumor recurred in situ and started to compress the duodenum,resulting in duodenal obstruction and bleeding.The treatment was not effective.The patient died of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock.CONCLUSION Carcinosarcoma of the gallbladder is a rare malignant tumor that is easily misdiagnosed preoperatively and has a poor prognosis.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Epidemiological, Clinical Aspects and Predictive Factors of Poor Renal Prognosis (About 300 Cases)

Introduction: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common, multisystemic, and progressive hereditary disease. It accounts for 6 to 8% of incident cases of end-stage chronic renal disease (ESRD) in developed countries. The aim of this study is to describe the predictive factors for the development of end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the course of this disease. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study including 300 cases of ADPKD collected at the Nephrology Department of Ibn-Sina Hospital in Rabat over a period of 30 years (1993 to 2023). Included in the study are all patients with ADPKD meeting the ultrasound diagnostic criteria. The analysis focused on demographic, clinical, paraclinical, evolutionary data, as well as prognostic factors associated with renal function deterioration. Results: The mean age of patients at diagnosis is 51.53 +/− 17 years [16 - 93] with a male predominance. The median serum creatinine at diagnosis is 15.5 mg/l [10 - 34]. 21% of patients had ESRD (eGFR 300 mg/24h (21%). The most common cystic complication is hemorrhage (12.3%). 21.3% of patients had hepatorenal polycystic disease. In adjusted analysis, the predictive risk factors for the occurrence of ESRD were smoking (p = 0.019), anemia (p Conclusion: ADPKD can progress insidiously to ESRD. Identification and early treatment of predictive factors for poor renal prognosis could contribute to a better outcome for this disease.

Spontaneous Abortions in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Research and Analysis of Factors Associated at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala

Introduction: Spontaneous abortion of the second trimester is an interruption of pregnancy with complete expulsion or not of the product of conception between 15 and 28 weeks of pregnancy without any maneuvers. The objective of our study was to determine the factors associated with second trimester spontaneous abortions at Laquintinie Hospital in Douala. Methodology for this purpose: We conducted a case-control study from January to May 2019 on pregnant women who may or may not have had spontaneous second trimester abortions. Results: In total we recorded 1609 pregnancies and recruited 184 patients, including 46 cases and 138 controls;which gave a frequency of spontaneous abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy of 2.85%. A correlative analysis showed that spontaneous abortions in the second trimester were associated with housewife status (OR = 2.89;CI = 1.21 - 6.79;p = 0.010), gestation > 5 (OR = 4.09;CI = 1.02 - 17.66;p = 0.040), multiparity (OR = 3.81;CI = 1.59 - 9.16;p = 0.002), history of endouterine maneuvers (OR = 5.64;CI = 2.43 - 13 .03;p = 0.000), malaria in pregnancy (OR = 3.99;CI = 1.1 - 14.76;p = 0.030), incompleteness on the second trimester ultrasound (OR = 2.37;CI = 1.18 - 4.70;p = 0.010), jolts when traveling (OR = 46.04;CI = 17.29 - 123.66;p = 0.000), long car journeys (OR = 7.05;CI = 1.99 - 27.77;p = 0.000). After logistic regression eliminating the confounding factors, only the following were associated with abortions: Multiparity (OR = 13.90;CI = 2.96 - 65.18;p = 0.000), endo uterine maneuvers (OR = 3.69;CI = 1. 01 - 13.44;p = 0.047), jolts when traveling (OR = 72.63;CI = 19.47 - 270.96;p = 0.000), long car journeys (OR = 15.41;CI = 2.7 - 85, 95;p = 0.000). Conclusion: Our study reveals that a set of factors contribute to the occurrence of spontaneous abortions in the second trimester of pregnancy in our context.

Electrostatic spraying for fine-tuning particle dimensions to enhance oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

While spray-drying has been widely utilized to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs,the outcomes often exhibit suboptimal particle size distribution and large particle sizes,limiting their effectiveness.In this study,we introduce electrostatic spraying as an advanced technology tailored for poorly water-soluble drugs,enabling the fabrication of nanoparticles with fine and uniform particle size distribution.Regorafenib(1 g),as a model drug,copovidone(5 g),and sodium dodecyl sulfate(0.1 g)were dissolved in 200 ml ethanol and subjected to conventional-spray-dryer and electrostatic spray dryer.The electrostatic spray-dried nanoparticles(ESDN)showed smaller particle sizes with better uniformity compared to conventional spray-dried nanoparticles(CSDN).ESDN demonstrated significantly enhanced solubility and rapid release in water.In vitro studies revealed that ESDN induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells to a greater extent,exhibiting superior cytotoxicity compared to CSDN.Furthermore,ESDN substantially improved oral bioavailability and antitumor efficacy compared to CSDN.These findings suggest that ESD shows potential in developing enhanced drug delivery systems for poorly water-soluble drugs,effectively addressing the limitations associated with CSD methods.

Understanding the catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of second-promoter doped Pt/WO_(χ)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3) catalysts in the glycerol hydrogenolysis for selective and cleaner production of 1,3-propanediol

The selective aqueous-phase glycerol hydrogenolysis is a promising reaction to produce commercially useful 1,3-propanediol(1,3-PDO).The Pt-WOx bifunctional catalyst can catalyse the glycerol hydrogenol-ysis but the catalyst deactivation via sintering,metal leaching,and coking can predominantly occur in the aqueous phase reaction.In this work,the effect of reaction temperature,pressure and second promoter(Cu,Fe,Rh,Mn,Re,Ru,Ir,Sn,B,and P)on catalytic performance and deactivation behaviour of Pt/WOx/-Al2O3 was investigated.When doped with Rh,Mn,Re,Ru,Ir,B,and P,the second promoter boosts catalytic activity by promoting great dispersion of Pt on support and increasing Pt surface area.The increased Bronsted acid sites lead to selective synthesis of 1,3-PDO than 1,2-propanediol(1,2-PDO).The characterization studies of fresh and spent catalysts reveal that the main cause of catalyst deactivation is the Pt sintering,as interpreted based on XRD,CO chemisorption,and TEM analyses.The Pt sintering is affected depending on the second promoter that can either or reduce the interaction between Pt,WO_(χ)/γ and Al_(2)O_(3).As an electron acceptor of Pt in Pt/WO_(χ)/γ-Al_(2)O_(3),Re and Mn as second promoters resulted in increased Pt^(2+) on the catalytic surface,which strengthens the contact between Pt andγ-Al_(2)O_(3) and WO_(χ),resulting in a decrease in Pt sintering.The metal leaching and coking are not affected by the presence of second promoter.The catalyst modified with a second promoter possesses improved catalytic activity and 1,3-PDO production,however the stability continues to remain a challenge.The present work unrav-elled the determining parameters of catalytic activity and deactivation,thus providing a promising pro-tocol toward effective catalysts for glycerol hydrogenolysis.

A Review of Event-Related Potential Applications in Second Language Acquisition Research

Event-related potentials(ERPs)are a non-invasive neuro-electrophysiological technique that offers high resolution,real-time continuous measurements,as well as multidimensional probing capabilities,of the temple area of the head.These features enable precise,real-time brain activity measurements,making ERPs a preferred tool for linguistic researchers over the past five decades.This paper reviews the ERP applications and their significance in Second Language Acquisition(SLA)research.By analyzing the cognitive changes in the bilingual language processing mechanisms and language switching processes during SLA,this paper aims to demonstrate how ERPs provide in-depth insights into the cognitive mechanisms of SLA.In addition,this paper explores the prospects for ERP applications and the directions for their technological advancement in China.

Effect of Six Bacterial Strains on the Activity of Second Instar Larvae and Egg Hatching of Meloidogyne incognita

[Objectives]The paper was to screen effective biocontrol strains against Meloidogyne incognita.[Methods]The effect of six bacterial strains sourced from the research group s strain library on the activity of second instar larvae of M.incognita,as well as on egg hatching,was evaluated.[Results]The treatment of fermentation supernatant derived from the X-2 strain exhibited a pronounced lethal effect on M.incognita,with a corrected mortality rate reaching 97%within 72 h.Additionally,this treatment significantly inhibited egg hatching,achieving an inhibition rate of 94.69%at a 20-fold dilution.The strain was identified as Bacillus velezensis,belonging to the genus Bacillus,and was designated as RKN1111.[Conclusions]This study presents alternative strains and a theoretical framework for the biological control of M.incognita.

Researching Creativity in Second Language Acquisition:Book Review

In the realm of psychology and language acquisition,the exploration of“individual differences”-encompassing attributes such as personality traits,motivation,and language aptitude-has long been a focal point of scholarly investigation.Within this sphere,the book“Researching Creativity in Second Language Acquisition”by Ashleigh Pipes offers a fresh perspective on the role of creativity as a significant individual difference in Second Language Acquisition(SLA).Positioned against the backdrop of extensive empirical research on individual differences,this book stands out by focusing on the often overlooked aspect of creativity,which Pipes argues,holds paramount importance in SLA.

Solution of the Matrix Second Semi-Tensor Product Equation A ∘ l X ∘ l B=C

In this paper, the solution of the matrix second semi-tensor product equation A∘lX∘lB=Cis studied. Firstly, the solvability of the matrix-vector second semi-tensor product equation is investigated. At the same time, the compatibility conditions, the sufficient and necessary conditions and the specific solution methods for the matrix solution are given. Secondly, we further consider the solvability of the second semi-tensor product equation of the matrix. For each part, several examples are given to illustrate the validity of the results.

Review and Analysis: Evaluation of the Impacts and Consequences of Using Agricultural Herbicides as Military Chemical Weapons in Second Indochina War

The legacy of the human misery caused by the application of the herbicides including Agent Purple and Agent Orange contaminated with unknown amounts of dioxin TCDD and Agent Blue, the arsenic-based herbicide, sprayed over the jungles, rice fields, and hamlets of Vietnam is still haunting us today. Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? Was it necessary United States military strategy? Was it an intentional decision to inflict this blight on the enemy soldiers and the Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian civilians, to poison their land and cause generations of harm? Alternatively, was it an unpreventable accident in the march of military history? What patterns in the U.S. government’s thought process could be identified as the cause, which led to the decision to use these herbicides as tactical chemical weapons? If the introduction of herbicide (chemical) weapons had not been made, would the outcome of the Vietnam War and the Secret Wars in Laos and Cambodia have been any different? The objective of this treatise is to outline the role of world events and backgrounds and the role of the leaders, U.S. military, CIA, USDA, U.S. State Department, the U.S. President appointed Ambassadors to Vietnam and Laos, chemical companies, and President Diệm’s Republic of Vietnam (RVN) government and military. Their collective advice led to the decision to use herbicides as military and environmental chemical weapons in the Second Indochina War. Were the National interests achieved by U.S. military strategy in the RVN using herbicide weapons worth the long-term environmental and human health consequences in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos? Did it impact the outcome of the Second Indochina War?

Discussion on the Ideological and Political Education for Poor College Students

At present,ideological and political education is significant for poor college students.The focus of funding for poor students has gradually transformed from providing economic support for them to ideological and spiritual help,which puts forward higher requirements on how to carry out ideological and political work.It also requires us to advance the work of ideological and moral education and put it in the most important position in the ideological and educational work for poor college students.Combined with the reality of poor college students,we will adhere to the idea of being student-oriented and endeavor to enhance the effectiveness,pertinence,and relevance of the work of ideological and political education.This paper analyzes the significance and problems of ideological and political education for poor college students and puts forward effective ways to solve the problems from the levels of ideology,cognition,and teaching staff.

Analysis of an Output-Oriented Teaching Method in College English under the Second Language Acquisition Theory

In the context of economic globalization,English has become increasingly essential for students’communication and professional activities,necessitating higher proficiency in speaking and listening.The theory of second language acquisition posits that college English teaching can purposefully guide students’learning and facilitate unconscious language acquisition.By integrating an output-oriented teaching method,students are provided with opportunities to practice and apply English,thereby addressing the traditional issue of“separation of learning and use.”This paper examines the application value of the output-oriented teaching method in college English under the second language acquisition theory and proposes several strategies to enhance college English classroom teaching.The goal is to develop students’linguistic competence and improve their practical English skills.

A Review of Research on Second Language Acquisition from a Positive Psychology Perspective

This paper reviews the research on second language acquisition from the perspective of positive psychology.First,it introduces the background and purpose of the study and discusses the significance of the application of positive psychology in the field of language acquisition.Then,the basic theories of positive psychology,including the core concepts and principles of positive psychology,are summarized.Subsequently,the theory of second language acquisition is defined and outlined,including the definition,characteristics,and related developmental theories of second language acquisition.On this basis,the study of second language acquisition from the perspective of positive psychology is discussed in detail.By combing and synthesizing the literature,this paper summarizes the current situation and trend of second language acquisition research under the perspective of positive psychology and puts forward some future research directions and suggestions.

Industrial Battery State-of-Health Estimation with Incomplete Limited Data Toward Second-Life Applications

Battery state-of-health(SOH)estimation is vital across applications ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles,particularly in second-life applications where accurate prediction becomes complex due to varying degradation levels.This paper introduces a novel SOH estimation model to address the lack of labeled data,employing domain-adversarial neural networks(DANNs)combined with one-dimensional convolutional neural networks(CNNs).The proposed method allows for effective transfer of knowledge between diverse battery conditions,enhancing adaptability and efficiency by utilizing both source and target datasets.Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves a mean absolute error(MAE)of 1.68%and a root mean squared error(RMSE)of 2.50%,with minimal data.Specifically,the model requires only one cell of unlabeled data from the second-life target domain,utilizing only the dQ/dV curve for estimation.Proposed model sets a new standard in second-life battery health monitoring and management by effectively leveraging a minimal amount of data for training,and this approach offers a robust solution for accurate SOH estimation,particularly in scenarios with limited access to labeled data.

Research on the Application of Second Language Acquisition Theory in College English Speech Teaching

The teaching of English speeches in universities aims to enhance oral communication ability,improve English communication skills,and expand English knowledge,occupying a core position in English teaching in universities.This article takes the theory of second language acquisition as the background,analyzes the important role and value of this theory in English speech teaching in universities,and explores how to apply the theory of second language acquisition in English speech teaching in universities.It aims to strengthen the cultivation of English skilled talents and provide a brief reference for improving English speech teaching in universities.