Application of short-pulsed CO_(2) laser and long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of severe hypertrophic port-wine stains

Background:The treatment of port-wine stains(PWS)becomes extremely difficult due to age-related malformation of the vasculature.In this study,we used alternative methods to treat hypertrophic PWS.Methods:A short-pulsed CO_(2) laser was applied to ablate the hypertrophic vasculature of PWS.The ablation was ended when the wound was on the same plane as normal skin.The long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttriumaluminum-garnet(lpNd:YAG)laser was primarily applied to coagulate and subsequently liquefy the hypertrophic vasculature of the PWS.The therapeutic energy used in treating different lesions should be carefully regulated to significantly affect the treatment outcomes.Results:The two cases presented herein demonstrated substantial improvement in hypertrophic vasculature that was largely removed.The skin was resurfaced,although some scar formation and mild hypopigmentation occurred.Conclusion:We suggest the use of short-pulsed CO_(2) and lpNd:YAG lasers for treating certain cases of hypertrophic PWS.When using a short-pulsed CO_(2) laser,it is wise to judge the treatment endpoint and take appropriate precautions to avoid intraoperative bleeding.When using an lpNd:YAG laser,the therapeutic energy should be controlled according to the thickness of the lesion to reduce scar formation.

Advances in photodynamic therapy for port-wine stain and our experience

Port-wine stain(PWS)is a congenital capillary malformation that occurs in 0.3%–0.5%of newborns.The pulsed dye laser is the current gold standard treatment for PWS;however,its efficacy is poor.Photosensitizer photodynamic therapy(PDT)is considered a promising treatment for PWS.Here we provide a comprehensive overview of PDT.

Angiogenesis and proliferation of endothelial cells in hypertrophic and nodular port-wine stain

Background:Port-wine stain(PWS)has been classified not as the hyperplasia of cells,but rather,as an expansion of malformed vessels.However,previous studies have reported upregulated expression of proangiogenic factors in PWS.Several studies have indicated that the pathology exhibits proliferation of numerous endothelial cells in hypertrophic/nodular PWS.This study aimed to determine the expression of vascular epithelial growth factor(VEGF),matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),angiopoietin-2(ANG-2),and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)in hypertrophic PWS.Methods:Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze skin samples from 33 patients with hypertrophic PWS.Expression levels of VEGF,MMP-9,ANG-2,and bFGF in hypertrophic PWS were determined by multiplying the intensity by the percentage of immunoreactive cells.Immunoreactivity scores were classified as follows:negative(0),low(1),moderate(2,3,and 4),or high(6).Results:Based on pathological characteristics,hypertrophic PWS was divided into vascular malformation and pyogenic granuloma(PG)types.VEGF,MMP-9,ANG-2,and bFGF were significantly activated in the blood vessels of PG-type PWS samples compared with their counterparts in blood vessels of vascular malformation-type PWS samples and controls.PG-type hypertrophic PWS,which exhibited proliferation of endothelial cells,showed the strongest activation.Conclusion:The exuberant proliferation of endothelial cells in PG-type hypertrophic PWS may be associated with the regulation of proangiogenic factors during development.These proangiogenic factors that function in the angiogenesis and proliferation of endothelial cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of PWS.Furthermore,these factors may be dynamic and behave differently in various types of hypertrophic PWS.

Deep learning-based recognition of stained tongue coating images

Objective To build a dataset encompassing a large number of stained tongue coating images and process it using deep learning to automatically recognize stained tongue coating images.Methods A total of 1001 images of stained tongue coating from healthy students at Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and 1007 images of pathological(non-stained)tongue coat-ing from hospitalized patients at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine withlungcancer;diabetes;andhypertensionwerecollected.Thetongueimageswererandomi-zed into the training;validation;and testing datasets in a 7:2:1 ratio.A deep learning model was constructed using the ResNet50 for recognizing stained tongue coating in the training and validation datasets.The training period was 90 epochs.The model’s performance was evaluated by its accuracy;loss curve;recall;F1 score;confusion matrix;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve;and precision-recall(PR)curve in the tasks of predicting stained tongue coating images in the testing dataset.The accuracy of the deep learning model was compared with that of attending physicians of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Results The training results showed that after 90 epochs;the model presented an excellent classification performance.The loss curve and accuracy were stable;showing no signs of overfitting.The model achieved an accuracy;recall;and F1 score of 92%;91%;and 92%;re-spectively.The confusion matrix revealed an accuracy of 92%for the model and 69%for TCM practitioners.The areas under the ROC and PR curves were 0.97 and 0.95;respectively.Conclusion The deep learning model constructed using ResNet50 can effectively recognize stained coating images with greater accuracy than visual inspection of TCM practitioners.This model has the potential to assist doctors in identifying false tongue coating and prevent-ing misdiagnosis.

AUTOMATED ASSESSMENT OF EPIDERMAL THICKNESS AND VASCULAR DENSITY OF PORT WINE STAINS OCT IMAGE

Optical coherence tomography(OCT)enables in vivo imaging of port wine stains(PWS)lesions.The knowledge of vascular struct ure and epidermal thickness(ET)of PWS may aid the objectivediagnosis and optimal treatment.To obtain the structural parameters more rapidly and avoiduser intervention,an automated algorithm of energy map is introduced based on intensity andedge information to extract the skin surface using dynamic programming method.Subsequently,an averaged A-scan analysis is performed to obtain the mean ET and the relative intensity ofdermis indicating the corresponding vascular density.This approach is currently successfullyapplied in clinical diagnosis and shows promising guidance and assessment of PDT treatment.

Evaluation of Fluorescent Stains for Viability Assessment of the Potato Cyst Nematodes <i>Globodera pallida</i>and <i>G. ellingtonae</i>

Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs), Globodera pallida and Globodera rostochiensis, are quarantine pests of potato which cause significant damage to production and farm gate revenue worldwide. Accurately assessing viability of PCN eggs is important for eradication and management programs. The goal of this study was to develop a quick and reliable fluorescent staining method to evaluate viability of G. pallida and Globodera ellingtonae eggs. The staining efficiency of eight fluorescent stains was evaluated using G. pallida eggs compared with the conventional Meldola’s Blue (MB) staining method. The staining efficiency of the fluorescent stains ranged from 80.33 ± 2.99 (Sytox Green) to 100% (Acridine Orange) for non-viable eggs. Two stains were further evaluated for their efficiency in assessing viability of encysted eggs from five different greenhouse-reared G. pallida cyst sources which contained both viable and non-viable eggs. For the G. pallida cyst sources, viability ofencysted eggs were estimated to be 41.02 ± 3.81 to 62.66% ± 3.12% when stained with Acridine Orange (AO) and 79.52% ± 1.54% viability for G. ellingtonae. Both staining time and stain concentration were significant for staining efficiency of released and encysted eggs. Staining time and concentration were optimized for released eggs at 4 h at 10 μg/ml and for encysted eggs at 16 h at 25 μg/ml respectively for AO. Fluorescent stains accurately and rapidly assessed percent egg viability and were determined to be as sensitive as a seven-day incubation with the Meldola’s Blue staining method.

Diagnostic Performance of glmM Gene and Histological Stains for Detection of Helicobacter pylori in Gastric Biopsy from Patients Admitted to Wad Madani Teaching Hospital, Sudan

Helicobacter pylori is the microbial agent most responsible for gastro-duodenal ulcer and chronic gastritis, which can develop into carcinoma of the stomach. This study was performed in Wad Medani Teaching Hospital, Sudan to detect Helicobacter pylori in stomach samples, and evaluate the performance of the tests used, which were histological stains and PCR. Gastric biopsies were obtained from 105 referred patients during endoscopy, and fixed specimens examined by haematoxylin-eosin and Warthin-Starry silver stains, while DNA was extracted for glmM gene amplification. Epigastric pain was the most common symptom at 78% (82/105) and chronic gastritis recorded with 71% (68/105) of endoscopy results. Warthin-Starry silver stain gave 31% (33/105) as positive for Helicobacter pylori followed by glmM gene 27% (28/105) and haematoxylin-eosin 24% (25/105). The study indicated good performance of histological staining and high specificity of glmM gene in detection of Helicobacter pylori from gastric biopsies.

FLASHLAMP- PUMPED PULSED DYE LASER IN TREATMENT OF PORT- WINE STAINS

To assess the effectiveness of the flashlamp- pumped pulsed dye laser (Photogeneca V, Synosure Corp, Boston, United States) in the treatment of port- wine stains. Methods. One hundred and ninety- four consecutive patients with port- wine stains were treated with a flashlamp- pumped pulsed dye laser in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1998 to August 1999. Results. Of 194 patients who completed treatment, 56.2％ had more than 60％ fading of the lesion and only 6.7％ had less than 20％ fading. An average of 3.6 treatments were needed to achieve more than 60％ fading. The response was better in children than in adults, although the difference was not significant. Pigmentary change (usually transient) occurred in 3.1％ of patients. Conclusions. This study confirms the efficacy of the flashlamp- pumped pulsed dye laser in the treatment of port- wine stains in children and adults.

Tectona grandis (Teak Tree) Young Leaf Extract as a Histological Stain

Stains are applied to impart contrast to the tissue and identify particular features of interest. However, the use of synthetic dyes as staining reagents has been associated with significant human health challenges and pollution of the ecosystem. These developments have necessitated a shift towards using natural dyes that are eco-friendlier and readily available. We investigated the staining reaction patterns of teak tree leaves (Tectona grandis) dye extracts and explored their suitability as a cytoplasmic stain in micromorphological assessments. Dye extracts were prepared using acetone, methanol, and ethanol as solvents from air-dried (under shade) teak tree young leaves. The dye extracts were applied as a counterstain and evaluated against eosin in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) bovine tissue sections at varying concentrations and different staining times. Teak tree leaves (Tectona grandis) dye extracts produced relatively varying staining intensities of reddish-brown cytoplasmic coloration when used on bovine tissue at different concentrations and staining times comparable to eosin and with blue-purple hematoxylin nuclear stain. The present study showed that Tectona grandis leaf dye extracts provide an excellent cytoplasmic staining pattern and can be used as an alternative counterstain in routine H&E staining techniques.

Stains on imperfect textile

The imperfect material effect is one of the most important themes to obtain photo-realistic results in rendering.Textile material rendering has always been a key area in the field of computer graphics.So far,a great deal of effort has been invested in its unique appearance and physics-based simulation.The appearance of the dyeing effect commonly found in textiles has received little attention.This paper introduces techniques for simulation of staining effects on textiles.Pulling,wearing,squeezing,tearing,and breaking effects are more common imperfect effects of fabrics,these external forces will cause changes in the fabric structure,thus affecting the diffusion effect of stains.Based on the microstructure of yarn,we handle the effect of the stain on the imperfect textile surface.Our simulation results can achieve a photo-realistic effect.

Laboratory Study on the Whitening Ability of A New Type of Toothpaste Against the Tobacco Stains on Teeth

A whitening toothpaste containing pyrrolidone groups was developed.Through the stain-removal experiment on the hydroxyapatite discs with tobacco stains,the stain-removal abilities of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer and its toothpaste were studied.The results showed that the new toothpaste containing pyrrolidone groups had good whitening effect.The new whitening toothpaste had good safety and it had no damage to the soft and hard tissues.

Can the Prediction of Intrauterine Insemination Results by Used Aniline Blue Stain (ABS) and Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) Levels?

Introduction: This study aimed to perform routine seminal fluid analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation, and sperm function tests at the chromatin maturation level and evaluate pregnancy in the patients passing intrauterine insemination before starting Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) method. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 111 couples who underwent Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in unexplained infertility patients were admitted to Al-Farah IVF and assisted reproductive center in Baghdad, Iraq between November 2020 and February 2021 were evaluated. Semen fluid analysis was performed based on (WHO 4th) guiding rules. In addition, Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (halo test) and sperm maturation were performed with Aniline Blue Stain (ABS). Results: Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) groups were compared in terms of pregnancy outcome;the positive pregnancy rate was found to be above in the normal SCD groups (p = 0.0005). In addition, Aniline Blue Stain (ABS) groups were compared in the terms of pregnancy outcome;the positive pregnancy rate was found to be higher in the normal ABS group (p = 0.017). Conclusion: Our study showed that the use of DNA fragmentation (SCD) and sperm maturation tests (ABS) together with routine semen analysis in intrauterine insemination cases will make a significant contribution to the prediction of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) increased results. So, these results indicate a defect in the effect of DNA fragmentation on the outcome of intrauterine insemination.

The superiority and feasibility of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-stained brain tissues for molecular biology experiments based on microglial properties

Background:TTC(2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride)staining is the most commonly used method in identifying and assessing cerebral infarct volumes in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model.Given that microglia exhibit different morphologies in different regions after ischemic stroke,we demonstrate the superiority and necessity of using TTC-stained brain tissue to analyze the expression of various proteins or genes in different regions based on microglia character.Methods:We compared brain tissue(left for 10 min on ice)from the improved TTC staining method with penumbra from the traditional sampling method.We identified the feasibility and necessity of the improved staining method using real time(RT)-PCR,Western blot,and immunofluorescence analysis.Results:There was no protein and RNA degradation in the TTC-stained brain tissue group.However,the TREM2 specifically expressed on the microglia showed a significant difference between two groups in the penumbra region.Conclusions:TTC-stained brain tissue can be used for molecular biology experiments without any restrictions.In addition,TTC-stained brain tissue shows greater superiority due to its precise positioning.

Authentication of Age of Blood Stains on Blooded Cotton Fabric

Blood stains on the fabric often appear at the scene of the crime. The age determination of blood stains can provide important information to speculate the time of crime. The relationship between the age of blood and the bending rigidity of blooded cotton fabric washed was investigated experimentally via the use of FAST-2 bending tester. The bending length of blooded fabric washed at different time was measured and the bending rigidity was calculated.The relationship between the age of blood and the bending rigidity after washing was obtained through curve fitting. The result shows that the bending rigidity of blooded fabric washed is various with the increase of the age of blood stains and this relationship can be used to speculate the age of blood stains. This method provides a new perspective for determining the bloodstain age.

抗酸染色联合PAS染色和六胺银染色在感染性疾病病理学实验教学中的应用

为配合医学整合课程体系改革,结合临床病理诊断常用的感染性疾病的辅助诊断方法,将抗酸染色、高碘酸-Schiff(periodic acid-Schiff,PAS)染色和六胺银染色阳性病例切片引入病理学感染性疾病章节的实验教学,显示出病变组织致病微生物。通过对不同班级进行问卷调研,绝大多数同学认可特殊染色在感染性疾病章节中的应用,认为不仅丰富了课堂内容,学习了结核杆菌和真菌在病变组织中的形态学特征及其导致的组织病理变化,而且加深了对感染性疾病理论知识的理解,深刻认识到病理学研究内容除了疾病的病理变化之外,还要探讨疾病发生的病因以及好发部位。同时,这些增加的特殊染色切片改变了本章节实验教学切片普通光学显微镜下色彩的单调性——单一的“红-蓝”色调,丰富了镜下色彩,提高了学生的学习兴趣,活跃了课堂气氛。

理气舒心片中染色剂金胺O检测方法研究

目的:建立理气舒心片中染色剂金胺O的检测方法。方法:色谱柱为OMNI-C_(18)柱(250 mm×4.6 mm,5μm),流动相为乙腈-0.033 mol·L^(-1)磷酸二氢钾溶液(30∶70),流速为1.0 mL·min^(-1),柱温为30℃,检测波长为436 nm。结果:金胺O在0.967~8.703μg·mL^(-1)范围内与峰面积线性关系良好(r=0.9995),加样回收率为95.01%(RSD=2.3%,n=6),精密度、重复性和溶液稳定性良好,方法检出限为0.092μg·g^(-1)。6家生产企业共38批样品中发现有1家企业的5批样品中检出金胺O,含量在1.06~4.63μg·g^(-1)。结论:该方法操作简便、灵敏度好、准确度高,可用于理气舒心片中金胺O的检测。

CUL4A在脑胶质瘤的表达与临床意义

目的研究Cullin 4A(CUL4A)在脑胶质瘤的表达情况与临床意义,并探讨其与β-catenin表达的相关性。方法收集78例脑胶质瘤标本,其中星形细胞瘤Ⅱ级27例、Ⅲ级29例和胶质母细胞瘤(glioblastoma,GBM)22例,均为原发性脑胶质瘤,术前均未接受放化疗等相关性治疗。5例高血压脑出血患者术中减压时正常脑组织作为对照标本。运用免疫组化法检测CUL4A和β-catenin两种蛋白的表达,并运用统计学方法分析二者相关性。结果在78例脑胶质瘤标本中,CUL4A蛋白阳性表达50例(64.1%),β-catenin蛋白阳性表达61例(78.2%)。CUL4A和β-catenin阳性表达与脑胶质瘤恶性程度具有相关性,而在正常脑组织标本中不表达。CUL4A表达与β-catenin表达呈正相关。结论CUL4A蛋白在脑胶质瘤组织出现高表达,与β-catenin蛋白表达呈正相关,这为了解胶质瘤的疾病发展提供依据。

US-FNAC结合CT、CgA和TG免疫组织化学染色在甲状腺髓样癌诊断中的应用

目的探讨超声引导下细针穿刺细胞学(ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology,US-FNAC)联合降钙素(calcitonin,CT)、嗜铬素A(chromogranin A,Cg A)、甲状腺球蛋白(thyroglobulin,Tg)诊断甲状腺髓样癌(medullary thyroid cancer,MTC)的应用价值。方法对7例US-FNAC诊断且术后组织病理学确诊的MTC临床资料和超声特点、细胞病理学特征进行综合分析。细针穿刺标本采用常规涂片1~2张自然风干后刘氏染色液快速染色,现场进行细胞病理学评判,确保取得满意的细胞量,同时将剩余标本注入液基细胞保存液中保存,采用液基薄层制片,HE染色及CT、CgA和Tg免疫组织化学染色。结果7例MTC细胞均中等量到大量,均有散在突出的大细胞、双核细胞、浆样细胞或核偏位不规则细胞;6例伴梭形细胞,细胞病理学表现与MTC细胞学诊断标准基本相符,CT、CgA胞质均弥漫强阳性表达,Tg阴性,细胞病理学诊断为MTC。结论US-FNAC技术可提高甲状腺结节细针穿刺标本满意度,结合液基薄层制片与CT、CgA免疫组织化学染色可提高MTC术前诊断准确性,对MTC治疗具有重大的临床意义。

涤盖棉织物一浴法染色耐皂洗色牢度成因分析

针对涤盖棉织物分散与活性一浴一步法染色耐皂洗色牢度差,特别是醋纤和锦纶沾色严重的问题。文章从分散染料沾棉现象、分散染料热迁移行为和纤维组分进行分析,主要采用拉曼光谱、耐皂洗色牢度、颜色参数等测试方法。结果表明,分散染料沾棉现象、分散染料热迁移行为在一定程度上造成涤盖棉织物耐皂洗色牢度较差,但在纤维组分分析中发现涤盖棉织物中含有一定量的氨纶,氨纶沾色分散染料是其耐皂洗色牢度差的主要原因。

Lp-PLA2基因多态性与颈动脉斑块组织病理染色结果的相关性

目的探讨脂蛋白相关磷脂酶A2(Lp-PLA2)基因多态性与颈动脉斑块组织病理染色结果的相关性。方法选取2021年1月—2023年10月在延安大学附属医院行颈动脉剥脱术的患者135例。收集所有患者的临床资料和药物使用情况,并检测血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)、脂蛋白(a)[Lp(a)]、高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、Lp-PLA2水平和Lp-PLA2基因R92H、V297F、A379V位点多态性。对剥脱的颈动脉斑块组织行Von kossa染色、α-SMA染色、油红O染色、EVG染色、CD68+免疫组化染色。根据Lp-PLA2基因多态性检测结果,将所有患者分为对照组(R92H、A379V、V297F位点均未发生突变)、A379V组(仅A379V位点发生突变)、V297F组(仅V297F位点发生突变)、R92H组(仅R92H位点发生突变)。采用Spearman相关分析评估斑块组织不同病理染色结果之间的相关性。采用Logistic回归分析评估Lp-PLA2基因多态性对斑块组织病理染色结果的影响。结果对照组、A379V组、V297F组和R92H组之间年龄和血清HDL-C、LDL-C、Lp-PLA2水平差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),其他指标4个组之间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。对照组、A379V组、V297F组、R92H组斑块组织内钙化和坏死核、脂肪、弹力纤维胶原纤维和巨噬细胞阳性百分比差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。4个组之间平滑肌细胞阳性百分比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。R92H组斑块组织Von kossa染色结果与CD68+免疫组化染色结果呈正相关(r=0.819,P=0.025),其他病理染色结果之间均无相关性(P>0.05)。对照组、A379V组和V297F组斑块组织不同病理染色结果之间均无相关性(P>0.05)。调整年龄和血清HDL-C、LDL-C、Lp-PLA2后,Lp-PLA2基因R92H位点突变是斑块组织内钙化和坏死核阳性百分比、巨噬细胞阳性百分比升高的独立危险因素[比值比(OR)值分别为1.97、1.26,95%可信区间(CI)为1.56~2.19、1.06~1.53,P<0.05]。结论Lp-PLA2基因R92H位点突变会影响颈动脉斑块的稳定性,增加斑块破裂的风险,临床应重点关注LpPLA2基因R92H位点突变人群。