Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation restores the balance between A_(2A)R-and A_(1)R-mediated adenosine signaling in the 6-hydroxidopamine model of Parkinson's disease

An imbalance in adenosine-mediated signaling,particularly the increased A_(2A)R-mediated signaling,plays a role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.Existing therapeutic approaches fail to alter disease progression,demonstrating the need for novel approaches in PD.Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non-invasive approach that has been shown to improve motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.However,the underlying mechanisms of the beneficial effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation remain unknown.The purpose of this study is to investigate the extent to which the beneficial effects of prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of experimental parkinsonism are based on modulation of adenosine-mediated signaling.Animals with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions underwent intermittent theta burst stimulation for 3 weeks and were tested for motor skills using the Rotarod test.Immunoblot,quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,and biochemical analysis of components of adenosine-mediated signaling were performed on the synaptosomal fraction of the lesioned caudate putamen.Prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation improved motor symptoms in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned animals.A 6-hydroxydopamine lesion resulted in progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the caudate putamen.Treatment with intermittent theta burst stimulation began 7 days after the lesion,coinciding with the onset of motor symptoms.After treatment with prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation,complete motor recovery was observed.This improvement was accompanied by downregulation of the e N/CD73-A_(2A)R pathway and a return to physiological levels of A_(1)R-adenosine deaminase 1 after 3 weeks of intermittent theta burst stimulation.Our results demonstrated that 6-hydroxydopamine-induced degeneration reduced the expression of A_(1)R and elevated the expression of A_(2A)R.Intermittent theta burst stimulation reversed these effects by restoring the abundances of A_(1)R and A_(2A)R to control levels.The shift in ARs expression likely restored the balance between dopamine-adenosine signaling,ultimately leading to the recovery of motor control.

Intermittent disturbance mechanical behavior and fractional deterioration mechanical model of rock under complex true triaxial stress paths

Mechanical excavation,blasting,adjacent rockburst and fracture slip that occur during mining excavation impose dynamic loads on the rock mass,leading to further fracture of damaged surrounding rock in three-dimensional high-stress and even causing disasters.Therefore,a novel complex true triaxial static-dynamic combined loading method reflecting underground excavation damage and then frequent intermittent disturbance failure is proposed.True triaxial static compression and intermittent disturbance tests are carried out on monzogabbro.The effects of intermediate principal stress and amplitude on the strength characteristics,deformation characteristics,failure characteristics,and precursors of monzogabbro are analyzed,intermediate principal stress and amplitude increase monzogabbro strength and tensile fracture mechanism.Rapid increases in microseismic parameters during rock loading can be precursors for intermittent rock disturbance.Based on the experimental result,the new damage fractional elements and method with considering crack initiation stress and crack unstable stress as initiation and acceleration condition of intermittent disturbance irreversible deformation are proposed.A novel three-dimensional disturbance fractional deterioration model considering the intermediate principal stress effect and intermittent disturbance damage effect is established,and the model predicted results align well with the experimental results.The sensitivity of stress states and model parameters is further explored,and the intermittent disturbance behaviors at different f are predicted.This study provides valuable theoretical bases for the stability analysis of deep mining engineering under dynamic loads.

Comparative Analysis of Continuous versus Intermittent Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy in Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to Ulcers

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) presents as a prevalent clinical challenge, with annual incidence rates ranging from 80 to 150 cases per 100,000 individuals. Guidelines for managing patients with UGIB due to bleeding ulcers recommend a continuous infusion of proton pump inhibitors (PPI). However, studies comparing intermittent dosing of PPI therapy show that this regimen achieves similar clinical benefits. If the clinical efficacy remains equivalent, intermittent dosing will be more cost-effective for patients and the health care system. Our research study aims to analyze the comparative effectiveness of intermittent versus continuous PPI therapy after endoscopic treatment in patients with UGIB, focusing on such endpoints as rebleeding risk at 3-and 7-day mortality rates. Methods: Resources searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from January 2010 through December 2023 with the inclusion of meta-analysis, systematic review, review, or ACG guideline recommendations. Results of the analysis show how recommendations regarding high vs. low PPI regimen changed over time: from no difference in regimen in 2010 to recommending continuous regimen in 2012 to declaring insufficient evidence between choosing one regimen over another in 2013 to determine that both regimens were comparable to each other in 2014-2018 and finally to recommending both regimens in 2021. To conclude, our review shows that in patients with bleeding ulcers and high-risk endoscopic findings, intermittent PPI therapy is non-inferior to continuous PPI infusion for three days, seven days bleeding risk or mortality rates;however, it remains challenging to determine the most optimal intermittent regimen due to heterogeneity of RCTs included in meta-analyses, and further trials will need to be performed.

Relationship between Phenotypic Changes of Dendritic Cell Subsets and the Onset of Plateau Phase during Intermittent Interferon Therapy in Patients with CHB

Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the onset of the plateau phase of slow hepatitis B surface antigen decline in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with intermittent interferon therapy is related to the frequency of dendritic cell subsets and expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40,CD80,CD83,and CD86.Method This was a cross-sectional study in which patients were divided into a natural history group(namely NH group),a long-term oral nucleoside analogs treatment group(namely NA group),and a plateau-arriving group(namely P group).The percentage of plasmacytoid dendritic cell and myeloid dendritic cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes and the mean fluorescence intensity of their surface costimulatory molecules were detected using a flow cytometer.Results In total,143 patients were enrolled(NH group,n=49;NA group,n=47;P group,n=47).The results demonstrated that CD141/CD1c double negative myeloid dendritic cell(DNmDC)/lymphocytes and monocytes(%)in P group(0.041[0.024,0.069])was significantly lower than that in NH group(0.270[0.135,0.407])and NA group(0.273[0.150,0.443]),and CD86 mean fluorescence intensity of DNmDCs in P group(1832.0[1484.0,2793.0])was significantly lower than that in NH group(4316.0[2958.0,5169.0])and NA group(3299.0[2534.0,4371.0]),Adjusted P all<0.001.Conclusion Reduced DNmDCs and impaired maturation may be associated with the onset of the plateau phase during intermittent interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Intermittent sliding-lock-knot suture for limbal conjunctival autograft fixation in pterygium surgery:a technique note

AIM:To report a technique used with intermittent slidinglock-knot(ISLK)fixation for limbal conjunctival autografts in pterygium surgery and compared with those of routine intermittent(RI)fixation.METHODS:Consecutive patients with primary pterygium who had undergone pterygium excision combined with limbal conjunctival autograft transplantation between March 2021 and March 2022 at our institute were retrospectively analyzed.Primary outcome measures were mean duration of surgery and suture removal,degree of conjunctival hyperemia on postoperative day 1,pain score at suture removal,postoperative symptoms at 6mo,including conjunctival hyperemia,foreign body sensation,and graft stability.RESULTS:Ninety-eight patients underwent monocular surgery and were divided into ISLK(51 eyes)and RI(47 eyes)groups according to the type of conjunctiva autograft fixation method planned.There was no significant difference in mean duration of surgery between the two groups(18.59±2.39min vs 18.15±2.20min,P=0.417);however,compared to the RI group,shorter suture removal times were observed in the ISLK group[0.58min(0.42-0.87)vs 3.00min(2.21-4.15),P<0.001].The degree of conjunctival hyperemia on postoperative day 1 was milder in the ISLK group(P<0.001).Pain scores at suture removal were lower in the ISLK group than in RI group[1(0-3)vs 2(1-4),P<0.001].Postoperative symptoms at 6mo were comparable between the groups(P=0.487),with no recurrence.CONCLUSION:ISLK is an innovative method for limbal conjunctival autograft fixation after pterygium excision.Compared to RI fixation,ISLK facilitates suture removal and reduces discomfort,with comparable surgery duration and less conjunctival hyperemia.

Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia Exposure on Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Repeated Restraint Stress and Forced Swimming Induced-Mouse Model

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) shows as its main symptoms debilitating fatigue that is not relieved by physiological rest, depression, inflammation, learning disability and memory impairment. But, intermittent hypoxia, consisting of alternating exposure to hypoxia and normoxia, plays a very important role in improving CFS. However, the essential components for improving learning and memory in CFS patients as well as their mechanism are largely unknown. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the effects of 12% and 15% hypoxia on the expression of alpha tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in CFS induced-mouse model for clarifying the effects on the learning and memory function. Methods: A total of 48 type IC mice were used. The CFS mouse model was established using restrained stress and repeated forced swimming. Treatment of CFS was done by exposing CFS mice to intermittent hypoxia at 12% and 15%. The effects of intermittent hypoxia on learning and memory as well as its mechanism of action on inflammation were tested respectively with the Morris test, the SDS page, the immunohistochemistry technique and the Nissl staining. Results: We found that 12% and 15% intermittent hypoxia exposure improved learning capacity and memory of CFS induced-mice. SDS page showed that CFS caused higher TNF-α expression. By exposing CFS mice to 12% and 15% intermittent hypoxia, TNF-α expression decreased significantly, with a much better effect at 15%. Both TNF-α and NF-κB increased in CFS state and decreased after treatment with intermittent hypoxia. Conclusion: Intermittent hypoxia improves learning capacity and memory. It acted by decreasing NF-κB come to down-regulating TNF-α and ameliorates learning capacity and memory impairment in CFS mice.

Low Birth Weight and Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnant Women in Lomé (Togo) in 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Since 2012, the World Health Organization has recommended intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) to prevent malaria-related complications in pregnant women. Ten years following these recommendations, we conducted this study to estimate the coverage for three doses of IPT-SP (IPT3) as well as the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW), and its associated factors in Lomé (Togo) in 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2021. An exhaustive recruitment of women and their newborns was carried out in the maternity wards of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center. Data from antenatal consultations and clinical data of the newborns were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to determine factors associated with LBW. Results: A total of 252 mother-child pairs were included in this study. Median age of the mothers was 27 years, IQR [24-31]. More than a third (35.3%) of the mothers were primigravida. IPT3 coverage was 66.7% and 14.7% of newborns had a LBW. The prevalence of LBW was 33.3% [23.3-43.4] in women who had received fewer than 3 doses of IPT-SP and 5.4% [2.0-8.8] in those who had received at least 3 doses of IPT-SP (p Conclusion: Ten years following recommendations of the WHO on IPT-SP, malaria prevention based on IPT-SP is not optimal among pregnant women in Lomé, and the proportion of LBW children remains high. Actions to strengthen the three-dose IPT-SP policy are needed to prevent malaria and its consequences among newborns in Togo.

Flow Control with Intermittent Disturbance for the Laminar Separation Bubble on a NACA633-421 Airfoil

This study investigates the aerodynamic performance of the NACA 633-421 airfoil and the effectiveness and feasibility of intermittent disturbance flow control methods on laminar separation bubbles(LSBs).It is found that the average velocity and influence range of the synthetic jet actuator increase with the increasing of driving frequency and driving amplitude.LSB occurs at Re=1.0×10^(5),and ruptures atα=6°.But with intermittent disturbance control,the stall angle of attack(AoA)increases while significantly reducing drag.Research shows that although certain disturbance cannot fully recover from LSB stall,decreasing driving amplitude partially restores wing aerodynamic performance,more effectively than increasing driving amplitude.

Mitigating volume expansion of silicon-based anode through interfacial engineering based on intermittent discharge strategy

Silicon is considered to be one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),but its application is limited by the large volume expansion during alloying and dealloying.The constructing of a high-performance solid electrolyte interface(SEI) film on the surface of the anode material is considered to be one of the effective strategies to mitigate volume expansion of silicon-based anode.In this study,an intermittent discharge strategy which helps to improve the utilization efficiency of electrolyte additive of lithium difluorobisoxalate phosphate(LiDFBOP) is proposed to construct a highly conductive and dense SEI film.The results of electrochemical and physical characterization and theoretical calculations show that the intermittent discharge in the voltage range from open circuit voltage(OCV) to 1.8 V facilitates the diffusion of the soluble products,creates the conditions for the repeated direct contact between Si@C anode and LiDFBOP additive,increases the decomposition of LiDFBOP additive,and thus produces a uniform,dense and inorganics-rich(Li_(2)C_(2)O_(4),LiF and Li_(x)PO_yF_z) SEI film.Subsequently,this SEI film helps to ensure the even intercalation/de-intercalation of Li^(+) in the SEI film and the homogeneous diffusion of Li^(+) inside the Si particles,decreasing the internal stresses and anisotropic phase transitions,maintaining the integrity of Si particles,inhibiting the volume expansion and thu s improving the electrochemical performance of cells.This study not only improves the utilization efficiency of expensive additives through a simply and low-cost method,but also enriches the strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of Si@C anode through interfacial engineering.

Prevalence and Individual-Level Determinants of Uptake of Three or More Doses of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy in Busia County, Kenya

Background: Malaria in pregnancy causes maternal anemia, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, and preterm deliveries. In malaria-endemic regions in Kenya, percentage of pregnant women hospitalized with malaria reach up to 60%. WHO recommends at least three doses of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (IPTp) antenatally. This study sought to ascertain the prevalence and individual-level factors influencing the uptake of IPTp-SP3+. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study at Busia County Referral Hospital. 384 mothers were consecutively sampled at the maternity unit during delivery. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR were used to determine statistical significance of individual factors influencing uptake of three or more IPTp-SP. Results: 43.0% of participants took IPTp-SP3+. Individual factors that affected the uptake of IPTp-SP3+ included starting ANC visits in the first trimester (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.23 – 3.67, p = 0.046), having more than four ANC visits (aOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.49 – 6.50, p = 0.002), having a higher monthly income (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.24 – 5.36, p = 0.012), being aware of the advantages of IPTp-SP medications (aOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.40 – 9.74, p = 0.008), and having a positive attitude toward ANC services (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.61 – 6.31, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Less than half of the pregnant mothers are complyingIPTp-SP3+. There should be aggressive efforts by the County and National Ministries of Health promoting initiation of ANC attendance early and attendance of all the recommended eight visits together with ensuring availability of the drugs.

Intermittent melena and refractory anemia due to jejunal cavernous lymphangioma:A case report

BACKGROUND Lymphangiomas in the gastrointestinal tract are extremely rare in adults.As a benign lesion,small intestine lymphangiomas often remain asymptomatic and pose challenges for definitive diagnosis.However,lymphangiomas can give rise to complications such as abdominal pain,bleeding,volvulus,and intussusception.Here,we report a case of jejunal cavernous lymphangioma that presented with intermittent melena and refractory anemia in a male adult.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old man presented with intermittent melena,fatigue and refractory anemia nine months prior.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were performed many times and revealed no apparent bleeding.Conservative management,including transfusion,hemostasis,gastric acid secretion inhibition and symptomatic treatment,was performed,but the lesions tended to recur shortly after surgery.Ultimately,the patient underwent capsule endoscopy,which revealed a more than 10 cm lesion accompanied by active bleeding.After singleballoon enteroscopy and biopsy,a diagnosis of jejunal cavernous lymphangioma was confirmed,and the patient underwent surgical resection.No complications or recurrences were observed postoperatively.CONCLUSION Jejunal cavernous lymphangioma should be considered a cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.Capsule endoscopy and single-balloon enteroscopy can facilitate diagnosis.Surgical resection is an effective management method.

Intermittent fasting and the liver: Focus on the Ramadan model

Intermittent fasting(IF)is an intervention that involves not only dietary modific-ations but also behavioral changes with the main core being a period of fasting alternating with a period of controlled feeding.The duration of fasting differs from one regimen to another.Ramadan fasting(RF)is a religious fasting for Muslims,it lasts for only one month every one lunar year.In this model of fasting,observers abstain from food and water for a period that extends from dawn to sunset.The period of daily fasting is variable(12-18 hours)as Ramadan rotates in all seasons of the year.Consequently,longer duration of daily fasting is observed during the summer.In fact,RF is a peculiar type of IF.It is a dry IF as no water is allowed during the fasting hours,also there are no calorie restrictions during feeding hours,and the mealtime is exclusively nighttime.These three variables of the RF model are believed to have a variable impact on different liver diseases.RF was evaluated by different observational and interventional studies among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and it was associated with improve-ments in anthropometric measures,metabolic profile,and liver biochemistry regardless of the calorie restriction among lean and obese patients.The situation is rather different for patients with liver cirrhosis.RF was associated with adverse events among patients with liver cirrhosis irrespective of the underlying etiology of cirrhosis.Cirrhotic patients developed new ascites,ascites were increased,had higher serum bilirubin levels after Ramadan,and frequently developed hepatic encephalopathy and acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.These complications were higher among patients with Child class B and C cirrhosis,and some fatalities occurred due to fasting.Liver transplant recipients as a special group of patients,are vulnerable to dehydration,fluctuation in blood immunosuppressive levels,likelihood of deterioration and hence observing RF without special precautions could represent a real danger for them.Patients with Gilbert syndrome can safely observe RF despite the minor elevations in serum bilirubin reported during the early days of fasting.

Intermittent fasting boosts antitumor immunity by restricting CD11b^(+)Ly6C^(low)Ly6G^(low) cell viability through glucose metabolism in murine breast tumor model

Intermittent fasting can benefit breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy.However,it is still uncertain how to select immunotherapy drugs to combine with intermittent fasting.Herein we observed that two cycles of fasting treatment significantly inhibited breast tumor growth and lung tissue metastasis,as well as prolonged overall survival in mice bearing 4T1 and 4T07 breast cancer.During this process,both the immunosuppressive monocytic-(M-)and granulocytic-(G-)myeloid-derived suppressor cell(MDSC)decreased,accompanied by an increase in interleukin(IL)7R^(+)and granzyme B^(+)T cells in the tumor microenvironment.Interestingly,we observed that Ly6G^(low)G-MDSC sharply decreased after fasting treatment,and the cell surface markers and protein mass spectrometry data showed potential therapeutic targets.Mechanistic investigation revealed that glucose metabolism restriction suppressed the splenic granulocytemonocyte progenitor and the generation of colony-stimulating factors and IL-6,which both contributed to the accumulation of G-MDSC.On the other hand,glucose metabolism restriction can directly induce the apoptosis of Ly6G^(low)G-MDSC,but not Ly6G^(high)subsets.In summary,these results suggest that glucose metabolism restriction induced by fasting treatment attenuates the immune-suppressive milieu and enhances the activation of CD3^(+)T cells,providing potential solutions for enhancing immune-based cancer interventions.

Clearance Influence on Dynamic Response of Intermittent Roller Chain Drive

The clearances appear in chain link hinges induced by manufacturing tolerance or wear of components are the most important factor that influences the dynamic performance of the intermittent roller chain drives. Due to the existence of the clearances in chain link hinges, the serious impact vibration phenomenon which influences the stability and the position accuracy of the chain drive system would be caused in the intermittent motion. But, the problem may be that a reasonable modeling on the chain with clearances is difficult due to the large clearance＇s number in chain system and the fact that the clearance＇ size are different. Currently, the studies on the dynamics of the intermittent roller chain considering the multi-clearance＇ joints are rare. Most research works have only focused on the constant moving chains. Taking the intermittent roller chain system as an object, this paper designs and builds the experimental device of this kind of mechanical system. The Longitudinal vibration response of the intermittent chain under the different motion laws was tested. The experimental study shows that the clearances presented in chain link hinges can cause severe impact vibration in the intermittent motion of chain. In subsequent work, the dynamic model of the intermittent roller chain system with the multi-clearance＇ joints was established. By calculating the dynamic response of this kind of mechanical system under the different motion laws, the effect of the clearances on the dynamic response of the intermittent chain drive system was analyzed. The theoretical simulation shows that the serious impact vibration phenomenon of the chain system can be caused by the clearances at the start accelerating period, and the chain drive system is often accompanied by the severe shock and vibration at the moment that the chain moves from the acceleration period to deceleration period. The research conclusions made by the experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the use of motion laws with small and continuous jerk at conversion point can effectively suppress the impact vibration at this point caused by clearances＇ effect. Additionally, the use of nonsymmetrical motion laws with small jerk approaching the end of the indexing period can obtain a smaller residual vibration. The presented motion law can provide an important reference for the improvement of the dynamic performance of the intermittent chain drive systems.

Expression of RUNX2 and MDM21 in rats with periodontitis under chronic intermittent hypoxia

Objective: To discuss the expression of RUNX2 and MDM21 in rats with periodontitis under the chronic intermittent hypoxia. Methods: A total of 32 SD healthy rats were randomly divided into four groups, with 8 rats in each group. The molecular biological techniques of immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect the effect of different hypoxia time(0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) and different concentrations of hypoxia(0.000, 0.001, 0.010, 0.060 and 0.100 ppm) on the expression of RUNX2 and MDM21 in rats of four groups. Results: The expression of RUNX2 and MDM21 in each group was significantly higher than the one at other concentrations when the concentration was 0.010 ppm, with the statistical difference(P<0.05). The expression of RUNX2 and MDM21 was that normoxic control group > periodontitis group> chronic intermittent hypoxia group > compound group under the action with the concentration of 0.010 ppm for 12 h, but there was no significant difference for the comparison among groups(P>0.05). Conclusions: The condition of chronic intermittent hypoxia can reduce the expression of RUNX2 and MDM21 in rats with periodontitis and aggravate the damage of periodontal bone.

Long-term postoperative outcomes of bilateral lateral rectus recession vs unilateral recession-resection for intermittent exotropia

AIM: To discuss the long-term postoperative results of bilateral lateral rectus recession(BLR) and unilateral lateral rectus recession-medial rectus resection(RR) in therapy of intermittent exotropia.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 213 cases of intermittent exotropia who underwent surgery between2008 and 2010. The patients were grouped into BLR group and RR group. Motor outcomes were divided into three groups on the basis of the angle of deviation after surgery: overcorrection(esotropia/phoria 】5△), orthophoria(esotropia/phoria ≤5△to exotropia/phoria ≤10△), and undercorrection/recurrence(exotropia/phoria 】10△).Titmus test was used to evaluate stereoacuity, the stereoacuity 【800s of arc meaned the patients had stereopsis. Surgical outcome including motor criteria and sensory status were compared at postoperative 6, 12,24 mo and at 36 mo examination between groups. RESULTS: At 12, 24 mo after surgery, the motor outcomes had no difference(P 】0.05) between groups.However, the motor outcomes at 6, 36 mo were signally different in each group, indicating the success rate in RR group at 6mo was higher than that in BLR group(83.02%vs 82.24%, P 【0.05) but the result was contrary at the 3y examination(60.75% vs 43.40%, P 【0.05). No statistical significance were found in the sensory outcomes between the groups at mean of 3.7y follow-up.CONCLUSION: The motor outcomes in RR group were better than in BLR group at 6mo after surgery, while the3 y outcomes were better in BLR group. This may be due to the recurrence rate of the BLR was lower than the RR group’s.

Effect of intermittent treatment with tamoxifen on reproduction in male rats

Aim: To identify the antifertility effect of intermittent oral administration of tamoxifen in male rat. Methods:Tamoxifen was administered orally at a dose of 0.4 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1) with an intermittent regime for 120 days. Treatedand control rats were mated with cycling female rats on days 60, 90 and 120 of treatment. The mated males were sacri-ficed and the weights of reproductive organs were recorded, and the serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradi-ol estimated by radioimmunoassay. In the female rats, the numbers of implantation sites, corpora lutea, and numbersof normal and resorbed foetuses were recorded on d 21 of gestation. The potency, fecundity, fertility index, litter sizeand post-implantation loss were then calculated. Results; The fecundity of male rats was completely suppressed bytamoxifen while the potency was maintained at the control level. The fertility index was significantly decreased. No vi-able litters were sired. Post implantation loss, indicative of non-viable embryos, was observed but was not significantlyincreased above the control level. The weights of the testes, epididymides, ventral prostate and seminal vesicles weresignificantly reduced. The blood LH and testosterone levels were significantly decreased, but not FSH and estradiol.Conclusion; Intermittent oral tamoxifen administration completely suppressed the fecundity of adult male rats withreserved potency.

Diagnosis of Intermittent Connections for DeviceNet

An intermittent connection is one of the major problems that affect the network reliability and communication quality.However,little attention has been paid to the detection,analysis and localization of the intermittent connections.Partially due to the limitations of the DeviceNet protocol,there is no effective online diagnostic tool available to identify the location of intermittent connection.On the basis of different DeviceNet fault scenarios induced by intermittent connections,a new graph-based diagnostic method is developed to analyze DeviceNet fault patterns,identify the corresponding fault scenarios,and infer the location of the intermittent connection problem by using passively captured network faults.A novel error source analysis tool,which integrates network data-link layer analysis and feature based network physical layer information,is developed to restore the snapshots of the network communication at each intermittent connection induced error.A graph based location identification method is developed to infer the location of the intermittent connections based on the restored error patterns.A 3-node laboratory test-bed,using master-slave polling communication method,is constructed to emulate the intermittent connection induced faults on the network drop cable by using digital switches,whose on/off states are controlled by a computer.During experiments,the network fault diagnosis is conducted by using information collected on trunk cable（backbone）.Experimental study shows that the proposed method is effective to restore the snapshots of the network errors and locate the drop cable that experiences the intermittent connection problem.

Evaluation of dynamic stereopsis in intermittent exotropia patients

AIM: To delineate the characteristics of the dynamic stereopsis test and analyze related parameters in intermittent exotropia [X(T)] patients. METHODS: Fifty-seven X(T) patients and 55 normal subjects were enrolled in this study. The normal and X(T) groups were used to test the reproducibility and reliability of the dynamic stereopsis test, and Bangerter filters with densities of 0.2 were then used to simulate suppression to test for traditional and dynamic stereopsis. In the X(T) group, the measurements included 1) dynamic stereopsis test comprising three parts: motion+disparity, motion only and disparity only; 2) ocular deviation angle; 3) Bagolini striated lens test; 4) disease course; and 5) Titmus stereopsis test. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the dynamic stereopsis method was 0.901 in the normal and X(T) groups, and none of the X(T) patients were able to pass the static and dynamic stereopsis tests after using the 0.2 Bangerter filter. The accuracy rate was greater than 80% in the normal group and 31.81%, 36.36%, and 45.45% for the motion+disparity, motion-only and disparityonly components of the traditional test for X(T) patients diagnosed with stereoblindness via traditional tests,respectively. Patients with a long disease course(>1 y) had worse dynamic stereopsis than those with a short disease course(<1 y; P<0.05, Chi-square test). The deviation angle was not correlated with the motion+disparity, disparityonly, or the motion-only test components(all P>0.05, Chisquare test). CONCLUSION: Dynamic stereopsis is preserved in certain X(T) patients diagnosed with stereoblindness via traditional tests. A long disease course was shown to be a negative factor for dynamic stereopsis in X(T) patients which might be associated with worse progression, and provide good references clinically.

Survival analysis following early surgical success in intermittent exotropia surgery

AIM:To assess the consecutive recurrence following early success of intermittent exotropia surgery and to determine the clinical factors that affect the survival.METHODS:One hundred and thirty-five patients who underwent intermittent exotropia surgery and experienced early surgical success[≤5 prism diopters(PD)esophoria(E)to≤10 PD exophoria(X)on the postoperative sixth month]were enrolled in this study.Their consecutive survival on the postoperative first year,second year and third year and at the last visit of fourth year or more,and the factors that might affect their survival,were analyzed.The final surgical outcomes after the postoperative fourth year were also investigated by dividing the patients into the success group(≤5 PD E to≤10 PD X)and the failure group(】5 PD esodeviation or】10 PD exodeviation)RESULTS:The survival rates from the Kaplan-Meier analysis were 97.78%,92.89%,83.70%and 50.49%on the postoperative first,second and third years and fourth year or more,respectively.None of the clinical factors was determined to have affected the survival.The amount of the exodrift was largest(2.29 PD)between the first year and the second year,and smallest(1.47 PD)between the fourth year and the last visit.Sixty-three patients had their final visit after the postoperative fourth year,and 29 of them were in the failure group.Twentyfive patients in the failure group had an intermittent exotropia(IXT)of【20 PD with good to fair distant fusion;two had an IXT of【20 PD with poor distant fusion;one had an IXT of≥20 PD with fair distant fusion;and another had delayed-onset consecutive esotropia.The exodeviation on the postoperative sixth month was smaller in the success group than in the failure group(2.81 PD vs 5.86 PD,P=0.012).The reoperation rate for recurrent IXT was 3.7%.CONCLUSION:The survival rate steadily decreases with the exodrift,but the amount of the exodrift decreases with long-term follow-up.The final outcomes demonstrate favorable results via surgical success or small-angle IXT with good fusion in most of the patients.A smaller deviation on the postoperative sixth month is associated with long-term survival.