Telecom-wavelength conversion in a high optical depth cold atomic system.

We experimentally investigate the frequency down-conversion through the four-wave mixing (FWM) process in a cold Rb atomic ensemble, with a diamond-level configuration. An atomic cloud with a high optical depth (OD) of 190 is prepared to achieve a high efficiency frequency conversion. Here, we convert a signal pulse field (795 nm) attenuated to a single-photon level, into a telecom light at 1529.

Interaction of storage medium and silver diamine fluoride on demineralized dentin.

Objective: The effects of saliva on demineralized dentin and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) were investigated

Methods: Dentin samples stored in deionized water (DIW), buffer solution (BS), basal medium mucin (BMM), and unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) were demineralized for 3 days and immersed in the same storage media. SDF as a 38 mass% solution was applied to the dentin samples for 3 minutes after they had been replaced in their respective medium. Surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Impact of overweightness and critical weight loss on overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma initially treated with chemoembolization.

Background: The effects of overweightness and weight loss on the development and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of overweightness and weight loss on the survival of patients with intermediate/advanced HCC receiving chemoembolization as initial treatment.

Methods: We examined 1,170 patients who underwent chemoembolization as initial treatment for Barcelona-Clínic Liver Cancer stages B and C HCC at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Guangzhou, China) between December 2009 and May 2015.

Clinical conditions and treatment requirements for long-term survival among hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma initially treated with chemoembolization.

Objective: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recommended to treat intermediate/advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the overall survival among initially TACE-treated patients varies significantly. The clinical characterization of long-term survival following TACE remains uncertain.

Effect of Nucleos(t)ide Analogs on Patients with Intermediate and Advanced Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: The role of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) therapy in intermediate and advanced hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Aims: The aim was to evaluate the effect of NAs therapy on survival of intermediate- and advanced-stage HBV-related HCC patients initially treated with chemoembolization.

Methods: A total of 1016 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B/C HBV-related HCC patients initially treated with chemoembolization were included.

Silver deposition on demineralized dentine surface dosed by silver diammine fluoride with different saliva.

Aim: Silver diammine fluoride (SDF) is an anticaries agent that binds to tooth tissue. The aim of the present study was investigate the dose-response effect of SDF on demineralized dentine in basal medium mucin (BMM) saliva substitute and human saliva.

Methods: Dentine discs stored in saliva substitute, BMM, and human unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) were chemically demineralized, and 10 μL of 10 wt%, 24 wt%, or 38 wt% SDF was applied and then stored in its respective saliva (BMM or UWS) for 5 days.

Novel application of metformin combined with targeted drugs on anticancer treatment.

The success of targeted drug therapies for treating cancer patients has attracted broad attention both in the academic community and social society. However, rapidly developed acquired resistance is becoming a newly recognized major challenge to the continuing efficiency of these therapies. Metformin is a well-known natural compound with low toxicity derived from the plant French lilac.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of capecitabine monotherapy versus capecitabine plus oxaliplatin in elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Background: There is no single standard chemotherapy regimen for elderly patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). A phase III trial has confirmed that both capecitabine monotherapy and capecitabine plus oxaliplatin are well tolerated for elderly patients with AGC, but their economic influence in China is unknown.

Objective: The purpose of this cost-effectiveness analysis was to estimate the effects of capecitabine monotherapy and capecitabine plus oxaliplatin in elderly patients with AGC on health and economic outcomes in China.

Ultrathin spinel membrane-encapsulated layered lithium-rich cathode material for advanced Li-ion batteries.

Lack of high-performance cathode materials has become a technological bottleneck for the commercial development of advanced Li-ion batteries. We have proposed a biomimetic design and versatile synthesis of ultrathin spinel membrane-encapsulated layered lithium-rich cathode, a modification by nanocoating. The ultrathin spinel membrane is attributed to the superior high reversible capacity (over 290 mAh g(-1)), outstanding rate capability, and excellent cycling ability of this cathode, and even the stubborn illnesses of the layered lithium-rich cathode, such as voltage decay and thermal instability, are found to be relieved as well.

Analysis of hMLH1 missense mutations in East Asian patients with suspected hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

Purpose: Germ line mutations in the DNA mismatch repair gene hMLH1 are a frequent cause of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and about one-third of these are missense mutations. Several missense mutations in hMLH1 have frequently been detected in East Asian patients with suspected hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, but their pathogenic role has not been extensively assessed. The aim of this study was to perform functional analyses of these variants and their association with gastrointestinal cancer in East Asians.