The Efficacy and Safety of Anlotinib Plus Etoposide with Cisplatin/Carboplatin in the First-Line Treatment of Lung Cancer: A Phase II Clinical Study.

Background: The primary aim of this phase II clinical study was to assess the safety and efficacy of combining anlotinib, etoposide, and platinum-based drugs as a first-line treatment for ES-SCLC. Methods: Patients underwent the standard chemotherapeutic regimen, consisting of four courses of etoposide plus cisplatin/carboplatin. Additionally, each patient received a 2-week intervention with anlotinib (12 mg/day, once daily). Anlotinib was continued until disease progression, occurrence of unbearable adverse events (AEs), or withdrawal from the research. Progression-free survival (PFS) served as the primary prognostic measure. Secondary measures included the disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), overall survival time (OS), and the incidence of AEs. Results: The DCR and ORR were 97.6% and 91.0%, respectively. Estimated PFS and OS were 5.0 months (95% CI: 1.0-10.8 months) and 13.0 months (95% CI: 8.4-18.6 months), respectively. No unexpected adverse effects were reported during the trial. The most common adverse reactions included anemia (42.22%), hypertension (53.33%), alopecia (40.00%), elevated transaminase (24.40%), and elevated alkaline phosphatase (24.44%). Sixteen cases (35.56%) were classified as AEs of grades 3-5. No deaths attributed to treatment-related causes occurred in any patient during the trial. Conclusion: Combination chemotherapy is currently the first-line therapy for extensive small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Combining anlotinib with conventional platinum-based chemotherapy demonstrated promising therapeutic outcomes and prognosis in the management of ES-SCLC.

One-stage jaw reconstruction and prosthetic rehabilitation with an iliac flap: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: One-stage jaw reconstruction with fibular flap and prosthetic rehabilitation restores bony and dental continuity simultaneously. It was also called as "jaw-in-a-day (JIAD)" technique. However, bone volume and height of fibular flap may be insufficient for dental implant insertion. The provision of a considerable amount of bone makes an iliac flap the ideal choice in these cases. We present the first case report to document the use of one-stage jaw reconstruction and prosthetic rehabilitation with the iliac flap. CASE PRESENTATION: We modified the conventional JIAD workflow to make it suitable for iliac flap. Two cases were presented who both underwent segmental mandibulectomy for ameloblastoma. Virtual surgical planning was performed in all cases. The iliac crest was positioned upward to provide cortical bone for achieving primary stability of dental implants. Similar to the "all-on-4" procedure, the iliac bone was placed 12 to 15 mm below the occlusal plane to create adequate space for the implant-retained prosthesis. Immediate implant-based dental rehabilitation was performed at same stage. The surgery was successful in all cases without any short-term complications. In the first postoperative week, patients were given a liquid diet through a nasal feeding tube. The liquid diet is advised until 1 month after the surgery. Thereafter, a soft diet is recommended. Patients were advised to resume routine mastication and normal diet 3 months after the surgery. Peri-implantitis occurred in one patient, and additional gingival graft was required. Postoperative function and esthetics were satisfactory at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSIONS: One-stage jaw reconstruction and prosthetic rehabilitation with the iliac flap are safe and useful for restoring postoperative function and esthetics. It should be used in more cases with a longer follow-up in further studies.

The effect of anterior superior iliac spine preservation on donor site morbidity and function after harvesting a vascularized iliac bone flap.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) preservation on donor site morbidity and function after harvesting a vascularized iliac bone flap (VIBF). METHODS: Patients who underwent jaws reconstruction with VIBF were divided into a maintaining the anterior superior iliac spine (MASIS) group and a not maintaining the anterior superior iliac spine (NMASIS) group. Pain, tenderness, sensory deficit, gait disturbance, and function of the donor site were evaluated before and after the operation. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included in this study, of which 18 were in the MASIS group. The incidence of sensory deficit in the MASIS group was significantly lower than that in the NMASIS group (50.0% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.010). Pain, tenderness, gait disturbance, and function did not differ statistically between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Except for sensory deficit, ASIS preservation has minimal impact on donor site morbidity and function.

Comparison of lung ultrasound scores with clinical models for predicting bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Lung ultrasound scores (LUSs) have been demonstrated to accurately predict moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (msBPD). This study attempted to explore the additional value of LUSs for predicting msBPD compared to clinical multivariate models in different gestational age (GA) groups. The study prospectively recruited preterm infants with GA < 32 weeks. Lung ultrasound was performed on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 after birth. A linear mixed-effects regression model was used to evaluate LUS evolution in infants born before and after 28 weeks. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) procedure was used to analyze the reliability of LUS and clinical multivariable models for predicting msBPD. The optimal time to predict msBPD in all infants was 7 days with a cut-off point of 5 (area under the ROC (AUROC) curve: 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71-0.84). In infants with GA ≥ 28 weeks, LUSs provided a moderate diagnostic accuracy for all four time points (AUROC curve: 0.74-0.78), and the AUROC curve for the clinical multivariable model on day 14 was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84-0.96), which was significantly higher than that of LUSs (AUROC curve: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.68-0.85, P < 0.05). In infants born at 23-27 weeks, LUSs showed a low diagnostic accuracy with higher cut-off points to predict msBPD, and the AUROC curve for GA to predict msBPD was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.59-0.85), providing diagnostic accuracy similar to that of LUSs.  Conclusion: The contribution of LUSs to predict msBPD in infants with different GAs remains controversial and requires further investigation. What is Known: • Lung ultrasound scores (LUSs) have been demonstrated to accurately predict moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in infants with gestational age (GA)＜32 weeks. What is New: • The LUSs evolution differed between extremely preterm infants born before 28 weeks and preterm infants born at 28-32 weeks of gestation. • LUSs provided similar moderate predictive performance as GA-adjusted LUS and clinical multivariate models in infants born after 28 weeks, while LUSs seem to be less helpful in infants born before 28 weeks.

Iliac crest towards alveolar processes or mandibular inferior margin in mandibular reconstruction with a vascularized iliac bone flap: which is better?

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to compare differences among iliac bone flaps with different iliac crest orientations for the repair of mandibular defects with an aim to analyze their advantages, disadvantages, and effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical data and computed tomography scans of all patients who underwent iliac bone flap repair of the mandible in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2016 to April 2021 were collected. Patients were divided into the iliac crest towards alveolar process (Group A) and the iliac crest towards mandibular inferior margin (Group B). Software was used to measure corresponding indicators. The results obtained for the groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 78 patients (25 and 53 in groups A and B, respectively). The symmetry of the LC-type defect was better in group A (p < 0.05). The all-bone width of the alveolar process side in group A was greater than 6 mm; in 15 cases of group B, the width was less than 6 mm (p < 0.05). The intermaxillary distance of two sites were higher in group B (p < 0.05). The bone cortical thickness was significantly thicker in group A (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: One year after the mandibular body defect was reconstructed with a vascularized iliac bone flap, the iliac crest towards alveolar process group showed better bone symmetry, width, intermaxillary distance, and cortical thickness to meet the planting requirements. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of an iliac crest towards alveolar process may be a better approach for mandible reconstruction.

Integrative analysis links ferroptosis to necrotizing enterocolitis and reveals the role of ACSL4 in immune disorders.

Multiple types of regulated cell death (RCD) have been demonstrated to cause gut barrier dysfunction in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); however, whether and how ferroptosis is involved in NEC remains unknown. Here, ferroptosis was identified to play a role in NEC using bioinformatics analyses and wet experiments. Inhibition of ferroptosis significantly alleviated NEC in newborn mice. ACSL4 expression levels were augmented and positively correlated with ferroptosis in NEC. Surprisingly, ACSL4 was critically correlated with multiple types of RCD, including autophagy, apoptosis and pyroptosis, as well as hypoxia and inflammation. Besides, ACSL4 was positively correlated with the abundance of multiple types of immune cells, including macrophage, activated dendritic cell, neutrophil and regulatory T cell. Conclusively, we first identified the involvement and role of ferroptosis in NEC and revealed the potential effects of ACSL4 on immune disorders, which could provide a rationale for future research on ferroptosis in NEC.

A survey of the awareness and knowledge of oral cancer among residents in Beijing.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate oral cancer awareness and its related knowledge among residents in Beijing. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted among Beijing residents concerning their knowledge of oral cancer, and its prevention and treatment. RESULTS: A total of 3055 questionnaires were completed, 45.8% by males and 54.2% by females. The ages of the respondents ranged from 15 to 93 years; 12.4% were smokers, 1.1% chewed betel nuts, and 82.5% brushed their teeth at least twice a day. Lung cancer was heard of by the most respondents, followed by gastric cancer and liver cancer; oral cancer was the least heard of. More than 60% of respondents were unaware of the risk factors and early signs of oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrated a general lack of public awareness and knowledge about oral cancer. Specific measures should be taken to improve public awareness of oral cancer and its prevention and treatment.

Virtual Surgical Planning of Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Flap for Midface Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Midface reconstruction is challenging for functional and esthetic reasons. The present study analyzed the effect of virtual surgical planning (VSP) of the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap for midface reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients who underwent midface reconstruction with the DCIA flap were included in this retrospective study. Of the 34 patients, 16 underwent preoperative VSP, which used a three-dimensionally printed surgical guide, computer-assisted navigation system, and pre-bent titanium implants to transfer VSP into real-world surgery. The other 18 patients underwent traditional midface reconstruction. The following were compared between the two groups: bony contact rate in the buttress region (BCR), dental arch reconstruction rate (DAR), surgical approach, position of vascular anastomosis, and dental implantation rate. The independent-samples t-test and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 12 males and 22 females were included in this study. All patients underwent midface reconstruction using the DCIA flap at the same institution. The median age of patients was 33 years (range: 16-68 years). The average BCR and DAR values in the VSP group were 59.4% ± 27.9% and 87.5% ± 18.9%, respectively, which were significantly higher compared with the non-VSP group (P = 0.049 and P = 0.004, respectively). The dental implantation rate in the VSP group (50.0%) was significantly higher compared with the non-VSP group (11.1%; P = 0.023). The intraoral approach for tumor ablation and vascular anastomosis was the most frequent choice in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups. All patients were satisfied with facial symmetry postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: VSP could effectively augment the effect of midface reconstruction with the DCIA flap. Stronger bone contact in the buttress region and higher DAR provide more opportunity for dental implantation, which might be the best solution to improve masticatory function in patients with midface defects.

The efficacy of iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy for the treatment of locally advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of tongue: a non-surgical approach.

PURPOSE: The present study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness and safety of iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy for treatment of primary locally advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the base of tongue (BOT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of data of 19 patients with ACC, who were treated with iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy between March 2008 and April 2018. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local control (LC), and radiation-related toxicities were determined. Factors affecting the outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Six males and 13 females were included in our study, with a median follow-up time of 35 months. 3- and 5-year OS rates were 71.5% and 47.6%, respectively. 3- and 5-year LC rates were 88.5% and 34.5%, respectively. 3- and 5-year DFS rates were 54.7% and 21.9%, respectively. A significant difference was observed in patients with or without brain metastases for OS rate. No severe acute toxicity was observed, while severe late toxicity was observed in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy is an effective and safe option for the treatment of primary locally advanced ACC of the base of the tongue, with reasonably satisfactory LC and OS.

Update on the use of sildenafil in neonatal pulmonary hypertension: a narrative review of the history, current administration, and future directions.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening syndrome in neonates and has multiple and varied etiologies. However, few clinical studies have systematically evaluated the treatment regimens for this population. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors, such as milrinone, tadalafil, dipyridamole, and sildenafil, are the most important regulators of vascular relaxation in the normal pulmonary vascular transition after birth, and these agents are widely used in the treatment of PH. Sildenafil, a representative PDE-5 inhibitor, has an important role as a single mode of therapy. However, the lack of evidence from pharmacokinetic and clinical trials has limited the emergence of standardized treatment regimens for sildenafil. There are also differing opinions among researchers regarding the best route of sildenafil administration. Due to the interindividual variability in the neonatal population, it is worth selecting the most suitable route of sildenafil administration according to the specific conditions of the neonatal population. These may be evaluated using the oxygenation index (OI), pulmonary artery pressure, mean blood pressure, and the serological index. This article reviews the clinical data on the use of sildenafil, focusing on the current and promising alternative routes of administration, which may affect subsequent clinical research in term and preterm neonates.

Differentiation of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates by abdominal sonography

Abstract Objectives: To summarize and differentiate abdominal ultrasound findings of necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018, the abdominal ultrasound results of 304 cases diagnosed necrotizing enterocolitis or food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous gas, bowel wall thickening, intestinal motility, focal fluid collections and hypoechoic change of gallbladder wall were calculated, and the results were compared and analyzed. Results: Pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous gas, bowel wall thickening, intestinal motility weakened/absent, focal fluid collections and hypoechoic change of gallbladder wall can be found in both necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome infants. However, in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal motility was weakened/absent in whole abdomen, and in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, it only involved isolated segment of bowel. The positive rates of above signs in necrotizing enterocolitis infants were significantly higher than those in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (p < 0.01). Moreover, it was observed that the rate of weakened intestinal motility besides the lesion segment of bowel in necrotizing enterocolitis infants was 100%, and in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome infants, it was 0%, which is supposed to be a main sign for identification. Conclusion: In the early stage, abdominal ultrasound can be used to differentiate necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

Lung ultrasound predicts the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a prospective observational diagnostic accuracy study.

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of lung ultrasound (LU) in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. A total of 130 VLBW infants with gestational age < 32 weeks were included; LU was performed at days 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 postnatally. We calculated the LU score by 12-region, 10-region, and 6-region protocols. The incidence of BPD according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 2001 definition and 2019 criteria was 38.5% and 64.6%, respectively. By 12-region and 10-region protocols, LU predicted BPD from the 9th to 15th days of life (DOLs) regardless of the criteria used, with an area under the curve (AUC) ranging from 0.826 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.750-0.887) to 0.877 (95% CI: 0.807-0.928). According to the 2019 BPD definition, the LU score incorporated gestational age, and invasive mechanical ventilation >6 days predicted BPD on the 6th DOL with an AUC of 0.862 (95% CI: 0.790-0.916). The 6-region protocol had significantly smaller AUC values on the 6th and 9th DOLs than the other two protocols.Conclusion: The 12-region and 10-region LU scoring protocols are superior to the 6-region protocol in the prediction of BPD. LU can predict the development of BPD from the 9th to 15th DOLs. With the addition of clinical variables, the earliest prediction time was the 6th DOL. What is Known: • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common and adverse complication of prematurity. Recent four studies found that lung ultrasound score or findings predicted the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. What is New: • We present analysis by classical 6-region and the other two lung ultrasound score (10-region and 12-region) which include an assessment of the posterior lung to allow to understand what is the best score to be used. In addition, we explore whether LU-incorporated clinical variables could improve the predictive value for BPD.

Surgery combined with 125I brachytherapy for treatment of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of surgery combined with 125I seed brachytherapy for treatment of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) of the parotid gland and to identify the factors associated with prognosis. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data of patients with CXPA of the parotid gland treated with surgery plus 125I seed brachytherapy at the Peking University School of Stomatology Hospital between December 2003 and July 2018. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (median age, 51 years) were included in the study. Median follow-up was 50.5 months. The 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates were 91.1%, 91.1%, and 81.5%, respectively. The 3-, 5-, and 10-year local control rates were all 85.2%. Grades 1-3 adverse effects occurred in 22 patients; no grade 4 reactions occurred. T stage, N stage, tumor invasiveness, perineural invasion, and surgical margins significantly affected local control rates. Lymph node metastasis and perineural invasion were independent predictors of poor local control. Lymph node metastasis was an independent predictor of poor survival. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery plus 125I seed brachytherapy appears to be an effective and safe treatment for CXPA of the parotid gland. T stage, N stage, tumor invasiveness, and perineural invasion are factors influencing prognosis.

Clinicopathological Factors are Predictors of Distant Metastases From Salivary Gland Carcinoma After Surgery Combined With 125I Internal Brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: Distant metastasis (DM) indicates a poor outcome from cancer treatment. The present study estimated the incidence of DM and identified risk factors associated with development of DM in patients with salivary gland carcinoma that achieved locoregional control after surgery combined with 125I internal brachytherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using consecutive patients treated with surgery combined with 125I internal brachytherapy at the Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Variables that might be associated with DM, including clinical, treatment characteristics, pathologic findings, and time to DM were recorded. Kaplan-Meier was performed to estimate incidence of DM, and Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify factors associated with DM. RESULTS: Data from 156 patients were obtained for statistical analysis. The DM was observed in 16 of 156 with rate being 10.3%. The median interval from diagnosis of primary tumor to DM was 30.0 months. The 3-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates were 97.0, 94.6, 85.2%, respectively, for patients without DM compared with 60.9, 52.2, 26.1%, respectively, for those with DM (P < .001). Univariate analysis revealed that the factors that significantly influenced DM were primary tumor site (P = .012) and histologic grade (P = .001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model indicated that histologic grade was the most important risk factor for predicting the risk of DM (P = .005; hazard ratio: 2.79; 95% confidence interval: 1.36 to 5.72). CONCLUSIONS: Histologic grade was the major risk factor that significantly influenced DM in patients with salivary gland carcinoma that achieved locoregional control. Patients with high-grade tumors should be under close evaluation for DM.

Differentiation of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates by abdominal sonography.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize and differentiate abdominal ultrasound findings of necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2018, the abdominal ultrasound results of 304 cases diagnosed necrotizing enterocolitis or food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous gas, bowel wall thickening, intestinal motility, focal fluid collections and hypoechoic change of gallbladder wall were calculated, and the results were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: Pneumatosis intestinalis, portal venous gas, bowel wall thickening, intestinal motility weakened/absent, focal fluid collections and hypoechoic change of gallbladder wall can be found in both necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome infants. However, in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal motility was weakened/absent in whole abdomen, and in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, it only involved isolated segment of bowel. The positive rates of above signs in necrotizing enterocolitis infants were significantly higher than those in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (p<0.01). Moreover, it was observed that the rate of weakened intestinal motility besides the lesion segment of bowel in necrotizing enterocolitis infants was 100%, and in food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome infants, it was 0%, which is supposed to be a main sign for identification. CONCLUSION: In the early stage, abdominal ultrasound can be used to differentiate necrotizing enterocolitis and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

New series of surgical design for anterior maxillary reconstruction with deep circumflex iliac artery flap.

Microsurgical reconstruction for anterior maxillary defects presents a surgical challenge. The objective of this study was to ascertain the feasibility of a new series of intraoral surgical approach using deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) flap to achieve functional reconstruction for anterior maxillary defects. Two male patients with anterior maxillary defects (Brown Class IC) were treated in this study. Both patients underwent computer-assisted maxillary reconstruction with a DCIA flap (with pedicle positioning laterally to the bony flap) using intraoral anastomosis techniques. The overall DCIA flap survival rate was 100% and mucosa was all healed uneventfully. One patient received dental implantation and loaded with prosthetic superstructures. Both patients were satisfied with their postoperative oral function and appearance. This study illustrated a new and feasible series of surgical design for anterior maxillary bone defect reconstruction with DCIA flaps and intraoral anastomosis assisted by digital techniques.

Gypenoside Inhibits Endothelial Cell Apoptosis in Atherosclerosis by Modulating Mitochondria through PI3K/Akt/Bad Pathway.

Atherosclerosis remains the most common cause of deaths worldwide. Endothelial cell apoptosis is an important process in the progress of atherosclerosis, as it can cause the endothelium to lose their capability in regulating the lipid homeostasis, inflammation, and immunity. Endothelial cell injury can disrupt the integrity and barrier function of an endothelium and facilitate lipid deposition, leading to atherogenesis. Chinese medicine techniques for preventing and treating atherosclerosis are gaining attention, especially natural products. In this study, we demonstrated that gypenoside could decrease the levels of serum lipid, alleviate the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, and lessen aortic intima thickening. Gypenoside potentially activates the PI3K/Akt/Bad signal pathway to modulate the apoptosis-related protein expression in the aorta. Moreover, gypenoside downregulated mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins, mitochondrial energy-related proteins in the mouse aorta. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a new function of gypenoside in endothelial apoptosis and suggested a therapeutic potential of gypenoside in atherosclerosis associated with apoptosis by modulating mitochondrial function through the PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway.

MicroRNA-129-5p affects immune privilege and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells via regulating FADD in intervertebral disc degeneration.

Literatures indicate that microRNA-129-5p (miR-129-5p) or Fas-associated death domain (FADD) is related to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), but the effect of miR-129-5p/FADD axis on IDD is not studied. The study aimed to investigate whether miR-129-5p influenced immune privilege and nucleus pulposus (NP) cell apoptosis in rats with IDD via regulating FADD.A rat model with caudal IDD was established, and injected with miR-129-5p agomir or miR-129-5p antagomir to figure out the character of miR-129-5p in the cell apoptosis and inflammation in the nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues of IDD rats. NP cells were grouped as the same ways for determining proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence in NP cells of IDD rats. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining detected the apoptosis of macrophages and CD8+ cells co-cultured via transfected NP cells. Expression of miR-129-5p, FADD, collagen I, collagen II, aggrecan and Sox-9 in NP tissues and cells were determined.Up-regulated miR-129-5p decreased FADD, collagen I and elevated collagen Ⅱ, aggrecan, and Sox-9 in NP tissues and repressed inflammation in serum and NP tissues in IDD rats. Up-regulated miR-129-5p facilitated proliferation, inhibited senescence, apoptosis, and decreased FADD, collagen I and increased collagen Ⅱ, aggrecan, and Sox-9 in NP cells of IDD rats. Elevated miR-129-5p promoted the apoptosis of macrophages and CD8+ cells.We pronounced that up-regulated miR-129-5p inhibited the apoptosis and facilitated the proliferation of NP cells, as well as the apoptosis of macrophages and CD8+ cells via decreased FADD in IDD, suggesting that miR-129-5p had a protective effect on IDD.

Deep Metallic Surface Defect Detection: The New Benchmark and Detection Network.

Metallic surface defect detection is an essential and necessary process to control the qualities of industrial products. However, due to the limited data scale and defect categories, existing defect datasets are generally unavailable for the deployment of the detection model. To address this problem, we contribute a new dataset called GC10-DET for large-scale metallic surface defect detection. The GC10-DET dataset has great challenges on defect categories, image number, and data scale. Besides, traditional detection approaches are poor in both efficiency and accuracy for the complex real-world environment. Thus, we also propose a novel end-to-end defect detection network (EDDN) based on the Single Shot MultiBox Detector. The EDDN model can deal with defects with different scales. Furthermore, a hard negative mining method is designed to alleviate the problem of data imbalance, while some data augmentation methods are adopted to enrich the training data for the expensive data collection problem. Finally, the extensive experiments on two datasets demonstrate that the proposed method is robust and can meet accuracy requirements for metallic defect detection.

Deep Active Learning for Surface Defect Detection.

Most of the current object detection approaches deliver competitive results with an assumption that a large number of labeled data are generally available and can be fed into a deep network at once. However, due to expensive labeling efforts, it is difficult to deploy the object detection systems into more complex and challenging real-world environments, especially for defect detection in real industries. In order to reduce the labeling efforts, this study proposes an active learning framework for defect detection. First, an Uncertainty Sampling is proposed to produce the candidate list for annotation. Uncertain images can provide more informative knowledge for the learning process. Then, an Average Margin method is designed to set the sampling scale for each defect category. In addition, an iterative pattern of training and selection is adopted to train an effective detection model. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can render the required performance with fewer labeled data.