Spread of Streptococcus suis Sequence Type 7, China

Streptococcus suis sequence type (ST) 7 has been spreading throughout China. To determine events associated with its emergence, we tested 114 isolates. In all 106 ST7 strains responsible for human outbreaks and sporadic infections, the tetracycline-resistance gene, tetM, was detected on the conjugative transposon Tn916. Horizontal transmission of tetM is suspected

Accuracy of axial length, keratometry, and refractive measurement with Myopia Master in children with ametropia

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of axial length, keratometry, and refractive measurement with Myopia Master in ametropic children. Methods In this randomized prospective cross-sectional study, 125 children with ametropia (250 eyes) were recruited (55 boys and 70 girls; age range: 3–15 years). All examinations were performed under full cycloplegic conditions. Measurements of axial length (AL), keratometry, and autorefraction acquired with the Myopia Master were compared with those from the IOLMaster 500, IOLMaster 700, Nidek ARK-1, and manifest refraction. The differences between the different methods were analyzed, and their correlation was assessed by interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland–Altman plot, and correlation test. Results The ALs (mm) measured with Myopia Master, IOLMaster 500, and IOLMaster 700 were 23.67 ± 1.26, 23.68 ± 1.26, and 23.70 ± 1.25, respectively. The mean values and standard deviations for AL and keratometry readings from these devices were similar (P ≥ 0.059). The ICC analysis also revealed high consistency between the measurements (ICC ≥ 0.943). Additionally, the correlation coefficients were relatively high (r > 0.9, p < 0.001). Although the results of refraction obtained with the Myopia Master were slightly higher than those with manifest refraction (P ≤ 0.024), the agreement between these two measurements was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.858). The percentage of points outside the limits of agreements was < 5.22% in Bland–Altman plots for all analyses. Conclusions Myopia Master could be a highly efficient tool for clinical use as a three-in-one system (AL, keratometry, and refractive measurements) for screening in children with ametropia

Laparoscopic ureterolysis with simultaneous ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy for treating complex ureteral obstruction after failed endoscopic intervention: A technical report

Objective: Complex ureteral obstruction is refractory to conventional urological intervention. This report describes a case of laparoscopic ureterolysis with simultaneous ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy for treating complex ureteral obstruction. Methods: Right-side multiple ureteral stones and complicating ureteral obstruction failed an initial attempt of ureteroscopy lithotripsy with simultaneous percutaneous nephroscopy in a 23-year-old male. Laparoscopic ureterolysis with ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy was used simultaneously to dissect the periureteral adhesions with the patient placed in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position. The ureter was incised to allow the insertion of a ureteral catheter through the twisted ureter, and a guide wire was advanced into the pelvis using ureteroscopy. A double-J stent was placed into the right-side ureter using antegrade percutaneous nephroscopy. Results: The laparoendoscopic procedure lasted 330 min with an estimated bleeding volume of 100 mL. The patient underwent an uneventful postoperative course, and postoperative follow-up radiography confirmed good positioning of the double-J stent. The double-J stent was removed 3 months after operation. The patient remained asymptomatic within a 13-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Laparoscopic ureterolysis with simultaneous ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephroscopy is an effective and safe treatment option for complex ureteral obstruction

High refractive index inorganic–organic Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) hydrogel nanocomposite toward artificial cornea implants

The use of artificial cornea implants has received increasing attention for treating cornea-related diseases and vision errors due to the low side effects. To achieve long-term successful vision correction, stable and biocompatible materials of high refractive index (RI) need to be developed. Herein, we developed an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel containing well-dispersed ZnS nanoparticles (3 nm) covalently linked to the first polymer network, poly(2-hydroethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA). The second polymer network used was poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The resultant ZnS/PHEMA/PAA IPN nanocomposite is clear and transparent at both dry and hydrated states with their RIs measured to be as high as 1.65 and 1.49, respectively. The equilibrium water content of the hydrogel nanocomposite reached 60.2% which is reasonably near to that of cornea. The material exerted minimal cytotoxicity toward primary epidermal keratinocyte cells. The high RI IPN hydrogel nanocomposite developed here might be an excellent candidate for artificial cornea implants

A propensity-score matched comparison of perioperative and early renal functional outcomes of robotic versus open partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the perioperative and early renal functional outcomes of RPN with OPN for kidney tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 209 RPN or OPN patients with availability of preoperative cross-sectional imaging since 2009 at our center were included. To adjust for potential baseline confounders propensity-score matching was performed, which resulted in 94 OPNs matched to 51 RPNs. Perioperative and early renal functional outcomes were compared. RESULTS: In propensity-score matched analysis, RPN procedures were well tolerated and resulted in significant decreases in postoperative analgesic time (24 vs. 48 hr, p<0.001) and visual analog pain scale (3 vs. 4, p<0.001). Besides, the RPN patients had a significantly shorter LOS (9 vs. 11 days, p = 0.008) and less EBL (100 vs. 200 ml, p<0.001), but median operative time was significantly longer (229 vs. 182 min, p<0.001). Ischemia time, transfusion rates, complication rates, percentage eGFR decline and CKD upstaging were equivalent after RPN versus OPN. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, RPN patients were less likely to have a prolonged LOS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.409; p = 0.016), while more likely to experience a longer operative time (OR: 4.296; p = 0.001). However, the statistical significance for the protective effect of RPN versus OPN in EBL was not confirmed by examining the risk of EBL≥400 ml (OR: 0.488; p = 0.212). CONCLUSIONS: When adjusted for potential selection biases, RPN offers comparable perioperative and early renal functional outcomes to those of OPN, with the added advantage of improved postoperative pain control and a shorter LOS