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To solve such problems as insufficient illumination improvement and unnatural visual effects in the existing dark image enhancement approaches, we propose a Bezier curve-based and saturation-aided dark image enhancement method with image fusion. Firstly, a saturation-aided preliminary brightness map estimation approach is put forward. Both saturation and brightness information are utilized to compensate the illumination information, which makes for more colorful results. Then, an evaluation function based on the preliminary brightness map is devised to get an optimal Bezier curve for the illumination adjustment purpose. Bezier curve is more flexible than traditional curves, so it can be used to improve the illumination of dark images in various types. Secondly, we handle the potential overexposure and detail loss in the optimized brightness map by fusing it with the original as well as the CLAHE-processed brightness maps. And, a mask fusion strategy is designed to avoid over-enhancement for the area that is supposed to be smooth. Finally, the enhanced brightness map is combined with the original hue and saturation channels to get our enhanced results, which present richer details and look more vivid. Our method is quantitatively evaluated with NIQE and gets a high score 3.70 on a 101 dark image dataset, which is the best among the state-of-the-art approaches compared.

BackgroundHis bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological pacing strategy, which aims to capture the His bundle-Purkinje system and synchronously activate the ventricles. Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a newly discovered physiological pacing technique similar to HBP. We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the pacing parameters and clinical results between HBP and LBBP.MethodsWe systematically retrieved studies using the PubMed, Embase database, and Cochrane Library. Mean difference (MD) and relative risk (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals [CIs] were used to measure the outcomes. A random-effect model was used when studies were of high heterogeneity.ResultsA total of seven studies containing 867 individuals were included. Compared with HBP, LBBP was associated with higher implant success rates (RR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.05–1.18; I2 = 60%, P = 0.0003), lower capture threshold at implantation (V/0.5 ms) (MD: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.35–0.90, I2 = 89%, P < 0.0001) and capture threshold at follow-up (V/0.5 ms) (MD: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.34–1.18, I2 = 93%, P = 0.0004), and larger sensed R wave amplitude (mV) at implantation (MD: 7.23, 95% CI: 5.29–9.16, P < 0.0001) and sensed R wave amplitude (mV) at follow-up (MD: 7.53, 95% CI: 6.85–8.22, P < 0.0001). In LBBP recipients, greater QRS wave complex reduction was found in the paced QRS duration at follow-up compared with HBP recipients at follow-up (MD: 6.12, 95% CI: 1.23–11.01, I2 = 0%, P = 0.01). No statistical differences were found in procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, native left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF), LVEF improvement, native QRS duration, and QRS reduction from the native QRS duration vs. paced QRS duration at implantation.ConclusionCurrent evidence suggests that pacing characteristics are better in LBBP compared with HBP. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the clinical advantages of LBBP.

Breast cancer-related upper-arm lymphedema is one of the most common postoperative complications of Breast cancer [Sisman et al. J BUON, 17(3):565–569, 2012], having an incidence of 20% [Suami and Chang, Plast Reconstr Surg 126:1853–1863, 2010; Mclaughlin et al. J Clin Oncol 26(32):5220–5226, 2008; Clark et al. QJM 98:343–348, 2005]. There are multiple possible reasons such as operation, radiotherapy, et al. [Yen et al. Ann Surg Oncol 16(4):979–988, 2009]. The most severe complications include paramorphia and dysfunction, which impair the quality of life of patients [Pusic et al. J Cancer Surviv 2012]. There has been no clear and effective cure method reported. In our research, we simultaneously performed breast reconstruction and treatment of breast cancer-related upper-arm lymphedema with Lymphatic TRAM/DIEP flap, modifying the method introduced by Dr. Corinne Becker [Becker et al. Ann Surg. 243:313–315, 2006] and Dr. Anne M. Saaristo [Saaristo et al. Ann Surg 255(3):468–473, 2012], and have been following up with mid-upper-arm circumference measurement, clinical symptoms, and lymphoscintigraphy, looking forward to making the effective evaluation of the method of breasts restoration, breast reconstruction and lymphatic transplantation aimed to treat upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.

Turdus ruficollis is mainly found in China and Northeast Asia. So far, the mitochondrial genome of more than 20 species from the genus Turdus has been studied. However, the relevant information of T. ruficollis has not been reported. To grasp a better comprehension on the molecular basis of T. ruficollis, we obtained the complete mitochondrial DNA genome sequences of this species. The mitogenome was 16,737 bp in length, which consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. A phylogenetic tree based on complete mitogenome sequences revealed that, within the genus Turdidae, T. ruficollis is closely related to T. naumanni and T. eumomus. The complete mitochondrial genome of T. ruficollis would be of great utility for population genetics and phylogeography of the Turdidae family and would also provide meritorious insights for future studies on conservation, genetics, and phylogeny of the Passeriformes family.

ABSTRACT Secretory breast carcinoma (SBC) is a rare tumor that is particularly rare in male adults. To our knowledge, only 28 previous male cases of secretory breast carcinoma have been reported. We present a case of secretory breast carcinoma that has the longest duration of symptoms (40 years) in a male individual until now. Typically, the clinical features and treatment of male SBC are similar with female SBC. The ETV6–NTRK3 fusion gene is a specific genetic alteration in SBC. When compared to other types of male breast cancer, patients with male secretory breast cancer are much younger, and have a lower rate of estrogen/progesterone hormone receptor positivity. Modified radical mastectomy has been favored as a therapeutic approach in all female SBC, male SBC and other types of male breast cancer.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to introduce the key points about the transplantation of lower abdominal flap with vascularized lymph node and to evaluate the effect of breast restoration, breast reconstruction, and lymphatic transplantation to treat upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was based on the retrospective study on 10 cases of postmastectomy lymphedema during January 2008 to March 2011. All patients, aged 36 to 50 years, have had one-side upper-limb lymphedema for 3 to 5 years. Six patients had accepted radiotherapy. Four patients had a diagnosis of severe lymphedema, and 2 patients had moderate lymphedema. The isotope radiography before the operation showed obstruction of lymphatic return, and the multidetector computed tomography that followed delivered a clear picture of the abdominal flap blood supply and the blood vessels in the breasts. During the operation, the scar contracture of the axilla was completely relaxed, and all patients accepted abdominal transplantation of lower abdominal flap with vascularized lymph node. After the operation, the elastic bandages were applied for one year as an adjuvant therapy. The follow-up visits were conducted 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. The measurement indexes included mid-upper arm circumference, clinical symptoms, and lymphoscintigraphy. RESULTS All flaps worked well. One patient was found to have delayed wound healing; one patient saw no obvious improvement in lymphedema; 7 patients with lymphedema were relieved with apparent improvement in the affected limbs' mean perimeter and clinical symptoms; one patient recovered; and another patient was lost to follow-up. The mean reduction was 2.122±2.331 cm, and the reduction of the lymphedematous limb was statistically significant between the preoperative and 12-month postoperative groups (P

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is very rare in males. There have been only eight previous articles published on breast ACC in males. Here, we will report on the first case of this type of tumor in the Chinese province of Hainan. The patient was a 19-year-old male, and he underwent a radical mastectomy (RM) with axillary lymph node dissection. The histopathological examination specimen revealed that surgical margins were negative; none of the 41 axillary lymph nodes excised were positive for malignancy. The patient is alive and well 67 months after radical mastectomy. In the present study, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment options for male breast ACC based on previous English publications. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12957-015-0442-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.