[Effect of serum HGF and CK18 in patients with laryngeal cancer on postoperative prognosis]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the levels of serum cytokeratin 18 (CK18) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and tumor stage and prognosis in patients with laryngeal carcinoma. Method: Patients with laryngeal cancer who were admitted to our hospital from January 2012 to December 2013 were enrolled. Blood samples were collected for CK18 and HGF detection, and postoperative prognosis data were collected at regular follow-up. Result: The serum CK18 and HGF concentration of patients with poorly differentiated tumor, high tumor grade and clinical stage were significantly higher than those with well differentiated tumor, low tumor grade and low clinical stage (P<0.05). The 5-year survival rate (69.9%) of patients with laryngeal cancer in the high CK18 group was significantly lower than that in the low CK18 group (92.3%) (P<0.05), and the 5-year survival rate (71.1%) of patients with laryngeal cancer in the high HGF group was significantly lower than that in the low HGF group (94.2%) (P<0.05). The results of univariate analysis showed that tumor type, differentiation, T grade, N grade and clinical stage affected the survival rate of patients with laryngeal cancer. Cox regression model analysis showed high CK18 and high HGF levels were risk factors for poor prognosis ［CK18 HR: 2.594 (1.558-4.318); P<0.001, HGF HR: 2.671 (1.605-4.446); P<0.001］. Conclusion:The results suggested that serum CK18 and HGF levels can be used as prognostic and disease monitoring biomarkers for laryngeal cancer.

The embryonic and evolutionary boundaries between notochord and cartilage: a new look at nucleus pulposus-specific markers

The adult nucleus pulposus (NP) and articular cartilage are similar in terms of their histocytological components and biomechanical functionalities, requiring a deep understanding of NP-specific markers to better evaluate stem-cell-based NP regeneration. Here, we seek to distinguish NP cells from articular chondrocytes (ACs), focusing on differences in their embryonic formation and evolutionary origin. Embryonically, NP cells are conservatively derived from the axial notochord, whereas ACs originate in a diversified manner from paraxial mesoderm and neural crest cells. Evolutionarily, although the origins of vertebrate NP and AC cells can be traced to similar structures within protostomia-like bilaterian ancestors, the distant phylogenetic relationship between the two groups of animals and the differences in the bodily origins of the tissues suggest that the tissues may in fact have undergone parallel evolution within the protostomia and deuterostomia. The numbers of supposedly NP-specific markers are increasing gradually as microarray studies proceed, but no final consensus has been attained on the specificity and physiology of "exclusive" NP markers because of innate variations among species; intrinsic expression of genes that destabilize the circadian clock; and cooperation by, and crosstalk among, different genes in terms of physiology-related phenotypes. We highlight the embryonic and evolutionary boundaries between NP and AC cells, to aid in recognition of the challenges associated with evaluation of the role played by nucleopulpogenic differentiation during stem-cell-based intervertebral disc regeneration.

Wave propagation in tunable lightweight tensegrity metastructure

Lightweight metastructures are designed consisting of prismatic tensegrity building blocks which have excellent strength-to-weight ratio and also enable unique compression-torsion coupling. A theoretical model with a coupled axial-torsional stiffness is first developed to study the band structures of the proposed lightweight metastructures. Then, various unit cell designs are investigated for bandgap generations at desired frequency ranges. Broadband full-wave attenuation is found in the tensegrity metastructure with special opposite-chirality. Furthermore, tunable stiffness in the prismatic tensegrity structure is investigated and 'small-on-large' tunability is achieved in the metastructure by harnessing the geometrically nonlinear deformation through an external control torque. Prestress adjustment is also investigated for fine tuning of the band structure. Finally, frequency response tests on the finite metastructures are preformed to validate their wave attenuation ability as well as their wave propagation tunability. The proposed tensegrity metastructures could be very useful in various engineering applications where lightweight and tunable structures with broadband vibration suspension and wave attenuation ability are in high demand.

[Primary prevention by hepatitis B vaccine on liver cancer in high incidence area of China]

Objective: Incidence of primary liver cancer (PLC) in China is mostly related to chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Qidong was one of the endemic areas with high incidence of PLC in China before 2000. We conducted a series of studies regarding on PLC etiological prevention during the past decades to develop better primary prevention strategies for PLC. Methods: Qidong Hepatitis B Intervention Study was conducted in 1983-1990. A total of 41 182 newborns were randomly assigned to vaccination group and 40 211 (97.64%) of them completed the three-dose, 5 µg-plasma-derived hepatitis B (HB) vaccination series at age 0, 1, 6 month. Among them, 28 988 participants received one-dose 10 µg recombinant HB booster vaccination at age 10-14 years. A total of 41 730 newborns were randomly assigned to the control group. When they were at age 10-14 years, 23 368 participants received the catch-up vaccination with three-dose, 10 µg-recombinant HB vaccine. Two cross-sectional HBV serology surveys were conducted in 1996-2000 and 2008-2012. Information on PLC incidence and mortality of chronic liver diseases were collected through cancer registry and vital statistics until December 31, 2016. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to compute hazard ratio (HR) of PLC and other liver diseases for the participants with neonatal HB vaccination or catch-up vaccination, and the protective efficacy was also calculated. Results: During serologic survey in 1996-2000, a total of 22 689 participants in vaccination group and 12 395 participants in control group donated blood samples. The HBsAg seropositive rates in the vaccination group was 2.16% (491/22 689), which is significantly lower than that of control group (9.08%, 1 126/12 395) (χ²=896.61, P<0.001). During serologic survey in 2008-2012, a total of 17 386 participants in vaccination group and 18 060 participants in control group donated blood samples. The HBsAg seropositive rates in the vaccination group was 1.83% (319/17 386), which is still significantly lower than that of control group (6.77%,1 222/18 060) (χ²=518.05, P<0.001). By December 31, 2016, 4 cases of PLC in the vaccination group and 17 cases of PLC were identified in the vaccination and control group, respectively. The estimated efficacy of neonatal HB vaccination on HBsAg seroprevalence in childhood (at age 10-11 years), early adulthood (at age 19-28 years) and incidence rate of PLC at age below 33 years was 79% (95%CI: 76%-81%), 74% (95%CI: 71%-78%) and 79% (95%CI: 36%-93%), respectively. The estimated efficacy of three-dose, 10 µg-recombinant HB catch-up vaccination in early adulthood is 21% (95%CI: 11%-30%), which is significantly lower than that of neonatal HB vaccination. Conclusion: HB vaccination to neonates/infants is crucial against chronic HBV infection in childhood through young adulthood, and subsequently reduced the risk of PLC in young adults.

[The influence of molecular classification of breast cancer on the safety of breast-conserving surgery]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between the breast cancer molecular classification and the prognosis of patients underwent breast-conserving therapy and to discuss the safety of the breast conserving surgery from the choice of operation in terms of breast cancer molecular classification. Methods: Clinical data of 618 patients with breast-conserving therapy in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from August 2005 to August 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the molecular classification when breast cancer was diagnosed, patients were subdivided into five groups, including Luminal A, Luminal B1, Luminal B2, HER-2-positive and Triple-negative. Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were compared among five groups and the influencing factors of local recurrence, distant metastasis and overall survival were analyzed. Results: Among 618 patients, there were 148 cases Luminal A, 231 cases Luminal B1, 63 cases Luminal B2, 40 cases HER-2-positive and 136 cases Triple-negative. The age, family history, TNM stage, calcification, histological grade, pathological type and response to endocrine therapy of these 5 molecular types of breast cancer patients were significantly different (all P<0.05). The 5-year local regional recurrence-free survival rates of Luminal A, Luminal B1, Luminal B2, HER-2-positive and Triple-negative were 99.3%, 98.7%, 98.4%, 94.9% and 95.9%, respectively, without significant differences (P=0.104). The 5-year distant metastasis-free survival rates of these 5 types were 97.3%, 95.7%, 93.7%, 87.5% and 91.4%, respectively, with significant differences (P=0.013). Moreover, the 5-year overall survival rates of these 5 types were 98.6%, 97.8%, 98.4%, 92.5% and 95.6%, respectively, without significant differences (P=0.153). Multifactor analysis showed that radiotherapy (HR=0.036, P=0.049) and the number of lymph node metastases (HR=10.72, P=0.004) were independent factors of local recurrence of breast cancer patients underwent breast-conserving therapy. The age (HR=0.369, P=0.046), status of surgical margin (HR=5.486, P=0.007), number of lymph node metastases (HR=2.882, P=0.023) and molecular typing (HR=5.191, P=0.008) were independent factors of distant metastasis of above breast cancer patients. None of the factors were found to be independent factors of the overall survival of these breast cancer patients. Conclusions: Breast conserving therapy does not increase the risks of local recurrence and death of HER-2-positive and Triple-negative breast cancer patients. Therefore, breast conserving therapy can be accepted by patients with HER-2-positive and Triple-negative breast cancer.

[The treatment of partial CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy for bilateral vocal fold paralysis]

Objective:To assess the efficacy of partial CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy in cases with bilateral vocal fold paralysis. Method:A total number of 11 patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis who undergone partial CO₂ laser arytenoidectomy was included in this retrospective study. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by compare the form of glottis, the scale of dyspnea and the change of voice preoperatively and postoperatively, as well as the occurrence of surgery complications such as dysphonia and dysphagia. Result:①All patients showed alleviation of dyspnea and had the endotracheal tube removed successfully in 1-2 months after the surgery. ②All patients were satisfied with their pronunciation and the objective index showed that all voice grading was between mild and moderate. ③Only two patients had suffered slightly bucking while on a liquid diet or eating too fast, but the symptoms had disappeared after some exercises and eating properly. Conclusion:Unilateral CO₂ laser partial arytenoidectomy is an effective, economic and less-suffering procedure which can not only solve the dyspnea results from bilateral vocal fold abductor paralysis but also can be grasped quickly by the surgeons.

[Prognostic analysis of stage Ⅰb2 andⅡa2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy]

Objective: To analyze the prognosis of Ⅰb2 and Ⅱa2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical hysterectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage Ⅰ b2 and Ⅱ a2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors who underwent platinum-based NACT followed by radical surgery from January 2008 to January 2015. The responses of NACT were observed and compared in their effect on postoperative pathologic risk factors. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were performed to analyze survival status. Results: This study was recruited 282 patients with the average age of (44.4±6.7) years old. After NACT, 42 patients achieved complete response [CR, 14.9% (42/282) ], while 138 patients achieved partial response [PR, 48.9% (138/282) ] and 102 stable disease [SD, 36.2% (102/282) ]. The rate of pathologic diameter ≥4 cm, deep stromal invasion (DSI) positive and lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) positive rate decreased significantly in CR and PR group compared with SD group (P<0.05) . The number of postoperative risk factors in CR, PR and SD groups varied significantly (χ(2)=64.869, P=0.000) . Besides, the rate of multiple intermediate risk factors was respectively 0 vs 13.8% vs 45.1% (χ(2)=7.107, P=0.008) . The disease relapsed in 23 patients, and 12 died. On the whole series, 5-year overall survival rate was 91.7%, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 88.9%. The rate of recurrence (P=0.002) and mortality (P=0.036) were higher in LVSI positive patients compared with LVSI negative. And the rate of recurrence was higher in patients with multiple intermediate risk factors, compared with no or one intermediate risk factors (P=0.002) . Univariate analysis revealed that LVSI positive and multiple intermediate risk factors were the factors predicted recurrence and mortality (P<0.05) , and no significance in age, stage, tumor grade, tumor diameter before or after NACT, response to NACT, or DSI positive factors (all P>0.05) . The multivariate analysis showed that, the factor of primary tumor diameter ≥6 cm (P=0.022) and multiple intermediate risk factors (P=0.001) were independent prognostic variables for recurrent-free survival. Besides, multiple intermediate risk factors was independent prognostic variable for overall survival (P=0.034) . After surgery, 107 patients did not receive adjuvant therapy, while 175 patients received adjuvant therapy with 26 radiotherapy, 46 chemotherapy and 103 concurrent radiochemotherapy. On survival analysis of postoperative adjuvant treatment, 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of radiotherapy group was significantly lower in patients with the factor of SD response to NACT (P=0.011) and multiple intermediate risk factors (P=0.008) , while overall no significance in overall survival rate (P>0.05) . Conclusions: NACT may be play beneficial role in relieving the status of intermediate risk factors for stage Ⅰ b2 and Ⅱ a2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors. The status of multiple intermediate risk factors is independent prognostic factors for recurrence and mortality. For patients with multiple intermediate risk factors, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy might be the better choice to prevent relapse.

Effect of IFN-λ2 on combined allergic rhinitis with nasal polyps

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to investigate the expression of interferon-λ2 (IFN-λ2) in patients with combined allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps (AR+NP), analyze the correlation between IFN-λ2 and tryptase, interleukin 10 (IL-10), and interleukin 12 (IL-12), and identify its peripheral blood cell origins.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

ELISA kits were used to investigate plasma levels of IFN-λ2, tryptase, IL-10, and IL-12 in AR+NP patients and healthy controls (HC). Flow cytometry analysis was carried out to detect IFN-λ2 expression in peripheral blood leukocytes. Immunocytochemical staining was performed to detect nasal polyp IFN-λ2 expression in AR+NP patients.

RESULTS

Elevated plasma IFN-λ2 levels and positive correlations between plasma IFN-λ2 and tryptase levels in AR+NP patients indicated that IFN-λ2 likely contributes to AR+NP pathogenesis. IFN-λ2 expression was upregulated in cytotoxic T cells and eosinophils in AR+NP patients. Nasal polyp mast cells and macrophages in AR+NP patients expressed IFN-λ2.

CONCLUSIONS

The close correlation between IFN-λ2 expression and AR+NP may provide experimental evidence for a possible effect of IFN-λ2 against the allergic inflammatory reaction. Therefore, IFN-λ2 actions may have a potential utility for the treatment and prevention of AR+AP.

Solid Cattle Manure Less Prone to Phosphorus Loss in Tile Drainage Water

Forms (e.g., liquid and solid) of manure influence the risk of P loss after land application. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of P-based application of various forms of cattle manure (liquid, LCM; or solid, SCM) or inorganic P as triple superphosphate (IP) on soil P losses in tile drainage water. A 4-yr field experiment was conducted in a clay loam soil with a corn ( L.)-soybean [ (L.) Merr.] rotation in the Lake Erie basin. Over the 4 yr, the dissolved reactive P (DRP) flow-weighted mean concentration (FWMC) in tile drainage water was greater under SCM fertilization than under either IP or LCM fertilization. Despite its lower value on an annual basis, DRP FWMC rose dramatically immediately after LCM application. However, the differences in DRP FWMC did not result in detectable differences in DRP loads. Regarding particulate P and total P losses during the 4 yr, they were 68 and 47%, respectively, lower in the soils amended with SCM than in those with IP, whereas both values were similar between IP and LCM treatments. Overall, the P contained in solid cattle manure was less prone to P loss after land application. Accordingly, the present results can provide a basis for manure storage and application of best management practices designed to reduce P losses and improve crop growth.

Effects of NGX6 expression on proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and survival of patients

OBJECTIVE

To detect the expressions of nasopharyngeal carcinoma-associated gene 6 (NGX6) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and tissues, and to investigate the effects of NGX6 on the proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and the survival of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (HONE1) and immortalized human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells (NP69) were selected and cultured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NGX6 were detected via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The expression of NGX6 in HONE1 was up-regulated using the gene transfection technique. Moreover, the effects of NGX6 on the proliferation and invasion capacities of HONE1 were observed via methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and Transwell assay. 50 biopsy tissue specimens of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 20 non-neoplastic nasopharyngeal biopsy tissue specimens were collected, and the immunohistochemical method was used to detect the protein expression of NGX6 in tumor tissues of patients with esophageal carcinoma. Finally, the follow-up data of patients were recorded, Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and the difference in survival rates was detected using the Log-rank test.

RESULTS

The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of NGX6 in HONE1 were significantly lower than those in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (NP69). After the overexpression of NGX6, the protein expression of NGX6 in HONE1 was significantly increased, but the proliferation and invasion capacities of HONE1 were significantly decreased. Besides, the immunohistochemical results revealed that the expression of NGX6 in tumor tissues of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was significantly lower than that in normal tissues; the survival analysis showed that the level of NGX6 was positively correlated with the survival and prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

NGX6 is lowly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and it can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, whose expression is positively correlated with the survival and prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Monovacancy paramagnetism in neutron-irradiated graphite probed by 13C NMR

We report on the magnetic properties of monovacancy defects in neutron-irradiated graphite, probed by ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The bulk paramagnetism of the defect moments is revealed by the temperature dependence of the NMR frequency shift and spectral linewidth, both of which follow a Curie behavior, in agreement with measurements of the macroscopic magnetization. Compared to pristine graphite, the fluctuating hyperfine fields generated by the defect moments lead to an enhancement of the ¹³C nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate [Formula: see text] by about two orders of magnitude. With an applied magnetic field of 7.1 T, the temperature dependence of [Formula: see text] below about 10 K can well be described by a thermally activated form, [Formula: see text], yielding a singular Zeeman energy of ([Formula: see text]) meV, in excellent agreement with the sole presence of polarized, non-interacting defect moments.

[Application of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery in the coronary artery bypass grafting operation]

Objective: To investigate the technical method for harvesting and application of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (DBLCFA) in the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation. Methods: Between December 2016 and April 2017, 19 patients were arranged to use DBLCFA and got CT angiography (CTA) of pelvic and femoral arteries pre-operative at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College. Finally, DBLCFA was harvested in 16 patients (including 2 female patients, with a mean age of (47.4±8.5) years) through the anterior thigh incision (13 cases on the left side, 3 cases on the right side). The CABG operations were performed under the cardiopulmonary bypass support (in 10 cases) or under the beating heart condition (in 6 cases), and the DBLCFA conduit was used combining with bilateral internal thoracic artery (in 12 cases), radial artery (in 7 cases) and saphenpous vein (in 3 cases). Results: Due to anatomical variations such as short length and anomalous branch, or due to silent atherosclerosis stenosis of femoral artery, DBLCFA in 3 patients was considered inappropriate for use and was not harvested after CTA examination. In another 16 patients, DBLCFA was safely and quickly harvested and successfully used. On average, 3.4±0.6 anastomosis was built up in CBAG, no adverse effects were exhibited. The length of the harvested DBLCFA was (10.3±1.8) cm, with average lumen diameter of (1.9±0.5) mm. DBLCFA was used as free graft in 15 patients (7 to the first diagonal branch, 6 to the ramus intermedius branch, 1 to the left anterior descending branch and 1 to the second obtuse marginal branch). In 1 patient, the DBLCFA was firstly implanted end-to-side to the internal thoracic artery as a "Y" type composite graft, and then anastomosed to the third obtuse marginal branch. Conclusions: The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is an option conduit in CABG. It can be harvested easily and safely. However, pre-operative CTA examination is necessary to exclude the variation and appropriate strategy for graft establishment should be considered during the operation.

GSK3β controls epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor metastasis by CHIP-mediated degradation of Slug

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.279.

Epidemiology of tuberculosis and HIV coinfections in Singapore, 2000-2014

Cross-matching of records between Singapore's tuberculosis and HIV registries showed that 3.3% of individuals with tuberculosis (TB) were coinfected with HIV (2000-2014), the TB incidence among individuals with HIV infection was 1.65 per 100 person-years, and 53% of coinfections were diagnosed within 1 month of each other. The findings supported joint prevention programmes for early diagnosis and treatment.

Drainage water management combined with cover crop enhances reduction of soil phosphorus loss

Integrating multiple practices for mitigation of phosphorus (P) loss from soils may enhance the reduction efficiency, but this has not been studied as much as individual ones. A four-year study was conducted to determine the effects of cover crop (CC) (CC vs. no CC, NCC) and drainage water management (DWM) (controlled drainage with sub-irrigation, CDS, vs. regular free tile drainage, RFD) and their interaction on P loss through both surface runoff (SR) and tile drainage (TD) water in a clay loam soil of the Lake Erie region. Cover crop reduced SR flow volume by 32% relative to NCC, regardless of DWM treatment. In contrast, CC increased TD flow volume by 57 and 9.4% with CDS and RFD, respectively, compared to the corresponding DWM treatment with NCC. The total (SR+TD) field water discharge volumes were comparable amongst all the treatments. Cover crop reduced flow-weighted mean (FWM) concentrations of particulate P (PP) by 26% and total P (TP) by 12% in SR, while it didn't affect the FWM dissolved reactive P (DRP) concentration, regardless of DWM treatments. Compared with RFD, CDS reduced FWM DRP concentration in TD water by 19%, while CC reduced FWM PP and TP concentrations in TD by 21 and 17%, respectively. Total (SR+TD) soil TP loss was the least with CDS-CC followed by RFD-CC, CDS-NCC, and RFD-NCC. Compared with RFD-NCC, currently popular practice in the region, total TP loss was reduced by 23% with CDS-CC. The CDS-CC system can be an effective practice to ultimately mitigate soil P loading to water resource.

Effects of hTERT antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on cell apoptosis and expression of hTERT and bcl-2 mRNA in keloid fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE

This study was purposed to investigate the effects of hTERT antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN) on cell apoptosis and expression of hTERT and bcl-2 mRNA in keloid fibroblasts and to explore its anti-keloid effect.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary cultures of dermal fibroblasts derived from 12 keloid samples were established, strains of fibroblasts at passages 3 to 4 were used in this study. After treated by hTERT ASODN the proliferation of the fibroblasts was measured by cell count and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay method, the apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM), and the expression of hTERT and bcl-2 mRNA were observed by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The data was analyzed by statistical software (SPSS11.5).

RESULTS

The results showed that after sealing hTERT gene with ASODN for 72 h, the fibroblasts growth was repressed and the ability of proliferation decreased as the fibroblasts were treated with 1.0 mol/L ASODN for 72 h, the fibroblasts apoptosis was induced and the expression of hTERT and bcl-2 mRNA was lower than that of controlled group. The result was significantly different between control group and treatment group and was related to the treatment time of ASODN (p<0.01), but the difference was no significant when compared 1.0 μmol/L SODN group with untreated group (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

As a negative modutory factor, hTERT-ASODN can suppress growth and proliferation of keloid fibroblasts. Decreasing the telomerase activity of keloid fibroblasts may be one of the most important mechanisms. That hTERT-ASODN inhibited telomerase activity in keloid fibroblasts is an important pathway that may play a key role in the anti- keloid therapy.

Soil phosphorus loss in tile drainage water from long-term conventional- and non-tillage soils of Ontario with and without compost addition

Recent ascertainment of tile drainage a predominant pathway of soil phosphorus (P) loss, along with the rise in concentration of soluble P in the Lake Erie, has led to a need to re-examine the impacts of agricultural practices. A three-year on-farm study was conducted to assess P loss in tile drainage water under long-term conventional- (CT) and non-tillage (NT) as influenced by yard waste leaf compost (LC) application in a Brookston clay loam soil. The effects of LC addition on soil P loss in tile drainage water varied depending on P forms and tillage systems. Under CT, dissolved reactive P (DRP) loss with LC addition over the study period was 765g P ha^-1, 2.9 times higher than CT without LC application, due to both a 50% increase in tile drainage flow volume and a 165% increase in DRP concentration. Under NT, DRP loss in tile drainage water with LC addition was 1447gPha^-1, 5.3 times greater than that for NT without LC application; this was solely caused by a 564% increase in DRP concentration. However, particulate P loads in tile drainage water with LC application remained unchanged, relative to non-LC application, regardless of tillage systems. Consequently, LC addition led to an increase in total P loads in tile drainage water by 57 and 69% under CT and NT, respectively. The results indicate that LC application may become an environmental concern due to increased DRP loss, particularly under NT.

[A preliminary discussion on the contents and value of Shi er mai (Twelve Channels) and Bie mai (Allo-channels), the medical bamboo slips unearthed from Han tomb in Laoguanshan of Chengdu]

The 52 medical bamboo slips entitled Si er ma (Twelve Channels) and Bie mai (Allo-channels) , unearthed from Han tomb in Laoguanshan, are the exclusive medical books concerning channels. Shi er mai is the first work bearing the term " heart dominating channel" , and the running pathways and manifestations of 12 channels. This book could be the major original sources of the 12-channel theories described in the Chapter of Jing mai (Channels) of Ling shu (Miraculous Pivot) . While Bie mai suggests the coexistence of the multi-channel systems at the time when the book was compiled and, together with the 12 "channel" , and 3 "branched collaterals" , these 2 books represent the original condition before the establishment of the mode of channel circulation in Ling shu, and is significant to explore the nature and origin of channel.

[Outcome comparison of different therapy procedures in surgical high-risk elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis]

Objective: To compare the outcome of surgical high-risk elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis(SAS) treated by different therapy procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI), surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR), and drug therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 242 surgical high-risk elderly (age ≥65 years old) SAS patients hospitalized in Fuwai Hospital between September 2012 and June 2015. According to the treatment method, patients were divided into TAVI group (81 cases), SAVR group (59 cases) and drug therapy group (102 cases). The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 1 year post procedure, and secondary end point included cardiac function class(NYHA), vascular complication, valvular function, non-fatal myocardial infarction, new atrial fibrillation, stroke, bleeding, pacemaker implantation, acute renal failure, and readmission. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate survival function based on follow up data and survival was compared between groups with the use of the log-rank test. Results: (1) In the baseline data, there were statistically significant difference among 3 groups for the age, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac function class Ⅲ and Ⅳ, rates of combined diabetes, chronic renal failure, mild and moderate mitral regurgitation (P<0.01 or 0.05). The risk score of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons(STS) was 7.28±4.98 in the TAVI group, and 5.67±3.49 in the SAVR group(P=0.036). (2) The perioperative rates of pacemaker implantation(11.3%(9/81) vs. 0, P=0.025) and mild paravalvular regurgitation(29.6%(24/81) vs.1.7%(1/59), P<0.001) were significantly higher in TAVI group than in SAVR group.(3)The rate of rehospitalization was significantly lower in TAVI group than in SAVR group(3.0%(2/67) vs. 22.7%(10/44) P=0.005) and the rate of pacemaker implantation was significantly higher in TAVI group than in SAVR group(17.5 (12/67) vs. 0, P=0.008) after 1 year. The rates of death from any cause in the TAVI (5.8%(4/67)) and SAVR group (11.4%(5/44)) were significantly lower than that in the drug therapy group (54.9%(50/91), both P<0.05) after 1 year and was similar between TAVI group and SAVR group(P=0.622). (4) The rates of cardiac function classⅠandⅡ increased and Ⅲ and Ⅳ decreased in TAVI and SAVR group after 1 year when compared with base line(P<0.001). The rates of cardiac function class Ⅱ, and Ⅲ increased , class Ⅰ and Ⅳ decreased in drug therapy group after 1 year compared with base line (P=0.020). (5)The survival rates after 1 year were significantly higher in the TAVI group and SAVR group than in the drug therapy group(log-rank test, P<0.001), and the difference was similar between TAVI group and SAVR group (log-rank test, P=0.062). Conclusion: In surgical high-risk elderly patients with SAS, the prognosis of drug therapy was poor, and TAVI and SAVR were associated with similarly improved rates of survival after 1 year, although there were significant differences in periprocedural complications between TAVI and SAVR groups.

The effect of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy on locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma and on the expression of succinate dehydrogenase B

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the effect of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) on locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) on the expression of succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-six patients diagnosed with locally recurrent NPC in our hospital were selected and divided into the control group (43 cases) and observation group (43 cases). Conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy was applied in the control group, and 3DCRT was adopted in the observation group. The curative effect of both groups was compared.

RESULTS

The effective rate and the degree of alleviation of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). There were no differences in the occurrence rate of complications from radiotherapy between the two groups (p>0.05). The survival rate and median survival time of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). The positive expression rate of SDHB in the observation group after radiotherapy was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05), and the median survival time of patients with positive expression of SDHB was significantly higher than patients with negative expression (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

3DCRT applied for treatment of locally recurrent NPC was safe and effective. It also improved the positive expression rate of SDHB, which was associated with increased survival time.

[Discussion on the species and naming of medical bamboo slips unearthed from Han tomb in Laoguanshan]

920 pieces of bamboo slip, including broken bamboo slips, found in Laoguanshan Han tomb, are placed in two locations. In one of the location, 736 pieces, except 20 pieces of " chi jian" , of medical bamboo slips are stored. The Chengdu Municipal Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Relics Protection Center of Jingzhou preliminary sorted out these pieces and tentatively give them the names: Wu se mai zang lun, Bi xi yi lun, Mai si hou, Liu shi bing fang, Bing yuan lun, Zhu bing zheng hou, Jing mai shu, Gui mai shu. Through our comprehensive reading, font comparison, comparison of the contents, and investigation on the texts, it was suggested that the batch of medical slips might be divided into nine kinds of documents, namely, Bi xi zhen fa, Zhen zhi lun, Liu shi bing fang, Zhu bing yi, Zhu bing er, Shi er mai, Bie mai, Ci shu, Ni shun wu se mai zang yan jing shen.

[Role of electrocardiogram in predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy response]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of electrocardiogram(ECG)in predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed ECG of 92 CRT patients, who received CRT therapy from 2001 to 2013 in our center and were followed up for 6 months. The patients were divided into responder group (n=64) and non-responder group (n=28). The baseline and 6-month data including QRS width, heart rhythm and axis variation were analyzed. The definition of responder is left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV) reduction ≥15% within 6 months after CRT. After CRT therapy, the ventricular activation was changed as left to right (frontal plane), posterior to anterior and axis changed in a clockwise direction. The change in more than two directions was defined as prominent axis change. Logistic analysis was performed to analyze the role of ECG in predicting CRT response.

RESULTS

(1) Baseline parameter comparison between the two groups: the proportion of female and LBBB is significantly higher (P<0.01; P=0.04), while the proportion of atrial fibrillation/flutter (Af/AF) is significantly lower (P<0.01) in responder group than in non-responder group. The pre-CRT average QRS duration is much wider in responder group than in non-responder group (P=0.01). (2) Comparison of follow-up with baseline results in two groups: NYHA heart function level, 6 minutes walking distance, QRS duration, LVEF, LVESV improved significantly (P<0.01) post-CRT in responder group. In non-responder group, the QRS duration and LVESV deteriorated significantly (P=0.02, P<0.01), while post-CRT NYHA heart function level improved significantly. In responder group, pre-CRT ECG axis of 53 patients (82.8%) pointed to left and 58 patients (90.6%) pointed to posterior; post-CRT ECG axis of 49 patients (76.6%) pointed to right and 30 patients (40.6%) pointed to anterior. In non-responder group, pre-CRT ECG axis of 25 patients (89.3%) pointed to left and 24 patients (85.7%) pointed to posterior; post-CRT ECG axis of 17 patients (60.7%) pointed to right and 12 patients (42.9%) pointed to anterior. Post-CRT, the proportion of ECG axis prominent change was significantly higher in responder than in non-responder group (62.5%(40/64) vs. 32.1%(9/28), P=0.007). (3)Predicting value: pre-CRT QRS width ≥140 ms (OR=4.97, 95% CI 1.53 to 16.13, P=0.008)and post-CRT prominent axis change (OR=5.1, 95% CI 1.67 to 15.5, P=0.004)were found to be independent predictors of CRT responders. Af/AF pre-CRT was associated with reduced CRT response (OR=0.25, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.80, P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

ECG may play a role in predicting CRT response. QRS width and Af/AF before CRT and ECG axis change post-CRT could be used to predict CRT response.

The guiding significance of NT-proBNP and PCT levels in mechanical ventilator of patients with chronic respiratory failure

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the guiding significance of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and procalcitonin (PCT) level in mechanical ventilator used for patients with chronic respiratory failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-two patients with simple chronic respiratory failure who were treated by mechanical ventilator were selected for this study. They were treated offline after they reached the standards of spontaneous breathing trial, and were divided into two groups: 1- the successful offline group with 59 patients and 2- the failure group with 23 patients. Differences of NT-proBNP and PCT levels, oxygenation index, average heart rate and mean arterial pressure between two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The NT-proBNP and PCT levels in the failure group were significantly higher than those in the success group, while oxygenation index was significantly lower in the success group. All differences were statistically significant (p<0.05). Comparison of average heart rate and mean arterial pressure between two groups showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Through multi-factor regression analyses we observed that NT-proBNP and PCT levels were independent risk factors for guiding the success rate of offline (p<0.05). Spontaneous breathing trial in combination with NT-proBNP and PCT levels improved the success rate of offline.