Detection of malachite green in fish based on magnetic fluorescent probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe3O4@MIPs

A magnetic fluorescent probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe₃O₄@MIPs was prepared using CdTe QDs and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as co-nucleus and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as specific recognition sites based on a reverse microemulsion method. With the specific enrichment and magnetic separation properties, the probe of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe₃O₄@MIPs was used to detect malachite green (MG) in fish samples. The TEM analysis showed that the particles of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe₃O₄@MIPs were spherical with average diameter around 53nm, and a core-shell structure was well-shaped with several Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and CdTe QDs embedded in each of the microsphere. Quick separation of the probes from solutions could be realized with a magnet, indicating the excellent magnetic property of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe₃O₄@MIPs. The probe exhibited high specific adsorption towards MG and excellent fluorescence emission at λ_em 598nm. The fluorescence of CdTe QDs/nano-Fe₃O₄@MIPs could be linearly quenched by MG at the concentrations from 0.025 to 1.5μmolL^-1. The detection limit was 0.014μmolL^-1. The average recovery of spiked MG in fish samples was 105.2%. The result demonstrated that the as-prepared CdTe QDs/nano-Fe₃O₄@MIPs could be used as a probe to the detection of trace MG in fish samples.

Detection of trace tetracycline in fish via synchronous fluorescence quenching with carbon quantum dots coated with molecularly imprinted silica

A novel fluorescence-based sensor combining synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was fabricated with reverse microemulsion method. Tetracycline (TC), (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and carbon quantum dots (CDs) were used as template, functional monomer, cross-linker and signal sources respectively in the probe preparation. A synchronous fluorescence emission (λ_em) at 355nm was observed for the prepared MIP-coated CDs (MIP@CDs) particles when the wavelength interval (Δλ) was set as 70nm, and the synchronous fluorescence intensity could be rapidly and efficiently quenched by TC based on inner filter effect (IFE). The quenching efficiencies of synchronous fluorescence intensity was linearly fitted with tetracycline (TC) concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 50μmolL^-1 with a detection limit (DL) of 9nmolL^-1 (3σ, n=9). The MIP@CDs was used as a probe to detect TC in fish samples with the recoveries ranging from 98.4% to 103.1% and the relative standard deviation less than 6.0%. The results illustrated that the as-prepared MIP@CDs could be applied to the detection of trace TC in fish samples with rapidity, high sensitivity and accuracy.

Detection of trace leucomalachite green with a nanoprobe of CdTe quantum dots coated with molecularly imprinted silica via synchronous fluorescence quenching

A novel fluorescence nanoprobe using CdTe quantum dots as signal sources coated with a molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized by a reverse microemulsion method.

Significance of Anthropogenic Factors to Freely Dissolved Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Freshwater of China

Assessment of surface water pollution by organic pollutants is a top priority in many parts of the world, as it provides critical information for implementing effective measures to ensure drinking water safety. This is particularly important in China, where insufficient data of national scale have been acquired on the occurrence of any organic pollutants in the country's water bodies. To fill the knowledge gap, we employed passive samplers to survey polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 42 freshwaters throughout the country. The dissolved Σ₂₄PAH concentrations ranged from 0.28 to 538 ng L^-1, with the highest and lowest values obtained in Southern Lake in Wuhan and in the Nam Co Lake in Tibet, respectively. Average Σ₂₄PAH concentrations in West, Central, and East China correlated well with the population densities in these regions. The composition profiles of PAHs showed a mixed PAH source of coal combustion, fossil fuel combustion, and oil spills. In addition, all dissolved PAH concentrations were below the water guidelines developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Union, and the Canadian government, except for anthracene in Southern Lake. Our results also demonstrated the feasibility of establishing a global network of monitoring organic pollutants in the aquatic environment with passive sampling techniques.

MicroRNA expression profiling in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma of familial aggregation and hepatitis B virus infection

Numerous studies have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) potently affect hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the miRNA expression profiling in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of familial aggregation and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has not been elucidated. In the present study, the plasma miRNA expression profiles of 3 patients with HCC with familial aggregation of HCC and HBV infection and 1 healthy volunteer were examined by microarray analysis, in order to identify relevant miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of HCC with familial aggregation and HBV infection. The results indicated that 26 miRNAs exhibited a ≥20-fold increase or decrease in the plasma of patients with HCC, compared with the healthy control (24 upregulated and 2 downregulated). Among these altered miRNAs, 15 of them have been reported in HCC. The other 11 miRNAs have never been reported in HCC. These differentially-expressed miRNAs may be potential molecular markers for HCC pathogenesis and development.

Online measurement of conductivity/permittivity of fluid by a new contactless impedance sensor

By expanding the contactless conductivity detection (CCD) technique to contactless impedance detection technique, a new contactless impedance sensor is designed to implement the online measurement for both the conductivity of a conductive fluid and the permittivity of a non-conductive fluid. In the new contactless impedance sensor, a new simulated inductor is developed to overcome the unfavorable influences of the coupling capacitances by impedance elimination principle, and the digital phase-sensitive demodulation (DPSD) technique is adopted to realize the impedance measurement. To verify the effectiveness of the new contactless impedance sensor, simulation experiments (using different resistors, capacitors, and their combinations) and practical fluid experiments (using KCl solutions with different concentrations, eight organic solvents, and pure water) are carried out. The experimental results show that the development of the new contactless impedance sensor is successful and the conductivity/permittivity measurement performance of the new sensor is satisfactory. The maximum relative error of conductivity measurement is 3.1% and the maximum relative error of permittivity measurement is 5.5%. Compared with the conventional conductivity/permittivity sensors, the new sensor can implement the contactless online measurement of both the two electrical parameters of fluid. Meanwhile, the new contactless impedance sensor is suitable for industrial applications and has the advantages of simple construction and low cost.

Potential prognostic long non-coding RNA identification and their validation in predicting survival of patients with multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma, a typical hematological malignancy, is characterized by malignant proliferation of plasma cells. This study was to identify differently expressed long non-coding RNAs to predict the survival of patients with multiple myeloma efficiently. Gene expressing profiles of diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma, GSE24080 (559 samples) and GSE57317 (55 samples), were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. After processing, survival-related long non-coding RNAs were identified by Cox regression analysis. The prognosis of multiple myeloma patients with differently expressed long non-coding RNAs was predicted by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Meanwhile, stratified analysis was performed based on the concentrations of serum beta 2-microglobulin (S-beta 2m), albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase of multiple myeloma patients. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to further explore the functions of identified long non-coding RNAs. A total of 176 long non-coding RNAs significantly related to the survival of multiple myeloma patients (p < 0.05) were identified. In dataset GSE24080 and GSE57317, there were 558 and 55 patients being clustered into two groups with significant differences, respectively. Stratified analysis indicated that prediction of the prognoses with these long non-coding RNAs was independent from other clinical phenotype of multiple myeloma. Gene set enrichment analysis–identified pathways of cell cycle, focal adhesion, and G2-M checkpoint were associated with these long non-coding RNAs. A total of 176 long non-coding RNAs, especially RP1-286D6.1, AC008875.2, MTMR9L, AC069360.2, and AL512791.1, were potential biomarkers to evaluate the prognosis of multiple myeloma patients. These long non-coding RNAs participated indispensably in many pathways associated to the development of multiple myeloma; however, the molecular mechanisms need to be further studied.

Biomimetic ELISA detection of malachite green based on molecularly imprinted polymer film

A highly selective and sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of malachite green (MG) using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film as bionic antibody. The MIP film, based on the self-polymerization of dopamine, was fabricated on the surfaces of a 96-well microplate. It showed specific recognition for MG in aqueous solution. A direct competitive ELISA method was established with the sensitivity reaching 10.31μgL^-1 and the detection limit being 0.3μgL^-1. The cross-reactivity of two structural analogues to MG was less than 10%. The average recovery tested by MG standard spiking was 88.8% for bass and 90.4% for water, and the relative standard deviations were less than 3.6%. All the above results indicated that the developed method could be used to detect MG in fish and water samples rapidly, specifically and accurately.

Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of a family of heterometallic octanuclear [Cu6Ln2] (Ln = Dy(iii), Tb(iii), Ho(iii), Er(iii), and Gd(iii)) complexes

Five novel [Cu₆Ln₂] complexes were synthesized, wherein Ln^III ions are seven-coordinate and coordinated by one triethanolamine and three di-2-pyridyl ketone ligands, without coordinated solvent molecules and small anions.

A new ten-gene risk fraction model serving as prognostic indicator for clinical outcome of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a kind of aggressive tumor prevalent with high heterogeneity. Abnormal expression of certain genes may lead to the occurrence and development of MM. Nowadays, it is not commonly seen in clinical research to predict the prognostic circumstances of patients with MM by multiple gene expression profiling method. Identification of potential genes in prognostic process could be beneficial for clinical management of MM. Therefore, we aimed to build a risk fraction model to screen out the prognostic indicator for clinical outcome of MM. Microarray data were downloaded from the Genome Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets with accession numbers GSE24080 and GSE57317. A total of 279 samples were selected out randomly. Besides, a risk formula was constructed and verified in the dataset. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied in evaluating the accurate prognostic conditions of patients. Finally, a ten genes model in the training dataset was found to be closely related to the survival condition of MM patients. Patients with MM were divided into two groups, high-risk and low-risk, by the expression of these ten genes, and significant statistical difference was found between the two groups. Furthermore, the result of multivariate cox regression and stratified analysis indicated that this model was independent of other clinical phenotypes. ROC curves also showed its feasibility to predict the survival status of MM patients. Our results demonstrated that the fraction risk model constructed by the selected ten genes could be used to predict survival status of multiple myeloma patients, which could also help in improvement of prognostic and therapeutic tool of MM.

Laparoscopic versus traditional open splenectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with hypersplenism

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of the laparoscopic vs. traditional open splenectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with hypersplenism. Between 2002 and 2013, 51 Chinese HCC patients with hypersplenism underwent either simultaneous laparoscopic splenectomy plus anticancer therapies (Lap-S&A) (n=25) or traditional open splenectomy plus anti-cancer therapies (TOS&A) (n=26). The outcomes were reviewed during and after the operation. Anti-cancer therapies for HCC included laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) and laparoscopic microwave ablation (LMA). The results showed that there was no significant difference in the operating time between the two groups, but the blood loss and blood transfusion were less, pain intensity after surgery was weaker, the time to first bowel movement, time to the first flatus and postoperative hospital stay were shorter, and the postoperative complication rate and the readmission rate were lower in the Lap-S&A group than in the TO-S&A group. Two patients in the Lap-S&A group and one patient in the TO-S&A group died 30 days after surgery. However, no significant difference in the mortality rate was noted between the two groups. It was concluded that simultaneous Lap-S&A holds the advantages of more extensive indications, lower complication incidence and less operative expenditure than conventional open approach and it is a feasible and safe approach for HCC with hypersplenism.

Meta-analysis of the IL-10 promoter polymorphisms and pediatric asthma susceptibility

The results of previous epidemiological studies exploring the relationship between interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter polymorphisms and susceptibility to pediatric asthma are not consistent. Therefore, we have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a more convincing conclusion. Odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the strength of association between the IL-10 promoter polymorphisms and susceptibility to pediatric asthma. Publication bias was examined by Begg's funnel plots and the Egger test. A detailed literature search based on stringent parameters yielded sixteen relevant studies, comprising 2494 cases and 2160 controls. The overall population showed no significant association between the IL-10 -1082G/A polymorphism and pediatric asthma risk in any of the genetic models (dominant model: OR = 1.583, 95%CI = 0.614-4.076, P = 0.342; allelic model: OR = 1.214, 95%CI = 0.748-1.971, P = 0.433; additive model: OR = 2.240, 95%CI = 0.950-5.277, P = 0.065; recessive model: OR = 1.435, 95%CI = 0.659-3.128, P = 0.363). Subgroup analyses revealed a significant association between different ethnicity and atopic status subgroups. However, there was no evidence of a significant association between the other two polymorphisms (-819C/ T and -592C/A) and pediatric asthma in our study. No significant publication bias was observed in this meta-analysis. The results of this study indicate that the IL-10 -1082G/A polymorphism might be a risk factor for asthma in children. However, because of the small sample size included in the subgroup analyses, the results should be interpreted with caution.

[Massive hemorrhage caused by fungal infections after donation-after-cardiac-death kidney transplantation: clinical features, prevention and treatment experience]

OBJECTIVE

To study the characteristics and prevention and treatment strategies of massive hemorrhage caused by fungal infections after donation-after-cardiac-death (DCD) kidney transplantation.

METHODS

A total of 91 cases of DCD kidney transplantation between August 25, 2013 and June 30, 2015 in Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen Univservity were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics of and prevention and treatments strategies for postoperative massive hemorrhage caused by fungal infections were summarized.

RESULTS

Ninety-one cases of DCD kidney transplantation were divided into 2 groups based on regimens for preventing postoperative fungal infections: fluconazole prophylaxis group: a total of 26 cases of renal transplant before June 11, 2014 received fluconazole regimen, from postoperative day 0 to 2 weeks; micafungin prophylaxis group: a total of 65 cases of renal transplant after June 11, 2014 received micafungin regimen, also for 2 weeks from postoperative day 0. Two cases in fluconazole group developed postoperative massive hemorrhage. In case 1, the hemorrhage occurred at 2 weeks after transplantation. Graft nephrectomy was performed during surgical exploration for hemostasis, yet the massive hemorrhage relapsed 2 weeks later. Endoluminal exclusion of external iliac artery using endovascular covered stent-graft at the anastomosis site was performed and the massive bleeding was successfully stopped. The patient was restored to hemodialysis and waited for second kidney transplantation. Candia albicans was detected in the culture of blood and drainage liquid from incision. The other case of hemorrhage occurred at 3 weeks after transplantation. Graft nephrectomy plus endovascular exclusion using covered stent-graft were also performed to stop the massive bleeding. Massive fungal hyphae and spores were observed at the stump of renal graft artery under microscope. The patient received second kidney transplantation after 6 months successfully. No massive hemorrhage caused by fungal infections occurred in micafungin prophylaxis group.

CONCLUSIONS

Massive hemorrhage cased by fungal infections after DCD kidney transplantation is usually characterized by delayed and recurrent course, and may result in graft nephrectomy or even death of patients. Endovascular exclusion using covered stent can successfully stop bleeding and rescue life of patients. Two-week preemptive prophylaxis of fungal infections using micafungin can effectively prevent delayed fungal massive hemorrhage in DCD kidney transplantation.

Predicting the severity of liver cirrhosis through clinical parameters

BACKGROUND

Severity of liver cirrhosis plays a vital role in determining an appropriate surgical strategy for HCC treatment. However, preoperative evaluation of the severity of cirrhosis has not been established in a surgical setting. This study aims to develop a model to predict the severity of cirrhosis.

METHODS

Overall, 604 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis undergoing liver resection from Jan 2005 to Jun 2013 were randomly divided into either the model building group (n = 304) or the test group (n = 300). The severity of cirrhosis of the resected specimens was pathologically staged according to the Laennec scoring system, which sub-classified cirrhosis into either stage F4A, F4B, or F4C.

RESULTS

A logistic regression analysis showed that varicosity, portal vein diameter, spleen thickness, and platelet count were significantly associated with the histologic sub-classification of cirrhosis in the model building group. Based on these four parameters, a scoring model for predicting the severity of cirrhosis was established. The model was then verified in the test group, the areas under the ROC (AUROC) for predicting mild (F4A), moderate (F4B), and severe cirrhosis (F4C) were 0.861 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.810-0.911), 0.860 (95% CI, 0.819-0.901), and 0.968 (95% CI, 0.951-0.985), respectively. The accuracy of this model in predicting mild, moderate, and severe cirrhosis is 79.3%, 81.0%, and 85.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

By using this model, the severity of cirrhosis can be reliably staged preoperatively, which will provide more information on cirrhotic livers in surgical settings for the treatment of hepatitis B virus-related HCC.

Varroa destructor changes its cuticular hydrocarbons to mimic new hosts

Varroa destructor (Vd) is a honeybee ectoparasite. Its original host is the Asian honeybee, Apis cerana, but it has also become a severe, global threat to the European honeybee, Apis mellifera. Previous studies have shown that Varroa can mimic a host's cuticular hydrocarbons (HC), enabling the parasite to escape the hygienic behaviour of the host honeybees. By transferring mites between the two honeybee species, we further demonstrate that Vd is able to mimic the cuticular HC of a novel host species when artificially transferred to this new host. Mites originally from A. cerana are more efficient than mites from A. mellifera in mimicking HC of both A. cerana and A. mellifera. This remarkable adaptability may explain their relatively recent host-shift from A. cerana to A. mellifera.

Vanadium substituted Keggin-type POM-based electrochromic films showing high performance in a Li+-based neutral non-aqueous electrolyte

Vanadium substituted Keggin type POM-based electrochromic films show high performance in LiClO₄-based non-aqueous electrolyte. The use of the neutral non-aqueous electrolyte makes it easy to fabricate a device.

Two unprecedented decanuclear heterometallic [MnII2MnIII6LnIII2] (Ln = Dy, Tb) complexes displaying relaxation of magnetization

The synthesis and magnetic properties of two novel [Mn₈Ln₂] complexes containing the gem-diol form of di-2-pyridyl ketone and triethanolamine were investigated.

Surgical Treatment of Giant Liver Hemangioma Larger Than 10 cm: A Single Center's Experience With 86 Patients

The ideal surgical treatment of giant liver hemangioma is still controversial. This study aims to compare the outcomes of enucleation with those of resection for liver hemangioma larger than 10 cm in different locations of the liver and establish the preoperative predictors of increased intraoperative blood loss.Eighty-six patients underwent enucleation or liver resection for liver hemangioma larger than 10 cm was retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographic, tumor characteristics, surgical indications, the outcomes of both surgical treatment, and the clinicopathological parameters influencing intraoperative blood loss were analyzed.Forty-six patients received enucleation and 40 patients received liver resection. Mean tumor size was 14.1 cm with a range of 10-35 cm. Blood loss, blood product usage, operative time, hepatic vascular occlusion time and frequency, complications and postsurgical hospital stay were similar between liver resections and enucleation for right-liver and left-liver hemangiomas. There was no surgery-related mortality in either group. Bleeding was more related to adjacency of major vascular structures than the size of hemangioma. Adjacency to major vascular structures and right or bilateral liver hemangiomas were independently associated with blood loss >550 mL (P = 0.000 and 0.042, respectively).Both enucleation and liver resection are safe and effective surgical treatments for liver hemangiomas larger than 10 cm. The risk of intraoperative blood loss is related to adjacency to major vascular structures and the location of hemangioma.

Synergistic suppressive effect of PARP-1 inhibitor PJ34 and HDAC inhibitor SAHA on proliferation of liver cancer cells

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitors and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have recently emerged as promising anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combination treatment with the PARP inhibitor PJ34 and HDAC inhibitor SAHA on the proliferation of liver cancer cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed in three human liver cancer cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B and HCC-LM3) treated with PJ34 (8 μmol/L) and SAHA (1 μmol/L), alone or combined, by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The nude mice bearing subcutaneous HepG2 tumors were administered different groups of drugs (10 mg/kg PJ34, 25 mg/kg SAHA, 10 mg/kg PJ34+25 mg/kg SAHA), and the inhibition rates of tumor growth were compared between groups. The results showed that combined use of PJ34 and SAHA could synergistically inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cell lines HepG2, Hep3B and HCC-LM3. The apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells treated with PJ34+SAHA was significantly higher than that of HepG2 cells treated with PJ34 or SAHA alone (P<0.05). In vivo, the tumor inhibition rates were 53.5%, 61.4% and 82.6% in PJ34, SAHA and PJ34+SAHA groups, respectively. The combined use of PJ34 and SAHA could significantly inhibit the xenograft tumor growth when compared with use of PJ34 or SAHA alone (P<0.05). It was led to conclude that PJ34 and SAHA can synergistically suppress the proliferation of liver cancer cells.

Association of the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism and asthma in the Chinese Han population: a meta-analysis

The IL-4R Q576R polymorphism has been reported to increase susceptibility to asthma, but the results are controversial. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism and asthma risk in the Chinese Han population. A total of sixteen eligible case-control studies that evaluated the relationship between the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism and asthma in the Chinese Han population were obtained by comprehensive literature search incorporating electronic databases, and included 2077 asthma cases and 1589 controls. Our analysis detected a significant association between the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism and the risk of asthma in the Chinese Han population (Allelic model: OR = 1.481, 95%CI = 1.134-1.935, P = 0.004; Dominant model: OR = 1.542, 95%CI = 1.194-1.990, P = 0.001; Recessive model: OR = 1.695, 95%CI = 1.170-2.456, P = 0.005, Additive model: OR = 1.897, 95%CI = 1.299-2.771, P = 0.005). The year of publication and size of total sample might be sources of between-study heterogeneity. Upon subgroup analysis by size of total sample of each study, the significant association only remained in a subgroup with a small sample size. In summary, our meta-analysis suggested that the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism is associated with asthma in the Chinese Han population.

Gefitinib maintenance therapy in Chinese advanced-stage lung adenocarcinoma patients with EGFR mutations treated with prior chemotherapy

The aim of this study was to determine the response of advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with or without EGFR mutations to platinum-based chemotherapy with or without gefitinib maintenance. Patients were treated with four cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with wild-type EGFR were observed (group 1; n=15). EGFR mutation-positive patients were randomly assigned to observation (group 2; n=7) or gefitinib maintenance (group 3; n=7). The median patient age was 59 years. The 1-year progression-free survival rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 6.7%, 28.6%, and 57.1%, respectively (p = 0.049); the 1-year overall survival rates were 53.3%, 57.1 %, and 100%, respectively (p = 0.111). The results indicate that patients with advanced-stage NSCLC with EGFR mutations have a better response to chemotherapy followed by gefitinib than chemotherapy alone and a better response to chemotherapy than wild-type patients.

KEYWORDS

chemotherapy, gefitinib, NSCLC, tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Primary results of salvage liver transplantation in the patients with unresectable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after initial liver resection

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Salvage liver transplantation (SLT) is a treatment choice for recurrent HCC fulfilling the Milan criteria. However, there is no consensus on the value of SLT for recurrent HCC beyond the Milan criteria, especially for unresectable HCC.

METHODOLOGY

Eleven patients with recurrent HCC underwent SLT in Tongji Hospital between January 2003 and July 2010. All the 11 patients were considered unresectable because of deteriorated liver function, multiple bilobar tumors or vascular invasion. The outcomes and prognostic factors of these patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

At a median follow up of 30 months, six patients were alive. Four patients died from HCC recurrence, and one died from gastric cancer. The 1-, 2-, and 3- year recurrence and overall survival rates after SLT were 58.4%, 72.3% and 86.1%, respectively, and 90.9%, 40.6% and 40.6%, respectively. Vascular invasion, recurrent HCC beyond the Milan criteria and early recurrence within 18 months after initial resection were negative prognostic factors of SLT for recurrent HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

SLT can be recommended as an alternative treatment for recurrent HCC fulfilling the Milan criteria. For those beyond the Milan criteria or with vascular invasion, or early recurrence after initial resection, however, SLT is not beneficial and should not be recommended.

Gene polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to coronary artery disease in Han Chinese people

This study investigated 5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes in susceptibility genes for coronary artery disease (CAD) and the putative involvement of these SNPs in CAD in the Chi-nese Han population. From March 2008 to June 2009, we selected 119 CAD patients and 115 subjects not related to the CAD of Chinese Han or-igin as controls. The SNP genotypes were performed by multiplex SNaP-shot technology. The HNRPUL1 gene rs11881940T and GATA2 gene rs3803T loci were highly correlated with CAD (P < 0.05). rs10757278G increased the risk of CAD in patients indicated by an odds ratio (OR) = 1.242 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.49]; rs11881940T and rs3803T were protective factors for CAD with ORs = 0.767 (95%CI = 0.61-0.97) and 0.53 (95%CI = 0.40-0.72), respectively. Analysis of the rs10757278, rs11881940 and rs3803 loci showed that haplotypes ATC (OR = 4.26; 95%CI = 2.85-6.40, P < 0.01), GAC (OR = 1.50; 95%CI = 1.25-1.81, P < 0.01) and GAT (OR = 1.53; 95%CI = 1.12-2.09, P < 0.01) were CAD risk factors, whereas GTC was protective (OR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.32-0.72, P < 0.01). ATC and glucose were positively correlated (OR = 1.91; 95%CI = 1.01-3.61, P < 0.05). GAT was a risk factor for hyper-tension (OR = 2.86; 95%CI = 1.40-5.83, P < 0.01). In conclusion, poly-morphisms and haplotype analysis of susceptibility genes for CAD can improve predicting this disease and will enable early diagnosis of CAD.