[A randomized controlled study of erlotinib versus pemetrexed combined with cisplatin in neoadjuvant therapy of stage ⅢA EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors(EGFR-TKIs) for neoadjuvant therapy. Methods: Eighty-six patients with stage ⅢA EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma were assigned to 2 groups (n=43 in each group) according to the random number table method: neoadjuvant targeted therapy group (single oral dose of erlotinib 150 mg per day, for 9 weeks) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy group (2 cycles of pemetrexed combined with cisplatin chemotherapy followed by 3- week discontinuation). Surgical treatment was underwent after imaging efficacy evaluation. Results: In neoadjuvant targeted therapy group, 4 achieved complete response (CR), 25 achieved partial response (PR), giving an objective response rate (ORR) of 67.4%. In pathological response, 8 patients had grade Ⅰ, 20 patients had grade Ⅱ, giving a pathological response rate of 65.1%. The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were rash and diarrhea. In neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, 2 had CR and 17 had PR, giving an ORR of 44.2%. In pathological response, 3 patients had grade Ⅰ, 15 patients had grade Ⅱ, giving a pathological response rate of 41.9%. The main AEs were hematologic toxic effects. The ORR, histological efficacy and hematologic toxicity showed statistical significance between the two groups (P<0.05). The neoadjuvant targeted therapy group had 90.7% resection rate, (299.8±23.4) ml of hemorrhage volume during operation, (5.2±0.4) days of extubation time and 9.3% postoperative complication rate. Corresponding results were 83.7%, (308.9±22.7) ml, (5.4±0.6) days and 11.6% in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, which showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusions: Neoadjuvant targeted treatment for stage ⅢA lung adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR mutations. The regimen could be considered as a choice of neoadjuvant treatment for patients with stage ⅢA EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma.

[Bibliometrics and visualization analysis of land use regression models in ambient air pollution research]

Objective: To quantitatively analyze the current status and development trends regarding the land use regression (LUR) models on ambient air pollution studies. Methods: Relevant literature from the PubMed database before June 30, 2017 was analyzed, using the Bibliographic Items Co-occurrence Matrix Builder (BICOMB 2.0). Keywords co-occurrence networks, cluster mapping and timeline mapping were generated, using the CiteSpace 5.1.R5 software. Relevant literature identified in three Chinese databases was also reviewed. Results: Four hundred sixty four relevant papers were retrieved from the PubMed database. The number of papers published showed an annual increase, in line with the growing trend of the index. Most papers were published in the journal of Environmental Health Perspectives. Results from the Co-word cluster analysis identified five clusters: cluster#0 consisted of birth cohort studies related to the health effects of prenatal exposure to air pollution; cluster#1 referred to land use regression modeling and exposure assessment; cluster#2 was related to the epidemiology on traffic exposure; cluster#3 dealt with the exposure to ultrafine particles and related health effects; cluster#4 described the exposure to black carbon and related health effects. Data from Timeline mapping indicated that cluster#0 and#1 were the main research areas while cluster#3 and#4 were the up-coming hot areas of research. Ninety four relevant papers were retrieved from the Chinese databases with most of them related to studies on modeling. Conclusion: In order to better assess the health-related risks of ambient air pollution, and to best inform preventative public health intervention policies, application of LUR models to environmental epidemiology studies in China should be encouraged.

Band Dependent Interlayer f-Electron Hybridization in CeRhIn_{5}

A key issue in heavy fermion research is how subtle changes in the hybridization between the 4f (5f) and conduction electrons can result in fundamentally different ground states. CeRhIn_{5} stands out as a particularly notable example: when replacing Rh with either Co or Ir, antiferromagnetism gives way to superconductivity. In this photoemission study of CeRhIn_{5}, we demonstrate that the use of resonant angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with polarized light allows us to extract detailed information on the 4f crystal field states and details on the 4f and conduction electron hybridization, which together determine the ground state. We directly observe weakly dispersive Kondo resonances of f electrons and identify two of the three Ce 4f_{5/2}^{1} crystal-electric-field levels and band-dependent hybridization, which signals that the hybridization occurs primarily between the Ce 4f states in the CeIn_{3} layer and two more three-dimensional bands composed of the Rh 4d and In 5p orbitals in the RhIn_{2} layer. Our results allow us to connect the properties observed at elevated temperatures with the unusual low-temperature properties of this enigmatic heavy fermion compound.

[Comparison of arterial stiffness in non-hypertensive and hypertensive population of various age groups]

Objective: To investigate the impact of blood pressure and age on arterial stiffness in general population. Methods: Participants who took part in 2010, 2012 and 2014 Kailuan health examination were included. Data of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) examination were analyzed. According to the WHO criteria of age, participants were divided into 3 age groups: 18-44 years group (n=11 608), 45-59 years group (n=12 757), above 60 years group (n=5 002). Participants were further divided into hypertension group and non-hypertension group according to the diagnostic criteria for hypertension (2010 Chinese guidelines for the managemengt of hypertension). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP) with baPWV in the total participants and then stratified by age groups. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence of blood pressure on arterial stiffness (baPWV≥1 400 cm/s) of various groups. Results: (1)The baseline characteristics of all participants: 35 350 participants completed 2010, 2012 and 2014 Kailuan examinations and took part in baPWV examination. 2 237 participants without blood pressure measurement values were excluded, 1 569 participants with history of peripheral artery disease were excluded, we also excluded 1 016 participants with history of cardiac-cerebral vascular disease. Data from 29 367 participants were analyzed. The age was (48.0±12.4) years old, 21 305 were males (72.5%). (2) Distribution of baPWV in various age groups: baPWV increased with aging. In non-hypertension population, baPWV in 18-44 years group, 45-59 years group, above 60 years group were as follows: 1 299.3, 1 428.7 and 1 704.6 cm/s, respectively. For hypertension participants, the respective values of baPWV were: 1 498.4, 1 640.7 and 1 921.4 cm/s. BaPWV was significantly higher in hypertension group than non-hypertension group of respective age groups (P<0.05). (3) Multiple linear regression analysis defined risk factors of baPWV: Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that baPWV was positively correlated with SBP(t=39.30, P<0.001), and same results were found in the sub-age groups (t-value was 37.72, 27.30, 9.15, all P<0.001, respectively) after adjustment for other confounding factors, including age, sex, pulse pressure(PP), body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), smoking, drinking, physical exercise, antihypertensive medications, lipid-lowering medication. (4) Multivariate logistic regression analysis of baPWV-related factors: After adjustment for other confounding factors, including age, sex, PP, BMI, FBG, TC, smoking, drinking, physical exercise, antihypertensive medication, lipid-lowering medication, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that risks for increased arterial stiffness in hypertension group were higher than those in non-hypertension group, the OR in participants with hypertension was 2.54 (2.35-2.74) in the total participants, and same results were also found in sub-age groups, the ORs were 3.22(2.86-3.63), 2.48(2.23-2.76), and 1.91(1.42-2.56), respectively, in each sub-age group. Conclusion: SBP is positively related to arterial stiffness in different age groups, and hypertension is a risk factor for increased arterial stiffness in different age groups. Clinical Trial Registry Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TNC-11001489.

[The application of microvascular anastomotic coupler in vascular anastomosis of free tissue flap for reconstruction of defect after head and neck cancer resection]

Objective: To investigate the application and operation skills in vein anastomosis by microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) in reconstruction of defects after head and neck cancer resection. Methods: From August 2015 to July 2016, in Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hosipital, 17 cases underwent the reconstruction of defects after head and neck cancer resection with free tissue flaps, including forearm flaps in 11 casess, anterolateral flaps in 4 casess and fibula flaps in 2 casess. Totally 17 MAC were used, including 14 MAC for end-to-end anastomosis and 3 MAC for end-to-side anastomosis. SPSS 22.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: Venous anastomoses in 17 free tissue flaps were successfully completed, with no anastomotic errhysis. All flaps survived well. The time required for vascular anastomoses with MAC varied 2-9 min, with average time of (4.2±2.3) min, which was significantly shorter than that with manually anastomosis (17.4 ± 2.7) min (t=15.1, P<0.01). The followed-up time ranged from 6 to 18 months. The flaps in recipient area healed well. The shape and function of recipient area were satisfying. Conclusions: Microvascular anastomotic coupler can be used for vessel anastomosis in free tissue flap for reconstruction of defect after head and neck cancer resection, which requires for less operation time and shows good results.

[The correlation of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity with arterosclerosis at different estimated levels of glomerular filtration rate]

To explore the relationship between brachial ankle artery pulse wave velocity of the (baPWV) in different estimation GFR (eGFR) groups and atherosclerosis.In 2010, 2012 and 2014, eGFR and baPWV were detected in 1 427 healthy persons.As eGFR level decreased, baPWV increased accordingly with higher proportion of baPWV ≥1 400 cm/s.The percentage of eGFR lower than 60 ml·min^-1·1.73 m^-2 was similar in subgroups with different baPWV.However, the proportion of eGFR reduction≥30% decreased according to the elevation of baPWV.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated the lower the eGFR, the higher the risk of atherosclerosis.Low eGFR is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis.

[Analysis on death from adverse event following immunization surveillance system of Shandong Province during 2011-2016]

Objective: To analyze the occurrence and death of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) in Shandong province. Methods: Collecting the information of AEFI cases from 2011 to 2016, which were reported through the National AEFI Management System in Shandong province up to January 15, 2017. The autopsy reports of death following immunization were issued by the qualified institutions. The inoculation data from 2011 to 2016 was obtained through Immunization Information Management System of Shandong province. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidence rate of AEFI and mortality related to immunization among different time and age groups. Results: A total of 189 864 512 doses of vaccine were administered in Shandong province during 2011-2016, the total number of AEFI cases was 89 973 and the incidence rate of AEFI was 473.88/1 000 000. The number of death cases was 52 and the mortality rate was 0.27/1 000 000. The incidence rate of AEFI from 2011 to 2016 respectively was 273.63/1 000 000, 405.22/1 000 000, 479.88/1 000 000, 545.13/1 000 000, 500.66/1 000 000, and 627.09/1 000 000 (P<0.001), respectively. The mortality rate from 2011 to 2016 was 0.17/1 000 000, 0.16/1 000 000, 0.25/1 000 000, 0.39/1 000 000, 0.26/1 000 000, and 0.40/1 000 000 (P=0.285), respectively.The mortality rates of HepB, BCG and IPV were the top three. There was statistical significance of the mortality rate among different month-old children (P<0.001). The highest mortality rate was<2 month-old (1.09/1 000 000), and the next was 4-5 month-old (0.54/1 000 000), and the lowest was ≥10 month-old (0.06/1 000 000). The mortality rate of spring (from February to April), summer (from May to July), autumn (from August to October) and winter (from November to January of next year) was 0.41/1 000 000, 0.16/1 000 000, 0.08/1 000 000 and 0.48/1 000 000 (P<0.001), respectively. Among 52 death cases, 26 cases were anatomized, including 3 rare vaccine reaction following immunization and 23 coincidental events; 26 cases were not anatomized, including 17 coincidental events and 9 unknown causes. Conclusion: The AEFI mortality rate of<2 month-old, spring and winter, and the second dose was higher than else, which was similar to normal child mortality. Immunization did not increase the risk of death, and the most deaths following immunization were coincidental events.

[Effects of perioperative thermoregulation on patients' body temperature, peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time in patients undergoing elective vertical hemi laryngectomy]

Objective:To compare the effects of different thermal insulation measures on perioperative body temperature, peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time in patients undergoing vertical hemi laryngectomy.Method:Sixty eligible patients with elective vertical hemi laryngectomy were randomly divided into 3 groups: preoperative inflatable heating blanket group (A group, n=20), warmed irrigation group (B group, n=20), and control group (C group, n=20). The core temperature were recorded after entering the operating room, before induction, 20th minute during operation, entering PACU and 2nd hour after operation respectively. Blood samples were got at the end of operation to test pH, lactic acid, PT and APTT. After waking patients' SpO₂ and thermal comfort were recorded.Result:The core temperatures at time points of 20th minute during operation and entering PACU were significantly different between C group and A group, C group and B group. There were significant difference in lactic acid, PT, APTT and SpO₂ between C group and A group, C group and B group. Patients' thermal comfort in all three groups were different.Conclusion:Inflatable heating blanket during operation combined with using it before operation or fluid warmers during operation for perioperative body temperature protection duringelective vertical partial laryngectomy surgery can effectively prevent perioperative hypothermia, improve peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time changes, improve patients' comfort after operation.

[Effects of human amniotic epithelial stem cells-derived exosomes on healing of wound with full-thickness skin defect in rats]

Objective: To investigate the effects of human amniotic epithelial stem cells-derived exosomes on healing of wound with full-thickness skin defect in rats. Methods: (1) Human amniotic epithelial stem cells were isolated from the amnion tissue of 5 full-term pregnant women in Department of Obstetrics of our hospital by the method of trypsin digestion, and their morphology was observed. The third passage of cells were stained with rhodamine-phalloidin for cytoskeleton observation. The third passage of cells were identified with flow cytometry through the detection of expressions of cell surface markers CD29, CD31, CD34, CD90, CD105, SSEA3, SSEA4 and immunity-related marker human leukocyte antigen-D related site (HLA-DR). The third passage of cells were also assessed the ability of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. (2) The third passage of human amniotic epithelial stem cells were cultured in DMEM medium supplemented with 10% exosome-free fetal bovine serum. Exosomes were isolated from culture supernatant by the method of ultracentrifugation and represented with scanning electron microscope for morphologic observation. (3) Six adult SD rats were anesthetized, and four 1 cm×1 cm sized wounds with full-thickness skin defect were made on the back of each rat. The wounds on the back of each rat were divided into control group, 25 μg/mL exosomes group, 50 μg/mL exosomes group, and 100 μg/mL exosomes group according to the random number table (with 6 wounds in each group), and a total volume of 100 μL phosphate buffered saline, 25 μg/mL exosomes, 50 μg/mL exosomes, and 100 μg/mL exosomes were evenly injected around the wound through multiple subcutaneous sites, respectively. The wound healing rate was calculated based on measurement on post injury day (PID) 7, 14, and 21. On PID 21, the healed wound tissue of each group was collected and stained with HE to observe and count skin accessories, and the arrangement of collagen fibers was observed with Masson staining. Data were processed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, analysis of variance of randomized block design, one-way analysis of variance, and Bonferroni test. Results: (1) The cells, which were isolated and cultured, displayed typical cobblestone morphology with many microvilli on cell surface. Among the cells, the positive expression rates of CD29, CD90, SSEA3, and SSEA4 were above 50.0%, and the rate of CD105 was 8.0%, while the rates of CD31, CD34, and HLA-DR were almost 0. The cells could differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. The above results revealed that the cells cultured were human amniotic epithelial stem cells. (2) Human amniotic epithelial stem cells-derived exosomes were round or oval vesicles with diameter from 50 to 150 nm. (3) On PID 7 and 21, wound healing rates of the four groups were close (with P values above 0.05). On PID 14, wound healing rates of 50 and 100 μg/mL exosomes groups were (89.8±4.3)% and (92.0±4.6)% respectively, significantly higher than the wound healing rate of control group [(80.3±6.4)%, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. Moreover, the wound healing rate of 100 μg/mL exosomes group was significantly higher than that of 25 μg/mL exosomes group [(83.3±5.1)%, P<0.05]. On PID 21, the numbers of skin accessories in 50 and 100 μg/mL exosomes groups were 4.3±1.4 and 5.1±1.6 respectively, obviously more than those of control group and 25 μg/mL exosomes group (respectively 1.4±0.5 and 1.8±0.6, with P values below 0.01). Well reorganized collagen fibers were observed just in the healed wound tissue of 50 and 100 μg/mL exosomes groups. Conclusions: Human amniotic epithelial stem cells-derived exosomes can promote healing of wound with full-thickness skin defect in rats.

Postoperative Evaluation of Reduction Loss in Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Comparison of Plain Radiographs and Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVE

To compare postoperative CT images with plain radiographs for measuring prognostic factors of reduction loss of fractures of the proximal part of the humerus.

METHODS

A total of 65 patients who sustained fractures of the proximal humerus treated with locking plates from June 2012 to October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 24 men and 41 women, with a mean age of 60.0 years (range, 22-76 years). According to the Neer classification system of proximal humeral fracture, there were 26 two-part, 27 three-part and 12 four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus, and all fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using locked plating. All postoperative CT images and plain radiographs of the patients were obtained. Prognostic factors of the reduction loss were the change of neck shaft angle (NSA) and the change of humeral head height (HHH). The change of NSA and HHH were evaluated by the difference between postoperative initial and final follow-up measurement. Reduction loss was defined as the change ≥10° for NSA or ≥5 mm for HHH. The NSA and HHH were measured using plain radiographs and 3-D CT images, both initially and at final follow-up. The paired t-test was used for comparison of NSA, change of NSA, HHH, and change of HHH between two image modalities. The differences between two image modalities in the assessment of reduction loss were examined using the χ² -test (McNemar test). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess the intra-observer and inter-observer reliability.

RESULTS

3-D CT images (ICC range, 0.834-0.967) were more reliable in all parameters when compared with plain radiographs (ICC range, 0.598-0.915). Significant differences were found between the two image modalities in all parameters (plain radiographs: initial NSA = 133.6° ± 3.8°, final NSA = 130.0° ± 1.9°, initial HHH = 17.9 ± 0.9 mm, final HHH = 15.8 ± 1.5 mm; 3-D CT: initial NSA = 131.4° ± 3.4°, final NSA = 128.8° ± 1.7°, initial HHH = 16.8 ± 1.2 mm, final HHH = 14.5 ± 1.1 mm; all P < 0.05). In the assessment of reduction loss, the percentage was 16.9% (11/65) for the plain radiographs and 7.7% (5/65) for the 3-D CT scans (P < 0.05). For the 5 patients with reduction loss, which were observed by two imaging modalities, the mean Constant-Murley score was 61.0 ± 1.6. The patients with reduction loss, observed only in plain radiographs but not CT images, had good shoulder function (Constant-Murley score: 82.7 ± 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data reveal that 3-D CT images are more reliable than plain radiographs in the assessment of the prognostic factors of reduction loss of fractures of the proximal part of the humerus with treatment of locking plates; this reliable CT technique can serve as an effective guideline for the subsequent clinical management of patients.

[The role of autophagy in the curcumin induced proliferation in human laryngeal cancer Hep2 cell]

Objective:The aim of this study is to study the effect of 3-methyladenine (3-MA) on the autophagy and apoptosis of human laryngeal cancer Hep 2 cells induced by curcumin. Method:The proliferation of human laryngeal cancer Hep2 cells was observed by MTT assay. The autophagy level was detected by AO acridine orange staining. Annexin VFITC/PI double staining was used to detect the apoptosis of Hep2 cells. The expression of LC3, Beclin1, Bcl-2 and Bax protein were detected by Western blot. Result:MTT assay showed that curcumin inhibited the proliferation of Hep2 cells in a dose/time dependent manner. The apoptosis rate of curcumin combined with 3-MA increased (P<0.05). Acridine orange staining showed that 3-MA combined with curcumin could significantly reduce the autophagy level of laryngeal carcinoma Hep2 cells. The expression of Bcl-2, Bclin-1 and LC3 Ⅱ was decreased, while the expression of Bax protein was increased (P<0.05). Conclusion:Curcumin can induce apoptosis of Hep 2 cells and induce the development of protective autophagy. The inhibitory effect of curcumin on the apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma Hep2 cell line was significantly enhanced by 3-MA.

[Patterns and influencing factors of lymph node metastasis of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction in 393 patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the patterns and influencing factors of lymph node metastasis of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).

METHODS

Clinicopathological data of 393 AEG patients who underwent radical resection and lymphadenectomy in the thoracic or abdominal cavity were collected. We analyzed the metastatic patterns of 5 119 excised lymph nodes with an average of 13 nodes per patient according to Siewert classification, and the associations between lymphatic metastasis and clinicopathological factors, such as tumor invasion, differentiation, maximum diameter, or pathological type were analyzed.

RESULTS

The lymph node metastasis rate and ratio (LNR) were 70.0% (275/393) and 29.1% (1 492/5 119), respectively. All the Siewert subtypes of AEG mainly metastasize downwards to the abdominal lymph nodes, while also spread upwards to the mediastinal lymph nodes. Among them, the lymph node metastasis rate was highest in Siewert type Ⅰ and lowest in Siewert type Ⅲ AEG. The lymph node metastasis rate and ratio in T1, T2, T3, T4 AEGs were 0%, 29.4%, 75.0%, 74.6% and 0%, 10.1%, 14.2%, 32.0%, respectively (χ(2)=35.305, P<0.001 and χ(2)=134.034, P<0.001). The lymph node metastasis rate and ratio of the poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma were 36.0% and 79.3%, respectively, significantly higher than 22.1% and 61.7% of the well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (χ(2)=14.468, P<0.001 and χ(2)=120.009, P<0.001). The lymph node metastasis rate and ratio of patients with a tumor in maximum diameter ≥4 cm were 73.1% and 30.9%, significantly higher than 46.8% and 14.6%, respectively, in the patients with a tumor in maximum diameter of <4 cm (χ(2)=13.636, P<0.001 and χ(2)=64.767, P<0.001). The group of vascular tumor thrombus showed significantly higher lymph node metastasis rate and ratio than those in the group with no vascular tumor thrombus (84.6% versus 67.1%, χ(2)=7.946, P=0.005; and 45.0% versus 26.0%, χ(2)=112.723, P<0.001). The lymph node metastasis ratio of mucinous and signet ring cell adenocarcinoma was 34.9%, significantly higher than 28.5% of the adenocarcinoma (χ(2)=8.710, P<0.001) The depth of tumor invasion and degree of tumor differentiation were independent factors affecting lymph node metastasis (P=0.001 and P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The lymph node metastasis rate and ratio of AEG are high and influenced by many clinicopathological factors. The patterns of lymph node metastasis are different among different Siewert subtype AEGs.The depth of tumor invasion and differentiation degree are independent factors affecting lymphatic metastasis.

[Research on the negative immune regulation of NK cells in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia]

Objective: To investigate the levels of NK cells and their relevant cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β and IFN-γ) in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) . Methods: All samples were obtained from 42 patients (22 newly diagnosed and 20 in remission) and 20 healthy volunteers. The levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in blood serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . The percentage of CD3(-) CD56(+) NK cell, CD3(-) CD56(bright) CD16(-) NK cell, CD3(-) CD56(dim) CD16(+) NK cell in peripheral blood lymphocyte were detected by flow cytometry. The NK cells were isolated by immunomagnetic microbeads. The mRNA expression levels of IL-10, TGF-β, and IFN-γ in NK cells were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Correlation between the above measured results was analyzed. Results: ① The blood serum level of IFN-γ in newly diagnosed ITP patients [ (653.0±221.6) ng/L] was higher than that in remission ITP patients [ (484.4±219.5) ng/L] and healthy control [ (390.9±253.5) ng/L] (P=0.022, P=0.001) . The blood serum level of IL-10 in newly diagnosed ITP patients was lower than that in healthy control [ (52.09±26.66) ng/L vs (79.44±38.43) ng/L, P=0.007]. ②The percentage of NK cell in newly diagnosed and remission ITP patients [ (9.53±3.93) %, (9.03±3.78) %] were significantly lower than that in healthy control [ (13.72±7.42) %] (P=0.013, P=0.007) . The ratio of CD3(-) CD56(bright) CD16(-) NK cell/total NK cells in newly diagnosed ITP patients was higher than that in healthy control [ (6.85±4.43) % vs (4.05±2.81) %, P=0.032]. The ratio of CD3(-)CD56(dim) CD16(-) NK cell/total NK cells in newly diagnosed ITP patients was lower than that in healthy control [ (93.14±4.43) % vs (95.94±2.81) %, P=0.032]. ③ There was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level of IFN-γ in NK cells of ITP patients and healthy control (all P>0.05) . The mRNA expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in NK cells in newly diagnosed ITP patients were significantly higher than that in healthy control (1.82±1.32 vs 1.02±1.03, P=0.023; 2.80±2.31 vs 1.46±1.37, P=0.028) . The ratio of CD3(-)CD56(bright) CD16(-) NK cell/total NK cells was positively correlated with the mRNA expression levels of IL-10, TGF-β in NK cells (r=0.424, P=0.001; r=0.432, P<0.001) . Conclusion: NK cells may compensate for the deficiency of the number by enhancing the secretion of negative regulation cytokines, acting as "protective" roles in the disease.

[Quantities and function of NK cells in patients with immune thrombocytopenia]

Objective: To investigate natural killer (NK) cell quantities and function in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) . Methods: A total of 66 ITP patients (34 newly diagnosed and 32 in complete remission) were collected from September 2015 to May 2016 in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, and 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. The percentages of NK cells and their subsets in peripheral blood, the expression of activating receptor (NKp44), inhibitory receptor (NKG2A) and CD16, perforin and granzyme β were detected by flow cytometry. The correlation between the above parameters and patients' immune status and platelet level were evaluated. Results: (1)The percentage of CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cells in newly diagnosed patients (10.99%±4.89%)and patients in complete remission (9.73%±6.75%) were significantly lower than that in healthy controls (14.67%±7.24%)(P=0.023, 0.003). The percentage of NK cells Bright subset was significantly lower in the newly diagnosed patients(0.48%±0.23%)and those in complete remission (0.41%±0.33%) than in healthy controls(0.64%±0.32%)(P=0.037, 0.002); the percentage of Dim subset was also significantly lower in the newly diagnosed (10.16%±5.02%) and patients in complete remission (8.07%±5.74%) than in healthy controls(14.16%±7.19%) (P=0.009, 0.007). (2)The proportion of Bright subset in total NK cells in new diagnosed ITP patients (6.48%±4.33%) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (4.21%±2.70%)(P=0.020); the proportion of Dim NK cells subset in new diagnosed ITP patients (93.51%±4.33%) was significantly lower than that in healthy controls(95.79%±2.70%) (P=0.020). (3)The expression of activating receptor NKp44 in new diagnosed ITP patients was significantly lower than that in complete remission group and healthy controls[0.28%(0.95%)vs 0.61%(2.05%), 0.92%(0.90%); P=0.047, 0.048]; the expression of inhibitory receptor NKG2A in new diagnosed ITP patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls(42.34%±23.86% vs 29.25%±12.83%, P=0.009). The proportion of CD16 was significantly lower in the newly diagnosed patients than in healthy controls(93.51%±4.33%95.79%±2.70%, P=0.020). (4)The expression of perforin in the newly diagnosed ITP patients was significantly lower than that in healthy controls [87.52%(25.29%)vs 91.55%(8.29%), P=0.025]; the expression of granzyme β in ITP patients and controls showed no statistically significant difference. (5)The level of NK cells in ITP patients was negatively correlated with CD3(+) CD8(+) T cells (r=-0.387, P=0.012) and CD5(+) CD19(+) B cells in peripheral blood (r=-0.273, P=0.028), positively correlated with the ratio of CD3(+) CD4(+) /CD3(+) CD8(+) (r=0.358, P=0.028) and peripheral platelet count (r=0.314, P=0.011). Conclusion: Deceased quantities and impaired total NK function, insufficient suppression of autoreactive T and B cells might play a role in the pathogenesis of ITP.

[Comparison of efficacy and safety between the anterior and the posterior approaches to total hip arthroplasty]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety between direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterior approach (PA) in total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

This study evaluated postoperative results of 92 consecutive total hip arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon; 44 from the DAA, and 48 from PA. The age, body mass index, operation time, blood loss, hospital stay, positioning of the artificial hip, postoperative Harris score and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Both the average age of the patients separately (58.0±11.9) years in DAA group and (61.0±10.4) years in PA group and the body mass index (25.1±3.7) in DAA group and (24.7±3.3) in PA group, showed no significant difference between the two groups. The DAA group had significantly reduced the hospital stay (3.8±1.7) days vs.(4.9±2.3) days for the PA group (P<0.05) and operation time was (76.0±17.4) min in DAA group, and (71.0±14.3) min in PA group (P>0.05). The amount of blood loss: in group DAA (238.0±55.3) mL, and in group PA (387.0±61.2) mL (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the positioning of the artificial hip: the cup anteversion in DAA group and PA group was 17.3°±5.3° vs. 18.6°± 5.1°, the cup inclination was 38.5°±5.7° vs. 37.7°±5.2°. In DAA group, there was significantly less use of assistive devices [(24.6±7.8) d vs. (31.7±10.2) d, P<0.05], and the pain was significantly lower. Harris score at the end of 6 weeks of the follow-up: in DAA group 85.7±5.4, and in PA group 81.3±6.1 (P<0.05); at the end of the last follow-up: in DAA group 93.4±4.7, and in PA group 92.3±5.3 (P>0.05). Complications were encountered in the two groups. There were two intraoperative complications (4.4%), 1 great trochanter fracture and 1 lateral cutaneous nerve injury in DAA group. No dislocation was observed in DAA group. One dislocations and 1 groin pain were recorded in PA group. No prosthesis loosening, deep vein thrombosis, sciatic nerve injury and other complications occurred in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Total hip arthroplasty using the anterior approach allows for superior recovery and better stability.

[Dynamics of F1 antibody responses to Yersinia pestis infection in Rhombomys opimus]

Objective: To observe the dynamics of antibody response in great gerbils infected with Yersinia pestis in experiment. Method: A total of 211 great gerbils were captured in the southern margin of plague natural focus of Junggar Basin of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 2011. Among them, there were 167 great gerbils without infection of Y. pestis and 44 great gerbils infected by Y.pestis. Y.pestis No. 2504 was employed for this experimental strain, which was strong toxic strain with negativity in the reduction experiment of nitrate. 35 great gerbils without the infection of Y. pestis were divided randomly and averagely into 7 groups including 6 experimental groups and 1 control group. Great gerbils in the 1st to 6th experimental groups were exposed first with 1 × 10(6)-1 × 10(11) CFU/ml of bacterial fluid with 10 times of gradient dilution; groin areas of great gerbils in the control group were injected subcutaneously with physiological saline; and the amount of infection was all 1 ml. 17 great gerbils infected with Y. pestis and the first detection of F1-antibody titer in 1∶256-1∶4 096 were grouped according to F1-antibody titer: group 1∶4 096 (n=4), group 1∶2 048 (n=4), group 1∶1 024 (n=3), group 1∶512 (n=3) and group 1∶256 (n=3); and blood in caudal regions was collected in asepsis for the detection of F1-antibody, with a total of 5 times. 9 great gerbils which were selected from the remaining great gerbils infected with Y. pestis and detected F1-antibody negative 2 times were exposed 1×10(6) CFU/ml of bacterial fluid for the second infection, with the amount of infection being 1 ml. Blood in caudal regions of great gerbils after the first and second infection were collected for the detection of plague F1-antibody on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 15th, 30th, 60th, 90th and 120th day after infection. Declined regression models for great gerbils' antibodies were established with unary linear regression equation; declined change diagrams for the antibodies were drawn to observe the declined F1-antibody after great gerbils were exposed to Y. pestis. Results: In great gerbils with the first infection of Y. pestis, antibodies were detected in the 1 × 10(6)-1 × 10(8) CFU/ml of group on the 30th, 15th and 15th day, respectively; the positive rates of antibody were 1/4, 3/4 and 4/5, respectively; the group 1×10(7) and 1× 10(8) CFU/ml reached to the highest antibody titer with 1∶256 on the 120th day; antibodies were revealed in the group 1×10(9), 1×10(10) and 1×10(11) CFU/ml from the 5th to 7th day when the seroconversion of all antibodies was observed; group 1×10(11) CFU/ml reached to the highest antibody titer on the 120th day with 1∶4 096. In the great gerbils with the second exposure to Y.pestis, positive antibodies were detected on the 3rd day with the positive rate being 2/9; and the highest antibody titer with 1∶2 048 was noted on the 90th day. Unary linear regression equation of declined F1 antibody of great gerbils was y=0.045x- 0.321 (F=115.40, P< 0.001), and the shortest duration for F1-antibody titer declining from 1∶4 096 to 0 was 140 d and the longest duration 200 d. Conclusion: Great gerbils infected with the high concentration of Y. pestis fluid show shorter duration in producing F1-antibody, the antibody positive rate is also higher, and the highest antibody titer can reach 1∶4 096. The great gerbils could hold the plague F1 antibodies for a long time which was about 140 to 200 days from the highest titer.

[Allergen detection and etiological study of adenoidal hypertrophy in children]

Objective:To investigate the etiology of adenoidal hypertrophy by detection of allergen and total serum IgE in children.Method:Using the German Allergy Screen Test Kit testing system, total serum IgE was detected and quentitative detection of allergen specific IgE in 19 groups in 782 children with adenoidal hypertrophy, the proportion of total IgE in serum and the positive rate of allergens were counted, the proportion of atopy and the characteristics of the allergens were analyzed. Result:The proportion of total IgE in serum of 782 children with adenoidal hypertrophy was 66.8%. The top ten allergens (by positive rate) were: milk（32.0%），house dust mite（27.7%），moulds（25.3%），dog hair（22.4%），egg whites（16.5%），cashew nuts（10.5%），house dust（10.4%），cat hair（9.5%），crab（5.1%），beef（3.7%）. Conclusion:In present study, 66.8% adenoidal hypertrophy children with atopy. The following inhalation allergens positive rate of top three in children with adenoidal hypertrophy are: house dust mite, moulds, dog hair. The positive rate of food intake of the first three are: milk,egg whites, cashew nuts.

[Progressive cavitating leukoencephalopathy: four cases and literatures review]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and genetic features of progressive cavitating leukoencephalopathy (PCL). Method: The data of clinical and genetic features of 4 PCL patients diagnosed by Beijing Children's Hospital between January 2015 and January 2016 were analyzed. The cases with complete clinical data retrieved on literature search at China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform and PubMed (up to August 2016) by using search terms of"NDUFV1" ,"NDUFS1" , or"leukoencephalopathy" , were summarized. Result: There were three females and one male, two of which were compatriots. The age of onset ranged from 6 months to 15 months. All four children's first symptoms were motor development regression, and the developmental milestones were almost normal before the onset. Of the 4 patients, 3 had cognitive impairment, 1 had seizures, 4 had dystonia and pyramidal impairment, 2 had emaciation, and 1 had nystagmus. The lactate concentrations of 4 patients were normal in blood. One patient had lactaciduria in the urinary organic acid analysis. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of all patients showed leukoencephalopathy, involved in the corpus callosum, and three patients accompanied by cystic lesions. Follow up for 2-13 years showed that the physical and language development were improved. Genetic analysis revealed that mutations in NDUFS1 were found in three patients and NDUFV1 mutation was found in one patient. All six mutations (p.Arg377Cys and p. Arg377His in NDUFV1; p. Arg482Glyfs(*)5, p.Thr368Pro, p.Tyr454X and p. Asp565Gly in NDUFS1) are novel. Five English case reports including 10 PCL patients were collected. Together with this group of 4 cases, a total of 14 cases were involved. All 14 children patients had motor development regression, 11 cases had cognitive impairment and dystonia, 6 cases had pyramidal impairment, 5 cases had irritability, 4 cases had epilepsy and nystagmus, 3 cases had strabismus and swallowing difficulty. Cranial MRI showed patchy leukoencephalopathy with cavities, involved in the corpus callosum. Follow up for 19 months-15 years that the neurology development were improved slowly in all patients. Conclusion: NDUFS1 and NDUFV1 gene mutation screening should be performed firstly in patients with PCL clinical and imaging feature.

Transition from Anomalous Hall Effect to Topological Hall Effect in Hexagonal Non-Collinear Magnet Mn3Ga

We report experimental observation of large anomalous Hall effect exhibited in non-collinear triangular antiferromagnet D0₁₉-type Mn₃Ga with coplanar spin structure at temperatures higher than 100 K. The value of anomalous Hall resistivity increases with increasing temperature, which reaches 1.25 μΩ · cm at a low field of ~300 Oe at room temperature. The corresponding room-temperature anomalous Hall conductivity is about 17 (Ω · cm)⁻¹. Most interestingly, as temperature falls below 100 K, a temperature-independent topological-like Hall effect was observed. The maximum peak value of topological Hall resistivity is about 0.255 μΩ · cm. The appearance of the topological Hall effect is attributed to the change of spin texture as a result of weak structural distortion from hexagonal to orthorhombic symmetry in Mn₃Ga. Present study suggests that Mn₃Ga shows promising possibility to be antiferromagnetic spintronics or topological Hall effect-based data storage devices.

[Relationship between myocardial microRNA-30a expression and myocardial fibrosis in rats post myocardial infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential role and mechanism of microRNA(miR)-30a in myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into 1 week MI group (n=11), 2 weeks MI group (n=13) and 4 weeks MI group (n=15) by applying random number table after left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Rats in Sham group were examined at respective time points (n=16). Heart function was monitored by echocardiography. Myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) was determined on Masson stained sections. Myocardial expression of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ was determined by immunohistochemistry. The myocardial mRNA level of miR-30a, TGF-β1 and CTGF were detected by real time-quantitative PCR analysis. The myocardial protein levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF were measured by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The LVEDD ((8.37±0.58) mm) and LVESD ((6.12±0.82) mm) in 4 weeks MI group were significantly higher than those in Sham group ((6.08±0.57) mm, (4.17±0.60) mm), all P<0.01. The FS ((27.0±3.9) %) and LVEF ((51.0±6.3) %) in 4 weeks MI group were significantly lower than those in Sham group ((47.0±2.1) %, (82.0±2.3)%), all P<0.01. The level of myocardial CVF in 1 week MI group, 2 weeks MI group and 4 weeks MI group were significantly higher than in Sham group (all P<0.01) in a time-dependent manner. The level of myocardial collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ was increased gradually from 1 week to 4 weeks post MI compared with Sham group (all P<0.01). The collagen Ⅰ/Ⅲ ratio was similar between 1 week MI group and Sham group (P=0.58), however, which was significantly higher in 2 weeks MI group and 4 weeks MI group compared with Sham group (all P<0.01), and the ratio was significantly higher in 4 weeks MI group than 2 weeks MI group (P<0.01). The level of miR-30a was significantly and gradually reduced in all MI groups compared with Sham group (all P<0.01). The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF were significantly and gradually increased after MI compared with Sham group (all P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that overexpression of miR-30a after MI might be a potential strategy for suppressing myocardial fibrosis by modulating the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF.

[Applying temporally-adjusted land use regression models to estimate ambient air pollution exposure during pregnancy]

The impact of maternal air pollution exposure on offspring health has received much attention. Precise and feasible exposure estimation is particularly important for clarifying exposure-response relationships and reducing heterogeneity among studies. Temporally-adjusted land use regression (LUR) models are exposure assessment methods developed in recent years that have the advantage of having high spatial-temporal resolution. Studies on the health effects of outdoor air pollution exposure during pregnancy have been increasingly carried out using this model. In China, research applying LUR models was done mostly at the model construction stage, and findings from related epidemiological studies were rarely reported. In this paper, the sources of heterogeneity and research progress of meta-analysis research on the associations between air pollution and adverse pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. The methods of the characteristics of temporally-adjusted LUR models were introduced. The current epidemiological studies on adverse pregnancy outcomes that applied this model were systematically summarized. Recommendations for the development and application of LUR models in China are presented. This will encourage the implementation of more valid exposure predictions during pregnancy in large-scale epidemiological studies on the health effects of air pollution in China.

[Experimental observation on the histopathological and ultrastructural pathology of Great Gerbils (Rhombomys opimus) in the Junggar Basin by subcutaneous injecting of Yersinia pestis]

Objective: To understand the histopathological and ultrastructural pathology changes of great gerbils in the Junggar Basin to Yersinia pestis infection. Methods: Forty captured great gerbils from the Junggar Basin that tested negative for anti-F1 antibodies were infected. The Y. pestis strain 2504, isolated from a live great gerbil in the natural plague foci of the Junggar Basin in 2005 with a median lethal dose (LD(50)) of <10 CFU/ml, was used in this study. Forty great gerbils were divided into seven infection groups and were subcutaneously infected with 7.4×10(5), 7.4×10(6), 7.4×10(7), 7.4×10(8), 7.4×10(9), 7.4×10(10), or 3.0×10(11) CFU/ml of 2504. One milliliter of physiological saline was injected in the noninfected group as a control. We collected the liver, spleen, heart, and lung from all animals for histopathologic and ultrastructural pathology examination. Results: Great gerbils in the 7.4×10(8)-3.0×10(11) CFU/ml groups did not survive and exhibited pathological changes and altered ultrastructural pathology. The liver tissue of infected great gerbils showed spotty necrosis and fatty degeneration, intranuclear canaliculi with increased hepatocytes, and uneven distribution of organelles. Additionally, reactive proliferation of lymphoid tissue in the spleen, blood sinusoid lacunae with neutrophil infiltration, and phagocytosed bacteria in phagocyte cells were observed. Myocardial fiber hypertrophy and interstitial indistinction, nuclear matrices decreased in cardiac myocytes, and loose arrangement of myogenic fibers in myocardial cells were also observed. Angiectasia, capillary congestion, and tissue necrosis were found in the lung. No significant difference in histopathological and ultrastructural pathology in the parenchymal organ was observed between the 7.4×10(5)-7.4×10(7) CFU/ml groups and the 7.4×10(8)-3.0×10(11) CFU/ml groups, and no specific death caused by Y. pestis infection was apparent in the 7.4×10(5)-7.4×10(7) CFU/ml groups. Conclusion:Y. pestis infection altered tissue and ultrastructural pathology in the parenchyma apparatus of great gerbils. In particular, the liver and spleen appeared to be the primary site of Y. pestis infection in great gerbils.

P-mTOR Expression and Implication in Breast Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) is a promising prognostic marker in many types of cancer. However, its survival benefit in patients with breast carcinoma remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between p-mTOR expression and prognosis in breast carcinoma based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods

Electronic databases (including Pubmed, Embase, ISI web of science, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to November 24, 2015. The outcome measures were hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between the prognosis of breast carcinoma patients and p-mTOR expression. Primary end points were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Statistical analysis was performed with STATA 12.0.

Results

Nine cohort studies including 3051 patients met full eligibility criteria. The pooled HRs (95% CI) for OS, DFS, and RFS were 0.84 (0.27–2.63), 0.71 (0.40–1.23), and 0.48 (0.20–1.18), respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that p-mTOR overexpression was not significantly related to prognosis in breast carcinoma regarding OS and disease recurrence. Prospective studies are warranted to examine the association between p-mTOR expression and survival outcomes in breast carcinoma.