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Objective: To investigate the prognosis and risk factors of IgA vasculitis nephritis (IgAVN) in children. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data were collected from 264 children who were pathologically diagnosed with IgAVN at Department of Pediatric nephrology, Tongji Hospital, affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 2011 and December 2017. All patients had a follow-up period of more than 3 years. Clinical characteristics, renal pathology, 3-year and 5-year prognosis were analyzed. The patients were grouped based on gender, age of onset (≤6 years,>6-9 years, and >9 years), pathological classification (≤Ⅲ and>Ⅲ),whether the prognosis was complete remission at 3 and 5 years. Independent sample t -tests, ANOVA or chi-squared test were used for intergroup comparisons. Spearman correlation analysis was applied for ordinal data, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze factors affecting the prognosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to evaluate the predictive value of these factors. Results: Of the 264 children with IgAVN, 153 were male and 111 were female, the age of onset was 8.3 (6.7, 10.3) years, 118 patients (45%) with onset age >6-9 years accounted for the highest proportion. All patients presented with skin purpura and renal involvement, primarily manifesting as hematuria and/or proteinuria. Microscopic hematuria was observed in 253 patients (95.8%), while 246 patients (93.2%) showed proteinuria. In 256 patients (97.0%), hematuria or porteinuria urinalysis was detected within 6 months of skin purpura onset, and 243 patiauts (92.0%) underwent renal biopsy within 6 months of renal involvement. The most common clinical subtype in 264 IgAVN children was hematuria and proteinuria (204 cases, 77.3%), with grade Ⅲ being the predominant pathological classification (181 cases, 68.6%). Among children ≤6 years old, the 3-year complete remission rate was higher in males than in females (83.9% (26/31) vs. 7/16, χ ²=8.12, P =0.012). Factors independently associated with poor 5-year prognosis included time from hematuria or porteinuria urinalysis to renal biopsy>6 months, elevated serum cholesterol levels, and incomplete remission 3 years post-biopsy ( OR =5.41, 1.39, 6.02, 95% CI 1.40-20.86, 1.04-1.84, 2.61-13.88, all P <0.05). The serum cholesterol has a predictive value for 5-year prognosis ( P =0.020, AUC =0.62, 95% CI 0.52-0.71, Youden index=0.27, cutoff=4.37). Conclusions: For children with IgAVN aged≤6 years, the 3-year prognosis is better in males than in females. Time from hematuria or porteinuria urinalysis to renal biopsy>6 months, elevated serum cholesterol levels, and incomplete remission at 3 years post-biopsy may be independent risk factors for poor 5-year prognosis in children with IgAVN.

The continuous accumulation of microplastics in agricultural soils may affect the natural attenuation of oxygen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs). The effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastics with the spiking proportion of 1 % and 0.01 % in soils on the natural attenuation of OPAHs were investigated via soil microcosm experiments. The relation between the response of bacterial communities and OPAHs dissipation was also explored. The initial content of OPAHs in the soil was 34.6 mg·kg -1 . The dissipation of OPAHs in the soil on day 14 was inhibited by LDPE. The contents of OPAHs in LDPE groups were higher than that in the control by 0.9-1.6 mg·kg -1 , and the inhibition degree increased with the proportion of LDPE. The contents of OPAHs were not significantly different among groups on day 28, indicating that the inhibitory effect of LDPE disappeared. LDPE did not change the composition of the dominant taxa in the OPAHs-contaminated soil community but influenced the relative abundances of some dominant taxa. LDPE increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the phylum level and decreased that of Bacillus and increased those of Micromonospora , Sphingomonas , and Nitrospira (potential degrading bacteria of LDPE and endogenous substances) at the genus level, all four of which were the main genera dominating intergroup community differences. LDPE changed the α and β diversity of bacterial communities, but the extents were not significant. LDPE affected the function of the bacterial community, reducing the total abundance of PAHs-degrading genes and some degrading enzymes, inhibiting the growth of PAHs-degrading bacteria and thus interfering with the natural decay of OPAHs.

The study of soil organic carbon components in continuous cropping cotton fields in oases is helpful to reveal the change characteristics of the soil organic carbon stability mechanism in arid areas under the effects of man-land relationships. In this study, the contents of soil organic carbon, easily oxidized organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and microbial biomass carbon in cotton fields with different continuous cropping years (2 a, 5 a, 12 a, 20 a, and 35 a) were collected and analyzed by using space instead of the time series method. Through redundancy analysis, the relationship between soil organic carbon components and other soil physical and chemical factors was discussed. The results showed that:① continuous cropping for different years had a significant impact on the content of soil organic carbon components in the study area. The contents of soil organic carbon, easily oxidized organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, and microbial biomass carbon in continuous cropping cotton fields for 12 a, 20 a, and 35 a were higher than those in continuous cropping cotton fields and wasteland for 2 a and 5 a. ω (soil organic carbon) reached the peak value (7.06 g·kg -1 ) in the cotton field in 20 a, which was 76.91% higher than that in the wasteland. The content of soil organic carbon decreased with the deepening of the soil layer. ② Based on the redundancy analysis of soil organic carbon content and soil environmental factors, the results showed that the content of soil organic carbon was positively correlated with total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and water content and negatively correlated with pH value and bulk density. The importance of soil environmental factors on the interpretation of soil organic carbon content was as follows:total N>available P>pH value>bulk density>water content>available K>total salt.

To explore the protective immune effect induced by mucosal delivery heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA)-a candidate vaccine antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Female C57BL/6 mice were between 6 and 8 weeks of age before experimental use. Thirty mice received different immunization strategies and were randomly divided into the control group, the early secreting antigen target-6 (ESAT-6) intranasal immunization group, the HBHA intranasal immunization group, the BCG priming PBS control group, or BCG priming HBHA boost group, 6 mice in each group. In order to analyzed the immune effect, the concentrations of plasma Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and other cytokines were measured by ELISA. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses were performed to detect the relative quantity (RQ) mRNA of IL-17A in the lung. The lung tissue sections were stained to detect the formation of the tertiary lymphoid structures. The chemokines contributed to formation of the tertiary lymphoid structures were also measured. Flow cytometry was used to detect the frequency of Th1 and Th17 cells in the system. Sixty mice in the BCG priming PBS control group and the BCG priming HBHA boost group were sacrificed at different time points after infection to count the lung bacterial burden. The concentrations of plasma IL-17A and relative quantity of lung IL-17A mRNA were highest in the BCG priming HBHA boost group [(14.76±4.73) pg/mL,RQ (12.27±6.71)], which was significantly higher than the control group [(5.57±2.95) pg/mL,RQ (1.30±0.97)] ( t =4.213, P <0.001; t =5.984, P <0.001), and also significantly higher than the BCG priming PBS control group [(6.81±2.18) pg/mL,RQ (1.44±1.16)] ( t =3.646 P =0.001; t =6.185 P <0.001). Compared with the BCG priming PBS control group (0.38±0.38)% the frequency of spleen Th17 cells were also significantly increased ( t =-0.280 , P =0.048) in the BCG-primary HBHA boost group (1.02±0.34)%. In addition, HBHA boosting could promote better formation of the tertiary lymphoid structures in the lung, and decrease the bacterial load on the early stage after BCG challenge. Collectively, mucosal delivery of HBHA can effectively enhance the protective effect after BCG vaccination, and it is a potential candidate vaccine component.

Abstract: Objective To study the imaging characteristics of maxillary sinus effusion in drowned bodies, to explore its morphological characteristics and value in the diagnosis of the cause of death, and to provide objective evidence to support the study of virtual anatomy of drowning. Methods The 154 postmortem CT examination cases （31 cases of drowning, 123 cases of non-drowning） of Beijing Public Security Bureau Forensic Center in 2019 were collected. The bodies of all cases were scanned by multi-layer spiral CT before double-blind reading by clinical imaging experts. Maxillary sinus of corpses with maxillary sinus effusion in imaging findings was punctured. The detection rate of maxillary sinus effusion was calculated. The CT value and volume of maxillary sinus effusion were measured on 3D DICOM workstation. Results The detection rate of maxillary sinus effusion in the drowning was 100%, the shape was horizontal liquid level, the volume was 1.2-11.2 mL, the CT value was 6.08-19.02 Hu, with an average value of 12.85 Hu. The detection rate of maxillary sinus effusion in non-drowning was 19.51% （24/123）, the shape was wavy or irregular, and there were bubbles inside, the volume was 0.4-13.4 mL, the CT value was 23.68-77.75 Hu, with an average value of 42.08 Hu. The differences in CT value between the two groups had statistical significance. Conclusion The postmortem CT examination method can be used to observe the shape and measure the CT value of the maxillary sinus effusion in the bodies in water, which can be an auxiliary examination method for identification of drowning., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.)

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of manmade chemicals and are ubiquitously detected in aquatic environments. China is a major producer and consumer of PFASs. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and characteristics of PFASs in the surface sediments from three fluorine industrial parks in North China, the Xihe River in Liaoning Province (Fuxin Section), the Xiaoqing River in Shandong Province (Zibo Section), and the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province (Changshu Section), using the UPLC/MS-MS method. The total concentration of PFASs (∑PFASs) in surface sediments of the Xihe River ranged from 15.8 to 2770 ng ·g -1 , and PFTeDA and HFPO-DA were the dominant pollutants. In the surface sediments of the Xiaoqing River, ∑PFASs ranged from 12.2 to 7853 ng ·g -1 , and PFOA and HFPO-DA were the dominant pollutants. In the surface sediments of the Yangtze river, ∑PFASs ranged from 9.20 to 35.9 ng ·g -1 , and PFTeDA and 6：2 FTS were the main pollutants. Sewage discharge from the industrial parks (point source pollution) was the main source of PFASs in three regions in this study. The PFAS content and composition in three regions varied significantly depending on the production capacity and industry type. There was no significant correlation between the content of PFASs and its components and the particle size and TOC of the sediments. The correlations between the components of PFASs indicated that the enrichment process of PFASs in sediments was impacted by various factors.

The conventional pretreatment process for swine wastewater is anaerobic fermentation. This process leads to the formation of high ammonia nitrogen, low carbon, and piggery biogas slurry, which usually results in poor denitrification effect, complicated process flow, and long startup period for the subsequent treatment process. In this study, a novel biological enhanced Biological Contact Oxidation (BCO) process using HN-AD bacteria as microbial inoculants, and PAN activated carbon fiber filler as biofilm carrier was proposed for the treatment of piggery biogas slurry. In the early stage of sludge acclimation, it was found that when NH 4 + -N concentration was higher than 500 mg·L -1 , the nitrification and COD removal in BCO was severely inhibited. When the BCO was enhanced by HN-AD bacteria, however, the tolerance concentration of NH 4 + -N for bacteria in BCO could reach 600 mg·L -1 and the removal efficiency of NH 4 + -N, COD, and TN could still remain at a high level. The bio-enhanced BCO process was used to treat the piggery biogas slurry. The average removal rates of NH 4 + -N, TN, and COD were 86.9%, 70.5%, and 74.4%, respectively, which were higher than the 57.6%, 50.3%, and 50.0% of the traditional treatment process. The concentration of the pollutants mentioned above in the effluent was below the relevant discharge standards. The changes in the microbial community structure during the enrichment process of functional bacteria were studied by high-throughput sequencing technique. The results showed that the dominant bacteria belonging to HN-AD in the biofilm during the sludge acclimation process was Alcaligenes . After the addition of the HN-AD agent, however, the dominant bacteria were Diaphorobacter, Acinetobacter, and Thauer, and the relative abundance of Acinetobacter was much higher than that in the microbial inoculants. The results of scanning electron microscopy further confirmed the existence of bio-enhancement. The surface of the biofilm layer tightly attached to the filler was enriched with rod-like and globular HN-AD functional bacteria.

UV-Vis spectral data and a fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) was analyzed for the surface, middle, and bottom layer water samples from the Bohai Sea and North Yellow Sea in April, August, and December of 2016 and February of 2017. Distribution characteristics, influencing factors, and seasonal variation of CDOM in the study area were investigated. The results showed that the horizontal distributions of CDOM are similar in different seasons, showing a characteristic of high levels near shore and low levels in the offshore region. Strong correlations were observed between value a (355) and spectral slope S 275-295 , indicating that CDOM is significantly affected by land input. According to the vertical distribution, the CDOM level is the lowest in surface seawater in summer due to strong photo-degradation. In February, controlled by primary productivity, the lowest level of CDOM was found in the bottom seawater. From April 2016 to February 2017, the content of CDOM first increased and then decreased. Its concentration was highest in December. Seasonal variations are mainly controlled by land input and on-site production. According to analysis of the spectral slope S 275-295 , the average molecular weight of CDOM in winter was smallest in February, which was mainly related to the drastic reduction of land-based input at that time. The strong photo-degradation in summer resulted in a small average molecular weight of CDOM.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of the chemiluminescence immune assay (CLIA) and the electro-chemiluminescence immuneoassay(ECLIA) for Treponemapallidum antibody（anti-TP） screening in blood donors., Methods: The sero-panel samples from NCCL were tested with ELISA, CLIA and ECLIA assays synchronously to evaluate their performances respectively., Results: The sensitivity and the negative predictive value of the CLIA were 100%, which were the same as one kind of ELISA, and better than the other ELISA; The specificity of the CLIA was 88.46%, the accuracy rate was 97.02%, the positive predictive value was 96.13%, which were higher than both ELISA. Due to the significant interference of sample heat inactivation in ECLIA detection, the result can not demonstrate the true performance of ECLIA in this study. The preliminary result was as follows: the sensitivity was 98.93%, the negative predictive value was 96.75%, and the accuracy rate, specificity and positive predictive value of ECLIA were 97.02%, 91.54% and 97.10% respectively., Conclusion: Compared with ELISA, the CLIA has higher sensitivity and specificity and can be used for Treponemal antibody screening in blood bank. Unfortunately, the data in this study cannot come to a conclusion for ECLIA and needs more testing.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of purse string suture with Harmonious Clips and Olympus endoloop in single channel endoscopy for large gastric antrum mucosa defect. Methods: A total of 33 patients who underwent ESD of gastric antrum in single channel endoscopy at the First people's Hospital of Wujiang District from January 2015 to April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Everyone had one lesion, and the diameters were all more than 3 cm. After the resection and hemostasis, purse string suture with Harmonious Clips and Olympus endoloop or no suture in study group ( n =16) and the control group ( n =17). The degree of abdominal pain, postoperative gastrointestinal decompression time, incidence of delayed hemorrhage, postoperative hospital stay and the healing rate were observed and compared. Results: All patients successfully completed resection, no perforation occurred, and all the lesions were resected completely in one time. All patients in the study group were sutured successfully. The abdominal pain score on the first day after operation was (2.7±0.7) in the study group, and (3.6±0.8) in the control group( t =3.686, P =0.001). The mean time of postoperative gastrointestinal decompression was (1.6±0.5) days in the study group, while (2.4±0.7) days in the control group( t =3.675, P =0.001). No delayed bleeding occurred in the study group, while 5 cases in the control group had delayed bleeding. The rate of delayed hemorrhage was 29.4% in control group, 4 cases successfully achieved hemostasis through endoscopy therapy, 1 case was given surgical intervention after ineffective endoscopic hemostasis( P =0.044). The average postoperative hospital stay were (6.2±1.1) days and (5.9±2.0) days respectively ( t =0.423, P =0.675). Two months after the operation, the two groups of patients reviewed the gastroscopy, the results showed that, all wounds in the study group were healed completely, the healing rate was 100%. There were 6 cases of incomplete wound healing in the control group, the healing rate was 64.7%( P =0.018). No recurrence was found after 6 months of operation through reviewing gastroscopy. Conclution: It indicates good feasibility and efficacy about the purse string suture with Harmonious Clip and Olympus endoloop in single channel endoscopy for large gastric antrum mucosa defect. It is safe and reliable, worth of being generalized.

In order to explore the effects of different amounts of biochar applied in purple paddy soil on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, potted experiments using a static opaque chamber and gas chromatography method were used to study the regulations and influences of biochar on soil greenhouse gas emission using five treatments:no fertilizer (CK), conventional fertilization (NPK), 10 t ·hm -2 biochar+NPK (LBC), 20 t ·hm -2 biochar+NPK (MBC), and 40 t ·hm -2 biochar+NPK (HBC). ① Soil CH 4 emission flux reduced significantly with all biochar application treatments; the emission flux followed the order, from large to small, of NPK > CK > LBC > MBC > HBC. The CH 4 emission flux of each treatment showed a single peak curve, and the peak value was mainly concentrated in the late growth stage of the paddy cropland. During the entire observation period, the emission flux of CH 4 was between -0.05 mg ·(m 2 ·h) -1 and 47.34 mg ·(m 2 ·h) -1 . The CO 2 emission flux of each treatment was complicated and ranged from 32.95 mg ·(m 2 ·h) -1 to 1350.88 mg ·(m 2 ·h) -1 . The CO 2 emission flux of the LBC and MBC treatments showed bimodal curves, and the CO 2 emission flux of other treatments showed single peak curves. In addition, all biochar treatments delayed the peak time of the CO 2 emission flux. The N 2 O emission flux of each treatment ranged from -309.39 to 895.48 μg ·(m 2 ·h) -1 , and the N 2 O emission flux of the LBC treatment showed a bimodal curve, while other treatments showed single peak curves. ② Compared with the CK treatment, biochar treatment can significantly reduce the cumulative emissions of CH 4 and promote the cumulative emissions of CO 2 and N 2 O. The average amount of CH 4 cumulative emissions followed the order CK > LBC > MBC > HBC, while the average amount of CO 2 cumulative emissions followed LBC > MBC > HBC > CK, and the average amount of N 2 O cumulative emissions followed HBC > MBC≈LBC > CK. Compared with conventional fertilization treatment, different application rates of biochar addition significantly reduced CH 4 and CO 2 emissions. As more biochar was added, CH 4 and CO 2 cumulative emissions were lower. Although the regulation of N 2 O cumulative emissions on biochar addition was not obvious, the application of nitrogen fertilizer could promote the emission flux of N 2 O to some extent. ③ Over the time scale of 100 years, the integrated global warming potentials (GWP) of CH 4 and N 2 O emission under different biochar treatment were decreased significantly, indicating that biochar combined with chemical fertilizer is an effective GHG emission reduction measure.

Objective: To explore the method and clinical effect of MAST Quadrant for lumbar spondylolisthesis with adjacent segment degeneration., Methods: From April 2014 to January 2016, 36 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis with adjacent segment degeneration were treated by MAST Quadrant(target nerve decompression and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or articulationes zygapophysiales fusion by unilateral fixation with MAST Quadrant). Twenty-three cases were degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and 13 cases were isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis. According to Meyerding grade of spondylolisthesis, 16 cases were grade I, 17 cases were grade II, and 3 cases were grade III. Visual analogue score (VAS), Oswesty Disability Index (ODI) and JOA score were used to evaluate the clinical outcome., Results: The amount of intraoperative bleeding was 230 to 480 ml with an average of 340 ml and the amount of postoperative blood loss was 15 to 80 ml with an average of 43 ml. Operative time was 176 to 240 min with an average of 193 min; X-ray exposure time was 2 to 6 s with an average of 3.6 s. Two cases were complicated with dural tear without nerve injury during operation. Thirty cases were followed up from 12 to 17 months with an average of 15.2 months. VAS scores for preoperative, 5 days, 3 months after surgery were 7.6±1.7, 1.9±0.4, 0.8±0.4 respectively, and there was significant difference before and after operation( P <0.05). The ODI scores for preoperative and 3 months after surgery were 35.9±1.2 and 3.7±0.7 respectively, and there was significant difference before and after operation( P <0.05). JOA scores for preoperative, 5 days, 1 months, 3 months after surgery were 13.2±0.4, 24.4±0.4, 27.4±0.1, 27.9±0.5 respectively, and there was significant difference before and after operation( P <0.05)., Conclusions: MAST Quadrant can be applied to treat lumbar spondylolisthesis with adjacent segment degeneration, and the minimally invasive sugical technique is a safe and effective method, with the advantage of simple operation, fast recovery., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Objective: To investigate the fatigue status of military personnel stationed in plateau and high cold region, and to analyze the mediator effect of trait coping style on job stress and fatigue. Methods: In October 2010, with the method of cluster random sampling survey, 531 military personnel stationed in plateau and high cold region were chosen as subject. The fatigue status were evaluated by the Chinese version multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20) , job stress were evaluated by the Job Stress Survey (JSS) , and trait coping style were evaluated by the Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ) . Results: According to the information of different population characteristics, mean rank of physical fatigue about the urban (town) group were higher than that of rural group ( Z =-2.200, P <0.05) ; mean rank of reduced motivation about the urban (town) group were higher than that of rural group ( Z =-2.781, P <0.05) ; mean rank of general fatigue scores about the urban (town) group were higher than that of rural group ( Z =-3.026, P <0.05) ; mean rank of physical fatigue about the up or equal 20-years old age group were higher than that of below 20-years old age group ( Z =-4.045, P <0.05) ; mean rank of reduced motivation about the up or equal 20-years old age group were higher than that of below 20-years old age group ( Z =-2.182, P <0.05) ; mean rank of mental fatigue about the up or equal 20-years old age group were higher than that of below 20-years old age group ( Z =-2.879, P <0.05) ; mean rank of general fatigue scores about the up or equal 20-years old age group were higher than that of below 20-years old age group ( Z =-3.647, P <0.05) ; mean rank of reduced motivation were significant statistical difference among the military officers, sergeancy and soldier group ( F =18.965, P <0.05) ; mean rank of general fatigue scores were significant statistical difference among the military officers, sergeancy and soldier group ( F =14.711, P <0.05) . The score of negative coping style were positively correlated with the score of physical fatigue ( r (s)=0.129) , reduced activity ( r (s)=0.123) , reduced motivation ( r (s)=0.149) and general fatigue ( r (s)=0.174) respectively, the score of organizational support lack strength were positively correlated with the score of physical fatigue ( r (s)=0.090) , reduced activity ( r (s)=0.098) , reduced motivation ( r (s)=0.099) and general fatigue ( r (s)=0.130) respectively. The mediator effect of negative coping style on the job stress and fatigue was 0.013 ( P <0.01) . Conclusion: The fatigue statuses of the urban (town) group and the up or equal 20-years old age group are poor, and the negative coping style plays mediator effect on the job stress and fatigue.

Objective: To investigate the recurrence rate and risk factors of spontaneous symptomatic epileptic seizures after the first episode in infants and young children., Methods: The clinical data of infants and young children who experienced the first episode of spontaneous symptomatic epileptic seizures between April 2009 and April 2011 in Suzhou Children's Hospital were collected. Follow-up visits were performed once every 1-3 months, and the follow-up time was 1-60 months. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were applied to calculate the recurrence rate of spontaneous symptomatic epileptic seizures and analyze the risk factors for seizure recurrence., Results: Sixty-three children experiencing a first episode of spontaneous symptomatic epileptic seizures were enrolled. Within 5 years after the first episode, 43 children experienced the recurrence of spontaneous symptomatic epileptic seizures, with a 5-year cumulative recurrence rate of 69.4%. Among all recurrent cases, 86% experienced recurrence within 1 year after the first episode. The multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model showed that epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography were the independent risk factor for recurrence of spontaneous symptomatic epileptic seizures (HR=5.349, 95%CI: 2.375-12.048)., Conclusions: The recurrence rate of spontaneous symptomatic epileptic seizures after the first episode is high in infants and young children. Epileptiform discharges on electroencephalography are the independent risk factor for the recurrence, and thus it is suggested to perform antiepileptic therapy for these children.

In order to explore suitable mode of high yield cultivation of double cropping soybean after wheat under drip irrigation in northern Xinjiang, field trials were set in 2013-2014 to investigate physiological indices and agronomic traits of double cropping soybean under different tillage methods under drip irrigation. The results showed that leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll content (SPAD), leaf net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal conductance (g(s)) during the determination period under different tillage methods were in the order of tillage plus film covering (TP)> tillage (T)> rotary tillage (RT) > no-tillage (NT) , and the concentration of intercellular CO₂(Ci) was the opposite. LAI, SPAD, Pn, Tr, and g(s) of TP were higher than that with NT by 55.0%, 9.1%, 41.8%, 37.5% and 56.4%, respectively, and Ci was decreased by 22.1%. TP enhanced the photosynthetic efficiency of soybean and improved the ability of CO₂assimilation, consequently leading to the increase of soybean yield under TP compared to NT. The plant dry matter accumulation of TP treatment was improved greatly, with the pod number and seeds number per plant, 100-seed mass and yield of quadric sowing soybean being increased by 50.3%, 48.1%, 11.8% and 20.8% compared with that under NT, and the differences were significant. Therefore, the plastic film mulching combined with tillage under drip irrigation technology was suitable for double cropping soybean after wheat in northern Xinjiang under this experimental condition.

An electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) was applied to analyze the element Sr and Ca microchemistry patterns in otoliths of Larimichthys polyactis in Lüsi coastal waters of Jiangsu Province, China. The results showed that Sr was heterogeneously distributed along the sagittal plane of the otoliths. The highest Sr concentration was normally found in the otolith cores while much lower concentrations were found in the remaining areas. The corresponding Sr/Ca ratios were (7.10 +/- 1.00) and (4.79 +/- 1.01) in the former and latter, respectively, which were significantly differed (P < 0.01), but low Sr/Ca ratios even as low as (3.51 +/- 0.76) were also observed in several fish. Based on the above results of otolith microchemistry, the habitat history of L. polyactis was reconstructed as that high salinity habitats seemed to be required at the stages of hatching and post-hatching development, while the reduced salinity habitats seemed to be preferable for the growth and development at the remaining stages of the life history. Furthermore, several fish in this study had likely even experienced much lower salinity habitats at the early stages.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the immediate breast reconstruction following breast-conserving surgery for centrally located breast cancer., Methods: From January of 2006 through December of 2011, 30 women with centrally located breast cancer of stage I or II was treated by breast-conserving surgery removing or not removing the nipple-areola complex. All the patients received immediate breast reconstruction with adjacent gland tissue flap or latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. The breast shape and complication were observed. All the patients were followed up., Results: The thirty women underwent the breast-conserving surgery successfully, in which 12 cases received immediate breast reconstruction with adjacent gland tissue flap and 18 cases received immediate breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. The superior rate of the aesthetic effect was 90% (27/30) according to JCRT in one week or six months after surgery. No recurrence and metastasis were observed after a median follow-up of 38 months ( range 4-72 months)., Conclusion: The immediate breast reconstruction following breast-conserving surgery for centrally located breast cancer at early stage is satisfactory for the aesthetic result and clinical efficacy, and deserves further clinical application.

Forty-eight surface sediment samples collected from Jiaozhou Bay, Taozi Bay and Sishili Bay were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) by Gas Chromatography. Results showed that average concentrations of HCHs, HCB and DDTs in marine sediments were 0.33, 0.31 and 10.33 ng x g(-1) in Jiaozhou Bay and 0.26, 0.10 and 4.56 ng x g(-1) in Taozi Bay and Sishili Bay, respectively. Contamination status of OCPs was relatively higher in Jiaozhou Bay than in other inland coastal regions, especially for the levels of DDTs; however, OCPs concentrations were relatively low in Taozi Bay and Sishili Bay. The source of HCHs could be mainly attributed to the heavy historical application in agricultural areas and late transport to coastal region through surface runoff or riverine discharge, and DDTs were primarily originated from the use of technical DDTs. Fresh input of lindane and dicofol-type DDTs were found in several sites, such as Qingdao Port. High concentrations of DDTs in Jiaozhou Bay should arouse much attention.

Objective: To explore clinical features, diagnostic methods and treatment of gallstone ileus., Methods: Clinical data of 5 patients with gallstone ileus were analyzed retrospectively. Pertinent literature from China between 2000 and 2009 were reviewed. The disease onset, clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of gallstone ileus were studied., Results: Four out of 5 patients were female aged over 60, of whom 3 had a previous history of cholelithiasis, 2 had a history of cholangiojejunostomy internal drainage procedure. Four patients underwent enterotomy and gallstone extraction combined with hepatobiliary operation, while one underwent enterotomy alone. There was no postoperative recurrence. A review of the literature from China revealed 441 cases with intestinal obstruction caused by gallstone, consisting 1.15% of all the cases with bowel obstruction. 67.12% were female. 73.56% were elderly. 87.92% were from cystoenteral fistula. Site of bowel obstruction in ileum was 64.17% of the cases. 71.89% were misdiagnosed with other types of obstruction. Two hundred twenty-five patients underwent enterotomy and gallstone extraction combined with hepatobiliary operation, which carried a lower rate of postoperative recurrence and malignancy (P<0.05) than enterotomy alone. There were no statistical significant differences in the occurrence of postoperative cystoenteral fistula, wound infection, pulmonary infection, cure rate, and mortality(P>0.05)., Conclusions: The incidence of gallstone ileus is low and more common in female elderly. The gallstones often drain through cystoenteral fistula and lodge in the ileum. Enterotomy without hepatobiliary operation is associated with potential risk of recurrence and development of gallbladder malignancy. Combined hepatobiliary operation is recommended in patients without significant comorbidities.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between dietary folate intake and genetic polymorphisms of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) with reference to breast cancer risk., Methods: A case-control study was conducted with 669 cases and 682 population-based controls in Jiangsu province of China. MTHFR C677T and A1298C genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods. Dietary folate intake was assessed by using an 83-item food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated with an unconditional logistic model., Results: The frequencies of MTHFR C677T C/C, C/T and T/T genotypes were 32.37% (202/624), 48.88% (305/624) and 18.75% (117/624) in cases and 37.66% (235/624), 48.24% (301/624) and 14. 10% (88/624) in controls, respectively. The difference in distribution was significant (chi2 = 6.616, P = 0.037), the T/T genotype being associated with an elevated OR for breast cancer (1.62, 95% CI: 1.14 -2.30). The frequencies of MTHFR A1298C A/A, A/C and C/C were 71.47% (446/624), 27.08% (169/624) and 1.44% (9/624) in cases and 68.11%(425/624), 30.13% (188/624) and 1.76% (11/624)in controls,with no significant differences found (chi2 = 1.716, P= 0.424). Folate intake of cases [(263.00 +/- 137.38) microg/d] was significantly lower than that of controls [(285.12 +/- 149.61) microg/d] (t = -2. 830, P =0.005). Compared with the lowest tertile (< or = 199.08 microg/d) of folate intake, the adjusted OR for breast cancer in the top tertile (> or = 315.11 microg/d) was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.53 -0.92). Among individuals with the MTHFR A1298C A/A genotype,adjusted OR for breast cancer were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.62 - 1.27) and 1.69 (95% CI: 1.20 - 2.36) for the second to the third tertile of folate intake compared with the highest folate intake group (X2trend = 11.372, P = 0.001)., Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that MTHFR genetic polymorphisms,and dietary intake of folate may modify susceptibility to breast cancer.

Background and Objective: Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the role of FLT3 expression as well as its correlation to FLT3/ITD has not sufficiently studied. This study was to evaluate the relationship between FLT3 gene expression and FLT3/ITD mutation in patients with de novo AML., Methods: FLT3 gene expression was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR). FLT3/ITD mutation was detected by PCR in 79 de novo AML patients., Results: FLT3/ITD mutations were found in 22.8% (18/79) patients. FLT3 gene expression (range: 0-7320, median: 312) was detected in 92.4% (73/79) patients, but not in normal controls. Compared to AML patients with low FLT3 expressers and without FLT3/ITD mutation, patients with high FLT3 expressers and FLT3/ITD mutation had a significantly higher white blood count as well as a higher ratio of bone marrow blasts. The positive rate of FLT3/ITD mutation was not correlated to the level of FLT3 expression, and no statistical difference of FLT3 expression was found between AML patients with and without FLT3/ITD mutation. The complete remission (CR) rate of AML patients with FLT3/ITD mutation (58.8%) was significance lower than that of those without FLT3/ITD mutation (82.1%). In AML patients without FLT3/ITD mutation, the CR rate was significantly lower in patients with high FLT3 expressers (69.2%) than in those with low FLT3 expressers (93.3%)., Conclusion: The FLT3 expression is not associated with FLT3/ITD mutation. High-FLT3 expression may be a poor prognostic factor for AML patients without FLT3/ITD mutation.

Objective: To investigate the methods of lesion localization and surgical treatment for non-palpable breast cancer, presented with only small calcification lesion on the images., Methods: From November 2003 to August 2007, 61 patients with non-palpable lesion were finally pathologically diagnosed as early breast cancer (T1-2N0M0), based on the small calcification lesions shown by full field digital mammography (FFDM) through molybdenum target, and the rich blood supply shown by type-B ultrasonic examination. Accurate lesion-localization prior to surgical resection was conducted, and sample re-examination by FFDM was done after resection. Patients with single lesion underwent breast-conserving surgery, precise excision with the aid of image-guided wire localization, and stage I breast reconstruction was performed simultaneously using wide-based gland-tissue flap. Patients with multiple lesions received modified radical mastectomy., Results: Among the 50 patients treated with breast-conserving surgery, the accuracy of localization for lesions was 100% (50/50), and all lesions were excised completely with a negative margin proven by FFDM re-examination and pathological examination. The superior rate of mammaplasty was 86.0% (43/50) according to JCRT criteria, with a compliance difference of 1.5 cm. Modified radical mastectomy was performed in 11 patients. The follow-up period in this series was from 6 to 58 months with a mean follow-up time of 39 months. Distant metastases were detected in only one patient and local recurrence was not observed yet., Conclusion: Lesion localization by FFDM in patients with non-palpable breast cancer is accurate and practical. In patients with single lesion, breast-conserving resection followed by synchronous stage I breast reconstruction with wide-based gland-tissue flap is appropriate.

Objective: To establish a method for SNP genotyping of multi-genes by allele-specific oligonucleotide probe ligation mediated by a thermostable ligase, and to explore the genetic polymorphisms of drug-metabolizing enzymes in breast cancer patients and their association with chemotherapeutic responses., Methods: 10 SNP loci of enzyme genes related to chemotherapeutic drugs such as taxanes, anthracyclines and cyclophosphamide were selected, and were genotyped for blood samples from 126 breast cancer patients by the established method. Their correlations with therapeutic responses were retrospectively evaluated., Results: The lower detection limit of genomic DNA by this developed method was 6.25 ng. The fluorescent peak locations of ligation products on ABI PRISM 377 DNA sequencer were accurate and consistent with prospective sizes in bases (Bias range 0.08 - 0.69 bp, x(-) = 0.31 bp, s = 0.18 bp). Same genotyping results were obtained for repeat tests of 8 random samples, which were further confirmed by sequencing analysis. The 10 SNP loci were polymorphic of different frequency in the breast cancer patients. The combinations with GSTP1 genotypes and GSTM1 genotypes were related to anthracycline-based chemotherapy efficacy (P = 0.037), and the low GSTs activity group (GSTP1 variant allele + GSTM1 null) showed the best effects (85.7%). GSTM1 genotypes and their combinations with GSTP1 and/or CYP3A5*3 genotypes were related to taxane-based therapy efficacy (P < 0.05 for all), and both the low GSTs activity group and the drug slow-metabolising group (low GSTs activity group + CYP3A5*3 wild allele) showed better effects (100%)., Conclusion: The established method is reliable and applicable in multiplex SNPs genotyping of multi-genes. SNPs combination may have a better clinical application value for prediction of chemotherapeutic responses.

Objective: To study the quantification of MDR1 and WT1 gene expression in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and to explore the role of these two genes in clinical drug resistance and their correlation with risk stratification., Methods: A real time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method was established for detecting MDR1 and WT1 gene expression levels in 63 de novo AML patients., Results: The expression of WT1 and MDR1 was significantly higher in de novo AML patients than in normal controls (P < 0.001). WT1 levels were significantly correlated with corresponding levels of MDR1 gene in de novo AML patients (P = 0.004). Expression levels of WT1 and MDR1 gene were not associated with FAB subtype and risk stratification (P > 0.05). AML patients with FLT3-ITD mutations had a significantly higher WT1 expression level as compared to with those without (P < 0.05), on the contrary MDR1 expression was not associated with FLT3-ITD mutations (P > 0.05). Patients with co-expression of high levels of WT1 and MDR1 had a significantly lower complete remission rate after induction therapy than those with low levels (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between MDR1 gene expression and WT1 gene expression in AML. Quantification of the two gene expression together is more effective for judgement of prognosis in AML.

Objective: To investigate the effect of overexpression of glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) on the biological character of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2., Methods: The GPI-PLD gene eukaryon expression vector pcDNA3.1(+)/ GPI-PLD was transiently transfected into HepG2 cell by lipid-media transfection. The untransfected HepG2 and HepG2 transfected with pcDNA3.1(+) were used as controls. After screening with G418, the single clone was obtained. The expression level of GPI-PLD mRNA in HepG2 was identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). GPI-PLD activities were analyzed quantitatively by triton-X-114 partition with GPI anchored placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) as a substrate. Cell count was used to detect the proliferation of the 3 groups, and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) effects were observed by the staining of trypan blue. Apoptosis cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: Compared with HepG2 and pcDNA3.1(+)/HepG2 cell, the levels of GPI-PLD activities and its mRNA from pcDNA3.1(+)/GPI-PLD/HepG2 were increased with almost 2 to 5 times,respectively. The GPI anchored PLAP and CEA released into the medium by GPI-PLD, and the rate of CDC killing on the cells were significantly increased. However, the proliferative capacity was obviously decreased, and the typical apoptosis cells were presented in positive clones and its apoptosis rates were increased significantly., Conclusion: The stable cell line with overexpression of GPI-PLD has been constructed. The overexpression of GPI-PLD in these cells increases the sensitivity of these cells to CDC killing and impairs the proliferative capacity of cells, and promotes the apoptosis.

To explore the absorption mechanism of paeonol-beta-CD from various intestinal segments and offer biopharmaceutics data for paeonol new dosage form. The absorption kinetics and permeability rate consatants were investigated by the in situ perfusing method in rats. The absorption of the drug conforms to the firt-order kinetics and passive transport mechanism . The results indicate that paeonol-beta-CD absorption mechanism wasn't change.

Objective: To study the changes in circulating VEGF and endostatin (ES) levels during chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer, and their correlation with efficacy of chemotherapy., Methods: 40 breast cancer patients with metastases were included in this study. They received TAC/TEC, CAF/CEF, NP, CAP, CMF, TFP, TA or TC regime chemotherapy, respectively. Totally 120 serum samples were collected from the patients at three time points: before chemotherapy, the end of 1 and 5-6 chemotherapy cycles, and analyzed for VEGF and ES levels using ELISA. Tumor agiogenesis activity was evaluated by serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM - 1) measured by ELISA as a surrogate marker., Results: (1) Before chemotherapy, the median level of VEGF in patients with breast cancer was 496.6 pg/ml, 4.7 times higher than that of healthy controls (P <0.001). The median level of ES was 95.5 ng/ml, 18.3% lower than that of healthy controls (P = 0.183). VCAM-1 was 1077.1 ng/ml and higher than that of controls (P <0.001). The serum VEGF levels correlated with VCAM-1 levels, tumor staging and metastatic sites (P <0.05). (2) At the end of 1 cycle of chemotherapy, the serum VEGF level (median 524.8 pg/ml) was higher than the pretreatment values (P = 0.047), whereas the levels of ES and VCAM-1 were not significantly altered (110.5 ng/ml, P = 0.055; and 975.6 ng/ml, P = 0.27). (3) At the end of 5-6 cycles, the changes in VEGF correlated with the response to chemotherapy. Serum VEGF levels in 27 patients with chemotherapy-responsive and stable disease showed a significant decrease (median 287.4 pg/ml) , but not observed in 13 patients with progressive disease. VCAM-1 also showed a treatment-related change like VEGF. However, chemotherapy might only have a minor effect on ES, because there was no significant difference in the ES levels among 5-6 cycle patients, 1 cycle patients and healthy controls, and neither between therapy-responsive patients., Conclusion: Intensive chemotherapy for breast cancer results in a significant decrease of serum VEGF level, which might be an indicator of the controlled disease status, and following the treatment-induced response or stabilization, the tumor angiogenesis seems to change into an anti-angiogenesis direction.

Objective: To investigate the effect of cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) on the GATA4 expression and related signaling pathways (JAK-STAT3, ERK1/2 and PI3-K) in rat cardiomyocytes., Methods: Using semi-quantitative RT-PCR and EMSA, we measured the dose and time dependent effects of CT-1 on GATA4 mRNA and binding activity in cultured rat cardiomyocytes. Parthenolide (a STAT inhibitor), U-0126 (an ERK inhibitor) and LY-294002 (a PI3-K inhibitor) alone or in combination were added to the culture medium to assess the role of above signaling pathways in CT-1 mediated effects., Results: GATA4 mRNA expression significantly increased at 3 h post 0.1 nmol/L CT-1 exposure, peaked at 6 h and remained high till 24 h post exposure. The GATA4 binding activity began to increase at 10 min and peaked at 60 min and returned to baseline level 180 min. Six hours post CT-1 (0.01 nmol/L, 0.1 nmol/L, 1 nmol/L) exposure, the GATA4 mRNA expression increased in a dose-dependent manner. The GATA4 binding activity peaked with 0.1 nmol/L CT-1 and higher dose did not further increase the binding activity. U-0126 increased the GATA4 mRNA expression and enhanced the GATA4 binding activity and these effects could be partially attenuated with addition of Parthenolide. Parthenolide also prevented the increase of GATA4 mRNA and binding activity induced by CT-1. LY-294002 had no effects GATA4 mRNA and binding activity., Conclusion: CT-1 increases the GATA4 mRNA expression and binding activity in rat cardiomyocytes via STAT3/ERK1/2 pathways and these effects are independent of PI3-K pathway.

Objective: To optimize the formulation of immediate release tablet., Method: The immediate release tablet was prepared by using dry granules. The preparation was optimized by using orthogonal design which took the flow property of granules, the hardness, the disintegrating time and the dissolution rate of the tablet as indices., Result: The optimized formulation contained 40% microcrystalline cellulose, 10% sodium carboxymethyl starch and 15% dextrin. The hardness disintegrating time and T50 of the tablet were 4.5 kg, 3 min, 5 min respectively., Conclusion: It is successful to prepare on immediate release tablet using the optimized formula above.

Objective: To analyze the polymorphisms of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) gene exon 14, GPI-PLD activity of leucocyte in the peripheral blood,and the relationship in leukemia patients of Han nationality in Hunan., Methods: Both 96 leukemia patients and 96 healthy persons of Han nationality in Hunan were researched [including 48 acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL) patients as group A, 31 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients as group B, 12 chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CML) patients as group C, 5 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients as group D]. The polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR-SSCP and sequencing;. and GPI-PLD activities were determined by GPI-anchored placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) as substrate and triton-X114 partioning., Results: There were four variations in the coverage of GPI-PLD gene exon 14 of leukemia patients and healthy persons. The codons of variation were: 1257 C-->T, 1298 T-->C, 1218 C-->A, 1257 C-->A. The total various frequency in leukemia patient and healthy person, which was determined by SSCP, was 28.12% and 20.83%. On the basis of the percentage of GPI-anchored PLAP conversion, the leucocyte GPI-PLD activities of the 96 leukemia patients were measured. Compared with the 96 healthy controls, the leukocyte GPI-PLD activites of ANLL and CLL patients were significantly increased; the acticities of ALL and CML patients were significantly reduced., Conclusion: Leukocyte GPI-PLD gene in the peripheral blood, which belongs to healthy persons and leukemia patients of Han nationality in Hunan, is polymorphism. The leukocyte GPI-PLD activities in the four groups are remarkable.

An on-line method for measurement of the 13C/12C ratio of methane by a gas chromatography/high-temperature conversion/ isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/MS) technique was developed. This method is less laborious, more rapid (45 min), of high precision (+/- 0.4 x 10(-3)) and by using a small amount of sample (about 200 mL of atmosphere). Its application to isotopic characterization, and hence methane source identification, was demonstrated by examination of atmosphere sample collected in Yakela condensed gas field, China. The average 13C/12C ratio of atmospheric methane in Yakela field was -45.0 x 10(-3) heavier by 1.2 x 10(-3) -2.0 x 10(-3) than the global average. This is caused by seepage and diffusing of methane from Yakela condensed gas reservoir. The concentrations of atmospheric methane in daytimes are found to be lower than those in nighttimes, and the corresponding 13C/12C ratios in daytimes are lighter compared to those in nighttimes, a phenomena probably caused by the fact that a small part of methane from Yakela condensate reservoir is consumed in soil's surface under sunlight.

Objective: To study the radiobiological effects of fast neutron/photon mixed irradiation on human cancer cell in vitro and to discuss the mechanism in relation with cell cycle and apoptosis, thus to provide experimental support for the further application of fast neutron radiotherapy of cancer., Methods: Exponentially growing human nasopharyngeal cancer cell line CNE-1 was irradiated in vitro with 35 MeV p-->Be fast neutron and 6 MV-X ray in grading doses (0 cGy, 40 cGy, 80 cGy, 120 cGy, 160 cGy, 240 cGy, 320 cGy and 400 cGy for neutron, and 0 cGy, 100 cGy, 200 cGy, 300 cGy, 400 cGy, 600 cGy, 800 cGy and 1000 cGy for X ray). Clonogenic assay was performed, and relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of fast neutron was determined with D(10) by means of cell survival curves. Isoeffective doses of 35 MeV p-->Be fast neutron and 6 MV-X ray were obtained according to the RBE. The cells were assigned into two irradiation regimens, (1) the one-week-fractionation regimen, which adopted the radiation pattern of X x 5, N x 2 and X-N-X-X-N. After irradiation the clonogenic assay was performed to compare their survival fractions; (2) the two-dose regimen, with the radiation pattern of X + N, N + X and X + X. Flow cytometry was done at different time points after irradiation to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Fast neutron dose was delivered on Tuesday and Friday, and all the other irradiation intervals were 24 h., Results: The RBE of fast neutron to X ray in CNE-1 cells according to the D(10) ratio was 2.40. The neutron isoeffective dose for a single dose of 200 cGy of 6 MV-X ray was approximately 80 cGy. In clonogenic assay, the cell survival fractions were significantly lower in X-N-X-X-N group (0.0079) than those in X x 5 (0.018) and N x 2 (0.017) groups. The flow cytometry suggested a higher percentage of apoptotic cells after mixed irradiation, and different sequence of X ray and neutron irradiations caused varying changes in cell cycle arrest., Conclusion: Mixed irradiation of fast neutron and X ray showed a synergic effect in vitro on CNE-1 cell killing. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis may play some role in the radiation damage repair mechanisms of mixed beam irradiation.

Objective: To detect the release of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored CD55 and CD59, and the effect of complement dependent cytotoxicity on K562 cell with expression of GPI-PLD by glucose or insulin., Methods: CD55 and CD59 were detected by Western blotting; GPI-PLD activities were analyzed quantitatively; and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) effects were observed by staining of trypan blue., Results: After being induced by insulin or glucose for 24 h and 48 h, GPI-PLD activities and rate of CDC killing in the insulin, insulin + glucose groups significantly increased. At 24 h after the inducement, CD55 was found in the membrane proteins in the control, glucose and insulin groups and CD59 in membrane proteins in the control, glucose group, and medium supernatants of insulin, glucose + insulin groups. Both CD55 and CD59 were found in membrane proteins in control group, and medium supernatants of glucose, insulin, glucose + insulin group at 48 h after the inducement., Conclusion: Treatment with insulin resulted in the obvious increase of GPI-PLD activity in K562 cell, which led to releasing of GPI anchored CD55 and CD59 into medium, and increased sensitivity of these cells to CDC killing.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of capecitabine combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for advanced liver cancer., Methods: Forty-nine patients with liver cancer were retrospectively divided into two groups: Treatment group, on the basis of TACE, 23 patients received oral capecitabine at 2500 mg/m(2), twice-daily for 14 days followed by 7-day rest period and repeated in every three week intervals for more than two cycles. Control group, 26 patients received TACE only at 2-month intervals for at least two cycles., Results: In capecitabine and TACE group: there were 1 CR, 14 PR, 5 SD and 3 PD; the overall response rate was 65.2%; the AFP and tumor reduction rates were 68.8% and 73.9%; the median survival time was 11.9 months. In the TACE only group: there were 0 CR, 7 PR, 12 SD and 7 PD; the overall response rate was 26.9%; the AFP and tumor reduction rates were 31.6 % and 30.8%; the median survival time was 8.3 months. The most common side-effects of capecitabine were hand-foot syndrome and diarrhea., Conclusion: Capecitabine combined with TACE is safe and effective for advanced liver cancer.

Objective: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated small vasculitides (ASV) are rare in children and often complicated in clinical manifestations and have very poor prognosis. In order to deepen our understanding of ANCA-associated small vasculitis (ASV) in children, the present study aimed to characterize their clinical manifestations, serum ANCA and renal histopathological findings and outcomes in Chinese children., Methods: Serum ANCA was qualitatively tested with indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and anti-proteinase 3 (PR(3)) and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and renal biopsies were done to investigate the pathological changes. The clinical manifestation, serum ANCA and renal histopathological findings and outcome were characterized in 5 children with ANCA associated small vasculitis., Results: (1) Five children with ANCA associated small vasculitis only accounted for 1.20% of children in whom renal biopsy was performed and 0.25% of hospitalized children with renal diseases during the same period. The age of onset of the 5 children with ASV was between 8 to 12 years with mean age 10.5 years. All ASV children were female. (2) All ASV children were negative for C-ANCA and showed normal anti-proteinase 3 activities, but positive for P-ANCA with high anti-myeloperoxidase activities between 98 to 242 kEU/L. The mean value of MPO-ANCA was 154.5 kEU/L (normal range < 12.7 kEU/L). (3) All ASV in the children was microscopic polyarteritis with wide-spread glomerular crescents formation and capillary tuft fibrinoid necrosis. Variety of complement C3 deposits and weak immunoglobulin deposits were noted in all ASV but one child who showed relatively strong deposits of IgA and IgM. The electronic dense deposits were mainly located in subendothelial space but were also found in the glomerular basement membrane in one child. (4) Three children with ASV died within one year after diagnosis, and two got remission and restored renal function after combined pulse therapy with methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide (CTX), but remained to have hematuria and small amount of proteinuria after 1 and 5 year follow-up, respectively., Conclusion: Childhood ASV was female and P-ANCA predominant, more vulnerable to progress to renal failure and poorer in prognosis than adult cases. Qualitative and quantitative ANCA measurement and renal biopsy were key to the diagnosis of ASV in children.

Objective: To establish a competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to quantify the expression of glycosylphosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD) gene., Methods: A competitive GPI-PLD cDNA fragment was constructed by site-directed mutagenesis by PCR method. The competitive cDNA fragment had the same primer binding sites as the target cDNA, but was 20 bp shorter in length. The competitive cDNA was transcripted into the competitive RNA in vitro as the internal standard. Then the competitive RNA was reversely transcripted and amplified together with total RNA extracted from K562 cells. The two amplified cDNA fragments could be distinguished by 10% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The concentration of cellular GPI-PLD mRNA was derived from the ratio between the intensities of the bands corresponding to the amplified products., Results: A 198 bp GPI-PLD competitive RNA was constructed and prepared. The competitive RNA could compete well with the target RNA in the RT-PCR reaction. The expression of GPI-PLD gene in K562 cells was (440 +/- 20) copies/ng., Conclusion: A competitive RT-PCR assay for the quantification of GPI-PLD gene expression may be established successfully. This method is highly sensitive, specific, and accurate.

To explore the cDNA and its genomic gene structure of human glycosylphosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase D (GPI-PLD), the stromal cells from human bone marrow were cultured, and the GPI-PLD cDNA was successfully cloned from stromal cells (GenBank Accession AY007546). After analyzing this cDNA, we found that it codes the signal peptide as well as the mature peptide (817 AA) of GPI-PLD. Compared with the cDNA cloned from human pancreas and liver, the homology of the cDNA is 99% and 95% respectively. After searching GenBank, we aligned the genomic gene of the GPI-PLD by DNATools software, and found that the GPI-PLD genomic gene was located in the human 6p22.1-22.3 and contained 25 exons, TATA box, CAAT box, enhancer and the sequence binding homo domain of Pit-1/GHF-1.

Intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT) and insulin releasing test (IRT) were performed in 32 cases with epidemic hemorrhagic fever (EHF). 23 patients had impaired glucose tolerance, 17 patients showed hyperinsulinemia in fasting state, 12 patients had flat insulin response curves and most patients had higher plasma levels of growth hormone (GH), cortisol (F), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) in critical stage than in convalescent stage. These data suggest that in EHF there are disturbed glucose metabolism and insulin resistance due to decreased pancreatic B cell reservoir and increased insulin antagonists such as GH, F, NE, E etc. It is suggested that use of insulin in addition to intravenous glucose infusion may be beneficial to glucose utilization in EHF.