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Context A few papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) may have skip metastasis (SLNM), but the risk factors remain controversial and the prognosis is unclear. Objectives To investigate the incidence, lymph node metastasis (LNM) patterns, risk factors, and prognosis of SLNM in PTMCs. Methods We reviewed the medical records of PTMC patients who underwent thyroid surgery in our institution. Analyses of risk factors were performed for SLNM. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) of SLNM, central lymph node metastasis (CLNM), and continuous metastasis (CLNM and lateral lymph node metastasis [CLNM + LLNM]) were compared after propensity score matching (PSM). Results SLNM was detected in 1.7% (50/3923) and frequently involved level III (66.7%). Compared with CLNM + LLNM, SLNM had more LNM at a single level (P < 0.01) and less LNM at 2 levels (P < 0.05). A tumor size of 0.5 to 1 cm (odds ratio [OR], 2.26; 95% CI, 1.27-4.00) and location in the upper pole (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.02-5.40) were independent risk factors for SLNM. A total of 910 (23.2%) PTMCs with LNM were included in the prognostic analysis. At a median follow-up of 60 months, the RFS of SLNM did not differ from that of CLNM (P = 0.10) but was significantly higher than that of CLNM + LLNM (P < 0.01) after using PSM. Conclusions When the tumor size is 0.5 to 1 cm or its location is in the upper pole, we must remain vigilant to SLNM in PTMC. Because its prognosis is comparable to that of only CLNM and better than that of CLNM + LLNM, less intensive treatment should be considered.

By establishing finite element mathematical model for heat transfer in the ladle to simulate transient temperature distribution field, this paper, with typical value method and energy conservation method, studies effect of ladle preheating temperature and insular linings of the ladle on molten steel temperature drop in the 210 t ladle used by Chongqing Iron & steel Co., Ltd. Furthermore, decrease rate of molten steel temperature is forecasted under different working conditions. These predicted results are compared to those obtained by temperature measurements on the site, which shows that ladle preheating temperature affects the rate of molten steel temperature drop a lot, and the decrease rate of molten steel temperature in casting state is greater than in holding state of molten steel. Actual temperature decrease rate of molten steel on the site is between one obtained by energy conservation method and one obtained by typical value method. These studied conclusions provide good reference for molten steel temperature control in Chongqing Iron & Steel Co, Ltd.

Transient temperature fields of directional solidification of Al-Ni-Co alloys were studied by employing finite element method. Temperature gradient at solidification front and solidification rate was analyzed under different pouring temperature of molten steel. The results show that with different initial pouring temperatures of molten steel, individual ratio of temperature gradient at solidification front to solidification rate soars up in the initial stage of solidification, then varies within 2000-6000°C•s•cm-2, and finally plunges down and goes together when the solidification thickness reaches 5-6cm. Simulation result is consistent with the production reality. Numerical simulation results can provide an available reference for process optimization of directional solidification of Al-Ni-Co alloys.

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the standard procedure for surgical management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) is reported to be as effective as LNF but to be associated with a lower incidence of post-operative dysphagia. This meta-analysis was performed to compare the two techniques with respect to reflux control and associated complications, particularly dysphagia. Methods: Pubmed, Medline, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LNF and LTF were included. Outcomes evaluated were occurrences of heartburn and associated complications (e.g. dysphagia) and degree of patient's satisfaction at early (three to six months) and later (one to three years) post-operative periods. Results: Of 939 patients in seven RCTs, 478 received LNF and 461 received LTF. For both groups, control of reflux was good and occurrence of heartburn were similar. A lower incidence of post-operative dysphagia for both early and later post-operative periods was observed for the LTF group. Patient's satisfaction following either procedure was similar. Conclusion: LNF and LTF are both safe and effective. LTF is truly associated with a lower occurrence of dysphagia. However, LTF is more likely than LNF to be associated with early surgical complications. On the whole, post-surgical satisfaction ratios for the two groups were comparable.

To understand the solidification behavior of austenitic stainless steel in rotary electromagnetic-field, the influence of low-frequency rotary electromagnetic-field on solidification structure of austenitic stainless steel in horizontal continuous casting was investigated based on industrial experiments. The results show that the solidification structure of austenitic stainless steel can be remarkably refined, the central porosity and shrinkage cavity can be remarkably decreased, and the equiaxed grains zone are enlarged by means of application of appropriate low-frequency electromagnetic-field parameters. The industrial trials verify that the stirring intensity of austenitic stainless steel should be higher compared with that of plain carbon steel. Electromagnetic stirring affects the macrostructure even if the average magnetic flux density of the electromagnetic stirring reaches 90 mT (amplitude reaches 141 mT) with the frequency of 3-4 Hz. Due to a higher viscosity, rotating speed of molten stainless steel is 20%-30% lower than that of molten carbon steel in the same magnetic flux density.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant human tumours because of its high incidence of metastasis. The mechanisms underlying the metastasis of HCC, however, remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed cDNA microarray analysis to profile gene expression patterns in two subtypes of HCC, solitary large HCC (SLHCC) and nodular HCC (NHCC), which differ significantly in the incidence of metastasis. Among 668 genes that were differentially expressed, we focused on RhoC, whose expression was significantly decreased in SLHCC compared to NHCC. The expression of RhoC in HCC and pericarcinomatous liver tissues (PCLT) was analysed at both the mRNA and protein levels by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. In addition, immunohistochemistry was also performed on 94 cases of HCC with follow-up information. Collectively, our data indicate that the expression of RhoC significantly increased in HCC compared to PCLT; extrahepatic metastatic lesions expressed significantly higher levels of RhoC than the corresponding intrahepatic HCC tissues. There is a highly significant correlation of the RhoC expression levels with tumour vein invasion, number of tumour nodes and the status of differentiation. Significantly, the HCC patients with RhoC-positive expression had shorter survival than those with RhoC-negative expression. Together, our findings suggest a strong correlation between the expression of RhoC and HCC metastasis, implicating RhoC as a potential prognosis marker and therapeutic target for HCC.

To compare laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF)and Toupet laparoscopic fundoplication (LTF) with respect to treatment outcomes and postoperative complications.PubMed, Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication were included. Outcomes evaluation included occurrences of heartburn, reflux, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, abdominal distention, failure to hiccup, diarrhea, and early complications and degree of patient satisfaction at early (three to six months) and later (one to three years) post-operative periods.Of 939 patients in seven RCTs, 478 received LNF and 461 received LTF. For both groups, control of reflux was good and occurrence of heartburn was similar (P0.05). A lower incidence of postoperative dysphagia for both early and later post-operative periods, but a higher overall complication rate in early post-operative period were observed in the LTF group (P0.05). Patient satisfaction was similar (P0.05).LNF and LTF are both safe and effective. The adoption of procedure should be based on the patient status and surgeon experience.

To study the expression and function of protein metabolism, folding, transport, localization and assembly-associated genes in rat liver regeneration (LR) at transcriptional level, we obtained above genes from databases and scientific articles, detected their expression profiles in rat LR using Rat Genome 230 2.0 array, and determined liver regeneration-associated genes by comparing the partial hepatectomy (PH) group with sham operation (SO) group. Totally 1147 genes were preliminarily confirmed to be LR-associated. The results from the chip detection demonstrated that genes involved in the above biological processes were mostly up-regulated in rat LR; protein metabolism-participating genes were initially expressed mainly at 0.5-1 h and 16-30 h following PH; protein degradation-accelerating genes outnumbered protein accumulation-promoting genes between 0.5-12 h, whereas the latter were more than the former during 16-48 hours; protein synthesis-involved genes were more frequently up-regulated at 16,24,42 and 66 h, especially at 42 h; up-regulation of protein degradation-associated genes dominated almost during the whole period of LR, especially at forepart and prophase; the up-regulated protein folding-associated genes were predominant than down-regulated at 2, 16-24, 42, 66, 72 and 168 h, especially at 66 h; protein transport and localization-associated genes were predominantly up-regulated during the whole period of LR, especially at 66 h; and most of protein complex assembly-associated genes were up-regulated before 96 h, especially at 12 h. it was inferred according to the above analysis that protein synthesis was enhanced at metaphase of LR, and the activities of protein degradation, folding, transport, localization and assembly were vigorous almost during the whole period of LR.

Our previous study identified RhoC as an invasion and metastasis marker in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Recent document suggested RhoGTPase is required for autocrine motility factor signaling. In this study, we questioned whether there is a correlation between expression of autocrine motility factor receptor and RhoC. Furthermore, we questioned whether elevated expression of autocrine motility factor correlates with metastasis and poor prognosis of HCC. The mRNA expression level of AMFR and RhoC were examined by RT-PCR in 25 cases of HCC and pericarcinomatous liver tissues (PCLT). In addition, the correlation between the expression level of AMFR and clinical pathologic parameters was analyzed. Furthermore, follow-up information was collected to evaluate the prognostic value of AMFR for HCC patients. Our results showed that the expression of AMFR and RhoC significantly increased in HCC compared with PCLT; extrahepatic metastatic lesions expressed significantly higher levels of AMFR and RhoC than corresponding intrahepatic HCC tissues. There is a highly significant correlation of AMFR expression levels with tumor vein invasion, number of tumor nodes, and tumor stage. Anticipatively, positive correlation was observed between mRNA expression of AMFR and RhoC gene. Furthermore, the HCC patients with high-expression of AMFR had significant high recurrence/metastasis and shorter survival than those with low-expression of AMFR. Together, our findings suggested a strong correlation between the expression of AMFR and RhoC and also a correlation between overexpression of them and invasion and metastasis of HCC. Furthermore, our data indicated AMFR as a potential prognosis for HCC.

In the same ethnic group, people residing at different places may have genetic difference. The difference can be the results of migration and admixture events happened in history. To clarify the genetic relationship and micro-evolution of two Bai ethnic populations residing in Yunnan and Hunan province respectively,we investigated their genetic difference from paternal and maternal genealogy with six other ethnic groups as outgroups. Fourteen loci from mtDNA and thirteen loci from Y chromosome were selected for genotyping using PCR-RFLP methods. Result showed that H6 and H8 are the same dominant Y chromosome haplotypes in two Bai groups. However,the distribution of mtDNA haplogroups showed difference between two Bai populations. D, B, M8 are the predominant haplogroups in Hunan Bai ethnic population, whereas M, G, F are dominant in Yunnan Bai ethnic population. Principal Component (PC) analysis based on the Y chromosome haplotypes showed that two Bai ethic populations cluster together. It shows a close paternal genetic relationship between two Bai ethnic populations. From the mtDNA PC plot, it is clear that Hunan Bai is close to Hunan Han and Tujia, whereas Yunnan Bai is close to ethnic groups living in Yunnan province. The difference of mtDNA haplogroup distribution in two Bai people may reflect the maternal gene flow between ethnic groups living in Hunan province after the ancestors of Hunan Bai migrated from Yunnan province to Hunan province 800 years ago.

The genetic polymorphism of mitochondrial DNA in the coding region in 16 ethnic populations of Yunnan was analyzed using PCR-RFLP in a total of 654 samples. Seventeen haplogroups were found, four of which were undefined haplogroups. Haplogroup distribution and Principal Component (PC) analysis showed that the ethnic groups descended from Bai-Yue tribe have B, F and M7 as the predominant haplogroups,which indicated their origination from southern China. Haplogroup A, D and N9 were predominant in the Mongolian ethnic group, reflecting their north-originated characteristics. The groups descended from Di-Qiang tribe shared the predominant haplogroups with both the south and north originated groups,which demonstrated that they inherit the maternal characteristics from both southern and northern populations. There is genetic difference among the populations in the same ethnic group and is usually smaller than that among the ethnic groups from different ancient tribes, but not necessarily smaller than that among the groups from the same tribe.

Based on the historical records, 18 of the 26 ethnic groups in Yunnan Province are the descendant populations of three ancient tribes, Bai-Yue, Bai-Pu and Di-Qiang, linguistically belonging to the Daic, Austro-Asiatic and Tibeto-Burman, respectively. In order to trace the origins of these native ethnic groups, a total of 13 East Asian specific Y-chromosome biallelic markers were used to study the genetic structure of 20 local populations covering all the 18 ethnic groups in Yunnan Province. Haplotypes were analysis by PCR-RFLP method. Our results showed that H11 and H12 were the predominant haplotypes in the descendant populations of Bai-Yue tribe. H5, H6 and H8 were the dominant haplotypes in Di-Qiang descendants, and the frequencies of H6, H8 and H11 were very high in the descendant populations of Bai-Pu. To investigate relationships among 20 populations, a three dimensional PC analysis were performed based on the distribution of the 13 haplotypes. All populations were divided into two clusters in the PC plot. The first cluster was mainly composed by the descendant populations of Bai-Yue, and the second one was mainly composed by the descendants of Di-Qiang tribe. This result indicated that Bai-Yue and Di-Qiang's paternal lineage had different origins, which was in agreement with the historical documents and linguistic classification.

Rho, a ras homologous gene, encodes a group of GTP-binding proteins. Our previous study suggested that one member of the Rho gene family, RhoC, was related to the progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study is to elucidate correlation of Rho overexpression with invasion and metastasis of HCC.The expression level of RhoC mRNA and protein in 25 cases of HCC and adjacent non-cancerous liver tissue was examined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Mutation of RhoC gene was examined by PCR-SSCP.The expression of RhoC mRNA and protein was found in all HCC and adjacent non-cancerous liver tissue. The expression level of RhoC mRNA and protein was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in adjacent non-cancerous liver tissue (1.8 +/- 1.1 vs 1.0 +/- 0.7; 33 992 +/- 10 384 vs 17 342 +/- 9998, P0.01). The degree of RhoC overexpression was even more marked in metastatic lesions than in primary tumors (P0.01). Overexpression of the rhoC gene was significantly correlated with such clinic-pathological findings as cell differentiation, portal vein invasion, number of primary tumor nodules and metastatic lesions (P0.05). Mutation of RhoC gene was found in none of the HCC specimens examined.Overexpression of RhoC gene may play an important role in carcinogenesis and progression of HCC.

Two hundred and thirty samples from five minority populations resident in Yunnan Province, PR China (the Mosuo, Mongolian, Naxi, Pumi and Tibetan communities) were analysed at eight polymorphic Y chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) loci. A total of 59 alleles were identified, with the largest number (n = 44) in the matriarchal Mosuo community. Two or three Y alleles were specific to each population. One hundred and thirty-five haplotypes were constructed, with 45 haplotypes in Tibetans, 34 in the Mosuo, 29 in Mongolians, 26 in the Pumi and 17 in the Naxi. The Tibetan and Mosuo peoples were closest in the neighbour-joining tree, whereas the Mongolians differed from the other four populations, reflecting their origins and present-day geographical location in Yunnan.

To study the frequency distribution of flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) mutant alleles in 28 populations originating from 24 ethnic minorities in Yunnan of China.FMO3 genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.The average frequencies of FMO3/Stop(148), FMO3/Lys(158) and FMO3/Gly(308) were 0.395(0.174-0.803), 0.208 (0.056-0.414), 0.046(0-0.217), respectively. The frequencies of FMO3/Gly(308) in Blang, Huayaodai, Shuidai, Zhuang, De'ang, Jingpo, Nu and Hui populations were null.It was found that the frequencies of FMO3 mutant alleles varied not only in different ethnic groups, but also in different populations that stemmed from the same ethnic group.

AIM: To study the action of hepatitis virus infection-associated genes at transcription level during liver regeneration (LR). METHODS: Hepatitis virus infection-associated genes were obtained by collecting the data from databases and retrieving the correlated articles, and their expression changes in the regenerating rat liver were detected with the rat genome 230 2.0 array. RESULTS: Eighty-eight genes were found to be associated with liver regeneration. The number of genes initially and totally expressed during initial LR [0.5-4 h after partial hepatectomy (PH)], transition from G0 to G1 (4-6 h after PH), cell proliferation (6-66 h after PH), cell differentiation and reorganization of structure-function (66-168 h after PH) was 37, 8, 48, 3 and 37, 26, 80, 57, respectively, indicating that the genes were mainly triggered at the early stage of LR (0.5-4 h after PH), and worked at different phases. These genes were classified into 5 types according to their expression similarity, namely 37 up-regulated, 9 predominantly up-regulated, 34 down-regulated, 6 predominantly down-regulated and 2 up/down-regulated genes. Their total up- and down-regulation frequencies were 359 and 149 during LR, indicating that the expression of most genes was enhanced, while the expression of a small number of genes was attenuated during LR. According to time relevance, they were classified into 12 groups (0.5 and 1 h, 2 and 4 h, 6 h, 8 and 12 h, 16 and 96 h, 18 and 24 h, 30 and 42 h, 36 and 48 h, 54 and 60 h, 66 and 72 h, 120 and 144 h, 168 h), demonstrating that the cellular physiological and biochemical activities during LR were fluctuated. According to expression changes of the genes, their expression patterns were classified into 23 types, suggesting that the cellular physiological and biochemical activities during LR were diverse and complicated. CONCLUSION: The anti-virus infection capacity of regenerating liver can be enhanced and 88 genes play an important role in LR.

AIM: To investigate the role of tri-iodothyronine supplement in protecting gut barrier in septic rats. METHODS: Twenty-two rats were randomized into three groups: sham group (n = 6), sepsis group (n = 8), and sepsis plus tri-iodothyronine (T3) group (n = 8). Septic rat model was established through cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). After 5 h, sham and sepsis groups received saline, and the remaining group received T3 intraperitoneally. Twenty-one hours after CLP, intestinal permeability and serum free T3 and T4 were measured with fluorescence spectrophotometer and by radioimmunoassay, respectively. Intestinal ultrastructure and histologic morphology were observed under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and light microscopy, respectively. RESULTS: After 21 h, septic symptoms and signs in sepsis plus T3 group were milder than those in sepsis group. Serum FT3 or FT4 concentration in sepsis group was lower than that in sham group (1.59 ± 0.20, 3.41 ± 2.14 pmol/L vs 3.44 ± 1.40,9.53 ± 3.39 pmol/L, P < 0.05), and FT3 concentration in sepsis plus T3 group (3.40 ± 1.65 pmol/L, P < 0.05) was corrected. Portal concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-D) in sepsis group (2.51 ± 0.56 mg/L) was higher than that in sham group (1.22 ± 0.21 mg/L) (P < 0.01), and in sepsis plus T3 group (1.68 ± 0.38 mg/L) it was decreased significantly (P < 0.01). TEM and light microscopy showed that T3 supplement preserved well ultrastructure and morphology of intetinal mucosa in septic rats. CONCLUSION: Tri-iodothyronine supplement protects gut barrier in septic rats.

AIM: To investigate the expression of RhoC gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate the relationship between RhoC gene expression and invasion and metastasis of HCC. METHODS: mRNA expression level of RhoC gene was examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 25 cases of HCC and para-cancerous normal liver tissues. In addition, mutation of RhoC gene was examined by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP). RESULTS: The mRNA expression levels of RhoC in tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in para-cancerous normal liver tissues (1.8 ± 1.1 vs 1.0 ± 0.7, P < 0.01). The metastatic lesions outside of liver also showed significantly higher RhoC mRNA levels than corresponding tumor tissues in liver (3.3 ± 0.5 vs 2.0 ± 0.7, P < 0.01). There were significant associations between RhoC gene expression and certain clinical and pathological findings, including cell differentiation, vein invasion, number of tumor nodes and metastatic lesions. Mutation of RhoC gene was not found by PCR-SSCP. CONCLUSION: The RhoC gene may be related to malignant transformation and development of HCC and may play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of HCC by overexpression but not mutation.