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Dynamic crosstalk between the embryo and mother is crucial during implantation. Here, we comprehensively profile the single-cell transcriptome of pig peri-implantation embryos and corresponding maternal endometrium, identifying 4 different lineages in embryos and 13 cell types in the endometrium. Cell-specific gene expression characterizes 4 distinct trophectoderm subpopulations, showing development from undifferentiated trophectoderm to polar and mural trophectoderm. Dynamic expression of genes in different types of endometrial cells illustrates their molecular response to embryos during implantation. Then, we developed a novel tool, ExtraCellTalk, generating an overall dynamic map of maternal-foetal crosstalk using uterine luminal proteins as bridges. Through cross-species comparisons, we identified a conserved RBP4/STRA6 pathway in which embryonic-derived RBP4 could target the STRA6 receptor on stromal cells to regulate the interaction with other endometrial cells. These results provide insight into the maternal-foetal crosstalk during embryo implantation and represent a valuable resource for further studies to improve embryo implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the possible risk factors for death at post-treatment in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A multivariate competing risk analysis was performed to retrospectively analyze the data of children with ALL who died after treatment with CCCG-ALL-2015 in China and to determine the possible risk factors for death at post-treatment in children with ALL. Age at the first diagnosis of ≥10 years; final risk level of high-risk; D19 minimal residual disease (MRD) (≥0.01%) and D46 MRD (≥0.01%); genetic abnormalities, such as KMT2A-rearrangement, c-Myc rearrangement, and PDGFRB rearrangement; and the presence of CNS3 (all P values, <0.05) were identified as independent risk factors, whereas the risk level at the first diagnosis of low-risk (LR) and ETV6::RUNX1 positivity was considered as independent protective factors of death in children with ALL. Among the 471 cases of death, 45 cases were treated with CCCG-ALL-2015 only, and 163 (34.61%) were treatment-related, with 62.42% due to severe infections. 55.83% of treatment-related mortality (TRM) occurred in the early phase of treatment (induction phase). TRM has a significant impact on the overall survival of pediatric patients with ALL. Moreover, the CCCG-ALL-2015 regimen has a better safety profile for treating children with ALL, with rates close to those in developed countries (registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-14005706; date of registration: June 4, 2014). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between flame and turbulence leads to challenging flame dynamics and modeling issues. In this work, a newly proposed filtered turbulent flame model is implemented in the framework of large eddy simulations for non-premixed turbulent combustion. The general principles of model realization are developed, including the structure and physics of the filtered flame, tabulation setup, and the numerical algorithm. Because of the involved modeling parameters for tabulation can be directly calculated from either the resolved or subgrid model quantities, the filtered turbulent flame model is in principle favorable to improve the numerical predictability. Tentative numerical tests and comparisons with other models justify this modeling idea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a complication in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The Chinese Children's Cancer Group-ALL-2015 protocol was carried out in China, and epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and risk factors associated with VTE were analyzed. We collected data on VTE in a multi-institutional clinical study of 7640 patients with ALL diagnosed in 20 hospitals from January 2015 to December 2019. First, VTE occurred in 159 (2.08%) patients, including 90 (56.6%) during induction therapy and 108 (67.92%) in the upper extremities. T-ALL had a 1.74-fold increased risk of VTE (95% CI 1.08–2.8, P = 0.022). Septicemia, as an adverse event of ALL treatment, can significantly promote the occurrence of VTE (P < 0.001). Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) accounted for 75.47% (n = 120); and, symptomatic VTE, 58.49% (n = 93), which was more common in patients aged 12–18 years (P = 0.023), non-CRT patients (P < 0.001), or patients with cerebral thrombosis (P < 0.001). Of the patients with VTE treated with anticoagulation therapy (n = 147), 4.08% (n = 6) had bleeding. The VTE recurrence rate was 5.03% (n = 8). Patients with VTE treated by non-ultrasound-guided venous cannulation (P = 0.02), with residual thrombus (P = 0.006), or with short anticoagulation period (P = 0.026) had high recurrence rates. Thus, preventing repeated venous puncture and appropriately prolonged anticoagulation time can reduce the risk of VTE recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is highly common in diabetes patients. P2X receptors play critical roles in pain sensitization. We previously showed that elevated P2X3 expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) contributes to DNP. However, the role of other P2X receptors in DNP is unclear. Here, we established the DNP model using a single high-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection and investigated the expression of P2X genes in the DRG. Our data revealed elevated P2X2, P2X4, and P2X7 mRNA levels in DRG of DNP rats. The protein levels of P2X4 and P2X7 in DNP rats increased, but the P2X2 did not change significantly. To study the role of P2X4 and P2X7 in diabetes-induced hyperalgesia, we treated the DNP rats with TNP-ATP (2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-adenosine 5'-triphosphate), a nonspecific P2X1–7 antagonist, and found that TNP-ATP alleviated thermal hyperalgesia in DNP rats. 2 Hz electroacupuncture is analgesic against DNP and could downregulate P2X4 and P2X7 expression in DRG. Our findings indicate that P2X4 and P2X7 in L4–L6 DRGs contribute to diabetes-induced hyperalgesia, and that EA reduces thermal hyperalgesia and the expression of P2X4 and P2X7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is frequent among patients with diabetes. We previously showed that P2X3 upregulation in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) plays a role in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DNP but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, a rat model of DNP was established by a single injection of STZ (65 mg/kg). Fasting blood glucose was significantly elevated from the 1st to 3rd week. Paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) and paw withdrawal latencies (PWLs) in diabetic rats significantly reduced from the 2nd to 3rd week. Western blot analysis revealed that elevated p-CaMKIIα levels in the DRG of DNP rats were accompanied by pain-associated behaviors while CaMKIIα levels were unchanged. Immunofluorescence revealed significant increase in the proportion of p-CaMKIIα immune positive DRG neurons (stained with NeuN) in the 2nd and 3rd week and p-CaMKIIα was co-expressed with P2X3 in DNP rats. KN93, a CaMKII antagonist, significantly reduce mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia and these effects varied dose-dependently, and suppressed p-CaMKIIα and P2X3 upregulation in the DRGs of DNP rats. These results revealed that the p-CaMKIIα upregulation in DRG is involved in DNP, which possibly mediated P2X3 upregulation, indicating CaMKIIα may be an effective pharmacological target for DNP management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of point application with Da Huang (Rhizoma Rhei Cruda) powder at Shenque (CV 8) plus moxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus for preventing gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).Methods: A total of 60 cases with NHL under chemotherapy were divided into two groups by hospitalization order, with 30 cases in each group. The control group was treated with routine nursing and the observation group was additionally given point application with Da Huang (Rhizoma Rhei Cruda) powder plus moxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus, to compare the effect in preventing gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy between the two groups.Results: The occurrence rates of constipation, nausea, vomiting and poor appetite on the second day and fifth day after chemotherapy were obviously lower in the observation group than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P<0.05).Conclusion: The point application with Da Huang (Rhizoma Rhei Cruda) powder at Shenque (CV 8) plus maxa-salt hot compress on the umbilicus can produce more significant efficacy in preventing the gastrointestinal adverse reactions after chemotherapy for NHL than routine nursing. Moreover, it is simple and easy to be used and popularized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To perform a systemic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of PET (CT) and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) for diagnosing neuroblastoma (NB), electronic databases were searched as well as relevant references and conference proceedings. The diagnostic accuracy of MIBG and PET (CT) was calculated for NB, primary NB, and relapse/metastasis of NB based on their sensitivity, specificity, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUSROC) in terms of per-lesion and per-patient data. A total of 40 eligible studies comprising 1134 patients with 939 NB lesions were considered for the meta-analysis. For the staging of NB, the per-lesion AUSROC value of MIBG was lower than that of PET (CT) [0.8064±0.0414 vs. 0.9366±0.0166 ( P<0.05)]. The per-patient AUSROC value of MIBG and PET (CT) for the diagnosis of NB was 0.8771±0.0230 and 0.6851±0.2111, respectively. The summary sensitivity for MIBG and PET (CT) was 0.79 and 0.89, respectively. The summary specificity for MIBG and PET (CT) was 0.84 and 0.71, respectively. PET (CT) showed higher per-lesion accuracy than MIBG and might be the preferred modality for the staging of NB. On the other hand, MIBG has a comparable diagnosing performance with PET (CT) in per-patient analysis but shows a better specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La/WO system were successfully built via a simply crystallization precipitation method using sodium tungstate and lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate as precursor. Samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and N adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET). Results showed that La does not enter into the crystal lattice of WO but located in the interstitial site and accordingly presented as the form of La-O-W in the interstitial site. In addition, doping of La restrict the grain size and the minimum crystal size was 28 nm at La:W = 3:10. Photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B showed that the modified samples had better catalytic performance. When La:W reaches 0.3, the La/WO nano-materials exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity, which can be attributed to the synergic effect of the higher BET surface area, surface hydroxyl content and optimum La contents. A possible mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB has also been provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to examine the pharmacokinetic profiles and tissue distribution of clevidipine, an ultra-short-acting calcium antagonist in Beagle dogs and Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. The pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of its primary metabolite H152/81 were also evaluated. Dogs received intravenous infusion of clevidipine at a dose rate of 17 μg/(kg·min), and rats were given intravenous administration of clevidipine at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Dog plasma and rat tissues were collected and assayed by HPLC-MS/MS. It was found that plasma clevidipine quickly reached the steady state concentration. The terminal half-life was short (16.8 min), pointing out a rapid elimination after the end of the infusion. The total clearance was 5 mL/(min·kg). In comparison, plasma concentration of H152/81 was increased more slowly and was significantly higher than that of clevidipine. After intravenous administration, clevidipine was distributed rapidly into all tissues examined, with the highest concentrations found in the brain, heart and liver. Maximal concentrations of clevidipine were found in most tissues at 10 min post-dosing. However, the proportion of clevidipine distributed in all tissues was quite small (0.042‰) compared to the total administration dose. It was suggested that clevidipine was mainly distributed in blood and it transformed to inactive metabolite rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain positive, facultative anaerobic endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain YIM h-19, was isolated from a tobacco sample. Cells were observed to be motile rods by means of peritrichous flagella and colonies were observed to be convex, yellow, circular and showed catalase-positive and oxidase-negative reactions. Strain YIM h-19 was able to grow at 4-45 °C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 0-3 % NaCl (w/v). The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as MK-7. Major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C, anteiso-C and C. The polar lipids were found to be phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was determined to be 54 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed the strain YIM h-19 was most closely related to Paenibacillus hordei RH-N24 and Paenibacillus hunanensis FeL05 with similarities of 98.30 and 94.64 % respectively. However, DNA-DNA hybridization data indicated that the isolate represented a novel genomic species with the genus Paenibacillus. All data from genotypic and phenotypic analyses support the conclusion that strain YIM h-19 represents a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus nicotianae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM h-19 (=CGMCC1.12819 = NRRL B-59112). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of butoconazole in human plasma. Human plasma samples of 0.2 μL were pretreated by a single step protein precipitation procedure and analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) electrospray tandem mass spectrometer system. The compounds were eluted isocratically on an Inertsil ODS-SP column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 3 μm), ionized using a positive ion atmospheric pressure electrospray ionization source and analyzed using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The ion transitions monitored were m/z 412.8→165.1 for butoconazole and m/z 453.4→230.3 for the internal standard. The chromatographic run time was 3.5 min per injection, with retention time of 2.47 min and 2.15 min for butoconazole and repaglinide, respectively. The method was validated to be linear over the range of 20 to 8000 pg/mL ( r>0.999) by using a weighted (1/x) quadratic regression. The mean recovery rate was more than 86.7%, and the intra- and inter-day precision of the quality control samples (QCs) was less than 8.3% and the accuracy ranged from 96.0% to 110.2%, which indicated that the quantitative method was reliable and accurate. The method is simple, rapid, and has been applied successfully to a pharmacokinetics study of butoconazole nitrate suppositories in healthy Chinese females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors that seriously threaten human health. Current evidence suggests that heredity contributes to the progression of lung cancer. To investigate and validate potential genetic associations with the risk of lung cancer, we conducted a case-control study including 309 cases and 310 controls from Xi'an City, which is located in northwest China, and genotyped six SNPs in five genes, which are related to metabolic process. Overall, our results show that the SNP rs10937405 was associated with a decreased occurrence of lung cancer (OR = 0.72; 95 % CI = 0.56-0.92; p = 0.009). In the genetic models analysis, we found that genotype 'CT' of rs10937405 in TP63 was associated with a decreased lung cancer risk (OR = 0.71; 95 % CI, 0.51-0.99; p = 0.031); the genotype 'TT' of rs10937405 showed a decreased lung cancer risk in the co-dominant model (OR = 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.30-0.95; p = 0.031). The genotype 'CT-TT' of rs10937405 also showed a decreased lung cancer risk in the dominant model (OR = 0.67; 95 % CI, 0.49-0.92; p = 0.014) and the log-additive model (OR = 0.72; 95 % CI, 0.56-0.92; p = 0.0085). The genotype 'CC-CT' of rs10937405 confers a higher risk of lung cancer for males than females. Our results, combined with those from previous studies, suggest that genetic variation in TP63 may influence lung cancer susceptibility in the Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oranges are an important nutritional source for human health and have immense economic value. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the draft genome of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). The assembled sequence covers 87.3% of the estimated orange genome, which is relatively compact, as 20% is composed of repetitive elements. We predicted 29,445 protein-coding genes, half of which are in the heterozygous state. With additional sequencing of two more citrus species and comparative analyses of seven citrus genomes, we present evidence to suggest that sweet orange originated from a backcross hybrid between pummelo and mandarin. Focused analysis on genes involved in vitamin C metabolism showed that GalUR, encoding the rate-limiting enzyme of the galacturonate pathway, is significantly upregulated in orange fruit, and the recent expansion of this gene family may provide a genomic basis. This draft genome represents a valuable resource for understanding and improving many important citrus traits in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors used a meta-analytic technique to quantify the evidence of an association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute leukemia (AL), which provided a basis for the prevention of childhood AL. Methods: Relevant literatures of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy were comprehensively searched and screened. Subgroup meta-analysis was conducted according to the type of leukemia. Results of research data of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy were tested for heterogeneity. Combined OR values and 95% CIs were statistically calculated with RevMan 4.2 software; Funnel plots were applied to conduct bias analysis for those included literatures. Results: Ten related literatures were included after data screening, 4593 cases in AL group and 6157 cases in control group respectively. According to heterogeneity test result (χ = 16.26, P < 0.05), the combined OR values and 95% CI were calculated with random effects model, which were 1.02 (0.92-1.14), Z = 0.41, P = 0.68 > 0.05, indicating that there was no significant difference between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the risk of childhood acute leukemia (AL). Subgroup analysis: for the association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the combined OR value and 95% CI were 0.92 (0.84-1.00), Z = 1.92, P = 0.05, indicating that there was significant difference between two groups; for the association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL), the combined OR values and 95% CI were 0.82 (0.61-1.11), Z = 1.30, P = 0.19 > 0.05, indicating that there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion: Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a risk factor in childhood ALL, but not in childhood ANLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of CD147 and matrix metalloprpteinsae 9 (MMP-9) in children with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and the relations between expressions of CD147 & MMP-9 and the clinical indexes. Specimens excised from NHL patients were prepared. Expression of CD147 and MMP-9 were tested by SABC immunohistochemistry and its correlation to clinical results were analyzed in this report. The positive rate of CD147 expression was 73% (45/62), and that of MMP-9 expression was 81% (50/62). There was a positive correlation between CD147 and MMP-9 expressions. CD147 expression intensity was linked to clinical myelo-infiltration, tumor size, LDH value, and clinical staging ( P < 0.05), rather than children age, gender, or immune typing ( P > 0.05); MMP-9 expression intensity was linked to myelo-infiltration, and clinical staging ( P < 0.05), rather than age, gender, immune typing, tumor size, or LDH value ( P > 0.05). Five-year survival rates were 78% (22/28 ) and 45% (15/34) in CD147 (−)-(+) and (++)-(+++) cases respectively, and those were 84% (21/25) and 43% (16/37) in MMP-9 (−)-(+) and (++)-(+++) cases respectively, the difference was significant. The elevated expression of CD147 and/or MMP-9 correlates with a poor clinical outcome in patients with NHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of silience of death domains (SODD) and its clinical significance and relationship with phospho-NF-κB-p65 proteins in bone marrow cells of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) were explored, and the expression of SODD and phospho-NF-κB-p65 in Jurkat cells treated with chemotherapeutic drugs was detected in order to find a new chemotherapeutic target. The expression of SODD and phospho-NF-κB-p65 proteins in bone marrow cells was detected by immunohistochemistry in 25 children with ALL. The apoptosis rate was measured by Annexin-V-Fluorescence/PI double-labeling flow cytometry and the expression of SODD and phospho-NF-κB-p65 proteins determined by Western blotting in the Jurkat cells. It was found that the expression of SODD and active P65 in ALL was significantly higher than that in normal control group ( P<0.05). The expression of the SODD and phospho-NF-κB-p65 proteins in the high-risk (HR) group was significantly higher than that in the standard-risk (SR) group ( P<0.05). The Pearson rank correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive correlation between SODD and phospho-NF-κB-p65 expression ( P<0.01, r=0.69). VCR could effectively induce the apoptosis of Jurkat cells, and down-regulate the expression of SODD and phospho-NF-κB-p65 proteins in a time-dependent manner, but DNR could not down-regulate the expression of SODD effectively. It was concluded that SODD may be closely related to the clinical classification and prognosis of ALL in children. The expression of SODD and phospho-NF-κB-p65 had a definite synergistic relationship with the onset and development of ALL. VCR could down-regulate the expression of SODD and inhibit the NF-κB activation, which could recover the sensibility of apoptosis in leukemic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To explore the expression of SODD and bcl-2 proteins in bone marrow cells of children with acute leukemia (AL), and to examine the relationship of their expression with the classification, clinical features, therapeutic effect and prognosis for AL patients. METHODS Using the SABC immunohistochemical staining method, the expression of SODD and bcl-2 proteins in the bone marrow cells of 86 AL cases was determined. The patients were studied based on the following groups: 1) a first-visiting group; 2) a refractory-relapse group (some patients were sensitive to therapy but then suffered a recurrence); 3) a complete-remission group (CR); 4) a high risk (HR) and 5) standard risk (SR) group; 6) a control group of patients with non-hematological diseases. RESULTS The positive rates of SODD and bcl-2 expression in the first-visit, refractory-relapse and CR groups were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the expression of SODD or bcl-2 proteins between an acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) group and acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) group ( t=1.874, t=1.583, P>0.05). The positive rates of SODD and bcl-2 expression in the patients who developed complete remission after chemotherapy were significantly lower ( t=2.054, t=2.703, P<0.05) compared to the first-visit pediatric patients. The expression of the SODD protein in the refractory-relapse group was notably higher compared to the group treated initially ( t=−1.081, P<0.05). A high expression of the bcl-2 protein was found in both the first-visit and refractory-relapse groups, with no significant difference found between the two groups ( t=−1.196, P>0.05), whereas the percentage of bcl-2 positive cells in the refractory-relapse group (45%–87%) was significantly higher compared to the first-visit group (5%–62%). The positive expression of the SODD and bcl-2 proteins in the high-risk (HR) group were both significantly higher than the SR group ( t=−3.236, t=−3.555, P<0.01). The Pearson rank correlation analysis indicated that there was a positive correlation between SODD and bcl-2 expressions ( P<0.01, r=0.726). Among the 30 AL patients in the initial treatment group, 13 patients showed negative SODD expression. These children reached a complete remission (CR) rate of 84.6% (11/13), while in the other 17 cases with positive SODD expression, the CR rate was 64.7% (11/17). In 8 patients with negative bcl-2 expression, the CR rate amounted to 100% (8/8), and in 22 cases with positive bcl-2 expression, the CR rate reached 63.6% (14/22). Statistical analysis showed that the CR rates in patients with negative expression of SODD and bcl-2 were all significantly higher ( P<0.05) compared to the patients with positive expression. CONCLUSION Both SODD and bcl-2 are closely related to the onset, progression, curative effect and prognosis of AL in children. The expression of SODD and bcl-2 has a definite synergistic relationship with the onset and development of AL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Free tissue transfer has become an important method for reconstructing complex oncologic surgical defects, allowing single stage reconstruction in most instances. The purpose of this study is to review a single center's experience with free flap reconstruction and describe trends that have evolved with respect to technique and donor site selection. Methods: A retrospective review of 400 consecutive free flap reconstructions performed in 396 patients over 10 years was done. Regional applications include the head and neck (63%), trunk and breast (16%), lower extremity (16%), and upper extremity (5%). Donor sites include the fibula (109), rectus abdominis (93), forearm (72), latissimus dorsi (51), scapula (26), gluteus (25), jejunum (16), and five others (8). Microvascular anastomoses were performed to large-caliber vessels using a continuous suture technique; end-to-end anastomoses were preferred. Flaps were designed to avoid the need for vein grafts. Postoperative flap monitoring included clinical observation, conventional Doppler ultrasonography, surface temperature probes, and pinprick testing. Results: The overall free flap success rate was 97%. Twenty-eight flaps (7%) were reexplored, of which seventeen were salvaged (61%). Surviving flaps resulted in a healed wound that did not delay postoperative radiation or chemotherapy. The complication rate was 14%. The mean duration of hospitalization was 21 days, with an average cost of $40,000. Conclusions: The use of fewer, reliable donor sites to reconstruct the vast majority of oncologic defects and the simplification of the microsurgical process have contributed to the success of free tissue transfer in this series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of Survivin, CDK4 and Ki-67 and the clinical significance in pediatric acute leukemia (AL) were investigated. The expression of Survivin, CDK4 and Ki-67 proteins was detected by using immunohistochemical assay in 37 children with AL and 10 children with normal bone marrow as controls. The positive expression rate of Survivin, CDK4 and Ki-67 was 45.9 %, 56.8 %, and 40.5 % respectively in 37 AL children, which was significantly higher than in control group accordingly ( P<0.05). The expression of Survivin was positively correlated with CDK4 ( P=0.007) and Ki-67 ( P=0.008). In conclusion, all Survivin, CDK4 and Ki-67 proteins are over-expressed in pediatric AL and involved in the modulation of apoptosis and proliferation in pediatric AL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]