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In this paper, we design a robust scheduling algorithm to ensure worst-case optimal performance when only coarse-grained channel state information (i.e., bounds on channel errors, but not the fine-grained error pattern) is available To solve this problem, we consider two coarse-grained channel error models and take a zero-sum game theoretic approach, in which the scheduler and the channel error act as non-cooperative adversaries in the scheduling process. Our results show that in the heavy channel error case, the optimal scheduler adopts a threshold form. It does not schedule a flow if the price (the flow is willing to pay) is too small, in order to maximize the system revenue. Among the scheduled flows, the scheduler schedules a flow with a probability inversely proportional to the flow price such that the risk of being caught by the channel error adversary is minimized. We also show that in the mild channel error model, the robust scheduling policy exhibits a balanced trade-off between a greedy decision and a conservative policy. The scheduler is likely to take a greedy decision if it evaluates the risk of encountering the channel error adversary now to be small. Therefore, robust scheduling does not always imply conservative decision. The scheduler is willing to take "risks" to expect higher gain in some scenarios. Our solution also shows that probabilistic scheduling may lead to higher worst-case performance compared to traditional deterministic policies. Finally, the current efforts show the feasibility to explore a probabilistic approach to cope with dynamic channel error conditions.

Transport protocol for supporting multimedia streaming in mobile ad hoc networks has to cope with the rich dynamics, such as mobility-induced disconnection and reconnection, high out-of-order delivery ratios, channel errors, and network congestion. In this work, we design and implementate, ADTFRC, a TCP-friendly transport protocol for ad hoc networks. ADTFRC adapts wireline TFRC protocol to ad hoc networks with improved rate adaptation behavior, the capability of application layer framing and selective retransmission. ADTFRC detects different packet loss behaviors based on end-to-end measurements of multiple metrics. This allows ADTFRC to more accurately gauge the network behavior and achieve higher throughput. Simulations show that the performance of ADTFRC is higher than standard TFRC and TCP with explicit-link-failure-notification (ELFN) support in terms of throughput, rate adaptation behavior and application level quality while still maintaining the TCP-Friendliness property.

The profound effects of reactive elements (REs) on the adhesion energy and adhesive strength of the α-Al2O3/β-NiAl interface in thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems have attracted increasing attention because RE-doping has played a significant role in improving the thermal cycling lifetime of TBCs. However, the fundamental mechanism is, so far, not well understood due to the experimental difficulty and theoretical complexity in interface modelling. For this purpose, in the present study we have performed comprehensive density functional theory calculations and information targeted experiments to underline the origin of the surprising enhancement of interface adhesion, stability and mechanical strength of the α-Al2O3/β-NiAl interface by different RE doping levels. Our results suggest that the interface failure firstly appears within the NiAl layer adjacent to the Al-terminated oxide under mechanical loading, while the formation of O–RE–Ni bond pairs at the interface can effectively hinder the interface de-cohesion, providing a higher mechanical strength. By comparing several typical REs, it is observed that Hf can emerge not only with the highest interface adhesion energy, but also the highest mechanical strength; in agreement with our experimental results. By continuously increasing the dopant concentration, the strengthening effect may increase correspondingly, but is limited by the solute solubility. These results shed light into the effect of REs on the stability and strength of the α-Al2O3/β-NiAl interface, providing theoretical guidance for interface design via a combinational analysis of bond topology and electronic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties and electronic structure of recently synthesized PtN2, proposed as a potential candidate for superhard materials, have been investigated by means of density functional theory. Although it shows a clear band gap indicating a covalent bonding nature, the calculated shear moduli and ideal strengths of both proposed PtN2 polymorphs are much lower than those of ReB2, suggesting that it should be weaker than ReB2, whose load-invariant hardness is less than 30 GPa. The anisotropic strength of the pyrite PtN2 polymorph is significantly higher than that of the fluorite polymorph due to a larger covalent contribution. The shear instability for both polymorphs occurs in a cleavagelike mode between the weakly bonded crystal planes. This behavior is different from transition-metal (TM) diborides where the TM-TM or TM-B bonds are the carriers of the shear instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A real-time pH detection and monitoring sensor system using a novel design neuromorphic CMOS optical sensor chip is presented. The system uses Bogen's universal indicator solution combined with a white light source and the CMOS optical sensor chip to measure pH as a function of colour change in a sample. Bogen's universal indicator solution causes a colour change in a sample according to the pH of the sample. The output voltage from the colour-sensitive CMOS photodetector circuit on the chip is proportional to the pH of the sample. Experimental results show that this sensor system can determine the pH of a sample from pH 1 to 9 in real-time. The sensor chip is implemented in AMI 1.5 µm CMOS technology available through MOSIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with simple bronchial Dieulafoy's disease, bronchial tuberculosis with Dieulafoy's disease is rarer and more complex, with non-specific clinical manifestations. In this article, we reported a case of right lateral basal segment bronchial tuberculosis complicated with Dieulafoy's disease. The clinical manifestations, microscopic features, and rescue procedures in the event of massive hemorrhage in this case were described in detail, and the shortcomings in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this case were analyzed. The aim of this study was to improve clinicians' understanding of bronchial tuberculosis combined with Dieulafoy's disease.

Objective: To screen long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) related to the prognosis of cholangiocarcinoma patients, detect its expression in cholangiocarcinoma tissue, and analyze its clinical significance by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Methods: Using limma package, survival package, and survival receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) package of R software to analyze the data of cholangiocarcinoma in TCGA and screen the differentially expressed lncRNAs related to patient survival. Real-time PCR and Fish were used to detect the expression of lncRNA and analyze its correlation with the clinical characteristics of patients. Small interfering RNA was used to knock down the expression of lncRNA GIHCG, and its effect on the migration ability of cholangiocarcinoma cell lines was detected by Transwell. Results: The results of the comprehensive analysis of survival, ROC, and correlation analysis with clinical data showed that lncRNA GIHCG has a significant correlation with lymph node metastasis in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. The expression of lncRNA GIHCG in cholangiocarcinoma tissue is significantly increased, closely related to tumor size and lymph node metastasis. Transwell results showed that lncRNA GIHCG could promote the migration of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Conclusion: The expression of lncRNA GIHCG is significantly increased in cholangiocarcinoma tissues and is closely related to patient survival and lymph node metastasis. It is expected to become a new molecular marker for diagnosing or treating cholangiocarcinoma.

Objective: To explore the fluid resuscitation strategy in shock stage in severely burned children with different burn areas in different age groups, and to evaluate the curative effect. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From January 2015 to June 2020, 235 children with severe and above burns who met the inclusion criteria were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, including 150 males and 85 females, aged 3 months to 12 years. After admission, it was planned to rehydrate the children with electrolyte, colloid, and water according to the domestic rehydration formula for pediatric burn shock, and the rehydration volume and speed were adjusted according to the children's mental state, peripheral circulation, heart rate, blood pressure, and urine output, etc. The actual input volume and planned input volume of electrolyte, colloid, water, and total fluid of all the children were recorded during the 8 hours since fluid replacement and the first and second 24 hours after injury. According to urine output during the 8 hours since fluid replacement, all the children were divided into satisfactory urine output maintenance group (119 cases) with urine output ≥1 mL·kg -1 ·h -1 and unsatisfactory urine output maintenance group (116 cases) with urine output <1 mL·kg -1 ·h -1 , and the electrolyte coefficient, colloid coefficient, and water coefficient of the children were calculated during the 8 hours since fluid replacement. According to the total burn area, children aged <3 years (155 cases) and 3-12 years (80 cases) were divided into 15%-25% total body surface area (TBSA) group and >25%TBSA group, respectively. The electrolyte coefficient, colloid coefficient, water coefficient, and urine output of the children were calculated or counted during the first and second 24 hours after injury, and the non-invasive monitoring indicators of body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation and efficacy indicators of hematocrit, platelet count, hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of the children were recorded 48 hours after injury. The prognosis and outcome indicators of all the children during the treatment were counted, including complications, cure, improvement and discharge, automatic discharge, and death. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample or paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: During the 8 hours since fluid replacement, the actual input volume of electrolyte of all the children was significantly more than the planned input volume, and the actual input volumes of colloid, water, and total fluid were significantly less than the planned input volumes ( Z =13.094, 5.096, 13.256, 7.742, P <0.01). During the first and second 24 hours after injury, the actual input volumes of electrolyte of all the children were significantly more than the planned input volumes, and the actual input volumes of water and total fluid were significantly less than the planned input volumes ( Z =13.288, -13.252, 3.867, 13.183, -13.191, 10.091, P <0.01), while the actual input volumes of colloid were close to the planned input volumes ( P >0.05). During the 8 hours since fluid replacement, compared with those in unsatisfactory urine output maintenance group, there was no significant change in electrolyte coefficient or colloid coefficient of children in satisfactory urine output maintenance group ( P >0.05), while the water coefficient was significantly increased ( Z =2.574, P <0.05). Among children <3 years old, compared with those in >25%TBSA group, the electrolyte coefficient and water coefficient of children were significantly increased and the urine output of children was significantly decreased in 15%-25%TBSA group during the first and second 24 hours after injury ( Z =-3.867, -6.993, -3.417, -5.396, -5.062, 1.503, P <0.05 or P <0.01), while the colloid coefficient did not change significantly ( P >0.05); the levels of efficacy indicators of hematocrit, platelet count, and hemoglobin at 48 h after injury were significantly increased, while ALT level was significantly decreased ( Z =-2.720, -3.099, -2.063, -2.481, P <0.05 or P <0.01); the levels of the rest of the efficacy indicators and non-invasive monitoring indicators at 48 h after injury did not change significantly ( P >0.05). Among children aged 3-12 years, compared with those in >25%TBSA group, the electrolyte coefficient and water coefficient of children in 15%-25%TBSA group were significantly increased during the first and second 24 hours after injury, the colloid coefficient during the second 24 h was significantly decreased ( Z =-2.042, -4.884, -2.297, -3.448, -2.480, P <0.05 or P <0.01), while the colloid coefficient during the first 24 hours after injury, urine output during the first and second 24 hours after injury, and the non-invasive monitoring indicators and efficacy indicators at 48 hours after injury did not change significantly ( P >0.05). Complications occurred in 17 children during the treatment. Among the 235 children, 211 cases were cured, accounting for 89.79%, 5 cases were improved and discharged, accounting for 2.13%, 16 cases were discharged automatically, accounting for 6.81%, and 3 cases died, accounting for 1.28%. Conclusions: The electrolyte volume in early fluid resuscitation in severely burned children exceeding the volume calculated by the formula can obtain a good therapeutic effect. Among children <3 years old, the volume of fluid resuscitation should be appropriately increased in children with extremely severe burns compared with children with severe burns during fluid resuscitation; among children aged 3-12 years, the colloid volume should be appropriately increased in children with extremely severe burns compared with children with severe burns during fluid resuscitation; non-invasive monitoring indicators can be used to monitor hemodynamics and guide fluid resuscitation in severely burned children.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combined hepatic artery resection for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: We searched Pubmed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Data Resource System, Vip-Chinese Sci-tech Journal System Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database, and collected the randomized controlled studies or retrospective studies on the safety and efficacy of combined hepatic artery resection and non-hepatic artery resection in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The search period is from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2019. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to analyze the extracted data indicators. Results: A total of 14 articles were collected, and a total of 2 374 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were included in the study. Meta-analysis results showed that the perioperative mortality in the hepatic artery resection (HAR) group was higher than that of the control group ( OR =1.70, 95% CI =0.02-2.90, P =0.05), and the total postoperative morbidity rate was higher than that of the control group ( OR =1.28, 95% CI = 0.93-1.76, P =0.13), both of which were not statistically significant compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of liver failure ( OR =1.15, 95% CI = 0.73-1.82, P =0.54), biliary fistula ( OR =1.20, 95% CI = 0.78-1.84, P =0.40), and abdominal infection in the two groups ( OR =0.98, 95% CI = 0.53-1.83, P =0.95) was without significant difference. The R0 resection rate of the HAR group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant ( OR =1.08, 95% CI =0.66-1.75, P =0.77). The rates of lymph node metastasis in the HAR group were higher than that in the control group ( OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.05-5.84, P =0.04). One-year( OR =0.48, 95% CI = 0.32-0.72, P =0.000 5), 3-year ( OR = 0.51, 95% CI =0.36-0.72, P =0.000 1), and 5-year ( OR =0.50, 95% CI =0.35-0.70, P <0.000 1) survival rates of HAR group were lower than those of the control group. The survival rates of patients in HAR group treated with combined chemotherapy drugs after operation were significantly improved ( OR = 7.33, P =0.02). Conclusions: The safety of combined HAR treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma is acceptable, but poor postoperative survival may be related to the high lymph node metastasis rate. Therefore, it is still necessary to be cautious in carrying out this operation. Combined with adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery may improve survival.

Objective: To explore the mechanism of 14-3-3σgene in regulating inflammatory response of human pulmonary epithelial cells induced by endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: (1) Cells of human normal pulmonary epithelial cell line BEAS-2B cultured in logarithmic growth period were collected and divided into control group and PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup using the random number table, with 3 wells in each group. Cells in control group were transfected with empty plasmid, and cells in PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup were transfected with PCMV6-14-3-3σplasmid. The protein expression of 14-3-3σin cell was detected by Western blotting at 48 hours after transfection. (2) Cells of human normal pulmonary epithelial cell line BEAS-2B cultured in logarithmic growth period were collected and divided into control group, PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup, PCMV6-14-3-3σ+ LPS group, and LPS group using the random number table, with 3 wells in each group. Cells in control group were transfected with empty plasmid for 42 hours. Cells in PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup were transfected with PCMV6-14-3-3σplasmid for 42 hours. Cells in PCMV6-14-3-3σ+ LPS group were stimulated with 1 μg/mL LPS (the same final mass concentration below) for 6 hours after being transfected with PCMV6-14-3-3σplasmid for 42 hours. Cells in LPS group were stimulated by LPS for 6 hours. The protein expressions of Bax and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were detected by Western blotting, and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 was calculated. Apoptotic rate was detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1β) in cells were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. Content of TNF-α and IL-1β in cell culture supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were statistically analyzed with t test, one-way analysis of variance, and least significant difference test. Results: (1) At 48 hours after transfection, the protein expression of 14-3-3σin cells of PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup (1.05±0.03) was significantly higher than that in control group (0.78±0.04, t =5.41, P <0.01). (2) Compared with those in control group, the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2, apoptotic rate, mRNA expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β, and content of TNF-α and IL-1β in cell supernatant in PCMV6-14-3-3σgroup showed no significant difference ( P >0.05); the above-mentioned indexes of cells in LPS group were significantly higher or increased ( P <0.01). Compared with those in LPS group, the above-mentioned indexes of cells in PCMV6-14-3-3σ+ LPS group were significantly lower or decreased ( P <0.01). Conclusions: 14-3-3σis a key factor in regulating apoptosis. It can alleviate the LPS-induced inflammatory responses by regulating the ratio of apoptotic regulators Bax to Bcl-2 and inhibiting apoptosis of human pulmonary epithelial cells.

On October 3rd, 2017, one male patient, aged 27 years, was admitted to our hospital 6 hours after hydrothermal scald of torso, buttocks, and limbs. The total area of burn was about 60% total body surface area, and the depth was from deep partial-thickness burn to full-thickness burn. Immediately after admission, the patient was given symptomatic support treatments, such as anti-shock, fluid replacement, and anti-infection, etc. After being treated by debridement and xenogenic (porcine) skin grafting for 2 times, the wounds were healed well. On the 12th day of admission, linezolid was used to prevent infection according to the results of microbial culture and drug sensitivity test, since when the level of his blood lactate continued to increase. After 8 days, linezolid was discontinued and vitamin B1 was given orally for 1 week, and the level of lactic acid gradually decreased to normal in result. This case was used mainly to analyze whether linezolid could directly cause hyperlacticemia and its important mechanism, aiming at reminding clinicians of being alert to the risk of hyperlacticemia when using linezolid. If hyperlacticemia occurs, linezolid should be discontinued immediately and vitamin B1 should be taken orally to correct the high lactic acid value, and the treatment plan should be adjusted if necessary.

Objective: To investigate the effect of estrogen level on Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Immunohistochemical method was used to detect estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β expression in 38 cases of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma and 50 cases of HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma.Hepatoma cells of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma were exposed to different concentrations of Estrogen for 48 hours. Tetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetry was used to analyze cell proliferation activities; cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM); cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM) and Casepase-3 activity was measured after induced by adriamycin(ADM). Results: The positive rate of estrogen receptor-α expression in the tissues of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma was 71.05%, which was higher than that (32%)in HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma tissue evidently ( P< 0.01). The positive rate of estrogen receptor-β expression in the tissues of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma was 68.4%, which was higher than that (26%)in HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma tissue evidently ( P< 0.01). With the concentrations of estrogen increasing, MTT Assays showed that estrogen level increased the cell proliferation activities of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma. The number of cells at stage S and G2/M were significantly increased and cells at stage G0/G1 were reduced with the increasing concentrations of estrogen. After being incubated under the different concentrations of estrogen for 48 h, the apoptosis rates decreased gradually and the Casepase-3 activity was significantly reduced with the increasing concentration of estrogen. Conclusions: Estrogenreceptor expression may have an important influence on hepatocellular carcinoma cell biology difference between Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma and HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma. Estrogen level can promote cell proliferation and cell cycle, and inhibit the apoptosis of hepatoma cells of Budd Chiari syndrome related hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro, and these effects were increased with the increasing of estrogen level.

Objective: To investigate the effect of recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor 2 (rhKGF-2) on lung tissue of rabbits with severe smoke inhalation injury. Methods: A total of 120 New Zealand rabbits were divided into 5 groups by random number table after being inflicted with severe smoke inhalation injury, with 24 rats in each group. Rabbits in the simple injury group inhaled air, while rabbits in the injury+phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group inhaled 5 mL PBS once daily for 7 d. Rabbits in injury+1 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group, injury+2 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group, and injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group received aerosol inhalation of 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 (all dissolved in 5 mL PBS) once daily for 7 d, respectively. On treatment day 1, 3, 5, and 7, blood samples were taken from the ear central artery of 6 rabbits in each group. After the blood was taken, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the tracheal carina tissue and lung were collected. Blood pH value, arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO(2)), arterial blood carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO(2)), and bicarbonate ion were detected by handheld blood analyzer. The expressions of pulmonary surfactant-associated protein A (SP-A) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in lung tissue were detected by Western blotting. Pathomorphology of lung tissue and trachea was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Data were processed with analysis of variance of two-way factorial design and Tukey test. Results: (1) Compared with those in simple injury group, the blood pH values of rabbits in the latter groups on treatment day 1-7 had no obvious change ( P >0.05). The PaO(2) of rabbits in injury+2 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 5 and 7 were (75.0±2.4) and (71.0±4.5) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively, which were significantly higher than (62.0±6.8) and (63.0±3.0) mmHg in simple injury group ( q =4.265, 8.202, P <0.05 or P <0.01). The PaO(2) of rabbits in injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 7 was (82.0±4.9) mmHg, which was significantly higher than that in simple injury group ( q =6.234, P <0.01). Compared with that in simple injury group, the PaCO(2) of rabbits in injury+2 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 3 was significantly decreased ( q =4.876, P <0.01) and significantly increased on treatment day 5 ( q =5.562, P <0.01); the PaCO(2) of rabbits in injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group was significantly increased on treatment day 5 and 7 ( q =5.013, 4.601, P <0.05 or P <0.01). Compared with that in simple injury group, the serum bicarbonate ion of rabbits in injury+1 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 7 was significantly increased ( q =5.142, P <0.01); the serum bicarbonate ion of rabbits in injury+2 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 5 and 7 were significantly increased ( q =4.830, 6.934, P <0.01); the serum bicarbonate ion of rabbits in injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 5 were significantly increased ( q =3.973, P <0.05). (2) The expressions of SP-A in lung tissue of rabbits in simple injury group and injury+PBS group in each treatment time point were close ( P >0.05). The expressions of SP-A in lung tissue of rabbits in injury+2 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group and injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 3 were 0.091±0.007 and 0.101±0.009, respectively, significantly higher than 0.069±0.009 in simple injury group ( q =10.800, 13.580, P <0.01). The expressions of SP-A in lung tissue of rabbits in injury+1 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group, injury+2 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group, and injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 5 and 7 were 0.127±0.008, 0.132±0.006, 0.194±0.006, 0.152±0.017, 0.166±0.004, 0.240±0.008, significantly higher than 0.092±0.003 and 0.108±0.005 in simple injury group ( q =6.789, 12.340, 17.900, 9.875, 31.480, 40.740, P <0.01). (3) On treatment day 1 and 5, there was no significant difference in the expression of VEGF in lung tissue of rabbits among the 5 groups ( P >0.05). Compared with those in simple injury group, the expressions of VEGF in lung tissue of rabbits in injury+2 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 3 and 7 were significantly increased ( q =4.243, 8.000, P <0.05 or P <0.01), and the expression of VEGF in lung tissue of rabbits in injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group on treatment day 7 was significantly increased ( q =20.720, P <0.01). (4) On treatment day 1, the injury of rabbits in each group was similar, with a large number of neutrophils infiltrated and abscess formed in the alveolar and interstitial tissue, thickened alveolar septum, some collapsed alveolar and atelectasis; large area of tracheal mucosa was degenerated and necrotic, with a large amount of inflammatory exudates blocking in the cavity. On treatment day 3, the inflammation of lung tissue and trachea in each group were improved, but the inflammation in simple injury group and injury+PBS group was also serious. On treatment day 5, the inflammation in lung tissue and trachea of rabbits in injury+2 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group and injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group were improved much obviously than those in the other groups. On treatment day 7, the inflammation in lung tissue of rabbits in injury+5 mg/kg rhKGF-2 group alleviated obviously than those in the other groups, most alveoli had no obvious exudative fluid, the alveolar cavity was intact and clear, the local alveolar dilated like a cyst, and the alveolar septum thinning; the improvement of inflammation of trachea was more obvious than the other groups, the tracheal mucosa tended to be more complete, and few neutrophils were infiltrated in the endotracheal cavity. Conclusions: Atomization inhalation of rhKGF-2 can improve the PaO(2) level of rabbits with severe smoke inhalation injury, reduce airway inflammation, increase the expression of SP-A and VEGF in lung tissue, thus promoting the repair of lung tissue.

Objective: To observe the safety and effects of application of analgesic and sedative drugs in severely burned patients during shock stage. Methods: One hundred and eighty patients with severe burns, conforming to the study criteria, were admitted to our unit from August 2014 to August 2016. Patients were divided into analgesia and sedation group and control group according to whether receiving analgesic and sedative treatment or not, with 90 cases in each group. Patients in control group received conventional treatment, while those in analgesia and sedation group received analgesic and sedative treatment for 24 hours besides conventional treatment. Before and at drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24, pain degree of patients in two groups was scored by visual analogue scale (VAS). At drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24, sedation degree of patients in two groups was scored by richmond agitation sedation scale, and the success rate of sedation was calculated. Mental state of patients within 24 hours of drug administration was observed, while pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure were observed and dynamically evaluated every 2 hours. The accidental extubation, tachycardia, hypertension, hypoxia, bradycardia, hypotension, urinary retention, and respiratory depression of patients within 24 hours of drug administration were monitored and recorded. Data were processed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, t test, chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: (1) The VAS scores of patients in two groups were close before drug administration ( t =0.675, P >0.05). The VAS scores of patients in analgesia and sedation group at drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24 were (3.8±0.4), (3.9±0.6), (3.9±0.5), and (3.9±0.9) points, respectively, significantly lower than (6.0±0.9), (6.0±1.2), (6.2±0.6), and (6.3±0.4) points in control group ( t =0.785, 0.730, 0.805, 0.895, P <0.05). The success rate of sedation of patients in analgesia and sedation group at drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24 were 91.1% (82/90), 86.7% (78/90), 93.3% (84/90), and 90.0% (81/90), respectively, significantly higher than 7.8% (7/90), 6.7% (6/90), 14.4% (13/90), and 5.6% (5/90) in control group ( Z =8.035, 7.946, 8.129, 8.014, P <0.05). (2) The respiratory rate of patients in analgesia and sedation group at drug administration hour 8, 16, and 24 were (15.78±0.69), (16.08±0.59), and (16.21±0.20) times per minute, and the heart rate were (87±9), (83±7), and (76±9) times per minute, respectively, significantly lower than (16.80±0.81), (17.09±0.50), and (17.02±0.61) times per minute and (89±8), (86±7), and (85±6) times per minute in control group ( t =7.655, 7.022, 6.536, -6.931, -7.053, -10.196, P <0.01). There were no statistically significant difference in SpO(2), systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure before and at drug administration hour 2, 8, 16, and 24 between the two groups ( t =3.417, -2.894, -6.501, -3.719, -4.573, 2.336, 3.315, 0.942, -1.583, 1.907, 1.147, -0.968, 0.931, -1.682, 1.076, P >0.05). (3) The rates of respiratory depression, hypoxia, bradycardia, urinary retention, and hypotension of patients in the two groups were close ( χ (2)=0.310, P >0.05). The rates of hypertension, accidental extubation, and tachycardia of patients in analgesia and sedation group were significantly lower than those in control group ( χ (2)=16.364, 5.143, 73.309, P <0.05 or P <0.01). Conclusions: Proper application of analgesic and sedative drugs in severely burned patients during shock stage has good clinical effect with low incidence rates of complications.

Objective: To investigate the effects of non-muscle myosin ⅡA (NMⅡA) silenced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the lung damage of rats at early stage of smoke inhalation injury. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, simple injury, NMⅡA-BMSCs, and BMSCs groups according to the completely random method, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in control group inhaled air normally, while rats in the latter 3 groups inhaled smoke to reproduce model of smoke inhalation injury. At 30 min post injury, rats in simple injury group were injected with 1 mL normal saline via caudal vein, and rats in group BMSCs were injected with 1 mL the fifth passage of BMSCs (1×10(7)/mL), and rats in group NMⅡA-BMSCs were injected with 1 mL NMⅡA silenced BMSCs (1×10(7)/mL). At post injury hour (PIH) 24, abdominal aorta blood and right lung of rats in each group were harvested, and then arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)), and pH value were detected by blood gas analyzer. Ratio of wet to dry weight of lung was determined by dry-wet weight method. Pathological changes of lung were observed with HE staining. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected, and then tumor necrotic factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) content of BALF was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and least-significant difference test. Results: (1) At PIH 24, compared with those in control group, PaO(2) values of rats in simple injury, BMSCs, and NMⅡA-BMSCs groups were obviously decreased (with P values below 0.05), and PaCO(2) values were obviously increased (with P values below 0.05). Compared with those in simple injury group, PaO(2) values of rats in groups NMⅡA-BMSCs and BMSCs were obviously increased (with P values below 0.05), while PaCO(2) values were obviously decreased (with P values below 0.05). PaO(2) value of rats in group NMⅡA-BMSCs was obviously increased as compared with that in group BMSCs ( P <0.05). The pH value of arterial blood of rats in simple injury group was obviously lower than that in control group ( P <0.05). (2) At PIH 24, ratios of wet to dry weight of lung of rats in control, simple injury, BMSCs, and NMⅡA-BMSCs groups were 4.36±0.15, 7.79±0.42, 5.77±0.18, and 5.11±0.20, respectively. Compared with that in control group, ratio of wet to dry weight of lung of rats was obviously increased in the other 3 groups (with P values below 0.05). Compared with that in simple injury group, ratio of wet to dry weight of lung of rats was obviously decreased in groups BMSCs and NMⅡA-BMSCs (with P values below 0.05). Compared with that in group BMSCs, ratio of wet to dry weight of lung of rats in group NMⅡA-BMSCs was obviously decreased ( P <0.05). (3) At PIH 24, alveolar structure of rats in control group was complete without abnormality. Compared with those in simple injury group, lung injury and infiltration of inflammatory cells of rats in groups BMSCs and NMⅡA-BMSCs were obviously alleviated, and alveolar structure was relatively complete with no thickening of alveolar wall. (4) At PIH 24, compared with that in control group, TNF-α content of BALF of rats in simple injury and BMSCs groups was obviously increased (with P values below 0.05). Compared with that in simple injury group, TNF-α content of BALF in groups BMSCs and NMⅡA-BMSCs was obviously decreased (with P values below 0.05). Compared with that in control group, IL-10 content of BALF in simple injury, NMⅡA-BMSCs and BMSCs groups were obviously increased (with P values below 0.05). Compared with that in simple injury group, IL-10 content of BALF in groups BMSCs and NMⅡA-BMSCs was obviously increased (with P values below 0.05). Compared with that in group BMSCs, IL-10 content of BALF in group NMⅡA-BMSCs was obviously increased ( P <0.05). Conclusions: NMⅡA silenced BMSCs can alleviate lung damage of rats at early stage of smoke inhalation injury, showing better effectiveness than using BMSCs only.

We aimed to analyze gastric signet ring cell (SRC) carcinoma subtypes by investigating gastric and intestinal phenotypic marker expression, and explore the relationship between phenotype and K-ras mutation. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 163 SRC carcinoma patient specimens to detect gastric (MUC1, MUC5AC, and MUC6) and intestinal (MUC2 and CDX2) phenotypic markers, and tumors were classified into gastric (G), intestinal (I), and gastrointestinal (GI) phenotypes. DNA was extracted from the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples, and K-ras mutations in codons 12, 13, and 61 were identified using polymerase chain reaction-based direct DNA sequencing. G, GI, and I phenotypes were observed in 63 (38.6%), 71 (43.5%), and 29 cases (17.8%), respectively. Expression of MUC2 was significantly associated with invasion depth and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively), whereas that of CDX2 significantly corresponded to tumor size and submucosal invasion (P = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). MUC5AC expression was inversely associated with gastric wall invasion (P = 0.001). Intestinal phenotypic marker expression was positively associated with gastric wall invasion and lymph node metastasis. K-ras mutations, all of which were in codon 12, were detected in 20 (12.27%) tumors, were significantly associated with the I phenotype, and exhibited an inverse relationship with MUC5AC and MUC6 expression. I-phenotype SRC carcinomas should be distinguished from those of the G phenotype because of their increased malignancy regarding invasion and metastasis, and higher K-ras aberration rate. The different K-ras mutation frequencies observed imply distinct genetic mechanisms in the carcinogenesis of I- and G-phenotype gastric SRC carcinomas.

We investigate the relationship between IL-18 -607C/A and -137G/C genetic polymorphisms and development of acute pancreatitis in a Chinese population. A total of 153 patients were consecutively recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2013 and November 2014. Genotyping of IL-18 -607C/A and -137G/C variants was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. We observed a significant difference between acute pancreatitis patients and control subjects with respect to age (t = 2.15, P = 0.02), gender (chi-square = 3.95, P = 0.04), body mass index (t = 5.85, P < 0.001), and alcohol consumption (chi-square = 9.74, P = 0.002). Using chi-square tests, we found that the genotype distributions of IL-18 -607C/A (chi-square = 0.81, P = 0.67) and -137G/C (chi-square = 1.16, P = 0.56) polymorphisms did not differ between the acute pancreatitis and control groups. Genotype frequencies of these variants were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both patient and control groups. In addition, logistic regression analysis failed to identify a significant association between these polymorphisms and acute pancreatitis risk. Our study firstly examined their association in a Chinese population, and we suggest that the IL-18 -607C/A and -137G/ C polymorphisms do not influence susceptibility to acute pancreatitis in the Chinese population studied in the present study., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

In this study, a software tool (IFGFA) for identification of featured genes from gene expression data based on latent factor analysis was developed. Despite the availability of computational methods and statistical models appropriate for analyzing special genomic data, IFGFA provides a platform for predicting colon cancer-related genes and can be applied to other cancer types. The computational framework behind IFGFA is based on the well-established Bayesian factor and regression model and prior knowledge about the gene from OMIM. We validated the predicted genes by analyzing somatic mutations in patients. An interface was developed to enable users to run the computational framework efficiently through visual programming. IFGFA is executable in a Windows system and does not require other dependent software packages. This program can be freely downloaded at http://www.fupage.org/downloads/ifgfa.zip.

Objective: To observe the relationship between ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) and cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C19 polymorphisms and the effect of clopidogrel post percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary artery disease., Methods: A total of 300 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing selected percutaneous coronary intervention in General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army from October 2010 to August 2012 and treated with clopidogrel were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. Antiplatelet responsiveness of clopidogrel was estimated by thrombelastograph. The patients were divided into 3 groups: remarkable efficacy group (adenosine diphosphate pathway inhibition rate >80%, 105 cases), effective group (adenosine diphosphate pathway inhibition rate of 50%-80%, 100 cases), and poor responsiveness group (adenosine diphosphate pathway inhibition rate <50%, 95 cases). CYP2C19 and ABCB1 polymorphisms were detected by PCR combined with restrictive fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RELP) method in all patients. A total of 200 patients were performed by high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray tandem mass spectrum methods (HTLC-MS/MS), which was applied for determining the plasma concentration level of clopidogrel metabolites between remarkable efficacy group and poor responsiveness group. Major adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding events were observed through follow-up., Results: (1) There were significantly differences in gender, smoking and alanine transaminase level among 3 groups(P<0.01 or 0.05). (2)There was no significant difference in the ratio of TT, CC and CT genotype of ABCB1 gene among 3 groups(P>0.05). There was significant difference in the ratio of poor, middle and strong metabolizer genotype of CYP2C19 gene (P<0.05). (3)Recurrent angina rates were 8.6%(9/105), 6.0%(6/100) and 18.9%(18/95) (P<0.05), and bleeding events rates were 1.0% (1/105), 1.0%(1/100) and 8.4%(8/95)respectively (P<0.01) in remarkable efficacy group, effective group and poor responsiveness group during the 1 year follow up. There were no significant difference in rates of myocardial infarction, heart failure, ischemic stroke and death among 3 groups (all P>0.05) during follow up. Rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding events were similar in patients with TT, CC and CT genotype of ABCB1 (14.6%(13/89), 12.8(19/148)and 11.6%(5/43), P>0.05). Rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding events were 9.5%(2/21), 17.8(27/152) and 7.5%(8/107) in poor, middle and strong metabolizer genotype of CYP2C19 gene patients (P<0.05). (4) Plasma concentration of clopidogrel was significantly lower and relative concentration of acid metabolites was significantly higher in poor responsiveness group than in remarkable efficacy group(P<0.01 or 0.05). There was no significantly different in plasma relative concentration of 2-oxo-clopidogrel between remarkable efficacy group and poor responsiveness group., Conclusion: ABCB1 gene polymorphism is not but CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms is related with antiplatelet responsiveness of clopidogrel and clinical cardiovascular disease events in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing selected percutaneous coronary intervention.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine seroprevalence and correlates of coinfections of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Epstein-Bar virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus including type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in China. A total of 1,110 HIV/AIDS patients from Shanxi (Central area, n = 287), Zhejiang (Eastern area, n = 163), Yunnan (Southwestern area, n = 300) and Xinjiang (Northwestern area, n = 360) provinces were analyzed. The overall seroprevalence was 6.3% for HBsAg, 59.0% for anti-HCV IgG, 96.6% for anti-EBV IgG, 91.5% for anti-HSV-1 IgG, and 34.1% for anti-HSV-2 IgG. Eleven (1.0%) HIV/AIDS patients were coinfected with all five viruses, 177 (15.9%) with four viruses, 611 (55.0%) with three viruses, 288 (25.9%) with two viruses, 23 (2.1%) with single virus, and 1 (0.1%) with none of the five viruses. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that neither HBV, nor EBV and HSV-1 coinfection was associated with sociodemographic characteristics and HIV transmission mode, but HCV coinfection was associated with geographic region, age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, and HIV transmission mode, whereas HSV-2 coinfection was associated with geographic region, ethnicity and HIV transmission mode. This study suggests that HIV/AIDS patients with different regional and sociodemographic backgrounds and HIV transmission mode in China have different profiles of viral coinfections and should be subject to differential considerations in related health care programs.

Objective: to investigate the beneficial effects of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and partial liquid ventilation (PLV) in treating acute lung injury induced by steam inhalation., Design: a prospective, randomized, controlled, multiple group study., Setting: an animal research centre laboratory in a university burns centre., Subjects: New Zealand rabbits (n = 30; 2.25 ± 0.25 kg) of either sex., Interventions: the animals were ventilated by HFOV with a mean airway pressure of 10 cm H (2)O, a frequency of 10 Hz, an amplitude of 20 cm H (2)O, an I:E ratio of 1:1, and an FiO (2)of 1.0. After the induction of acute lung injury by steam inhalation, the animals were randomly assigned to receive either HFOV alone or a combined therapy of HFOV + PLV. The animals were grouped as HFOV, HFOV + PLV, and control group (without ventilation after recovery from muscular relaxation)., Measurements and Main Results: arterial blood gases, cardiovascular haemodynamics, dynamic lung compliance, and total lung injury scores were measured. After steam inhalation, all three groups displayed low PaO (2)and low dynamic lung compliance. In the control group all the animals died within 3 h. In the HFOV and HFOV + PLV groups, all the animals displayed significant improvements in dynamic lung compliance, oxygenation, and histological outcomes; HFOV + PLV showed the best results., Conclusion: in a New Zealand rabbit model of steam inhalation injury, HFOV improved oxygenation, increased dynamic lung compliance, and alleviated lung histological injury. Combined therapy with HFOV + PLV was clearly superior to that with HFOV alone during the observation period.