Application of biochar to soils changes soil physicochemical properties and stimulates the activities of soil microorganisms that influence soil quality and plant performance.Studying the response of soil microbial co...Application of biochar to soils changes soil physicochemical properties and stimulates the activities of soil microorganisms that influence soil quality and plant performance.Studying the response of soil microbial communities to biochar amendments is important for better understanding interactions of biochar with soil,as well as plants.However,the effect of biochar on soil microorganisms has received less attention than its influences on soil physicochemical properties.In this review,the following key questions are discussed:(i)how does biochar affect soil microbial activities,in particular soil carbon(C)mineralization,nutrient cycling,and enzyme activities?(ii)how do microorganisms respond to biochar amendment in contaminated soils?and(iii)what is the role of biochar as a growth promoter for soil microorganisms?Many studies have demonstrated that biochar-soil application enhances the soil microbial biomass with substantial changes in microbial community composition.Biochar amendment changes microbial habitats,directly or indirectly affects microbial metabolic activities,and modifies the soil microbial community in terms of their diversity and abundance.However,chemical properties of biochar,(especially pH and nutrient content),and physical properties such as pore size,pore volume,and specific surface area play significant roles in determining the efficacy of biochar on microbial performance as biochar provides suitable habitats for microorgan-isms.The mode of action of biochar leading to stimulation of microbial activities is complex and is influenced by the nature of biochar as well as soil conditions.展开更多
AIM:To describe our own experience with pyogenic liver abscesses over the past 10 years and investigate the risk factors associated with failure of initial percutaneous therapy.METHODS:A retrospective study of records...AIM:To describe our own experience with pyogenic liver abscesses over the past 10 years and investigate the risk factors associated with failure of initial percutaneous therapy.METHODS:A retrospective study of records of 63 PLA patients presenting between 1998 and 2008 to Australian tertiary referral centre,were reviewed.Amoebic and hydatid abscesses were excluded.Demographic,clinical,radiological,and microbiological characteristics,as well as surgical/radiological interventions,were recorded.RESULTS:Sixty-three patients(42 males,21 females) aged 65(±14) years[mean±(SD) ]had prodromal symptoms for a median(interquartile range;IQR) of 7(5-14) d.Only 59%of patients were febrile at presentation;however,the serum C-reactive protein was elevated in all 47 in whom it was measured.Liver function tests were non-specifically abnormal.67%of patients had a solitary abscess,while 32%had>3 abscesses with a median(IQR) diameter of 6.3(4-9) cm.Causative organisms were:Streptococcus milleri 25%,Klebsiella pneumoniae 21%,and Escherichia coli 16%.A presumptive cryptogenic cause was most common (34%).Four patients died in this series:one from sepsis,two from advanced cancer,and one from acute myocardial infarction.The initial procedure was radiological aspiration±drainage in 54 and surgery in two patients.17%underwent surgical management during their hospitalization.Serum hypoalbuminaemia[mean (95%CI) :32(29-35) g/L vs 28(25-31) g/L,P=0.045] on presentation was found to be the only factor related to failure of initial percutaneous therapy on univariate analysis.CONCLUSION:PLA is a diagnostic challenge,because the presentation of this condition is non-specific.Intravenous antibiotics and radiological drainage in the first instance allows resolution of most PLAs;However,a small proportion of patients still require surgical drainage.展开更多
In this paper we construct an extended non-competitive input-occupancy-output model that captures China＇s processing trade and also develop a methodology to estimate the domestic value-added and employment generated ...In this paper we construct an extended non-competitive input-occupancy-output model that captures China＇s processing trade and also develop a methodology to estimate the domestic value-added and employment generated by each unit of total exports, of exports by sector, and of exports by commodity, respectively. We also prove mathematically that the gross value of exports is equal to the sum of total value added and total imports. Based on the methodology proposed here, we compile the 2002 extended Chinese non-competitive input-occupancy-output table and the United States non-competitive input-occupancy- output table, and then estimate and analyze the effects of China＇s exports and US exports on their respective domestic value added and employment.展开更多
Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive fibroinflammatory destruction of the intra-and/or extrahepatic biliary ducts. While its features and disease course ...Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive fibroinflammatory destruction of the intra-and/or extrahepatic biliary ducts. While its features and disease course can be variable,most patients with PSC have concurrent inflammatory bowel disease and will eventually develop liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, with liver transplantation representing the only potentially curative option. Importantly,PSC is associated with a significantly increased risk of malignancy compared to the general population, mainly cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma,hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal cancer, with nearly 50% of deaths in patients with PSC being due to cancer. Therefore, robust surveillance strategies are needed, though uncertainty remains regarding how to best do so. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, prevention, and surveillance of cancers in patients with PSC. Where evidence is limited, we present pragmatic approaches based on currently available data and expert opinion.展开更多
The FOXO3a and FOXM1 forkhead transcription factors are key players in cancer initiation,progression,and drug resistance.Recent research shows that FOXM1 is a direct transcriptional target of FOXO3a,a vital downstream...The FOXO3a and FOXM1 forkhead transcription factors are key players in cancer initiation,progression,and drug resistance.Recent research shows that FOXM1 is a direct transcriptional target of FOXO3a,a vital downstream effector of the PI3K-AKT-FOXO signaling cascade.In addition,FOXM1 and FOXO3a also antagonize each other's activity by competitively binding to the same target genes,which are involved in chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and resistance.Understanding the role and regulation of the FOXO-FOXM1 axis will provide insight into chemotherapeutic drug action and resistance in patients,and help to identify novel therapeutic approaches as well as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers.展开更多
Accurate determination of the presence and degree of fibrosis in liver is of great importance, because the prognosis and management strategies for chronic liver disease depend mainly on these factors. To date, liver b...Accurate determination of the presence and degree of fibrosis in liver is of great importance, because the prognosis and management strategies for chronic liver disease depend mainly on these factors. To date, liver biopsy (LB) remains the "gold standard" for assessing the severity of liver fibrosis; however, LB is often limited by its invasiveness, sampling error, and intra/ inter-observer variability in histological interpretation. Furthermore, repeated LB examinations within a short time interval are indeed ineligible in a real clinical practice. Thus, due to the pressing need for non-invasive surrogates for liver fibrosis, transient elastography (TE),as a novel ultrasound based technology, has allowed a noninvasive measurement of liver stiffness and has gained in popularity over recent years. In the past few years, additional roles for transient TE beyond the initial purpose of a non-invasive surrogate for LB have included the prediction of the most two critical consequences of fibrosis progression: the development of portal hypertension-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. This indicates that the role of transient TE is not merely limited to reducing the need for LB, but transient TE can enable the establishment of tailored management strategies by providing more detailed prognostic information. In particular, under the concept in which the clinical course of liver fibrosis is dynamic and bidirectional, especially when appropriate intervention is commenced, transient TE can be used to track the dynamic changes in fibrotic burden during antiviral or antifibrotic treatment. This review discussed extended applications of transient TE in prediction of the development of real clinical endpoints from a longitudinal perspective.展开更多
BACKGROUND：Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD）refers to any fatty liver disease that is not due to excessive use of alcohol.NAFLD probably results from abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin resistance....BACKGROUND：Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD）refers to any fatty liver disease that is not due to excessive use of alcohol.NAFLD probably results from abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin resistance.Aerobic exercise is shown to improve NAFLD.This review aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on NAFLD.DATA SOURCE：We searched articles in English on the role of aerobic exercise in NAFLD therapy in Pub Med.RESULTS： The mechanisms of chronic aerobic exercise in regulating the outcome of NAFLD include： （i） reducing in- trahepatic fat content by down-regulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein-lc and up-regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y expression levels; （ii） decreas- ing hepatic oxidative stress through modulating the reactive oxygen species, and enhancing antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase; （iii） ameliorating hepatic inflammation via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory media- tors such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta; （iv） attenuating mitochondrial dependent apoptosis by reducing cytochrome C released from the mitochondria to the cytosol; and （v） inducing hepato-protective autophagy. CONCLUSION： Aerobic exercise, via different mechanisms, significantly decreases the fat content of the liver and improves the outcomes of patients with NAFLD.展开更多
Foreign body ingestion encompasses both foreign object ingestion(FOI) and esophageal food impaction(EFI) and represents a common and clinically significant scenario among patients of all ages. The immediate risk to th...Foreign body ingestion encompasses both foreign object ingestion(FOI) and esophageal food impaction(EFI) and represents a common and clinically significant scenario among patients of all ages. The immediate risk to the patient ranges from negligible to life-threatening, depending on the ingested substance,its location, patient fitness, and time to appropriate therapy. This article reviews the FOI and EFI literature and highlights important considerations and implications for pediatric and adult patients as well as their providers. Where published literature is insufficient to provide evidence-based guidance, expert opinion is included to supplement the content of this comprehensive review.展开更多
AIM： To determine the effect of oral erythromycin on gastric and small bowel transit time of capsule endoscopy. METHODS： Consecutive patients who underwent capsule endoscopy during the 16-mo study period were either...AIM： To determine the effect of oral erythromycin on gastric and small bowel transit time of capsule endoscopy. METHODS： Consecutive patients who underwent capsule endoscopy during the 16-mo study period were either given 250 mg oral erythromycin, 1 h prior to swallowing the capsule endoscope or nothing. The gastric and small bowel transit time, and the small bowel image quality were compared. RESULTS： Twenty-four patients received oral erythromycin whereas 14 patients were not given any prokinetic agent. Patients who received erythromycin had a significantly lower gastric transit time than control （16 min vs70 min, P= 0.005）, whereas the small bowel transit time was comparable between the two groups （227 rain vs 183 min, P= 0.18）. Incomplete small bowel examination was found in three patients of the control group and in one patient of the erythromycin group. There was no significant difference in the overall quality of small bowel images between the two groups. A marked reduction in gastric transit time was noted in two patients who had repeat capsule endoscopy after oral erythromycin. CONCLUSION： Use of oral erythromycin significantly reduces the gastric transit time of capsule endoscopy.展开更多
AIM: To give a comprehensive review of current litera-ture on robotic rectal cancer surgery.METHODS: A systematic review of current literature via PubMed and Embase search engines was per-formed to identify relevant a...AIM: To give a comprehensive review of current litera-ture on robotic rectal cancer surgery.METHODS: A systematic review of current literature via PubMed and Embase search engines was per-formed to identify relevant articles from january 2007 to november 2013. The keywords used were: "robotic surgery", "surgical robotics", "laparoscopic computer-assisted surgery", "colectomy" and "rectal resection". RESULTS: After the initial screen of 380 articles, 20 pa-pers were selected for review. A total of 1062 patients(male 64.0%) with a mean age of 61.1 years and body mass index of 24.9 kg/m2 were included in the review.Out of 1062 robotic-assisted operations, 831(78.2%) anterior and low anterior resections, 132(12.4%) in-tersphincteric resection with coloanal anastomosis, 98(9.3%) abdominoperineal resections and 1(0.1%) Hart-mann's operation were included in the review. Robotic rectal surgery was associated with longer operative time but with comparable oncological results and anastomotic leak rate when compared with laparoscopic rectal surgery. CONCLUSION: Robotic colorectal surgery has con-tinued to evolve to its current state with promising re-sults; feasible surgical option with low conversion rate and comparable short-term oncological results. The challenges faced with robotic surgery are for more high quality studies to justify its cost.展开更多
AIM： To test the psychometric properties of a Chinese [（Hong Kong） HK] translation of the chronic liver disease questionnaire （CLDQ）. METHODS： A Chinese （HK） translation of the CLDQ was developed by iterative ...AIM： To test the psychometric properties of a Chinese [（Hong Kong） HK] translation of the chronic liver disease questionnaire （CLDQ）. METHODS： A Chinese （HK） translation of the CLDQ was developed by iterative translation and cognitive debriefing. It was then administered to 72 uncomplicated and 78 complicated chronic hepatitis B （CriB） patients in Hong Kong together with a structured questionnaire on service utilization, and the Chinese （HK） SF-36 Health Survey Version 2 （SF-36v2）. RESULTS： Scaling success was ≥ 80% for all but three items. A new factor assessing sleep was found and items of two （Fatigue and Systemic Symptoms） subscales tended to load on the same factor. Internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities ranged from 0.58-0.90 for different subscales. Construct validity was confirmed by the expected correlations between the SF-36v2 Health Survey and CLDQ scores. Mean scores of CLDQ were significantly lower in complicated compared with uncomplicated CHB, supporting sensitivity in detecting differences between groups.CONCLUSION： The Chinese （HK） CLDQ is valid, reliable and sensitive for patients with CHB. Some modifications to the scaling structure might further improve its psychometric properties,展开更多
This paper discusses the role of Hong Kong in China＇s grand scheme to build up the RMB as a global reserve currency. We highlight the economic importance of Hong Kong to China in terms of channeling foreign direct in...This paper discusses the role of Hong Kong in China＇s grand scheme to build up the RMB as a global reserve currency. We highlight the economic importance of Hong Kong to China in terms of channeling foreign direct investment into China, some of which, in the future, will be denominated in the RMB. We discuss the development of China＇s RMB currency swap and deposit markets in Hong Kong. These offshore markets enable the RMB to trade freely, setting the stage for the RMB to become fully convertible and allowing market forces to play a role in pricing the value of the RMB, and help in the development of the RMB-denominated bond （or dim sum bond） market in Hong Kong. Finally, we present evidence of the phenomenal growth of the dim sum bond market in Hong Kong, which can further enhance and strengthen the use of the RMB outside China.展开更多
AIM： TO investigate the inhibitory effect of kallistatin （KAL） on angiogenesis and HCT-116 xenograft tumor growth.METHODS： Heterotopic subcutaneous injection of 2 Seven days later, 2 x 1011 injected intratumorally...AIM： TO investigate the inhibitory effect of kallistatin （KAL） on angiogenesis and HCT-116 xenograft tumor growth.METHODS： Heterotopic subcutaneous injection of 2 Seven days later, 2 x 1011 injected intratumorally （n tumors were induced by x 106 HCT-11 cells in mice. rAAV-GFP or rAAV-KAL was = 5 for each group）. The mice were sacrificed at d 28, by which time the tumors in the rAAV-GFP group had grown to beyond 5% of the total body weight. Tumor growth was measured by calipers in two dimensions. Tumor angiogenesis was determined with tumor microvessel density （MVD） by immunohistology. Tumor cell proliferation was assessed by Ki-67 staining.RESULTS： Intratumor injection of rAAV-KAL inhibited tumor growth in the treatment group by 78% （171 ＋ 52 mm^3） at d 21 after virus infection compared to the control group （776 ＋ 241 mm^3）. Microvessel density was significantly inhibited in tumor tissues treated with rAAV-KAL, rAAV-KAL also decreased the proportion of proliferating cells （Ki-67 positive cells） in tumors compared with the control group.CONCLUSION： rAAV-mediated expression of KAL inhibits the growth of colon cancer by reducing angiogenesis and proliferation of tumor cells, and may provide a promising anti-angiogenesis-based approach to the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.展开更多
文摘Application of biochar to soils changes soil physicochemical properties and stimulates the activities of soil microorganisms that influence soil quality and plant performance.Studying the response of soil microbial communities to biochar amendments is important for better understanding interactions of biochar with soil,as well as plants.However,the effect of biochar on soil microorganisms has received less attention than its influences on soil physicochemical properties.In this review,the following key questions are discussed:(i)how does biochar affect soil microbial activities,in particular soil carbon(C)mineralization,nutrient cycling,and enzyme activities?(ii)how do microorganisms respond to biochar amendment in contaminated soils?and(iii)what is the role of biochar as a growth promoter for soil microorganisms?Many studies have demonstrated that biochar-soil application enhances the soil microbial biomass with substantial changes in microbial community composition.Biochar amendment changes microbial habitats,directly or indirectly affects microbial metabolic activities,and modifies the soil microbial community in terms of their diversity and abundance.However,chemical properties of biochar,(especially pH and nutrient content),and physical properties such as pore size,pore volume,and specific surface area play significant roles in determining the efficacy of biochar on microbial performance as biochar provides suitable habitats for microorgan-isms.The mode of action of biochar leading to stimulation of microbial activities is complex and is influenced by the nature of biochar as well as soil conditions.
文摘AIM:To describe our own experience with pyogenic liver abscesses over the past 10 years and investigate the risk factors associated with failure of initial percutaneous therapy.METHODS:A retrospective study of records of 63 PLA patients presenting between 1998 and 2008 to Australian tertiary referral centre,were reviewed.Amoebic and hydatid abscesses were excluded.Demographic,clinical,radiological,and microbiological characteristics,as well as surgical/radiological interventions,were recorded.RESULTS:Sixty-three patients(42 males,21 females) aged 65(±14) years[mean±(SD) ]had prodromal symptoms for a median(interquartile range;IQR) of 7(5-14) d.Only 59%of patients were febrile at presentation;however,the serum C-reactive protein was elevated in all 47 in whom it was measured.Liver function tests were non-specifically abnormal.67%of patients had a solitary abscess,while 32%had>3 abscesses with a median(IQR) diameter of 6.3(4-9) cm.Causative organisms were:Streptococcus milleri 25%,Klebsiella pneumoniae 21%,and Escherichia coli 16%.A presumptive cryptogenic cause was most common (34%).Four patients died in this series:one from sepsis,two from advanced cancer,and one from acute myocardial infarction.The initial procedure was radiological aspiration±drainage in 54 and surgery in two patients.17%underwent surgical management during their hospitalization.Serum hypoalbuminaemia[mean (95%CI) :32(29-35) g/L vs 28(25-31) g/L,P=0.045] on presentation was found to be the only factor related to failure of initial percutaneous therapy on univariate analysis.CONCLUSION:PLA is a diagnostic challenge,because the presentation of this condition is non-specific.Intravenous antibiotics and radiological drainage in the first instance allows resolution of most PLAs;However,a small proportion of patients still require surgical drainage.
基金This is a translated version of the paper published in Chinese in Social Sciences in China （Zhongguo shehui kexue, 2007, no. 5, pp. 91-103）, which has received the ＂Pei-Kang CHANG Development Economics Award＂ and ＂Sun Yefang Economics Award.＂ The authors are grateful to Mr. Tung Chee- hwa, former President of Hong Kong SAR, Chinese University of Hong Kong and National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 70810107020, 70871108, 60474063） for their financial support. The authors thank Dr Wang Zhi from US International Trade Commission, and anonymous referees for their useful comments. Usual claims are applied.
文摘In this paper we construct an extended non-competitive input-occupancy-output model that captures China＇s processing trade and also develop a methodology to estimate the domestic value-added and employment generated by each unit of total exports, of exports by sector, and of exports by commodity, respectively. We also prove mathematically that the gross value of exports is equal to the sum of total value added and total imports. Based on the methodology proposed here, we compile the 2002 extended Chinese non-competitive input-occupancy-output table and the United States non-competitive input-occupancy- output table, and then estimate and analyze the effects of China＇s exports and US exports on their respective domestic value added and employment.
文摘Primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive fibroinflammatory destruction of the intra-and/or extrahepatic biliary ducts. While its features and disease course can be variable,most patients with PSC have concurrent inflammatory bowel disease and will eventually develop liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease, with liver transplantation representing the only potentially curative option. Importantly,PSC is associated with a significantly increased risk of malignancy compared to the general population, mainly cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma,hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal cancer, with nearly 50% of deaths in patients with PSC being due to cancer. Therefore, robust surveillance strategies are needed, though uncertainty remains regarding how to best do so. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, prevention, and surveillance of cancers in patients with PSC. Where evidence is limited, we present pragmatic approaches based on currently available data and expert opinion.
文摘The FOXO3a and FOXM1 forkhead transcription factors are key players in cancer initiation,progression,and drug resistance.Recent research shows that FOXM1 is a direct transcriptional target of FOXO3a,a vital downstream effector of the PI3K-AKT-FOXO signaling cascade.In addition,FOXM1 and FOXO3a also antagonize each other's activity by competitively binding to the same target genes,which are involved in chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and resistance.Understanding the role and regulation of the FOXO-FOXM1 axis will provide insight into chemotherapeutic drug action and resistance in patients,and help to identify novel therapeutic approaches as well as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers.
基金Supported by Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, in part by a grant from the Korea Health care technology R and D project, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea, NoA102065the Yonsei Liver Blood Bank, in part by a grantfrom sanofi-aventis Korea
文摘Accurate determination of the presence and degree of fibrosis in liver is of great importance, because the prognosis and management strategies for chronic liver disease depend mainly on these factors. To date, liver biopsy (LB) remains the "gold standard" for assessing the severity of liver fibrosis; however, LB is often limited by its invasiveness, sampling error, and intra/ inter-observer variability in histological interpretation. Furthermore, repeated LB examinations within a short time interval are indeed ineligible in a real clinical practice. Thus, due to the pressing need for non-invasive surrogates for liver fibrosis, transient elastography (TE),as a novel ultrasound based technology, has allowed a noninvasive measurement of liver stiffness and has gained in popularity over recent years. In the past few years, additional roles for transient TE beyond the initial purpose of a non-invasive surrogate for LB have included the prediction of the most two critical consequences of fibrosis progression: the development of portal hypertension-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma. This indicates that the role of transient TE is not merely limited to reducing the need for LB, but transient TE can enable the establishment of tailored management strategies by providing more detailed prognostic information. In particular, under the concept in which the clinical course of liver fibrosis is dynamic and bidirectional, especially when appropriate intervention is commenced, transient TE can be used to track the dynamic changes in fibrotic burden during antiviral or antifibrotic treatment. This review discussed extended applications of transient TE in prediction of the development of real clinical endpoints from a longitudinal perspective.
文摘BACKGROUND：Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD）refers to any fatty liver disease that is not due to excessive use of alcohol.NAFLD probably results from abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin resistance.Aerobic exercise is shown to improve NAFLD.This review aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise on NAFLD.DATA SOURCE：We searched articles in English on the role of aerobic exercise in NAFLD therapy in Pub Med.RESULTS： The mechanisms of chronic aerobic exercise in regulating the outcome of NAFLD include： （i） reducing in- trahepatic fat content by down-regulating sterol regulatory element-binding protein-lc and up-regulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor y expression levels; （ii） decreas- ing hepatic oxidative stress through modulating the reactive oxygen species, and enhancing antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and glutathione peroxidase; （iii） ameliorating hepatic inflammation via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory media- tors such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta; （iv） attenuating mitochondrial dependent apoptosis by reducing cytochrome C released from the mitochondria to the cytosol; and （v） inducing hepato-protective autophagy. CONCLUSION： Aerobic exercise, via different mechanisms, significantly decreases the fat content of the liver and improves the outcomes of patients with NAFLD.
文摘Foreign body ingestion encompasses both foreign object ingestion(FOI) and esophageal food impaction(EFI) and represents a common and clinically significant scenario among patients of all ages. The immediate risk to the patient ranges from negligible to life-threatening, depending on the ingested substance,its location, patient fitness, and time to appropriate therapy. This article reviews the FOI and EFI literature and highlights important considerations and implications for pediatric and adult patients as well as their providers. Where published literature is insufficient to provide evidence-based guidance, expert opinion is included to supplement the content of this comprehensive review.
文摘AIM： To determine the effect of oral erythromycin on gastric and small bowel transit time of capsule endoscopy. METHODS： Consecutive patients who underwent capsule endoscopy during the 16-mo study period were either given 250 mg oral erythromycin, 1 h prior to swallowing the capsule endoscope or nothing. The gastric and small bowel transit time, and the small bowel image quality were compared. RESULTS： Twenty-four patients received oral erythromycin whereas 14 patients were not given any prokinetic agent. Patients who received erythromycin had a significantly lower gastric transit time than control （16 min vs70 min, P= 0.005）, whereas the small bowel transit time was comparable between the two groups （227 rain vs 183 min, P= 0.18）. Incomplete small bowel examination was found in three patients of the control group and in one patient of the erythromycin group. There was no significant difference in the overall quality of small bowel images between the two groups. A marked reduction in gastric transit time was noted in two patients who had repeat capsule endoscopy after oral erythromycin. CONCLUSION： Use of oral erythromycin significantly reduces the gastric transit time of capsule endoscopy.
文摘AIM: To give a comprehensive review of current litera-ture on robotic rectal cancer surgery.METHODS: A systematic review of current literature via PubMed and Embase search engines was per-formed to identify relevant articles from january 2007 to november 2013. The keywords used were: "robotic surgery", "surgical robotics", "laparoscopic computer-assisted surgery", "colectomy" and "rectal resection". RESULTS: After the initial screen of 380 articles, 20 pa-pers were selected for review. A total of 1062 patients(male 64.0%) with a mean age of 61.1 years and body mass index of 24.9 kg/m2 were included in the review.Out of 1062 robotic-assisted operations, 831(78.2%) anterior and low anterior resections, 132(12.4%) in-tersphincteric resection with coloanal anastomosis, 98(9.3%) abdominoperineal resections and 1(0.1%) Hart-mann's operation were included in the review. Robotic rectal surgery was associated with longer operative time but with comparable oncological results and anastomotic leak rate when compared with laparoscopic rectal surgery. CONCLUSION: Robotic colorectal surgery has con-tinued to evolve to its current state with promising re-sults; feasible surgical option with low conversion rate and comparable short-term oncological results. The challenges faced with robotic surgery are for more high quality studies to justify its cost.
基金Supported by Small Project Grant from the Committee of Research and Conference Grant,CRCG project,No.10207293the University of Hong Kong and the Health and Health Service Research Fund,HHSRF project,No.05060741,Food and Health Bureau,Government of Hong Kong Special Administration Region,China
文摘AIM： To test the psychometric properties of a Chinese [（Hong Kong） HK] translation of the chronic liver disease questionnaire （CLDQ）. METHODS： A Chinese （HK） translation of the CLDQ was developed by iterative translation and cognitive debriefing. It was then administered to 72 uncomplicated and 78 complicated chronic hepatitis B （CriB） patients in Hong Kong together with a structured questionnaire on service utilization, and the Chinese （HK） SF-36 Health Survey Version 2 （SF-36v2）. RESULTS： Scaling success was ≥ 80% for all but three items. A new factor assessing sleep was found and items of two （Fatigue and Systemic Symptoms） subscales tended to load on the same factor. Internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities ranged from 0.58-0.90 for different subscales. Construct validity was confirmed by the expected correlations between the SF-36v2 Health Survey and CLDQ scores. Mean scores of CLDQ were significantly lower in complicated compared with uncomplicated CHB, supporting sensitivity in detecting differences between groups.CONCLUSION： The Chinese （HK） CLDQ is valid, reliable and sensitive for patients with CHB. Some modifications to the scaling structure might further improve its psychometric properties,
文摘This paper discusses the role of Hong Kong in China＇s grand scheme to build up the RMB as a global reserve currency. We highlight the economic importance of Hong Kong to China in terms of channeling foreign direct investment into China, some of which, in the future, will be denominated in the RMB. We discuss the development of China＇s RMB currency swap and deposit markets in Hong Kong. These offshore markets enable the RMB to trade freely, setting the stage for the RMB to become fully convertible and allowing market forces to play a role in pricing the value of the RMB, and help in the development of the RMB-denominated bond （or dim sum bond） market in Hong Kong. Finally, we present evidence of the phenomenal growth of the dim sum bond market in Hong Kong, which can further enhance and strengthen the use of the RMB outside China.
基金Hong Kong University Foundation (special donation from Madame Cho So Man)Huaqiao University Foundation B105
文摘AIM： TO investigate the inhibitory effect of kallistatin （KAL） on angiogenesis and HCT-116 xenograft tumor growth.METHODS： Heterotopic subcutaneous injection of 2 Seven days later, 2 x 1011 injected intratumorally （n tumors were induced by x 106 HCT-11 cells in mice. rAAV-GFP or rAAV-KAL was = 5 for each group）. The mice were sacrificed at d 28, by which time the tumors in the rAAV-GFP group had grown to beyond 5% of the total body weight. Tumor growth was measured by calipers in two dimensions. Tumor angiogenesis was determined with tumor microvessel density （MVD） by immunohistology. Tumor cell proliferation was assessed by Ki-67 staining.RESULTS： Intratumor injection of rAAV-KAL inhibited tumor growth in the treatment group by 78% （171 ＋ 52 mm^3） at d 21 after virus infection compared to the control group （776 ＋ 241 mm^3）. Microvessel density was significantly inhibited in tumor tissues treated with rAAV-KAL, rAAV-KAL also decreased the proportion of proliferating cells （Ki-67 positive cells） in tumors compared with the control group.CONCLUSION： rAAV-mediated expression of KAL inhibits the growth of colon cancer by reducing angiogenesis and proliferation of tumor cells, and may provide a promising anti-angiogenesis-based approach to the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
