The genome sequence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-associated virus provides essential information for the identification of pathogen(s), exploration of etiology and evolution, interpretation of trans...The genome sequence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-associated virus provides essential information for the identification of pathogen(s), exploration of etiology and evolution, interpretation of transmission and pathogenesis, development of diagnostics, prevention by future vaccination, and treatment by developing new drugs. We report the complete genome sequence and comparative analysis of an isolate (BJ01) of the coronavirus that has been recognized as a pathogen for SARS. The genome is 29725 nt in size and has 11 ORFs (Open Reading Frames). It is composed of a stable region encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (composed of 2 ORFs) and a variable region representing 4 CDSs (coding sequences) for viral structural genes (the S, E, M, N proteins) and 5 PUPs (putative uncharacterized proteins). Its gene order is identical to that of other known coronaviruses. The sequence alignment with all known RNA viruses places this virus as a member in the family of Coronaviridae. Thirty putative substitutions have been identified by comparative analysis of the 5 SARS- associated virus genome sequences in GenBank. Fifteen of them lead to possible amino acid changes (non-synonymous mutations) in the proteins. Three amino acid changes, with predicted alteration of physical and chemical features, have been detected in the S protein that is postulated to beinvolved in the immunoreactions between the virus and its host. Two amino acid changes have been detected in the Mprotein, which could be related to viral envelope formation. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the possibility of non-human origin of the SARS-associated viruses but provides noevidence that they are man-made. Further efforts should focus on identifying the etiology of the SARS-associated virus and ruling out conclusively the existence of otherpossible SARS-related pathogen(s).展开更多
AIM:To explore the expression of heparanase gene, CD44v6,MMP-7 and nm23 proteins in human gastric carcinoma as well as their relationship with the dinicopathological factors.METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase c...AIM:To explore the expression of heparanase gene, CD44v6,MMP-7 and nm23 proteins in human gastric carcinoma as well as their relationship with the dinicopathological factors.METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expressions of heparanase mRNA in 43 human gastric carcinomas and 10 adjacent normal gastric tissues. Streptavidin-peroxidase (S-P) two step method was used to measure the immunohistochemical expression of CD44v6,MMP-7 and nm23protein in 43 human gastric carcinomas.RESULTS:The expression of heparanase gene was positivein 29 cases of gastric cancer with a positive rate of 67.4%,which was significantly higher than those in adjacent normal gastric tissues (P<0.05).The heparanase mRNA expression was significantly related to advanced stage of disease, serosal infitration,lymph node metastasis and size of tumors (P<0.05),but not related to tumor location, gross and histological types of the cancer, peritoneal dissemination and liver metastasis(P>0.05).The positive rate of CD44v6,nm23 and MMP-7 proteins was 76.7%,37.2% and 60.5%,respectively.The CD44v6 protein expression was significantly related to serosal infiltration,lymph node metastasis and TNM stage of disease(P<0.05).The nm23 protein expression was significantly related to the tumor gross appearance,lymph node and peritoneal metastasis (P<0.05).The MMP-7 protein expression was significantly related to serosal infiltration and TNM stage of disease (P<0.05).In an attempt to measure the association between these agents, we found that the expression of heparanase mRNA had significantly negative correlation with the expression of CD44v6 and MMP-7 protein (P<0.05), the expression of MMP-7 protein had significantly positive correlation with the expression of CD44v6 protein (r=0.568, P<0.05), the expression of MMP-7 protein had no correlation with the expression of nm23 protein (P>0.05),and the expression of nm23 protein had no correlation with the expression of CD44v6 protein (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Despite their 展开更多
AIM: To investigate the population-based prevalence of fatty liver disease (FLD) and its risk factors in Guangdong Province,China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with multiple-stage stratified cluster and random sa...AIM: To investigate the population-based prevalence of fatty liver disease (FLD) and its risk factors in Guangdong Province,China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with multiple-stage stratified cluster and random sampling of inhabitants over 7-year-old was performed in 6 urban and rural areas of Guangdong Province,China. Questionnaires,designed by co-working of epidemiologists and hepatologists,included demographic characteristics,current medication use,medical history and health-relevant behaviors,i.e. alcohol consumption,smoking habits,dietary habits and physical activities. Anthropometric measurements,biochemical tests and abdominal ultrasonography were carried out. RESULTS: Among the 3543 subjects,609 (17.2%) were diagnosed having FLD (18.0% males,16.7% females,P > 0.05). Among them,the prevalence of confirmed alcoholic liver disease (ALD),suspected ALD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 0.4%,1.8%,and 15.0%,respectively. The prevalence rate (23.0%) was significantly higher in urban areas than (12.9%) in rural areas. After adjustment for age,gender and residency,the standardized prevalence of FLD in adults was 14.5%. Among them,confirmed ALD,suspected ALD and NAFLD were 0.5%,2.3%,and 11.7%,respectively,in adults and 1.3% (all NAFLD) in children at the age of 7-18 years. The overall prevalence of FLD increased with age in both genders to the peak of 27.4% in the group of subjects at the age of 60-70 years. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in men than in women under the age of 50 years (22.4% vs 7.1%,P < 0.001). However,the opposite phenomenon was found over the age of 50 years (20.6% vs 27.6%,P < 0.05). Multivariate and logistic regression analysis indicated that male gender,urban residency,low education,high blood pressure,body mass index,waist circumference,waist to hip ratio,serum triglyceride and glucose levels were the risk factors for FLD. CONCLUSION: FLD,especially NAFLD,is prevalent in South China. There are many risk factors for FLD.展开更多
In order to further promote the standardization of diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor （GIST） in China, the members of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology （CSCO） Expert Committee on GIST tho...In order to further promote the standardization of diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor （GIST） in China, the members of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology （CSCO） Expert Committee on GIST thoroughly discussed the key contents of the consensus guidelines, and voted on the controversial issue. In final, the Chinese consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of GIST （2017 edition） was formed on the basis of 2013 edition consensus guidelines, which is hereby announced. The consensus included the pathological diagnosis, recurrence risk classification evaluation, targeted agent therapy, surgery and principles of surveillance of GIST.展开更多
AIM To investigate the clinical significance of preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index(SII) in patients with colorectal cancer(CRC). METHODS A retrospective analysis of 1383 cases with CRC was performed follo...AIM To investigate the clinical significance of preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index(SII) in patients with colorectal cancer(CRC). METHODS A retrospective analysis of 1383 cases with CRC was performed following radical surgery. SII was calculated with the formula SII =(P × N)/L, where P, N, and L refer to peripheral platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, respectively. The clinicopathological features and follow-up data were evaluated to compare SII with other systemic inflammation-based prognostic indices such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR) in patients with CRC.RESULTS The optimal cut-off point for SII was defined as 340. The overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) were better in patients with low NLR, PLR, and SII(P < 0.05). The SII was an independent predictor of OS and DFS in multivariate analysis. The area under the receiver-operating characteristics(ROC) curve for SII(0.707) was larger than those for NLR(0.602) and PLR(0.566). In contrast to NLR and PLR, SII could effectively discriminate between the TNM subgroups. CONCLUSION SII is a more powerful tool for predicting survival outcome in patients with CRC. It might assist the identification of high-risk patients among patients with the same TNM stage.展开更多
Background:The optimal strategy for adjuvant therapy after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients with solitary tumor and microvascular invasion(MVI)is controversial.This trial evaluated the effi...Background:The optimal strategy for adjuvant therapy after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients with solitary tumor and microvascular invasion(MVI)is controversial.This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)after hepatectomy versus hepatectomy alone in HCC patients with a solitary tumor≥5 cm and MVI.Methods:In this randomized,open-labeled,phase III trial,HCC patients with a solitary tumor≥5 cm and MVI were randomly assigned(1:1)to receive either 1-2 cycles of adjuvant TACE after hepatectomy(Hepatectomy-TACE)or hepatectomy alone(Hepatectomy Alone).The primary endpoint was disease-free survival(DFS);the secondary end-points included overall survival(OS)and adverse events.Results:Between June 1,2009,and December 31,2012,250 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the Hepatectomy-TACE group(n=125)or the Hepatectomy Alone group(n=125).Clinicopathological characteristics were balanced between the two groups.The median follow-up time from randomization was 37.5 months[interquartile range 18.3-48.2 months].The median DFS was significantly longer in the Hepatectomy-TACE group than in the Hepatectomy Alone group[17.45 months(95%confidence interval[CI]11.99-29.14)vs.9.27 months(95%CI 6.05-13.70),hazard ratio[HR]=0.70(95%CI 0.52-0.95),P=0.020],respectively.The median OS was also significantly longer in the Hepatectomy-TACE group than in the Hepatectomy Alone group[44.29 months(95%CI 25.99-62.58)vs.22.37 months(95%CI 10.84-33.91),HR=0.68(95%CI 0.48-0.97),P=0.029].Treatment-related adverse events were more frequently observed in the Hepatectomy-TACE group,although these were generally mild and manageable.The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events in both groups were neutropenia and liver dysfunction.Conclusion:Hepatectomy followed by adjuvant TACE is an appropriate option after radical resection in HCC patients with solitary tumor≥5 cm and MVI,with acceptable toxicity.展开更多
Background Understanding the characteristics of Chinese dialysis patients and the current practice trends is the first step to evaluate the association between practice pattern and outcome in these populations. In the...Background Understanding the characteristics of Chinese dialysis patients and the current practice trends is the first step to evaluate the association between practice pattern and outcome in these populations. In the present study, we evaluated the status of medical treatment and characteristic features of chronic dialysis patients in China. Methods Through a clustering sampling, we selected 9 centers from the largest dialysis facilities in 6 cities around China. All adult undergoing dialysis in the selected units were screened. A total of 2388 （1775 on hemodialysis （HD） and 613 on peritoneal dialysis （PD）） patients were finally enrolled. All data were collected at enrollment on the bases of review of medical records. Results In this cohort, 1313 （55.0%） were male. The mean age was 54 years old. The median time for dialysis was 26 months （12-51 months）. Seventy-five percent of patients were on HD and 25.0% on PD. Among PD patients, about 21% patients did not receive dialysis adequacy. For HD patients, about 14.0% of them did not achieve dialysis adequacy when the target of kt/V was set as 1.2. Only 44.7% of patients achieved blood pressure target of 140/90 mmHg. About 60% of patients did not reach the hemoglobin target of 110 g/L even though 85.0% of them were treated with erythropoietin. In addition, 48.5% of the patients had uncontrolled mineral metabolism revealed by the high calcium-phosphate product. Compared with HD patients, higher level of serum glucose, triglyceride, and total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were more common in PD patients. Conclusions This observational study suggests that many Chinese dialysis patients did not achieve the therapeutic target, particularly in blood pressure control, anemia correction, and mineral balance. PD patients were more likely to suffer metabolic disturbance.展开更多
Background： With the progress ofperinatal medicine and neonatal technology, more and more extremely low birth weight （ELBW） survived all over the world. This study was designed to investigate the short-term ontcome...Background： With the progress ofperinatal medicine and neonatal technology, more and more extremely low birth weight （ELBW） survived all over the world. This study was designed to investigate the short-term ontcomes of ELBW infants during their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit （NICU） stay in the mainland of China. Methods： All infants admitted to 26 NICUs with a birth weight （BW） 〈1000 g were included between January 1,2011 and December 31,2011. All the data were collected retrospectively from clinical records by a prospectively designed questionnaire. The data collected from each NICU transmitted to the main institution where the results were aggregated and analyzed. Categorical variables were performed with Pearson Chi-square test. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to detect risk factors. Results： A total of 258 ELBW infants were admitted to 26 NICUs, of whom the mean gestational age （GA） was 28.1 ± 2.2 weeks, and the mean BW was 868 ± 97 g. The overall survival rate at discharge was 50.0%. Despite aggressive treatment 60 infants （23.3%） died and another 69 infants （26.7%） died after medical care withdrawal. Furthermore, the survival rate was significantly higher in coastal areas than inland areas （53.6% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.019）. BW 〈750 g and GA 〈28 weeks were the largest risk factors, and being small for gestational age was a protective factor related to mortality. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most common complication. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity was 26.2%, 33.7%, 6.7%, 48.1%, and 41.4%, respectively. Ventilator associated pneumonia was the most common hospital acquired infection during hospitalization. Conclusions： Our study was the first survey that revealed the present status of ELBW infants in the mainland of China. The mortality and morbidity of ELBW infants remained high as compared to other developed countries.展开更多
The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab with modified irinotecan,leucovorin bolus,and 5-fluorouracil intravenous infusion(mIFL) in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC) has not been well evalua...The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab with modified irinotecan,leucovorin bolus,and 5-fluorouracil intravenous infusion(mIFL) in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC) has not been well evaluated in randomized clinical trials in Chinese patients.We conducted a phrase Ⅲ trial in which patients with previously untreated mCRC were randomized 2:1 to the mIFL [irinotecan(125 mg/m2),leucovorin(20 mg/m2) bolus,and 5-fluorouracil intravenous infusion(500 mg/m2) weekly for four weeks every six weeks] plus bevacizumab(5 mg/kg every two weeks) group and the mIFL group,respectively.Co-primary objectives were progression-free survival(PFS) and 6-month PFS rate.In total,214 patients were enrolled.Our results showed that addition of bevacizumab to mIFL significantly improved median PFS(4.2 months in the mIFL group vs.8.3 months in the bevacizumab plus mIFL group,P < 0.001),6-month PFS rate(25.0% vs.62.6%,P < 0.001),median overall survival(13.4 months vs.18.7 months,P = 0.014),and response rate(17% vs.35%,P = 0.013).Grades 3 and 4 adverse events included diarrhea(21% in the mIFL group and 26% in the bevacizumab plus mIFL group) and neutropenia(19% in the mIFL group and 33% in the bevacizumab plus mIFL group).No wound-healing complications or congestive heart failure occurred.Our results suggested that bevacizumab plus mIFL is effective and well tolerated as first-line treatment for Chinese patients with mCRC.Clinical benefit and safety profiles were consistent with those observed in pivotal phase Ⅲ trials with mainly Caucasian patients.展开更多
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition repre...Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition represents the mechanism of action of Deferoxamine on spinal cord injury recovery. A rat model of Deferoxamine at thoracic 10 segment was established using a modified Allen's method. Ninety 8-week-old female Wistar rats were used. Rats in the Deferoxamine group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Deferoxamine 30 minutes before injury. Simultaneously, the Sham and Deferoxamine groups served as controls. Drug administration was conducted for 7 consecutive days. The results were as follows:(1) Electron microscopy revealed shrunken mitochondria in the spinal cord injury group.(2) The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score showed that recovery of the hindlimb was remarkably better in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group.(3) The iron concentration was lower in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group after injury.(4) Western blot assay revealed that, compared with the spinal cord injury group, GPX4, xCT, and glutathione expression was markedly increased in the Deferoxamine group.(5) Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that, compared with the Deferoxamine group, mRNA levels of ferroptosis-related genes Acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2(ACSF2) and iron-responsive element-binding protein 2(IREB2) were up-regulated in the Deferoxamine group.(6) Deferoxamine increased survival of neurons and inhibited gliosis. These findings confirm that Deferoxamine can repair spinal cord injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Targeting ferroptosis is therefore a promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury.展开更多
Using Landsat TM data of 1988, 1998 and 2001, the dynamic process of the spatial-temporal characteristics of land use changes during 13 years from 1988 to 2001 in the special economic zone of Xiamen, China was analyze...Using Landsat TM data of 1988, 1998 and 2001, the dynamic process of the spatial-temporal characteristics of land use changes during 13 years from 1988 to 2001 in the special economic zone of Xiamen, China was analyzed to improve understanding and to find the driving forces of land use change so that sustainable land utilization could be practiced. During the 13 years cropland decreased remarkably by nearly 11304.95 ha. The areas of rural-urban construction and water body increased by 10 152.24 ha and 848.94 ha, respectively. From 1988 to 2001, 52.5% of the lost cropland was converted into rural-urban industrial land. Rapid urbanization contributed to a great change in the rate of cropland land use during these years. Land-reclamation also contributed to a decrease in water body area as well as marine ecological and environmental destruction. In the study area 1) urbanization and industrialization, 2) infrastructure and agricultural intensification, 3) increased affluence of the farming community, and 4) policy factors have driven the land use changes. Possible sustainable land use measures included construction of a land management system, land planning, development of potential land resources, new technology applications, and marine ecological and environmental protection.展开更多
Background Previous studies reported interleukin-27 （IL-27）, interferon-y （IFN-γ）, or adenosine deaminase （ADA） alone plays a helpful role in diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion （TPE）. The present study a...Background Previous studies reported interleukin-27 （IL-27）, interferon-y （IFN-γ）, or adenosine deaminase （ADA） alone plays a helpful role in diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion （TPE）. The present study aims at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of pleural IL-27, IFN-γ, and ADA, and investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of IL-27, IFN-γ, or/ and ADA for differentiating TPE from pleural effusions with the other etiologies. Methods The concentrations of IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA were simultaneously determined in pleural fluids and sera from 40 patients with TPE; 26 with malignant pleural effusion, seven with infectious pleural effusion, and eight with transudative pleural effusion by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method. The corresponding biochemical indexs were also simultaneously determined. Results The concentrations of pleural IL-27 and IFN-γ in the tuberculous group were significantly higher than those in the malignant, infectious, and transudative groups. The concentrations of ADA in TPE were significantly higher than those in MPE or transudative effusions, while much lower than those in infectious effusions. Among these three biomarkers, IL- 27 was the most effective for TPE diagnosis, with the cut off value of 900.8 ng/L. IL-27 had a high sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 97.6% for differential diagnosis of TPE from non-TPEs. Combinations of IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA measurements further increased the sensitivity or specificity up to 100%. Conclusions Compared to non-TPEs, IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA all simultaneously increased in TPE; and among these three rapid detection methods, IL-27 appeared to be the best for distinguishing tuberculous from non-TPEs, especially from MPE. Combinations of the three markers （IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA） yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity. These findings suggest that the applications of a new biomarker, IL-27, alone or with IFN-γ and ADA, may contribute to more efficient diagnosis strategies in the management 展开更多
Background Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach （HAS） is a rare type of gastric carcinoma, which has its unique clinicopathological features and poorer prognosis than that of the ordinary gastric adenocarcinoma. A...Background Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach （HAS） is a rare type of gastric carcinoma, which has its unique clinicopathological features and poorer prognosis than that of the ordinary gastric adenocarcinoma. At present, there is still a lack of understanding about this disease. The current study aimed to summarize and discuss the clinical,pathological, immunohistochemical, and prognostic features of this disease.Methods A total of 20 patients of HAS were retrospectively studied. All the patients were treated in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between March 1998 and October 2009. Statistical analysis, including the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and Cox model, were performed by the SPSS 15.0 software.Results Seventeen patients （85%） had at least 1 lymph node metastases; 17 patients （85%） received postoperative immunohistochemical examinations, with an alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） positive rate of 94.1% （16/17）; 14 patients had distant metastases （including 12 liver metastases, 1 lung metastasis, and 1 celiac widespread metastases）, and one simultaneously had anastomotic recurrence and liver metastases. The overall survival time was 2-99 months （median：12.0 months）. The 3-year survival rate of the 20 patients was 17.2%. The 3-year survival rate of patients with complete hepatocyte-like regions and those with both hepatocellular carcinoma and adenocarcinoma regions was 20.0% and 17.5%, respectively （P=0.361）. The survival difference among the radical surgery group, palliative surgery group and no surgery group was statistically significant （P=0.022）. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test showed that surgery,pTNM stages, and adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with prognosis （P 〈0.05）. The Cox model only confirmed that the pTNM stages and adjuvant chemotherapy had statistical significance for the prognosis of HAS （P〈0.05） due to the limited cases.Conclusions HAS is a special type of gastric carcinoma and has a poor prognosis. The pTNM展开更多
The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST, also called the Guo Shou Jing Telescope) is a special reflecting Schmidt telescope. LAMOST’s special design allows both a large aperture (effecti...The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST, also called the Guo Shou Jing Telescope) is a special reflecting Schmidt telescope. LAMOST’s special design allows both a large aperture (effective aperture of 3.6 m–4.9 m) and a wide field of view (FOV) (5°). It has an innovative active reflecting Schmidt configuration which continuously changes the mirror’s surface that adjusts during the observation process and combines thin deformable mirror active optics with segmented active optics. Its primary mirror (6.67m×6.05 m) and active Schmidt mirror (5.74m×4.40 m) are both segmented, and composed of 37 and 24 hexagonal sub-mirrors respectively. By using a parallel controllable fiber positioning technique, the focal surface of 1.75 m in diameter can accommodate 4000 optical fibers. Also, LAMOST has 16 spectrographs with 32 CCD cameras. LAMOST will be the telescope with the highest rate of spectral acquisition. As a national large scientific project, the LAMOST project was formally proposed in 1996, and approved by the Chinese government in 1997. The construction started in 2001, was completed in 2008 and passed the official acceptance in June 2009. The LAMOST pilot survey was started in October 2011 and the spectroscopic survey will launch in September 2012. Up to now, LAMOST has released more than 480 000 spectra of objects. LAMOST will make an important contribution to the study of the large-scale structure of the Universe, structure and evolution of the Galaxy, and cross-identification of multiwaveband properties in celestial objects.展开更多
文摘The genome sequence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-associated virus provides essential information for the identification of pathogen(s), exploration of etiology and evolution, interpretation of transmission and pathogenesis, development of diagnostics, prevention by future vaccination, and treatment by developing new drugs. We report the complete genome sequence and comparative analysis of an isolate (BJ01) of the coronavirus that has been recognized as a pathogen for SARS. The genome is 29725 nt in size and has 11 ORFs (Open Reading Frames). It is composed of a stable region encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (composed of 2 ORFs) and a variable region representing 4 CDSs (coding sequences) for viral structural genes (the S, E, M, N proteins) and 5 PUPs (putative uncharacterized proteins). Its gene order is identical to that of other known coronaviruses. The sequence alignment with all known RNA viruses places this virus as a member in the family of Coronaviridae. Thirty putative substitutions have been identified by comparative analysis of the 5 SARS- associated virus genome sequences in GenBank. Fifteen of them lead to possible amino acid changes (non-synonymous mutations) in the proteins. Three amino acid changes, with predicted alteration of physical and chemical features, have been detected in the S protein that is postulated to beinvolved in the immunoreactions between the virus and its host. Two amino acid changes have been detected in the Mprotein, which could be related to viral envelope formation. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the possibility of non-human origin of the SARS-associated viruses but provides noevidence that they are man-made. Further efforts should focus on identifying the etiology of the SARS-associated virus and ruling out conclusively the existence of otherpossible SARS-related pathogen(s).
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No 30271276
文摘AIM:To explore the expression of heparanase gene, CD44v6,MMP-7 and nm23 proteins in human gastric carcinoma as well as their relationship with the dinicopathological factors.METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the expressions of heparanase mRNA in 43 human gastric carcinomas and 10 adjacent normal gastric tissues. Streptavidin-peroxidase (S-P) two step method was used to measure the immunohistochemical expression of CD44v6,MMP-7 and nm23protein in 43 human gastric carcinomas.RESULTS:The expression of heparanase gene was positivein 29 cases of gastric cancer with a positive rate of 67.4%,which was significantly higher than those in adjacent normal gastric tissues (P<0.05).The heparanase mRNA expression was significantly related to advanced stage of disease, serosal infitration,lymph node metastasis and size of tumors (P<0.05),but not related to tumor location, gross and histological types of the cancer, peritoneal dissemination and liver metastasis(P>0.05).The positive rate of CD44v6,nm23 and MMP-7 proteins was 76.7%,37.2% and 60.5%,respectively.The CD44v6 protein expression was significantly related to serosal infiltration,lymph node metastasis and TNM stage of disease(P<0.05).The nm23 protein expression was significantly related to the tumor gross appearance,lymph node and peritoneal metastasis (P<0.05).The MMP-7 protein expression was significantly related to serosal infiltration and TNM stage of disease (P<0.05).In an attempt to measure the association between these agents, we found that the expression of heparanase mRNA had significantly negative correlation with the expression of CD44v6 and MMP-7 protein (P<0.05), the expression of MMP-7 protein had significantly positive correlation with the expression of CD44v6 protein (r=0.568, P<0.05), the expression of MMP-7 protein had no correlation with the expression of nm23 protein (P>0.05),and the expression of nm23 protein had no correlation with the expression of CD44v6 protein (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Despite their
基金Supported by a Grant from Guangzhou Health Bureau Project, No. 2004-Z001
文摘AIM: To investigate the population-based prevalence of fatty liver disease (FLD) and its risk factors in Guangdong Province,China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey with multiple-stage stratified cluster and random sampling of inhabitants over 7-year-old was performed in 6 urban and rural areas of Guangdong Province,China. Questionnaires,designed by co-working of epidemiologists and hepatologists,included demographic characteristics,current medication use,medical history and health-relevant behaviors,i.e. alcohol consumption,smoking habits,dietary habits and physical activities. Anthropometric measurements,biochemical tests and abdominal ultrasonography were carried out. RESULTS: Among the 3543 subjects,609 (17.2%) were diagnosed having FLD (18.0% males,16.7% females,P > 0.05). Among them,the prevalence of confirmed alcoholic liver disease (ALD),suspected ALD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were 0.4%,1.8%,and 15.0%,respectively. The prevalence rate (23.0%) was significantly higher in urban areas than (12.9%) in rural areas. After adjustment for age,gender and residency,the standardized prevalence of FLD in adults was 14.5%. Among them,confirmed ALD,suspected ALD and NAFLD were 0.5%,2.3%,and 11.7%,respectively,in adults and 1.3% (all NAFLD) in children at the age of 7-18 years. The overall prevalence of FLD increased with age in both genders to the peak of 27.4% in the group of subjects at the age of 60-70 years. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in men than in women under the age of 50 years (22.4% vs 7.1%,P < 0.001). However,the opposite phenomenon was found over the age of 50 years (20.6% vs 27.6%,P < 0.05). Multivariate and logistic regression analysis indicated that male gender,urban residency,low education,high blood pressure,body mass index,waist circumference,waist to hip ratio,serum triglyceride and glucose levels were the risk factors for FLD. CONCLUSION: FLD,especially NAFLD,is prevalent in South China. There are many risk factors for FLD.
文摘In order to further promote the standardization of diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor （GIST） in China, the members of Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology （CSCO） Expert Committee on GIST thoroughly discussed the key contents of the consensus guidelines, and voted on the controversial issue. In final, the Chinese consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of GIST （2017 edition） was formed on the basis of 2013 edition consensus guidelines, which is hereby announced. The consensus included the pathological diagnosis, recurrence risk classification evaluation, targeted agent therapy, surgery and principles of surveillance of GIST.
基金Supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China,No.81672343 and No.81372341Guangdong Province Natural Science Fund of China,No.2014A030310111Guangdong Science and Technology Plan Project of China,No.2013B021800131and No.201604020003
文摘AIM To investigate the clinical significance of preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index(SII) in patients with colorectal cancer(CRC). METHODS A retrospective analysis of 1383 cases with CRC was performed following radical surgery. SII was calculated with the formula SII =(P × N)/L, where P, N, and L refer to peripheral platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, respectively. The clinicopathological features and follow-up data were evaluated to compare SII with other systemic inflammation-based prognostic indices such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR) in patients with CRC.RESULTS The optimal cut-off point for SII was defined as 340. The overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) were better in patients with low NLR, PLR, and SII(P < 0.05). The SII was an independent predictor of OS and DFS in multivariate analysis. The area under the receiver-operating characteristics(ROC) curve for SII(0.707) was larger than those for NLR(0.602) and PLR(0.566). In contrast to NLR and PLR, SII could effectively discriminate between the TNM subgroups. CONCLUSION SII is a more powerful tool for predicting survival outcome in patients with CRC. It might assist the identification of high-risk patients among patients with the same TNM stage.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81172037)Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province,China(No.2013B021800159)Clinical Trials Project(308 Project)of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center(No.308-2015-014).
文摘Background:The optimal strategy for adjuvant therapy after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients with solitary tumor and microvascular invasion(MVI)is controversial.This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)after hepatectomy versus hepatectomy alone in HCC patients with a solitary tumor≥5 cm and MVI.Methods:In this randomized,open-labeled,phase III trial,HCC patients with a solitary tumor≥5 cm and MVI were randomly assigned(1:1)to receive either 1-2 cycles of adjuvant TACE after hepatectomy(Hepatectomy-TACE)or hepatectomy alone(Hepatectomy Alone).The primary endpoint was disease-free survival(DFS);the secondary end-points included overall survival(OS)and adverse events.Results:Between June 1,2009,and December 31,2012,250 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the Hepatectomy-TACE group(n=125)or the Hepatectomy Alone group(n=125).Clinicopathological characteristics were balanced between the two groups.The median follow-up time from randomization was 37.5 months[interquartile range 18.3-48.2 months].The median DFS was significantly longer in the Hepatectomy-TACE group than in the Hepatectomy Alone group[17.45 months(95%confidence interval[CI]11.99-29.14)vs.9.27 months(95%CI 6.05-13.70),hazard ratio[HR]=0.70(95%CI 0.52-0.95),P=0.020],respectively.The median OS was also significantly longer in the Hepatectomy-TACE group than in the Hepatectomy Alone group[44.29 months(95%CI 25.99-62.58)vs.22.37 months(95%CI 10.84-33.91),HR=0.68(95%CI 0.48-0.97),P=0.029].Treatment-related adverse events were more frequently observed in the Hepatectomy-TACE group,although these were generally mild and manageable.The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events in both groups were neutropenia and liver dysfunction.Conclusion:Hepatectomy followed by adjuvant TACE is an appropriate option after radical resection in HCC patients with solitary tumor≥5 cm and MVI,with acceptable toxicity.
基金This work was supported by the grants from the National 973 Program （No. 2012CB517703 and No. 2011CB504005）, the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. U0932002）, and the Public Welfare and Health Sector Research Project （No. 201002010）.
文摘Background Understanding the characteristics of Chinese dialysis patients and the current practice trends is the first step to evaluate the association between practice pattern and outcome in these populations. In the present study, we evaluated the status of medical treatment and characteristic features of chronic dialysis patients in China. Methods Through a clustering sampling, we selected 9 centers from the largest dialysis facilities in 6 cities around China. All adult undergoing dialysis in the selected units were screened. A total of 2388 （1775 on hemodialysis （HD） and 613 on peritoneal dialysis （PD）） patients were finally enrolled. All data were collected at enrollment on the bases of review of medical records. Results In this cohort, 1313 （55.0%） were male. The mean age was 54 years old. The median time for dialysis was 26 months （12-51 months）. Seventy-five percent of patients were on HD and 25.0% on PD. Among PD patients, about 21% patients did not receive dialysis adequacy. For HD patients, about 14.0% of them did not achieve dialysis adequacy when the target of kt/V was set as 1.2. Only 44.7% of patients achieved blood pressure target of 140/90 mmHg. About 60% of patients did not reach the hemoglobin target of 110 g/L even though 85.0% of them were treated with erythropoietin. In addition, 48.5% of the patients had uncontrolled mineral metabolism revealed by the high calcium-phosphate product. Compared with HD patients, higher level of serum glucose, triglyceride, and total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were more common in PD patients. Conclusions This observational study suggests that many Chinese dialysis patients did not achieve the therapeutic target, particularly in blood pressure control, anemia correction, and mineral balance. PD patients were more likely to suffer metabolic disturbance.
文摘Background： With the progress ofperinatal medicine and neonatal technology, more and more extremely low birth weight （ELBW） survived all over the world. This study was designed to investigate the short-term ontcomes of ELBW infants during their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit （NICU） stay in the mainland of China. Methods： All infants admitted to 26 NICUs with a birth weight （BW） 〈1000 g were included between January 1,2011 and December 31,2011. All the data were collected retrospectively from clinical records by a prospectively designed questionnaire. The data collected from each NICU transmitted to the main institution where the results were aggregated and analyzed. Categorical variables were performed with Pearson Chi-square test. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to detect risk factors. Results： A total of 258 ELBW infants were admitted to 26 NICUs, of whom the mean gestational age （GA） was 28.1 ± 2.2 weeks, and the mean BW was 868 ± 97 g. The overall survival rate at discharge was 50.0%. Despite aggressive treatment 60 infants （23.3%） died and another 69 infants （26.7%） died after medical care withdrawal. Furthermore, the survival rate was significantly higher in coastal areas than inland areas （53.6% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.019）. BW 〈750 g and GA 〈28 weeks were the largest risk factors, and being small for gestational age was a protective factor related to mortality. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most common complication. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity was 26.2%, 33.7%, 6.7%, 48.1%, and 41.4%, respectively. Ventilator associated pneumonia was the most common hospital acquired infection during hospitalization. Conclusions： Our study was the first survey that revealed the present status of ELBW infants in the mainland of China. The mortality and morbidity of ELBW infants remained high as compared to other developed countries.
文摘The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab with modified irinotecan,leucovorin bolus,and 5-fluorouracil intravenous infusion(mIFL) in the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC) has not been well evaluated in randomized clinical trials in Chinese patients.We conducted a phrase Ⅲ trial in which patients with previously untreated mCRC were randomized 2:1 to the mIFL [irinotecan(125 mg/m2),leucovorin(20 mg/m2) bolus,and 5-fluorouracil intravenous infusion(500 mg/m2) weekly for four weeks every six weeks] plus bevacizumab(5 mg/kg every two weeks) group and the mIFL group,respectively.Co-primary objectives were progression-free survival(PFS) and 6-month PFS rate.In total,214 patients were enrolled.Our results showed that addition of bevacizumab to mIFL significantly improved median PFS(4.2 months in the mIFL group vs.8.3 months in the bevacizumab plus mIFL group,P < 0.001),6-month PFS rate(25.0% vs.62.6%,P < 0.001),median overall survival(13.4 months vs.18.7 months,P = 0.014),and response rate(17% vs.35%,P = 0.013).Grades 3 and 4 adverse events included diarrhea(21% in the mIFL group and 26% in the bevacizumab plus mIFL group) and neutropenia(19% in the mIFL group and 33% in the bevacizumab plus mIFL group).No wound-healing complications or congestive heart failure occurred.Our results suggested that bevacizumab plus mIFL is effective and well tolerated as first-line treatment for Chinese patients with mCRC.Clinical benefit and safety profiles were consistent with those observed in pivotal phase Ⅲ trials with mainly Caucasian patients.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81672171(to XY),81330042(to SQF),81620108018(to SQF),81772342the State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology(Nankai University),China,No.2017027
文摘Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent novel cell death pathway. Deferoxamine, a ferroptosis inhibitor, has been reported to promote spinal cord injury repair. It has yet to be clarified whether ferroptosis inhibition represents the mechanism of action of Deferoxamine on spinal cord injury recovery. A rat model of Deferoxamine at thoracic 10 segment was established using a modified Allen's method. Ninety 8-week-old female Wistar rats were used. Rats in the Deferoxamine group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg Deferoxamine 30 minutes before injury. Simultaneously, the Sham and Deferoxamine groups served as controls. Drug administration was conducted for 7 consecutive days. The results were as follows:(1) Electron microscopy revealed shrunken mitochondria in the spinal cord injury group.(2) The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating score showed that recovery of the hindlimb was remarkably better in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group.(3) The iron concentration was lower in the Deferoxamine group than in the spinal cord injury group after injury.(4) Western blot assay revealed that, compared with the spinal cord injury group, GPX4, xCT, and glutathione expression was markedly increased in the Deferoxamine group.(5) Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that, compared with the Deferoxamine group, mRNA levels of ferroptosis-related genes Acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2(ACSF2) and iron-responsive element-binding protein 2(IREB2) were up-regulated in the Deferoxamine group.(6) Deferoxamine increased survival of neurons and inhibited gliosis. These findings confirm that Deferoxamine can repair spinal cord injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Targeting ferroptosis is therefore a promising therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury.
基金Project supported by the Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (No. D0210010).
文摘Using Landsat TM data of 1988, 1998 and 2001, the dynamic process of the spatial-temporal characteristics of land use changes during 13 years from 1988 to 2001 in the special economic zone of Xiamen, China was analyzed to improve understanding and to find the driving forces of land use change so that sustainable land utilization could be practiced. During the 13 years cropland decreased remarkably by nearly 11304.95 ha. The areas of rural-urban construction and water body increased by 10 152.24 ha and 848.94 ha, respectively. From 1988 to 2001, 52.5% of the lost cropland was converted into rural-urban industrial land. Rapid urbanization contributed to a great change in the rate of cropland land use during these years. Land-reclamation also contributed to a decrease in water body area as well as marine ecological and environmental destruction. In the study area 1) urbanization and industrialization, 2) infrastructure and agricultural intensification, 3) increased affluence of the farming community, and 4) policy factors have driven the land use changes. Possible sustainable land use measures included construction of a land management system, land planning, development of potential land resources, new technology applications, and marine ecological and environmental protection.
基金This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China，Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (No.0728137).The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists
文摘Background Previous studies reported interleukin-27 （IL-27）, interferon-y （IFN-γ）, or adenosine deaminase （ADA） alone plays a helpful role in diagnosing tuberculous pleural effusion （TPE）. The present study aims at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of pleural IL-27, IFN-γ, and ADA, and investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of IL-27, IFN-γ, or/ and ADA for differentiating TPE from pleural effusions with the other etiologies. Methods The concentrations of IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA were simultaneously determined in pleural fluids and sera from 40 patients with TPE; 26 with malignant pleural effusion, seven with infectious pleural effusion, and eight with transudative pleural effusion by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric method. The corresponding biochemical indexs were also simultaneously determined. Results The concentrations of pleural IL-27 and IFN-γ in the tuberculous group were significantly higher than those in the malignant, infectious, and transudative groups. The concentrations of ADA in TPE were significantly higher than those in MPE or transudative effusions, while much lower than those in infectious effusions. Among these three biomarkers, IL- 27 was the most effective for TPE diagnosis, with the cut off value of 900.8 ng/L. IL-27 had a high sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 97.6% for differential diagnosis of TPE from non-TPEs. Combinations of IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA measurements further increased the sensitivity or specificity up to 100%. Conclusions Compared to non-TPEs, IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA all simultaneously increased in TPE; and among these three rapid detection methods, IL-27 appeared to be the best for distinguishing tuberculous from non-TPEs, especially from MPE. Combinations of the three markers （IL-27, IFN-γ and ADA） yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity. These findings suggest that the applications of a new biomarker, IL-27, alone or with IFN-γ and ADA, may contribute to more efficient diagnosis strategies in the management
文摘Background Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach （HAS） is a rare type of gastric carcinoma, which has its unique clinicopathological features and poorer prognosis than that of the ordinary gastric adenocarcinoma. At present, there is still a lack of understanding about this disease. The current study aimed to summarize and discuss the clinical,pathological, immunohistochemical, and prognostic features of this disease.Methods A total of 20 patients of HAS were retrospectively studied. All the patients were treated in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between March 1998 and October 2009. Statistical analysis, including the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test and Cox model, were performed by the SPSS 15.0 software.Results Seventeen patients （85%） had at least 1 lymph node metastases; 17 patients （85%） received postoperative immunohistochemical examinations, with an alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） positive rate of 94.1% （16/17）; 14 patients had distant metastases （including 12 liver metastases, 1 lung metastasis, and 1 celiac widespread metastases）, and one simultaneously had anastomotic recurrence and liver metastases. The overall survival time was 2-99 months （median：12.0 months）. The 3-year survival rate of the 20 patients was 17.2%. The 3-year survival rate of patients with complete hepatocyte-like regions and those with both hepatocellular carcinoma and adenocarcinoma regions was 20.0% and 17.5%, respectively （P=0.361）. The survival difference among the radical surgery group, palliative surgery group and no surgery group was statistically significant （P=0.022）. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test showed that surgery,pTNM stages, and adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with prognosis （P 〈0.05）. The Cox model only confirmed that the pTNM stages and adjuvant chemotherapy had statistical significance for the prognosis of HAS （P〈0.05） due to the limited cases.Conclusions HAS is a special type of gastric carcinoma and has a poor prognosis. The pTNM
文摘The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST, also called the Guo Shou Jing Telescope) is a special reflecting Schmidt telescope. LAMOST’s special design allows both a large aperture (effective aperture of 3.6 m–4.9 m) and a wide field of view (FOV) (5°). It has an innovative active reflecting Schmidt configuration which continuously changes the mirror’s surface that adjusts during the observation process and combines thin deformable mirror active optics with segmented active optics. Its primary mirror (6.67m×6.05 m) and active Schmidt mirror (5.74m×4.40 m) are both segmented, and composed of 37 and 24 hexagonal sub-mirrors respectively. By using a parallel controllable fiber positioning technique, the focal surface of 1.75 m in diameter can accommodate 4000 optical fibers. Also, LAMOST has 16 spectrographs with 32 CCD cameras. LAMOST will be the telescope with the highest rate of spectral acquisition. As a national large scientific project, the LAMOST project was formally proposed in 1996, and approved by the Chinese government in 1997. The construction started in 2001, was completed in 2008 and passed the official acceptance in June 2009. The LAMOST pilot survey was started in October 2011 and the spectroscopic survey will launch in September 2012. Up to now, LAMOST has released more than 480 000 spectra of objects. LAMOST will make an important contribution to the study of the large-scale structure of the Universe, structure and evolution of the Galaxy, and cross-identification of multiwaveband properties in celestial objects.
