The primary pattern of the late Cenozoic to the present tectonic deformation of China is characterized by relative movements and interactions of tectonic blocks. Active tectonic blocks are geological units that have b...The primary pattern of the late Cenozoic to the present tectonic deformation of China is characterized by relative movements and interactions of tectonic blocks. Active tectonic blocks are geological units that have been separated from each other by active tectonic zones. Boundaries between blocks are the highest gradient of differential movement. Most of tectonic activity occurs on boundaries of the blocks. Earthquakes are results of abrupt releases of accumulated strain energy that reaches the threshold of strength of the earth's crust. Boundaries of tectonic blocks are the locations of most discontinuous deformation and highest gradient of stress accumulation, thus are the most likely places for strain energy accumulation and releases, and in turn, devastating earthquakes. Almost all earthquakes of magnitude greater than 8 and 80%-90% of earthquakes of magnitude over 7 occur along boundaries of active tectonic blocks. This fact indicates that differential movements and interactions of active tectonic blocks are the primary mechanism for the occurrences of devastating earthquakes.展开更多
Thirty years ago,Coullet et al.proposed that a special optical field exists in laser cavities bearing some analogy with the superfluid vortex.Since then,optical vortices have been widely studied,inspired by the hydrod...Thirty years ago,Coullet et al.proposed that a special optical field exists in laser cavities bearing some analogy with the superfluid vortex.Since then,optical vortices have been widely studied,inspired by the hydrodynamics sharing similar mathematics.Akin to a fluid vortex with a central flow singularity,an optical vortex beam has a phase singularity with a certain topological charge,giving rise to a hollow intensity distribution.Such a beam with helical phase fronts and orbital angular momentum reveals a subtle connection between macroscopic physical optics and microscopic quantum optics.These amazing properties provide a new understanding of a wide range of optical and physical phenomena,including twisting photons,spin–orbital interactions,Bose-Einstein condensates,etc.,while the associated technologies for manipulating optical vortices have become increasingly tunable and flexible.Hitherto,owing to these salient properties and optical manipulation technologies,tunable vortex beams have engendered tremendous advanced applications such as optical tweezers,high-order quantum entanglement,and nonlinear optics.This article reviews the recent progress in tunable vortex technologies along with their advanced applications.展开更多
High rates of fertilizer nitrogen (N) are applied in greenhouse vegetable fields in southeastern China to maximize production;however,the N budgets of such intensive vegetable production remain to be explored.The goal...High rates of fertilizer nitrogen (N) are applied in greenhouse vegetable fields in southeastern China to maximize production;however,the N budgets of such intensive vegetable production remain to be explored.The goal of this study was to determine the annual N balance and loss in a greenhouse vegetable system of annual rotation of tomato,cucumber,and celery at five N (urea) application rates (0,348,522,696,and 870 kg N ha-1 year-1).Total N input to the 0-50 cm soil layer ranged from 531 to 1 053 kg ha-1,and N fertilizer was the main N source,accounting for 66%-83% of the total annual N input.In comparison,irrigation water,wet deposition,and seeds in total accounted for less than 1% of the total N input.The fertilizer N use efficiency was only 18% under the conventional application rate of 870 kg N ha-1 and decreased as the application rate increased from 522 to 870 kg N ha-1.Apparent N losses were 196-201 kg N ha-1,of which 71%-86% was lost by leaching at the application rates of 522-870 kg N ha-1.Thus,leaching was the primary N loss pathway at high N application rates and the amount of N leached was proportional to the N applied during the cucumber season.Moreover,dissolved organic N accounted for 10% of the leached N,whereas NH3 volatilization only contributed 0.1%-0.6% of the apparent N losses under the five N application rates in this greenhouse vegetable system.展开更多
AIM:To compare the effect of endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL)with that of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy(EIS)in the treatment of patients withesophageal variceal bleeding.METHODS:We performed a systematic literat...AIM:To compare the effect of endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL)with that of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy(EIS)in the treatment of patients withesophageal variceal bleeding.METHODS:We performed a systematic literature search of multiple online electronic databases.Metaanalysis was conducted to evaluate risk ratio(RR)and95%confidence interval(CI)of combined studies for the treatment of patients with esophageal variceal bleeding between EVL and EIS.RESULTS:Fourteen studies comprising 1236 patients were included in the meta-analysis.The rebleeding rate in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly lower than that in the EIS group(RR=0.68,95%CI:0.57-0.81).The variceal eradication rate in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly higher than that in the EIS group(RR=1.06,95%CI:1.01-1.12).There was no significant difference about mortality rate between the EVL group and EIS group(RR=0.95,95%CI:0.77-1.17).The rate of complications in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly lower than that in the EIS group(RR=0.28,95%CI:0.13-0.58).CONCLUSION:Our meta-analysis has found that EVL is better than EIS in terms of the lower rates of rebleeding,complications,and the higher rate of variceal eradication.Therefore,EVL is the first choice for esophageal variceal bleeding.展开更多
Background Fluid therapy for severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） should not only resolve deficiency of blood volume, but also prevent fluid sequestration in acute response stage. Up to date, there has not a strategy for...Background Fluid therapy for severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） should not only resolve deficiency of blood volume, but also prevent fluid sequestration in acute response stage. Up to date, there has not a strategy for fluid therapy dedicated to SAP. So, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of fluid therapy treatment on prognosis of SAP. Methods Seventy-six patients were admitted prospectively according to the criteria within 72 hours of SAP onset. They were randomly assigned to a rapid fluid expansion group （Group I, n=36） and a controlled fluid expansion group （Group II n=-40）. Hemodynamic disorders were either quickly （fluid infusion rate was 10-15 ml.kg-1-h-1, Group I） or gradually improved （fluid infusion rate was 5-10 ml-kg1.h-1, Group II） through controlling the rate of fluid infusion. Parameters of fluid expansion, blood lactate concentration were obtained when meeting the criteria for fluid expansion. And APACHE II scores were obtained serially for 72 hours. Rate of mechanical ventilation, incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome （ACS）, sepsis, and survival rate were obtained. Results The two groups had statistically different （P 〈0.05） time intervals to meet fluid expansion criteria （Group I, 13.5±6.6 hours; Group II, （24.0±5.4） hours）. Blood lactate concentrations were both remarkably lower as compared to the level upon admission （P 〈0.05） and reached the normal level in both groups upon treatment. It was only at day 1 that hematocrit was significantly lower in Group I （35.6%±6.8%） than in Group II （38.5%±5.4%） （P〈0.01）. Amount of crystalloid and colloid in group I （（4028±1980）ml and （1336±816）ml） on admission day was more than those of group II （（2472±1871）ml and （970±633）ml）. No significant difference was found in the total amount of fluids within four days of admission between the two groups （P〉0.05）. Total amount of fluid sequestration within 4 days was higher in Group I （（5378±2751）ml�展开更多
Cereal straw is one of the most abundant biomass burned in China but its contribution to fine particulates is not adequately understood. In this study, three main kinds of cereal straws were collected from five grain ...Cereal straw is one of the most abundant biomass burned in China but its contribution to fine particulates is not adequately understood. In this study, three main kinds of cereal straws were collected from five grain producing areas in China. Fine particulate matters （PMzs） from the cereal straws subjected to control burnings, both under smoldering and flaming status, were sampled by using a custom made dilution chamber and sampling system in the laboratory. Element carbon （EC） and organic carbon （OC） was analyzed. 141 compounds of organic matters were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrum （GC-MS）. Source profiles of particulate organic matters emitted from cereal straw burnings were obtained. The results indicated that organic matters contribute a large fraction in fine particulate matters. Levoglucosan had the highest contributions with averagely 4.5% in mass of fine particulates and can be considered as the tracer of biomass burnings. Methyloxylated phenols from lignin degradation also had high concentrations in PM2.5, and contained approximately equal amounts of guaiacyl and syringyl compounds. 13-Sitostrol also made up relatively a large fraction of PMz5 compared with the other sterols （0.18%-0.63% of the total fine particle mass）. Normal alkanes, PAHs, fatty acids, as well as normal alkanols had relatively lower concentrations compared with the compounds mentioned above. Carbon preference index （CPI） of normal alkanes and alkanoic acids showed characteristics of biogenic fuel burnings. Burning status significantly influenced the formations of EC and PAHs. The differences between the emission profiles of straw and wood combustions were displayed by the fingerprint compounds, which may be used to identify the contributions between wood and straw burnings in source apportionment researches.展开更多
Background： Atopic dermatitis （AD） is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by chronic recurrent dermatitis with profound itching. Most patients have personal and/or family history of atopic diseases. Several ...Background： Atopic dermatitis （AD） is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by chronic recurrent dermatitis with profound itching. Most patients have personal and/or family history of atopic diseases. Several criteria have been proposed for the diagnosis of AD. Although the clinical features of childhood AD have been widely studied, there has been less large-scale study on adult/adolescent AD. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of adult/adolescent patients with chronic symmetrical eczemaJAD and to propose Chinese diagnostic criteria for adult/adolescent AD. Methods： A hospital-based study was performed. Forty-two dermatological centers participated in this study. Adult and adolescent patients （12 years and over） with chronic symmetrical eczema or AD were included in this study. Questionnaires were completed by both patients and-investigators. The valid questionnaires were analyzed using EpiData 3.1 and SPSS 17.0 software. Results： A total of 2662 valid questionnaires were collected （1369 male and 1293 female）. Of all 2662 patients, 2062 （77.5%） patients had the disease after 12 years old, while only 600 （22.5%） patients had the disease before 12 years old, suggesting late-onset eczema/AD is common. Two thousand one hundred and thirty-nine （80.4%） patients had the disease for more than 6 months. One thousand one hundred and forty-four （43.0%） patients had a personal and/or family history of atopic diseases. One thousand five hundred and forty-eight （58.2%） patients had an elevated total serum IgE and/or eosinophilia and/or positive allergen-specific IgE. Based on these clinical and laboratory features, we proposed Chinese criteria for adult/adolescent AD. Of all 2662 patients, 60.3% were satisfied with our criteria, while only 48.2% satisfied with Hanifin Rajka criteria and 32.7% satisfied with Williams criteria, suggesting a good sensitivity of our criteria in adult/adolescent AD patients. Conclusion： Late-onset of eczema or AD is common. Th展开更多
The concept of fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)has been used in traditional Chinese medicine at least since the 4thcentury.Evidence from recent human studies strongly supports the link between intestinal bacteria...The concept of fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)has been used in traditional Chinese medicine at least since the 4thcentury.Evidence from recent human studies strongly supports the link between intestinal bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease.We proposed that standardized FMT might be a promising rescue therapy for refractory inflammatory bowel disease.However,there were no reports of FMT used in patients with severe Crohn’s disease(CD).Here,we report the successful treatment of standardized FMT as a rescue therapy for a case of refractory CD complicated with fistula,residual Barium sulfate and formation of intraperitoneal large inflammatory mass.As far as we know,this is the first case of severe CD treated using FMT through mid-gut.展开更多
The Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)epidemic emerged in Wuhan,China,spread nationwide and then onto half a dozen other countries between December 2019 and early 2020.The implementation of unprecedented strict quaran...The Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)epidemic emerged in Wuhan,China,spread nationwide and then onto half a dozen other countries between December 2019 and early 2020.The implementation of unprecedented strict quarantine measures in China has kept a large number of people in isolation and affected many aspects of people's lives.It has also triggered a wide variety of psychological problems,such as panic disorder,anxiety and depression.This study is the first nationwide largescale survey of psychological distress in the general population of China during the COVID-19 epidemic.展开更多
A linked-fault-element model is employed to invert for contemporary slip rates along major active faults in the Sichuan-Yunnan region (96°-108°E, 21°-35°N) using the least squares method. The model...A linked-fault-element model is employed to invert for contemporary slip rates along major active faults in the Sichuan-Yunnan region (96°-108°E, 21°-35°N) using the least squares method. The model is based on known fault geometry, and constrained by a GPS-derived horizontal velocity field. Our results support a model attributing the eastward extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau driven mainly by the north-northeastward indentation of the Indian plate into Tibet and the gravitational collapse of the plateau. Resisted by a relatively stable south China block, materials of the Sichuan-Yunnan region rotate clockwise around the eastern Himalayan tectonic syntaxis. During the process the Garzê-Yushu, Xianshuihe, Anninghe, Zemuhe, Daliangshan, and Xiaojiang faults, the southwest extension of the Xiaojiang fault, and the Daluo-Jinghong and Mae Chan faults constitute the northeast and east boundaries of the eastward extrusion, with their left slip rates being 0.3-14.7, 8.9-17.1, 5.1 ± 2.5, 2.8 ± 2.3, 7.1 ± 2.1, 9.4 ± 1.2, 10.1 ± 2.0, 7.3 ± 2.6, and 4.9 ± 3.0 mm/a respectively. The southwestern boundary consists of a widely distributed dextral transpressional zone other than a single fault. Right slip rates of 4.2 ± 1.3, 4.3 ± 1.1, and 8.5 ± 1.7 mm/a are detected across the Nanhua-Chuxiong-Jianshui, Wuliangshan, and Longling-Lancang faults. Crustal deformation across the Longmenshan fault is weak, with short-ening rates of 1.4 ± 1.0 and 1.6 ± 1.3 mm/a across the Baoxing-Beichuan and Beichuan-Qingchuan segments. Northwest of the Longmenshan fault lies an active deformation zone (the Longriba fault) with 5.1±1.2 mm/a right slip across. Relatively large slip rates are detected across a few faults within the Sichuan-Yunnan block: 4.4±1.3 mm/a left slip and 2.7±1.1 mm/a shortening across the Litang fault, and 2.7±2.3 mm/a right-lateral shearing and 6.7±2.3 mm/a shortening across the Yunongxi fault and its surrounding regions. In conclusion, we find that the Sichuan-Yunnan region is divided into more than a doz展开更多
AIM: Expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) is frequently up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which evolves from dysplastic nodule (DN) and early HCC to advanced HCC. However, little is known about the d...AIM: Expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) is frequently up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which evolves from dysplastic nodule (DN) and early HCC to advanced HCC. However, little is known about the differential expression of HSPs in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. It was the purpose of this study to monitor the expression of HSPs in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis and to evaluate their prognostic significance in hepatitis B virus (HBV)related HCC.METHODS: Thirty-eight HCC and 19 DN samples were obtained from 52 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive Korean patients. Immunohistochemical and dot immunoblot analyses of HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, glucoseregulated protein (GRP)78, and GRP94 were performed and their expression at different stages of HCC development was statistically analyzed.RESULTS: Expression of HSP27, HSP70, HSP90, GRP78, and GRP94 increased along with the stepwise progression of hepatocarcinogenesis. Strong correlation was found only in GRP78 (Spearman's r= 0.802). There was a positive correlation between the expressions of GRP78, GRP94, HSP90, or HSP70 and prognostic factors of HCC. Specifically, the expression of GRP78, GRP94, or HSP90 was associated significantly with vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis.CONCLUSION: The expressions of HSPs are commonly up-regulated in HBV-related HCCs and GRP78 might play an important role in the stepwise progression of HBVrelated hepatocarcinogenesis. GRP78, GRP94, and HSP90 may be important prognostic markers of HBV-related HCC, strongly suggesting vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis.展开更多
all cell types.Because the accumulation of intracellular copper can induce oxidative stress and perturbing cellular function,copper homeostasis is tightly regulated.Recent studies identified a novel copper-dependent f...all cell types.Because the accumulation of intracellular copper can induce oxidative stress and perturbing cellular function,copper homeostasis is tightly regulated.Recent studies identified a novel copper-dependent form of cell death called cuproptosis,which is distinct from all other known pathways underlying cell death.Cuproptosis occurs via copper binding to lipoylated enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle,which leads to subsequent protein aggregation,proteotoxic stress,and ultimately cell death.Here,we summarize our current knowledge regarding copper metabolism,copper-related disease,the characteristics of cuproptosis,and the mechanisms that regulate cuproptosis.In addition,we discuss the implications of cuproptosis in the pathogenesis of various disease conditions,including Wilson’s disease,neurodegenerative diseases,and cancer,and we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting cuproptosis.展开更多
Data transmission rates in optical communication systems are approaching the limits of conventional multiplexing methods.Orbital angular momentum(OAM)in optical vortex beams offers a new degree of freedom and the pote...Data transmission rates in optical communication systems are approaching the limits of conventional multiplexing methods.Orbital angular momentum(OAM)in optical vortex beams offers a new degree of freedom and the potential to increase the capacity of free-space optical communication systems,with OAM beams acting as information carriers for OAM division multiplexing(OAM-DM).We demonstrate independent collinear OAM channel generation,transmission and simultaneous detection using Dammann optical vortex gratings(DOVGs).We achieve 80/160 Tbit s^(-1) capacity with uniform power distributions along all channels,with 1600 individually modulated quadrature phase-shift keying(QPSK)/16-QAM data channels multiplexed by 10 OAM states,80 wavelengths and two polarizations.DOVG-enabled OAM multiplexing technology removes the bottleneck of massive OAM state parallel detection and offers an opportunity to raise optical communication systems capacity to Pbit s^(-1) level.展开更多
Natural killer （NK） cells play critical roles in host immunity against cancer. In response, cancers develop mechanisms to escape NK cell attack or induce defective NK cells. Current NK cell-based cancer immunotherap...Natural killer （NK） cells play critical roles in host immunity against cancer. In response, cancers develop mechanisms to escape NK cell attack or induce defective NK cells. Current NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy aims to overcome NK cell paralysis using several approaches. One approach uses expanded allogeneic NK cells, which are not inhibited by self histocompatibility antigens like autologous NK cells, for adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Another adoptive transfer approach uses stable allogeneic NK cell lines, which is more practical for quality control and large-scale production. A third approach is genetic modification of fresh NK cells or NK cell lines to highly express cytokines, Fc receptors and/or chimeric tumor-antigen receptors. Therapeutic NK cells can be derived from various sources, including peripheral or cord blood cells, stem cells or even induced pluripotent stem cells （iPSCs）, and a variety of stimulators can be used for large-scale production in laboratories or good manufacturing practice （GMP） facilities, including soluble growth factors, immobilized molecules or antibodies, and other cellular activators. A list of NK cell therapies to treat several types of cancer in clinical trials is reviewed here. Several different approaches to NK-based immunotherapy, such as tissue-specific NK cells, killer receptor-oriented NK cells and chemically treated NK cells, are discussed. A few new techniques or strategies to monitor NK cell therapy by non-invasive imaging, predetermine the efficiency of NK cell therapy by in vivo experiments and evaluate NK cell therapy approaches in clinical trials are also introduced.展开更多
Syncope belongs to the transient loss of consciousness(TLOC), characterized by a rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery. It is common in children and adolescents, accounting for 1% to 2% of eme...Syncope belongs to the transient loss of consciousness(TLOC), characterized by a rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery. It is common in children and adolescents, accounting for 1% to 2% of emergency department visits.Recurrent syncope can seriously affect children's physical and mental health, learning ability and quality of life and sometimes cardiac syncope even poses a risk of sudden death. The present guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of syncope in children and adolescents was developed for guiding a better clinical management of pediatric syncope. Based on the globally recent development and the evidence-based data in China, 2018 Chinese Pediatric Cardiology Society(CPCS) guideline for diagnosis and treatment of syncope in children and adolescents was jointly prepared by the Pediatric Cardiology Society, Chinese Pediatric Society, Chinese Medical Association(CMA)/Committee on Pediatric Syncope, Pediatricians Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association(CMDA)/Committee on Pediatric Cardiology, Chinese College of Cardiovascular Physicians, Chinese Medical Doctor Association(CMDA)/Pediatric Cardiology Society, Beijing Pediatric Society, Beijing Medical Association(BMA). The present guideline includes the underlying diseases of syncope in children and adolescents, the diagnostic procedures, methodology and clinical significance of standing test and headup tilt test, the clinical diagnosis vasovagal syncope, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension, and the treatment of syncope as well as follow-up.展开更多
Here we report an integrated study of zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope composition for a gneiss sample from the Kongling terrain in the Yangtze Craton. CL imaging reveals that most zircons are magmatic, and a few of the...Here we report an integrated study of zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope composition for a gneiss sample from the Kongling terrain in the Yangtze Craton. CL imaging reveals that most zircons are magmatic, and a few of them have thin metamorphic rims. The magmatic zircons gave a weighted mean U-Pb age of 3218±13 Ma, indicating the gneiss is the oldest basement rock in the Yangtze Craton found to date. They have εHf(t) value of -2.33±0.51,and two-stage Hf model age of 3679±49 Ma,indicating that the gneiss was derived from partial melting of >3.6 Ga crustal rock. The metamorphic rims yielded an age of 2732±16 Ma, implying that the metamorphic event occurred in the Neoarchean era, which may be also a major tectono-thermal event in the Yangtze Craton.展开更多
Chinese Beidou satellite navigation system constellation currently consists of eight Beidou satellites and can provide preliminary service of navigation and positioning in the Asia-Pacific Region.Based on the self-dev...Chinese Beidou satellite navigation system constellation currently consists of eight Beidou satellites and can provide preliminary service of navigation and positioning in the Asia-Pacific Region.Based on the self-developed software Position And Navigation Data Analysis(PANDA) and Beidou Experimental Tracking Stations (BETS),which are built by Wuhan University,the study of Beidou precise orbit determination,static precise point positioning (PPP),and high precision relative positioning,and differential positioning are carried out comprehensively.Results show that the radial precision of the Beidou satellite orbit determination is better than 10 centimeters.The RMS of static PPP can reach several centimeters to even millimeters for baseline relative positioning.The precision of kinematic pseudo-range differential positioning and RTK mode positioning are 2-4 m and 5-10 cm respectively,which are close to the level of GPS precise positioning.Research in this paper verifies that,with support of ground reference station network,Beidou satellite navigation system can provide precise positioning from several decimeters to meters in the wide area and several centimeters in the regional area.These promising results would be helpful for the implementation and applications of Beidou satellite navigation system.展开更多
Since the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan City,China,by January 30,2020,a total of 9692 confirmed cases and 15,238 suspected cases have been reported around 31 provinces or cities in ...Since the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan City,China,by January 30,2020,a total of 9692 confirmed cases and 15,238 suspected cases have been reported around 31 provinces or cities in China.Among the confirmed cases,1527 were severe cases,171 had recovered and been discharged at home,and 213 died.And among these cases,a total of 28 children aged from 1 month to 17 years have been reported in China.For standardizing prevention and management of 2019-nCoV infections in children,we called up an experts' committee to formulate this experts' consensus statement.This statement is based on the Novel Coronavirus Infection Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Standards (the fourth edition) (National Health Committee) and other previous diagnosis and treatment strategies for pediatric virus infections.The present consensus statement summarizes current strategies on diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of 2019-nCoV infection in children.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-factorial, multistep and complex process. Its prognosis is poor, and early diagnosis and monitoring metastasis of HCC is of the utmost import...BACKGROUND: The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-factorial, multistep and complex process. Its prognosis is poor, and early diagnosis and monitoring metastasis of HCC is of the utmost importance. Circulating diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers could be used in proper postoperative treatment of patients at an early stage of HCC development. This review summarizes recent studies of the specific biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. DATA SOURCES: An English-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (June 1998 to Spetember 2006) on researches of some valuable specific biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. RESULTS: Hepatoma tissues can synthesize various tumor-related proteins, polypeptides, and isoenzymes, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hepatoma-specific gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (HS-GGT), etc, and then secrete into blood. The valuable early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers could predict the development an metastases of HCC. Recent researches have confirmed that circulating hepatoma-specific AFP subfraction, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, HS-GGT, and free insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II may be more specific markers than total AFP level for early diagnosis for HCC. The circulating genetic markers such as AFP-mRNA, TGF-beta 1-mRNA, IGF-II-mRNA, etc from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HCC patients have been most extensively used in monitoring distal metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatoma tissues synthesize and secrete valuable molecular markers into blood. The analyses of circulating hepatoma-specific biomarkers are useful to early diagnosis of HCC or monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC.展开更多
文摘The primary pattern of the late Cenozoic to the present tectonic deformation of China is characterized by relative movements and interactions of tectonic blocks. Active tectonic blocks are geological units that have been separated from each other by active tectonic zones. Boundaries between blocks are the highest gradient of differential movement. Most of tectonic activity occurs on boundaries of the blocks. Earthquakes are results of abrupt releases of accumulated strain energy that reaches the threshold of strength of the earth's crust. Boundaries of tectonic blocks are the locations of most discontinuous deformation and highest gradient of stress accumulation, thus are the most likely places for strain energy accumulation and releases, and in turn, devastating earthquakes. Almost all earthquakes of magnitude greater than 8 and 80%-90% of earthquakes of magnitude over 7 occur along boundaries of active tectonic blocks. This fact indicates that differential movements and interactions of active tectonic blocks are the primary mechanism for the occurrences of devastating earthquakes.
基金funded by The National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2017YFB1104500)Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality(4172030)+3 种基金Beijing Young Talents Support Project(2017000020124G044)Leading talents of Guangdong province program(00201505)National Natural Science Foundation of China(U1701661,91750205,61975133,11604218,61975087)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(2016A030312010,2017A030313351).
文摘Thirty years ago,Coullet et al.proposed that a special optical field exists in laser cavities bearing some analogy with the superfluid vortex.Since then,optical vortices have been widely studied,inspired by the hydrodynamics sharing similar mathematics.Akin to a fluid vortex with a central flow singularity,an optical vortex beam has a phase singularity with a certain topological charge,giving rise to a hollow intensity distribution.Such a beam with helical phase fronts and orbital angular momentum reveals a subtle connection between macroscopic physical optics and microscopic quantum optics.These amazing properties provide a new understanding of a wide range of optical and physical phenomena,including twisting photons,spin–orbital interactions,Bose-Einstein condensates,etc.,while the associated technologies for manipulating optical vortices have become increasingly tunable and flexible.Hitherto,owing to these salient properties and optical manipulation technologies,tunable vortex beams have engendered tremendous advanced applications such as optical tweezers,high-order quantum entanglement,and nonlinear optics.This article reviews the recent progress in tunable vortex technologies along with their advanced applications.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China-Japan Science and Technology Agency (NSFC-JST)Major International Joint Research Project (No. 30821140542)+1 种基金the National Basic Research Program (973 Program) of China (No. 2007CB109303)the Major Science and Technology Program for Water Pollution Control and Treatment of China (No. 2008ZX07101-005)
文摘High rates of fertilizer nitrogen (N) are applied in greenhouse vegetable fields in southeastern China to maximize production;however,the N budgets of such intensive vegetable production remain to be explored.The goal of this study was to determine the annual N balance and loss in a greenhouse vegetable system of annual rotation of tomato,cucumber,and celery at five N (urea) application rates (0,348,522,696,and 870 kg N ha-1 year-1).Total N input to the 0-50 cm soil layer ranged from 531 to 1 053 kg ha-1,and N fertilizer was the main N source,accounting for 66%-83% of the total annual N input.In comparison,irrigation water,wet deposition,and seeds in total accounted for less than 1% of the total N input.The fertilizer N use efficiency was only 18% under the conventional application rate of 870 kg N ha-1 and decreased as the application rate increased from 522 to 870 kg N ha-1.Apparent N losses were 196-201 kg N ha-1,of which 71%-86% was lost by leaching at the application rates of 522-870 kg N ha-1.Thus,leaching was the primary N loss pathway at high N application rates and the amount of N leached was proportional to the N applied during the cucumber season.Moreover,dissolved organic N accounted for 10% of the leached N,whereas NH3 volatilization only contributed 0.1%-0.6% of the apparent N losses under the five N application rates in this greenhouse vegetable system.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81300273
文摘AIM:To compare the effect of endoscopic variceal ligation(EVL)with that of endoscopic injection sclerotherapy(EIS)in the treatment of patients withesophageal variceal bleeding.METHODS:We performed a systematic literature search of multiple online electronic databases.Metaanalysis was conducted to evaluate risk ratio(RR)and95%confidence interval(CI)of combined studies for the treatment of patients with esophageal variceal bleeding between EVL and EIS.RESULTS:Fourteen studies comprising 1236 patients were included in the meta-analysis.The rebleeding rate in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly lower than that in the EIS group(RR=0.68,95%CI:0.57-0.81).The variceal eradication rate in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly higher than that in the EIS group(RR=1.06,95%CI:1.01-1.12).There was no significant difference about mortality rate between the EVL group and EIS group(RR=0.95,95%CI:0.77-1.17).The rate of complications in actively bleeding varices patients in the EVL group was significantly lower than that in the EIS group(RR=0.28,95%CI:0.13-0.58).CONCLUSION:Our meta-analysis has found that EVL is better than EIS in terms of the lower rates of rebleeding,complications,and the higher rate of variceal eradication.Therefore,EVL is the first choice for esophageal variceal bleeding.
文摘Background Fluid therapy for severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） should not only resolve deficiency of blood volume, but also prevent fluid sequestration in acute response stage. Up to date, there has not a strategy for fluid therapy dedicated to SAP. So, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of fluid therapy treatment on prognosis of SAP. Methods Seventy-six patients were admitted prospectively according to the criteria within 72 hours of SAP onset. They were randomly assigned to a rapid fluid expansion group （Group I, n=36） and a controlled fluid expansion group （Group II n=-40）. Hemodynamic disorders were either quickly （fluid infusion rate was 10-15 ml.kg-1-h-1, Group I） or gradually improved （fluid infusion rate was 5-10 ml-kg1.h-1, Group II） through controlling the rate of fluid infusion. Parameters of fluid expansion, blood lactate concentration were obtained when meeting the criteria for fluid expansion. And APACHE II scores were obtained serially for 72 hours. Rate of mechanical ventilation, incidence of abdominal compartment syndrome （ACS）, sepsis, and survival rate were obtained. Results The two groups had statistically different （P 〈0.05） time intervals to meet fluid expansion criteria （Group I, 13.5±6.6 hours; Group II, （24.0±5.4） hours）. Blood lactate concentrations were both remarkably lower as compared to the level upon admission （P 〈0.05） and reached the normal level in both groups upon treatment. It was only at day 1 that hematocrit was significantly lower in Group I （35.6%±6.8%） than in Group II （38.5%±5.4%） （P〈0.01）. Amount of crystalloid and colloid in group I （（4028±1980）ml and （1336±816）ml） on admission day was more than those of group II （（2472±1871）ml and （970±633）ml）. No significant difference was found in the total amount of fluids within four days of admission between the two groups （P〉0.05）. Total amount of fluid sequestration within 4 days was higher in Group I （（5378±2751）ml�
基金Project supported by the Hi-Tech Research and Development Program (863) of China (No. 2001AA641060 2003AA641040)the National Basic Research Program (973) of China (No. 2002CB410801).
文摘Cereal straw is one of the most abundant biomass burned in China but its contribution to fine particulates is not adequately understood. In this study, three main kinds of cereal straws were collected from five grain producing areas in China. Fine particulate matters （PMzs） from the cereal straws subjected to control burnings, both under smoldering and flaming status, were sampled by using a custom made dilution chamber and sampling system in the laboratory. Element carbon （EC） and organic carbon （OC） was analyzed. 141 compounds of organic matters were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrum （GC-MS）. Source profiles of particulate organic matters emitted from cereal straw burnings were obtained. The results indicated that organic matters contribute a large fraction in fine particulate matters. Levoglucosan had the highest contributions with averagely 4.5% in mass of fine particulates and can be considered as the tracer of biomass burnings. Methyloxylated phenols from lignin degradation also had high concentrations in PM2.5, and contained approximately equal amounts of guaiacyl and syringyl compounds. 13-Sitostrol also made up relatively a large fraction of PMz5 compared with the other sterols （0.18%-0.63% of the total fine particle mass）. Normal alkanes, PAHs, fatty acids, as well as normal alkanols had relatively lower concentrations compared with the compounds mentioned above. Carbon preference index （CPI） of normal alkanes and alkanoic acids showed characteristics of biogenic fuel burnings. Burning status significantly influenced the formations of EC and PAHs. The differences between the emission profiles of straw and wood combustions were displayed by the fingerprint compounds, which may be used to identify the contributions between wood and straw burnings in source apportionment researches.
文摘Background： Atopic dermatitis （AD） is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by chronic recurrent dermatitis with profound itching. Most patients have personal and/or family history of atopic diseases. Several criteria have been proposed for the diagnosis of AD. Although the clinical features of childhood AD have been widely studied, there has been less large-scale study on adult/adolescent AD. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of adult/adolescent patients with chronic symmetrical eczemaJAD and to propose Chinese diagnostic criteria for adult/adolescent AD. Methods： A hospital-based study was performed. Forty-two dermatological centers participated in this study. Adult and adolescent patients （12 years and over） with chronic symmetrical eczema or AD were included in this study. Questionnaires were completed by both patients and-investigators. The valid questionnaires were analyzed using EpiData 3.1 and SPSS 17.0 software. Results： A total of 2662 valid questionnaires were collected （1369 male and 1293 female）. Of all 2662 patients, 2062 （77.5%） patients had the disease after 12 years old, while only 600 （22.5%） patients had the disease before 12 years old, suggesting late-onset eczema/AD is common. Two thousand one hundred and thirty-nine （80.4%） patients had the disease for more than 6 months. One thousand one hundred and forty-four （43.0%） patients had a personal and/or family history of atopic diseases. One thousand five hundred and forty-eight （58.2%） patients had an elevated total serum IgE and/or eosinophilia and/or positive allergen-specific IgE. Based on these clinical and laboratory features, we proposed Chinese criteria for adult/adolescent AD. Of all 2662 patients, 60.3% were satisfied with our criteria, while only 48.2% satisfied with Hanifin Rajka criteria and 32.7% satisfied with Williams criteria, suggesting a good sensitivity of our criteria in adult/adolescent AD patients. Conclusion： Late-onset of eczema or AD is common. Th
基金Supported by(in part)The Public Donated Grant "Intestine Initiative"
文摘The concept of fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)has been used in traditional Chinese medicine at least since the 4thcentury.Evidence from recent human studies strongly supports the link between intestinal bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease.We proposed that standardized FMT might be a promising rescue therapy for refractory inflammatory bowel disease.However,there were no reports of FMT used in patients with severe Crohn’s disease(CD).Here,we report the successful treatment of standardized FMT as a rescue therapy for a case of refractory CD complicated with fistula,residual Barium sulfate and formation of intraperitoneal large inflammatory mass.As far as we know,this is the first case of severe CD treated using FMT through mid-gut.
文摘The Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)epidemic emerged in Wuhan,China,spread nationwide and then onto half a dozen other countries between December 2019 and early 2020.The implementation of unprecedented strict quarantine measures in China has kept a large number of people in isolation and affected many aspects of people's lives.It has also triggered a wide variety of psychological problems,such as panic disorder,anxiety and depression.This study is the first nationwide largescale survey of psychological distress in the general population of China during the COVID-19 epidemic.
基金the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2004CB418403)the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40334042)the China Earthquake Administration Research Fund (Grant No. 200708002)
文摘A linked-fault-element model is employed to invert for contemporary slip rates along major active faults in the Sichuan-Yunnan region (96°-108°E, 21°-35°N) using the least squares method. The model is based on known fault geometry, and constrained by a GPS-derived horizontal velocity field. Our results support a model attributing the eastward extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau driven mainly by the north-northeastward indentation of the Indian plate into Tibet and the gravitational collapse of the plateau. Resisted by a relatively stable south China block, materials of the Sichuan-Yunnan region rotate clockwise around the eastern Himalayan tectonic syntaxis. During the process the Garzê-Yushu, Xianshuihe, Anninghe, Zemuhe, Daliangshan, and Xiaojiang faults, the southwest extension of the Xiaojiang fault, and the Daluo-Jinghong and Mae Chan faults constitute the northeast and east boundaries of the eastward extrusion, with their left slip rates being 0.3-14.7, 8.9-17.1, 5.1 ± 2.5, 2.8 ± 2.3, 7.1 ± 2.1, 9.4 ± 1.2, 10.1 ± 2.0, 7.3 ± 2.6, and 4.9 ± 3.0 mm/a respectively. The southwestern boundary consists of a widely distributed dextral transpressional zone other than a single fault. Right slip rates of 4.2 ± 1.3, 4.3 ± 1.1, and 8.5 ± 1.7 mm/a are detected across the Nanhua-Chuxiong-Jianshui, Wuliangshan, and Longling-Lancang faults. Crustal deformation across the Longmenshan fault is weak, with short-ening rates of 1.4 ± 1.0 and 1.6 ± 1.3 mm/a across the Baoxing-Beichuan and Beichuan-Qingchuan segments. Northwest of the Longmenshan fault lies an active deformation zone (the Longriba fault) with 5.1±1.2 mm/a right slip across. Relatively large slip rates are detected across a few faults within the Sichuan-Yunnan block: 4.4±1.3 mm/a left slip and 2.7±1.1 mm/a shortening across the Litang fault, and 2.7±2.3 mm/a right-lateral shearing and 6.7±2.3 mm/a shortening across the Yunongxi fault and its surrounding regions. In conclusion, we find that the Sichuan-Yunnan region is divided into more than a doz
基金Supported by the fund from the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (Grant No. R01-2001-00098). Seung Oe Lim was supported by BK21 Research Fellowship from the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development
文摘AIM: Expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) is frequently up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which evolves from dysplastic nodule (DN) and early HCC to advanced HCC. However, little is known about the differential expression of HSPs in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. It was the purpose of this study to monitor the expression of HSPs in multistep hepatocarcinogenesis and to evaluate their prognostic significance in hepatitis B virus (HBV)related HCC.METHODS: Thirty-eight HCC and 19 DN samples were obtained from 52 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive Korean patients. Immunohistochemical and dot immunoblot analyses of HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, glucoseregulated protein (GRP)78, and GRP94 were performed and their expression at different stages of HCC development was statistically analyzed.RESULTS: Expression of HSP27, HSP70, HSP90, GRP78, and GRP94 increased along with the stepwise progression of hepatocarcinogenesis. Strong correlation was found only in GRP78 (Spearman's r= 0.802). There was a positive correlation between the expressions of GRP78, GRP94, HSP90, or HSP70 and prognostic factors of HCC. Specifically, the expression of GRP78, GRP94, or HSP90 was associated significantly with vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis.CONCLUSION: The expressions of HSPs are commonly up-regulated in HBV-related HCCs and GRP78 might play an important role in the stepwise progression of HBVrelated hepatocarcinogenesis. GRP78, GRP94, and HSP90 may be important prognostic markers of HBV-related HCC, strongly suggesting vascular invasion and intrahepatic metastasis.
基金Natural Science Foundation of China(31930057 to F.W.and 31970689 to J.M.).
文摘all cell types.Because the accumulation of intracellular copper can induce oxidative stress and perturbing cellular function,copper homeostasis is tightly regulated.Recent studies identified a novel copper-dependent form of cell death called cuproptosis,which is distinct from all other known pathways underlying cell death.Cuproptosis occurs via copper binding to lipoylated enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle,which leads to subsequent protein aggregation,proteotoxic stress,and ultimately cell death.Here,we summarize our current knowledge regarding copper metabolism,copper-related disease,the characteristics of cuproptosis,and the mechanisms that regulate cuproptosis.In addition,we discuss the implications of cuproptosis in the pathogenesis of various disease conditions,including Wilson’s disease,neurodegenerative diseases,and cancer,and we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting cuproptosis.
基金This work was partially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant numbers 61036013,61138003,61427819,61001101 and 61435006XY acknowledges support from the Ministry of Science and Technology of China under National Basic Research Program of China(973)grant no.2015CB352004.
文摘Data transmission rates in optical communication systems are approaching the limits of conventional multiplexing methods.Orbital angular momentum(OAM)in optical vortex beams offers a new degree of freedom and the potential to increase the capacity of free-space optical communication systems,with OAM beams acting as information carriers for OAM division multiplexing(OAM-DM).We demonstrate independent collinear OAM channel generation,transmission and simultaneous detection using Dammann optical vortex gratings(DOVGs).We achieve 80/160 Tbit s^(-1) capacity with uniform power distributions along all channels,with 1600 individually modulated quadrature phase-shift keying(QPSK)/16-QAM data channels multiplexed by 10 OAM states,80 wavelengths and two polarizations.DOVG-enabled OAM multiplexing technology removes the bottleneck of massive OAM state parallel detection and offers an opportunity to raise optical communication systems capacity to Pbit s^(-1) level.
文摘Natural killer （NK） cells play critical roles in host immunity against cancer. In response, cancers develop mechanisms to escape NK cell attack or induce defective NK cells. Current NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy aims to overcome NK cell paralysis using several approaches. One approach uses expanded allogeneic NK cells, which are not inhibited by self histocompatibility antigens like autologous NK cells, for adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Another adoptive transfer approach uses stable allogeneic NK cell lines, which is more practical for quality control and large-scale production. A third approach is genetic modification of fresh NK cells or NK cell lines to highly express cytokines, Fc receptors and/or chimeric tumor-antigen receptors. Therapeutic NK cells can be derived from various sources, including peripheral or cord blood cells, stem cells or even induced pluripotent stem cells （iPSCs）, and a variety of stimulators can be used for large-scale production in laboratories or good manufacturing practice （GMP） facilities, including soluble growth factors, immobilized molecules or antibodies, and other cellular activators. A list of NK cell therapies to treat several types of cancer in clinical trials is reviewed here. Several different approaches to NK-based immunotherapy, such as tissue-specific NK cells, killer receptor-oriented NK cells and chemically treated NK cells, are discussed. A few new techniques or strategies to monitor NK cell therapy by non-invasive imaging, predetermine the efficiency of NK cell therapy by in vivo experiments and evaluate NK cell therapy approaches in clinical trials are also introduced.
文摘Syncope belongs to the transient loss of consciousness(TLOC), characterized by a rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery. It is common in children and adolescents, accounting for 1% to 2% of emergency department visits.Recurrent syncope can seriously affect children's physical and mental health, learning ability and quality of life and sometimes cardiac syncope even poses a risk of sudden death. The present guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of syncope in children and adolescents was developed for guiding a better clinical management of pediatric syncope. Based on the globally recent development and the evidence-based data in China, 2018 Chinese Pediatric Cardiology Society(CPCS) guideline for diagnosis and treatment of syncope in children and adolescents was jointly prepared by the Pediatric Cardiology Society, Chinese Pediatric Society, Chinese Medical Association(CMA)/Committee on Pediatric Syncope, Pediatricians Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association(CMDA)/Committee on Pediatric Cardiology, Chinese College of Cardiovascular Physicians, Chinese Medical Doctor Association(CMDA)/Pediatric Cardiology Society, Beijing Pediatric Society, Beijing Medical Association(BMA). The present guideline includes the underlying diseases of syncope in children and adolescents, the diagnostic procedures, methodology and clinical significance of standing test and headup tilt test, the clinical diagnosis vasovagal syncope, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension, and the treatment of syncope as well as follow-up.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40772042, 90714010, 40873043 and 40821061)the Ministry of Education of China (Grant Nos. IRT0441, B07039 and NCET-06-0659)the Opening Foundation of the State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Northwest University
文摘Here we report an integrated study of zircon U-Pb age and Hf isotope composition for a gneiss sample from the Kongling terrain in the Yangtze Craton. CL imaging reveals that most zircons are magmatic, and a few of them have thin metamorphic rims. The magmatic zircons gave a weighted mean U-Pb age of 3218±13 Ma, indicating the gneiss is the oldest basement rock in the Yangtze Craton found to date. They have εHf(t) value of -2.33±0.51,and two-stage Hf model age of 3679±49 Ma,indicating that the gneiss was derived from partial melting of >3.6 Ga crustal rock. The metamorphic rims yielded an age of 2732±16 Ma, implying that the metamorphic event occurred in the Neoarchean era, which may be also a major tectono-thermal event in the Yangtze Craton.
文摘Chinese Beidou satellite navigation system constellation currently consists of eight Beidou satellites and can provide preliminary service of navigation and positioning in the Asia-Pacific Region.Based on the self-developed software Position And Navigation Data Analysis(PANDA) and Beidou Experimental Tracking Stations (BETS),which are built by Wuhan University,the study of Beidou precise orbit determination,static precise point positioning (PPP),and high precision relative positioning,and differential positioning are carried out comprehensively.Results show that the radial precision of the Beidou satellite orbit determination is better than 10 centimeters.The RMS of static PPP can reach several centimeters to even millimeters for baseline relative positioning.The precision of kinematic pseudo-range differential positioning and RTK mode positioning are 2-4 m and 5-10 cm respectively,which are close to the level of GPS precise positioning.Research in this paper verifies that,with support of ground reference station network,Beidou satellite navigation system can provide precise positioning from several decimeters to meters in the wide area and several centimeters in the regional area.These promising results would be helpful for the implementation and applications of Beidou satellite navigation system.
文摘Since the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus infection (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan City,China,by January 30,2020,a total of 9692 confirmed cases and 15,238 suspected cases have been reported around 31 provinces or cities in China.Among the confirmed cases,1527 were severe cases,171 had recovered and been discharged at home,and 213 died.And among these cases,a total of 28 children aged from 1 month to 17 years have been reported in China.For standardizing prevention and management of 2019-nCoV infections in children,we called up an experts' committee to formulate this experts' consensus statement.This statement is based on the Novel Coronavirus Infection Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Standards (the fourth edition) (National Health Committee) and other previous diagnosis and treatment strategies for pediatric virus infections.The present consensus statement summarizes current strategies on diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of 2019-nCoV infection in children.
基金This study was supported by grants from the Key Project of Medical Science from Jiangsu Province (RC2003100)the Project of Medical Science from Department of Health, Jiangsu Province (H200523), China.
文摘BACKGROUND: The carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multi-factorial, multistep and complex process. Its prognosis is poor, and early diagnosis and monitoring metastasis of HCC is of the utmost importance. Circulating diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers could be used in proper postoperative treatment of patients at an early stage of HCC development. This review summarizes recent studies of the specific biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. DATA SOURCES: An English-language literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (June 1998 to Spetember 2006) on researches of some valuable specific biomarkers in diagnosis and monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. RESULTS: Hepatoma tissues can synthesize various tumor-related proteins, polypeptides, and isoenzymes, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hepatoma-specific gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (HS-GGT), etc, and then secrete into blood. The valuable early diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers could predict the development an metastases of HCC. Recent researches have confirmed that circulating hepatoma-specific AFP subfraction, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1, HS-GGT, and free insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II may be more specific markers than total AFP level for early diagnosis for HCC. The circulating genetic markers such as AFP-mRNA, TGF-beta 1-mRNA, IGF-II-mRNA, etc from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HCC patients have been most extensively used in monitoring distal metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatoma tissues synthesize and secrete valuable molecular markers into blood. The analyses of circulating hepatoma-specific biomarkers are useful to early diagnosis of HCC or monitoring metastasis or postoperative recurrence of HCC.
