Tree species composition, growing stock and biomass carbon dynamics of the major timber species in Hindu Kush regions of Pakistan

Abstract Using inventory data, this study evaluates the species composition, growing stock volume (GSV), and biomass carbon (BMC) of the five major timber species in the sub-tropical, and temperate/sub-alpine regions of Pakistan. It was found that the stem density varies between 50 and 221 trees ha -1, with a mean of 142 trees ha-1 (13.68 million trees for entire forest area). Among the species, Pinus wallichiana showed a high species composition (27.80%) followed by Picea smithiana (24.64%). The GSV was found in the range of 67.81 to 425.94 m3 ha-1, with a total GSV value of 20.68 million m3 for the entire region. Similarly, The BMC ranged from 27.04 to 169.86 Mg ha-1, with a mean BMC value of 86.80 Mg ha-1. The total amount of stored carbon was found at 8.69 million tons for a total of 95842 ha of commercially managed forest. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the basal area (BA) and GSV and BMC showed that BA is the best predictor of GSV and BMC. The findings provide insights to the policy makers and forest managers regarding the sustainable commercial forest management as well as forest carbon management in the recent global carbon management for climate change mitigation.

Resumo Usando dados de inventário, este estudo avaliou a composição de espécies, volume de estoque crescente (GSV) e carbono de biomassa (BMC) das cinco principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões subtropicais e temperadas/subalpinas do Paquistão. Constatou-se que a densidade do caule variou entre 50 e 221 árvores ha-1, com média de 142 árvores ha-1 (13,68 milhões de árvores para toda a área florestal). Entre as espécies, Pinus wallichiana apresentou alta composição de espécies (27,80%), seguida de Picea smithiana (24,64%). O GSV foi encontrado na faixa de 67,81 a 425,94 m3 ha-1, com um valor total de 20,68 milhões de m3 para toda a região. Da mesma forma, o BMC variou de 27,04 a 169,86 mg ha-1, com valor médio de 86,80 mg ha-1. A quantidade total de carbono armazenado foi de 8,69 milhões de toneladas para um total de 95.842 ha de floresta manejada comercialmente. Além disso, a análise de correlação entre área basal (BA), GSV e BMC mostrou que BA é o melhor preditor de GSV e BMC. As descobertas fornecem insights para os formuladores de políticas e gestores florestais sobre o manejo florestal comercial sustentável, bem como o manejo florestal de carbono no recente gerenciamento global de carbono para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas.

Tree species composition, growing stock and biomass carbon dynamics of the major timber species in Hindu Kush regions of Pakistan / Composição de espécies de árvores, estoque em crescimento e dinâmica de biomassa de carbono das principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões de Indocuche no Paquistão

Using inventory data, this study evaluates the species composition, growing stock volume (GSV), and biomass carbon (BMC) of the five major timber species in the sub-tropical, and temperate/sub-alpine regions of Pakistan. It was found that the stem density varies between 50 and 221 trees ha -1, with a mean of 142 trees ha-1 (13.68 million trees for entire forest area). Among the species, Pinus wallichiana showed a high species composition (27.80%) followed by Picea smithiana (24.64%). The GSV was found in the range of 67.81 to 425.94 m3 ha-1, with a total GSV value of 20.68 million m3 for the entire region. Similarly, The BMC ranged from 27.04 to 169.86 Mg ha-1, with a mean BMC value of 86.80 Mg ha-1. The total amount of stored carbon was found at 8.69 million tons for a total of 95842 ha of commercially managed forest. Furthermore, the correlation analysis between the basal area (BA) and GSV and BMC showed that BA is the best predictor of GSV and BMC. The findings provide insights to the policy makers and forest managers regarding the sustainable commercial forest management as well as forest carbon management in the recent global carbon management for climate change mitigation.

Usando dados de inventário, este estudo avaliou a composição de espécies, volume de estoque crescente (GSV) e carbono de biomassa (BMC) das cinco principais espécies madeireiras nas regiões subtropicais e temperadas/subalpinas do Paquistão. Constatou-se que a densidade do caule variou entre 50 e 221 árvores ha-1, com média de 142 árvores ha-1 (13,68 milhões de árvores para toda a área florestal). Entre as espécies, Pinus wallichiana apresentou alta composição de espécies (27,80%), seguida de Picea smithiana (24,64%). O GSV foi encontrado na faixa de 67,81 a 425,94 m3 ha-1, com um valor total de 20,68 milhões de m3 para toda a região. Da mesma forma, o BMC variou de 27,04 a 169,86 mg ha-1, com valor médio de 86,80 mg ha-1. A quantidade total de carbono armazenado foi de 8,69 milhões de toneladas para um total de 95.842 ha de floresta manejada comercialmente. Além disso, a análise de correlação entre área basal (BA), GSV e BMC mostrou que BA é o melhor preditor de GSV e BMC. As descobertas fornecem insights para os formuladores de políticas e gestores florestais sobre o manejo florestal comercial sustentável, bem como o manejo florestal de carbono no recente gerenciamento global de carbono para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas.

Prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection in military personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and Aims: Helicobacter pylori infection is prevalent and recognized as a major cause of gastrointestinal diseases in the world. Previous studies on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in military personnel have shown some conflicting results. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection and evaluate its risk factors in military personnel. Methods: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. We pooled the prevalence of H. pylori infection in military personnel using a random-effect model. Metaregression analysis was used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Pooled proportion of H. pylori infection with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Results: Sixteen studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 32% (95% CI = 31–33) in military personnel. There was a significant heterogeneity. Metaregression analysis showed that study region (P = 0.0004) and publication year (P = 0.023) were the potential sources of heterogeneity. In the subgroup analysis by study region, the highest prevalence was found in Asia (50.2%; 95% CI = 49–51.4). In the subgroup analysis by diagnostic methods for H. pylori, the highest prevalence was found when urea breath test was employed (47.9%; 95% CI = 46.5–49.3). The most common risk factor for H. pylori infection was familial aggregation, followed by living environment and age. Conclusion: H. pylori infection is common in military personnel. In future, we may require appropriate population screening for H. pylori infection by multiple diagnostic tests and increase the knowledge and awareness of the bacterial transmission among military personnel.

Acidente Vascular Cerebral por dissecção carotídea bilateral pós-procedimento odontológico: relato de caso / Stroke from bilateral carotid dissection after dental procedure: case report

RESUMO: Introdução: A dissecção da artéria carótida (DAC) tem como uma das principais repercussões o Acidente Vascular Cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) em indivíduos jovens previamente saudáveis. É comum que nas DAC traumáticas, como em acidentes automobilísticos, o paciente seja submetido à investigação mais complexa com exames de imagem. Estes permitem um diagnóstico precoce e, portanto, um tratamento, reduzindo as chances de sequelas. Todavia, cau-sas não traumáticas com desfecho de DAC já foram relatadas, como as causas odontológicas. Objetivo: Contribuir para valorização diagnóstica da DAC não traumática e profilaxia de AVC subsequente. Métodos: Relatamos um caso de dissecção não aneurismática das artérias carótidas internas (ACI) pós-procedimento odontológico com desfecho de AVC bilateral em paciente de 52 anos. Resultados: Devido à forte associação de DAC a fatores traumáticos, em um primeiro contato com a paciente não foram levantadas suspeitas da ocorrência de DAC nem de AVC (ausência de déficit focal). Porém, tardiamente, foi identificada oclusão da ACI à esquerda e estenose na ACI direita, resultando em dois AVCs e incapacidade funcional severa na alta. Conclusão: O diagnóstico da DAC é um desafio, em especial por tratar-se de uma lesão de etiologia multifatorial. No entanto, seu reconhecimento precoce afetará diretamente o desfecho do paciente. Portanto, na presença de eventuais sintomas de alerta, faz-se necessário um meticuloso ques-tionamento sobre as últimas atividades do indivíduo. Este estudo alerta para a adoção de condutas profiláticas na ocorrência de fatores causais como hiperextensão cervical prolongada ou movimentos súbitos da cervical. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Carotid artery dissection (CAD) has the ischemic stroke as one of the main repercussions in pre-viously healthy young individuals. It is common that in traumatic CAD, as in automobile accidents, the patient is subjected to a more complex investigation with imaging exams. These, allow an early diagnosis and, therefore, a treatment, reducing the chances of sequelae. However, non-traumatic causes with CAD outcomes have already been reported, such as dental causes. Objective: To contribute to the diagnostic valuation of non-traumatic CAD and subsequent stroke prophylaxis. Methods: We report a case of non-aneurysmatic dissection of the internal carotid arteries (ICA) after a dental procedure with evolution to bilateral stroke outcome in a 52-year-old patient. Results: Due to the strong association of CAD with traumatic factors, in a first contact with the patient there was no suspicion of CAD or stroke (absence of focal deficit). However, late, ICA occlusion on the left and stenosis on the right ICA were identified, resulting in two strokes and severe functional disability at discharge. Conclusion:The diagnosis of CAD is a challenge, especially since it is a multifactorial lesion. However, its early recognition will directly affect the patient's outcome. Therefore, in the presence of any warning symptoms, meticulous questioning about the individual's latest activities is necessary. This study alerts to the adoption of prophylactic conducts in the occurrence of causal factors such as prolonged cervical hyperextension or sudden movements of the cervical. (AU)

Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms / Adaptação de plantas a regiões de kart com alto teor de cálcio: possível envolvimento de microrganismos simbióticos e mecanismos subjacentes

Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.

Resumo Os microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera podem ajudar seus hospedeiros a absorver nutrientes e regular os níveis de hormônios vegetais. Além disso, eles podem modular as expressões dos genes hospedeiros, auxiliar os hospedeiros na eliminação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e secretar compostos orgânicos voláteis. Portanto, microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera são considerados determinantes dos processos envolvidos no crescimento de plantas hospedeiras. No entanto, as funções fisiológicas e ecológicas, bem como o mecanismo molecular subjacente ao comportamento dos microrganismos e endofíticos da rizosfera no seu papel na capacidade adaptativa das plantas hospedeiras no ambiente cárstico de alto teor de cálcio, não foram sistematicamente estudados. Esta revisão resume os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de microrganismos e endófitos da rizosfera que ajudam as plantas hospedeiras a se adaptarem a vários tipos de ambientes adversos. As capacidades adaptativas das plantas que crescem em ambientes adversos, em parte ou totalmente, dependem de microrganismos coexistentes com as plantas hospedeiras.

Synthesis, crystal structure, and anti-breast cancer activity of a novel metal-porphyrinic complex [YK(TCPP)(OH)2·(solvents)x]

A novel heterometallic metal-porphyrinic framework (MPFs) built from Y and K ions as nods and meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin as linkers has been successfully synthesized and characterized. The single crystal X-ray diffraction indicated that this complex 1 exhibited a bilayered architecture of the porphyrins, which is seldom seen in MPFs. In addition, in vitro anticancer activity of complex 1 on three human breast cancer cells (BT474, SKBr-3 and ZR-75-30) was further determined.

Serological biomarker screening and host factor analysis elucidating immune response heterogeneity in active pulmonary tuberculosis

While mortality and morbidity from pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) have improved, diagnosis of this infectious disease remains suboptimal without a point-of-care test. Antibody/ antigen-based serodiagnostics is the most amenable for point-of-care translation but hampered by a lack of validated biomarkers and a heterogeneous patient antibody response. Using a case-control design, we assessed serodiagnostic potential of immunoglobulins G, A, and dimeric IgA responses against 18 antigenic preparations, followed by antibody-subclass responses against antigen 60 (A60), and four markers of host innate immunity by enzymelinked immunoassay using sera samples (n=110) collected from April to October 2007 in VietNam from human immunodeficiency-negative patients with provisional diagnosis of PTB. We further analyzed host variables to investigate factors driving biomarker heterogeneity observed in patients. Among active pulmonary tuberculosis patients, low correlation was observed between anti-A60 antibody-classes, and between anti-A60 immunoglobulin G subclasses, but anti-A60 immunoglobulin A subclasses were significantly correlated. The best diagnostic combination of anti-A60 immunoglobulin G/A and a C-reactive protein “ruleout” remains insufficient at 82%/92% sensitivity/specificity (95%CI: 72-92%/82-98%). Heterogeneity of anti-A60 immunoglobulins G2, G3, M, as well as C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A levels observed in this study population appeared to be significantly associated with history of previous tuberculosis, hemoptysis, age, vaccination, night sweats, smoking, chest pain, fever, alcohol, and solid culture count. Further research on tuberculosis serological biomarkers may require consideration of host factors and new approaches using multiple biomarkers.

Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms

Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.

Resumo Os microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera podem ajudar seus hospedeiros a absorver nutrientes e regular os níveis de hormônios vegetais. Além disso, eles podem modular as expressões dos genes hospedeiros, auxiliar os hospedeiros na eliminação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) e secretar compostos orgânicos voláteis. Portanto, microorganismos e endófitos da rizosfera são considerados determinantes dos processos envolvidos no crescimento de plantas hospedeiras. No entanto, as funções fisiológicas e ecológicas, bem como o mecanismo molecular subjacente ao comportamento dos microrganismos e endofíticos da rizosfera no seu papel na capacidade adaptativa das plantas hospedeiras no ambiente cárstico de alto teor de cálcio, não foram sistematicamente estudados. Esta revisão resume os mecanismos fisiológicos e moleculares de microrganismos e endófitos da rizosfera que ajudam as plantas hospedeiras a se adaptarem a vários tipos de ambientes adversos. As capacidades adaptativas das plantas que crescem em ambientes adversos, em parte ou totalmente, dependem de microrganismos coexistentes com as plantas hospedeiras.

Long-term efficacy of endovascular vs open surgical repair for complicated type-B aortic dissection: a single-center retrospective study and meta-analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the long-term survival and risk factors of traditional open surgical repair (OSR) vs thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) for complicated type-B aortic dissection (TBAD). A total of 118 inpatients (45 OSR vs 73 TEVAR) with TBAD were enrolled from January 2004 to January 2015. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards analysis were performed to identify the long-term survival rate and independent predictors of survival, respectively. Meta-analysis was used to further explore the long-term efficacy of OSR and TEVAR in the eight included studies using Review Manager 5.2 software. An overall 10-year survival rate of 41.9% was found, and it was similar in the two groups (56.7% OSR vs 26.1% TEVAR; log-rank P=0.953). The risk factors of long-term survival were refractory hypertension (OR=11.1; 95%CI=1.428-86.372; P=0.021] and preoperative aortic diameter >55 mm (OR=4.5; 95%CI=1.842-11.346; P=0.001). Long-term survival rate did not differ significantly between OSR and TEVAR (hazard ratio=0.87; 95%CI=0.52-1.47; P=0.61). Compared with OSR, TEVAR did not show long-term advantages for patients with TBAD. Refractory hypertension and total aortic diameter >55 mm can be used to predict the long-term survival of TBAD in the Chinese Han population.

Fluconazole susceptibility of 3,056 clinical isolates of Candida species from 2005 to 2009 in a tertiary-care hospital.

In recent years, Candida infections have been increasing significantly. This study was to investigate the distribution and fluconazole susceptibility of such infections. Totally, 3,056 clinical isolates were analysed, C. albicans was the most prevalent species from respiratory and vaginal specimens. However, non-albicans species constituted the majority of isolates from blood, urine, intensive care unit (ICU), organ transplant and burned patients. Similarly, Candida spp. from different specimens and clinical services had different degrees of susceptibility to fluconazole. Isolates from vagina and burned patients had the highest resistance rate, while all of the isolates from ascites and dermatological services were susceptible to fluconazole.

Dexamethasone and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose prevent postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions in rats

We aimed to evaluate the effects of the barrier agent sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) with and without dexamethasone for the prevention of postoperative adhesion formation in a rat model of postoperative peritoneal adhesion. A total of 160 three-month old male and female Wistar rats underwent a laparotomy, and adhesions were induced by ileocecal abrasion. Rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=40 each): group A, untreated; group B, treated with SCMC only; group C1, treated with SCMC + 3 mg dexamethasone, and group C2, treated with SCMC + 8 mg dexamethasone. After 12 days, adhesion formation and histopathological changes were compared. In groups A, B, C1, and C2, the mortality rates were 10, 5, 5, and 5%, respectively. In groups C1 and C2, the adhesions were filmy and easy to dissect and were milder compared with those in groups A and B. The total adhesion score in group C1 (3.38±0.49) was significantly lower than that of group B (6.01±0.57; P<0.01) or group A (8.01±0.67; P<0.05). There was no significant difference in adhesion formation between groups C1 and C2. Compared with groups A and B, groups C1 and C2 exhibited milder histopathological changes. SCMC in combination with dexamethasone can prevent adhesion formation and is a better barrier agent than SCMC alone. The safety and feasibility of SCMC in combination with dexamethasone to prevent adhesion formation after abdominal surgery warrants further clinical study.

The dissemination mode of drug-resistant genes in Enterobacter cloacae.

Background: Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) infection has the highest mortality rate among Enterobacter infections. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and the transmission route of the class I integron, qnr genes, and CTX-M ESBLs genes in clinical isolates and to analyse the association between the prevalence of MDR genes and the antibiotic resistance of E. cloacae. Materials and Methods: The antibiotic susceptibility was tested the agar dilution method. The class I integron, qnr genes, and CTX-M ESBLs genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence data were analysed with the Chi-square test. Results: In the 100 clinical isolates, the class I integron-positive rate was 65%, with 12% on chromosome, 15% on plasmids and 38% on both. The positive rate of qnr genes was 37% with plasmid location. The positive rates for qnrA, qnrB and qnrS were 6%, 23% and 8%, respectively. The CTX-M ESBLs-positive rate was 34%. For CTX-M-1 ESBLs, 15% were on chromosome, 6% on plasmids and 4% on both; for CTX-M-9 ESBLs, 1% was on chromosome and 7% on plasmid; for CTX-M-25 ESBLs, 3% were on chromosome and 1% on plasmid. Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance genes may be horizontally and vertically disseminated among E. cloacae, which helps multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of E. cloacae to be successful nosocomial agents.

Global microRNA profiles and signaling pathways in the development of cardiac hypertrophy

Hypertrophy is a major predictor of progressive heart disease and has an adverse prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that accumulate during the course of cardiac hypertrophy may participate in the process. However, the nature of any interaction between a hypertrophy-specific signaling pathway and aberrant expression of miRNAs remains unclear. In this study, Spague Dawley male rats were treated with transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery to mimic pathological hypertrophy. Hearts were isolated from TAC and sham operated rats (n=5 for each group at 5, 10, 15, and 20 days after surgery) for miRNA microarray assay. The miRNAs dysexpressed during hypertrophy were further analyzed using a combination of bioinformatics algorithms in order to predict possible targets. Increased expression of the target genes identified in diverse signaling pathways was also analyzed. Two sets of miRNAs were identified, showing different expression patterns during hypertrophy. Bioinformatics analysis suggested the miRNAs may regulate multiple hypertrophy-specific signaling pathways by targeting the member genes and the interaction of miRNA and mRNA might form a network that leads to cardiac hypertrophy. In addition, the multifold changes in several miRNAs suggested that upregulation of rno-miR-331*, rno-miR-3596b, rno-miR-3557-5p and downregulation of rno-miR-10a, miR-221, miR-190, miR-451 could be seen as biomarkers of prognosis in clinical therapy of heart failure. This study described, for the first time, a potential mechanism of cardiac hypertrophy involving multiple signaling pathways that control up- and downregulation of miRNAs. It represents a first step in the systematic discovery of miRNA function in cardiovascular hypertrophy.

Mesenteric lymph reperfusion exacerbates spleen injury caused by superior mesenteric artery occlusion shock

The intestinal lymph pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of organ injury following superior mesenteric artery occlusion (SMAO) shock. We hypothesized that mesenteric lymph reperfusion (MLR) is a major cause of spleen injury after SMAO shock. To test this hypothesis, SMAO shock was induced in Wistar rats by clamping the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) for 1 h, followed by reperfusion for 2 h. Similarly, MLR was performed by clamping the mesenteric lymph duct (MLD) for 1 h, followed by reperfusion for 2 h. In the MLR+SMAO group rats, both the SMA and MLD were clamped and then released for reperfusion for 2 h. SMAO shock alone elicited: 1) splenic structure injury, 2) increased levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO), intercellular adhesion molecule-1, endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide receptor (CD14), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and tumor necrosis factor-α, 3) enhanced activities of NO synthase and myeloperoxidase, and 4) decreased activities of superoxide dismutase and ATPase. MLR following SMAO shock further aggravated these deleterious effects. We conclude that MLR exacerbates spleen injury caused by SMAO shock, which itself is associated with oxidative stress, excessive release of NO, recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, endotoxin translocation, and enhanced inflammatory responses.

Different limited resection of pulmonary lobe methods under the thoracoscopy in the treatment of early nonsmall cell lung cancer occurred in the old age.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to explore clinical effect of limited resection of lung lobe under the thoracoscopy in the treatment of early nonsmall cell lung cancer occurred in the old age. METHODS: A total of 150 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer in the old age is treated by limited resection of lung lobe under thoracoscope. It can be divided into segmental resection group and wedge resection group by surgical methods, to make a comparative analysis of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stays, and complications during the perioperative period. And there will be postoperation follow‑up on survival, relapse and death situation etc., RESULTS: 10 cases are changed to make other operation because of maladaptation to limited resection, and a total of 140 patients have undergone limited resection. Operation time and hospital stays of wedge resection group are shorter than those of segmental resection group (P < 0.05); compared with the bleeding and indwelling drainage tube time in two groups, differences have no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Compared with cases of complications, recurrence and death for groups of segmental resection and wedge resection group, the differences have no statistical significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Limited resection of lung lobe in the early treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer occurred in the old age under the thoracoscopy is safe and feasible.

Incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of acute kidney injury following transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is an effective first‑line therapy for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Acute renal injury may be induced after transarterial chemoembolization because of iodinated radiocontrast medium, but its incidence, risk factors, and prognosis remain unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 166 HCC patients with a total of 316 TACE treatments. The incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) were examined. RESULTS: The incidence of post‑TACE AKI was 21.84% (69/316) according to Barrett and Parfrey criteria, whereas 7.59% (24/316) according to acute kidney injury network (AKIN) criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum total bilirubin (TB) (>13.5 μmol/L; odds ratio [OR]: 1.871 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.044–3.352; P = 0.035) and hemoglobin (HGB) level (<120 g/L; OR: 1.823, 95% CI: 1.019–3.264; P = 0.043) were associated with the development of AKI after TACE procedure in accordance to Barrett and Parfrey criteria. Meanwhile, age (>55 years; OR: 3.456, 95% CI: 1.107–10.790; P = 0.033), post‑TACE AKI history (OR: 7.108, 95% CI: 1.387–36.434, P = 0.019), and serum aminotransferase level (>55 U/L; OR: 4.420, 95% CI: 1.792–10.906; P = 0.001) were associated with the development of AKI after TACE procedure in accordance to AKIN criteria. Total hospitalization cost was significantly higher (P = 0.034) in the patients with AKI after TACE procedure according to Barrett and Parfrey criteria. A post‑TACE AKI diagnosis was associated with mortality in any definition used (P = 0.034 and P = 0.001 for Barrett and Parfrey and AKIN criteria, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the incidence of post‑TACE AKI was high in HCC patients (i.e., 7.59–21.84%) depending on criteria used. HGB (<120 g/L), serum TB (>13.5), and aminotransferase level (>55 U/L), age (>55 years) and post‑TACE AKI history may be predictors of post‑TACE AKI in HCC patients. The development of post‑TACE AKI was associated with the risk of renal replacement treatment, prolonged renal insufficiency, or mortality according to AKIN criteria.

Role of Notch signaling in the mammalian heart

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily ancient, highly conserved pathway important for deciding cell fate, cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Notch signaling is also critical in mammalian cardiogenesis, as mutations in this signaling pathway are linked to human congenital heart disease. Furthermore, Notch signaling can repair myocardial injury by promoting myocardial regeneration, protecting ischemic myocardium, inducing angiogenesis, and negatively regulating cardiac fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation. This review provides an update on the known roles of Notch signaling in the mammalian heart. The goal is to assist in developing strategies to influence Notch signaling and optimize myocardial injury repair.

The application of chromosome abnormality chip detection in male infertility / Aplicación de la detección de la anormalidad del cromosoma mediante biochips genéticos en la infertilidad masculina

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the application of microarray technology in the diagnosis of male infertility. METHODS: Sixteen loci, including a sex-determining region on the Y chromosome, were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in infertile male patients. Chromosome abnormality chip with 180 000 probes was used to detect small deletion, small amplification and loss of heterozygosity. RESULTS: By PCR, nine of 103 infertile patients were found to have sequence-tagged site microdeletions. Microdeletions were not observed in control samples. The deletions detected by PCR were present in six azoospermic men (6/44, 13.6%) and in three oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OATS) men (3/59, 5%). The overall frequency of microdeletions in infertile men was 8.7% (9/103). Chromosome abnormality chip detection 500+ detected more amplification or deletion in 51 infertile patients and the overall frequency of microdeletions in infertile men was 49.5% (51/103). CONCLUSION: Chromosome abnormality chip detection system provides a sensitive, economic and high-throughput method for detecting the deletion or amplification of genomic DNA sequences of infertile patients. Not only can it identify Yq deletions, but it can also find other chromosome abnormalities and facilitate the understanding of male infertility.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la aplicación de la tecnología de los microarreglos en el diagnóstico de la infertilidad masculina. MÉTODOS: Dieciséis loci, incluyendo una región determinante del sexo en el cromosoma Y, fueron investigados mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RCP) en pacientes hombres con problemas de infertilidad. Un biochip de la anormalidad cromosómica, con 180000 sondas, fue utilizado a fin de detectar pequeñas delecciones, pequeñas amplificaciones y pérdidas de heterocigosidad. RESULTADOS: Por medio de la RCP, se halló que nueve de 103 pacientes con infertilidad presentaban microdelecciones de sitios de secuencia marcada. Las microdelecciones no fueron observadas en las muestras de control. Las delecciones detectadas mediante RCP, estuvieron presentes en seis hombres azoospérmicos (6/44, 13.6%) y en tres hombres con oligoastenoteratozoospermia (OAT) (3/59, 5%). La frecuencia general de las microdelecciones en los hombres infértiles fue 8.7% (9/103). La detección con biochip de la anormalidad cromosómica de 500+ detectó más amplificación y delección en 51 pacientes, y la frecuencia general de microdelecciones en los hombres infértiles fue 49.5% (51/103). CONCLUSIÓN: El sistema de detección de la anormalidad del cromosoma mediante biochips genéticos representa un método sensible, económico, y de alto rendimiento, para detectar la delección o amplificación de las secuencias genómicas de ADN de pacientes infértiles. Este método puede no sólo identificar las delecciones Yq, sino también hallar otras anormalidades cromosómicas, facilitando así la comprensión de la infertilidad en los hombres.