Predictors of efficacy of corticosteroid switching from abiraterone plus prednisone to dexamethasone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Corticosteroid switching can reverse abiraterone resistance in some patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Here, we investigated the potential biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of corticosteroid switching during treatment with abiraterone acetate (AA). We retrospectively analyzed 101 mCRPC patients receiving corticosteroid switching from West China Hospital and Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center between January 2016 and December 2018. All cases received AA plus prednisone as first-line therapy during mCRPC. Primary end points were biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) and overall survival (OS). The risk groups were defined based on multivariate analysis. A total of 42 (41.6%) and 25 (24.8%) patients achieved 30% and 50% decline in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), respectively, after corticosteroid switching. The median bPFS and median OS on AA plus dexamethasone were 4.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7-6.0) months and 18.8 (95% CI: 16.2-30.2) months, respectively. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) expression (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.15, 95% Cl: 1.22-3.80, P = 0.008) and baseline serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP; HR: 4.95, 95% Cl: 2.40-10.19, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of efficacy before corticosteroid switching in the multivariate analysis of bPFS. Only baseline serum ALP >160 IU l-1 (HR: 3.41, 95% Cl: 1.57-7.38, P = 0.002) together with PSA level at switch ≥50 ng ml-1 (HR: 2.59, 95% Cl: 1.22-5.47, P = 0.013) independently predicted poorer OS. Based on the predictive factors in multivariate analysis, we developed two risk stratification tools to select candidates for corticosteroid switching. Detection of serum ALP level, PSA level, and tissue AKR1C3 expression in mCRPC patients could help make clinical decisions for corticosteroid switching.

Burden of Outpatient Visits Attributable to Ambient Temperature in Qingdao, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Climate change has been referred to as one of the greatest threats to human health, with reports citing likely increases in extreme meteorological events. In this study, we estimated the relationships between temperature and outpatients at a major hospital in Qingdao, China, during 2015-2017, and assessed the morbidity burden. The results showed that both low and high temperatures were associated with an increased risk of outpatient visits. High temperatures were responsible for more morbidity than low temperatures, with an attributed fraction (AF) of 16.86%. Most temperature-related burdens were attributed to moderate cold and hot temperatures, with AFs of 5.99% and 14.44%, respectively, with the young (0-17) and male showing greater susceptibility. The results suggest that governments should implement intervention measures to reduce the adverse effects of non-optimal temperatures on public health-especially in vulnerable groups.

The epidemiological characteristics and the source of infection of reemerge human rabies from 2012 to 2017 in Qinghai / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To understand the epidemic situation and the source of infection of the reemerge human rabies in Qinghai. Methods We collected the data on human rabies and the data on the cases of multi- victims bitten by the identical dog, and also the laboratory data of the nucleoprotein ( N) gene of rabies virus from the samples which were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) from 2012 to 2017, to describe the epidemiological characteristics of human rabies and the prevalence of rabies virus in host animals, and to explore the source of infection of reemerge human rabies. Results A total of 7 human cases were reported in 2012-2017 in Qinghai province, among which 1 was bitted by wolf, 2 were bitted by stray dogs, 3 were bitted by domestic dogs which injured by stray dogs or wolfs. A total of 892 canine brain tissue samples were collected, from which 46 positive samples were detected with the positive rate of 5.16% (95% CI：3.70%-6.61%). The positive samples were collected from the nomadic region, which were consistent had the location of the human rabies. The samples collected from the cases of multi-victims bitten by the identical dog/animal had the positive rate of 73.08%, and 4 out of 7 human rabies were exposed to the cases of multi-victims bitten by the identical dog/animal. Genetic sequencing of the rabies virus detected from canine brain tissue samples were belong to China IV lineage, which was closely related to the Arctic clade. Conclusions The reemerging rabies happened in nomadic region of Qinghai province could be a consequence of spillover from wildlife especially from wolfs. The better surveillance system covering the human, livestock and wildlife should be set up to mitigate the rabies virus spread from the wildlife.

Surveillance analysis on influenza-like illness from 2017 to 2018 in the plateau of Qinghai Province / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To analyze the surveillance results of influenza-like illness ( ILI) and investigate the prevalent trend of influenza from 14th week 2017 to 13th week 2018 (April 3, 2017-April 1, 2018) in Qinghai Province so as to provide the scientific basis for the development of prevention and control measures. Methods The epidemiological and pathogenic characteristics of influenza-like cases in qinghai province from 14th week 2017 to 13th week 2018 were collected and analyzed. Results ILI mainly occurred in winter and spring from 14th week 2017 to 13th week 2018,26 086 ILI cases reported in total，accounting for 2.95% (26 086/884 529) of total number of outpatients and emergency cases; including 18 655 cases under 5 years old，accounting for 71.51%; 1 991 cases were detected with positive by real -time RT PCR with the positive rate of 17.48% (1 991/11 391), In the early stage, H3 and H1 were the predominate strains and the middle period was mixed with H3, H1 and B, and the latter was dominated by type B. Positive rates of influenza virus testing had no statistical differences in different gender ( 2=5.33, P=0.021)，while with statistical differences in different age and time ( 2=108.59, P<0.001; 2= 1 629.13, P<0.001). Number of ILI cases and the percentage in the outpatients was significantly related with influenza virus positive rates (Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.896 and 0.699, respectively, P<0.001). Conclusions Influenza-like cases at sentinel hospital of Qinghai Province can accurately reflect actual activity level. The peak of positive detection of influenza samples in Qinghai province from 14 weeks 2017 to 13 weeks 2018 season was from mid-December to mid-January. The dominant strain of influenza viruses alternated, and the majority of the affected population is mainly in children under 5 years old. In the future, we should strengthen monitoring works in epidemic season, from October to March of next year and focus on the children under 5 years old and the fever clinic. The collection of samples of influenza-like cases in the 0-year-old group should be strengthened, and collective organizations should focus on influenza prevention and control.

Preparation of the first Chinese national standard substance of reverse transcriptase for activity assays / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish the first national standard substance of reverse transcriptase for activity assays. METHODS: The standard substance of reverse transcriptase was prepared and tested according to the requirements in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Volume III, 2015 edition). The stability of the standard substance was evaluated by thermal acceleration stability test. The activity was calibrated collaboratively by four laboratories using SYBR GreenIreal-time quantitative PCR method. RESULTS: The prepared standard substance was qualified in appearance and sterility tests. The moisture content was 1.3% and the dispensing accuracy was 0.75%. Thermal acceleration stability test showed that the enzyme activity of the standard substance stored at -20, 4, 25 and 37℃ for 3 and 6 months was not decreased compared with that stored at -70℃. Twenty-two calibration tests by four laboratories showed that the geometric mean enzyme activity of the standard was 26 U·vial-1, with a 95% confidence interval of 22.95-30.45 U·vial-1. CONCLUSION: The candidate standard substance of reverse transcriptase is judged to be suitable to serve as a Chinese national standard for its activity assays, and the enzyme activity specification is established to be 26 U·vial-1.

Efficacy of periprostatic nerve block anesthesia for pain control in transrectal ultrasound- guided systematic prostate biopsy / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy of periprostatic nerve block anesthesia (PPNB) for pain relief in transrectal ultrasound-guided systematic prostate biopsy (PBx).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We reviewed the data of patients undergoing initial PBx at our center from November, 2013 to January, 2015. Only the patients with 12-core systemic PBx were included and 111 patients were eligible for this study, among whom 52 patients received PPNB and 59 did not. PPNB was achieved by an injection of 5 mL of 1% lidocaine at the angle between the seminal vesicle and base of the prostate on each side before biopsy. The DRE pain score, probe insert pain score, and biopsy pain score were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after the biopsy. The complications were recorded and evaluated immediately after and at 7 days after the biopsy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean age, prostate volume, total prostate specific antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), and abnormal DRE were comparable between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Immediately after the biopsy, no difference was found between the 2 groups in DRE pain score (1.40±0.98 vs 1.39±0.91, P=0.102) or probe insert pain score (2.07±0.96 vs 2.03±0.90, P=0.960), but the biopsy pain score was significantly lower in PPNB group than in no PPNB group (2.54±1.42 vs 3.07±1.43, P=0.033). The incidence of the procedure-related complications was similar between the 2 groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PPNB can significantly lower the biopsy pain score in PBx without increasing the incidence of complications.</p>

Radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: oncologic outcome in 271 Chinese patients / 癌症

Few large scale studies have reported the oncologic outcome of radical cystectomy for treating bladder cancer in China; hence, we lack long-term prognostic information. The aim of the current study was to determine the survival rate and prognostic factors of patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in a Chinese medical center. We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathologic data from 271 bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy between 2000 and 2011. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent prognostic predictors for this cohort. Median follow-up was 31.7 months (range, 0.2-139.1 months). Thirty-day mortality was (1.4%). The 5-year recurrence-free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival rates were 61.6%, 72.9%, and 68.0%, respectively. The 5-year CSS rates of patients with T1-T4 disease were 90.7%, 85.0%, 51.0%, and 18.0%, respectively. Patients with organ-confined disease had a higher 5-year CSS rate than those with extravesical disease (81.4% vs. 34.9%, P < 0.001). For the 38 patients (14%) with lymph node involvement, the 5-year CSS rate was 27.7%-significantly lower than that of patients without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). The 5-year CSS rate was much higher in patients with low grade tumor than in those with high grade tumor (98.1% vs. 68.1%, P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression showed that patient age (hazard ratio, 2.045; P = 0.013) and T category (hazard ratio, 2.213; P < 0.001) were independent predictors for CSS. These results suggest that radical cystectomy is a safe and effective method for treating bladder cancer in Chinese patients. Old age and high T category were associated with poor prognosis in bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy.

Efficacy analysis of three therapeutic modes on clinical stage Ia nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the oncologic outcomes of surveillance, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) and primary chemotherapy in patients with clinical stage Ia nonseminomatous germ cell testicular tumors (CS Ia NSGCT) and to analyze risk factors for relapse.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Patients with CS Ia NSGCT were retrospectively reviewed. Totally 72 patients were enrolled and grouped according to three different treatment after orchiectomy, among them 33 cases in surveillance group, 24 cases in RPLND group and 15 cases in primary chemotherapy group. Disease progressive free survival and disease specific survival were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox regression analysis was used to confirm variables those were associated with disease progression.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All 72 patients were followed-up at mean 62 months (12 - 175 months), 6 patients had evidence of relapse. Both the 5-year disease specific survival and 5-year overall survival rate were 100%. For surveillance, chemotherapy and RPLND, cumulative 5-year PFS rates were 84.0%, 93.3% and 100%, respectively. Relapse rate was higher in surveillance group than in RPLND group (17.8% vs. 0, χ² = 3.99, P = 0.04). Patients with the history of cryptorchidism also have higher relapse rate than without (37.5% vs. 4.7%, χ² = 10.02, P = 0.01). In the surveillance cohort, relapse rates were significantly higher in patients with a predominant component of embryonal carcinoma (3/6 vs. 7.4%, χ² = 6.93, P = 0.04) and for those over 13 years of age (23.1% vs. 5.3%, χ² = 4.33, P = 0.04). On multivariate analysis, treatment mode of patients (OR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.06-0.36, P = 0.03) and patients with a history of cryptorchidism (OR = 25.3, 95% CI: 6.57-78.42, P = 0.04) were independent predictors of relapse.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Surveillance, RPLND and adjuvant chemotherapy could be reliable strategies in compliant stage Ia nonseminoma patients and achieve satisfactory overall survival. Relapse rate is relatively higher for patients with surveillance. Those who are older or have a history of cryptorchidism experience a higher risk of relapse.</p>

Retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking metastatic seminoma: case report and literature review / 癌症

If a testicular cancer patient has a mass in the retroperitoneum, a metastasis is often the first suspicion, probably leading to improper diagnosis and overtreatment. Here we report a case of retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking metastatic seminoma. A 29-year-old man, who had a history of seminoma, presented with a single retroperitoneal mass suspected to be a metastasis. Because the patient refused radiotherapy, 3 cycles of cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin were offered. Post-chemotherapy computed tomography scan revealed persistence of the retroperitoneal mass, with no change in tumor size or characteristics. Subsequently, retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was performed. The dissected tissue contained negative lymph nodes but a single mass in the attached fat. Pathology revealed retroperitoneal schwannoma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Thus, clinicians should be aware of retroperitoneal schwannoma and its distinction from metastatic seminoma to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure proper treatment.

Complications of radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective study comparing transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches using a standardized reporting methodology in two Chinese centers / 癌症

The reporting of complications following transperitoneal and retroperitoneal open radical nephrectomy (RN) is nonstandardized. This study aimed to compare early complications between the two approaches using a standardized reporting methodology in a large contemporary cohort. Between 1996 and 2009, 558 patients underwent open RN for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in our two centers (424 from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and 134 from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University). Records were reviewed for clinicopathologic features and complications. Complications were graded using the Clavien system based on the severity of impact. One hundred and five patients (18.8%) had one or more early complications (168 complications overall). The overall rates of grades I to V complications were 5.6%, 10.8%, 2.2%, 0.4%, and 0.2%, respectively. Patients who underwent transperitoneal RN did not experience more overall or procedure-related complications than those who underwent retroperitoneal RN (P = 0.911 and P = 0.851, respectively). On subgroup analysis, neither grade I/II nor grades III-V complications were significantly different between the transperitonal RN and retroperitoneal RN groups. Multivariate analysis showed that for any grade of complication, age (P = 0.016) and estimated blood loss (P = 0.001) were significant predictors. We concluded that open RN is a safe procedure associated with low rates of serious morbidity and mortality. Compared with retroperitoneal RN, transperitoneal RN was not associated with more complications. Older patient and more blood loss at surgery were independent predictors for higher early postoperative complication rates.

Intraarterial chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin in locally advanced or recurrent penile squamous cell carcinoma / 癌症

The prognosis of locally advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis after conventional treatment is dismal. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of intraarterial chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin on locally advanced or recurrent SCC of the penis. Between April 1999 and May 2011, we treated 5 patients with locally advanced penile SCC and 7 patients with recurrent disease with intraarterial chemotherapy. The response rate and toxicity data were analyzed, and survival rates were calculated. After 2 to 6 cycles of intraarterial chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin, 1 patients with locoregionally advanced disease achieved a complete response, and 4 achieved partial response. Of the 7 patients with recurrent disease, 2 achieved complete response, 3 achieved partial response, 3 had stable disease, and 1 developed progressive disease. An objective tumor response was therefore achieved in 10 of the 12 patients. The median overall survival for the patients was 24 months (range, 10-50 months). Three out of 10 patients who responded were long-term survivors after intraarterial chemotherapy. Intraarterial chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin may be effective and potentially curative in locoregionally advanced or recurrent penile SCC. The contribution of this therapy in the primary management of advanced or recurrent penile SCC should be prospectively investigated.

Effects of valsartan on aortic angiotensin converting enzyme 2 expression after aortic balloon injury in rats / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the process and mechanism of neointimal formation, the level of angiotensin II and angiotensin (1-7), the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R), extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) and the effects of valsartan on them after aortic balloon injury in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Aortic endothelial denudation of rats was induced by 2F balloon catheter. Thirty-six rats were randomly allocated into three groups: Group 1 (n = 12): controls; Group 2 (n = 12): aortic balloon injury; Group 3 (n = 12): valsartan (20 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1)) given from 1 day before injury to 14 and 28 days after aortic injury. The expression of ACE2 and AT1, the level of P-ERK, AngII, Ang(1-7) and intimal thickening were investigated by RT-PCR technique, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, radioimmunological method, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and HE stain, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and the intimal thickening were evidenced at day 14 and 28 after aortic balloon injury. (2) The mRNA and protein expressions of ACE2 decreased significantly, but AT(1)R mRNA and protein expression increased significantly at day 14 and 28 after balloon injury. (3) The level of AngII and p-ERK increased and Ang(1-7) reduced after balloon injury. (4) Valsartan not only attenuated the proliferation of VSMC and the intimal thickening but also upregulated the expression of ACE2 and the level of Ang(1-7) and downregulated the expression of AT(1)R and the level of AngII, p-ERK in this model.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intimal thickening after balloon injury is linked with reduced expression of ACE2.Valsartan can inhibit the intimal thickening possibly by upregulating ACE2 and Ang(1-7) and downregulating AT(1) in this model.</p>

Effects of cholesterol depletion on the growth inhibition and apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the regulatory effect of cholesterol depletion on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We cultured PC-3 cells in cholesterol depletion media (CDM) or normal media (NM), and added to the media platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), respectively. Then we observed cell morphology under the inverse microscope, detected cell growth inhibition by MTT assay, and analyzed cell apoptosis and cycle phase by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treated with CDM for 48 hours, the PC-3 cells obviously grew rounder and smaller, with more detached ones, and their proliferation remarkably inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, while their apoptosis rate not significantly increased, as compared with those treated with NM. After exposure to PDGF or EGF, the number of cells was increased in the NM group, but there were more detached and apoptotic cells in the CDM group than in the former (P < 0.05). Cell cycle analysis showed an increase in the number of G0/G1-phase cells and a decrease in that of S- and G2/M-phase cells in the CDM group compared with the NM group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cholesterol depletion could significantly inhibit the growth of PC-3 cells without obvious induction of their apoptosis, which is probably one of the self-regulating mechanisms of the cells avoiding apoptosis.</p>

Expression of HSP70 mRNA in hippocampus of rats after diffuse axonal injury / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the changes of expression of heat-shock proteins (HSP) 70 mRNA in hippocampus of rats after diffuse axonal injury (DAI).@*METHODS@#RT-PCR products of HSP70 mRNA were tested by agarose gel electrophoresis after RT-PCR amplification. The changes of HSP70 mRNA expression were observed in rat hippocampus after DAI.@*RESULTS@#The expression of HSP70 mRNA in the hippocampus could be detected 4 h after DAI. It reached maximum at 24 h and declined after 48 h.@*CONCLUSION@#HSP70 mRNA in hippocampus of rats could be useful for diagnosis of DAI.

Stage T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma: the prognosis in Asian patients / 癌症

The prognostic features of T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Asian patients have not been well explored in large sample studies. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the records of 713 patients undergoing nephrectomy for T1N0M0 RCC between 1991 and 2009 in three Asian hospitals. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the independent predictive factors for T1N0M0 RCC prognosis among a series of clinicopathological parameters, including age, gender, tumor size, Fuhrman grade, and histological classification. Our results showed that 388 of 713 patients had tumors 4.0 cm or smaller (stage T1a) and 325 of 713 patients had tumors 4.0-7.0 cm in size (stage T1b). Five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates for this group of patients were 96.0% and 93.5%, respectively. The patients with T1b RCC had a significantly lower 5-year CSS and RFS rates than did those with T1a RCC (CSS, 93.1% vs. 98.6%, P = 0.026; RFS, 90.0% vs. 96.5%, P < 0.001). Patients with low grade (grades I-II) tumors had a higher 5-year CSS (97.8% vs. 91.2%, P = 0.001) and RFS (95.5% vs. 85.5%, P < 0.001) rate than did those with high grade (grades I-II) tumors. More interestingly, when stratifying patients to T1a and T1b groups, the role of grade in distinguishing prognosis could be only observed in patients with T1b disease. Cox regression showed tumor size and Fuhrman grade were significant in predicting CSS and RFS. Our study suggests that the prognosis of patients with T1N0M0 RCC is excellent, and these results are comparable to previously reported studies in Western patients. Furthermore, our data indicates that patients with T1b disease and high Fuhrman grade have high risk of tumor recurrence and death, thus requiring more frequent follow-up.

Reassessment of the predictive role of perivesical fat invasion in invasive bladder cancer prognosis in 151 Chinese patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Perivesical fat invasion is considered as an important prognostic factor for bladder cancer. However, the predictive role of perivesical fat invasion in invasive bladder cancer prognosis has never been reported in Chinese patients. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of perivesical fat invasion for prognoses of T2 and T3 bladder cancer in Chinese patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and fifty-one patients who underwent radical cystectomy for pT2-3N0M0 invasive bladder cancer from 2001 to 2007 were studied. Cancer-specific survival rate (CSS) and recurrence-free survival rate (RFS) were compared between the pT2 and pT3 patient groups. Other clinicopathological parameters were also retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the independent predictor for the prognoses of this cohort.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Average patient age at surgery was 58 years. Ninety (60.3%) patients had grade I and II disease. During follow-up (median 66 months), 27 patients (17.9%) had tumor recurrence and 18 (11.9%) died of bladder cancer. In the univariate analysis, the CSS and RFS curves between T2 and T3 patients showed no significant difference (P = 0.756 and 0.354, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression showed that histological classification and grade were independent predictors for CSS, while grade was the sole independent predictor for RFS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For this group of Chinese patients, perivesical fat invasion did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in prognosis between T2 and T3 patients. Nontransitional cell carcinoma (non-TCC) and high-grade patients had short CSS, and patients with high-grade tumor had higher recurrent risk.</p>

Quality control of recombinant oncolytic adenovirus/p53 / 药学学报

To establish a detection method of oncolytic adenovirus/p53 and standard of quality control, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter, CMV fusion promoter containing hypoxia reaction element (HRE) and p53 gene were identified by vector DNA restriction enzyme digestion and PCR analysis. The result conformed that all modified regions were in consistent with theoretical ones. Particle number was 2.0 x 10(11) mL(-1) determined by UV (A260). Infectious titer was 5.0 x 10(10) IU mL(-1) analyzed by TCID50. In vitro p53 gene expression in human lung cancer cell H1299 was determined by ELISA, and A450 ratio of nucleoprotein in virus infection group to control group was 5.2. Antitumor potency was evaluated by cytotoxicity assay using human lung cancer cell A549, and the MOI(IC50) of this gene therapy preparation was 1.0. The tumor cells targeted replication ability of recombinant virus was determined by TCID50 titer ratio of filial generation virus between human lung cancer cell A549 and human diploid epidermal fibrolast BJ cells after infected by virus with same MOI. TCID50 titer ratio of tumor cell infection group to normal cell infection control group was 398. The IE-HPLC purity of virus was 99.5%. There was less than 1 copy of wild type adenovirus within 1 x 10(7) VP recombinant virus. Other quality control items were complied with corresponding requirements in the guidance for human somatic cell therapy and gene therapy and Chinese pharmacopeia volume III. The detection method of oncolytic adenovirus/p53 was successfully established for quality control standard. The study also provided reference for quality control of other oncolytic viral vector products.

Expression of c-jun protein after experimental rat brain concussion / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe e-jun protein expression after rat brain concussion and explore the forensic pathologic markers following brain concussion.@*METHODS@#Fifty-five rats were randomly divided into brain concussion group and control group. The expression of c-jun protein was observed by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#There were weak positive expression of c-jun protein in control group. In brain concussion group, however, some neutrons showed positive expression of c-jun protein at 15 min after brain concussion, and reach to the peak at 3 h after brain concussion.@*CONCLUSION@#The research results suggest that detection of c-jun protein could be a marker to determine brain concussion and estimate injury time after brain concussion.

Relationship between the colonization of Group B Streptococci, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia trachomatis infections and spontaneous abortion due to early embryonic death / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between the colonization of group B streptococci (GBS), mycoplasma,and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections and spontaneous abortion due to early embryonic death.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 74 patients (study group) who experienced the missed abortion during their first or second trimester and 62 women (control group) who underwent induced termination of normal pregnancy during the first or second trimester were enrolled in this study. The vaginal secretions, intrauterine aspirates, and amniotic fluids were collected for GBS culture. Cervical mycoplasma (UU+MH) and CT were detected at the same time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Positive results of GBS culture of vaginal secretions were detected in 9 patients (12.16%) in the study group, but in only 6 patients (9.68%) in control group (P=0.662). The intrauterine aspirate samples (as well as the amniotic fluid samples) of all cases were negative in GBS culture. The positive rates of UU and MH were 32.43% (24/74) and 16.22% (12/74) in the study group, but were only 10.35% (12/62) (P=0.0103) and 6.45 (4/62) (P=0.042) in the control group. The positive rate of CT was 8.11% (6/74) in the study group and 8.06 % (5/62) in the control group (P=0.905). The rate of concurrent infection of GBS and mycoplasma was 4.05% (3/74) in the study group and 6.45% (4/62) in the control group (P=0.743). The rate of concurrent infection of GBS and CT was 0 in the study group and 1.61% (1/62) in the control group (P=0.475). The rate of concurrent mycoplasma and CT infection was 2.70% (2/74) in the study group and 0 in the control group (P=0.325). Furthermore, no one was positive for poly infection of all these three pathogens.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>GBS may be positive in the genital tract of some pregnant women but is not related with early abortion. The mycoplasma infection may be one of the reasons leading to arrested intrauterine pregnancy.</p>

Oncological outcome of surgical treatment in 336 patients with renal cell carcinoma / 癌症

<p><b>BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE</b>The most effective therapy against renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is surgical treatment; however, there have been few large-scale studies that focused on the oncological outcome of this disease in China. The aim of the current study was to report the clinicopathological results and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate in RCC patients after surgical treatment in our center.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data of 336 RCC patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy between 1999 and 2006. Of the 336 patients, 226 were male and 110 were female; the median age was 51 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the independent prognostic predictors for this cohort of RCC patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During follow-up, the overall 5-year CSS rate was 81.4%. The 5-year CSS rates for patients with stage-I, -II, -III, and -IV RCC were 94.7%, 88.9%, 68.8%, and 19.3%, respectively. The patients with T1N0M0 (T1) and T2N0M0 (T2) tumors had similar survival curves. For patients with T1 category tumor, the survival rate did not differ significantly between the radical nephrectomy and nephron-sparing surgery groups. For the 21 patients with metastasis confined to the local lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate was 31.6% after radical nephrectomy and lymph node dissection. For the 15 patients with vena caval tumor thrombus, the 5-year survival rate was 52.5% after radical nephrectomy and tumor thrombus extirpation. Multivariate Cox regression showed that stage was an independent predictor for CSS (hazard ratio, 3.359; P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For localized RCC, the oncological outcome of this cohort is comparable to that reported in the Western literature. For some patients with locally advanced RCC, aggressive surgical treatment can lead to better long-term survival. However, the prognosis of the patients with metastasis still needs to be improved.</p>