Modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic lateral neck dissection for treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a series of 31 cases / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the feasibility of the modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic thyroidectomy for lateral neck dissection (LND) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: The clinical data of 31 patients with PTC who underwent modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic LND in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Run Run Shaw Hospital, from January to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 2 males and 29 females, aged (32.6±8.3) years (range: 17 to 55 years). The maximum diameter of the primary thyroid lesion (M(IQR)) was 1.06 (1.16) cm (range: 0.53 to 2.44 cm), and the maximum diameter of the metastatic lymph node was (1.04±0.37) cm (range: 0.44 to 1.88 cm). Operation time, postoperative hospital stay, number of lymph nodes dissected, and postoperative complications were recorded. Outpatient follow-up was conducted until November 30, 2022. Results: All operations were successfully completed with the endoscopy approach without conversion to open surgery. The operation time was 160 (20) minutes (range: 100 to 215 minutes), and the postoperative hospital stay was 4 (2) days (range: 2 to 14 days). The number of lymph nodes obtained by dissection in the central and lateral compartment of the neck was 11 (12) (range: 0 to 37) and 34.7±14.8 (range: 15 to 69), respectively. Temporary hypoparathyroidism occurred in 4 cases and all recovered within 1 month after the operation. One case suffered from recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (continuing followed up to assess whether it is a temporary injury). The complication of LND included 1 case of chylous leakage that was recovered with conservative treatment, 1 case of Horner syndrome returned to normal 3 months after surgery. During follow-up, there was no residual tumor or recurrence. Conclusion: The modified gasless trans-subclavian approach endoscopic LND for PTC is feasible, with a thorough dissection and concealed incision.

Gasless submental-transoral combined appoach endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma: a series of 41 cases / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the safety and feasibility of gasless submental-transoral combined appoach endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 41 patients with PTC who underwent the gasless submental-transoral combined appoach endoscopic thyroidectomy at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from November 2020 to April 2021. There were 5 males and 36 females with the age of (35.0±8.7) years (range: 19 to 58 years). A horizontal incision with a length of 2.0 cm is made under the chin as an observation hole, a 10 mm Trocar and a self-developed retractor are inserted, and two 5 mm longitudinal incisions are made on the labial side in the vestibule of the oral cavity as an operation hole, each inserting a 5 mm Trocar, the operation direction is from the cranial side to the caudal side. The sensation of the lower lip and chin was measured on the first day and one month postoperative. The operation time, hospital stay, the number of lymph nodes dissected and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Surgical procedures in all cases were successfully completed under endoscopic approach without transfering to open surgery. The operation time was (99±34) minutes (range: 50 to 180 minutes) and the postoperative hospital stay was (3.4±2.2) days (range: 2 to 16 days). The maximum diameter of PTC was (7.6±5.8) mm (range: 2 to 30 mm), and the number of lymph nodes of the central compartment dissection was 6(5) (M(IQR)) (range: 1 to 25). The duration of follow-up is 1 month after operation, and the follow-up method is adopted in outpatient clinic. Postoperation complications included 2 cases of transient hypoparathyroidism, One case of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (continue to follow up to assess whether it is a temporary injury). Postoperative minor chyle leak, seroma, and local redness and swelling in 1 case each were cured after conservative treatment. 1 case of transient minor numbness of the lower lip was observed. No permanent hypoparathyroidism, postoperative bleeding and numbness of the chin was observed. Conclusion: The gasless submental-transoral combined appoach endoscopic thyroidectomy is a feasible approach in selected PTC patients and has clinical application value.

Detection of NPM1 Mutation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Droplet Digital PCR and Its Clinical Application Value / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for the detection of NPM1 type A mutation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to evaluate its specificity, sensitivity and its value in clinical application.@*METHODS@#NPM1 mutant and wildtype plasmids were used to verify the performance of ddPCR. Both ddPCR and Sanger sequencing were used to detect the bone marrow samples of 87 AML patients, which were confirmed by next generation sequencing (NGS). Moreover, NPM1 mutation burden was dynamically monitored in five patients by ddPCR.@*RESULTS@#The limit of blank (LOB) of ddPCR established for NPM1 mutation detection was 1.1 copies/μl, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 2.43 copies/μl, which had good linearity. Among the 87 newly diagnosed AML patients, ddPCR identified seventeen cases positive for NPM1 mutation (19.5%)， which was consistent with Sanger sequencing. NGS confirmed 12 positive cases, including 8 of type A mutations, 2 of type D mutations, and 2 of rare type mutations. The results of dynamic monitoring of NPM1 mutation burden in 5 patients showed that the NPM1 mutation burden decreased obviously even close to 0, when patients achieve complete remission after chemotherapy. However, the mutation burden was increased again at the time of relapse.@*CONCLUSION@#In this study, we established a ddPCR method for detection of NPM1 mutation with good sensitivity and repeatability, which can be used for screening NPM1 mutation in newly diagnosed AML patients and for minimal residual disease monitoring after remission in positive AML patients to guide treatment.

Complete chloroplast genome of Sophora alopecuroides (Papilionoideae): molecular structures, comparative genome analysis and phylogenetic analysis

Sophora alopecuroides belongs to the genus Sophora of the family Papilionoideae. It is mainly distributed in the desert and semidesert areas of northern China, and has high medicinal value and ecological function. Previous studies have reported the chemical composition and ecological functions of S. alopecuroides. However, only a few reports are available on the genomic information of S. alopecuroides, especially the chloroplast genome, which greatly limits the study of the evolutionary relationship between other species of Papilionoideae. Here, we report the complete chloroplast genome of S. alopecuroides. The size of the chloroplast genome is 155,207 bp, and the GC content is 36.44%. The S. alopecuroides chloroplast genome consists of 132 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 41 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the taxonomic position of S. alopecuroidesin Papilionoideae, and the genus Sophora and the genus Ammopiptanthus were highly related. Comparative genomics analysis revealed the gene rearrangement in the evolution of S. alopecuroides. The comparison between S. alopecuroides and the species of the Papilionoideae identified a novel 23 kb inversion between the trnC-GCA and trnF-GAA which occurred before the divergence of Sophora and Ammopiptanthus of Thermopsideae. This study provided an essential data for the understanding of phylogenetic status of S. alopecuroides.

MALAT1 is involved in type I IFNs-mediated systemic lupus erythematosus by up-regulating OAS2, OAS3, and OASL

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with an aberrant activation of immune cells partly due to the dysfunction of cytokines such as type I interferons (IFNs). Long non-coding RNA MALAT1 has been found to play a pathogenic role in SLE; however, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Bioinformatics analysis showed the up-regulation of type I IFN downstream effectors OAS2, OAS3, and OASL (OAS-like) in CD4+ T cells, CD19+ B cells, and CD33+ myeloid cells in patients with active SLE compared to healthy participants. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), CD19+ B, and CD4+ T cells were isolated from active SLE patients and healthy participants. PCR was performed to quantify MALAT1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL expression in immune cells. MALAT1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL were knocked down in CD4+ T cells to investigate the regulatory effect of MALAT1 on the effectors and their involvement in type I IFNs-mediated inflammation. Results showed higher OAS2, OAS3, and OASL expression in active SLE patients. MALAT1 expression was positively correlated to OAS2, OAS3, and OASL expression in CD19+ B or CD4+ T cells. MALAT1 knockdown decreased OAS2, OAS3, and OASL expression. Treatment with IFN-α-2a increased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-α in CD4+ T cells. However, knockdown of MALAT1, OAS2, OAS3, and OASL alone inhibited the effect of IFN-α-2a on TNF-α and IL-1β. This study suggested the involvement of MALAT1 in type I IFNs-mediated SLE by up-regulating OAS2, OAS3, and OASL.

Effect of Shenling Baizhusan on mTORC1/STAT3 Pathway in Hepatocytes of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To observe the effect of Shenling Baizhusan(SBS)on the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway in liver hepatocyte of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)rats induced by high fat diet, in order to reveal the mechanism of SBS against rat NAFLD from the perspective of inflammation. Method::Totally 80 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, normal control group, model group, high-dose SBP group(30 g·kg-1), and low-dose SBS group(10 g·kg-1), with 20 rats in each group. The rats of NAFLD model were established by being fed with high-fat diets for 8 weeks, and the treatment groups were fed with high or low dose of SBS respectively. After treatment for 8 weeks, blood and liver samples of rats were collected. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels in blood serum were detected with automatic biochemical analyzer. The liver tissues were observed by oil red O and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Hepatocytes were isolated by type Ⅳ collagenase perfusion in vitro. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-5 and IL-6 in hepatocytes were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the relevant gene and proteins expressions of mTORC1 and STAT3 in hepatocytes were detected by Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot detection respectively. Result::Compared with the normal control group, the serum levels of TG, TC, AST, ALT and LDL-C were increased significantly, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5 and IL-6 in hepatocytes were increased significantly, and the expression levels of mTORC1, STAT3 mRNA and proteins in hepatocytes were increased significantly(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the hepatic lipid accumulation of the medicine intervention group was relieved significantly, the serum levels of AST, ALT, TG and LDL-C were decreased significantly, the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5 and IL-6 of hepatocytes were decreased significantly, and the expressions of mTORC1, STAT3 mRNA and proteins in hepatocytes were decreased significantly(P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose SBS group, the effects in improving the lipid accumulation and inhibiting the inflammatory reaction were better than those of the low-dose SBS group, and the expressions of mTORC1 and STAT3 genes and proteins in hepatocytes were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion::SBS can improve the fat metabolism disorder and reduce liver lipid accumulation and inflammatory reaction in NAFLD rats induced by high-fat diet. The mechanism may be correlated with the inhibition of mTORC1/STAT3 pathway relating to genes and protein expression in hepatocytes.

Musculoskeletal computational analysis on muscle mechanical characteristics of drivers lumbar vertebras and legs in different sitting postures

SUMMARY Using computer-aided engineering (CAE) in the concept design stage of automobiles has become a hotspot in human factor engineering research. Based on human musculoskeletal biomechanical computational software, a seated human-body musculoskeletal model was built to describe the natural sitting posture of a driver. The interaction between the driver and car in various combinations of seat-pan/back-rest inclination angles was analyzed using an inverse-dynamics approach. In order to find out the "most comfortable" driving posture of the seat-pan/back-rest, the effect of seat-pan/back-rest inclination angles on the muscle activity degree, and the intradiscal L4-L5 compression force were investigated. The results showed that a much larger back-rest inclination angle, approximately 15°, and a slight backward seat-pan, about 7°, may relieve muscle fatigue and provide more comfort while driving. Subsequently, according to the findings above, a preliminary driving-comfort function was constructed.

RESUMO O uso de engenharia assistida por computador (CAE) na fase de projeto do conceito do automóvel tornou-se um ponto de acesso na pesquisa de fatores humanos. Com base no software computacional biomecânico musculoesquelético humano, foi construído um modelo musculoesquelético sentado para descrever a postura sentada natural de um condutor. A interação entre um motorista e um carro em várias combinações de ângulos de inclinação do assento-pan/encosto foi analisada usando uma abordagem dinâmica do verso. A fim de descobrir a postura de condução "mais confortável" do assento-pan/encosto, o efeito dos ângulos de inclinação do assento-pan/dorso sobre o grau de atividade muscular e a força de compressão intradiscal L4-L5 foi investigado. Os resultados mostraram que um ângulo de inclinação para trás muito maior, aproximadamente 15°, e um ligeiro assento-pan para trás, cerca de 7°, pode aliviar a fadiga muscular e levar a dirigir em uma posição confortável. Posteriormente, de acordo com as conclusões acima expostas, foi construída uma função preliminar de conforto ao dirigir.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Nitraria tangutorum, a desert shrub

The chloroplast genome sequence of Nitraria tangutorum, a desert shrub, was sequenced using high-throughput sequencing technology and analysed phylogenetically in the present study. The chloroplast genome is 159,414 bp in length, including a large single copy region of 87,924 bp and small single copy region of 18,318 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 26,586 bp. The chloroplast genome contains 110 unique genes, including 77 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 29 tRNA genes. Most of these genes are present as a single copy and in two or more copies 19 genes occurred. Seventeen genes have one intron, and clpP and ycf3 genes contain two introns. A total of 81 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified, most of them were found to be mononucleotide repeats composed of A/T. In addition to SSRs, 66 repeats were identified, including 41 tandem repeats, 10 palindromic repeats, and 15 forward repeats. The phylogenetic analysis based on 54 protein-coding genes demonstrated a close relationship between N. tangutorum and other plant species in Sapindales. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of N. tangutorum will provide important data for further study of taxonomy and systematics of the genus Nitraria.

Disorder of Muscles around Knee with Meniscus Injury: Study with Surface Electromyography / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the influence of meniscus injury on the function of muscles around knee in patients with meniscus injury. Methods:From February, 2017 to February, 2018, the suface electromyography of vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM) and biceps femoris (BF) were recorded and analyzed in 22 patiens with unilateral meniscus injury, during squatting down-standing up test and maximal isometric voluntary contraction at knee flexing 70°. Results:During squatting down-standing up test, the average electromyography (AEMG) of VL and BF was less in affected knee than in unaffected knee (t > 3.945, Z > 3.847, P < 0.001), and the coactivity ratio of hamstrings in affected knee was higher (t > 3.650, P < 0.01). The AEMG of VL, RF, VM and BF was less in affected knee than in unaffected knee (t > 2.907, Z = 4.107, P < 0.01) during maximal isometric voluntary contraction at knee flexing 70°. Conclusion:sEMG can be used to quantitatively evaluate the muscle function around knee for patients with meniscus injury in different motion states. Patients with meniscus injury demonstrate impaired muscular function and altered muscle balance around knee, which need to be corrected during rehabilitation.

Disorder of Muscles around Knee with Meniscus Injury: Study with Surface Electromyography / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the influence of meniscus injury on the function of muscles around knee in patients with meniscus injury. Methods:From February, 2017 to February, 2018, the suface electromyography of vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM) and biceps femoris (BF) were recorded and analyzed in 22 patiens with unilateral meniscus injury, during squatting down-standing up test and maximal isometric voluntary contraction at knee flexing 70°. Results:During squatting down-standing up test, the average electromyography (AEMG) of VL and BF was less in affected knee than in unaffected knee (t > 3.945, Z > 3.847, P < 0.001), and the coactivity ratio of hamstrings in affected knee was higher (t > 3.650, P < 0.01). The AEMG of VL, RF, VM and BF was less in affected knee than in unaffected knee (t > 2.907, Z = 4.107, P < 0.01) during maximal isometric voluntary contraction at knee flexing 70°. Conclusion:sEMG can be used to quantitatively evaluate the muscle function around knee for patients with meniscus injury in different motion states. Patients with meniscus injury demonstrate impaired muscular function and altered muscle balance around knee, which need to be corrected during rehabilitation.

The measurement of dorsal radial tilt by x-ray and computed tomography

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We conducted this study to define and measure the dorsal radial tilt, and to guide the reduction of distal radius fractures and the pre-bending of steel plates used in surgery. METHODS: The dorsal radial tilt was measured using both computed tomography (CT) and x-ray from both left and right side. The differences and correlations of the data measured by those two methods and from two sides were analyzed. RESULTS: The tilts measured by x-ray were significantly bigger than those measured by CT from the left side (t=55.51, p < 0.01) and from the right side (t=49.81, p < 0.01). The tilts measured by those two methods from the left and right sides were correlated (r=0.85, p < 0.01; r=0.81, p < 0.01). The dorsal radial tilts measured from the left side were not significantly different from those measured from the right side by CT (t=1.49, p > 0.05) and by x-ray (t=1.51, p > 0.05). The dorsal radial tilts measured from the left side by CT were significantly different from those measured from the right side by x-ray (t=43.07, p < 0.01), and these two sets of data were correlated (r=0.71, p < 0.01). The dorsal radial tilts measured from the left side by x-ray was significantly different from that measured from right side by CT (t=40.43, p < 0.01), and those two sets of data were also correlated (r=0.75, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The dorsal radial tilts measured from one side by one method can be used to estimate the tilts measured from the other side / the same side by the same method / the other method.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Realizamos este estudo para definir e medir a inclinação radial dorsal, e para orientar a redução das fraturas do raio distal e a pré-flexão das chapas de aço utilizadas na cirurgia. MÉTODOS: A inclinação radial dorsal foi medida usando tomografia computadorizada (TC) e raios X dos lados esquerdo e direito. As diferenças e correlações dos dados medidos por esses dois métodos e de dois lados foram analisadas. RESULTADOS: As inclinações medidas por raios X foram significativamente maiores que as medidas pela TC do lado esquerdo (t=55,51, p<0,01) e do lado direito (t=49,81, p<0,01). As inclinações medidas por esses dois métodos dos lados esquerdo e direito foram correlacionadas (r=0,85, p<0,01; r=0,81, p<0,01). As inclinações radiais dorsais medidas a partir do lado esquerdo não foram significativamente diferentes das medidas do lado direito por CT (t=1,49, p>0,05) e por raios X (t=1,51, p>0,05). As inclinações radiais dorsais medidas a partir do lado esquerdo por TC foram significativamente diferentes das medidas a partir do lado direito por raios X (t=43,07, p<0,01), e esses dois conjuntos de dados foram correlacionados (r=0,71, p<0,01). As inclinações radiais dorsais medidas a partir do lado esquerdo por raios X foram significativamente diferentes das medidas do lado direito por CT (t=40,43, p<0,01), e esses dois conjuntos de dados também foram correlacionados (r=0,75, p<0,01). CONCLUSÕES: As inclinações radiais dorsais medidas de um lado por um método podem ser usadas para estimar as inclinações medidas do outro lado/o mesmo lado pelo mesmo método/o outro método.

Interferon-γ Alters the Immune-related miRNA Expression of Microvesicles Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Increasing studies have demonstrated that interferon gamma (IFN-γ),which serves as a critical inflammatory cytokine,is essential to induce the immunosuppressive effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).However,the mechanisms underlying the enhanced immunosuppressive effects of IFN-γ-stimulated MSCs (γMSCs) are not fully understood.MSC-derived rnicrovesicles (MSC-MVs) have been viewed as potential pivotal mediators of the immunosuppressive effects of MSCs.Moreover,microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of immunological processes and can be shuttled from cell to cell by MVs.The aim of our study was to analyze the the miRNA expression signature of MVs derived from γMSCs (γMSC-MVs),which may provide better understanding of the immunosuppressive property of their parent cells.Through miRNA microarray and bioinformatics analysis,we found 62 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in γMSC-MVs compared with MSC-MVs.And the potential target genes and signaling pathways regulated by DEMs were predicted and analyzed.Interestingly,many DEMs and predicted signaling pathways had been.demonstrated to be involved in immunoregulation.Furthermore,the network between immunoregulation-related pathways and relevant DEMs was constructed.Collectively,our research on the miRNA repertoires of γMSC-MVs not only provides new perspectives into the mechanisms underlying the enhanced immunosuppressive property of γMSCs,but also paves the way to clinical application of these potent organelles in the future.

Human papillomavirus genotypes in male patients attending the STD clinic in Zhenjiang area / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the status of human papillomavirus ( HPV) infection and its genotypes in male patients in Zhenjiang area.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using PCR and reverse dot blot hybridization, we determined the genotypes of HPV DNA in 245 male patients at our Clinic of Dermatology and STD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total rate of HPV infection was 43.67% (107/245), and 18 subtypes were detected. Among the 107 HPV-positive cases, low-risk, high-risk, and combined high- and low-risk infections accounted for 39.25% (42/107), 38.32% (41/107), and 22.43% (24/107), respectively. The most notable low-risk HPV types were HPV6 and HPV11, and the most notable high-risk HPV types were HPV16, HPV52, and HPV58. The rates of single infection and multi-infection were 53.27% (57/107) and 46.73% (50/107), respectively. One case had the most types, infected with 8 genotypes. No statistically significant differences were observed in the total rate of HPV infection among different age groups (Χ2 = 7.999, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The dominant subtypes of HPV infection in male patients in Zhenjiang area were HPV6, HPV11, and HPV16. The most common subtypes were HPV6 and HPV11 in low-risk infection, and HPV16, HPV52, and HPV58 in high-risk infection.</p>

Risk factors for posterior to right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma

To identify the risk factors for posterior right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis [PRRLN-LNM] in papillary thyroid carcinoma [PTC]. We conducted a retrospective study of 389 patients with primary PTC who underwent right lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, and comprehensive right or bilateral central compartment dissection [CCD] with or without lateral neck dissection [LND] between January 2010 and May 2013 at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Micro-Invasive Surgery of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China. The clinicopathological findings were investigated, and relative risk factors for PRRLN-LNM were analyzed. Central compartment LNM were present in 50.9% [198/389], and PRRLN-LNM were present in 12.6% [49/389] of patients, wherein 3.1% [12/389] had PRRLN-LNM only. A multivariate analysis revealed that younger age [

Fractal Dimension Analysis of MDCT Images for Quantifying the Morphological Changes of the Pulmonary Artery Tree in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use fractal dimension (FD) analysis on multidetector CT (MDCT) images for quantifying the morphological changes of the pulmonary artery tree in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with PH and 17 patients without PH as controls were studied. All of the patients underwent contrast-enhanced helical CT and transthoracic echocardiography. The pulmonary artery trees were generated using post-processing software, and the FD and projected image area of the pulmonary artery trees were determined with ImageJ software in a personal computer. The FD, the projected image area and the pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were statistically evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: The FD, the projected image area and the PAP of the patients with PH were higher than those values of the patients without PH (p < 0.05, t-test). There was a high correlation of FD with the PAP (r = 0.82, p < 0.05, partial correlation analysis). There was a moderate correlation of FD with the projected image area (r = 0.49, p < 0.05, partial correlation analysis). There was a correlation of the PAP with the projected image area (r = 0.65, p < 0.05, Pearson correlation analysis). CONCLUSION: The FD of the pulmonary arteries in the PH patients was significantly higher than that of the controls. There is a high correlation of FD with the PAP.

Gene expression of helicase antigen in patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression status of the helicase antigen (HAGE) transcript and its clinical significance in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The expression of HAGE cDNA in bone marrow mononuclear cells from AML and CML patients was detected by using real-time quantitative PCR. The results indicated that overexpression of HAGE transcript (117.12% - 9842.70%, median 434.96%) was detected in 14.8% (11/74) AML patients. AML patients with HAGE cDNA expression were significantly older than those HAGE-negative patients (median 67 and 45 years, respectively, p = 0.001). HAGE cDNA expression was more frequently present among the patients with acute monoblastic leukemia (M(4) and M(5), 7 of 20, 35.0%), compared to the patients with acute non-monoblastic leukemia (M(1), M(2), M(3) and M(6), 4 of 54, 7.4%) (p = 0.007). 28.6% (8/28) cases with normal karyotypes showed HAGE cDNA overexpression, significantly higher than 7.5% (3 of 40) in those with chromosomal abnormalities (p = 0.041). Overexpression of HAGE transcript was found in 9 (34.6%) CML cases and more frequently observed at accelerated phase and blast crisis (4/4, 100%) than that at chronic phase (5/22, 22.7%) (p = 0.008). It is concluded that HAGE cDNA expression is relevant to specific subtypes of AML and to the progression of CML.

Scanning of c-kit gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemias using high-resolution melting analysis / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the common mutations (D816V and N822K) of c-kit gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using high-resolution melting analysis (HRM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HRM analysis was established to screen c-kit mutations in PCR products of c-kit exon 17 in 21 AML patients with t(8;21). PCR products were sequenced to confirm the mutation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HRM analysis identified an aberrant melting curve in 6 cases (28.6%), which were confirmed by direct DNA sequencing as one D816V mutation and five N822K mutation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HRM analysis is a convenient, rapid, specific and high-throughput technique for scanning c-kit gene mutation in AML.</p>

Alteration of methylation status of death-associated protein kinase (dapk) gene promoter in patients with acute myeloid leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was purposed to analyze the methylation status of death-associated protein kinase (dapk) gene promoter in Chinese patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its relationship with clinical features. The methylation-specific PCR (MSP) technique was used to detect dapk promoter methylation in bone marrow samples from 112 cases of AML. The results indicated that gene dapk promoter hypermethylation was detected in 82 cases (73.2%), but not in 13 control group. There was no correlation of dapk gene hypermethylation with sex, age, WBC counts, platelet counts, hematologic parameters, chromosomal abnormalities and different subtypes of AML patients. It is concluded that dapk gene hypermethylation may be a common molecular event in AML.

Quantification of GRAF gene expression in patients with acute myeloid leukemia using EvaGreen real time quantitative PCR / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To quantify the expression level of GRAF gene in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and analyze its clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The EvaGreen real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) assay was established and performed to measure the GRAF gene transcripts in 71 cases with AML and 21 with nonmalignant hematological diseases. The clinical correlation of GRAF expression was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The established EvaGreen RQ-PCR assay had good specificity, reproducibility and sensitivity. The GRAF expression level was significantly lower in AML (0.01%-169.75%, median 3.82%) than that in controls (14.49%-126.85%, median 56.04%) (P<0.05). There was no correlation between the level of GRAF transcript and the sex, age, hematologic parameters, FAB subtypes and karyotypic groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The GRAF gene was down-regulated in AML, which might play a role in the leukemogenesis.</p>

Quantification of prame gene transcript in chronic myeloid leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

This study was purposed to analyze the expression level of preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma (prame) transcript in the patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and explore its clinical significance. Real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) assay was used to detect the level of prame gene transcript in the bone marrow samples from 30 patients with CML and 15 patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The results showed that CML patients had significantly higher prame mRNA level (0% - 772.25%, median 8.28%) than IDA cases (0% - 1.46%, median 0.19%) (p < 0.001). The level of prame gene transcript was significantly correlated with that of bcr-abl fusion gene transcript (r = 0.708, p < 0.001) in CML patients. Furthermore, 6 patients in blastic crisis (BC) and accelerated phase (AP) had significantly higher prame gene transcript than that of 24 cases in chronic phase (CP) (p = 0.007). In 2 CML patients with sequential samples, prame gene transcript increased in AP and BC, compared with in CP, and was consistent with the altering tendency of bcr-abl transcript. It is concluded that the level of prame gene transcript increases in CML which associates with the progression of the disease, prame gene transcript level can be used for monitoring the disease state.