Repeated stellate ganglion blockade for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia storm in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy: a new therapeutic option for patients with malignant arrhythmias / 中华心血管病杂志

Objectives: This study sought to describe our institutional experience of repeated percutaneous stellate ganglion blockade (R-SGB) as a treatment option for drug-refractory electrical storm in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). Methods: This prospective observational study included 8 consecutive NICM patients who had drug-refractory electrical storm and underwent R-SGB between June 1, 2021 and January 31, 2022. Lidocaine (5 ml, 1%) was injected in the vicinity of the left stellate ganglion under the guidance of ultrasound, once per day for 7 days. Data including clinical characteristics, immediate and long-term outcomes, and procedure related complications were collected. Results: The mean age was (51.5±13.6) years. All patients were male. 5 patients were diagnosed as dilated cardiomyopathy, 2 patients as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and 1 patient as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The left ventricular ejection fraction was 37.8%±6.6%. After the treatment of R-SGB, 6 (75%) patients were free of electrical storm. 24 hours Holter monitoring showed significant reduction in ventricular tachycardia (VT) episodes from 43.0 (13.3, 276.3) to 1.0 (0.3, 34.0) on the first day following R-SGB (P<0.05) and 0.5 (0.0, 19.3) after whole R-SGB process (P<0.05). There were no procedure-related major complications. The mean follow-up was (4.8±1.1) months, and the median time of recurrent VT was 2 months. Conclusion: Minimally invasive R-SGB is a safe and effective method to treat electrical storm in patients with NICM.

Research on an integrated community-based chronic disease management model driven by massive databases / 上海预防医学

China’s chronic disease management suffers from problems such as unclear institutional function， insufficient information technology application， and weak regulation support. On the basis of current chronic disease management condition in China， this paper proposes to apply the concept of “people-centered” integrated health management to community chronic disease management and discusses the content and procedure of establishing an integrated community-based chronic disease management model driven by massive databases. The model innovatively combines technology integration， data integration and service integration， and can accurately and efficiently realize the "people-centered" full-course health management of various chronic diseases. Shanghai has provided integrated community-based chronic disease management service for 1.98 million citizens through applying this model. The model warrants further effectiveness and economic evaluation. This study provides precious experience for the development of chronic disease prevention and treatment in China.

Clinical characteristics and long-term follow-up results of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia in patients with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the acute and long-term outcome of catheter ablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study enrolled ALVC patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of VT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2011 to December 2018 and collected their clinical characteristics and intraoperative electrophysiological examination. Patients were followed up every 6 months after radiofrequency ablation until August 2021. Echocardiographic results and VT recurrence post radiofrequency ablation were analysed. Results: Totally 12 patients were enrolled (mean age: (42±15) years, 11 males(11/12)). The mean of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVDd) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were (51±5)mm and (65±5)%, respectively. Twelve VTs were induced in 10 patients during the electrophysiological study, and the mean tachycardia cycle length was (293±65) ms. Three-dimensional substrate mapping revealed the diseased area at endocardial site in one patient, at epicardial sites in the other 11 patients (involved endocardial sites in 2 cases) with the basal part near the mitral annulus being the predilection for the substrate (10/11). After the catheter ablation at the endocardial and epicardial sites respectively, the complete procedure endpoint was achieved in all patients (VT cannot be induced post ablation). The median follow-up time was 65 (25, 123) months. One patient was lost to follow-up, and the other 11 patients survived without VT. No significant cardiac function deterioration was detected by the echocardiographic examination ((51±5)mm vs. (52±5)mm, P>0.05 for LVDd, (65±5)% vs. (60±6)%, P>0.05 for LVEF) at the end of follow-up. Conclusion: After radiofrequency ablation, the complete procedure endpoint is achieved in ALVC patients, and the catheter ablation provides long-term ventricular tachycardia control during the long-term follow-up.

A review of international progress in colorectal cancer screening programs / 上海预防医学

Objective:To summarize the international experience in colorectal cancer population screening programs， so as to provide reference for the development and promotion of similar programs in China. Methods:We used “colorectal cancer population screening program” as key words to search the database of CNKI and Web of Science in this study. Results:A total of 18 reports （including 17 programs） were selected from 187 Chinese and 1 256 English literatures. International colorectal cancer screening programs were organized to target asymptomatic 50-74 years old population for fecal immunochemical test every two years and recommend participants with positive result to take further colonoscopy. These programs reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer and adenoma， which were beneficial to early diagnosis and treatment in colorectal cancer patients. They also showed good cost-effectiveness. Conclusion:Based on the domestic and foreign experiences， we suggest to further improve colorectal cancer screening programs in China， including designing evidence-based and feasible strategies， attaching importance to the implementation and management of the programs， and simultaneously implementing project monitoring and effectiveness evaluation.

Survival analysis of patients with lung cancer in Shanghai / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose: The incidence and mortality of lung cancer ranked first in China. This study aimed to describe lung cancer survival in Shanghai, and provide background information for cancer prevention and treatment evaluation. Methods: Data of lung cancer cases diagnosed during 2002-2006, follow-up information and death report were collected from Shanghai Cancer Registry. Life table method and Ederer Ⅱ were used to calculate observed survival (OS) and relative survival (RS) respectively. Related demographic characteristics and status were also analyzed to present the survival situations of the lung cancer survivors in Shanghai. Results: In this study, 41802 lung cancer cases were included in analysis. The 5-year OS and RS for lung cancer were 13.75% and 20.23% respectively, and median survival time was 318 days. Survival rate was higher among females than males, with the 5-year OS of 15.49% and 13.00% respectively. The 5-year OS was higher among suburban residents (14.25%) than urban residents (13.23%). Survival rates decreased with increasing age and advanced stage. Patients aged 0-34 had a 5-year OS of 38.21%, while patients aged above 75 had a 5-year OS of 5.48%. Patients diagnosed with stage Ⅰ had a 5-year OS of 55.47%, while patients diagnosed with stage Ⅳ had a 5-year OS of 5.27%. Survival of lung cancer patients differed by tumor histological subtype. The 5-year OS of squamous lung cancer (24.40%) was higher than other histological types, followed by adenocarcinoma (22.26%), large cell (20.27%) and small cell lung cancer (12.22%). From 1972-1976 to 2002-2006, the 5-year OS of urban male patients increased from 6.8% to 12.4%, and 5-year OS of urban female patients increased from 7.3% to 14.9%. Analysis of RS gave the similar results. Conclusion: During the past 30 years, survival rate of lung cancer patients in Shanghai improved steadily, and the survival condition is above average among different countries and areas. However, survival rate of lung cancer is still low compared with other types of cancer. Future focus should be placed on the control of tobacco smoking, early detection by low-dose helical computed tomography and targeted therapy to further improve lung cancer survival.

The patterns of head and neck cancer incidence in Shanghai from 2003 to 2012 / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:Head and neck cancer is common worldwide. This article aimed to describe the patterns of incidence of head and neck cancer and their changes in Shanghai from 2003 to 2012, in order to provide reference for prevention programs, research and control strategies on cancer.Methods:The data of lip, oral cavity and pharynx cancer cases were collected by the Shanghai Cancer Registry. The distributions of Shanghai lip, oral cavity and pharynx cancer incidences from 2003 to 2012 were described. The patterns were described according to gender, age, basis of diagnosis, histological type, diagnostic stage in detail. We compared incidences of recent 5 years (from 2008 to 2012) with those of previous 5 years (from 2003 to 2007).Results:On average from 2003 to 2012, 1105 new cases of head and neck cancer were diagnosed in Shanghai each year, with 2.08% among the total cancer cases. The crude rate was 8.01 per 100000 and the age-standardized rate was 4.45 per 100000. Nasopharyngeal cancer was the major subtype of the head and neck cancer, with 50.81% among the total head and neck cases. The crude and age-standardized rates among males were higher than those among females. The histologically verified percentage was 85.77%. The squamous carcinoma was the major histological type, with 57.58% among the total cases. The age-stan-dardized rate of nasopharyngeal cancer was in decline.Conclusion:The incidence of head and neck cancer was low in Shanghai during the past 10 years. Male cases were more than female cases. The major histological type was squamous carcinoma. Half of new cases were nasopharyngeal cancer which appeared to affect patients at a relatively young age. Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer were diagnosed at relatively advanced stages.

The optimization scheme of posterior percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar decompression for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis / 中国基层医药

Objective To observe the surgical results of modified percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar decompression(PEID) and traditional PEID in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS),and to explore the optimizations scheme of PEID for DLSS.Methods 60 patients (36 males and 24 females) were brought into the research for DLSS.According to the different operation ways,the patients were randomly divided into the modified PEID group(observation group) and traditional PEID group (control group) according to the digital table method,30 cases in each group.The surgical outcome,indicators included the change in spinal canal,visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at pre-operation,postoperative 3 d,postoperative 3 months and postoperative 6 months,operation time,headache and painful stiff nape incidence in the operation,postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results The VAS scores (postoperative 3 days,postoperative 3 months and postoperative 6 months) of the observation group were (4.37 ± 1.20) points,(2.59 ± 1.30) points,(1.29 ± 1.21)points respectively,which of the control group were (4.45 ± 1.22)points,(2.67 ± 1.36)points,(1.17 ± 1.10)points respectively,which were significantly better than (7.93 ± 1.56)points of the observation group and (8.22 ± 1.70) points of the control group before operation,the differences were statistically significant (F =1 254.387,512.762,all P ＜ 0.05).The ODI scores (postoperative 3 days,postoperative 3 months and postoperative 6 months) of the observation group were (48.64 ± 19.59) points,(27.66 ± 10.22) points,(10.69 ± 8.87) points respectively,which of the control group were (47.22 ± 20.96) points,(25.17 ± 11.93) points,(10.16 ± 7.89) points respectively,which were significantly better than (75.20 ± 23.20) points of the observation group and (70.35 ± 28.66) points of the control group before operation,the differences were statistically significant(F =1 254.387,512.762,all P ＜ 0.05).The VAS and ODI scores (pre-operation,postoperative 3 days,postoperative 3 months andpostoperative 6 months) of the observation group and control group had no statistically significant differences (VAS:t =2.088,2.124,3.021,3.173;ODI:t =2.366,1.079,1.694,1.573,all P ＞ 0.05).The incidence of neck pain and operation time of the observation group were 20.69％,(63 ± 7) min,which were significantly lower than 87.50％ and (157 ± 8)rin of the control group,the differences were statistically significant(t =3.601,2.167,all P ＜ 0.05).The central sagittal diameter of the spinal canal and the central transverse diameter of the spinal canal between the observation group and the control group had no statistically significant differences (x2 =4.260,t =3.694,all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Modified PEID has advantages in surgical efficiency,operation time and headache and painful stiff nape incidence compared with traditional PEID,so it can be chosen for DLSS.

Analysis of the patterns of female breast cancer incidence in Shanghai, 2003-2012 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the patterns of female breast cancer and their incidence in Shanghai during 2003-2012, and to compare them with international data.@*Methods@#The data of female breast cancer cases diagnosed between 2003 and 2012 were collected from the Shanghai Cancer Registry. The record of cancer cases included the patient's name, gender, date of birth, permanent and residential address, diagnosis site or name, histological type, date of first diagnosis, diagnostic basis and diagnostic stage, etc. Data source of cancer incidence of World, Developed Countries, Developing Countries, East Asia and China in 2012 sourced from GLOBOCAN 2012 database of the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); and the data of USA during 2008-2012 was collected from SEER 18 database from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Incidence indicators of Shanghai female breast cancer were calculated, including the average cases, median age, average age, proportion, crude rate, age-specific rate and age-standardized rate.@*Results@#During 2003-2012, 41 991 new cases of female breast cancer were diagnosed in Shanghai, with an average of 4 199 cases per year, accounting for 17.23% among total new female cancer cases, ranking first in female cancer incidence in Shanghai during 2003-2012, with a crude incidence rate of 60.90 per 100 000 and an age-standardized incidence rate of 33.90 per 100 000. During 2008-2012, an average 4 528 new cases of female breast cancer was diagnosed per year in Shanghai, with 16.97% among total female cancer cases. The median age was 56 years old and the mean age was 57.73 years old. The crude rate was 64.23 per 100 000 and the age-standardized rate was 35.00 per 100 0000, which was higher than those of China (22.1 per 100 000), Eastern Areas (27.0 per 100 000) and Developing Counties (31.3 per 100 000), and lower than that of World (43.1 per 100 000), and Yellow Race Population of USA (68.77 per 100 000). During 2003-2007, on average, 3 869 new cases of female breast cancer were diagnosed per year in Shanghai, accounting for 17.54% of total female cancer cases. The median age was 53 years old and the mean age was 56.44 years old. The crude rate was 57.42 per 100 000 and the age-standardized rate was 32.69 per 100 000. There was a continuing peak stage spanned 25 years old from 50 to 74 years old, during 2008-2012. Compared with those of 2003-2007, the beginning age group of the continuing peak stage was delayed for 5 years old and the ending age group was delayed for 10 years old.@*Conclusion@#The age-standardized incidence rate in Shanghai was higher than those of China, Eastern Areas and Developing Counties, and lower than that of World, and that of Yellow Race Population of USA; Compared with 2003-2007, the crude rate and age-standardized rate increased, the median age, mean age and the beginning and ending age group of the continuing peak stage were delayed.

Survival analysis of liver cancer between 2002 and 2006 in Shanghai / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:China is a high incidence area of liver cancer. The latest monitoring data in Shanghai show that liver cancer is one of the most common cancers with very high disease burden. This study aimed to describe and analyze the population-based survival rates of patients with liver cancer in Shanghai.Methods:Data of liver cancer cases diagnosed between 2002 and 2006, including follow-up information and death report, were collected from Shanghai Cancer Registry. Life table and Ederer Ⅱ were used to calculate observed survival (OS) and relative survival (RS). The related demographic characteristics and status were also analyzed to relfect the survival situations of the liver cancer survivors in major areas of Shanghai.Results:In this study, 20 702 liver cancer cases were included in analysis. Five-year OS rate for liver cancer was 11.72%, whereas RS rate was 15.45%. The OS of male liver cancer patients was higher than that of female patients. Patients whose age ranged from 0-34 years had the highest survival rates than patients from other age groups. The survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was higher than that of patients with other histologic types of liver cancer. Signiifcant difference in survival had also been found among patients with various stages of liver cancer. The survival rate of patients with stageⅠliver cancer was much higher than that of patients with stageⅢ andⅣ liver cancers. There was no signiifcant difference in the survival of liver cancer patients between urban and rural residents. Over the past 3 decades, the 5-year OS increased dramatically in Shanghai. Conclusion:The survival of patients with liver cancer in Shanghai is improved signiifcantly. The prognosis is poor compared with other common malignant tumors. It is necessary to strengthen the risk factors and high-risk population control and intervention in the future.

Community colorectal cancer screening program in Shanghai / 上海预防医学

Shanghai public health service-community colorectal cancer screening program, was officially launched in November 2012 , so as to carry out colorectal cancer prevention and health education through free screening services in the whole city.The establishment of the program was based on the comprehensive analysis of disease burden caused by colorectal cancer in Shanghai, with three years of pilot study in Qibao Community.In the first round of screening, one million people participated and 1 960 colorectal cancer cases were detected, with the proportion of the earlier stage cancer being 52.8%, which was 4.36 times the level in Shanghai before screening.At the same time, 7 911 cases of precancerous lesion were detected.The objective of program was achieved, with precious experience obtained in implementation of similar disease screening programs.

Incidence trend of malignant tumors in children in Shanghai / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the incidence trend of malignant tumors in children aged <15 years in Shanghai.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The <15 years old children diagnosed with cancer in Shanghai between 2009 and 2011 were included in this study. The types of malignant tumors were classified according to International Classification of Childhood Cancer, Version 3 (ICCC-3). The gender and age specific incidences of malignant tumors were analyzed. Software Joinpoint was used to calculate the annual percentage of childhood cancer cases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 460 cases of childhood cancer were diagnosed in Shanghai during 2009-2011, accounting for 0.3% of total cancer cases. The crude incidence was 129.0 per million and the age standardized rate (ASR) was 129.6 per million. The ASR was higher in boys (142.1 per million) than in girls (116.4 per million). The boy to girl ratio was 1.2(95%CI: 1.0-1.5). The incidence was highest in age group <5 years (165.1 per million). The incidences in age groups 5-9 years and 10-14 years were 101.2 per million and 113.9 per million, respectively. Leukemia was the most common cancer in children (n=165, 35.9%, ASR: 47.0 per million), followed by central nervous system tumors (n=91, 19.8%, ASR: 25.6 per million) and lymphomas (n=45, 9.8%, ASR: 12.6 per million). The age and gender specific incidence of malignant tumors and the type specific incidence of malignant tumors in children in Shanghai had no significant changes during the study period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The incidence of malignant tumors was higher in boys than in girls in Shanghai. Leukemia, central nervous system tumors and lymphomas were the three most common cancers in children. The overall incidence of malignant tumors in children in Shanghai had no significant changes during 2002-2011.</p>

Survival analysis of patients with gastric cancer in Shanghai / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:Incidence and mortality of gastric cancer have increased gradually in China. Population-based cancer survival rate can relfect improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as provide evidence for gastric cancer prevention and control.Methods:Data from gastric cancer incidence and follow-up between 2002 and 2006 were collected by the Shanghai Cancer Registry. Life table and EdererⅡ were used to calculate observed survival (OS) and relative survival (RS).Results:A total number of 28 243 gastric cancer cases were documented between 2002 and 2006 in Shanghai. The 5-year OS and RS of gastric cancer were 32.15% and 45.81%, respectively. Survival rates of gastric cancer varied by age, residence, diagnostic stage, and tumor histological type, but not by gender. Patients aged 35-44 years who were diagnosed at stageⅠ or with tubular adenocarcinoma, had the highest survival rates. Moreover, patients in rural areas had higher 5-year OS than those in urban areas. During the period 2002-2006,both 5-year OS and RS of gastric cancer increased dramatically, as compared with 1972-1976. Conclusion:Survival rates of gastric cancer varied by age, residence, diagnostic stage, and tumor histological type. The 5-year OS and RS signiifcantly increased in Shanghai over the past three decades, but are still far below developed countries. Early diagnosis of gastric cancer would be an effective strategy to improve survival and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer.

Long-term survival analysis of different breast cancer molecular subtypes: Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To analyze the survival of breast cancer molecular subtypes and to examine the effect of therapy on the long-term prognosis of different subtypes.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study included 3 586 breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) information in Shanghai Breast Cancer Survival Study, a population-based prospective cohort study established in 2002. Molecular subtypes, based on immunohistochemistry were categorized as follows: Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2, and triple-negative subtype. Characteristics and clinical data were collected through questionnaires and medical records at baseline survey and sequential follow-up surveys. Survival rates of different molecular subtypes were analyzed and compared with Log-rank tests. Multiple Cox regression models were used to evaluate the effect of therapy on long-term prognosis of different molecular subtypes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 3 586 cases, Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2 and triple-negative breast cancer subtypes accounted for 54.5%, 16.6%, 13.9%, and 14.9%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 10.3 years (ranging 0.6 to 12.8 years), the 10-year overall survival (OS) rates for the four subtypes were 82.7% (95% CI: 80.9% to 84.4%), 77.7% (95% CI: 74.1% to 80.8%), 76.3% (95% CI: 72.3% to 79.8%), and 74.8% (95% CI: 70.9% to 78.3%), respectively. The 10-year disease to free survival (DFS) rates were 79.0% (95% CI: 76.7% to 81.0%), 76.0% (95% CI: 71.9% to 79.5%), 73.6% (95% CI: 68.9% to 77.7%), and 74.5% (95% CI: 69.4% to 78.9%), respectively. Significant difference in survival among four subtypes was observed (Log-rank test, P<0.01). Multivariate Cox regression indicated that hormonal therapy can significantly reduce the long-term risk of total mortality and recurrence breast cancer specific mortality among Luminal A subtype patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy could improve the long-term prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer. No benefit from radiotherapy was observed for four subtypes of breast cancer in terms of long-term prognosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Molecular subtypes based on ER/PR/HER2 could provide important information to predict breast cancer prognosis. The hormonal status was an important basis for individualized therapy and precision medicine.</p>

Colorectal cancer survival analysis in major areas in shanghai China / 中国癌症杂志

Background and purpose:The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer increased gradually in China, cancer survival rate plays an important role in guiding cancer prevention and treatment.Methods:Data of colorectal cancer cases diagnosed during 2002-2006, follow-up information and death report were from Shanghai Cancer Registry, Life Table and EdererⅡ were used to calculate observed survival (OS) and relative survival (RS), the related demographic characteristics and status were also analyzed to relfect the survival situations of the colorectal cancer survivors in major areas in Shanghai.Results:In this study, 16 682 colon cancer cases and 11 906 rectum cancer cases were included in analysis, 5-year OS rates for colon cancer and rectum cancer were 48.84% and 51.65%, RS rates were 70.50% and 71.31%. Signiifcant difference in survival had been found among the various diagnostic stages, the survival rate in stageⅠ was much higher than those in stageⅢ and stageⅣ. The survival of colorectal cancer patients with different gender, age, tumor histological and residential areas were also found with differences, female was higher than male, age ranged from >44-54 years had the highest survival rates than other age groups. The survival of epithelial tumors was higher than other histologic types in colon cancer, and the survival of non-epithelial tumors was higher than other histologic types in rectum cancer. Over the past 3 decades, the 5-year OS increased dramatically in Shanghai. Conclusion:The level of survival of colorectal cancer in Shanghai is similar with it in developed counties. Colorectal cancer survival rate with different population characteristics may provide suggestions and evidence for further improvement of early screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Recent advances in the quantification of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters by proteomic approach / 药学学报

With the advance of drug development and research techniques, the drug metabolic processes and mechanism can be more deeply achieved. As the drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics process are mediated by drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters, study of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters has become an important part for drug development. The traditional immunoassays with low sensitivity and poor specificity can not reflect the accurate expression level of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. We now give a brief review on the quantitative study of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters by mass spectrometry-based proteomic approach.

Fragmentation pathways of five estrogens using electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry / 药学学报

The fragmentation pathways of five estrogens (estradiol, estrone, equilin sulfate, 17 a-dihydroequilin sulfate and equilenin sulfate) have been studied with high resolution and high mass accuracy using electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-Q-TOF/MS) in the negative ion mode. Molecular weights were obtained from [M-H](-) ions in the product ion spectra. The results indicate that the five structurally similar estrogens have similar fragmentation pathways. Using their stable isotope forms as internal reference compounds, the accurate mass and composition of the fragment ions were determined. During collision-induced dissociation (CID), cleavage is initiated by loss of oxygen atoms from carbon-17, after which D and C rings cleave sequentially and rearrange to finally form stable conjugate structures with highly abundant characteristic fragment ions at m/z 183 (accompanied by m/z 181), m/z 169 and m/z 145 (accompanied by m/z 143). Understanding these characteristic fragmentation pathways of estrogens will be helpful in identifying the structures of steroid hormones in general.

Fragmentation behaviors of taxanes drugs using electrospray ionization with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry / 药学学报

The fragmentation pathways of two taxanes drugs have been studied in positive ion mode by Q-TOF with the advantages of high mass accuracy and high resolution analysis. The [M+H] + ions were observed by ESI-MS, from which the molecular weights were obtained. Using the protonated pseudo-molecular ions [M+H]+ as internal reference compounds, the accurate mass and element composition of the fragment ions were determined. The collision induced dissociation (CID) data of the [M+H] ions provided fragmentation pathways of related compounds. Results showed that the major cleavage pathways of paclitaxel and docetaxel were the same that the cleavage of C-O bond between the side chain and taxol skeleton easily occurred, then stripping of the functional groups on the parent ring. Some common fragments were formed, such as m/z 105.033 7, 291.137 3, 309.148 5, 327.159 7, 387.181 2 and 509.217 4, which would provide a basis for future qualitative and quantitative analysis of taxanes in vitro and in vivo.

Catheter ablation of epicardial accessory pathway associated with coronary sinus musculature / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report the single-center clinical experience of catheter ablation of epicardial accessory pathway associated with coronary sinus musculature.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 721 cases of left sided accessory pathway ablation were retrospectively analyzed. Ablation in the coronary sinus was performed in 17 (2.4 %) cases [11 males, mean age (37 ± 11) years].</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 17 cases, the accessory pathway was successfully ablated in middle cardiac vein and posterior lateral coronary sinus in 11 and 6 cases, respectively. Deverticulum of middle cardiac vein was seen in 2 cases. Mean time required to block the accessory pathway was (4.7 ± 2.7) s. An accessory pathway potential could be recorded at the target site in 10 out of 17 patients (59%). During a mean (21 ± 16) months follow up, only one patient experienced recurrence who was successfully cured by a second ablation session. No procedure related complication was reported.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>About 2.4% of left accessory pathway may have epicardial connection locating at middle cardiac vein or lateral part of the coronary sinus and require epicardial ablation. The epicardial ablation is safe and effective, warrants an excellent long-term results.</p>

Clinical characteristics and long-term outcome of non-pulmonary vein foci ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical characteristics and long-term results of non-pulmonary veins (PV) trigger ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-six patients [48 men, mean age (52.3 ± 10.2) years] were included in the study. Circumferential pulmonary vein antrum isolation guided by a 3-D mapping system was performed. Aggressive high right atrium programmed stimulation and burst pacing were made before and after isoproterenol infusion. Additional ablation was performed if other trigger foci were found or other sustained tachycardias could be induced.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>PV triggers were observed in 59 patients (group I), and non-PV triggers were observed in 27 patients (group II), 12 non-PV triggers were identified during the first procedure. Among them, one was located in the roof of left atrium, 11 were originated from superior vena cava. After a mean follow-up of [37.1 ± 10.4 (range 15-60)] months, the AF recurrence rate was significantly higher in the Group II than in the Group I (55.5% vs. 20.3%, P = 0.001). The number of performed ablation was also significantly in group II than in group I higher difference (1.7 ± 0.8 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4, P < 0.001). In the group II, 15/15 (100%) patients had a repeated ablation procedure for AF recurrence, and 15 patients had new non-PV foci after isoproterenol infusion which were originated from the superior vena cava (n = 11) and coronary sinus (n = 2), respectively. After the second ablation procedure, AF recurrence was observed in three patients, two patients accepted third procedure, the non-PV triggers were located in left atrial septum and coronary sinus, and one patient accepted fourth procedure, the non-PV foci was located in left posterior wall.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Non-PV foci may occur at any age and the main area is located in the super vena cava, Non-PV serves as a major cause of AF recurrence after successful PVAI.</p>

Affinity maturation of a single chain antibody against VEGFR2 by hydrophilic shuffling / 药学学报

Abstract: This study is to improve the affinity of scFv-AK404R against VEGFR2. The secondary mutational library was constructed by hydrophilic shuffling in CDR3 region of the heavy chain. VEGFR2-specific screening was performed by phage display technology and the protein of mutants was expressed in periplasm of E.coli HB2151 and purified by affinity chromatography. The affinity constant of scFvs was measured by competitive ELISA, and the structure of scFvs was analyzed by bioinformatics. The result showed that a library with 6.4x10(5) scFv members was established by electro-transformation. Two mutated clones with high absorbance value were isolated after screening. After purification by affinity chromatography, electrophoretically pure scFv proteins were obtained. The competitive ELISA showed that the affinities of WZ01 and WZ02 were three times higher than that of the parental AK404R, and bioinformatics analysis showed that the enlarged contact surface and fitted closely with KDR3 surface may be the reasons for improved affinity. These results suggest that introducing hydrophilic amino acids to the heavy chain CDR3 region is an effective approach to improve the affinity of scFv.