[Contribution Analysis of External Source Pollution Load and Environmental Capacity Estimation of Reservoirs in Central Yunnan Plateau].

To explore the source of the pollution load and its contribution rate in the upper reaches of the plateau reservoir and to analyze the water environment capacity of the reservoir, we selected the Chaishitan Reservoir in the Yunnan Plateau as the research object, applied the pollutant discharge coefficient method to estimate the source of external pollution in the upstream basin of the reservoir, used the simultaneous monitoring data of hydrology and water quality to calculate pollution load into the reservoir, and used the eutrophication model to calculate the maximum capacity of TN and TP in the reservoir under different water quality target scenarios. The results showed that:① the main characteristic pollutants in Chaishitan Reservoir and the above basin were TN and TP. ② COD and TP in the upper reaches of the reservoir mainly came from rural non-point source pollution, with contribution rates of 49.40% and 50.11%, respectively; NH4+-N and TN mainly came from urban domestic pollution sources, with contribution rates of 45.76% and 33.77%, respectively. Among the contributions of rural non-point source pollution, the contribution rates of COD and TP in Luliang District were 34.82% and 36.82%, respectively. The contributions of COD, NH4+-N, TN, and TP to urban domestic pollution were the highest in Qilin District, all of which were up to 65%. ③ The inflows of COD, NH4+-N, TN, and TP were 28050.90, 2465.16, 4680.54, and 870.93 t·a-1, respectively. The inflow of TN and TP pollution load was 4637.80 t·a-1 and 125.04 t·a-1, respectively. ④ When the target of water quality was Class Ⅲ, and the requirements of the Water Function Zoning of Yunnan province were met, the environmental capacities of TN and TP were 1102.62 t·a-1 and 54.85 t·a-1, respectively. Rural non-point source pollution and urban domestic pollution sources were the main sources of pollution in the upper reaches of Chaishitan Reservoir, which were priority control sources. These research results can provide a scientific theoretical basis for pollution source treatment in the plateau reservoir basin.

Rare massive hepatic hemangioblastoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic hemangioblastoma is an extremely rare disease; only three cases have been reported in the literature, and its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are unreported. CASE SUMMARY: We report a case of incidental hepatic hemangioblastoma. The patient had no history of von Hippel-Lindau disease or associated clinical signs. Computed tomography and MRI showed a large tumor occupying almost half of the right side of the liver with expansive growth, well-defined borders, heterogeneous mildly progressive enhancement, and visibly enlarged blood supply vessels. Flow voids were observed on T2-weighted imaging. Both diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map findings of the mass were predominantly inhomogeneous. Postoperative pathology indicated a diagnosis of hemangioblastoma. CONCLUSION: Enlarged peripheral blood-supplying vessels and progressive enhancement seem to be typical imaging features of hepatic hemangioblastoma. However, a solid significantly enhanced mass with a low signal on DWI and a high signal on ADC may also be helpful for the diagnosis of hepatic hemangioblastoma.

Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With In-Stent Chronic Total Occlusion Versus De Novo Chronic Total Occlusion.

Limited data are available on long-term outcomes and health status in the treatment of in-stent coronary chronic total occlusion (IS-CTO) and de novo coronary chronic total occlusion (de novo CTO). This study compared the long-term clinical outcomes and health status of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with IS-CTO versus patients with de novo CTO in the drug-eluting stent era. We screened 483 consecutive patients with 1 CTO lesion, including 81 patients with IS-CTO and 402 patients with de novo CTO. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The clinical end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The success rates of CTO lesion revascularization were similar in both groups. In the propensity score-matched patients, after a median follow-up of 36 months, MACE was observed in 32.8% of patients with IS-CTO versus 13.5% of the patients with de novo CTO (P < .001), mainly driven by target-vessel revascularization (21.9% vs 6.7%; P < .01). Moreover, patients with IS-CTO had significantly worse Seattle Angina Questionnaire anginal stability scores than the patients with de novo CTO. In conclusion, patients with IS-CTO after PCI had a worse clinical outcome, mainly MACE, and a poorer anginal stability in the long term than patients with de novo CTO.

Prediction of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy to Asymptomatic Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Individuals: An Exploratory Study.

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes are prone to the asymptomatic obstructive coronary artery disease (AO-CAD). The association of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) with AO-CAD is unknown. The aim of the study is to explore the specific relationship of PDR with AO-CAD. Methods: We performed coronary angiography and retinal photographs in 1332 participants with unknown CAD status in a retrospective discovery set and 252 patients with non-CAD enrolled in a prospective validation cohort. Main outcome measures are prediction of PDR to AO-CAD. Results: In the case-control retrospective discovery set, investigation included 211 nondiabetic retinopathy (NDR) and 140 PDR. Individuals with PDR had a 2.16 times higher risk of AO-CAD compared with individuals without diabetic retinopathy (P < 0.01). Relative risk between individuals with PDR and the risk of AO-CAD varied by different adjusted covariates, 2.53 (1.48-4.32) by age and gender; 2.16 (1.10-4.31) by additionally other covariates. In the prospective validation set, after adjustment for covariates, the cumulative risk of AO-CAD was significantly higher in the PDR group compared with NDR group, followed up for a median of 4.3 years (hazard ratio = 3.07, 95% confidence interval 1.81-5.21, P < 0.001). Conclusions: PDR showed superior identification performance over traditional risk factors in screening for AO-CAD. PDR may predict persons at high risk of AO-CAD.

Could Intensive Blood Pressure Control Really Reduce Diabetic Retinopathy Outcomes? Evidence from Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis from Randomized Controlled Trials.

INTRODUCTION: To explore the accumulated evidence concerning the effect of intensive blood pressure control on the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and macular edema (ME). METHODS: A number of electronic databases were searched including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, conferences and proceedings. Randomized controlled trials comparing intensive blood pressure targets with conventional blood pressure targets in patients with type 2 diabetes were included. The definition of intensive versus conventional blood pressure targets was from the pertinent original studies. Meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of randomized trials were analyzed in STATA. RESULTS: Eight trials randomizing 6989 patients were assessed and reviewed in full text; 3749 vs. 3240 were in each arm (intensive vs. conventional). All trials had a low risk of bias. Intensive blood pressure control supported a 17% reduction in the incidence of DR (relative risk 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.72-0.95). Trial sequential analyses confirmed that sufficient evidence indicated a relative risk reduction above 17% for the incidence of DR when intensive blood pressure control was targeted. Heterogeneity was absent (I2 = 0%; P = 0.56). No statistically significant effect was found for intensive blood pressure targeting on the progress of DR (relative risk 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.81-1.08). TSA showed that insufficient evidence had been found, although the Z value line appeared to have a tendency of approaching the futility boundaries. There were also no statistically significant effects on the incidence of PDR and ME (TSA-adjusted CI 0.84-1.12). CONCLUSION: Intensive blood pressure control reduced the relative risk of incidence of DR by 17%. The available data were insufficient to prove or refute a relative risk reduction for the progression of DR or incidence of PDR and ME at a magnitude of 15%.

[Regression analysis of red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume in patients with acute myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical implications of changes in red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: A total of 127 patients (90 men and 37 women) were enrolled in this analysis, including 66 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 61 with unstable angina (UA). The patients' baseline demographic and clinical data were compared between the two groups including age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, BMI, blood biochemical profiles, cardiac functions and platelet and red blood cell parameters. The patients were further divided into subgroups according to the RDW 50% cumulative frequency, and the MPV, P-LCR, hsCRP, NT-proBNP, RBC, Dimer and MCV were compared. The correlations between platelet and erythrocyte test results were evaluated in both the AMI and UA patients. Regression analysis was performed to identify the factors affecting the RDW in the AMI group and a regression model was established. RESULTS: The platelet and red blood cell test results, P-LCR, MPV, and RDW differed significantly between AMI and UA groups (P<0.01 or 0.05). Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between RDW and MPV in AMI group (r=0.34, P<0.01). Between the subgroups with different RDW 50% cumulative frequencies, MPV, P-LCR, hsCRP, D-Dimer, and NT-proBNP all differed significantly (P<0.05 or 0.01). In AMI group, with RDW as the dependent variable, we established a multivariate regression model of RDW=0.19MPV+10.83. CONCLUSION: RDW and MPV are closely correlated in patients with AMI. In multiple regression analysis, MPV can explain the changes in RDW in patients with AMI.

Subclinical hypothyroidism and the risk of chronic kidney disease in T2D subjects: A case-control and dose-response analysis.

Evidence indicated a positive association between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and cardiovascular diseases. But the relationship between SCH and chronic kidney diseases (CKD) remains unclear. A case-control study was performed to ascertain this relationship followed by a meta-analysis. In this hospital-based, case-control study, we recruited 3270 type 2 diabetic patients with euthyroidism and 545 type 2 diabetic patients with SCH. All English studies were searched upon the relationship between SCH and CKD up to October 2016. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 13.0 software. Our case-control study indicated an association between SCH and CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes [OR (95% CI): 1.22 (1.09-1.36)]. Five observational studies reporting risk of CKD in SCH individuals were enrolled. A significant relationship between SCH and CKD was shown [pooled OR 1.80, (95% CI) 1.38-2.35]. Among normal TSH range, individuals with TSH ≥3.0 µIU/ml had a significantly higher rate of CKD (Fisher exact test, P = 0.027). Dose-response linear increase of CKD events was explored [pooled OR 1.09 (95% CI): 1.03-1.16 per1 mIU/L increase of TSH]. The present evidence suggests that SCH is probably a significant risk factor of CKD in T2D. Linear trend is shown between TSH elevation and CKD in T2D. This relationship between serum TSH and renal impairment in type 2 diabetic patients needs further studies to investigate.

Epidemiological characteristics of measles from 2000 to 2014: Results of a measles catch-up vaccination campaign in Xianyang, China.

This study was a cross-sectional case-control study aimed at (1) identifying risk factors contributing to the measles epidemic and (2) evaluating the impacts of measles-containing vaccines (MCVs), with the goal of providing evidence-based recommendations for measles elimination strategies in China. Data on measles cases from 2000 to 2014 were obtained from a passive surveillance system at the Center for Diseases Prevention and Control in Xianyang. The effectiveness of MCVs was evaluated in 357 patients with a vaccination history and 503 healthy randomly selected controls. Patient data were subjected to multivariable logistic regression modeling. From 2005 to 2014, the average incidence of measles in Xianyang was 5.42 cases per 100,000 people. The second MCV dose was highly protective in 8-month-old infants. MCVs in general have been highly protective in 8-month-old infants. Multivariable logistic regression modeling indicated that age (≥2 years vs. <2years), MCV dose 2 vaccination, and MV vaccination were each independently associated with measles case status. In conclusions: A MCV should be administered on time to all age-eligible children, reproductive-age women, and migrant populations, to maximize herd immunity to measles.

Resistin may be an independent predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis formale smokers.

To investigate whether resistin is associated with early atherosclerosis in male smokers. The present study consecutively enrolled 50 male smokers. Their serum resistin contents were detected with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and subclinical atherosclerosis indices, including carotid inner middle thickness (IMT) and arterial elasticity indices (C1 and C2), were measured. The association between serum resistin levels and IMT, C1 and C2 were respectively evaluated with the Pearson's correlation coefficient method. The results showed that the serum resistin level had a positive association with IMT (r = 0.307, p = .030), but were both inversely associated with C1 (r = -0.440, p = .001) and C2 (r = -0.381, p = .006). These associations remained significant even after adjustment for cardiovascular confounders. In conclusion, serum resistin concentration was independently associated with early atherosclerosis in male smokers.

Promoter methylations of RASSF1A and p16 is associated with clinicopathological features in lung cancers.

UNLABELLED: Objection: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between promoter methylation of RASSF1A and p16 and the clinicopathological features in lung cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EBSCO, Ovid, Wiley, Web of Science, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched using combinations of keywords related to RASSF1A, p16, methylation, and lung cancers. After screening for relevant studies, following a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria; the selected studies were incorporated into the present meta.analysis conducted using Comprehensive Meta Analysis 2.0. (CMA 2.0). RESULTS: We initially retrieved 402 studies, out which 13 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this meta.analysis, and contained a total of 1,259. patients with lung cancers. The results of this meta.analysis showed that the differences in promoter methylation ratio between the lung cancer patients in tumor, node, metastasis. (TNM) I.II and III.IV were not statistically significant. Based on histological types, patients with adenocarcinoma. (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma. (SCC) showed no significant differences in the promoter methylation ratios of RASSF1A, while the promoter methylation ratio of p16 was significantly higher in SCC patients compared to AC patients. Based on smoking status, the promoter methylation ratios of both RASSF1A and p16 was significantly higher in lung cancer patients with smoking history compared to nonsmokers. CONCLUSION: The present meta.analysis provides convincing evidence that the promoter methylation ratio of RASSF1A and p16 is associated with clinicopathological features in lung cancers, and could be used as effective biomarkers in early diagnosis in lung cancers.

Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms may contribute to asthma risk.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common chronic airway disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: Current study aims at investigating the correlation between four vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility by conducting a meta-analysis. METHODS: PubMed, EBSCO, Ovid, Wiley, Web of Science, Wanfang, CNKI and VIP databases were searched using combinations of keywords relating to VDR and asthma. The published studies were filtered using our stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the resultant high-quality data from final selected studies were analyzed using Stata 12.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 77 studies were initially retrieved, and after further selection, 9 studies were eligible in current analysis. The selected studies contained 2,116 patients with asthma and 1,884 healthy controls. Our results demonstrated that rs2228570, rs7975232 and rs731236 in both allele models and dominant models, and rs3782905 in allele model in the VDR gene were linked with a high risk of asthma. No significant association between VDR gene rs3782905 in dominant model and risk of asthma was detected. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis provides convincing evidence that rs2228570, rs7975232, rs731236 and rs3782905 gene polymorphisms in VDR are associated with increased susceptibility to asthma, indicating VDR polymorphisms could be developed as biomarkers for asthma susceptibility.

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms of IL-17 Gene Are Associated with Asthma Susceptibility in an Asian Population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-17 (IL-17), including rs763780 (7488A/G), rs2275913 (-197G/A), and rs8193036 (-737C/T), and asthma susceptibility in an Asian population. MATERIAL/METHODS: From Oct 2013 to Dec 2014, 125 asthma patients enrolled in our hospital were selected as the case group. Another 132 healthy controls undergoing physical examinations in our hospital were enrolled as the control group. The genotype frequencies of IL-17 rs763780, rs2275913 and rs8193036 SNPs were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2.0 (CMA 2.0) software was applied for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that asthma patients presented with higher frequencies of GA genotype in rs2275913 and TT genotype in rs8193036 of IL-17 than healthy controls (both P<0.001). The genotype frequencies of IL-17 rs763780 between the asthma patients and healthy controls exhibited no significant differences (P>0.05). The comparisons on the rs2275913 and rs8193036 frequencies between the asthma patients and healthy controls were statistically significant in both allele and addictive models (all P<0.05). The frequency of IL-17 rs763780 between the asthma patients and healthy controls were statistically different in allele models (P<0.05), but not in addictive models (P>0.05). The overall results of our case-control study were further confirmed by meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that, in an Asian population, IL-17 rs763780, rs2275913, and rs8193036 SNPs may be associated with asthma susceptibility, and GA genotype in rs2275913 and TT genotype in rs8193036 of IL-17 may contribute to increased risk of asthma in Asians.

Nicotine may affect the secretion of adipokines leptin, resistin, and visfatin through activation of KATP channel.

OBJECTIVE: It has been confirmed that adipokines are associated with atherosclerosis. Cigarette smoking was found to possibly influence adipokine secretion. However, the precise role of smoking in adipokine secretion and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether nicotine, the principal active ingredient of cigarettes, can influence adipokine secretion and its potential mechanism. METHODS: The present study consecutively enrolled 96 men, including 50 smokers with early atherosclerosis and 46 nonsmokers. Serum adipokines, including leptin, resistin, and visfatin, were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all participants. Furthermore, the effect of nicotine on secretion of these adipokines was examined in differentiated 3T3-L1 preadipocytes under the conditions of ATP-dependent potassium (KATP) channel blocked or unblocked. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, serum levels of leptin, resistin, and visfatin in smokers were significantly higher. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, nicotine treatment significantly increased the levels of these adipokines (P = 0.014, 0.001, and 0.029, respectively). When the KATP channel was blocked, secretion of resistin and visfatin was reduced (P < 0.001), but no change was found in the leptin secretion (P = 0.522). CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine may affect the secretion of adipokines leptin, resistin, and visfatin through activation of KATP channel.

miR-206 inhibits non small cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion by targeting SOX9.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that have been suggested to play an essential role in tumorigenesis. miR-206 functions as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, its role in non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. METHODS: Expression levels of miR-206 in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Then, we investigated the role of miR-206 on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the target gene of miR-206 and the results were validated in NSCLC cells. RESULTS: In the present study, our results showed that miR-206 was decreased in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues. Forced overexpression of miR-206 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. SOX9 was found to be a target of miR-206. Furthermore, down-regulation of SOX9 by shRNA performed similar effects with overexpression of miR-206. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that miR-206 acts as tumor suppressor in NSCLC partially via targeting SOX9.

Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-7 expression promotes metastasis in human lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) promotes tumor invasion and metastasis in several cancers. However, its role in lung cancer progression is understudied. In this study, we investigated the correlation between MMP-7 expression and lung cancer pathology. METHODS: We searched the databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, China BioMedicine (CBM) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for scientific literature relevant to MMP-7 and lung cancer. Carefully selected studies were pooled and ORs with 95% CI were calculated. Subgroup analyses and publication bias were analyzed to understand the retrieved data in greater detail. Version 12.0 STATA software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We retrieved a total of 121 studies through database searches. Finally, 14 cohort studies satisfied our inclusion/exclusion criteria, and these 14 studies, published between 2004 and 2012, were selected for meta-analysis to understand the influence of MMP-7 expression in lung cancer progression. Our results showed consistent differences in MMP-7 expression when comparisons were made between TNM I-II versus III-IV (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.78, P = 0.006); histologic grade 1 to 2 versus 3 to 4 (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.14 to 2.42, P = 0.008); and lymph node-negative versus lymph node-positive samples (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.73 to 4.58, P <0.001), with significantly higher MMP-7 expression levels found in the more advanced stages. Subgroup analysis showed that age was not the factor influencing the associations between histologic grade, LN metastasis and MMP-7 expression in lung cancer patients, as both under 60 and over 60 age groups showed strong correlations (all P <0.05). However, when TNM staging was analyzed for its association with MMP-7 expression, only patients under age 60 showed a statistically significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis results revealed that MMP-7 overexpression is associated with advanced TNM and histological grades, and is linked to aggressive LN metastasis in lung cancer patients; thus MMP-7 is a useful biomarker to assess the disease status in lung cancers.

Serum Osteopontin Levels Correlate with Clinical and Pathological Features in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: A metaanalysis was performed to investigate the association between serum osteopontin (OPN) levels and the clinical pathological features in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant studies published prior to September 2014 using PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Data extracted from the selected studies were analyzed using statistical software. RESULTS: Based on our stringent selection criteria only 10 studies contained a combined total of 1,135 NSCLC patients. Our metaanalysis results clearly showed a strong correlation between serum OPN levels and multiple tumor parameters, such as TNM stage, histologic grade, and lymph node metastasis in NSCLC (TNM stage: RR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.62-0.77, p < 0.001; histologic grade: RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.48, p = 0.016; lymph node metastasis: RR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.48 - 1.93, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that serum OPN levels strongly correlate with clinical and pathological features in NSCLC patients.

[Construction and immunogenicity analysis of the attenuated recombinant Salmonella typhimurium strains expressing Echinococcus granulosus Eg95 antigen].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of using attenuated Salmonella typhimurium as carrier for oral immunization of Eg95 antigen of Echinococcus granulosus. METHODS: The recombinant plasmid pYA3341-Eg95 was constructed by inserting the Eg95 gene into expression vector pYA3341, and identified by the methods of PCR and enzyme digestion. The recombinant plasmid pYA3341-Eg95 was electro-transformed into attenuated S. typhimurium strains X3730 and X4550 one by one to construct the recombinant strain St-Eg95. The expression of recombinant Eg95 protein in the recombinant strains St-Eg95 was analyzed by Western blotting. The strains of St-Eg95 were passaged 10 times in vitro and the recombinant plasmids were extracted at one generation interval. The genetic stability of recombinant plasmids was identified by PCR. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups (five mice per group) and inoculated orally with St-Eg95, 100 µl/mouse, at dosage of 1 x 10(9), 1 x 10(10), 1 x 10(11), and 1 x 10(12) cfu/ml, wild-type S. typhimurium strain(l x l0(7)cfu/ml), and PBS, respectively. The survival rate was monitored daily for 30 days. Another 15 mice were divided into three groups and inoculated orally with St-Eg95(5 x 10(5) cfu/ml), X4550(pYA3341)(5 x 10(5) cfu/ml), and PBS, respectively, for 2 times, 0.5 ml/mouse/time, at biweekly intervals. On weeks 0, 2, 4, and 6 after the second immunization, sera were collected and tested for the presence of Eg95 antibody titers using commercially Eg antibody detection ELISA kit. The splenic lymphocyte proliferation was detected by MTT assay at 6 weeks after the second immunization. RESULTS: The constructed recombinant plasmid pYA3341-Eg95 was identified by enzyme digestion and PCR identification. The Eg95 protein (M, 18000) was expressed in the recombinant strains St-Eg95. After the recombinant strains St-Eg95 were passaged 10 times, the Eg95 gene (about 486 bp) was still amplified from St-Eg95. Safety results showed that mice inoculated orally with the St-Eg95 or PBS were all survival on the 30th day after immunization. However, all mice taking wild virulent S. typhimurium strain diedr within 4 days. The Eg95-specific antibodies examined by indirect ELISA were significantly higher in mice immunized with St-Eg95 than that of mice immunized with X4550 (pYA3341) or PBS at 2 weeks after the second immunization (P<0.05). The average Eg95-specific antibody titers reached up to the highest value of 1:1700 in mice immunized with St-Eg95 at 4 weeks after the second immunization. The lymphocyte proliferation test showed that the stimulation index value was significantly higher(P<0.05) in mice immunized with the St-Eg95(reached up to 1.94±0.15) than that in mice immunized with X4550 (pYA3341) or PBS at 6 weeks after the second immunization. CONCLUSION: The recombinant oral attenuated S. typhimurium St-Eg95 was successfully constructed, and has a good safety and immunogenicity profile in mouse.

Common variations of DNA repair genes are associated with response to platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLCs.

AIM: Individual differences in chemosensitivity and clinical outcome of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients may be induced by host inherited factors. We investigated the impact of XPD Arg156Arg, XPD Asp312Asn, XPD Asp711Asp and XPD Lys751Gln gene polymorphisms on the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. METHODS: A total of 496 were consecutively selected from the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University between Jan. 2003 and Nov. 2006, and all patients were followed-up until Nov. 2011. The genotyping of XPD Arg156Arg, XPD Asp312Asn, XPD Asp711Asp and XPD Lys751Gln was conducted by duplex polymerase-chain-reaction with the confronting-two-pair primer methods. RESULTS: Individuals with XPD 312 C/T+T/T and XPD 711 C/T+T/T exhibited poor responses to chemotherapy when compared with the wild- type genotype, with adjusted ORs(95% CI) of 0.67(0.38-0.97) and 0.54(0.35-0.96), respectively. Cox regression showed the median PFS and OS of patients of XPD 312 C/T+T/T genotype and XPD 711 C/T+T/T genotype to be significantly lower than those with wild-type homozygous genotype. CONCLUSION: We found polymorphisms in XPD to be associated with response to platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC, and our findings provide information for therapeutic decisions for individualized therapy.

[Effects of oxymatrine on microinflammatory state in patients undergoing continuous hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial].

BACKGROUND: Chronic microinflammatory state is common in the patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), which seriously affects the long-term survival rate of MHD patients. It is important to improve the microinflammatory state in MHD patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of oxymatrine on microinflammatory state in patients undergoing continuous hemodialysis. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Sixty MHD patients in Blood Purification Center, Wuhan No.1 Hospital, from June to September 2008, were randomized into treatment group (30 cases) and control group (30 cases). Oxymatrine Capsule was orally administered to the patients in the treatment group 0.4 g once a day for 3 months, while the patients in the control group were not given oxymatrine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), albumin (Alb), pre-albumin (PAB), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were detected before and after 3-month treatment. RESULTS: Three patients in the treatment group had a stomachache on the first day of treatment, and two out of the three quitted the trial. The stomachache disappeared in one patient after stopping taking the drug, and did not recur after continuing to receive the intervention. Two patients in the treatment group had skin rash with pruritus on the second day of treatment. The rash disappeared after the patients stopped taking the drug, and did not recur after continuing to receive the intervention. A total of 58 cases accessed to the statistical analysis, while 2 cases were excluded. In the treatment group, the concentrations of hs-CRP, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha significantly decreased (P<0.01) and the mean values of Alb, PAB, TC and TG significantly increased after the treatment as compared with those before the treatment (P<0.01), but there were no significant differences in all parameters between before and after treatment in the control group. There were significant differences in all parameters between the treatment group and the control group after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Oxymatrine can improve the microinflammatory state in the patients undergoing continuous hemodialysis.