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Based on the fast detection of mycotoxins and heavy metals in grain by each storage enterprise of Beijing reserve grain, the real-time migration of monitoring data is realized by adopting the B/S architecture, terminal WEB browser, and using the wireless transmission function of the rapid detection equipment to collect and transmit the data through the encryption algorithm; by using P2MP point-to-multipoint network communication, the data collected by multiple devices online/offline are uploaded through the file uploading system and the relational database extraction tool to achieve synchronous integration of data from multiple sources; by using relational database MySQL, column storage database HBase and distributed file system HDFS, distributed full-text search ElasticSearch and distributed memory database Redis to achieve cloud storage; by using Storm for real-time computation, Streaming for streaming operation, Spark for memory computing, and MapReduce for batch computing to achieve rapid processing of monitoring data; by using artificial intelligence technology and MLlib/Mahout for data mining and modelling to form a spatial and temporal sequence model of Beijing's grain producing areas and credit evaluation model of grain purchasing and marketing enterprises, so as to achieve the dynamic early warning of grain quality and safety and visual expression of the data, and provide early warning judgments to facilitate real-time control by government departments and real-time response to the situation. It promotes real-time control, real-time response and traceability management of grain quality and safety by management departments, enhances healthy competition and the establishment of an integrity system in grain circulation and storage, and provides a scientific basis for government decision-making.

BackgroundThe reactor period will dramatically decrease at the beginning of reactivity insertion in the nuclear reactor, which may trigger the protection system of the reactor period and lead to unnecessary shutdown. The instantaneous short reactor period is influenced greatly by the inserting rate of reactivity, but also related with the present delayed neutron precursors, which is difficult to quantify.PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between the instantaneous short reactor period and the inserting rate of reactivity from a theoretical perspective.MethodsA point reactor model was used to deduce the inserting rate of the reactivity function using the variable factors of reactivity, reactor period, and reactor dynamic parameters, with some conservative assumptions to omit the effect of delayed neutron precursors. The relationship between reactivity insertion rate and transient period of reactor was derived after analysis on the short period phenomenon. Then, the formula of relationship was verified for several transient cases.ResultsThe results show that the reactor periods are all larger than the aim reactor periods for all transient cases when using the rate constraint of reactivity insertion in the aforementioned formula. According to the proposed theoretical framework, unnecessary shutdown during an instantaneous short reactor period can be avoided.ConclusionsA theoretical framework proposed in this study can be applied to the control of rod withdrawal rate during the operation of nuclear reactors.

Objective To explore the CT imaging features and differentiation of thymic squamous cell carcinoma to improve the recognition and diagnosis level of it. Methods Of 39 patients with thymic tumor confirmed by surgery or puncture pathology from June 2014 to June 2021 in Sengong Hospital of Shannxi Province, 25 patients with thymic squamous cell carcinoma were collected as observation group and 14 patients with high-risk thymoma were served as control group. The clinical manifestations, Masaoka staging and CT signs were summarized and compared between two groups. Results The Masaoka staging system showed that most of thymic squamous cell carcinoma were stage Ⅲ(28.0%, 7/25) and stage Ⅳ(52.0%, 13/25) in observation group, which were significantly different from those in control group( χ2=9.762, P=0.021). The incidences of lobulated tumor, blurred boundaries, pericardial invasion, mediastinal fat infiltration in observation group were statistical higher than those in control group(P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in tumor internal partition, density, degree of enhancement, calcification and cystic, perfusion type growth, invasion of large vessels, pleural invasion, lymph node metastasis, pulmonary metastasis and pleural implantation between two groups(P＞0.05). Conclusion There is no obvious specificity in the clinical manifestations of thymic squamous cell carcinoma. CT manifestations are mostly characterized by anterior middle and upper mediastinal lobular mass with blurred boundaries and perfusion growth along macrovascular shape in some of them. The tumor is highly invasive to surrounding tissues and can invade macrovascular, pleura and pericardium. Mediastinal fat infiltration are common, and Masaoka staging is mostly stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ.

For selective separation of 137Cs from high level liquid wastes(HLLWs), a silica based ammonium molybdophosphate(AMP/SiO2) inorganic adsorbent was synthesized by combining the rotary vacuum evaporation method with pore crystallization. The effect of γ-ray, temperature, coexisting ions on the adsorption performance toward Cs(Ⅰ), and chemical stability of AMP/SiO2 was also investigated. The adsorbent, with particle diameter of 90 μm and pore size of 18 nm, has characteristics of nano materials. The obvious decomposition of the AMP/SiO2 occurres about 400 ℃ resulted the decreasing of the (2 2 0) diffraction peak intensity and formation of MoO3. Gamma irradiation causes the transformation of some AMP from crystalline phase to amorphous phase and has less effect on adsorption capacity on Cs(Ⅰ). After 100 kGy absorbed dose, the average grain size of AMP is estimated to be 383 Å(1 Å=0.1 nm) and corresponds to be a cube cell with 11.6 side length. The AMP/SiO2 has relative high selectivity toward Cs(Ⅰ) in the range of 0.1-7.0 mol/L HNO3 simulated liquid waste, which follows Langmuir model and ion exchange process.

[Introduction] Tower weight and foundation concrete quantity are important indexes in transmission line engineering. By comparing the tower weight and foundation concrete quantity of 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm and 40 mm ice area typical towers used in YunGui interconnection channel project, this paper explores the influence of ice area on tower weight and foundation concrete quantity. [Method] The components of the tower were analyzed and the relationship between each component and the total weight of the tower was fully understood; Through the comparison and analysis of tower weight and foundation concrete quantity in different ice areas, the relationship between different ice areas and tower weight and foundation concrete quantity was studied. [Result] The analysis shows that for the tension tower, the proportion of the tower body below the variable slope to the total tower weight is the largest; for the tangent tower, the cross arm, the tower body above the variable slope and the tower body below the variable slope all account for a large proportion of the total tower weight; the influence of ice area on the weight of tangent tower is greater than that of tension tower, and the increase of tower weight in 30 mm ice area is the largest; the influence of ice area on the concrete content of tension tower foundation is greater than that of tangent tower, and the increase of concrete content of tower foundation in 30 mm ice area is the largest. [Conclusion] There is a certain proportional relationship between the structural quantities and different ice areas, which can provide a reference for the estimation of the quantities of DC transmission lines in the future.

Rare diseases have been a major challenge for clinical medicine and public health challenge in China. One of the effective measures is to conduct proactive research on rare diseases to deal with the disease burden of the diseases. However, low prevalence, disperse distribution of patients, lack of knowledge about the disease course, and phenotype heterogeneity hamper the development of research for rare diseases. Recently, it has been found that patients registry is effective in understanding the course of the disease and accu- mulating the cases and data of clinical research or clinical trial design. At present, most of developed countries or regions in the world have promoted clinical research and clinical trials of new medications on rare diseases by using the registration of rare disease. In 2016, Peking Union Medical College Hospital established China's first registry system at the national level-National Rare Disease Registry System of China(NRDRS). NRDRS has accumulated 68 137 cases data registered by the researchers from China's 101 collaborating hospitals in 29 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions, covering 171 different, and forming 188 cohorts. To date, NRDRS complete the initial stage of resources buildup.Nex stage will be focused on clinical research and clinical trials related to rare diseases based on NRDRS. This article is on the process of building NRDRS, the potential support for conducting clinical research and clinical trials related to rare diseases, and the challenges will be faced.

Objective To investigate the safety and feasibility of transumbilical single-incision laparoscopy in radical operation for right colonic cancer. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 60 patients who underwent laparosco-pic radical right hemicolectomy for colonic cancer from January 2019 to June 2020 in Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery Changshu Second People’s Hospital combined with Department of Surgery Ruijin Hospital Shanghai. The patients were divided into group of single-incision laparoscopic surgery(SILS) (n=30) and group of conventional five-port laparoscopic surgery(CLS) (n=30). Patient demographics, operative details and postoperative complications were compared between two groups. Results No significant differences were observed in length of incision, intraoperative blood loss, largest diameter of tumor, postoperative feeding time, extraction time of drainage tube, postoperative hospital stay, pathologic stage and lymph node harvest between SILS group and CLS group. Compared with CLS group, SILS group showed that all longer operative time [(185.17±12.28) min vs. (127.83±16.70) min], lower mean pain score (visual analog scale) [(3.30±0.79) vs. (3.97±0.72)] on the first postoperative day and earlier postoperative evacuation time [(2.70±0.54) d vs. (3.97±0.49) d)] with statistical significant difference (P0.05). One case with postoperative anastomotic leakage in both SILS group and CLS group (P>0.05). No tumor recurrence was present in 2 groups during the period of follow-up (11.0±0.6) months. Conclusions Clinical efficacy in single-incision laparoscopy would be similar to CLS for radical resection of right colonic cancer.

During the pandemic of COVID-19, in order to respond to the call of the Ministry of Education that “teaching and learning are not stopped even though courses are stopped”, universities across the country have launched online teaching. Taking the “functional experiment” course in Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an example, this course was carried out using online virtual experiment platform. On the basis of experimental teaching during the pandemic, teachers have collected experience and students' feedback. This paper summarizes the strengthens and weakness of this teaching method during the pandemic.

As a two-dimensional(2D) building block of new materials, graphene has received widespread attention due to its exceptional thermal properties. The thermal properties and recent advances on graphene-based material were reviewed. The intrinsic thermal conductivity of graphene and the effect of layers, defects and edge were briefly introduced. The resent research progress in graphene fiber as thermal conductivity material was analyzed and discussed. A variety of graphene films (graphene film, graphene hybrid film, graphene/polymer composite film) were grouped by category and the influencing factors of the thermal conductivity were reviewed. The structure, thermal conductivity property and current researches of 3D graphene (graphene with random orientation in the polymer matrix, graphene with specific orientation in the polymer matrix) were summarized. Finally, the challenges and prospects of graphene-based materials were also pointed out, especially inhigh power, highly integrated systems such as LED lighting and smart phones, graphene based thermal conductivity materials have a good development prospect.

The torsion behavior of composite submarine cables often occurs due to external load during the laying and operation. A 3 dimension numerical simulation model of composite submarine cable is established using the finite element software. The clockwise-anticlockwise torsion characteristics of the steel armor, copper conductor and optical fiber of cables are mainly studied. The results show that the stress of each structure along the twisted direction of the steel armor, copper conductor and optical fiber is greater than that in the opposite direction, which leads to a wide range of stress concentration in the copper conductor. The torsion angle of the internal structure of the marine cable along the axial direction has a good consistency and shows linear variation characteristics. In the case of small angle torsion, the stress of each structure increases first and then decreases. When the torsion angle increases, the stress of each structure increases gradually, and the growth rate increases. The materials successively yield during the torsion.

Objective To study whether blood transfusion with improved blood preservation solution can improve wound healing in diabetic mice, and to investigate its possible mechanism. Methods Kunming mice were used to establish diabetic mice model. They were randomly divided into blood donation group and the experimental group. The blood was placed in sterile centrifugal tube containing anticoagulant and then preserved for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days with improved and standard blood preservation solutions, respectively. The oxygen carrying capacity and deformability of erythrocytes in each preservation period were tested, then the improved and standard autologous blood were retransfused with 7 days of preservation. The experimental group was randomly divided into the standard group and the improved group with 6 mice in each group.The wound healing of two groups of mice was observed on 0, 1, 4, 7 and 14 days, and the mice were killed on 14 days. The degree of fibrosis was analyzed by means of HE, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry methods. Phosphorylation of PI3K,AKT,MEK and ERK were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Results Compared with the standard group, the improvement group exhibited decreased fHb content, and increased P50 oxygen pressure, blood pH, 2,3-Diphosphoglycerate(2, 3-DPG) and red blood cell deformability(RCD)(P＜0.05).HE staining results revealed that compared with the standard group, the area of granular tissue on the skin and the vascular area were increased on the 14th day after operation in the improvement group. Masson staining revealed that, the expression of collagen fibers and the degree of fibrosis in the mice skin of the improvement group were elevated at 14 days after the operation, when compared with the standard group. Immunohistochemistry results indicated that in comparison to standard group, levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, and EGF in skin tissues of the improvement group increased (P＜0.05). The protein levels of PI3K, AKT, MEK,ERK and its phosphorylation increased significantly in the improvement group(P＜0.05). Conclusions Red blood cell treated with improved blood preservation solution may promote wound healing in diabetic mice by activating HIF-1α pathway.

The mass production of graphene sheets is a prerequisite for exploiting the applications of graphene. A major focus of experimental research has been concentrated on the development of effective approaches to produce well-defined graphene in large scale. Due to its high yield and cost efficiency, chemical reduction of graphene oxide has been proofed to be one of the most feasible approaches to achieve this goal. Graphene consists almost entirely of sp2 hybridized carbon atoms, while graphene oxide additionally contains sp3 regions, oxygen functional groups and structural defects. The fundamental understanding of the mechanism of chemical reduction of graphene oxide is a key issue when preparing graphene materials via graphene oxide precursor. Although dozens of methods have been exploited to facilitate the chemical reduction of graphene, only few studies were focused on the reduction mechanism.The chemical reduction strategies of graphene oxide, and as well as their mechanisms were reviewed in this paper. It was suggested that the core issue of the reduction is how to clarify the removal of hydroxyl groups and the simultaneous restoration of a conjugated structure.

The basic principles and methods of infrared radiation and infrared stealth technology were discussed in this paper. It was found that flexible regulation of multi-band spectrum was the key to realize infrared stealth compatible with radar stealth, laser stealth and visible light stealth. The research status of traditional infrared stealth materials were summarized and the bottleneck of their development was clarified. Furthermore, the design idea, research basis and development advantages of infrared stealth metamaterials with spectral tailoring function were proposed. We reviewed the research status and development trend of the infrared stealth compatible with radar stealth, infrared stealth with infrared radiation window and infrared stealth compatible with laser and visible light.

Objectives After several decades of the development and operation experience of military ships, the safety of floating reactors has been greatly improved. Their promotion and application in the civilian field has been gradually recognized, and it is urgently necessary to solve the problem of adaptability in reactor loading on ships. The containment is the interface between the reactor and the hull, and consists of the compartment of the reactor loading on a ship. The containment design must be adapted to the marine environment conditions of the ship, as well as to the nuclear safety requirements of reactor operation.Methods First, based on the adaptability requirements of floating reactor containment, the main contradiction between the pressure of the containment and the dimensions and weight of the ship is analyzed. A design and analysis process for floating reactor containment is proposed. With reference to the characteristics of onshore nuclear power plants and nuclear power ship containment, as well as the design requirements of foreign nuclear power ships and civil nuclear facilities, a square double-shell suppression containment is proposed in the dimensions of the containment configuration and pressure control program.Results Through an analysis of the pressure characteristics and structural strength of the containment, the structure of the containment under design-based accident conditions is found to be safe, with controllable weight and space indicators, and a good ship's reactor fit.Conclusions With reference to engineering experience, the overall index of a floating nuclear power plant based on this scheme is reasonable, and it can provide reference for engineering personnel.

Short glass fiber reinforced polyamide 10T (SGF/PA10T) composites were prepared by melt blending method, and the thermal-oxidative aging properties of SGF/PA10T composites at 240℃ were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis(DMA), FT-IR and mechanical properties test. The results show that the crystallization onset temperature of SGF/PA10T increases, the interfacial interaction between glass fiber and PA10T matrix is weakened, and damping capacity decreases during the thermal-oxygen aging process. With the increase of thermal-oxygen aging time, the glass transition temperature increases first and then decreases. Arrhenius equation was used to determine the glass transition activation energy of SGF/PA10T,and the results show that the mobility of molecular chain is changed and PA10T molecular chains are slight cross-linked in preliminary aging stage. At the same time, the thermal-oxygen can significantly reduce the mechanical properties of SGF/PA10T composites, after age at 240℃ for 50d,the tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength retention rates are 18.4%, 9.8% and 37.7% respectively.

Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) have high application value in the fields of industry, medicine and food. Previous research has proved that total content of VLCFAs in the Arachis species is significantly higher than that in cultivated peanuts. In this study, contents of VLCFAs were determined in RIL population derived from the cross between Zhonghua 5 and ICGV86699 with wild species consanguinity. Board phenotypic variations of total very-long-chain fatty acid content ranging from 4.99% to 10.33% was observed among the RILs. Five lines with high total very-long-chain fatty acid content were identified, of them, the highest content of ZJ011 is 9.82%. Based on the previously constructed genetic map, 20 QTLs with 3.72%-15.66% phenotypic variation explained (PVE) were repeatedly detected, and were mainly located on chromosomes A04, B04 and B06. The results lay a molecular and material foundation for the improvement of oil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shale reservoir research has become a focus in the study of shale gas, and the special structure feature of shale development at the nano/micro level pore size. Guizhou is one of the shale gas test pilot areas in our country. The northern region under the lower Cambrian Niutitang group hosts more than 100 m of black rock series. The nano/micron level pore in rocks and minerals is a typical structure for black shale in northern Guizhou. According to the limitation of resolution and magnification, the pore types in the shale reservoir cannot be observed using the traditional optical microscope. Nuclear magnetic resonance instruments can accurately study shale reservoir porosity, but cannot obtain the pore morphology and distribution of information. By combining the advantages of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Spectrometry microanalysis, Hitachi S-4800 type of field emission SEM and Energy Spectrometer of Oxford IE250X Max50 to study mineral distribution, morphological characteristics and element composition in the black shale reservoir, a new study was conducted and is reported in this paper. Results indicate that micro fracture and nano/micro level intragranular dissolved pore were found in black shale using field emission SEM. Through the X-ray Energy Spectrum, minerals in black shale are mainly illite and quartz, albite, followed by chlorite, white mica, dolomite, to name a few. The black shale fracture diameter is 0.1-20 μm, which is mainly distributed in 1-5 μm, which is greater than the methane molecule diameter (0.414 nm). Thus, it can be used as a gas migration channel and storage space. In addition, through the X-ray Spectrometer study on the brittleness mineral analysis in quartz, calcite, dolomite and illite, the brittle mineral content of quartz contains 9.1%-78%, and the clay mineral content of illite is 17.6%-25.5%. Therefore, the black shale has high brittleness, making it prone to cracking. The study can provide the basis for reservoir evaluation and prediction of Northern Guizhou.

Breeding and application of peanut cultivars with desirable resistance to Aspergillus flavus is crucial for integrated management of aflatoxin contamination. Most peanut germplasm lines identified as resistant to A. flavus infection or aflatoxin production possess small pod or seed with relatively low yield potential. In this study, a total of 188 recombinant inbreed lines (RILs) population derived from Zhonghua 16 x J11 were assessed for their resistance to A. flavus infection and consequent aflatoxin production. The yield-related traits including 100-pod weight and 100-seed weight were also investigated among the RILs. The results revealed that variations of percent seed infection index (PSII) and aflatoxin content (AFT) in the RILs were much wider than those of their two parents. Eight lines with resistance to seed infection, nine lines with resistance to aflatoxin production were identified from the RILs. A special line with large pod and resistance to both seed infection and aflatoxin production was identified, which could be potential for further resistance improvement in peanut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aimed at the stability of surrounding rock in Pingdingshan Coal Mine, took a typical deep roadway with joint fissured surrounding rock as study object, used discrete element numerical simulation, simulated the deformation and failure mechanism of surrounding rock, and the control technologies of joint fissured surrounding rock roadway were proposed. The results show that the tensile failure appears at vault and two side-walls and in the middle of floor at first. Then, the shear failure appears at spandrel and two base angles. The failure zone extends into the deep area until the roadway is instable. According to the in-situ monitor data, it is concluded that the stress in anchor and cable tends to be stable after supporting for two months, as well as the horizontal convergence, vault subsidence and floor heave. It means that the supporting technology works and the stability of soft surrounding rock in deep rock roadway is controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the creep property of salt rock, triaxial compression creep tests with step loading axial stress to salt rock specimens were carried out on the RLW-2000 rock rheology testing machine. The test results show that the instantaneous strain, creep strain and creep velocity of salt rock increase gradually with the increasing of axial stress, meanwhile, the duration of the primary creep stage gradually extend. And isochronous stress-strain curves of salt rock indicate that the creep process of salt rock has nonlinear characteristic, and the nonlinear degree is related to creep time and stress level. Based on nonlinear rheological theory, a new nonlinear viscosity component with a variable viscosity coefficient was proposed, and the viscosity coefficient of which was time and stress-dependent. Then, by using this proposed nonlinear component to replace the conventional viscous components in Burgers model, a nonlinear vis-coelasticity creep model, which was named MBurgers model and can describe the nonlinear creep property of salt rock was established. According to triaxial compression creep test results of salt rock, the parameters of MBurgers model were in versed by using curve fitting method. And the theoretical curves accord well with the test curves, which indicates that the MBurgers model can describe the creep property of salt rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated approach to refining core indicators of pulverized coal used for blast furnace injection based on principal component analysis was proposed in view of the disadvantages of the existing performance indicator system of pulverized coal used in blast furnace. All the performance indicators of pulverized coal injection were taken into account in this presented method, including calorific value, igniting point, combustibility, reactivity, flowability, grindability, etc. Thereafter,the four core indicators of pulverized coal injection were selected and studied by using principal component analysis, namely, comprehensive combustibility P1, comprehensive reactivity P2 comprehensive flowability P3, and comprehensive grindability P4. The newly established core index system was not only beneficial to narrow down current evaluation indices but also effective to avoid previous overlapping problem among indicators by mutually independent index design. Based on overall 4 characteristic indexes, the injection characteristics evaluation index P was further introduced, and combined with fundamental characteristics evaluation index F, the final evaluation of pulverized coal performances was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the distribution of dust particle matter (including PM2.5) in coal workface, the concentration of total dust, PM10 dust and PM2.5 dust were measured with the dust concentration tester during the mining process in all roadways of Coalface 91324 that is the comprehensive mechanized coal face at a coal mine in Jincheng city. The results were analyzed and show that the total dust concentration is at its maximum 5 m downwind of the coal cutter while PM10 and PM2.5 dust fluctuates heavily in the coalface; the concentrations of three kinds of dust (the total dust, PM10 dust and PM2.5 dust) increase gradually and reach their maximum values at 330 m, then decrease slowly in the auxiliary return roadway. The concentration of these three kinds of dust fluctuates within the low concentration range in the main return roadway. In the main return roadway and auxiliary roadway the maximum levels of PM2.5 dust are 56.087 mg/m³ and 180.39 mg/m³ respectively. The PM2.5 dust is above the limit of ambient air quality. These findings provide the parameters for modifying the standard of dust testing and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After careful analysis of the regularity of ground surface subsidence in mined-out region and the characteristics of MMF curve model, a new time function model based on MMF model was proposed in consideration of the shortage of current ground surface subsidence predication models. Then the rationality of the new model was verified through project cases. The result indicates that the new model can give a good reflection of the regularity of ground surface subsidence in mined-out region and can accurately predicate surface subsidence. The predication values of the new model is a little greater than measured values on condition of proper measured data quantity, which is safe in the engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the diagnostic efficacy among three RT-PCR test kits for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid detection., Methods: The throat swab samples from 40 hospitalized patients clinically diagnosed as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 16 hospitalized non-COVID-19 patients were recruited. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid was detected in throat swab samples with RT-PCR test kits from Sansure Biotech ("Sansure" for short), Jiangsu Bioperfectus Technologies ("Bioperfectus" for short) and BGI Genomics ("BGI" for short). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and Kappa value were analyzed. The viral nucleic acid was extracted from the throat swab samples by one-step cleavage and magnetic bead methods, and the efficacy of two extraction methods was also compared. The results of magnetic bead method for nucleic acid extraction by two different extractors (Sansure Natch CS S12C Fully Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System vs. Tianlong NP968-C Nucleic Acid Extractor) were also compared., Results: The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and kappa value were 95.00%, 87.50%, 95.00%, 87.50%and 0.825 for Sansure kit; 90.00%, 87.50%, 94.74%, 77.78%and 0.747 for the Bioperfectus kit, and 82.50%, 81.25%, 91.67%, 65.00%and 0.593 for the BGI kit, respectively. The positive, negative and total coincident rates and kappa value of viral nucleic acid detection results using the samples extracted by one-step cleavage and magnetic bead methods were 95.24%, 100.00%, 96.43%and 0.909, respectively, but the one-step cleavage method took only 25 min, while the magnetic bead method required 180 min. The positive, negative and total coincident rates and kappa value of viral nucleic acid detection results using the samples extracted by the two different nucleic acid extractors were 85.00%, 100.00%, 89.29% and 0.764, respectively., Conclusions: The detection efficacy for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid by the Sansure kit is relatively higher and the one-step cleavage method has advantages of convenient operation and less time consuming.

Objective: To observe the effect of follicular fluid IL-6, TNF-α on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with ovarian endometriosis., Method: From June 2013 to June 2014, the data of 64 (from Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital IVF center) ovarian endometriosis patients was analyzed retrospectively. 58 infertility cases caused by male side were used as control group. Oocyte retrieval rate, M II oocytes rate, fertilization rate, recovery-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (R-ICSI) rate, good quality embryo rate, biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate were analyzed and compared between two groups. Changes in the expression of follicular fluid IL-6, TNF-α were detected., Results: Oocyte retrieval rate, M II oocytes rate, fertilization rate, good quality embryo rate, biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate in ovarian endometriosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P < 0.05), while R-ICSI rate increased in ovarian endometriosis group compared with control group (P < 0.05). IL-6, TNF-α expressions of follicular fluid were higher in affected side of ovarian endometriosis patients than those in the unaffected side and those in control group., Conclusion: Inflammation microenvironment of the follicular fluid may influence IVF-ET outcomes in ovarian endometriosis patients.

Objective: To investigate the value of X-ray digital tomosynthesis (DTS) in the diagnosis of urinary stones compared with kidney ureter bladder radiography., Methods: Between February 2011 and February 2012, 80 consecutively enrolled patients with urinary stones proved by UMDCT, the total number of which was 138, underwent additional DTS and KUB (kidney, ureter and bladder) then the number of stones and the proportions (the sensitivity of detecting stones) were recorded under all kinds of circumstances. Any two cases were selected in comparison with each other among the following four cases (DTS and KUB before and after bowel preparation).The data from all cases were statistically processed by chi-square test of four-fold table., Results: The diagnostic sensitivity of DTS before and after bowel preparation, KUB before and after preparation were 94.2%, 96.4%, 47.8% and 66.7%, respectively. No significant differences between DTS before bowel preparation and DTS after bowel preparation were found. Significant differences were observed in other five ways., Conclusion: DTS is hardly affected by intestinal gas, feces and bones compared with KUB. Use of DTS results in improved detection rate and definition of stones with the same positioning function as KUB.

Objective: To explore the characteristics of oxygen uptake efficiency (OUE) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and analyze the correlation between OUE and exercise capacity., Methods: A total of 76 PH patients and 29 healthy controls at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital between October 2010 and January 2014 were evaluated. All PH patients were classified into 4 groups according to the World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC). Pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed in all subjects., Results: Compared with health control, the PH patients had lower forced vital capacity (FVC) of expected value (%pre), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1))%pre and FEV(1)/FVC ((81.9 ± 15.5)% vs (88.6 ± 14.1)%, (75.0 ± 16.4)% vs (85.2 ± 17.2)% and (78.3 ± 9.3)% vs (88.3 ± 7.3)%, all P < 0.05). Compared with control group, there were also significant reductions in oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), oxygen uptake efficiency plateau (OUEP) and OUE at the anaerobic threshold ((1.14 ± 0.42) vs (2.32 ± 0.34) (L/min)/lg (L/min), (27 ± 5) vs (37 ± 4) ml/L, (24 ± 6) vs (34 ± 5) ml/L, all P < 0.05). No significant differences existed in OUES, OUEP and OUE at the anaerobic threshold in PH patients between WHO-FC Iand WHO-FC II groups. There were significant differences in OUE among other groups (all P < 0.05). And OUES, OUEP and OUE at the anaerobic threshold were correlated positively with exercise tolerance in PH patients., Conclusion: OUE significantly declines in PH patients compared with normal subjects and it is correlated positively with exercise capacity.

Objective: To explore the correlation between submaximal exercise measurements and peak oxygen uptake in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)., Methods: The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for 106 patients with PAH from Affiliated Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University from October 2010 to October 2013. The examinations included routine pulmonary function test, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 6-minute walk test, right heart catheterization and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. And within the same period, matched 20 healthy subjects without smoking and cardiopulmonary diseases were selected as control group., Results: Peak oxygen uptake (P-VO2), anaerobic threshold (AT), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and oxygen uptake efficiency plateau (OUEP) were significantly lower in patients with PAH than control group ((841 ± 257) vs (1 682 ± 284) ml/min, (661 ± 171) vs (1 041 ± 243) ml/min, 1.1 ± 0.4 vs 2.3 ± 0.4, 25.8 ± 5.2 vs 35.5 ± 4.0, respectively) (all P < 0.001). And the predicted parametric values (%pred) were also lower in PAH group than control group (all P < 0.001). While the lowest ventilation (VE)/CO2 output (VCO2) (L-VE/VCO2) and VE/VCO2 slope were significantly higher in PAH group than control group (50.5 ± 15.9 vs 30.5 ± 3.0 and 57.2 ± 23.2 vs 25.6 ± 2.8, both P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed, except for VE/VCO2 slope%pred, AT%pred, L-VE/VCO2%pred, OUES%pred and OUEP%pred were correlated with P-VO2 (all P < 0.001). According to multiple linear regression analysis, only AT%pred and OUES%pred were the independent predictors of P-VO2 (β = 0.394, 0.384, both P < 0.001) and OUES%pred might be better than AT%pred (the adjusted β = 0.674). When AT%pred < 58.0% or OUES%pred < 65.0%, exercise capacity in PAH declined obviously with the sensitivity was 92.3% and 96.2% and the specificity 81.2% and 75.5% respectively., Conclusions: Exercise capacity in patients with PAH is significantly lower than healthy subjects. OUES%pred and AT%pred may be used as an independent predictor of exercise capacity. And OUES%pred may be more powerful.

Objective: To explore the associations of preoperative plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer with clinicopathologic parameters and overall survival in colorectal cancer patients after curative resection., Methods: From January 2002 to December 2003, a total of 341 colorectal cancer patients underwent curative resection. And their relevant clinical data were reviewed. The median age was 58 years (range: 23 - 90 years) and the median follow-up period was 64 months (range: 5 - 89 months). The preoperative plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer were examined, the correlation of clinicopathologic findings and overall survival was analyzed. A Log-rank test was used for univariate analysis and a Cox regression model for multivariate analysis., Results: The preoperative plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer were (3.7 ± 0.7) g/L and (0.49 ± 0.18) mg/L respectively. Elevated plasma levels of fibrinogen were associated with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.008), venous invasion (P = 0.006), postoperative distant metastases (P < 0.01) and lymph node involvement (P = 0.001), but not with histologic grade (P = 0.232), and invasion depth (P = 0.253). The overall survival is 64.5% (220/341). Elevated plasma levels of D-dimer were associated with advanced tumor stage (P = 0.013), invasion depth (P = 0.007) and lymph node involvement (P = 0.001), but not with histologic grade (P = 0.082), venous invasion (P = 0.746) or postoperative distant metastases (P = 0.131). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative plasma levels of fibrinogen (P = 0.029), histologic grade (P = 0.001), and lymph node involvement (P = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors., Conclusions: High preoperative plasma levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer are associated with clinicopathologic parameters. And a high preoperative plasma level of fibrinogen is associated with distant metastases and poor prognosis after curative resection in colorectal cancer patients.

Objective: To compare the efficacy, cost and safety of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) versus open surgery in the treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms., Methods: Retrospective analyses were conducted for the clinical data and follow-up information of 218 cases from January 2002 to December 2011 at our hospital. Open surgery group included 86 patients with an mean age of 65.5 years and a mean aneurysm diameter of 5.4 cm. In EVAR group, there were 132 cases with an average age of 76.8 years and a mean aneurysm diameter of 5.6 cm., Results: Among 86 open cases, there were inverted "Y" type artificial graft (n = 83) and straight artificial graft (n = 3). The surgical success rate was 98.8%, perioperative period mortality rate was 2.3%, a mean volume of blood loss 450 ml and a mean transfusion volume 320 ml. The mean operative duration was 230 min, a mean hospitalization time (30 ± 3) days and a mean hospitalization cost RMB yuan 58 000. In EVAR group, the surgical success rate was 100% and perioperative period mortality rate 0.8%. Separating stent graft (n = 121, 91.7%), straight stent graft (n = 4, 3%) and one-stent-graft (n = 7, 5.3%). The mean operative duration was 150 min, a mean volume of blood loss 140 ml, a mean hospitalization time 15.5 days and a mean hospitalization cost RMB yuan 104 800. The operative duration, volume of blood loss and length of hospital stay of EVAR group were superior to those of open surgery group (P < 0.05). But the cost of group EVAR was significantly higher than that of group open surgery (P < 0.05). In group open surgery, 80 cases (94.1%) received a mean follow-up period of 46 months. And 79 artificial grafts maintained patency (98.8%) and 8 cases died (10%). There were 125 cases in group EVAR (94.7%) with a mean time of 32.5 months; stent graft patency in 120 cases (96%), 10 death; 8 complication cases (5.6%) involved stent migration (n = 2) and iliac artery branch occlusion (n = 6). Long-term effects had no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05). In terms of the incidence of complications, group EVAR was significantly more than group open surgery (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: In terms of operative duration, volume of blood loss and length of hospital stay, EVAR and open surgery treatment for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms group EVAR is significantly better than group open surgery. As far hospitalization cost, group EVAR is significantly higher than group open surgery. But, in terms of incidence of long-term complications, group EVAR is significantly higher than group open surgery while the latter often requires further interventions.

Objective: To discuss the angiographic findings and the safety and efficacy of interventional therapy for post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage., Methods: The clinical data, features of angiography, interventional treatment technology and prognosis of 29 patients underwent post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding between August 2009 and June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed in our hospital., Results: In all 29 patients, 6 cases underwent gastrointestinal bleeding, 21 cases of abdominal bleeding, 2 cases had abdominal cavity and gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhage occurred 8 h - 72 d after surgery. Angiographic findings including: extravasation of contrast media, and pseudo aneurysm formation, local arterial intima not smooth, stenosis, distal artery branch expansion. The success rate of interventional techniques was 93.94%, hemostatic rate was 90%. 3 cases died., Conclusion: The embolization therapy is a safe and effective technique, should be as the first-line diagnostic and treatment choice for patients with post-pancreaticoduodenectomy bleeding.

Objective: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the treatment of atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS)., Methods: From January 2002 to December 2010, 126 ACAS patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 92 males and 34 females with an average age of 65.5 years old (range: 48 - 75). Among them, 25 had sequelae of cerebral infarction, 69 symptomatic cerebral ischemia and 32 asymptomatic. Sixty-two patients were monitored intra-operatively with transcranial Doppler (TCD). Among them, 5 patients underwent arterial shunt due to a reduced of blood flow in middle cerebral artery for over 50%. The other 64 patients without TCD monitoring underwent intra-operative arterial shunt. And 22 patients underwent patch angioplasty with autologous or prosthetic vascular patch. Intracranial hyperperfusion was prevented by a compression of common carotid artery or control was successful without perioperative mortality. All patients with cerebral ischemic symptoms and some patients with cerebral infarction sequelae had much post-operative improvement. Deviated tongue protrusion occurred in 10 patients and 8 of them recovered at Week 2 post-operation. And 118 patients were followed up for a mean period of 46.5 months (range: 6 - 96). Two patients with deviated tongue protrusion had slight improvements; 2 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis underwent stent angioplasty; 4 patients with moderate carotid artery stenosis received conservative treatment; among 7 deceased patients, two died of cerebral infarction., Conclusion: CEA is effective in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis with a high success rate. TCD monitoring during CEA is valuable for preventing cerebral ischemia and intracranial hyperperfusion. Arterial shunt and arterial patch angioplasty should be considered according to certain conditions during CEA.

Objective: To investigate the methods and efficacy of neuroendoscopic operation in the treatment of tethered spinal cord syndrome (TSCS)., Methods: A total of 21 cases were recruited. There were 13 males and 8 females with an average age of 12.5 years old. TSCS was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They were operated under neuroendoscope., Results: No complication was found during a follow-up period of 0.5 - 3 years. The symptoms improved in 18 cases. Neither obvious improvement nor aggravation was found in 3 cases. The total effective rate was 85.71%., Conclusion: Neuroendoscopic treatment of TSCS is both safe and effective.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and biological changes of hepatic arterial perfusion of p53 gene via port catheter system (PCS) on advanced hepatocellular carcinoma., Methods: A total of 48 cases of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma were divided into the experimental group (30) and the control group (18). Transiliac external artery PCS implantation was performed in all cases. p53 gene was perfused into target artery confirmed by angiography. In the experimental group, 10(12) VP of p53 gene and 20 mg OPT were employed every week as a course for 21 days. In the control group, only 20 mg OPT was used. KPS, AFP and the survival period, RECIST (response evaluation criteria in solid) tumor were analyzed. Flow cytometry (FCM) and micronucleus (MN) assay in vivo were used to detect p53 gene mutation and spontaneous micronucleus formation in peripheral blood of the experimental group., Results: The experimental group were performed 1 to 8 courses. There was a significant difference with AFP level and KPS in the experimental group(P < 0.05). However there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the control group. After one month, survival rate of the the experimental group and the control group was 96.6% and 94.4%, there was a significant difference between the two groups in objective tumor relieve (P < 0.05). After three months, survival rate of the the experimental group and the control group was 83.3% and 55.6%, there was a significant difference between the two groups in objective tumor relieve (P < 0.05). After six months, survival rate of the the experimental group and the control group was 50.0% and 11.1%, there was a significant difference between the two groups in objective tumor relieve (P < 0.05). After nine months, survival rate of the the experimental group and the control group was 23.3% and 0%, there was a significant difference between the two groups in objective tumor relieve (P < 0.05). After twelve months, survival rate of the the experimental group and the control group was 6.67% and 0%, there was a significant difference between the two groups in objective tumor relieve (P < 0.05). The depression of p53 expression was observed in the HCC patients who were employed four times of intervention operations. The difference of p53 expression between before and after interventional rAd-p53 therapy were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The frequency of MN depressed by the rAd-p53 was seen in the patients, and the differences of the frequency of MN between before and after interventional rAd-p53 therapy were statistically significant (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: p53 gene sequential infusion via hepatic artery is effective for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The biological study will play a important role in selecting the therapeutic dose and judging therapeutic efficacy by means of guiding and monitoring.

Objective: To explore the method and effectiveness of treatment for severe acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in lower extremity., Methods: Eighteen patients with severe acute DVT treated in our hospital from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2008 were retrospectively analysed. All the patients had limb edema and pain, sixteen had limb cyanochroia(one had calf skin ulcer and foot gangrene), two had limb pallor, ten had weakened dorsalis pedis artery pulsation, eight had silent dorsalis pedis artery pulsation. Colour Doppler ultrasonography revealed DVT and superficial venous thrombosis in all diseased limbs. One patient underwent above knee amputation for limb gangrene. Seventeen underwent surgical thrombectomy, of which three were simple thrombectomy, five were supplemented with suprapubic saphenous vein bypass, six with suprapubic PTFE graft bypass, three with iliac vein lysis angioplasty., Results: One patient died (5.6%) on the third day after surgery. Limb edema relieved in seven patients (41.2%), reduced in ten patients (58.8%). All diseased limbs regained normal artery pulsation and skin appearance except for one limb amputated. Sixteen patients (94.1%) were followed up by a mean of 34 months. Limb edema disappeared in five patients (31.3%), reduced in eight patients (50%), recurrent in three patients (18.7%). Among three recurrent patients, one died of malignant tumor 9 months after operation, two had their graft occluded resulting from intimal hyperplasia., Conclusions: Surgical thrombectomy is an effective method for treating severe acute DVT in lower extremity.

Objective: To investigate the molecular etiology of non-syndromic hearing impairment in two patients in a maternal inherited deafness Chinese family., Methods: Peripheral blood specimens were collected and DNA templates extracted. The complete mitochondrial genomes and GJB2 gene were sequenced in an ABI 3100 Avant sequencer., Results: The proband (III-5) and her elder sister (III-1) were found to carry the mtDNA 12SrRNA C1494T mutation. The GJB2 gene showed no mutations. The proband had the history of using aminoglycosides before hearing loss, and exhibited severe sensorineural hearing impairment; the proband's sister had no history of using aminoglycosides, and showed moderate sensorineural hearing impairment., Conclusion: The molecular etiology of each individual patient in a family yaries with individual genetic background.

Objective: To invesigate the molecular pathogenesis of deafness among the youth by means of genetic testing so as to provide pre-marriage genetic counseling and instruction for the deaf youth., Methods: 217 deaf young people, 126 males and 91 females, aged 18.9 (16 - 26), from Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, underwent history taking, auditory testing, and collection of peripheral blood samples. Genomic DNA and mitochondrial DNA were extracted to undergo sequence analysis of the entire gene GJB2, common point mutation of SLC26A4 gene, and mutation of mtDNA A1555G. Genetic prediction and marriage instruction were provided to each subject based on these results., Results: Twenty-three of the 117 persons (10.5%), 13 males and 10 females, were mtDNA A1555G mutation carriers and they were instructed that they, their maternal relatives, and the offspring of the female carriers, should they be born, should strictly avoid the administration of amino glycoside antibiotics. Twenty eight of the 115 persons (12.9%), were confirmed to carry homozygous or compound GJB2 mutations, 5 individuals (2.3%) carried heterozygous GJB2 mutation, 19 (8.8%) carried homozygous or compound SLC26A4 mutations, and one (0.5%) carried heterozygous SLC26A4 mutation. The suggestion for them was to avoid getting married with deaf partners caused by the same deaf gene or with individuals carrying mutations in the same deaf gene. Meanwhile, suggestions such as avoiding aggressive exercises and head injury were provided to the deaf young people with SLC26A4 mutations., Conclusion: Genetic testing can provide more accurate and useful genetic counseling and instruction to deaf young people for their partner selection and eugenics.

Objective: To investigate the Gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) gene mutation in cochlear implantation (CI) recipients and the treatment outcome of CI in the CI recipients with GJB2 gene mutation., Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 253 CI recipients with autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment (NSHI), 174 males and 79 females, aged (8 +/- 9) (112 months-52.7 years), and 301 children with normal hearing level as controls. PCR was used to detect the GJB2 mutations. The auditory threshold with CI and speech recognition of the CI recipients with GJB2 mutation were compared with those of the CI recipients without GJB2 mutation (control group). Questionnaire survey, with meaningful auditory integration scale (MAIS), categories of auditory performance (CAP), and speech intelligibility rating (SIR), was used for young infants., Results: Sixty-seven of the 253 CI recipients (26.5%) were found to have GJB2 mutations. One novel mutation, GJB2 235delC/598G > A, was identified. The detection rates of GJB2 mutations in the CI recipients were significantly higher than those among the controls (all P < 0.05). The postoperative outcomes of CI in both the GJB2 gene mutation positive and negative groups were very good, however, without significant differences among these 2 groups (all P > 0.05)., Conclusion: GJB2 gene mutation is one of the major causes for CI recipients with autosomal recessive NSHI. The treatment outcomes of CI recipients with GJB2 gene mutations under 7 years old are satisfying.

Objective: To investigate the effects of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) on triglyceride (TG) medoxomil metabolism and mechanism thereof., Methods: Zucker fatty (ZF) rats and Zucker lean (ZL) rats were fed with water containing 0.01% olmesartan , a highly specific ARB for 4 weeks. Frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test was conducted to calculate the area under the glucose (AUCG), insulin sensitivity index (SI), glucose effectiveness (SG), Blood glucose, TC, TG, nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), and HDL-C were measured with standard assay kit. Triton WR-1339 technique was used to detect the TG secretion rate (TGSR). After TGSR and FS-IVGTT the levers were collected. The total cholesterol (TC) of the liver was detected, and Sudan IV staining was used to detect the triglyceride in the liver. Enzymatic method was used to measure the TG and TC in the liver extract., Results: The blood pressure of both groups was lowered in both strains to the same extent after olmesartan taking. The SI value of the ZF rats was (0.31 +/- 0.22) microU x ml(-1) x min(-1) x 10(-4) significantly lower than that of the ZL rats (3.54 +/- 0.30) microU x ml(-1) x min(-1) x 10(-4), P < 0.01). Bergman's minimal model showed that the SG value of the ZF rats was (1.35 +/- 0.51) min(-1) x 10(-2), significantly lower than that of the ZL rats (3.40 +/- 0.14 min(-1) x 10(-2), P < 0.01). The plasma glucose levels of the ZF rats was (11.4 +/- 2.6) mmol/L, significantly higher than that of the L rats [(9.2 +/- 0.6) mmol/L, P < 0.01]. Olmesartan treatment substantially elevated both the baseline SI and SG levels of the ZF rats. The TG of the ZF rats was 6 times as high as that of the ZL rats. The plasma NEFA level after olmesartan treatment of the ZF rats was Olmesartan treatment, significantly lower than that before treatment [(2.70 +/- 0.69) mEq/L, P < 0.01], however, the plasma TG level of the ZF rats after the treatment was not significantly different from that before treatment (P > 0.05). The TGSR rate of the ZF rats was almost 6 times that of the ZL rats. Olmesartan treatment lowered the TG overproduction by half (0.56 +/- 0.08) mg x min(-1) x 100 g(-1) BW vs (0.30 +/- 0.07) mg x min(-1) x 100 g(-1) BW, (P < 0.01). The liver TG content of the ZF rats was 10 times that of the ZL rats. Olmesartan treatment lowered the liver TG content from (22.7 +/- 4.2) mg/g to (12.8 +/- 1.7) mg/g (P < 0.01) without affecting the cholesterol content. Pathology showed that the fatty liver developed in the ZF rats was significantly ameliorated by olmesartan treatment. Olmesartan treatment had no significant effect on TG metabolism or insulin sensitivity in the ZL rats., Conclusion: ARB improves the overproduction and accumulation of TG in the liver associated with insulin resistance, and does so through mechanisms independent of its hypotensive action.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of GJB2 mutations in Uigur and Han ethnic groups in Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region, China and to understand the mutation spectrum and frequency of the GJB2 gene in these 2 ethnic groups., Methods: Questionnaire survey was conducted among 61 Uigur deaf-mute students, 60 Han deaf-mute students, and 98 normal Uigurs and 301 normal Han people as controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected to undergo PCR and sequencing of GJB2 gene., Results: The GJB2 mutation rate of the Uigur deaf-mute students was 19.7%, not significantly different from that of the Han deaf-mute students (17.2%). GJB2 35delG was found only in the Uigur deaf-mutes with a carrier rate of 11.5%, whereas 235delC was identified in both Uigur and Han deaf-mutes. The allelic frequency of 35delG mutation in the Uigur and Han deaf-mutes and the Uigur controls were 7.4% (9/122), 0 (0/128), and 0 (0/196) respectively. The allelic frequencies of the GJB2 235delC mutations in the Uigur and Han deaf-mute students were 5.7% and 9.8%, and the allelic frequencies of 299 - 300delAT were 0.8% and 5.5%. V27I and E114G were the most frequent types of polymorphism., Conclusion: There is a rather high mutation rate of GJB2 gene in Xinjiang. The carrier frequency of 35delG of the Uigurs is significantly higher than that of the Han population. 235delC is common in both Uigur and Han people.

Objective: To analyze the molecular genetic mechanisms of pathogenesis of deafness in the families with deaf-mute patients and analyze the strategies of genetic counseling and intervention for these families., Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from the probands with deaf-muteness and their parents of five families and genetic tests were conducted to analyze the GJB2, SLC26A4 (PDS), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) A 1555G genes for the existence of mutation. Families 1-3 had one child with hearing loss each while the parents had normal hearing and the mothers had been pregnant for 6-18 weeks. Both parents of family 4 were deaf-mute, and the wife of family 5 was deaf-mute while her husband had normal hearing., Results: The proband from family 1 was proven to carry compound GJB2 mutations while his parents carried a single GJB2 mutation; prenatal testing showed that the fetus only carried the paternal mutation. The proband from family 2 was proven to carry compound SLC26A4 (PDS) mutations while his parents carried a single SLC26A4 (PDS) mutation; prenatal testing showed that the fetus only carried the paternal mutation. The proband from family 3 and his parents didn't carry any GJB2, SLC26A4 and mtDNA A1555G mutation. Observation showed that the new born babies of these three families all had normal hearing revealed by new born hearing screening and ABR test. The husband from family 4 was homozygous GJB2 235delC while his wife was mtDNA A1555G positive. This couple was advised to strictly avoid the administration of aminoglycoside antibiotics to their future offspring. In family 5, the wife carried compound SLC26A4 (PDS) mutations while her husband carried a single SLC26A4 (PDS) mutation; and they were told about the 50% risk of their offspring's suffering from enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome., Conclusion: Genetic testing with prenatal testing and relevant intervention for the families with deaf-mute patients can be applied to prevent another deaf-mute member from being born.

Objective: To explore the profiles of type 1 and type 2 T cells in chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients., Methods: Samples of peripheral blood were collected from 30 chronic ITP patients, 8 males and 22 females, aged 34, 20 being in the active stage, and 10 in the remission stage, and 20 healthy persons, 7 males and 13 females, aged 31. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated, cultured, and activated with PMA/ionomycin. Flow cytometry was used to measure the intracellular cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 in the PBMCs so as to identify the Th1 cells (IFN-gamma(+) IL-4(+) CD4(+) cells), Th2 cells (IFN-gamma(-) IL-4(+) CD4(+) cells), Tc1 cells (IFN-gamma+ IL-4(-) CD8(+) cells), and Tc2 cells (IFN-gamma(-) IL-4(+) CD8(+) cells). The ratios of Th2/Tc2, Th1/Th2, and Tc1/Tc2 were calculated. Samples of spleen tissue were collected from 8 patients with chronic ITP, 3 males and 5 females, aged 30, and 6 patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS), 3 males and 3 females, aged 35, who underwent splenectomy. Splenocytes were isolated, cultured, and activated with PMA/ionomycin. Real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of T-bet and GATA-3 in the PBMCs and splenocytes., Results: The Th1/Th2 ratio of the patients in active stage was 25.62, significantly higher than those of the patients in remission stage (9.86) and the control (8.29, both P < 0.01), and the Tc1/Tc2 ratio of the patients in active stage was 30.23, significantly higher than those of the patients in remission stage (10.10) and the controls (12.58, both P < 0.01). The Th1/Th2 ratio of the splenocytes of the patients in active stage was 41.46, significantly higher than that of the controls (16.30, P < 0.01), and the Tc1/Tc2 ratio of the splenocytes of the active ITP patients was 35.80, not significantly higher than that of the controls (16.30, P = 0.082). The GATA-3 mRNA expression level of the PBMCs of the active ITP patients was one-fifth of that of the controls (P < 0.05) and the GATA-3 mRNA expression level of the splenocytes of the ITP patients was 0.34 of that of the HS patients (P < 0.05), however, there was no difference in the T-bet expression among the 3 groups. The T-bet/GATA-3 ratio of the PBMCs of the active ITP patients was 5.85 times that of the controls and the T-bet/GATA-3 ratio of the splenocytes of the active ITP patients was 2.68 times that of the controls (both P < 0.01)., Conclusion: ITP is a T1 cells (Th1 and Tc1) predominant disease. The T-bet/GATA-3 ratio may provide a surrogate marker of T1/T2 cytokine balance. Shifting the cytokine patterns from T1 to T2 may be a potential immunotherapy for ITP.

Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of combined collateral embolization with surgical repair for tetralogy of Fallot or pulmonary atresia with major aorta pulmonary collateral arteries., Methods: The clinical, catheterization and surgical data of 15 such patients from November 1992 to September 2003 were analyzed retrospectively., Results: All 15 patients underwent combined therapy of major-aorto pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) occlusion and complete repair with a mortality of 26.7%. Of the 46 collateral arteries, 35 were occluded with a successful rate of 90.6%. Embolization was performed before corrective surgery in 12 patients. The causes of early death in three patients were low cardiac output syndrome, pulmonary hemorrhage, and pulmonary infarction respectively. Complications included extensive pulmonary infiltration in 1 patient and right ventricular dysfunction in another patient. The other 7 patients recovered smoothly with the arterial oxygen saturation greater than 97% at discharge. Embolization was performed after corrective surgery in 3 patients with postoperative congestive heart failure. One patient died of congestive heart failure. The symptoms and signs of heart failure was significently relieved in the other two cases., Conclusions: In selective group of patients with dual pulmonary blood supply by both MAPCA and native pulmonary arteries, this combined therapy of collateral embolization and surgical repair simplifies complete surgical operation and enhances surgical results. It is necessary to minimize the error in distinguish sole pulmonary blood supply from dual pulmonary blood supply to avoid postoperative pulmonary infarction. Embolization after surgical correction is an important rescue measurement to congestive heart failure.

Objective: To explore the feasibility, safety, and cosmetic efficacy of endoscope-assisted thyroidectomy (EAT) by chest approach., Methods: Fifty-one patients with single benign thyroid nodule < or = 4.0 cm in diameter, and without history of neck surgery or irradiation, 8 males and 43 females, aged 33.9 (18-64), underwent endoscope-assisted thyroidectomy by chest approach: a skin incision with the length of 4 cm was made in the chest, an endoscope was inserted, and subtotal or total thyroidectomy with the technique similar to that in conventional surgery was performed with naked eyes., Results: Subtotal thyroidectomy was performed in 49 patients, and total excision of unilateral thyroid lobe plus isthmus lobectomy and contralateral partial lobectomy was performed on the other 2 patients. No patient was transferred to traditional surgery. Only one case showed palsy of recurrent nerve. Most patients expressed with the cosmetic results., Conclusion: EAT is a feasible and safe procedure with rather good cosmetic

Objective: To study the effectiveness of adjuvant endocrine therapy on the prognosis of endometrial carcinoma and to analyze the influence of progesterone receptor on the curative effect of adjuvant endocrine therapy., Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 171 patients of endometrial carcinoma with similar pathological examination. 82 of the 171 patients with endometrial carcinoma (48.0%), aged (57 +/- 9) years, underwent endocrine therapy, mainly by progesterone (245 +/- 51) mg/d for (1.3 +/- 0.9) years. 55 cases (67.1%), aged (57 +/- 10) years, underwent endocrine therapy for more-than-one-year (more-than-one-year subgroup), and 27 cases (32.9%), aged (59 +/- 9) years, underwent endocrine therapy for less-than-one-year (less-than-one-year subgroup). 24 of the 82 patients (29.3%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. 89 of the 171 patients (52.0%), aged (57 +/- 11) years, were in the control group 31 of the 89 patients in the control group (34.8%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy, and 39 patients (43.8%) underwent adjuvant endocrine therapy. Follow-up was performed by correspondence, phone call, or outpatient department visit for 3 approximately 4 years., Results: The rate of recurrence and/or metastasis of the endocrine therapy group was 13.4%, not significantly different from that of the control group (23.6%, P > 0.05); the death rate of the endocrine therapy group was 12.2%, not significantly different from that of the control group (20.2%, P > 0.05). The rate of recurrence and/or metastasis of the less- than-one-year subgroup was 25.9%, significantly higher than that of the more-than-one-year subgroup (7.3%, P = 0.012); the death rate of the less- than-one-year subgroup was 22.2%, significantly higher than that of the more-than-one-year subgroup (7.3%, P = 0.036). Cox regression showed that stage, the operation, tumor cell differentiation, and duration of endocrine therapy significantly affected the recurrence/metastasis remarkably (OR = 5.199, OR = 0.507, OR = 1.796, OR = 0.538) and the death rater (OR = 5.488, OR = 0.482, OR = 1.516, OR = 0.547). The rate of recurrence/metastasis of the endocrine therapy group patients with positive progesterone receptor was 4.7%, significantly higher than that of the patients with negative progesterone receptor (26.7%, P = 0.034)., Conclusions: The prognosis of endometrial carcinoma patients can be improved with adjuvant endocrine therapy, especially for those with positive progesterone receptor. Endocrine therapy should be continued no less than 1 year.