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SHP1 negatively regulates the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK2/STAT) signaling pathway, which is constitutively activated in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and leukemia. Promoter hypermethylation resulting in epigenetic inactivation of SHP1 has been reported in myelomas, leukemias and other cancers. However, whether SHP1 hypermethylation occurs in MPNs, especially in Chinese patients, has remained unclear. Here, we report that aberrant hypermethylation of SHP1 was observed in several leukemic cell lines and bone marrow mononuclear cells from MPN patients. About 51 of 118 (43.2%) MPN patients including 23 of 50 (46%) polycythaemia vera patients, 20 of 50 (40%) essential thrombocythaemia and 8 of 18 (44.4%) idiopathic myelofibrosis showed hypermethylation by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. However, SHP1 methylation was not measured in 20 healthy volunteers. Hypermethylation of SHP1 was found in MPN patients with both positive (34/81, 42%) and negative (17/37, 45.9%) JAK2V617F mutation. The levels of SHP1 mRNA were significantly lower in hypermethylated samples than unmethylated samples, suggesting SHP1 may be epigenetically inactivated in MPN patients. Furthermore, treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (AZA) in K562 cells showing hypermethylation of SHP1 led to progressive demethylation of SHP1, with consequently increased reexpression of SHP1. Meanwhile, phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 were progressively reduced. Finally, AZA increased the expression of SHP1 in primary MPN cells with hypermethylation of SHP1. Therefore, our data suggest that epigenetic inactivation of SHP1 contributes to the constitutive activation of JAK2/STAT signaling. Restoration of SHP1 expression by AZA may contribute to clinical treatment for MPN patients.

In this study, a surface modification of the poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film using TiO2 photocatalytic treatment was investigated. In order to enhance the adhesion strength between the PET film and the electroless copper film, the effects of TiO2 crystal forms, TiO2 particle sizes, and TiO2 content, as well as treatment condition, upon the surface contact angle, surface characterization, and adhesion strength were investigated. Anatase TiO2 with a particle size of 5 nm had a high catalytic activity and dispersibility in aqueous solution. After the optimal photocatalytic treatment, the surface contact angle of the PET film decreased from 84.4° to 19.8°, and the surface roughness of the PET film increased from 36 to 117 nm. The adhesion strength between the PET film and the electroless copper film reached 0.89 KN m−1. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses indicated the carbonyl group was formed on the PET surface after photocatalytic treatment, and the surface hydrophilicity was improved. Conse...

Rab5 GTPase modulates the trafficking of the cell surface receptors, including G protein-coupled β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs). Here, we have determined the role of Rab5 in regulating the internalization of β-ARs in lung microvascular endothelial cells (LMECs) and in maintaining the integrity and permeability of endothelial cell barrier. Our data demonstrate that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment disrupts LMEC barrier function and reduces the cell surface expression of β-ARs. Furthermore, the activation of β-ARs, particularly β2-AR, is able to protect the LMEC permeability from LPS injury. Moreover, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Rab5 inhibits both the basal and agonist-provoked internalization of β-ARs, therefore, enhancing the cell surface expression of the receptors and receptor-mediated ERK1/2 activation. Importantly, knockdown of Rab5 not only inhibits the LPS-induced effects on β-ARs but also protects the LMEC monolayer permeability. All together, these data provide strong evidence indicating a crucial role of Rab5-mediated internalization of β-ARs in functional regulation of LMECs.

Background/Aims: Multiple exposures to anesthesia in children may increase the risk of developing cognitive impairment. Sevoflurane is an anesthetic that is commonly used in children during surgery. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 5 is involved in the regulation of sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction, but the mechanistic details remain unclear. The present study evaluated the mechanism by which CDK5 mediates sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice. Methods: Hippocampal neurons were isolated from postnatal day 0 C57BL/6 mouse pups. Six-day-old wild-type mice were exposed to sevoflurane and then treated with the CDK5 inhibitor roscovitine. The effects on cognitive function were evaluated with the Morris water maze and neuronal damage in the hippocampus was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Results: CDK5 activation increased neuronal damage by inducing Tau/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β and suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ/cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling following exposure to sevoflurane. CDK5 inhibition by roscovitine administration alleviated sevoflurane-induced neuronal damage and cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Inhibiting CDK5 with roscovitine has neuroprotective effects against neuronal injury and cognitive dysfunction caused by sevoflurane anesthesia that are exerted via modulation of Tau/GSK3β and ERK/PPARγ/CREB signaling.

Fructus Psoraleae, a traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used for preventing and treating various diseases such as vitiligo, osteoporosis and psoriasis. Coumarin, such as psoralenoside, isopsoralenoside, psoralen and isopsoralen, are important compounds in Fructus Psoraleae. In our study, ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector was employed for an excellent method validation for simultaneous quantification of psoralenoside, isopsoralenoside, psoralen and isopsoralen, which was further applied in performing general survey of Fructus Psoraleae from the different origins and chemical identification of the roasted from raw Fructus Psoraleae in the light of illuminating the transformed rule of psoralenoside and isopsoralenoside. There is a reciprocal relationship between (iso)psoralenoside and (iso)psoralen, and the total content remains balance in Fructus Psoraleae from the different origins. In addition, we found that (iso)psoralenoside in the powder of the raw Fructus Psoraleae could be easily transformed into (iso)psoralen in methanol aqueous solution, especially above 50% water, rather than the roasted one. Thus, we proposed a hypothesis that transformation between (iso)psoralenoside and (iso)psoralen was hindered by inactivation of β-glucosidase in the process of roasting Fructus Psoraleae, which was further verified by observing transformation of (iso)psoralenoside under the different conditions, such as temperature, pH and β-glucosidase. Therefore, we developed a feasible method to distinguish the roasted from raw Fructus Psoraleae by observing conversion from (iso)psoralenoside to (iso)psoralen in 50% methanol aqueous solution. In summary, these results pave the way for elevating quality standard for Fructus Psoraleae and distinguishing the salt-processed from raw Fructus Psoraleae. Keywords: Fructus Psoraleae, β-glucosidase, Psoralenoside, Isopsoralenoside

Seasonal variations of soil water content over 16 months at three typical sites of the Qilian Mountain were investigated to understand the controlling factors in regulating soil moisture content and dynamics. In this study, we quantified soil moisture response to cumulative rainfall events and freezing and thawing processes. The significant response depth of soil moisture after rainfall was 0–40 cm, and the forms of effective rainfall in this semiarid region: consecutive, with small dry intervals, and a few small rainfall events, with the cumulative amount of no less than 18.5 mm. Not only vegetation but also topography and soil texture were the primary controlling variables for soil moisture dynamics in this mountain ecosystem. The freezing temperature in 0–100-cm soil depth was in the range of −1.66 to 1.73 °C, and the thawing temperature was in the range of −0.54 to 0.84 °C; soil aspect and water content were the main controlling factors in the freezing and thawing points in this mountain region. The results of this study contributed to identifying the major controls on soil moisture content in mountain ecosystems and will provide basis for ecological restoration in arid regions.

The human intestine hosts various complex microbial communities that are closely associated with multiple health and disease processes. Determining the composition and function of these microbial communities is critical to unveil disease mechanisms and promote human health. Recently, meta-omic strategies have been developed that use high-throughput techniques to provide a wealth of information, thus accelerating the study of gut microbes. Metaproteomics is a newly emerged analytical approach that aims to identify proteins on a large scale in complex environmental microbial communities (e.g., the gut microbiota). This review introduces the recent analytical strategies and applications of metaproteomics, with a focus on advances in gut microbiota research, including a discussion of the limitations and challenges of these approaches.

Objective The purpose of this randomized, single-center study was to clarify the impact of anesthetic regimens for laparoscopic myomectomy on the release of cytokines (interleukin IL-1β, IL-2R IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, C-reactive protein (CRP) and to ascertain that whether a combination of intravenous and inhalational anesthesia compared with inhalational anesthesia attenuates the inflammatory response and cognitive impairment. Methods We enrolled 90 patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy (LM), and allocated them into three groups of 30 to receive high concentration sevoflurane (S group), low concentration sevoflurane with dexmedetomidine (SD) or with propofol (SP) in combine with remifentanil and cis-atracurium. The lungs were maintained normocapnia with mechanically ventilated. If the mean arterial pressure and the heart rate increased by >30% from baseline, remifentanil infusion was adjusted. The depth of anesthesia was modulated to maintain a bispectral index (BIS) of 40-60. Invasive hemodynamic monitoring was used. Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2R, IL-6 and IL-8, TNF-α, and CRP were measured before anesthesia and 24 h post operation. The neurocognitive tests were administered 1 day before and 7 days post operation. Postoperative complications (including pain, infection, sedation, cardiovascular and neurological events) were surveillance during the first week post operation. Results Patients anesthetized with low concentration sevoflurane plus dexmedetomidine had lower levels of IL-6 (p=0.0001) and better cognitive function compared with patients with high concentration sevoflurane postoperatively. There was no POCD occurrence among all the three groups in the 7days follow-up. Conclusion LM female middle-aged patients exposured to low concentration sevoflurane plus dexmedetomidine had better cognitive function than patients with high concentration sevoflurane, which might be related to lower release of IL-6 post operation.

An increased understanding of the responses of forest phenology to climate on regional scales is critical to the evaluation of biochemical cycles (i.e. carbon, water, heat, and nutrient) under environmental changes. In this study, we aimed to identify climatic constraints on phenological events in an evergreen coniferous forest in semi-arid mountain regions of northern China. We quantified the start of season (SOS), end of season (EOS), and growing season length (GSL) based on satellite-derived data sets (normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)) and investigated the relationships between these phenological events and climate factors. The results revealed discontinuous trends in phenological events throughout the study period, with neither an obvious extension nor decrement in GSL. We demonstrated that minimum temperatures controlled the dynamics of SOS and EOS, thus providing strong evidence for the need to include minimum temperature as a control on phenology in simulation models. Additionally, pre...

Canopy interception has large spatial variability which complicates measurements and achievement of spatial representation. In the present study, we measured gross rainfall and throughfall from June 2011 to October 2012, and leaf area index (LAI), plant area index (PAI), and spatial locations of trees within Picea crassifolia forest in Qilian mountains of northwestern China. Spatial variability of canopy interception and related factors, and the minimum number and locations of collectors were analyzed by statistical techniques. The results show that spatial variation of canopy interception has a significant relationship with PAI, but not with LAI. This indicates that PAI is more appropriate parameters for a canopy interception model than LAI. Based on the relationship between canopy interception loss and PAI, the minimum number and locations of collectors were estimated. In this study, 10–12 collectors yielded representative throughfall in the forest, but these collectors required to be placed at the sites of mean values of PAI.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate and analyze the treatments and prognoses of patients with stage IV gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).MethodsBetween January 1990 and January 2010, 105 patients with stage IV GTN were treated in our hospital (Peking Union Medical College Hospital). A retrospective study is presented herein to report the prognoses of these patients and to statistically analyze the risk factors that affected the prognoses of patients with stage IV GTN.ResultsAfter the treatments, of the 105 patients, 71 (67.6%) patients achieved complete remission, 15 (14.3%) patients exhibited partial remission, and 19 (18.1%) patients exhibited progression of the disease. In total, of the 105 patients, 30 (28.6%) patients died. Our statistical analyses have revealed that a previously failed multidrug chemotherapy history, multiorgan metastasis concomitant with renal metastasis, and surgical intervention all affected the prognoses of patients with stage IV GTN. In addition, patients with stage IV GTN with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics scores below 12 were relatively more likely to obtain complete remission.ConclusionsMultidrug, multiroute chemotherapy, assisted by surgery when necessary, is the predominant strategy for patients with stage IV GTN. Fluorouracil-based multidrug chemotherapy can produce good outcomes for patients with stage IV GTN who were treated primarily. Adequate attention should be given to patients who have previously failed multidrug chemotherapy, have experienced multiorgan metastasis concomitant with renal metastasis, or have International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics scores of more than 12.

Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effects of acupuncture on brain function in a pathological context. Sixteen patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to true point group (true acupuncture at right Waiguan (SJ5)) and sham point group (sham acupuncture). Results of functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed activation in right parietal lobe (Brodmann areas 7 and 19), the right temporal lobe (Brodmann area 39), the right limbic lobe (Brodmann area 23) and bilateral occipital lobes (Brodmann area 18). Furthermore, inhibition of bilateral frontal lobes (Brodmann area 4, 6, and 45), right parietal lobe (Brodmann areas 1 and 5) and left temporal lobe (Brodmann area 21) were observed in the true point group. Activation in the precuneus of right parietal lobe (Brodmann area 7) and inhibition of the left superior frontal gyrus (Brodmann area 10) was observed in the sham group. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture at Waiguan in stroke patients inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side. Results indicated that the altered specificity of sensation-associated cortex (Brodmann area 5) is possibly associated with a central mechanism of acupuncture at Waiguan for stroke patients.

5543 Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) was previously reported, however with limited samples or limited genes. Here, we reported an analysis of ctDNA in EOC cohort using targeted sequencing with a 1021-gene panel. Methods: Patients with EOC were enrolled, and treatment-naïve tumor tissues and blood samples were collected. We utilized a 1021-gene NGS panel in matched tissue DNA and ctDNA to identify somatic mutations with white blood cell DNA as a germline control. Results: Mutations were identified in all of the 65 tissues and in 53 (81.5%) ctDNA. The median ctDNA mutation allelic frequency was 2.5%, ranging from 0.1% to 36.2%. A median of 66.7% (12.5%-100.0%) of tissue derived mutations were observed in ctDNA. Besides, there were 91 ctDNA private mutations, including TP53 gene mutations. The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 (55.4%), PIK3CA (13.8%) and ARID1A (12.3%) in ctDNA analysis, which were consistent with tissue analysis (60.0%, 26.2% and 20.0% of tissues with TP53, PIK3CA and ARID1A mutations, respectively). Mutations of TP53 (37/42) in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), PIK3CA (10/11) and ARID1A (8/11) in ovarian clear cell carcinoma, BRAF (4/5) in low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and PIK3CA (3/5), ARID1A (2/5) and PTEN (2/5) in endometrioid carcinoma were observed as the most commonly genetic aberrations in ctDNA in different sub-types of EOC, which located in different signal pathways and suggested different pathogenesis. In total, 90.5% (38/42) of HGSOC were ctDNA positive, comparing with 65.2% (15/23) of other EOC subtypes (p = 0.012). In addition, 56.5% (13/23) of stage I~II EOC were ctDNA positive, comparing with 94.7% (36/38) of stage III (p = 0.002). No association between ctDNA positivity and other clinic characteristics was observed, including pathological differentiation, CA125, lesion density (solid vs. cystic-solid and cystic). Multivariable analysis suggested FIGO stage III (p = 0.008) as an independent predictor of ctDNA detection. Conclusions: In summary, genomic characterization of EOC may offer insights into tumorigenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets in this disease.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity profile of floxuridine, dactinomycin, etoposide and vincristine (FAEV) regimen as primary treatment in stage IV gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). Methods From 2004 to 2014, FAEV was given to 30 stage IV GTNs as the primary treatment (at least two cycles) in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Remission/resistance/recurrence rate, the cause of treatment failure, and the toxicity profile were analyzed. Results A total of 190 cycles of FAEV were administered to 30 patients; the median number of the cycles was 6 (range 3–11). The median follow up was 52.3 months (range 8–120). Of all the patients received FAEV primarily, 24 achieved complete remission after only received FAEV, with no recurrence; 6 patients later switched to EMA-CO treatment due to FAEV resistance. Among the 6 patients, 2 died of progressive disease after multiple lines of chemotherapy, the other 4 achieved complete remission after second–line or third-line chemotherapy and 1 of them relapsed 15 months later. FAEV was well tolerated. No one died from toxicity. Severe grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were noted in 8 (26.7%) and 2 (6.7%) cases. No secondary malignancy was observed with follow-ups from 8 to120 months. Patients treated with FAEV showed good reproductive outcomes. Conclusions FAEV regimen might be considered as an alternative to other chemotherapy regimen in the primary treatment of stage IV GTN, where it had a high rate of remission and a tolerable toxicity.

To evaluate the value of laparoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of suspected gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) cases with uterine mass.The clinical characteristics of patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for a suspected diagnosis of GTN with uterine mass in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2009 to November 2014 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. GTN and other pregnant-related disease were definitely diagnosed by pathological findings. The prognoses of the GTN cases were also investigated.Sixty-two patients with a suspected diagnosis of GTN with uterine mass were studied. Among them, 17 cases were definitely diagnosed as GTN, including 8 choriocarcinoma, 5 invasive mole and 4 placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT). The other 45 cases were diagnosed as benign pregnancy-related diseases, including 29 cornual pregnancy, 6 cesarean scar pregnancy, 5 placenta accreta, 4 intramural uterine pregnancy and 1 exaggerated placental site. There were no significantly differences between the two groups in average age, preoperative value or tendency of β-hCG, and location or size of lesions (P0.05). More GTN patients showed a history of hydatidiform mole [5/17 vs 4% (2/45) , P0.05], and more patients with benign pregnancy-related disease showed a history of cesarean section [38% (17/45) vs 1/17, P0.05]. No serious perioperative complication was found in these patients received laparoscopic surgery. All GTN patients achieved complete remission by chemotherapy later. Except for 1 case loss, no recurrence was found in 11 low-risk stage I cases with an average follow-up period of 11- 66 months, 1 high-risk stage I case with a follow-up period of 61 months and 4 cases PSTT with a follow-up period of 13-66 months.There were some atypical GTN cases with uterine mass, which were difficult to be differentiated from benign pregnancy-related diseases according to the clinical characteristics. Laparoscopic surgery with a pathologic diagnosis could be an essential way with efficiency and safety.

In arid regions, water resources are a key forcing factor in ecosystem circulation, and soil moisture is the critical link that constrains plant and animal life on the soil surface and underground. Simulation of soil moisture in arid ecosystems is inherently difficult due to high variability. We assessed the applicability of the process-oriented CoupModel for forecasting of soil water relations in arid regions. We used vertical soil moisture profiling for model calibration. We determined that model-structural uncertainty constituted the largest error; the model did not capture the extremes of low soil moisture in the desert-oasis ecotone (DOE), particularly below 40 cm soil depth. Our results showed that total uncertainty in soil moisture prediction was improved when input and output data, parameter value array, and structure errors were characterized explicitly. Bayesian analysis was applied with prior information to reduce uncertainty. The need to provide independent descriptions of uncertainty analysis (UA) in the input and output data was demonstrated. Application of soil moisture simulation in arid regions will be useful for dune-stabilization and revegetation efforts in the DOE.

OBJECTIVE: Gender-specific normal concentrations of myocardial metabolites and the differences that might exist between healthy males and females were measured in vivo using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). METHODS: A total of 100 healthy individuals (57 males, 43 females) were studied. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and localized 1H-MRS were used to localize the voxels and quantify myocardial metabolite concentrations, respectively, for each gender. RESULTS: A total of 14 participants were excluded because of motion and poor spectra, which meant that 86 participants (46 males, 40 females) were included in the final analysis. Spectral peaks were identified with chemical shifts corresponding to water, choline, creatine and triglyceride. Myocardial choline and creatine levels showed no statistically significant differences between males and females. Females had a significantly lower body mass index and body surface area compared with males, and a significantly higher concentration of myocardial triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial triglyceride concentration was shown to be related to gender, whereas myocardial creatine and choline concentrations were not gender-related.

The effect of trace element Er on the microstructure and properties of Al-6Mg-0.7Mn-0.1Cr-0.15Ti alloy was investigated. The results show that the ultimate room-temperature and high-temperature strength sof the alloy have not increased obviously with the addition of erbium, but the uniform elongation of alloys decreases from 9% and 27.5% to 5.5% and 22.5%, respectively. The reason is that the addition of Er will first react with Ti, Cr to form Al20Ti2Er, Al8Cr4Er phases. The precipitation strengthening makes up the weakening of grain refinement strengthening. During deformation, the primary Al(TiCr)Er and Al3Er particles fracture first and act as the microcrack sources because of the stress concentration.

miR-15a and miR-16-1 (miR-15a/16-1) have been implicated in apoptosis, cell cycle regulation and chemosensitivity of tumor cells, but little is known about the role of miR-15a/16-1 in the differentiation of leukemic cells. In this study, we found that the expression level of miR-15a/16-1 was up-regulated by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment in NB4, HL-60 and U937 cell lines and primary leukemic cells. Overexpression of miR-15a/16-1 could not directly drive cells to undergo differentiation but enhanced ATRA-induced differentiation in NB4 and U937 cells. Up-regulation of miR-15a/16-1 was also observed in 36 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieved a complete remission (CR), and two of them showed sharp down-regulation of miR-15a/16-1 when they had a molecular relapse. These data indicate that miR-15a/16-1 plays an important role in the ATRA-induced differentiation of leukemic and primary AML cells.

Our recent studies have demonstrated that needling in Baihui, Shuigou and Shenmen enhances glucose metabolism in the frontal lobes, thalamus, temporal lobe, and the lentiform nucleus in vascular dementia. This study examined the effect of true, sham and overt needling in Waiguan (TE5) on cerebral changes by positron emission tomography (PET) technique. Eighteen healthy volunteers were randomized to receive overt control, true or sham needling therapy. To manipulate true needling, a needle was inserted into 15+/-2mm into Waiguan and "deqi" was achieved by proper needle manipulation. For sham needling, needles with a blunt tip were pushed against the skin as the shaft moved into the handle, giving an illusion of insertion. For overt placebo, blunt needles were used and subjects did not receive any needling penetration. The tracer used was (18)fluoride-deoxygluocse. PET images obtained were processed and analyzed by the SPM2 software. Compared with overt needling, brain areas BA7, 13, 18, 19, 21, 22, 27, 38, 40, 42 and 45 in Waiguan true needling group were significantly activated and areas BA4, 6, 7, 19, 22 and 41 in sham needling group showed obvious activation. Compared to sham needling group, marked activation points were found in the areas of BA13 and 42 and left cerebellum in true needling group. Our study revealed a marked difference in brain metabolic changes between true and sham needling in Waiguan. Further studies are needed to explore the cerebral changes in patients with acupuncture and the pathological implications.

Acinetobacter baumanniiis a significant cause of severe hospital-acquired infections with a recent rise in multidrug-resistant infections involving traumatic wounds of military personnel. The interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway is essential for neutrophil recruitment in response to a variety of pathogens, while the control ofA. baumanniiinfection is known to be dependent on neutrophils. This suggests that IL-17 may play an important role inA. baumanniiinfection; however, this has yet to be studied. Here, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the host-pathogen interaction ofA. baumanniiand propose a potential role of the IL-17 pathway in generating a protective immune response.

Background Burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing rapidly in most of the developing countries including China, even in rural areas. Dearth of representative data called for an investigation to estimate the burden and identify the correlates of NCDs in rural China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a representative sample of 6003 consenting randomly selected rural residents aged 15 years or more, from 36 villages of Shijiazhuang in Hebei province of China between July 2010 and June 2011. Information on demographics and behavior were collected, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure were measured and blood samples were tested to diagnose diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Results Majority participants were aged

To analyze retrospectively the management of recurrent gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) patients and evaluate the recurrence associated risk factors.901 gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT) patients who received treatment at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1985 to January 2004 achieved complete remission (CR). Among them, thirty-one (31/901) relapsed later. Retrospective analyses were carried out on the 31 patients, and multiple regression models were used to identify the risk factors for recurrence.In all 31 patients, recurrences occurred 6 to 72 months (15.3 months on average) after completing treatment. Of the 25 patients who received treatment again in our hospital, 21 achieved CR, 3 achieved partial remission (PR), and 1 died of progression of disease (PD). Among the 21 CR patients, 4 relapsed repeatedly. The four recurrence associated risk factors identified by multivariate analysis were clinical stage (P0.05), an interval of more than 12 months between the end of antecedent pregnancy and the start of chemotherapy (odds ratio=3.170, P0.05), a negative blood beta-hCG titer after seven courses of chemotherapy (odds ratio=4.475, P0.05), and a less than two courses of consolidation chemotherapy (odds ratio=0.441, P0.05).More attention should be given to GTT patients with recurrence associated risk factors. Combination therapy for GTT treatment is effective. In the study, it was demonstrated that certain risk factors were associated with relapse. These factors may need to be integrated into treatment algorithms.

To analyze the treatment and prognosis of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia with urinary system and adrenal glands metastasis.The treatment and prognoses of 32 patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia with urinary system and adrenal glands metastasis from Dec. 1990 to Dec. 2010 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were respectively reviewed.Treatment methods: all 32 patients received 9 courses(in average) of a multi- drug chemotherapy in our hospital (range 1-24 coures). Among them, 3 patients with bladder metastasis received intravesical chemotherapy of fluorouracil. 9 patients received surgical treatments in other hospital and 15 patients received surgical treatments while undergoing chemotherapy in our hospital. Treatment results: after the treatments, of the 32 patients, 21 (66%) patients achieved complete remission, 3(9%) exhibited partial remission and 8 (25%) progressed. Seven patients with renal metastasis achieved complete remission. Two patients with adrenal glands metastasis achieved complete remission. Nine patients with urinary bladder metastasis achieved complete remission. Seven patients with ureters metastasis achieved complete remission. Two (10% ) of 21 patients with complete remission relapsed.Multidrug and multiroute chemotherapy is the main strategy for patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia with urinary system and adrenal glands metastasis. The prognoses of patients with renal or adrenal glands metastasis are much worse than those in patients with bladder and ureters metastasis because of concomitant multiogran metastasis. Adequate attention should be given to patients with renal or adrenal glands metastasis. Individual treatment, assisted by surgery when necessary, may be carried out for these patients to achieve a better outcome.

Peng Guo,1 Dan Wang,1 Jun Wu,2 Junjun Yang,1 Tong Ren,1 Baoli Zhu,2 Yang Xiang1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China Background: Alternative splicing (AS) is a key regulatory mechanism in protein synthesis and proteome diversity. In this study, we identified alternative splicing events in four pairs of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and adjacent nontumor tissues using RNA sequencing. Methods: The transcripts of the four paired samples were thoroughly analyzed by RNA sequencing. SpliceMap software was used to detect the splicing junctions. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was conducted to detect the alternative spliced genes-related signal pathways. The alternative spliced genes were validated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: There were 35 common alternative spliced genes in the four CSCC samples; they were novel and CSCC specific. Sixteen pathways were significantly enriched (P

Background Quantification of the association between menopausal status and risk of lung cancer is inconsistent. We carried out a meta-analysis of available studies to examine this issue. Methods Relevant articles were identified by searching PudMed and Embase databases. Reference lists from selected papers were also reviewed. A random-effect model was used to calculate summary odds ratios (OR) and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was estimated using Egger regression asymmetry test. Results Eight eligible studies, including 5 case-control studies and 3 cohort studies, provided data for meta-analysis. Postmenopausal women had a statistically significant increased risk of lung cancer in all included studies (RR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.12-1.85) and cohort studies (RR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.05-1.86), but not in case-control studies (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.95-2.24). Conclusions Overall, there was evidence that postmenopause is related to increased lung cancer risk. However, studies have produced slightly heterogeneous results (I = 38.40%). To obtain a better indication of relationship, well-designed large prospective studies are required.

Background Human choriocarcinoma, a highly curable solid tumour, is exceptionally sensitive to methotrexate-based chemotherapy at the metastatic stage. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular basis for this resistance to methotrexate therapy occurs in some cases, and these patients subsequently die from progressive and advanced disease. Methods The autophagy and apoptotic activity regulated by PERK/ATF4 axis in methotrexate-resistant JEG-3 and parental cells were evaluated with western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). The regulatory relationships among the reactive oxygen species (ROS), JNK/p62 axis, PERK/ATF4-mediated apoptosis and autophagy were assessed with western blotting, RT-PCR, fluorescence-activated cell sorting as well as ChIP. Results The decreased apoptosis in methotrexate-resistant JEG-3 cells was observed with an up-regulation of protective autophagy, suggesting a switch from apoptosis to autophagy, which was regulated via the PERK/ATF4 pathway under condition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Further experiments demonstrated that this cell death switch was regulated by ROS-mediated JNK/p62 pathway and subsequently lead to the resistance of choriocarcinoma cells to methotrexate treatment. Conclusions This study provides evidence to explain a survival mechanism of the switch from ER stress-induced apoptosis to autophagy via ROS-mediated JNK/p62 signals in methotrexate-resistant choriocarcinoma cells and may implicate the chemotherapy of methotrexate resistance in choriocarcinoma.

To examine the complement component 1 Q subcomponent-binding protein (C1QBP) gene expression in human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines and its parental cell line JeG-3, and to investigate whether silence C1QBP by small interference RNA could reverse the resistance of human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines to its relevant chemotherapy drugs.Expression of C1QBP mRNA and protein in cells were detected by real- time fluorogenic quantitative PCR and western blot, respectively. The difference of C1QBP expression was compared between human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines and its parental cell line JeG-3. Sub-cellular location was proved by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. A lentiviral vector containing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting C1QBP was constructed and cotransfected with the packaging plasmid mixture into 293T cells by lipofectamine 2000. The human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines were infected with the packaged lentivirus. Real- time fluorogenic quantitative PCR and western blot were used to validate whether the C1QBP gene expression was silenced. The cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) was used to determine the drug sensitivity.(1) The C1QBP mRNA expression levels among four human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines [JeG-3/floxuridiuum (FUDR), JeG- 3/methotrexate (MTX), JeG-3/etoposide (VP), JeG-3/dactinomycin (KSM)] were 2.520 ±0.680, 1.770 ± 0.230, 1.940 ± 0.090 and 1.740 ± 0.350 folds compared to that in JeG- 3 cells. The C1QBP protein was higher expression level in human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines than that in JeG-3. The immunofluorescence methods and confocal analysis showed that C1QBP localized predominantly in the mitochondrial matrix. (2) The C1QBP mRNA expression in JeG-3/FUDR cells after infected with lentiviral vector were decreased by 93.1% (P0.01). The protein expression of C1QBP in JeG-3/FUDR cells after infected with lentiviral vector were almost completely suppressed. The resistance indexes of four human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines (JeG-3/FUDR, JeG-3/MTX, JeG-3/VP, JeG-3/KSM) were respectively 86.3% , 93.9% , 92.8% and 89.9%, which were decreased remarkably by knockdown the C1QBP expression (P0.05).C1QBP is overexpressed in human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines compared with parental cell line JeG-3. Inhibition of C1QBP by lentivirus- mediated small interference RNA could effectively reverses the resistance of human resistance choriocarcinoma cell lines to its relevant chemotherapy drugs.

To study nongestational ovarian choriocarcinoma (NGOC) with lung metastases: its early diagnosis, optimal therapeutic method, and prognosis.Twelve cases of NGOC with lung metastases treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1982-2011 were analyzed retrospectively. The 12 cases included 9 pure NGOCs and 3 mixed with other germ cell tumors (mature teratoma, endodermal sinus tumor and embryonal carcinoma components, and dysgerminoma, respectively). Chemotherapy was given in all 12 cases, mainly including EMA/CO, BEP, andThe median age for the cases was 23.9 years. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom (7/12). Follow-up was available for 11 cases, ranging from 17-174 months (median, 86.6 months). Of those, only 1 patient died of the disease, at 42 months from the disease onset. The other patient for whom follow-up was not available gave up treatment due to chemoresistance and disease progression. An overall sustained remission had been achieved in 10 cases (83.3%).Surgery combined with the appropriate chemotherapy regimen can improve therapeutic efficacy and survival in the treatment of NGOC with lung metastasis, even in recurrent or chemorefractory cases. Commencement of EMA/CO chemotherapy, which seems to be associated with better prognosis, should be considered as a good choice of treatment. Conservative surgery is acceptable for young patients desiring to preserve fertility.

Objective Acupuncture is beneficial in treating stroke neuropsychiatric symptoms. The present study aimed to identify functional brain response to active acupuncture in patients with unilateral ischaemic stroke using functional MRI (fMRI). Methods A total of 10 patients aged 47–65 years with left hemispheric ischaemic stroke received single-session manual acupuncture at the TE5 point of the affected (right) forearm. A 6-min tactile control procedure in which an acupuncture needle tip was alternately touched and removed from the skin at the acupuncture point for 30 s each was performed first, followed by active acupuncture in a blocking paradigm consisting of six 30-s twist blocks of rotation interspersed between six 30-s blocks of rest. A whole brain scan was simultaneously conducted on a 3.0-T imager. Activated and deactivated brain regions during tactile stimulation and active acupuncture relative to rest were obtained via group analysis. Results Compared to tactile stimulation, needling with twist manipulation modulated many more widespread brain areas. All the brain areas activated and deactivated by active acupuncture relative to tactile stimulation were distributed in the primary sensorimotor and medial frontal cortex of the unaffected, but not the affected hemisphere. Conclusions Active acupuncture results in lateralisation of functional cerebral response to the contralateral unaffected hemisphere in patients with unilateral stroke. This lateralisation may represent an effect of acupuncture in enhancing a compensatory process by redistributing functions into the intact cortex, particularly in the unaffected hemisphere.

In the present study, 10 patients with ischemic stroke in the left hemisphere and six healthy controls were subjected to acupuncture at right Waiguan (TE5). In ischemic stroke subjects, functional MRI showed enhanced activation in Broadmann areas 5, 6, 7, 18, 19, 24, 32, the hypothalamic inferior lobe, the mamillary body, and the ventral posterolateral nucleus of the left hemisphere, and Broadmann areas 4, 6, 7, 18, 19 and 32 of the right hemisphere, but attenuated activation of Broadmann area 13, the hypothalamic inferior lobe, the posterior lobe of the tonsil of cerebellum, and the culmen of the anterior lobe of hypophysis, in the left hemisphere and Broadmann area 13 in the right hemisphere. In ischemic stroke subjects, a number of deactivated brain areas were enhanced, including Broadmann areas 6, 11, 20, 22, 37, and 47, the culmen of the anterior lobe of hypophysis, alae lingulae cerebella, and the posterior lobe of the tonsil of cerebellum of the left hemisphere, and Broadmann areas 8, 37, 45 and 47, the culmen of the anterior lobe of hypophysis, pars tuberalis adenohypophyseos, inferior border of lentiform nucleus, lateral globus pallidus, inferior temporal gyrus, and the parahippocampal gyrus of the right hemisphere. These subjects also exhibited attenuation of a number of deactivated brain areas, including Broadmann area 7. These data suggest that acupuncture at Waiguan specifically alters brain function in regions associated with sensation, vision, and motion in ischemic stroke patients. By contrast, in normal individuals, acupuncture at Waiguan generally activates brain areas associated with insomnia and other functions.

Background Acupuncture has been applied to aid in the recovery of post-stroke patients, but its mechanism is unclear. This study aims to analyze the relationship between acupuncture and glucose metabolism in cerebral functional regions in post-stroke patients using 18 FDG PET-CT techniques. Forty-three ischemic stroke patients were randomly divided into 5 groups: the Waiguan (TE5) needling group, the TE5 sham needling group, the sham point needling group, the sham point sham needling group and the non-needling group. Cerebral functional images of all patients were then acquired using PET-CT scans and processed by SPM2 software. Results Compared with the non-needling group, sham needling at TE5 and needling/sham needling at the sham point did not activate cerebral areas. However, needling at TE5 resulted in the activation of Brodmann Area (BA) 30. Needling/sham needling at TE5 and needling at the sham point did not deactivate any cerebral areas, whereas sham needling at the sham point led to deactivation in BA6. Compared with sham needling at TE5, needling at TE5 activated BA13, 19 and 47 and did not deactivate any areas. Compared with needling at the sham point, needling at TE5 had no associated activation but a deactivating effect on BA9. Conclusion Needling at TE5 had a regulating effect on cerebral functional areas shown by PET-CT, and this may relate to its impact on the recovery of post-stroke patients.

Four dates Landsat MSS, TM and ETM+ images together with historical topographic maps, land use maps were used to analyze and quantify the temporal dynamics and spatial pattern of land use/cover changes and identify the urban expansion in Xining city, northwest China. The results indicated that from 1977 to 2007, the areas of cultivated land, grassland and unused land decreased by 3.31%, 1.1% and 0.19%, respectively; in contrast, forest land, urban/built-up land increased by 3.8% and 0.75%, respectively. The significant change in land use occurred mainly during the period of 2000 and 2007. Urban area of Xining City had been expanded by 29.25ha over the entire study period, while 64.82% of an increase occurred during the seven-year period from 2000 to 2007. The conversion of cultivated land to forest land, to grassland for ecological protection and urban expansion at the expense of cultivated land were the main land use change.

A pipe cleaning robot for central air-condition named PCV-1 is developed to adapt to the pipe environment. This robot consists of three parts: middle part and front part as well as back part. One part in the middle of the robot is the driving unit, which utilizes the spring mechanism to get the normal pressure and utilizes the active driving wheels to actuate the robot. The front part and back part are similar in structure. These two parts can modulate the turn angle of the robot to realize turn motion for the pipe adaptation. This robot can move in the vertical pipe beside in the horizontal pipe, which enables it move in the air conditioning pipe system. The movement capability of this robot was verified through experiments.