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Dan Ren,1 Wen-Ling Wang,2 Gang Wang,2 Wei-Wei Chen,2 Xiao-Kai Li,2 Guo-Dong Li,2 Sai-Xi Bai,2 Hong-Min Dong,2 Wang-Hua Chen2 1Oncology Department, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Abdominal Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Wen-Ling WangDepartment of Abdominal Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 1 Beijin West Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550000, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 138 8507 7539Fax +86 851 86512900Email wangww35@outlook.comObjective: The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram-based model to predict the three-year and five-year overall survival (OS) of patients with stage II/III colon cancer following radical resection.Methods: A total of 1156 patients with stage II/III colon cancer who underwent radical resection at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University between December 2012 and December 2018 were enrolled. Lasso regression was used to screen out 12 variables: age, prealbumin, albumin, degree of differentiation, total tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, T stage, N stage, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), platelet/lymphocyte count, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. The data set was then randomly split into a modeling set and a validation set, and the bootstrap method was used to verify the internal validity of the final model. A nomogram was then used to present the model, and the risk groups were categorized according to the total score in the nomogram.Results: This study established and developed a simple, easy-to-use predictive model that included age, degree of differentiation, N stage, CA19-9, PNI, and postoperative chemotherapy as variables. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, only postoperative chemotherapy was identified as an independent risk factor for death in patients with colon cancer. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the model demonstrated good resolution, with an area under the curve of 0.803. Decision curve analysis indicated that the model had a good positive net gain, and the bootstrap method was used to verify its stability. In the OS rate, the C-index was 0.78. According to the total score of the nomogram, the risk group was layered by drawing the Kaplan–Meier (K–M) curve. In the three-year OS K–M curve, the survival rates of the low-risk group, the medium-risk group, and the high-risk group were 96%, 93%, and 82%, respectively. In the five-year OS K–M curve, the survival rates of the low-risk group, the medium-risk group, and the high-risk group were 94%, 90%, and 73%, respectively.Conclusion: The nomogram-based prediction model developed in this study is stable and has good resolution, reliability, and net gain. It will therefore be useful for clinicians performing risk stratification and postoperative monitoring and in the development of personalized treatment options for patients with stage II/III colon cancer.Keywords: colon cancer, nomogram, overall survival, prognosis

A novel, parameter-independent multiscale correlational constitutive model has been devised to predict thermomechanical properties of Si-diamond-SiC and Si-diamond composites, including the effective elastic modulus, effective bulk modulus, effective shear modulus, effective Poisson's ratio, average coefficients of thermal expansion as well as thermal conductivity. Based on this model, the effective thermomechanical response of two kinds of composites was simulated, and the underlying mechanisms of thermomechanical coupling between constituents were also critically evaluated. The findings were shown that the effective elastic properties of composites, including effective elastic modulus, effective bulk modulus, effective shear modulus, increased with diamond and SiC, and that the introduction of dispersed diamond with highly thermal conductivity and lowly thermal expansion significantly enhanced thermophysical properties of Si-diamond-SiC composites. The thermomechanical coupling of these composites was influenced by the effective elastic properties of composites and the disparity in the intrinsic properties of constituents., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Chloropicrin is a commonly used pesticide in agricultural production. The clinical manifestations of oral poisoning patients are complex, and the lesions involve multiple organs. At present, the specific pathogenic mechanism of such poisoning is not clear, and the treatment experience is insufficient, so there are certain difficulties in clinical diagnosis, treatment and treatment. In this paper, the data of a patient with oral chloropicrin poisoning treated in Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang City in April 2023 were summarized. The patient was admitted to our hospital for treatment in time, and his condition improved after Hemopurification, methylene blue reduction, organ support, infection prevention as well as other symptomatic support. Oral chlorophenol can cause lung damage, skin and mucous membrane damage, and may have certain effects on the nervous system and kidney. Early intervention, especially blood purification, is effective.

Aphids are sap-feeding plant pests that depend on their symbiotic relationships with the primary endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola to adapt to impoverished diets. However, how the host plant affects the aphid primary symbiont and aphid adaptation to host plant transfer are poorly known. In this study, aphid symbiont screening and genotype identification were used to establish 2 aphid strains (Rhopalosiphum maidis [Rm] and Rhopalosiphum padi [Rp] strains) containing only Buchnera without any secondary symbionts for both wheat aphid species (R. maidis and R. padi). Aphid fitness and Buchnera titers were unstable on some of these host plants after transferring to novel host plants (G1-G5), which were influenced by host plant species and generations; however, they stabilized after prolonged feeding on the same plants for 10 generations. The electropenetrography (EPG) records showed that the allocation of aphid feeding time was significantly distinct in the 6 host plants; aphids had more intracellular punctures and spent more nonprobing time on green bristlegrass which was not conducive to its growth compared with other plants. The content of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and amino acid in the leaves of the 6 host plants were also clearly separated. The correlation coefficient analysis showed that the nutrient contents of host plants had significant correlations with aphid feeding behaviors, fitness, and Buchnera titers. In the meantime, aphid fitness, and Buchnera titers were also affected by aphid feeding behaviors. Also, Buchnera titers of aphid natural populations on 6 host plants showed a visible difference. Our study deepened our understanding of the interaction among aphids, endosymbionts, and host plants, indicating that the host plant nutrient content is a predominant factor affecting aphid adaptation to their diet, initially affecting aphid feeding behaviors, and further affecting aphid fitness and Buchnera titers, which would further contribute to exploiting new available strategies for aphid control., (© 2024 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.)

Background: Rectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies, and most cases include locally advanced cancers at the time of diagnosis (stage II/III)., Objectives: The purpose of this study is to observe the dynamic changes in the nutritional status of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer during concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy and to evaluate the nutritional risk and incidence of malnutrition in these patients., Methods: A total of 60 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer were enrolled in this study. The 2002 Nutritional Risk Screening and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Scales (PG-SGA) were used to assess nutritional risk and status. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) - C30 and QLQ-CR38 scales were used for the quality of life evaluation. Toxicity was evaluated using the CTC 3.0 standard., Results: The incidence of nutritional risk among these 60 patients was 38.33% (23 of 60) before and 53% (32 of 60) after concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. There were 28 patients in the well-nourished group, with a PG-SGA score of <2 points, and 17 patients in the nutrition-changed group, with a PG-SGA score of <2 points before and 2 points during and after chemo-radiotherapy. In the well-nourished group, the incidence of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea mentioned in the summary was lower and the expectations for the future (according to the QLQ-CR30 and QLQ-CR28 scales) were higher than in the undernourished group. The undernourished group required delayed treatment more often and experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea earlier and for longer than the well-nourished group. These results show that the quality of life of the well-nourished group was better., Conclusions: There is a degree of nutritional risk and deficiency in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Chemoradiotherapy increases the incidence of nutritional risk and deficiencies., Key Words: Enteral nutrition, Colorectal neoplasms, Quality of life, Chemo-radiotherapy, EORTC.

The multiscale elastic response to the macroscopic stress was simulated to reveal the multi-scale correlation of elastic properties of the medium carbon steel. Based on the multiscale correlation constitutive equations derived from this constitutive model, the effective elastic constants (EECs) of medium carbon steel are predicted. In addition, the diffraction elastic constants (DECs) of the constituents of the medium carbon steel are also evaluated. And then, the simple in-situ X-ray diffraction experiments were performed for the measurements of DECs and EECs of treated 35CrMo steel during the four-point bending. Compared with the experimental measurements and different existing models, the results demonstrated that the developed constitutive model was in good agreement with the measured values of the EECs and DECs, and that the feasibility and reliability of the constitutive model used to simulate multiscale elastic response could reveal the correlation between the material and its constitutes., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objective: The prognostic role of the number of cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) after total mesorectal excision in stage III and high-risk stage II rectal cancer is unknown. As a result of this, our study was designed to assess the effect of the number of cycles of ACT on the prediction of cancer-specific survival., Methods: Four hundred patients that were diagnosed as stage III and high-risk stage II rectal cancer from January 2012 to January 2018 and who had received total mesorectal excision were enrolled in this study. A nomogram incorporating the number of cycles of ACT was also developed in this study. For internal validation, the bootstrap method was used and the consistency index was used to evaluate the accuracy of the model. The patients were stratified into risk groups according to their tumor characteristics by recursive partitioning analysis., Results: We found that the risk of death was decreased by 26% (HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.89, P = 0.0016) with each increasing ACT cycle. The N stage, positive lymph node ratio (PLNR), carcinoembryonic antigen, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the number of cycles of ACT were chosen and entered into the nomogram model. Recursive partitioning analysis-based risk stratification revealed a significant difference in the prognosis in rectal cancer patients with high-risk, intermediate-risk, and low-risk (3-year cancer-specific survival: 0.246 vs. 0.795 vs. 0.968, P < 0.0001). Seven or more cycles of ACT yielded better survival in patients with PLNR ≥ 0.28 but not in patients with PLNR < 0.28., Conclusion: In conclusion, the nomogram prognosis model based on the number of cycles of ACT predicted individual prognosis in rectal cancer patients who had undergone total mesorectal excision. These findings further showed that in patients with PLNR ≥ 0.28, no fewer than 7 cycles of ACT are needed to significantly reduce the patient's risk of death., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

High-intensity interval exercise (HIIT) is performed widely. However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the acute cerebrovascular response to low-volume HIIT. Our objective was to characterize the middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) response during an acute bout of low-volume HIIT in young healthy adults. We hypothesized that MCAv would decrease below the baseline (BL), 1 ) during HIIT, 2 ) immediately following HIIT, and 3 ) 30 min after HIIT. As a secondary objective, we investigated sex differences in the MCAv response during HIIT. Twenty-four young healthy adults completed HIIT [12 males, age = 25 (SD = 2)]. HIIT included 10 min of 1-min high intensity (∼70% estimated maximal Watts) and active recovery (10% estimated maximal Watts) intervals on a recumbent stepper. MCAv, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and end-tidal carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) were recorded at BL, during HIIT, immediately following HIIT, and 30 min after HIIT. Contrary to our hypothesis, MCAv remained above BL during HIIT. MCAv peaked at minute 3 then decreased concomitantly with [Formula: see text]. MCAv was lower than BL immediately following HIIT ( P < 0.001). Thirty minutes after HIIT, MCAv returned to BL ( P = 0.47). Compared with men, women had a higher MCAv at BL ( P = 0.001), during HIIT ( P = 0.009), immediately following HIIT ( P = 0.004), and 30 min after HIIT ( P = 0.001). MCAv did not decrease below BL during low-volume HIIT. However, MCAv decreased below BL immediately following HIIT and returned to resting values 30 min after HIIT. MCAv also differed between sexes. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We are the first, to our knowledge, to characterize the cerebrovascular and hemodynamic response to low-volume high-intensity interval exercise (HIIT, 1-min intervals) in young healthy adults. Middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) decreased during the HIIT bout and rebounded during active recovery. Women demonstrated a significantly higher resting MCAv than men and the difference remained during HIIT. Here, we report a novel protocol and characterized the MCAv response during an acute bout of low-volume HIIT.

To investigate the potential molecular markers and drug-compound-target mechanism of Mahuang Shengma Decoction(MHSM) in the intervention of acute lung injury(ALI) by network pharmacology and experimental verification. Databases such as TCMSP, TCMIO, and STITCH were used to predict the possible targets of MHSM components and OMIM and Gene Cards were employed to obtain ALI targets. The common differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were therefore obtained. The network diagram of DEGs of MHSM intervention in ALI was constructed by Cytoscape 3. 8. 0, followed by Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses of target genes. The ALI model was induced by abdominal injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS) in mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was collected for the detection of inflammatory factors. Pathological sectioning and RT-PCR experiments were performed to verify the therapeutic efficacy of MHSM on ALI. A total of 494 common targets of MHSM and ALI were obtained. Among the top 20 key active compounds of MHSM, 14 from Ephedrae Herba were found to be reacted with pivotal genes of ALI [such as tumor necrosis factor(TNF), tumor protein 53(TP53), interleukin 6(IL6), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)/p65(RELA)], causing an uncontrolled inflammatory response with activated cascade amplification. Pathway analysis revealed that the mechanism of MHSM in the treatment of ALI mainly involved AGE-RAGE, cancer pathways, PI3 K-AKT signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway. The findings demonstrated that MHSM could dwindle the content of s RAGE, IL-6, and TNF-α in the BALF of ALI mice, relieve the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lungs, inhibit alveolar wall thickening, reduce the acute inflammation-induced pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage, and counteract transcriptional activities of Ager-RAGE and NF-κB p65. MHSM could also synergically act on the target DEGs of ALI and alleviate pulmonary pathological injury and inflammatory response, which might be achieved by inhibiting the expression of the key gene Ager-RAGE in RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway and downstream signal NF-κB p65.

In the Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), diapause is governed by a multigenetic constitution that responds to daylength and temperature with seasonality. The ACB displays uni- or multivoltinism, depending on its geographic specificity. Hence, warmer temperatures may result in alternation of voltinism in the ACB, which will help in understanding the ecological consequences of climate warming on insects. In the present study, we investigated the voltinism in two natural populations from Harbin (H) and Gongzhuling (G) as well as a laboratory (L) population (established from the H population in 2017) of the ACB, at ambient and elevated atmospheric CO 2 ( a CO 2 390 μL/L and e CO 2 750 μL/L) and temperature ( a T and E t = A t + 2 °C). From the diapause response, both the uni- and multivoltine ecotypes were coexisting in the H population. The neonate occurrence date of 50% individuals that induced diapause was ca. 10 days later in the G population than in the H population, but it was about 10 days earlier than in the L population. Comparing to the dates of onset and the peak of diapause induction, the G and L populations were less variable than the H population in response to a short and/or shortening daylength in the field. The univoltine individuals could not be eliminated completely after 19 generations of selection. Diapause incidence decreased with a climate-warming scenario, which was temporally specific and could be overridden by significantly low daily average temperatures. The e CO 2 did not directly impact the voltinism. On the basis of voltinism, the H population was sympatric for uni- and multivoltine ecotypes, with multivoltinism being dominant. The univoltinism trait was recessive. Climate warming could significantly override the effect of photoperiod, which was yearly dependent. Warmer temperatures and a decreased latitude (shortened daylength), and their interaction, would drive ACB evolution toward diapause homogeneity for multivoltinism.

Background The primary aim of this study was to characterize the middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) dynamic response to an acute bout of exercise in humans at 3- and 6-months poststroke. As a secondary objective, we grouped individuals according to the MCAv dynamic response to the exercise bout as responder or nonresponder. We tested whether physical activity, aerobic fitness, and exercise mean arterial blood pressure differed between groups. Methods and Results Transcranial Doppler ultrasound measured MCAv during a 90-second baseline followed by a 6-minute moderate intensity exercise bout. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and end-tidal CO 2 were additional variables of interest. The MCAv dynamic response variables included the following: baseline, time delay, amplitude, and time constant. Linear mixed model revealed no significant differences in our selected outcomes between 3- and 6-months poststroke. Individuals characterized as responders demonstrated a faster time delay, higher amplitude, and reported higher levels of physical activity and aerobic fitness when compared with the nonresponders. No between-group differences were identified for baseline, time constant, or exercise mean arterial blood pressure. In the nonresponders, we observed an immediate rise in MCAv following exercise onset followed by an immediate decline to near baseline values, while the responders showed an exponential rise until steady state was reached. Conclusions The MCAv dynamic response profile has the potential to provide valuable information during an acute exercise bout following stroke. Individuals with a greater MCAv response to the exercise stimulus reported statin use and regular participation in exercise.

Background and Purpose: Chronic hyperglycemia contributes to cerebrovascular dysfunction by damaging blood vessels. Poor glucose control has been tied to impairments in cerebral blood flow, which may be particularly detrimental for people recovering from major cerebrovascular events such as acute ischemic stroke. In this secondary analysis, we explore for the first time the connection between chronic hyperglycemia before acute stroke and the cerebrovascular response (CVR) to exercise 3 and 6 month into the subacute recovery period., Methods: We recorded middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound bilaterally at rest and during moderate-intensity exercise in stroke patients at 3 (n = 19) and 6 (n = 12) months post-stroke. We calculated CVR as the difference between MCAv during steady-state exercise and resting MCAv. We obtained hemoglobin A1c levels (HbA1c; a measure of blood glucose over the prior 3 months) from the electronic medical record (EMR) and divided participants by HbA1c greater or less than 7%., Results: Participants with high HbA1c (>7%) at the time of acute stroke had significantly lower CVR to exercise for both the stroke-affected (p = .009) and non-affected (p = .007) hemispheres at 3 months post-stroke. These differences remained significant at 6 months post-stroke (stroke-affected, p = .008; non-affected, p = .016)., Conclusions: Patients with chronic hyperglycemia before acute ischemic stroke demonstrated impaired cerebrovascular function during exercise months into the subacute recovery period. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining tight glucose control to reduce morbidity and improve recovery post-stroke and could have implications for understanding cerebrovascular pathophysiology., (© 2020 The Authors. Brain and Behavior published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of AML patients with 11q23/MLL rearrangement, and to evaluate the effect of those mutations on the AML patients., Methods: 53 cases involving translocations of chromosome 11q23 were identified by chromosome banding analysis. MLL rearrangements were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or multiplex nested PCR. The samples were screened for mutations in the candidate genes FLT3-ITD, FLT3-TKD, TET2, N-RAS, ASXLI, EZH2, DNMT3, C-Kit, NPM1, WT1, CEBPA by using genomic DNA-PCR and deep-sequencing., Results: 21/53 MLL-rearranged AML cases showed at least one additional chromosomal aberrations. The most common additional aberration was +8. Gene mutations were observed in 23 cases (43.4%) and most cases showed singal mutation. N-RAS mutation was more frequent (8 cases, 15.1%), followed by WT1 mutation in 4 cases (7.5%), FLT3-ITD mutation in 3 cases, ASXL1 mutation in 2 cases, DNMT3A mutation in 2 cases, EZH2 mutation in 1 case, c-Kit17 mutation in 1 case, FLT3-TKD mutation in 1 case, and FLT3-ITD and TKD mutation coexistent in 1 case. No mutation was detected in CEBPA, NPM1, C-KIT8, TET2. Median OS for gene mutated patients was 8.5 months and 13 months for no mutated patients. Median OS for patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was 22.5 months and 7.5 months for patients who olny received chemotherapy., Conclusion: A relatively high mutation frequency is observed in AML patients with 11q23/MLL rearrangements and most cases shows single mutation. The RAS signaling pathway alterations are most common. Gene mutation does not affect the OS of these patients, who show poor prognosis. A significantly higher Hb at initial diagnosis in FLT3 mutated patients is significantly higher than that in FLT3 wild-type cases. Patients who underwent HSCT show a better prognosis than those only received chemotherapy.

Objective: To study the value of unmethylated cytosine guanine dinucleotide oligodeoxynucleotide (DSP30) and IL-2 in the conventional cytogenetic (CA) detection of the chromosomal aberrations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) . Methods: Bone marrow or peripheral blood cells of CLL patients were cultured with DSP30 plus IL-2 for 72 h, following which R-banding analysis was conducted. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed in 85 patients. CA results were compared with data obtained by FISH. Results: Among 89 CLL patients, the success rate of chromosome analysis was 94.38% (84/89) . Clonal aberrations were detected in 51 patients (51/84, 60.71%) . Of them, 27 (27/51, 52.94%) were complex karyotype. Among 85 CLL patients tested by FISH, chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 74 (74/85, 87.06%) patients, of which 2 (2/74) patients were complex karyotypes, accounting for 2.70%. Of the 85 CLL patients examined by FISH, 50 had abnormal karyotype analysis, 30 had normal karyotype, 5 failed to have chromosome analysis. Among them, 25 cases showed clonal aberrations by FISH assay but normal by CA, and 4 cases were normal by FISH but displayed aberrations in chromosome analysis, and totally 78 (91.76%) cases with abnormality detected by the combination of the two methods. The frequency of 13q- abnormality detected by FISH was significantly higher than that by CA analysis (69.41% vs 16.67%, P <0.001) , while the frequency of 11q-,+12 and 17p- detected by two methods showed no significant difference ( P >0.05) . The detection rate of complex abnormalities in conventional karyotype analysis was higher than that in FISH (50.98% vs 2.70%) . In addition, 11 low-risk and 9 intermediate-risk patients according to FISH results showed complex karyotype by cytogenetics, and were classified into high-risk cytogenetic subgroup. Conclusion: DSP30 and IL-2 are effective in improving the detection rate of CA in CLL patients (60.71%) and CA is more effective to detect complex karyotype. However, FISH had a higher overall abnormality detection rate (87.06%) than CA, especially for 13q-. The combination of CA and FISH not only enhanced the detection rate of clonal aberrations to 91.76%, but also provided more precise prognosis stratification for CLL patients, thus to provide more information for clinical implication.

Blood flow regulation is impaired in people with stroke. However, the time course of change in middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) following repeated stroke at rest and during exercise remains unknown. In this case study, we provide novel characterization of the dynamic kinetic MCAv response profile to moderate-intensity exercise before and after repeated ischemic MCA stroke. The initial stroke occurred in the left MCA. At 3 months poststroke, left MCAv amplitude (Amp) was ~50% lower than the right. At the 6-month follow-up visit, MCAv Amp declined in both MCA with the left MCAv Amp ~50% lower than the right MCAv Amp. Following a second right MCA stroke, we report further decline in Amp for the left MCA. At the 3- and 6-month visit following the second stroke, the left MCAv Amp declined further (~10%). The right MCAv Amp dramatically decreased by 81.3% when compared to the initial study visit. The MCAv kinetic analysis revealed a marked impairment in the cerebrovascular response to exercise following stroke. We discuss potential pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to poststroke cerebrovascular dysfunction and the need to test therapeutic interventions (such as exercise) that might attenuate cerebrovascular decline in people following stroke., (© 2019 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Physiological Society and the American Physiological Society.)

Wolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria that infect arthropods and incompatibility among strains can affect gene flow within host insect populations that can significantly result in host mitochondrial DNA (MtDNA) variation within or among populations. The effects of Wolbachia infection on Athetis lepigone MtDNA variation were studied across 12 geographical populations sampled from North China. Mitochondrial COI gene and Wolbachia wsp gene were both obtained from 423 individuals, including 46 Wolbachia infected and 377 uninfected individuals. Average A. lepigone infection rate was 11% (range: 0 to 26%), and wsp sequence variation defined three distinct Wolbachia strains; wLep1, wLep2, and wLep3, respectively. A haplotype network showed no relationship between A. lepigone MtDNA haplotype and Wolbachia infection. Furthermore, haplotype variation mainly exists within populations, although the proportion of variation is higher within uninfected compared to infected individuals. The lack of correlation between A. lepigone haplotype and Wolbachia strain, suggests symbiont infection may not affect mating compatibility or gene flow within host populations in China.

The potential effects of insect-resistant, genetically engineered (GE) crops on non-target organisms, especially on predators and parasitoids, must be evaluated before their commercial cultivation. The effects of GE maize that produces Cry1Ac toxin on the parasitoid Macrocentrus cingulum were assessed by direct bioassay and indirect bioassay. In the indirect bioassay, parasitism rate, cocoon weight and the number of M. cingulum progeny produced per host were significantly reduced when M. cingulum-parasitized Cry1Ac-susceptible Ostrinia furnacalis were fed a diet containing purified Cry1Ac; however, life-table parameters of M. cingulum were not adversely affected when the same assay was performed with Cry1Ac-resistant O. furnacalis. These results indicated that the detrimental effects detected with a Cry1Ac-susceptible host were mediated by poor host quality. In a direct bioassay, no difference in life-table parameters were detected when M. cingulum adults were directly fed a 20% honey solution with or without Cry1Ac; however, survival and longevity were significantly reduced when M. cingulum adults were fed a honey solution containing potassium arsenate, which was used as a positive control. The stability and bioactivity of Cry1Ac toxin in the food sources and Cry1Ac toxin uptake by the host insect and parasitoid were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and sensitive-insect bioassays. Our results demonstrate that M. cingulum is not sensitive to Cry1Ac toxin at concentrations exceeding those encountered in Bacillus thuringiensis maize fields. This study also demonstrates the power of using resistant hosts when assessing the risk of genetically modified plants on non-target organisms and will be useful for assessing other non-target impacts., (© 2016 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.)

Objective: To investigate the overexpression frequencies of BRE and EVI1, the correlation between BRE and EVI1 expressions and their possible clinical implications in 11q23/MLL rearrangement acute leukemia. Methods: Cytogenetic examination of bone marrow cells was performed by short-term culture method. R-banding technique was used for karyotype analysis. 47 patients were detected by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with dual-color break apart MLL probe. The expressions of EVI1 and BRE genes were detected by real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) . The correlation and prognostic significance were statistically tested. Results: 11q23/MLL rearrangements were confirmed by karyotyping and FISH, respectively in 47 patients. According to immunophenotypic analyses of 37 patients, 5 patients showed positive for CD19, CD79a or CD10, 1 for CD7; the others for CD33, CD13, CD14 and CD15, and 16 of them for CD34. Of the 47 patients, 18 patients showed EVI1 overexpression and most of them presented with t (6;11) and M(4)/M(5). The EVI1 expression was high in t (6;11) or t (9;11) subgroup comparable with levels observed in normal subgroup ( P =0.038, 0.022, respectively) . 15 patients showed high BRE expression, and most of them presented with t (9;11) and M(4)/M(5). High BRE expression was found in t (4;11) , t (6;11) , t (9;11) and t (11;19) subgroups, respectively by comparing with normal subgroup. The BRE expression was higher in t (4;11) ( P =0.004) or t (9;11) ( P =0.012) subgroup than in t (6;11) subgroup. Patients with EVI1 overexpression had a short survival compared with those with low EVI1 expression ( P =0.049) and it also did in t (9;11) subgroup ( P =0.024) . Patients with t (9;11) and high BRE expression had a long survival compared with those with t (9;11) and low BRE expression ( P =0.024) . Conclusion: The EVI1 overexpression was significantly frequent in acute leukemia patients with 11q23/MLL rearranged, especially within t (6;11) subgroup and M(4)/M(5), which was associated with an inferior outcome. High BRE expression was observed frequently in 11q23/MLL-rearranged acute leukemia especially within t (9;11) subgroup and M(5).

Micro-RNA (miR)-155 is a novel gene regulator with important roles in inflammation. Herein, our study aimed to explore the role of miR-155 in LPS-induced acute lung injury(ALI). ALI in mice was induced by intratracheally delivered LPS. Loss-of-function experiments performed on miR-155 knockout mice showed that miR-155 gene inactivation protected mice from LPS-induced ALI, as manifested by preserved lung permeability and reduced lung inflammation compared with wild-type controls. Bone marrow transplantation experiments identified leukocytes, but not lung parenchymal-derived miR-155-promoted acute lung inflammation. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of miR-155 in lung tissue was greatly elevated in wild-type mice after LPS stimulation. In situ hybridization showed that miR-155 was mainly expressed in alveolar macrophages. In vitro experiments performed in isolated alveolar macrophages and polarized bone marrow-derived macrophages confirmed that miR-155 expression in macrophages was increased in response to LPS stimulation. Conversely, miR-155 gain-of-function in alveolar macrophages remarkably exaggerated LPS-induced acute lung injury. Molecular studies identified the inflammation repressor suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS-1) as the downstream target of miR-155. By binding to the 3'-UTR of the SOCS-1 mRNA, miR-155 downregulated SOCS-1 expression, thus, permitting the inflammatory response during lung injury. Finally, we generated a novel miR-155 knockout rat strain and showed that the proinflammatory role of miR-155 was conserved in rats. Our study identified miR-155 as a proinflammatory factor after LPS stimulation, and alveolar macrophages-derived miR-155 has an important role in LPS-induced ALI., (Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.)

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) play a central role in transporting odorant molecules from the sensillum lymph to olfactory receptors to initiate behavioral responses. In this study, the OBP of Macrocentrus cingulum McinOBP1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni ion affinity chromatography. Real-time PCR experiments indicate that the McinOBP1 is expressed mainly in adult antennae, with expression levels differing by sex. Ligand-binding experiments using N-phenyl-naphthylamine (1-NPN) as a fluorescent probe demonstrated that the McinOBP1 can bind green-leaf volatiles, including aldehydes and terpenoids, but also can bind aliphatic alcohols with good affinity, in the order trans-2-nonenal>cis-3-hexen-1-ol>trans-caryophelle, suggesting a role of McinOBP1 in general odorant chemoreception. We chose those three odorants for further homology modeling and ligand docking based on their binding affinity. The Val58, Leu62 and Glu130 are the key amino acids in the binding pockets that bind with these three odorants. The three mutants, Val58, Leu62 and Glu130, where the valine, leucine and glutamic residues were replaced by alanine, proline and alanine, respectively; showed reduced affinity to these odorants. This information suggests, Val58, Leu62 and Glu130 are involved in the binding of these compounds, possibly through the specific recognition of ligands that forms hydrogen bonds with the ligands functional groups.

Objective: Clinical efficacy of B-ultrasound-guided and laparoscopy-assisted continuous hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion chemotherapy (CHIPC) for treatment of malignant ascites was investigated., Methods: Sixty-two patients with malignant ascites induced by ovarian or gastrointestinal cancers were randomly treated with B-ultrasound-guided CHIPC (therapeutic group) or laparoscopy-assisted CHIPC (control group) performed at the same center. Hospitalization costs and surgical duration were evaluated. Follow-up was conducted for 21 months with B-ultrasound or computed tomography at least once per month for assessment of ascites amount and tumor progression. Clinical efficacy was assessed by modified World Health Organization criteria. Survival time, Karnofsky performance score (KPS) of quality of life (QOL), and complications were recorded for all patients., Results: Overall condition, primary disease type, and ascites amounts were comparable between groups. Significantly shorter mean duration of perfusion catheter placement (35 vs. 85 min) and mean hospitalization cost (36,000 vs. 55,000 ¥/patient) were observed in the therapeutic group than the control group (P < 0.01). Significantly different KPS scores were not observed before or after CHIPC (23.13 vs. 22.64 %) in both groups (P > 0.05). No significant differences in objective remission rates of malignant ascites (93.75 vs. 93.34 %), median survival times (9 vs. 8 months), or stamp hole metastasis rates (18.75 vs. 18.15 %) were observed between groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: B-ultrasound-guided and laparoscopy-assisted CHIPC have similar clinical efficacy for improving QOL and prolonging patient survival. B-ultrasound-guided CHIPC may, however, shorten operation times and reduce hospitalization costs, making the treatment available to a broader patient population, although port hole metastasis remains an issue.

Macrocentrus cingulum Brischke (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a polyembryonic endoparasitoid of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis and the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis. To better understand the host location mechanism, we examined the external morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of this parasitoid by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Antennae of male and female of the M. cingulum are filiform in shape, 5.90-6.64mm in length and consist of scape, pedicel, and flagellum with 39 and 40 flagellomeres, respectively. Cuticular pore and nine types of morphologically distinct sensilla were identified in both sexes, including two types of sensilla chaetica (nonporous), s. trichodea (nonporous), s. basiconica I (nonporous blunt tip), s. basiconica II (porous wall) and basiconica III (nonporous wall) with branched blunt tip, s. coeloconica with finger-like projections, protruded s. campaniform with central tip pore, and plate-like s. placodea (porous). We compared number, morphology, and distribution of sensilla between sexes. S. campaniform and non-porous basiconica type I may play a role in gustatory functions whereas type II, and s. placodea may play a function in detecting odor stimuli due to their pores wall. The sensilla chaetica and s. trichodea may be involved in mechnosensation. S. coeloconica probably plays a role as thermo-hygro receptor, whilst cuticular pores may detect odor stimuli. No differences in antenna shape and basic structure in the males and females, but male antennae length and width were significantly greater than those of females. Furthermore, males had more placodea than females. The sensilla types, morphology, and structure of both sexes were compared to those found in other parasitic hymenoptera, especially braconid wasps., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze clinical and cytogenetic features of hematological disorders associated with 20q- and t (20;21) (q11;q11) abnormalities., Methods: Following short-term culture of bone marrow cells, karyotypic analysis was carried out with R-banding. 20q- and t(20;21) (q11;q11) was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using dual-color 20q11/12 probe, ST 20qter /ST 21qter probes, SE20(D20Z1)/SE 13/21 probes, and WC20/WC21 probes., Results: Six (2.3%) of the 257 patients with 20q- detected by conventional karyotypic analysis were found to have t(20;21) (q11;q11) abnormality. Five cases had myelodysplastic syndrome, 1 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Above results were all confirmed by FISH., Conclusion: i (20q-), t(20;21) (q11;q11) seems to be a rare but recurrent chromosomal abnormality which is specifically associated with myeloid disease, late occurrence and poor prognosis. The translocation between chromosome 20q11 and 21q11 may form a novel fusion gene which has an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Objective: To report the clinical and laboratory characterization of a case of multiple myeloma with low hypodiploid complex karyotyptic abnormalities., Methods: Cytogenetic examination of bone marrow performed by 24 h culture method. R-banding technique was used to analyze the karyotype. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using chromosome probes such as 13q14, p53, Rb1, 1q21 and IgH/CCND1. The DNA content was detected by flow cytometry., Results: Chromosome analysis revealed complex chromosomal rearrangement. Five cells had a low hypodiploid karyotype with 35 chromosomes. Three cells had the duplication of the low hypodiploid karyotype. Four cells had a normal karyotype. Monosomy 1, 13, 14, 17 and a mark chromosome 1 derived from chromosome 11 resulting in the amplication of CCND1 gene were confirmed by interphase FISH. Flow cytometric analysis displayed a low hypodiploid peak with the DNA index of 0.8426., Conclusion: These results indicated that the low hypodiploidy is a rare abnormality in multiple myeloma. Interphase FISH is a reliable method for detecting molecular abnormalities in multiple myeloma.

Objective: To detect specific chromosome rearrangements in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using interphase-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)., Methods: All cases were studied by R-band karyotypic analysis using direct method and/or short-term culture for chromosomes preparation. Interphase-FISH was performed in 108 cases of AML with M5, M4, M2, M3 subtypes including 103 cases with normal karyotypes, 4 cases with chromosomal abnormalities other than specific chromosomal rearrangements using chromosome translocation probe such as AML1/ETO, PML/RARα, CBFβ/MYH11 and MLL., Results: Of 38 cases of M2-AML without t(8;21) on conventional cytogenetics(CC) analysis, 4 cases showed positivity for AML1/ETO fusion transcript, which included 2 cases with typical signal model and 2 with insertion. Of 9 cases of M3-AML without t(15;17) on CC analysis, 6 showed positivity for PML/RARα fusion transcript including 2 with typical signal model, 3 with insertion, one without PML/RARα rearrangement on reverse transcription-PCR and FISH assay using PML/RARα probe. FISH assay using the RARα dual color, break-apart rearrangement probe indicated a partial deletion of RARα. Of 23 cases with M4 or M4EO-AML without inv(16) on CC analysis, 3 showed positivity for CBFβ/MYH11 fusion transcript. Of 38 cases without 11q23 translocation on CC analysis, all cases were negative for MLL rearrangement., Conclusion: Interphase-FISH can detect specific chromosome rearrangements such as AML1/ETO, PML/RARα or CBFβ/MYH11 in some AML cases with normal karyotype, though it seemed less useful for the detection of MLL rearrangement.

Objective: To report a case of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with the insertion (8;21)(q22;q22.1q22.3). A 33-year-old Chinese woman was referred to our hospital. Hematologic data showed WBC 42.7 x 10(9)/L with monocytosis (monocyte counts 7.296 x 10(9)/L). Bone marrow aspirate was hypercellular with 4.5% monoblasts and 7.5% promonocytes. At first she was diagnosed with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) according to the FAB criteria. Initially the patient received supportive care only, but her general condition rapidly became worse three months later. The monoblasts and promonocytes in the bone marrow rose to 20.5%. After two cycles of combined chemotherapy she obtained complete remission., Methods: Chromosome specimens were prepared by short-term culture of bone marrow cells. Karyotype analysis was carried out by R-banding technique. Three fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses were performed using AML1-ETO dual color, dual fusion probe, whole chromosome painting 8 and 21 probes, and cen-8 and Tel 21qter probes, respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for detecting the AML1-ETO fusion transcript was also performed., Results: Conventional cytogenetic analysis showed a karyotype of 46,XX,ins(8;21) (q22;q22.1q22.3)[7]/46,XX[3]. FISH tests confirmed the insertion. RT-PCR analysis detected the AML1-ETO fusion transcript., Conclusion: We consider that this patient should be rediagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia according to the criteria proposed by World Health Organization (WHO) and that FISH and RT-PCR play an important role in verification of the ins(8;21).

Objective: To summarize the experience in surgical resection for esophageal and gastric cardiac cancers so as to put forward countermeasures to prevent the post-operative complications., Methods: From September 1952 to December 2005, 20,796 patients with esophageal and gastric cardiac cancers underwent surgical operation. The category and incidence of the complications in different decades were retrospectively analyzed., Results: (1) 18,772 of the 20 796 patients with esophageal and gastric cardiac cancers underwent surgical resection. Operative complications occurred in 1741 patients (9.27%), death occurred in 433 of which (24.87%). (2) The complication rate was 39.77% in 1950s, and decreased to 4.10% in 2000s. The mortality rate of complication was 44.29% in 1950s, and decreased to 15.42% in 2000s. (3) The incidence and mortality rates of closely-surgery-related complications declined obviously over the period of study. The incidence and mortality rates of anastomotic leakage were 4.55% and 50.00% respectively in 1950s, and then decreased to 1.21% and 3.33% respectively in 2000s. The incidence and the mortality rates of empyema were 7.39% and 38.46% respectively in 1950s, and decreased to 0.36% and 5.56% respectively in 2000s. The incidence and the mortality rates of chylothorax was 0.16% and 0% recently. (4) The incidence of non-surgical-related complications declined slightly but the mortality rate was still very high over the period of study. The mortality rates of pulmonary and cardiovascular complication were 27.42% and 25.00% respectively recently., Conclusion: (1) One of the advantages of surgical treatment for esophagus and gastric cardiac cancers is the obvious decline of the incidence and the mortality rates of complications. (2) In order to reduce the incidence of systemic complication, especially pulmonary complication, active and corresponding preoperative preparation should be improved along with the expansion of the scope of surgical indication. (3) The key for prevention of post-operative complications is consummate surgery techniques. Prevention and treatment of anastomotic leakage, gastric wall necrosis, and intrathoracic and intraabdominal bleeding are still the focal points.

A laboratory study was made on the effects of transgenic corn expressing cry1Ab toxin from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on the life table of an experimental population of corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch. The results showed that no obvious negative effects of two Bt corn hybrids DK647BTY (event MON810) and NX4777 (event Bt11) were observed on the net reproductive rate, average generation time, innate capacity for increase, and finite rate of increase of R. maidis, and there were no significant differences in the rate of alate, mortality of nymph, and longevity and fecundity duration of corn leaf aphid when feeding on Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids, suggesting that Bt corn expressing cry1Ab toxin had no side-effects on the development and reproduction of R. maidis.

Objective: To test the clinical validity of physiological and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) in aged patients undergoing resections of esophagus carcinoma and gastric cardiac carcinoma., Methods: POSSUM was used in 167 aged patients undergoing esophagus carcinoma and gastric cardiac carcinoma resection. The physiological score and the operative severity score were compared between the groups with and without postoperative complications. The morbidity rates were calculated. Observed morbidity rates were compared with the rates predicted by POSSUM., Results: Seventy-six of the 167 patients suffered from postoperative complications. The physiological score of the group with complications was 16.75 +/- 0.4, significantly higher than that of the group without complications (15.4 +/- 0.3, P < 0.0017). The number of the patients with complications predicted by POSSUM was 70, not significantly different from the observed number of the patients with complications (78, P = 0.378). There were 94 person-times of complications in these 78 patients, 12 being with hypertension, 37 with arrhythmia; 5 with asthma; 3 with febrile; 2 with pneumonia; 1 with atelectasis; 1 with respiratory failure; 3 with wound infection; 3 with wound liquefaction; 2 with anastomotic leakage; 6 with phlebitis; 2 with pneumothorax; 2 with acute dilatation of stomach; 1 with chylothorax; 2 with hemorrhage; 1 with cardiac failure; 1 with infectious shock; 2 with empyema; 2 with deep vein thrombo-embolism; 1 with pulmonary infarction; 1 with cerebral infarction; 1 with urinary infection; and 1 with psychiatric symptom., Conclusion: The POSSUM makes satisfactory prediction of postoperative morbidity in aged patients undergoing esophagus carcinoma and gastric cardiac carcinoma resection. Intensive monitoring and organ supporting therapy after the operation according to the score is of great benefit to decrease the post-operative complications.

The processes of implantation and placentation involve the degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix, cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Evidence indicates that members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family play crucial roles in these processes. In the present study, we identified the expression and localization of MMP26/endometase/ matrilysin-2 in human placentae at different stages of gestation using methods of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. MMP26 was widely localized to villous cytotrophoblast cells, syncytiotrophoblast cells, and to column trophoblasts during early pregnancy. The mRNA and protein level of MMP26 in chorionic villi was highest at Weeks 6-7, and decreased thereafter, reaching its lowest level at the second trimester. The mRNA level was significantly up-regulated in term placenta, while the immunoreactivity remained undetectable. Notably, intense expression of MMP26 was found in fetal nucleated red cells inside the villous capillaries during gestational Weeks 6-9. Strong expression of MMP26 mRNA was also demonstrated in fetal red cells isolated from the whole blood of fetuses at midpregnancy. The expression patterns of MMP26 in human placenta suggests complicated roles for MMP26 during the processes of placentation and hematopoiesis, perhaps working in concert with other members of the MMP family, such as MMP9.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and their functions are regulated by tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). The evidence for the roles of MMPs and TIMPs in implantation and placentation has remained insufficient in humans, especially during the early stages. Tubal pregnancy has some similarities to normal intrauterine pregnancy and therefore may provide a unique model for implantation studies. In the present study, the expression of MMP-2, -9 and -14, and TIMP-1, -2 and -3 at the feto-maternal interface during tubal pregnancy was examined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. We found that MMP-9 and TIMP-1, -2 and -3 are produced by all types of extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVCT) cells, while MMP-2 and -14 mainly exist in distal column cytotrophoblast (CCT) cells and invasive EVCT cells. Meanwhile, the intensity of MMP-14 and TIMP-1 and -2 increased along the invasive pathway toward maternal interstitium. In addition, MMP-2, -9 and -14 and TIMP-1, -2 and -3 were all detected in the villous CT (VCT) cells. Furthermore, both the mRNA level and immunoreactivity of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and -3 increased, while those of TIMP-2 decreased concurrent with the progression of pregnancy during weeks 3-9. The unique expression pattern of various MMPs and TIMPs at the feto-maternal interface suggests that they may have roles in regulating the controlled invasion of trophoblasts during implantation and placentation. Meanwhile, the study provides a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in cellular events during human pregnancy, especially at the initiation stage of implantation.

The integrin and extracellular matrix protein (ECM)-mediated adhesion and invasion of the receptive maternal uterine endometrium by trophoblasts is a critical event in the complex physiological process of pregnancy. Although the process has been largely characterized in mice, the relevant mechanism in primates remains unclear. We investigated the expression patterns and dynamic alterations of integrin subunits (alpha1, alpha5, alpha6, beta1, and beta4) and their ECM ligands, such as laminin (LN), type IV collagen (Col IV), and fibronectin (FN), at the maternal-fetal interface during Gestational Days 15, 25, 50, and 100 and at full term in 20 pregnant rhesus monkeys. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed that a relatively high expression of integrins occurred in trophoblast cells at Gestational Day 15, with the peak level occurring at Day 25. The expression level decreased from Day 50 to term. Along the invasive pathway, expression levels of integrin alpha1, alpha5, and beta1 subunits were gradually elevated from the proximal to distal column, reaching peak level in the trophoblast shell, but were reduced in those invasive extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVCT) cells in contact with the decidua. Integrin alpha1, alpha5, beta1, and beta4 subunits were also highly expressed in decidual stromal cells and moderately expressed in the maternal epithelium and endothelium. Immunoreactive FN, LN, and Col IV were distributed in EVCT and decidual stromal cells and part of the uterine epithelial and endothelial cells. These data suggest that the correlated expression of integrins and their ECM ligands at the maternal-fetal interface might be involved in regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation and the counterbalanced invasion-accelerating and invasion-restraining processes in trophoblast cells during the early stage of pregnancy.

Primary esophageal adenocarcinoma is rare. Nineteen such cases treated in our hospital during 1972-1985 are reported. Of these patients, 15 were treated by surgery. Only one of them survived for more than 3 years. The prognosis was worse than that of the squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Esophageal adenocarcinoma is of three origins: ectopic gastric mucosa, esophageal intrinsic gland, and Barrett's esophagus. In our series, only one case was proved to be due to malignancy of the Barrett's esophagus.