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With the rapid development of newgeneration communication technology such as multiple-input/multiple-output technology, ultrawideband communication, and 5G technology, communication systems have higher requirements for the quality of signal transmissions. Achieving this quality requires attention not only to signal amplitude characteristics but also to phase characteristics because of the long delays and signal distortion that come with positive group delay (PGD). However, negative group delay (NGD) circuits are an effective way to compensate for PGD and decrease the variability of passband group delay.

A dual-function solar cell antenna is presented for wideband communication and optical energy harvesting. In the proposed design, four solar cells have been adopted as antenna and energy harvesting array for both wireless communication and optical energy harvesting simultaneously. The radiation performances of the proposed solar cell antenna are measured and the optical experiment is conducted to verify its abilities of optical energy harvesting. To clarify the effects of solar cells on the antenna performance, another copper antenna with the same structure is fabricated for comparison. The proposed technology can integrate wireless communication and green battery components, makes it promising for green communication, clean energy, and environmental protection.

This paper presents a simple and universal measurement method for the average efficiency and instantaneous efficiency of pulsed RF power amplifiers. The average efficiency of the traditional definition varies with different duties and thus lacks universality, because of the DC power consumption outside the RF pulse. In our proposed method, the DC power consumption within a pulse period is divided into different parts. The parameters of each part can be extracted-from simple measurements of the average voltage and current under different duties. The average efficiency and instantaneous efficiency of different duties can be calculated with the extracted parameters. Since current clamps or oscilloscopes are not necessary to measure the instantaneous voltage and current, this solution can be easily implemented in a simple and cost-effective way, to expand the application into compact and sealed circuits. Measurement uncertainties under different duties were analyzed of the method. Experimental results of the proposed method are consistent with theoretical efficiencies, which help validate the method.

In this letter, a noniterative technique is proposed to efficiently extract complex permittivity $(\varepsilon)$ of low-loss dielectric materials at terahertz frequencies while mitigating the effects at Fabry–Perot frequencies. For this goal, the formula of $\varepsilon $ with little resonance is first derived by applying boundary conditions for the transmission-reflection-based free-space method. In order to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed technique, we compared the proposed technique with the classical Nicolson–Ross–Weir method and the Newton–Raphson method. The proposed noniterative technique is verified by experiments and simulation at 220–325 GHz.

Floating raft vibration isolation (FRVI) systems employing isolators with high-static-low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) characteristics offer excellent large-scale and multidirectional vibration attenuation performance ideally suited to stealth applications in ocean faring vessels. However, the rolling motions of vessels in heavy seas can produce large displacements and induce instability in HSLDS-FRVI systems, and our present state of understanding of these systems is insufficient to facilitate the design of more stable systems. The present work addresses this issue by establishing an accurate analytical model of a double-layer FRVI system with 12 degrees of freedom to facilitate detailed rolling stability analyses when adopting HSLDS isolators. This model is also adapted to obtain a simplified single-layer HSLDS-FRVI system model and a corresponding single-layer equivalent linear system (ELS) model for investigating the factors contributing to FRVI system stability. The results demonstrate that the single-layer HSLDS-FRVI system obtains increasingly superior rolling stability compared to that of the corresponding ELS as the system loading increases. Also, good rolling stability can be maintained by applying proper mounting locations for the isolators. Additional factors contributing to FRVI system stability are deduced by comparing the results obtained for double-layer HSLDS-HSLDS, HSLDS-ELS, ELS-HSLDS, and ELS-ELS systems. The results demonstrate that the use of isolators with HSLDS characteristics is most beneficial for improving the rolling stability of double-layer FRVI systems when applied between the ground and bottom layers, and maximum rolling stability is obtained when the mass of the lower level is close to that of the upper level.

Two thorium–organic frameworks of [Th6O4(OH)4(TFBPDC)6(H2O)6]n (Th-TFBPDC) and [Th6O4(OH)4(TFBPDC)4(HCOO)4(H2O)6]n (Th-TFBPDC-i) constructed from the 3,3′,5,5′-tetrakis(fluoro)biphenyl-4,4′-dicarbo...

In this paper, an end-connected conductor-backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) balanced bandpass filter and a size reduction one with adjustable multiple transmission zeros have been developed by using the separated electric and magnetic coupling, and quarter-wavelength short-circuited stubs. The differential mode (DM) and the common mode (CM) equivalent transmission line circuits have been modeled and verified, and the DM/CM parts can be designed individually. The proposed CBCPW balanced bandpass filters have been fabricated and measured, and their advantages of multiple transmission zeros, high out-of-band suppression, and high common mode suppression characteristics have been demonstrated.

This paper presents a five-stage single-ended G-band power amplifier (PA) using 55-nm CMOS process. Each stage of the PA adopts common source topology with positive voltage-feedback coupled through adjacent coplanar waveguide (CPW) stubs. Full-wave simulation shows a saturated output power of 9 dBm, output P 1dB of 4.3 dBm, a small signal gain of 24 dB, and a peak PAE of 10%, with supply voltage of 1.2V. The 3-dB bandwidth of this PA is 18 GHz from 163 to 181 GHz.

A low-profile and wideband patch antenna is proposed for base station applications. In order to realize a wide band, two types of slots are adopted and three resonant modes are constructed within a band of interest. The mode analysis is conducted to clarify the wideband performance. The designed antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 52.7% (from 1.62 to 2.78 GHz) with a low-profile structure of ${\text{0.7}}\lambda _{0}\,\times \,{\text{0.47}}\lambda _{0}\,\times \,{\text{0.084}}\lambda _{0}$ , where $\lambda _{0}$ is the free-space wavelength at the center frequency. The measurement results of a prototype agree well with the simulations. The measured average gain is 6 dBi, and the radiation patterns remain stable in the required band with low cross polarization, low backlobes, and nearly identical E- and H-plane patterns. The proposed multiresonant antenna can cover six bands of wireless communication, such as DCS, PCS, UMTS, WLAN, LTE2300, and LTE2600, exhibiting great potentials in applications of multiband wireless communication systems.

A low-profile microstrip antenna with stable radiation pattern in a relatively wide band is presented for 5G operation. Four resonant modes with different frequencies are integrated in a single structure to enhance the bandwidth with stable gain, and well matched by introducing the folded walls. An impedance bandwidth of 58.3% has been achieved from 2.84 to 5.17 GHz with a compact structure of ${\text{0.84}}\lambda _{0}\,\times \,{\text{0.68}}\lambda _{0}\,\times \,{\text{0.06}}\lambda _{0}$ , where $\lambda _{0}$ is the free-space wavelength at the center frequency of 4 GHz. The measurement results show that the proposed antenna is with the merits of average gain of 5 dBi, stable radiation patterns, low cross polarization, and low backlobes, exhibiting potentially use for the applications of 5G wireless communication systems.

A transparent reflectarray antenna integrated with solar cells is presented for satellite communications in the paper. The electromagnetic characteristics of solar cells at Ka-band are investigated, and a sub-wavelength X-shaped dipole element is designed to augment the reflectarray's performance. A prototype with an aperture of 160 × 150 mm2 is then analyzed, fabricated, and tested to validate the proposed design. The simulation and measurement results show good radiation characteristics, and the measured gain at 20 GHz is 27.3 dBi with an aperture efficiency of 40.0%. Low side-lobe and cross polarization levels are obtained. Furthermore, the solar energy efficiency of the proposed transparent reflectarray antenna is studied through an optical blockage experiment. The optical blockage ratio is less than 9.9% and at least 81% of light transmittance has been achieved. This work continues to propel the research on reflectarray antennas integrated with solar cells, making it more promising for practical applications in space satellite communications.

A negative group delay (NGD) circuit with simple structure has been proposed by using an open-circuited resonator and a pair of short-circuited coupled lines which are connected with two shunt resistors. The centre frequency of the NGD circuit is dominantly controlled by the open-circuited resonator, while the shunt resistors connected coupled lines are utilised for port matching, which greatly attenuates S 11 of the circuit. The proposed NGD circuit has been fabricated and measured, and the experiment shows an NGD time of - 4.6 ns, an NGD bandwidth of 120 MHz, and an S 11 attenuation of >33 dB. The experimental results approach to the prediction.

A compact microstrip balanced bandpass filter (BPF) with a pair of adjustable transmission zeros (TZs) and a common mode suppression of over 20 dB in a frequency range of >2.42f 0 by using the mixed electromagnetic coupling technology has been developed. The filter TZs in differential-mode are attributed to the mixed electromagnetic coupling, and can be adjusted by the electric/magnetic coupling individually. The filter bandwidth can also be controlled by the electromagnetic coupling. The proposed balanced BPF has been fabricated and measured, and the prediction has been demonstrated.

BACKGROUND PCDH8 is a newly-discovered suppressor gene that is frequently inactivated by aberrant methylation in several human cancers, including prostate cancer. The identification of PCDH8 methylation can be used as a potential predictive biomarker. Prostate cancer patients with high Gleason score are considered as being at high risk for tumor recurrence and progression, and adjuvant therapy is often routinely performed in clinical practice. In the present study, we did not measure the methylation of PCDH8 in these patients. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of PCDH8 methylation in serum of prostate cancer patients with low Gleason score. MATERIAL AND METHODS PCDH8 methylation in serum samples of 117 patients and 47 controls was checked by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Then, we correlated PCDH8 methylation status with the clinicopathological parameters of prostate cancer patients with low Gleason score and patient outcomes. RESULTS We found that PCDH8 was more frequently methylated in serum samples of patients with prostate cancer than in controls. PCDH8 methylation was correlated with advanced clinical stage (P=0.021), higher level of preoperative PSA (P=0.008), and positive lymph node metastasis (P=0.010). Moreover, patients with PCDH8 methylation had worse biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival (P

A new common magnetic coupling structure has been proposed. A high selective microstrip bandpass filter and a diplexer with the common magnetic coupling and 0° feeding have been developed. A pair of transmission zeros can be generated by 0° feeding, while an additional transmission zero can be produced by the common magnetic coupling structure and can be controlled/adjusted by the electric/magnetic couplings. The proposed diplexer has been fabricated and measured, and the measurement shows a channel insertion loss of

A compact and high-isolated microstrip diplexer by using multiple-coupled resonators with separated electric and magnetic coupling paths and dual-mode characteristic has been presented. Multiple transmission zeros have been obtained, and some of them can be controlled by the electric and the magnetic couplings. The diplexer has been fabricated and measured, and the design has been demonstrated. The developed diplexer has a measured passband insertion loss of not more than 2.15 dB, a measured isolation of more than 38 dB, and a compact circuit size of $0.66\lambda _{\mathrm{g}} \times 0.15\lambda _{\mathrm{g}}$ at the lower frequency band.

The present study was planned to evaluate correlation between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and autoimmune liver disease (AILD). A total of 60 patients diagnosed with AILD in Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College were continuously enrolled in the present study. HP infection was detected by 13C-urea breath test. The levels of anti-myeloperoxidase were tested by ELISA. The positive rate of anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA), anti-smooth muscle antibody (SMA) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) were tested by indirect immunofluorescence. The positive rates of anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA-M2), anti-liver-kidney microsomal antibody (LKM-1), anti-liver cytoplasm antibody I (LC-1) and anti-soluble liver antigen/liver-pancreas antigen (SLA/LP) were tested by immunoblotting. Liver function indexes including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and glutamyltransferase, were analyzed with a fully automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of serum cytokine IFN-γ, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were tested by ELISA. A total of 37 patients (61.67%) were observed to be HP-positive. MPO-positive rate, positive rate of ANA, AMA, SMA and ANCA and positive rate of AMA-M2, LKM-1, LC-1 and SLA/LP in patients with positive HP infection were significantly higher than those of patients with negative HP infection. On the other hand, the levels of liver function indices did not showed any significant differences among HP-positive cases or HP-negative cases. However, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α in patients with positive HP infection were significantly higher than those of patients with negative HP infection. In conclusion, the positive infection rate of HP infection in patients with AILD is high and is closely associated with various positive immune antibodies as well as cytokine levels.

// Ying-Li Lin 1, * , Yan-Ling Wang 2, * , Xing-Li Fu 3 , Wen-Ping Li 4 , Yu-Hao Wang 5 , Jian-Guo Ma 4 1 Department of Urology, Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Xuzhou Hospital of Jiangsu University, Xuzhou, 221000, Jiangsu, China 2 Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China 3 Health Science Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, Jiangsu, China 4 Department of Urology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050051, Hebei, China 5 Department of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, China * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Jian-Guo Ma, email: mjg2014sjz@163.com Keywords: bladder cancer, biomarker, protocadherin7, PCDH7, prognosis Received: December 04, 2015 Accepted: February 23, 2016 Published: April 07, 2016 ABSTRACT Bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease with outcome difficult to predict, and novel predictive biomarkers are needed. PCDH7, a member of protocadherins family, functions as tumor suppressor in several human cancers. The human PCDH7 gene is localized in chromosome 4p15, which is often inactivated in human cancers, including bladder cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of PCDH7 expression in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). PCDH7 expression was examined using immunohistochemical staining in 199 primary NMIBC tissues and 25 normal bladder epithelial tissues. Then the relationship between PCDH7 expression and clinicopathologic features was evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between PCDH7 expression and prognosis. PCDH7 expression in NMIBC tissues was significantly lower than that in normal bladder epithelial tissues ( P < 0.001). Low PCDH7 expression correlated with advanced grade ( P = 0.021) and larger tumor size ( P = 0.044). Moreover, patients with low PCDH7 expression have shorter recurrence-free survival ( P < 0.001), progression-free survival ( P = 0.007) and overall survival ( P = 0.011) than patients with high PCDH7 expression. Low PCDH7 expression is an independent predictor of recurrence-free survival (multivariate Cox analysis: P = 0.007), progression-free survival (multivariate Cox analysis: P = 0.014) and overall survival (multivariate Cox analysis: P = 0.004). The findings indicate that low PCDH7 expression is a potential prognostic biomarker for primary NMIBC.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy with outcome difficult to predict. Currently, there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers that can accurately predict patient outcome and improve the treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate the methylation status of PCDH10 in serum of prostate cancer patients and its potential relevance to clinicopathological features and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The methylation status of PCDH10 in serum of 171 primary prostate cancer patients and 65 controls was evaluated by methylation-specific PCR (MSP), after which the relationship between PCDH10 methylation and clinicopathologic features was evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between PCDH10 methylation and prognosis. RESULTS PCDH10 methylation occurred frequently in serum of prostate cancer patients. Moreover, PCDH10 methylation was significantly associated with higher preoperative PSA level, advanced clinical stage, higher Gleason score, lymph node metastasis, and biochemical recurrence (BCR). In addition, patients with methylated PCDH10 had shorter BCR-free survival and overall survival than patients with unmethylated PCDH10. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis indicated that PCDH10 methylation in serum is an independent predictor of worse BCR-free survival and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS PCDH10 methylation in serum is a potential prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer.

We solve the master equation with a damped harmonic oscillator and squeezed bath to obtain density operators’ infinite operator–sum representation via a new approach, i.e., by virtue of the new thermo-entangled state representation that has a fictitious mode as a counterpart mode of the system mode. The corresponding Kraus operators from the point of view of quantum channel are also derived.

We propose a new approach for constructing generalized entangled state representation of continuum variables, i.e., we introduce some normally ordered Gaussian-form operators, representing the completeness relation (integration of unity), and the resolution of unity leads to projection operator of entangled state vector whose explicit form in Fock space can be derived. The technique of integration within an ordered product (IWOP) of operators is essential in our discussions. For examples, we derive the entangled state representation for two particles with different masses and a kind of multipartite entangled state representation.

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of scoparone on ischemia‑reperfusion (I/R) injury in primary cultured cardiac myocytes and rats. An in vivo rat model of I/R injury and an in vitro primary cultured cardiac myocyte model of oxygen‑glucose deprivation/reoxygenation were used to investigate the protective effects of scoparone. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, superoxide dismutase (SOD), creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were subsequently measured. In addition, cell apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl‑transferase‑mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining, and myocardial infarct area (IA) was determined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c (Cyt C) and caspase‑3 were assessed by western blotting. The results demonstrated that treatment with scoparone markedly increased cell viability, SOD levels and Bcl‑2 protein expression, and decreased LDH release, MDA production, CK levels, ROS concentration, cell apoptotic rate, myocardial IA, and Bax, caspase‑3 and Cyt C protein expression. These findings indicated that scoparone may have a protective effect against I/R injury, thus suggesting that scoparone may be a considered a potential drug for the treatment of I/R injury via the inhibition of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.

BACKGROUND PCDH8 is a tumor suppressor that regulates cell adhesin, proliferation, and migration. It is often inactivated by aberrant promoter methylation in several human cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). The clinical significance of PCDH8 methylation in CCRCC remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PCDH8 methylation and clinicopathological characteristics as well as outcome of patients with CCRCC. MATERIAL/METHODS The methylation status of PCDH8 in 153 CCRCC tissues and 97 paired adjacent normal renal tissues were examined using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Then the relationships between PCDH8 methylation and clinicopathological features as well as progression-free survival of CCRCC patients were evaluated. RESULTS PCDH8 methylation was significantly more frequent in CCRCC tissues compared with normal renal tissues. Moreover, PCDH8 methylation was significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage (P=0.0141), higher grade (P=0.0190), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.0098). In addition, multivariate analysis showed that PCDH8 methylation was independently associated with poor progression-free survival (P=0.0316). CONCLUSIONS PCDH8 methylation is a frequent event in CCRCC and is correlated with unfavorable clinicopathological features. Moreover, PCDH8 methylation may be a useful biomarker to predict the progression of CCRCC.

We derive some new generating function formulas of Jacobi polynomials in the context of quantum optics theory, i.e., by virtue of the photon subtracted and photon added two-mode squeezed states.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in men, and inevitably some patients experience biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. To date, there are no reliable predictors for prostate cancer recurrence, and novel predictors are urgently needed. PCDH10 (protocadherin-10) is a novel tumor suppressor gene, which is down-regulated by promoter methylation in prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using PCDH10 methylation to predict the biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL/METHODS Fresh tissue samples were obtained from 151 patients with primary prostate cancer, and from 34 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as control. The methylation status of PCDH10 in prostate cancer tissues and controls were examined using methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and then associated with clinicopathological features and BCR-free survival of patients with prostate cancer. RESULTS We found that PCDH10 methylation was detected in 79 (52.3%) patients with prostate cancer, but no methylation was found in controls (P

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of cadherin 13 ( CDH13) gene promoter methylation in the serum of patients with prostate cancer. Methods This prospective study examined the methylation status of CDH13 in serum samples obtained from patients with primary prostate cancer and age-matched control subjects, using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction. Associations between methylation status of CDH13 and various clinicopathological features and patient survival were evaluated. Results A total of 98 patients with prostate cancer and 47 control subjects were enrolled in the study. CDH13 promoter methylation was detected in 44 out of 98 (44.9%) patients with prostate cancer; no methylation was found in control subjects. Methylation of CDH13 was significantly associated with an increased Gleason score, an advanced tumour stage, and a high prostate-specific antigen level. CDH13 methylation was associated with a worse survival outcome and a relative risk of death of 6.132 (95% confidence interval: 3.160, 12.187). Conclusions Promoter methylation of CDH13 occurred frequently in the serum of patients with prostate cancer, was associated with an increased risk of death, and may become a useful independent predictor of a poor prognosis.

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of protocadherin 17 ( PCDH17) promoter methylation in bladder cancer. Methods Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the promoter methylation status of PCDH17 in tumour tissue specimens obtained from patients with bladder cancer, and in normal bladder epithelial tissue specimens obtained from age- and sex-matched controls. The correlations between methylation status and demographic and clinicopathological parameters, and disease outcome, were assessed. Results Methylation of the PCDH17 promoter was detected in 77/115 (67.0%) patients with bladder cancer and 0/43 (0%) of the controls. Methylation was significantly associated with high cancer grade (G3), advanced cancer stage (T2–T4), large tumour diameter (> 3 cm) and tumour recurrence. Methylation was also associated with significantly shorter survival time compared with unmethylated PCDH17 in patients with bladder cancer, and was an independent predictor of overall survival. Conclusions PCDH17 promoter methylation is closely associated with bladder cancer malignancy and may be used as an independent predictor of clinical outcomes in patients with bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND Protocadherin8 has been demonstrated to play critical roles in initiation and progression of several human cancers. It is frequently inactivated by promoter methylation in cancers and may be used as a potential biomarker. However, the methylation status of protocadherin8 and its clinical significance in prostate cancer remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of protocadherin8 methylation in early-stage prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS The promoter methylation status of protocadherin8 in 162 prostate cancer tissues and 47 normal prostate tissues was examined using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Subsequently, the relationships between protocadherin8 methylation and clinicopathological features of prostate cancer patients and biochemical recurrence-free survival of patients were analyzed. RESULTS We found that protocadherin8 methylation occurred frequently in prostate cancer tissues but not in normal prostate tissues. Moreover, protocadherin8 methylation was significantly associated with advanced pathologic stage, higher level of preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA), higher Gleason score, positive lymph node metastasis, and biochemical recurrence. In addition, patients with protocadherin8 methylated have shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival time than patients without. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that protocadherin8 methylation was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence-free survival in prostate cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Promoter methylation of protocadherin8 is a frequent event in prostate cancer, and might be used as an independent prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence-free survival in patients with prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND CDH13 is a novel tumor suppressor gene often inactivated by aberrant promoter methylation in human cancers. Previous studies have shown that CDH13 methylation correlated with advanced disease and poor prognosis in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The aim of the current study was to investigate the correlations between CDH13 methylation and disease recurrence as well as progression of NMIBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS The methylation status of CDH13 in 178 NMIBC samples and 38 normal bladder epithelial tissues was examined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and then correlated with clinicopathological features. RESULTS We found that CDH13 methylation occurs frequently in NMIBC, and significantly correlates with high grade, advanced stage, larger tumor size, and tumor recurrence and progression. Moreover, patients with methylated CDH13 exhibited significantly shorter recurrence-free survival (P

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of protocadherin 17 ( PCDH17) promoter methylation in serum-derived DNA of patients with bladder cancer. Methods: DNA was isolated from serum of patients with bladder cancer and from age- and sex-matched controls. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the methylation status of the PCDH17 promoter. The correlations between methylation status and clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival were examined. Results: PCDH17 promoter methylation was detected in 79/151 (52.3%) of patients with bladder cancer, and none of the 43 control subjects. Methylation was significantly associated with larger tumour diameter (>3 cm), high grade (G3) and advanced stage (T2–T4). Patients with PCDH17 promoter methylation had significantly shorter overall survival than those with unmethylated PCDH17 promoter. Methylation was an independent predictor of overall survival. Conclusions: PCDH17 promoter methylation was significantly associated with malignant behaviour and poor prognosis of bladder cancer. The detection of PCDH17 promoter methylation in serum-derived DNA may be a convenient and noninvasive predictive biomarker in routine clinical practice.

We investigate the observable non-classical features of the photon-added compass state (PACS) by its sub-Poissonian statistics, such as the Mandel’s parameter, second-order correlation function, photon-number distribution and the quasi-probability distribution functions, peculiarly the negativity in the Wigner distribution of the PACS as the specific non-classical features. We study the squeezing properties of the PACS and find the PACS does not show squeezing properties of the quadrature. Finally, we give the non-Gaussianity of the PACS by the fidelity between the PACS and the squeezed coherent state (SCS).

Objective: Both Aspirin and Clopidogrel are considered as effective drugs in decreasing ischemic events, which potentially contribute to a promising application regarding the cardiovascular events. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the combination of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin to determine the influence among inflammatory factors, cardiac function, and treatment outcome of patients suffering from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the Hebei province of China. Methods: To compare the efficacy of this combination therapy with a single Aspirin treatment, we experimented in 68 patients with the administration of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin as well as another 68 patients administered only with Aspirin. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the expression of inflammatory factors, thereby evaluating the effect on inflammation. In addition, a series of indexes related to cardiac function and renal function were monitored by use of a color Doppler ultrasound and an automatic biochemical analyzer, respectively. Myocardial injury-related indicators were detected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed so we could identify potential risk factors. In addition, both postoperative hemorrhages and cardiac events were observed to evaluate the treatment outcome of patients with STEMI. Results: Initially, the treatment outcome revealed a better efficacy in patients treated with the combination of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin, with the patients also showing more obviously alleviated myocardial injury, better cardiac and renal functions with lower serum levels of inflammatory factors. The lower incidence of postinfarction angina, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and death also provide evidence that patients showed a better outcome after treatment with both Clopidogrel and Aspirin. Conclusion: Taken together, the combination therapy of Clopidogrel and Aspirin provided a better improvement on both the cardiac function and outcome of STEMI patients in the Hebei province of China, with reduced inflammation as well.