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Whether cervical lymph node necrosis (CNN) is an independent adverse prognostic factor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been determined. In this study, the CNN ratio was graded quantitatively to explore the prognostic value in NPC.We retrospectively reviewed a total of 648 pathologically confirmed as NPC. We outlined metastatic lymph nodes and necrotic area of lymph nodes slice by slice on the magneticresonanceimages (MRI) cross section, and calculated the corresponding CNN ratio.The median CNN ratio (17.37 %) was taken as the cut-off point, 256 (39.51 %) patients were divided into CNN1 group (17.37 %, n = 128) and CNN2 group (≥17.37 %, n = 128), 392 (60.49 %) patients without lymph nodes necrosis were CNN0. Among the CNN0, CNN1 and CNN2 groups, five-year overall survival (OS) was 82.4 %, 76.6 % and 71.1 %, locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) was 91.3 %, 91.1 % and 90.5 %, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) was 83.7 %, 78.5 % and 68.7 %, progression-free survival (PFS) was 78.3 %, 71.7 % and 61.6 % respectively. By multivariate analysis, CNN was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.003), DMFS (P = 0.019) and PFS (P = 0.007). More than 3 cycles of chemotherapy significantly increased OS (P = 0.024) and DMFS (P = 0.015) in the CNN1 group.This study indicated that CNN is one of the factors with the negative prognosis of NPC. The CNN ratio might be used as one of the reference factors in the formulation of individualized treatment plan.

A species complex is an assemblage of closely related species with blurred boundaries, and from which species could arise from different speciation processes and/or a speciation continuum. Such a complex can provide an opportunity to investigate evolutionary mechanisms acting on speciation. The Chrysanthemum zawadskii species complex in China, a monophyletic group of Chrysanthemum, consists of seven species with considerable morphological variation, diverse habitats and different distribution patterns. Here, we used Hyb-Seq data to construct a well-resolved phylogeny of the C. zawadskii complex. Then, we performed comparative analyses of variation patterns in morphology, ecology and distribution to investigate the roles of geography and ecology in this complex's diversification. Lastly, we implemented divergence time estimation, species distribution modelling and ancestral area reconstruction to trace the evolutionary history of this complex. We concluded that the C. zawadskii complex originated in the Qinling-Daba mountains during the early Pliocene and then spread west and northward along the mountain ranges to northern China. During this process, geographical and ecological factors imposing different influences resulted in the current diversification and distribution patterns of this species complex, which is composed of both well-diverged species and diverging lineages on the path of speciation.

Solid phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) were used to detect and analyze the distribution of 10 antibiotics including sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides in the Harbin section of Songhua River basin and Ashe River, a tributary of Songhua River. The correlation between the antibiotic concentration and water quality indexes was analyzed and the ecological risks were evaluated. The results showed that only six antibiotics were detected in the entry section of Harbin city on the Songhua River and the concentration was relatively low. However, nine antibiotics were detected in the exit section and only sulfamethazine (SM1) was not detected. The concentrations of macrolide antibiotics increased most significantly, followed by those of sulfonamides and fluoroquinolones. The inflow of three tributaries in Harbin city was the direct cause of the increase in antibiotic concentration in the Songhua River. Only sulfapyridine (SMPD) was not detected in the upper section of Ashe River. Ten antibiotics were detected in the section where the Ashe River enters the Songhua River. The other nine antibiotics were the highest except norfloxacin (NOR). Wastewater discharged from four sewage treatment plants along Ashe River is an important factor affecting the concentration of antibiotics in the Ashe River. Correlation analysis shows that three kinds of antibiotics in the Songhua River have certain positive correlations with ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total organic carbon. There is a significant positive correlation between the three kinds of antibiotics and ammonia nitrogen and total phosphorus in the Ashe River system, indicating that the water quality indexes of the Harbin section of Songhua River and Ashe River are closely related to their antibiotic concentrations. The results of ecological risk assessment showed that macrolide antibiotics in the Harbin section of Songhua and Ashe Rivers had certain ecological risks.

// Xue-Ying Hu 1,* , Ying Li 1,* , Guan-Qiao Jin 1 , Shao-Lv Lai 1 , Xiang-Yang Huang 1 and Dan-Ke Su 1 1 Department of Radiology, Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China * Authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Dan-Ke Su, email: // Keywords : MRI, apparent diffusion coefficient, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, breast cancer Received : February 06, 2017 Accepted : June 18, 2017 Published : July 05, 2017 Abstract This study aims to evaluate the potential of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived from diffusion-weighted MR imaging for predicting the treatment response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with breast cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed prior to NACT and after two cycles of NACT. The correlation between mean ADC pre values, mean ADC post values, changes in ADC values and changes in tumor diameters after NACT was examined using Spearman rank correlation. A total of 164 breast cancers were enrolled in this study. Mean ADC pre values of responders ([0.85 ± 0.16] × 10 -3 mm 2 /s) and non-responders ([0.84 ± 0.21] × 10 -3 mm 2 /s) had no significant difference ( P = 0.759). While mean ADC post value of responders was significantly higher than that of non-responders ([1.17 ± 0.37] × 10 -3 mm 2 /s vs. [1.01 ± 0.28] × 10 -3 mm 2 /s; P = 0.002). Both mean ADC post values (r = 0.288, P = 0.000) and changes in mean ADC values (r = 0.222, P = 0.004) were positively correlated to changes in tumor diameter after NACT, except for mean ADC pre values (r = 0.031, P = 0.695). Our results indicated that mean ADC post values and changes in ADC values after NACT might be a biological marker for assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Nickel (Ni) -smelting fumes on oncogenic proteins in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Ni fallout beside a Ni smelting furnace in a factory was sampled to study its toxic effect. The effects of Ni-smelting fumes on the regulation of PI3K and ERK signaling pathways and the important downstream hypoxia inducible factor, HIF-1α, were studied both in NIH/3T3 cells and in the lung tissue of rats. NIH/3T3 cell transformation induced by Ni-smelting fumes was also observed. Results: Ni-smelting fumes activated PI3K, p-AKT, p70S6K1, and ERK proteins and increased HIF-1α expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, activation was suppressed when NIH/3T3 cells were pretreated with PI3K/AKT or ERK inhibitors. Ni-smelting fumes caused malignant transformation of NIH/3T3 cells. Conclusions: Ni-smelting fumes increased the expression of HIF-1α through the PI3K/ERK pathway in NIH/3T3 cells and induced malignant transformation in these cells indicating that Ni-smelting fumes may be a potential carcinogen in mammalian cells.

Observational studies have reported controversial results on the association between GSTT1 and GSTM1 genotypes and treatment outcome of breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between GSTT1 and GSTM1 and treatment outcome in breast cancer patients. Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. A random-effect model or fixed-effect model was used to calculate the overall combined risk estimates. Twenty-one studies with a total of 4990 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The GSTM1 null genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 1.33, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.75, P = 0.046) and GSTT1/GSTM1 double null genotype (OR = 2.22, 95 % CI 1.02-4.84, P = 0.045) were significantly associated with an increased tumor response. A reduced overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.84, 95 % CI 0.72-0.98, P = 0.024) was observed in GSTM1 null genotype, especially in mixed descent (HR = 0.77, 95 % CI 0.61-0.96, P = 0.018) and large sample size (HR = 0.85, 95 % CI 0.72-0.99, P = 0.033). Evidence of publication bias was observed in GSTM1 genotype rather than in GSTT1 genotype. This meta-analysis suggests that GSTM1 null and GSTT1/GSTM1 double null polymorphisms might be significantly associated with an increased tumor response. However, the GSTM1 null genotype might be significantly associated with a reduced overall survival. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Nonlinear time history seismic analysis of Jinwan square No. 9 building under strong earthquake is made. Three dimension structural nonlinear analysis and performance estimate programme Perform-3D is used to establish the calculatrion model. FEMA beam, shear strength section are used to set up the frame beam element modal; Moment plastic hinge, shear plastic hinge and elastic beam section are used to set up the link beam element modal; FEAM column and shear strength section are used to set up the column element modal; fiber wall element is used to model the sheae wall. Performances of the structure under strong earthquake are analysed. Numerical calculation results indicate that the structure design satisfies the preestablished performance targets.

Nickel is widely used and distributed in various industries. This study investigated the effect of nickel-smelting fumes on the regulation of NIH/3T3 cell viability, apoptosis, and necrosis and the expression of the tumor suppressor genes hMLH1 and RASSF1A. Cell viability was determined using a methylthiazolyl tetrazolium colorimetric assay. NIH/3T3 cell viability was reduced after exposure to different concentrations of nickel-smelting fumes, but cell apoptosis and necrosis were induced. Moreover, cell morphology changed significantly after exposure to different concentrations of nickel-smelting fumes, as determined using an inverted microscope or transmission electron microscope. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that exposure of cells to concentrations of ≥100 µg/mL of nickel-smelting fumes upregulated the expression of hMLH1 and RASSF1A compared to the negative controls. These data suggest that nickel-smelting fumes could be toxic to cells, upregulating the expression of hMLH1 and RASSF1A and in turn inducing cell apoptosis and necrosis.

Interruptible load contract is an important means of demand side management, but its existing models cant coordinate practicality with efficiency. Based on the curtailment cost function of consumers, this paper proposes an optional interruptible load contract and builds an optimal curtailment amount and compensation pricing model by introducing information display and incentive mechanism. The model can guide consumers voluntarily disclose the information on their true cost, and achieve the optimal allocation of load interruption. It is better to coordinate the relationship between utility and economic efficiency, which is more efficient than the traditional practical optional contract for interruptible load, and more practical than the theoretical model of interruptible load contract of fully nonlinear pricing. Numerical examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.

In order to ensure safety of long and huge bridges in deep water under earthquake action, it is significance to consider water and bridge pier dynamic interaction. Analysis method of water-bridge pier dynamic interaction under earthquake excitation is established using radiation wave theory, and earthquake induced hydrodynamic pressure apply program is complied. Considering different earthquake wave input, earthquake induced hydrodynamic pressure influence on dynamic responses of bridge pier in deep water is further studied. The results indicate that: Dynamic response of bridge pier in deep water is augmented because of hydrodynamic pressure action. Earthquake induced hydrodynamic pressure influence on seismic responses of bridge piers in deep water will change with different input earthquake wave.

The adsorption performance of Cr (VI) on activated sludge and the effect of adsorption time, pH, temperature on the adsorption and desorption were studied. The initial pH is important for biosorption, and the optimum effect on Cr (VI) biosorption is acquired within initial pH of 0.5-1.0. Activated sludge has high efficiency of treating low concentration Cr (VI) wastewater. The removal rate of Cr (VI) could reach 99% when the total concentrations of Cr (VI) were 10 mg/L. The results of static test showed that the adsorption equilibrium was reached within 60 min. The biosorption process was fitted into Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm adsorption equations. It is presumed that the progress of biosorption was reversible adsorption and irreversible adsorption simultaneously, however the reversible adsorption was more important in the biosorption and the adsorption belongs to physics adsorption.

This study meta-analyzed the literature on possible association of polymorphisms -137 (rs187238) and -607 (rs1946518) in the interleukin-18 (IL-18) promoter with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The analysis included 8 case-control studies on the -137 polymorphism (1,318 cases, 2,254 controls) and 7 case-control studies on the -607 polymorphism (1,262 cases, 1,696 controls). None of the five genetic models suggested a significant association between the -137 polymorphism and HCC risk: allelic model, OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.74–1.34, P = 0.97; recessive model, OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.65–1.46, P = 0.91; dominant model, OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.73–2.52, P = 0.34; homozygous model, OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.65–1.49, P = 0.95; heterozygous model, OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.66–1.48, P = 0.94. Similar results were obtained in subgroup analyses of Asian patients, Chinese patients, or patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC. Similar results were also obtained for the -607 polymorphism across the entire study population as well as in the three subgroups. The available evidence suggests no significant association of the -137 or -607 polymorphisms with risk of HCC in general or specifically of HBV-related HCC. These conclusions should be verified in large, well-designed studies.

To reduce the need for antibiotics in animal production, alternative approaches are needed to control infection. We hypothesized that overexpression of native defensin genes will provide food animals with enhanced resistance to bacterial infections. In this study, recombinant porcine beta-defensin 2 (PBD-2) was overexpressed in stably transfected PK-15 porcine kidney cells. PBD-2 antibacterial activities against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae , an important respiratory pathogen causing porcine contagious pleuropneumonia, were evaluated on agar plates. Transgenic pigs constitutively overexpressing PBD-2 were produced by a somatic cell cloning method, and their resistance to bacterial infection was evaluated by direct or cohabitation infection with A. pleuropneumoniae . Recombinant PBD-2 peptide that was overexpressed in the PK-15 cells showed antibacterial activity against A. pleuropneumoniae . PBD-2 was overexpressed in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and jejunum of the transgenic pigs, which showed significantly lower bacterial loads in the lungs and reduced lung lesions after direct or cohabitation infection with A. pleuropneumoniae . The results demonstrate that transgenic overexpression of PBD-2 in pigs confers enhanced resistance against A. pleuropneumoniae infection.

This study was purposed to investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of astragalosides on acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL) cell line NB4 and its mechanism. NB4 cells were treated with different concentrations (200, 300, 400 µg /ml) of astragalosides for 48 h. The cell proliferation was assayed by using CCK-8 method; the cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITE/PI double staining. The mRNA expression of BCL-2 and the relative activity of BCL-2, NF-κB and caspase-3 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The results showed that after treated with astragalosides for 48 h, astragalosides inhibited NB4 cell proliferation in concentration-dependent way, the apoptosis rate of NB4 cells gradually elevated from 4.69% to 40.85% with the increasing of astragalosides concentration. Simultaneously, the mRNA expression of BCL-2 was down-regulated, Western blot analysis showed that the protein expression levels of BCL-2 and NF-κB decreased after astragalosides treatment, while caspase-3 protein expression level increased. It is concluded that the molecular mechanism of the astragalosides-induced apoptosis in NB4 cells may be associated with down-regulation of the expression of BCL-2 and NF-κB, finally the relative activity of caspase-3 activated.

To investigate the effect of total astragalosides (TA) on proliferation and apoptosis in human leukemia NB4 cells in vitro.The NB4 cells were treated with TA at different concentrations for 48 h in culture. Growth inhibition rates were measured by CCK-8 method. Flow cytometry was used to explore the cell apoptosis and the activity of NF-κB and Akt during apoptosis.TA at different concentrations (200, 400, 600, 800 mg/L) inhibited proliferation of NB4 cells in a dose-dependent manner (P0.05), and the inhibitory rates of TA on NB4 cells were (14.54 ± 3.20)%, (24.79 ± 3.98)%, (57.28 ± 4.71)% and (88.28 ± 4.65)%, respectively. In terms of the induction of apoptosis, there was a significant difference between the TA group and blank control [(1.80 ± 1.24)%, P0.05]. At TA doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/L, the apoptotic rates of NB4 cells were (10.03 ± 3.31)%, (14.87 ± 3.65)%, (23.45 ± 1.90)%, respectively. Besides, TA induced apoptosis of NB4 cells in a dose-dependent manner in the groups of 200 mg/L, 400 mg/L, 600 mg/L (P0.05). But there was no significant difference in apoptotic rates between the groups of 800 mg/L and 600 mg/L [(23.45 ± 1.90)%, P0.05]. In the group of 800 mg/L, the necrotic cells increased highly and the necrotic rate reached (45.65 ± 3.16)%. After TA treatment of NB4 cells at different concentrations (200, 400, 600 mg/L), the expression of NF-κB protein was significantly decreased compared with that of the blank control (9.79 ± 0.95, P0.05), while Akt protein was not significantly decreased (P0.05).TA can inhibit the growth of NB4 cells and induce apoptosis in NB4 cells through an Akt-independent NF-κB signaling pathway.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the transformation and apoptosis of NIH/3T3 cells treated with nickel (Ni) smelting fumes. Cytotoxicity of NIH/3T3 cells was detected with a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. The cell translation model was established by cell focus translation using two types of Ni-smelting fumes from a Ni smelting plant in China. The transformed focus was determined by soft agar culture assay. The apoptotic characteristics of NIH/3T3 cells treated with Ni-smelting fumes were detected by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC and PI as markers. The DNA fragment of apoptosis in NIH/3T3 cells treated with nickel smelting fumes was detected by observing agarose electrophoresis and morphological characteristics of cells under electron microscopy. With increase in exposure time, growth of NIH/3T3 cells was inhibited. The NIH/3T3 cell transformation model was established successfully using two Ni-smelting fumes, and the transformed cells grow in soft agar. No apoptosis peak was detected by flow cytometry. Apoptotic cells characterized by necrosis were observed using electron microscopy. There was no apparent "ladder" observed by DNA fragment analysis. Data indicated that Ni-smelting fumes produced cytotoxicity by mechanisms associated with necrosis but not apoptosis.