[Morvan syndrome with positive anti LGI1/CASPR2 antibodies in serum/cerebrospinal fluid:a case report and literature review].

To report a typical case of Morvan syndrome with positive anti-leucine rich glioma-inactivated 1(LGI1) and contactin-associated protein 2 (CASPR2) antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. A 39-years-old female initially presented weakness of extremeties. The main symptoms included paroxysmal limb pain, wheezing, itching, muscle twitching, epilepsy, hypomnesia, dysphoria, apathy, intractable insomnia, salivation and sweating. Tests of electrolytes found hypokalemia (2.7-3.1 mmol/L) and hyponatremia (130-136 mmol/L). Arterial blood gas analysis showed hypoxemia (oxygen saturation 50%-70%). Total thyroxine (TT4) was elevated to 207 nmol/L with positive thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab). LGI1and CASPR2 antibodies (CBA method) were positive in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and the remaining antibodies related to autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic syndrome were negative. Head MRI was almost normal, while mild abnormalities were found in electroencephalogram. Electromyography showed slightly increased voltage of left quadriceps motor unit potential. After treated with corticosteroids, IVIG and mycophenolate mofetil, the patient completely improved. Cognitive function scores recovered from MoCA/MMSE (16/24) to MoCA/MMSE (26/29). Positivity of LGI1/CASPR2 antibodies both in serum/cerebrospinal fluid are rarely seen in patients with Morvan syndrome. Steroids and immunosuppressants are suggested for treatment as early as possible.

[C-reactive protein is associated with impaired working capacity in Chinese patients with ankylosing spondylitis in paid employment: the real-world evidence from Smart-phone SpondyloArthritis Management System].

To investigate the relationship between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and work impairment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on real-world evidence. Outpatients with confirmed AS at Chinese PLA General Hospital were recruited consecutively by Smart-phone SpondyloArthritis Management System (SpAMS) from April 2016 to April 2018. The relationship between CRP and work productivity and activity impairment questionnaire (WPAI) were evaluated. Five hundred and fifty-one outpatients with AS in paid employment were recruited. The presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment rates increased by 1.4% (1.1%, 1.8%), 1.1% (0.5%, 1.6%), and 1.7% (1.3%, 2.1%), respectively, for every 10 mg/L increase in the CRP level (all P value<0.01). However, the CRP level was not associated with absenteeism after adjusting for covariates [0.5%(-0.4%, 1.0%),P>0.05]. There is a significant association between increased serum CRP levels at baseline and the previous 7-day work impairment in patients with AS. Higher CRP levels contribute to worse presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment rates, which suggests the necessity of monitoring CRP on treatment, and also indicates that anti-inflammatory therapy may be effective for improving work productivity.

[Association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in the elderly population].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in the elderly population. Methods: A total of 14 355 elderly persons aged ≥65 years, who participated in the annual physical examination in Kailuan Group in 2006 were included in this prospective cohort study. According to HDL-C level, the participants were divided into 4 groups: low-level group (HDL-C<1.30 mmol/L), intermediate-level group (1.30 mmol/L ≤HDL-C≤1.54 mmol/L), medium-high-level group (1.55 mmol/L ≤HDL-C≤1.80 mmol/L), high-level group (HDL-C≥1.81 mmol/L). Baseline data such as age, sex and blood lipid levels were collected and compared. Inpatient medical records and death information were obtained through the social security system, and CVD and all-cause mortality were analyzed. After adjusting for confounding factors, the medium-high-level group was used as the reference group. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to evaluate the impact of HDL-C on CVD and all-cause mortality events. The linear or nonlinear relationship between HDL-C level and CVD and all-cause mortality events was evaluated by restricted cubic spline regression model. Death competitive risk analysis was conducted, and sensitivity analysis was performed after excluding subjects with CVD or all-cause mortality within 1 year of follow-up and female participants. Results: The average age of this cohort was (71.5±5.5) years and follow-up time was (10.9±3.3) years. Compared with medium-high-level group, Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that the HR (95%CI) of CVD and all-cause mortality in low-level group were 1.21 (1.06-1.38) (P<0.05) and 1.02 (0.95-1.11) (P>0.05), respectively; the HR (95%CI) of CVD events in high-level group was 1.17 (1.03-1.33) (P<0.05), and there was a marginal significant association with all-cause mortality, the HR (95%CI) was 1.07 (1.00-1.16) (0.050.1). Conclusions: In the elderly population, the risk of CVD is lowest when the HDL-C level is 1.55-1.80 mmol/L, either high or low HDL-C is a risk factor for CVD. High HDL-C tends to be related to increased risk of all-cause mortality and low HDL-C is not related to increased risk of all-cause mortality.

[Necessity of repeated renal arteriography in the treatment of severe hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy].

In order to discuss the necessity of repeated renal arteriography in the treatment of severe bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy, this study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with severe bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the Department of Urology Surgery of the First Hospital of China Medical University from August 2010 to July 2020, summarily analyzing treatments, outcomes and follow-up results of 27 patients who were treated by renal arteriography more than twice. Of these 27 patients who underwent repeated renal arteriography, 23 of them were treated by two times, 4 by three times, all of whom were diagnosed as renal vascular injury. And 15 of them were diagnosed as pseudoaneurysm, 4 of them renal arteriovenous fistula, and 8 of them pseudoaneurysm combined with renal arteriovenous fistula. After clear diagnosis, all these patients were performed with renal artery embolization, after which the symptoms of hematuria and lumbar discomfort were relieved or disappeared immediately. These patients were followed up from 6 months to 5 years, without corresponding symptoms recurring and with the renal function equivalent to that before embolization. The results showed that repeated renal arteriography was of great significance in the treatment of patients with severe bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy, helping to clarify the cause of bleeding and giving appropriate and timely treatment.

Pancreatic Fat is not significantly correlated with ß-cell Dysfunction in Patients with new-onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus using quantitative Computed Tomography.

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition resulting from insulin resistance and insufficient ß-cell secretion, leading to improper glycaemic regulation. Previous studies have found that excessive fat deposits in organs such as the liver and muscle can cause insulin resistance through lipotoxicity that affects ß-cell function. The relationships between fat deposits in pancreatic tissue, the function of ß-cells, the method of visceral fat evaluation and T2DM have been sought by researchers. This study aims to elucidate the role of pancreatic fat deposits in the development of T2DM using quantitative computed tomography (QCT), especially their effects on islet ß-cell function. Methods: We examined 106 subjects at the onset of T2DM who had undergone abdominal QCT. Estimated pancreatic fat and liver fat were quantified using QCT and calculated. We analysed the correlations with Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) scores and other oral glucose tolerance test-derived parameters that reflect islet function. Furthermore, correlations of estimated pancreatic fat and liver fat with the area under the curve for insulin (AUCINS) and HOMA-IR were assessed with partial correlation analysis and demonstrated by scatter plots. Results: Associations were found between estimated liver fat and HOMA-IR, AUCINS, the modified ß-cell function index (MBCI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment ß (HOMA-ß). However, no significant differences existed between estimated pancreas fat and those parameters. Similarly, after adjustment for sex, age and body mass index, only estimated liver fat was correlated with HOMA-IR and AUCINS. Conclusions: This study suggests no significant correlation between pancreatic fat deposition and ß-cell dysfunction in the early stages of T2DM using QCT as a screening tool. The deposits of fat in the pancreas and the resulting lipotoxicity may play an important role in the late stage of islet cell function dysfunction as the course of T2DM progresses.

[Research progress of lipolipomics in primary hepatocellular carcinoma].

Presently, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has become the most common pathogenic factor of chronic liver disease worldwide that can lead to the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lipid metabolism in cancer cells is closely related to tumorgenesis, invasion and metastasis, and thus acts as one of the hallmark of cancer cells. Lipolipomics is an important branch of metabolomics, which has been adapted recently in the study of HCC for analysis of the structure and function of lipid components by chromatography and mass spectrometry. Fatty acids, glycerides, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterol are significantly different in HCC tissues or serum. Therefore, it contributes to the diagnosis, determination of prognosis, mechanistic study and targeted therapy of HCC.

Bandwidth improvement for slow light using amplification characteristics of cascaded vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers.

A scheme to improve the bandwidth of slow light using cascaded vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In the scheme, a proper adjustment on the gain peaks of two cascaded VCSELs enables the generation of the desired composite gain spectrum, which has flat-top gain and delay profiles with enhanced peak values. By employing the improved gain and delay profiles in a slow light system, a large delay can be achieved within a wider bandwidth. In the experiment, by using two cascaded VCSELs, a tunable slow light up to 135 ps for a 5 Gbits/s pseudorandom binary sequence is demonstrated with relatively low signal distortion.

Effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist on insulin secretion index and serum Wnt5a protein in patients with new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Previous studies have found that wnt5a promotes ß-cell insulin secretion and reduced concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. GLP-1RA (Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) can regulate insulin secretion. However, the evidence that GLP-1RA affect insulin secretion through the Wnt5a is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of GLP-1 RA on wnt5a levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 56 onset diabetics were selected our study, 29 of them were treated by GLP-1RAs (1.2mg subcutaneous injection once a day, liraglutide, Novo Nordisk), the rest (27 case) treated by Metformin (0.5 g twice a day, Glucophage, Merck). Individuals who were using medications to manage platelet (Aspirin) and cholesterol (Statins) were enrolled and continued treatment throughout the study. Results: Our study found that the waist circumference and insulin secretion index in the GLP-1RA intervention group were significantly increased, and the insulin resistance index was lower than that of the control group. More interestingly, the serum Wnt5a protein level increased dramatically after the GLP-1RA intervention, and the level of Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (Sfrp5) decreased compared with the control group. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the change of HOMA-ß (Homeostasis model assessment- ß) was significantly correlated with the changes of Wnt5a and Sfrp5, and the change of Wnt5a protein was positively correlated with HOMA-ß. Conclusion: Our results confirmed that GLP-1RA may improve HOMA-ß in patients with type 2 diabetes by affecting the level of Wnt5a protein.

Effect of metformin on Wnt5a in individuals new-onset type 2 diabetes with different body mass indexes: The evidences from the real word research.

Aim: Metformin is a first-line therapy for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), due to its inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. Wingless family member 5a (Wnt5a) was significantly decreased in newly diagnosed T2DM patients and regulates secretion of ß cells through the Wnt/calcium signalling cascades. This study aims to investigate how metformin works on glucose-lowering effects in diabetes and whether the mechanism underlying it is associated with Wnt5a. Methods: A total of 144 participants were enrolled in this study. Serum Wnt5a levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The demographic and clinical parameters were evaluated in normal weight, overweight and obese new-onset T2DM subjects grouped. Results: Wnt5a was increased in overweight T2DM patients and obese T2DM patients compared with the levels in normal Body Mass Index (BMI) T2DM. The level of Wnt5a gradually increased after 3 and 6 months of metformin treatment. Among the three groups, the most significant improvement in blood glucose was observed in the obese type 2 diabetic patients, and the improvement showed a significant correlation with Wnt5a protein after patients received metformin treatment. Pearson correlation showed that there was a significant relationship between △2hOGTT and Wnt5a. After further adjusting for sex and age, a significant association existed only between Wnt5a and 2-h oral glucose tolerance test(2hOGTT), and this association was negative. Conclusion: Our results indicate that Wnt5a may play a role in the mechanism by which metformin improves blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.

A Co-Designed Neuromorphic Chip With Compact (17.9K F2) and Weak Neuron Number-Dependent Neuron/Synapse Modules.

Many efforts have been made to improve the neuron integration efficiency on neuromorphic chips, such as using emerging memory devices and shrinking CMOS technology nodes. However, in the fully connected (FC) neuromorphic core, increasing the number of neurons will lead to a square increase in synapse & dendrite costs and a high-slope linear increase in soma costs, resulting in an explosive growth of core hardware costs. We propose a co-designed neuromorphic core (SRCcore) based on the quantized spiking neural network (SNN) technology and compact chip design methodology. The cost of the neuron/synapse module in SRCcore weakly depends on the neuron number, which effectively relieves the growth pressure of the core area caused by increasing the neuron number. In the proposed BICS chip based on SRCcore, although the neuron/synapse module implements 1∼16 times of neurons and 1∼66 times of synapses, it only costs an area of 1.79 × 107 F2, which is 7.9%∼38.6% of that in previous works. Based on the weight quantization strategy matched with SRCcore, quantized SNNs achieve 0.05%∼2.19% higher accuracy than previous works, thus supporting the design and application of SRCcore. Finally, a cross-modeling application is demonstrated based on the chip. We hope this work will accelerate the development of cortical-scale neuromorphic systems.

MiR-335 suppresses cell proliferation and migration by upregulating CRKL in bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: microRNAs (miRNAs) abnormal expression was proved to regulate the bladder cancer (BC) development. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of miR-335 played in BC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to examine the miR-335 and CRKL (CT10 regulator of kinase-like protein) expression level in BC. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and RT-qPCR were used to examine cell viability of BC cells. Cell transwell assay was used to assess the migratory ability of BC cells. The direct target of miR-335 in BC was verified by luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: The results showed that the expression of miR-335 and CRKL in normal and adjacent tissues showed no significant differences. Whereas, miR-335 expression in BC was significantly lower and CRKL expression was observably higher than normal. CRKL was verified as a specific target of miR-335 in BC cells and the relationship between CRKL and miR-335 expression was negatively correlated in BC tissues. Furthermore, CRKL siRNA group in BC cells remarkably inhibited cell proliferation and migration. MiR-335 mimic in BC cells remarkably curbed cell proliferation and migration and CRKL could reverse the proliferative and migratory ability of BC cells regulated by miR-335. CONCLUSIONS: miR-335 could suppress BC cell proliferation and migration by upregulating of CRKL.

Corrigendum to "Wingless-Type MMTV Integration Site Family Member 5a Is a Key Secreted Islet Stellate Cell-Derived Product that Regulates Islet Function".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/7870109.].

Wingless-Type MMTV Integration Site Family Member 5a Is a Key Secreted Islet Stellate Cell-Derived Product that Regulates Islet Function.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that T2DM is attributable to the dysfunction of ß-cells and the activation of islet stellate cells (ISCs). The wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 5a (Wnt5a)/frizzled 5 (Fzd5) signalling pathway might take part in this process. Our study is aimed at defining the status of ISCs during ß-cell insulin secretion homeostasis by determining the role of the Wnt5a protein in the regulation of insulin production. We examined the effects of the status of ISCs on ß-cell insulin secretion in normoglycemic db/m and hyperglycaemic db/db mice. METHODS: iTRAQ protein screening and RNA interference were used to determine novel ISC-derived secretory products that may use other mechanisms to influence the function of islets. RESULTS: We showed a significant reduction in insulin secretion by ß-cells in vitro when they were cocultured with db/db ISCs compared to when they were cocultured with ISCs isolated from normoglycemic db/m mice; in addition, both Wnt5a and its receptor Fzd5 were more highly expressed by quiescent ISCs than by activated db/db ISCs. Treatment with exogenous Wnt5a increased the secretion of insulin in association with the deactivation of ISCs. CONCLUSION: Our observations revealed that the Wnt5a protein is a key effector of ISC-mediated improvement in islet function.

Protective Effects of an Obesity-Associated Polymorphism (CDKAL1 rs9356744) on Prediabetes: The Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance and elevated plasma glucose levels. The rs9356744 polymorphism in the CDKAL1 gene is associated with body mass index (BMI) only in East Asians. Here, we examined the effect of the rs9356744 polymorphism on glucose-related traits and prediabetes in Chinese adults. METHODS: A total of 2 357 participants were enrolled from the Cardiometabolic Risk in Chinese (CRC) Study, including 499 persons with prediabetes, 204 persons with type 2 diabetes, and 1 654 normoglycemic controls. The rs9356744 polymorphism in CDKAL1 was genotyped and analyzed in all participants. RESULTS: Despite the positive relationship between obesity and glucose traits, the T allele of rs9356744, which is associated with a predisposition to obesity, was correlated with lower levels of 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) plasma glucose (2hPG) (ß=- 0.2104 and P=0.0233), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (ß=- 0.0551 and P=0.0298) and higher levels of homeostasis model of assessment ß-cell function (HOMA-B) (ß=5.282 and P=0.0424). After further adjustment for BMI, the levels of HOMA-B maintained a similar increased trend across rs9356744 genotype (ß=3.277 and P=0.1958). In stratified analyses, the associations of rs9356744 with 2hPG and HbA1c were significant for individuals with a low BMI. Moreover, an antagonism action of BMI and rs9356744 on 2hPG (P for interaction=0.0055) was observed. In addition, we found a protective effect of rs9356744 on prediabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The CDKAL1 rs9356744 T allele associated with a predisposition to obesity showed a protective effect on HbA1c, 2hPG, and prediabetes. BMI was mediator of the association between the genetic variant and HbA1c, 2hPG, and prediabetes.

Fas/FasL induces myocardial cell apoptosis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardium ischemia reperfusion is easy to induce myocardial injury. Fas/FasL is an important signaling pathway mediating cell apoptosis. This study aims to analyze the cell apoptosis and Fas/FasL expression in myocardial cell ischemia reperfusion rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coronary artery ligation method was used to establish myocardial ischemia reperfusion model. Rats were grouped according to different ischemia and reperfusion time: Group A, myocardial ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 24 h; Group B, myocardial ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 48 h; Group C, myocardial ischemia for 1 h and reperfusion for 24 h. Myocardial injury indicators were tested. Myocardial cell apoptosis was detected by transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Fas and FasL mRNA and protein expressions were evaluated by Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot. RESULTS: Creatine kinase (CK), lactic dehydrogenase  (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly elevated, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) obviously declined in the experimental group compared with control and blank group (p<0.05). CK, LDH, and MDA gradually upregulated, whereas SOD was reduced in experimental groups following the time extension of ischemia and reperfusion (p<0.05). Apoptosis cell number was markedly higher in the experimental group compared with control and blank group (p<0.05). Apoptosis cell number gradually increased in the experimental groups following ischemia and reperfusion time extension (p<0.05). Fas/FasL mRNA and protein markedly upregulated in the experimental group compared with control and blank group (p<0.05). Fas/FasL mRNA and protein expressions enhanced in experimental groups following the time extension of ischemia and reperfusion (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fas/FasL induces myocardial cell apoptosis in the process of myocardium ischemia reperfusion in rat model.

Pyridyloxobutyl DNA adducts inhibit the repair of O6-methylguanine.

The carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamine, 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), both methylates and pyridyloxobutylates DNA. O6-Methylguanine (O6-mG) persistence has been correlated to NNK-induced lung tumor formation in A/J mice. The pyridyloxobutylation pathway enhances the tumorigenicity of the methylation pathway. In this paper we test the hypothesis that DNA pyridyloxobutylation increases O6-mG persistence by inhibiting the repair protein O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT). Pyridyloxobutylated DNA was generated by reacting calf thymus DNA with the model pyridyloxobutylating agent 4-(acetoxymethylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNKOAc) in the presence of esterase. The alkylated DNA inhibited the ability of partially purified rat liver AGT to repair O6-mG when it was incubated with AGT prior to the addition of 3H-methylated DNA. The extent of inhibition was dependent on the amount of NNKOAc reacted with DNA. The ability of NNKOAc-treated DNA to inhibit AGT was destroyed when the DNA was subjected to neutral thermal hydrolysis. Approximately 1 pmol of AGT was inhibited for every 25 to 50 pmol of 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone- releasing adducts present in NNKOAc-treated DNA. The inhibitory activity of this alkylated DNA was relatively stable under physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C). Only 13% of the AGT reactive activity was lost after 7 days. When pyridyloxobutylated DNA was incubated simultaneously with 3H-methylated DNA and AGT, a significant reduction in [3H]methyl transfer to AGT was observed. The levels of reduction were similar to those observed when unlabeled methylated DNA containing comparable levels of O6-mG was substituted for NNKOAc-treated DNA. Based on these results, a cocarcinogenic role for pyridyloxobutylation in NNK-induced lung tumorigenesis is proposed in which pyridyloxobutyl DNA adduct(s) compete with O6-mG for reaction with AGT resulting in sustained levels of O6-mG. These enhanced levels then increase the probability of tumor induction by NNK.

[The effect of preoperative induction chemotherapy on long-term survival of patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity tongue].

Objective:To discuss the long term efficency of preoperative induction chemotherapy(IC)±radiotherapy on patients with resectable stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity tongue(SCCOT).Method:During June 1996 to December 2005, 73 patients with locally advanced SCCOT treated preoperatively with IC(3 cycle of cisplatin and 5 fluorouracil) followed by surgery(resection of the primary tumor and neck)±radiotherapy in the Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled in our study. Five-year overall survival rates(OS), local control rate and reasons of treatment failure were analyzed retrospectively.Result:The follow-up time was 1.9 to 188.0 months, and the median follow-up time was 70.9 months.Among that, 24 cases(32.9%) were still alive, of which 23 patients survival time is more than 10 years until the deadline of the follow-up. After IC, 17 patients(23.3%) had clinical complete response; 44 patients(60.3%) had a clinical partial response; 12 patients(16.4%) had no response or progression, and an overall response rate was 83.6%(65/73). On final surgical pathology, 14 patients(19.2%) had pathological complete response; 59 patients(80.8%) had histological incomplete response(residual tumor). Univariate analysis showed that the tumor size(P< 0.05), cervical lymphatic metastasis(P< 0.05),clinical stage(P< 0.05), the different clinical remissions(P< 0.05), had or not pathological complete remission(P< 0.05) were risk factors affecting prognosis(P< 0.05).Multivariate analysis indicated that cervical lymphatic metastasis cervical lymphatic metastasis(P< 0.05), the different clinical remissions (P< 0.05), had or not pathological complete remission(P< 0.05) were independent factors for prognosis. Five-year OS of clinical effective of IC was 62.5%, apparently higher than the invalid effect 41.7% (P< 0.05). Five-year OS of pCR was 92.9%, while have no pCR was 47.9%(P< 0.05). A significant difference between the two groups was also found. During whole follow-up time, 22 patients developed recurrence. Five-year OS was 59.8%, local control rate were 69.9%.Conclusion:IC plus surgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy was a treatment modality that was tolerated with encouraging activity and survival outcome in patients with advanced resectable SCCOT. Response rate with this IC regimen was limited, but the responders were associated with excellent prognosis.

Genetic diversity and variation of saponin contents in Panax notoginseng roots from a single farm.

Radix notoginseng, the root of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its main components, saponins, have been reported to have many pharmacological activities. To test the general assumption that herbs of a single species planted and harvested from a single location are uniform in chemical and genetic makeup, chemical analysis and DNA fingerprinting were carried out. High-performance TLC together with HPLC analysis were used to analyze 17 randomly sampled 3-year-old roots from a single farm for the presence of six saponins. Five roots showed distinct chemical profiles with changed ratios of ginsenosides Rd/Rg1, Re/Rg1, or Rb1/Rg1. The same samples, together with some 1- and 2-year-old samples, were also subjected to fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, and their internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS 2) regions were sequenced. Fluorescent AFLP analysis was found to be much more polymorphic than the ITS 2 sequence and showed clear evidence of genetic diversity within the tested population. In conclusion, genetic diversity and variation of saponin contents between individual P. notoginseng roots have been detected. We suggest that genetic diversity affects the contents of the six saponins. The saponin contents variation and genetic diversity were also found among P. notoginseng root samples collected from China and Singapore markets. Since variable saponin contents may affect therapeutic efficacy, combining the use of genetic profiling with chemical profiling will help ensure greater uniformity in the quality of P. notoginseng roots. The genetic and chemical diversity within a population also provides the opportunity for breeding new cultivars with more desirable chemical constituents.