Spectroscopy and efficient dual-wavelength laser performances of a Nd:GYSAG crystal.

We reported on the spectral properties and dual-wavelength laser performances of a novel, to the best of our knowledge, Nd:Gd1.8Y1.2ScAl4O12 (Nd:GYSAG) crystal for the first time. The absorption spectra, emission spectra, and fluorescence lifetime were systematically investigated. Further, a continuous-wavelength (CW) laser output power up to 5.02 W was obtained under an absorbed pump power of 9.45 W with slope and optical-to-optical efficiencies of 59.4% and 53.1%, respectively, at 1061.2 and 1063.2 nm. A stable passively Q-switched (PQS) laser employing Cr:YAG as a saturable absorber (SA) was realized. The maximum average output power of 0.756 W with a slope of near 34.4% was obtained with the pulse width, pulse energy, and peak power of 14.0 ns, 128.1 µJ, and 9.15 kW, respectively. The results indicate that the Nd:GYSAG crystal is an excellent laser medium for generating a high-efficiency dual-wavelength laser and has potential in terahertz (THz) laser generation.

Changes in Heart Rate after Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Sinus Bradycardia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) on autonomic nervous function and prognosis in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) with or without sinus bradycardia.A total of 66 patients with paroxysmal AF accompanied by sinus bradycardia and who underwent CPVI were recruited as the sinus bradycardia group. A total of 91 patients with paroxysmal AF but without sinus bradycardia and who underwent catheter ablation were selected as the control group. After surgical contraindications were eliminated, CPVI was performed by three-dimensional mapping system. 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram was used to observe the changes of heart rate before and 2 days after surgery.A total of 45 (68%) and 51 (56%) patients in the sinus bradycardia and control groups, respectively, maintained sinus rhythm. There was an increase in heart rate after CPVI in both groups. The standard deviation of normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of the average NN intervals (SDANN), low frequency (LF), and LF/high frequency (HF) in the sinus bradycardia and control groups decreased after CPVI (P < 0.01). Moreover, SDANN was higher in patients with sinus bradycardia treated by successful ablation than in those with recurrence (P < 0.01), while SDNN, a standard statistical measure of heart rate variability (rMSSD), LF, and HF were significantly lower in patients with sinus bradycardia (P < 0.05).CPVI was able to produce a significant reduction effect on vagal nerve and sympathetic activity regardless of whether patients with paroxysmal AF had sinus bradycardia. Moreover, CPVI exerted a certain influence on the success rate of AF catheter ablation.

lncRNA PCAT1 might coordinate ZNF217 to promote CRC adhesion and invasion through regulating MTA2/MTA3/Snai1/E-cadherin signaling.

LncRNA prostate cancer-associated transcript 1 (PCAT1) is a well-known oncogene, but the mechanisms of exosomes PCAT1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely unknown. Thus, the mechanisms of exosomes lncRNA PCAT1 were investigated. The expressions of exosomes lncRNA PCAT1 in tissues from stage 0-I and stage II-III CRC patients, and intestinal epithelial cell line FHC and two CRC cell lines, HT29 and HCT8 were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The effects of lncRNA PCAT1 on adhesion and invasion of two CRC cell lines were investigated by cell-matrix adhesion and transwell assays. In addition, the target of PCAT1 (ZNF217) was validated using an RNA immune precipitation assay. Finally, the protein levels of MTA2, MTA3, SNAI1, and E-cadherin in normal participants, stage 0-I and stage II-III CRC patients, as well as two cell lines with stable ZNF217 knockdown were investigated by western blotting. The plasma exosomal lncRNA PCAT1 was found to be significantly increased in the CRC tissues and cell lines. In addition, lncRNA PCAT1 knockdown significantly inhibited the adhesion and invasion of HT29 and HCT8 cells. RIP assay results showed lncRNA PCAT1 could target ZNF217, and downregulation of lncRNA PCAT1 could decrease the protein expressions of ZNF217 in two CRC cells lines. Moreover, ZNF217 knockdown significantly decreased MTA2, MTA3, and SNAI1 expressions, but increased E-cadherin expressions in both CRC cells lines. Exosomal lncRNA PCAT1 can promote the adhesion and invasion of CRC cells, and PCAT1 overexpression may lead to ZNF217 upregulation that regulates EMT-related MTA2/MTA3/Snai1/E-cadherin signaling.

KRAS G12D mutation eliminates reactive oxygen species through the Nrf2/CSE/H 2S axis and contributes to pancreatic cancer growth.

In pancreatic cancer, KRAS G12D can trigger pancreatic cancer initiation and development. Rapid tumor growth is often accompanied by excess intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which is unfavorable to tumor. However, the regulation of intracellular ROS levels in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this study, we establish BxPC3 stable cell strains expressing KRAS wild type (WT) and G12D mutation and find unchanged ROS levels despite higher glycolysis and proliferation viability in KRAS mutant cells than KRAS WT cells. The key hydrogen sulfide (H 2S)-generating enzyme cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) is upregulated in KRAS mutant BxPC3 cells, and its knockdown significantly increases intracellular ROS levels and decreases cell glycolysis and proliferation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is activated by KRAS mutation to promote CSE transcription. An Nrf2 binding site (‒47/‒39 bp) in the CSE promoter is verified. CSE overexpression and the addition of NaHS after Nrf2 knockdown or inhibition by brusatol decreases ROS levels and rescues cell proliferation. Our study reveals the regulatory mechanism of intracellular ROS levels in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer cells, which provides a potential target for pancreatic cancer therapy.

The association of miR-27a rs895819 polymorphism with colorectal cancer risk in Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Besides environment and living habits, such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and drinking, genetic variation also plays an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was aimed to investigate the role of miR-27a rs895819 polymorphism on CRC risk in Chinese population. METHODS: In a case-control study including 208 CRC and 312 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects, the rs895819 polymorphism was genotyped using the TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Furthermore, a pooled analysis based on eligible studies was performed by using the STATA software. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that the rs895819 polymorphism was not associated with CRC risk. However, a pooled analysis based on five studies from Chinese population showed a statistically significant association between the rs895819 polymorphism and CRC risk (GG vs AA: OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.27-1.92, Pz < .01; (AG + GG) vs AA: OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01-1.30, Pz = .04; GG vs (AG + AA): OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.27-1.88, Pz < .01; G vs A: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.09-1.33, Pz < .01). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that miR-27a rs895819 polymorphism plays an important role in CRC risk in Chinese population and may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting an individual's susceptibility to CRC.

Systematic Meta-Analysis of the Association Between a Common NOS1AP Genetic Polymorphism, the QTc Interval, and Sudden Death.

Contemporary studies have identified rs10494366 in the nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) gene as a new genetic marker in modulating the QT interval and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in general populations. However, the conclusions were not coincident. Therefore, we conducted for the first time a system evaluation of the relativity of rs10494366, the QT interval, and sudden death by meta-analysis. In our study, the meta-analysis displayed the GG genotype of rs10494366 correlated with the QT interval in women with no heterogeneity, and in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with minor heterogeneity. In the Caucasian population, the correlation of rs10494366 and sudden death was significant. The heterogeneity referred to the relevance between rs10494366 and sudden death in the Asian population. In conclusion, the minor allele of rs10494366 may have an impact on the QT interval in women or DM patients and may have a potential role in sudden death in the Caucasian population.

Lysyl oxidase rs1800449 polymorphism and cancer risk among Asians: evidence from a meta-analysis and a case-control study of colorectal cancer.

Growing evidence has indicated that lysyl oxidase (LOX) G473A polymorphism (rs1800449) is associated with cancer risk among Asians. However, results of single center and small sample study lack enough power. We first investigated the effect of LOX G473A polymorphism on cancer risk among Asians by a meta-analysis, and then further validated this association by a case-control study of colorectal cancer (CRC) with LOX G473A polymorphism in a Chinese population. STATA 12.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. The relationships were evaluated by calculating the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). In a case-control study comprising 577 CRC patients and 696 controls, LOX G473A polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Logistic regression was used to evaluate genetic associations with the occurrence of CRC. The results of our meta-analysis, including seven case-control studies with a total of 2,377 cancer patients and 2,499 controls, suggested that LOX G473A polymorphism might be associated with an increased risk of cancer among Asians. In addition, results of a case-control study indicated that individuals with the AA or AG genotype had a significantly increased susceptibility to CRC occurrence, compared with individuals who had GG genotype. Overall, this meta-analysis and case-control study of CRC observed convincing association of LOX G473A polymorphism with cancer risk in Asians; our study would contribute to complete elucidation of carcinogenesis.

Interleukin 27 -964A > G genetic polymorphism and serum IL-27p28 levels in Chinese patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between a potentially functional polymorphism (rs153109, -964A > G) in the promoter region of interleukin-27 (IL-27) gene and the risk of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in a Chinese population. Genotype of IL-27 -964A > G polymorphism was determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Serum IL-27p28 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant difference was noticed in IL-27 -964A > G polymorphism between PTC patients and healthy controls in the overall analysis. However, analysis of clinical features showed that PTC patients carrying the GG genotype or G allele had significantly decreased risks for developing lymph node metastasis compared with those carrying the AA genotype or A allele (GG vs. AA: OR = 0.38, 95 % CI, 0.20-0.72; G vs. A: OR = 0.63, 95 % CI, 0.44-0.86). Furthermore, ELISA results demonstrated that serum IL-27p28 levels were significantly decreased in PTC patients compared with those in controls (P < 0.05). Serum IL-27p28 levels in healthy controls with the GG genotype were significantly high compared with those carrying AA genotype or the AG genotype (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that IL-27 -964A > G polymorphism may be associated with the decreased risk for lymph node metastasis of PTC.

Prognostic Value of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated with Late Percutaneous Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular remodeling (LVr) is common after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for predicting LVr 6-9 months after late percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with STEMI. METHODS: Patients with first STEMI who accepted late PCI were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed within 48 hours of admission. Six to nine months after MI, an echocardiography examination was repeated. LVr was defined as >15% increase in LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) after 6 months. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-seven patients were divided into two groups: 86 patients without LVr and 41 patients with LVr. There were significant differences in the global longitudinal strain (GLS), SD of time to peak longitudinal systolic strain (longitudinal Ts-SD), longitudinal postsystolic index, radial strain (RS), and SD of time to peak radial systolic strain (Radial Ts-SD). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the GLS(odds ratio [OR] = 0.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26-0.57, P < 0.01), and RS(OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.13, P = 0.01) were determinants of LVr. A receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the GLS predicted LVr with an optimal cutoff value of -10.85 (sensitivity: 89.7%, specificity: 91.7%). During clinical follow-up for 16.9 ± 1.6 months, death or congestive heart failure developed in 12 patients (9.4%), and the baseline ejection fraction (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.18-3.1, P = 0.009) and GLS (OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.34-0.91, P = 0.02) were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: In patients with STEMI treated with late percutaneous coronary intervention, the GLS as measured by STE is a strong predictor of LVr and adverse events.

Quantitative assessment of the associations between CD28 T > C polymorphism (rs3116496) and cancer risk.

Many studies have examined the association between CD28 T > C polymorphism (rs3116496) and cancer risk in various populations. However, results remained controversial. To assess this relationship more precisely, a meta-analysis was performed. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed database for relevant articles published (updated to January 1, 2014). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the association. A total of nine studies were selected for this meta-analysis, including 3,878 cases and 4,424 controls. The results indicated that CD28 T > C polymorphism (rs3116496) was not associated with the risk of cancer in overall population (CC + CT vs. TT, OR = 1.17, 95 %CI = 0.94-1.47, P H = 0.00; CC vs. CT + TT, OR = 1.26, 95 %CI = 0.92-1.73, P H = 0.86; CC vs. TT, OR = 1.27, 95 %CI = 0.92-1.74, P H = 0.85; CT vs. TT, OR = 1.15, 95 %CI = 0.91-1.46, P H = 0.00; and C vs. T, OR = 1.17, 95 %CI = 0.97-1.41, P H = 0.00). In subgroup analysis according to cancer type, no significant association was found in cervical cancer or other cancer. However, in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, the significant risk was found among Asians (CC + CT vs. TT, OR = 1.51, 95 %CI = 1.24-1.83, P H = 0.05; C vs. T, OR = 1.46, 95 %CI = 1.22-1.74, P H = 0.11), but not among Caucasians. The result of this meta-analysis suggested that CD28 T > C polymorphism (rs3116496) may have an increased risk of cancer in Asians.

IL-27 -964A>G polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer: a case-control study.

Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a new member of the IL-12 family which plays a key role in antitumor immunity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between a potentially functional polymorphism (rs153109, -964A>G) at the promoter of IL-27 and the risk of breast cancer in a Chinese population. We determined the genotypes of 326 breast cancer cases and 460 healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between -964A>G polymorphism and breast cancer susceptibility. There was no significant association between IL-27 -964A>G polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer. However, in the stratified analysis by menopausal history, IL-27 -964A>G polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women (GG vs. AA: OR = 0.48, 95 % CI = 0.26-0.89; G vs. A: OR = 0.75, 95 % CI = 0.59-0.97). Taken together, our study suggested that IL-27 -964A>G polymorphism may be a protective factor for breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Quantitative assessment of the association between GNB3 C825T polymorphism and cancer risk.

PURPOSE: The association between GNB3 C825T polymorphism and cancer risk has been investigated. However, results remain inconclusive. In this study we aimed to obtain a more precise estimation of this association. METHODS: A meta-analysis of 8 eligible studies including 1,812 cancer cases and 3,731 controls was conducted with odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: The results demonstrated a borderline association between the GNB3 C825T polymorphism and the risk of overall cancer in the dominant model (TT+TC vs CC, OR=1.13, 95% CI=1.00-1.28, PH=0.71, p=0.05). In the stratified analysis by cancer type, significant association of cancer risk was observed in thyroid carcinoma (TC vs CC, OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.02-1.54, PH=0.63, p=0.03; TT+TC vs CC, OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.02-1.51, PH=0.70, p=0.04). After further stratified analysis based on country, the GNB3 C825T polymorphism showed statistically significant association with increased risk of cancer in Austria (TT vs CC, OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.01-2.04, PH-0.88, p-0.04; TT vs TT+TC, OR=1.49, 95% CI=1.07-2.64, PH=0.87, p=0.02) and Germany (TC vs CC, OR=1.25, 95% CI=1.02-1.53; PH=0.87, p=0.03; TT+TC vs CC, OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.02-1.49, PH-0.90, p-0.04). CONCLUSION: The current meta-analysis suggested that the GNB3 C825T polymorphism may contribute to increased risk of cancer, especially of thyroid carcinoma.

Association between HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: A number of studies have investigated the association between human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and cancer risk, but the results remain controversial. In this study we aimed to clarify whether this association really exists. METHODS: We carried out a meta-analysis of 8 studies including 1179 cases and 2795 controls from PubMed and Chinese language (CNKI and WanFang) databases to assess the association between the HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and cancer risk by pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The results showed that the HLA-G 14-bp insertion/ deletion polymorphism was not associated with total cancer risk in all genetic models (dominant model: OR=0.90, 95% CI-0.70-1.17; recessive model: OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.67-1.42; insertion/deletion (ID) vs deletion/deletion (DD):OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.66-1.18; insertion/insertion (II) vs DD: OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.62-1.41; insertion (I) vs deletion (D): OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.78-1.16). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association was found between Asians and Caucasians. However, subgroup analysis by cancer type showed that the polymorphism was associated with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism may not influence the susceptibility of total cancer, but it is related to risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Peripheral arterial thromboembolism in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation: a single center case-control study].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of peripheral arterial thromboembolism (PAT) in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). METHODS: A total of 18 456 patients admitted in our hospital and diagnosed with NVAF were included in this study. The study population was divided into three groups [PAT group, cerebral thromboembolism (CT) group and no thromboembolism group]. Risk factors of PAT were assessed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The incidence of PAT and CT was 1.1% (204 cases) and 27.8% (5 132 cases), respectively. The in-hospital mortality of PAT group was 11.8% (24/204), in which the in-hospital mortality due to mesenteric arterial thromboembolism (37.5%, 6/16) was the highest. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that vascular disease (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 2.13-7.08, P < 0.01), age ≥ 65 years (OR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.66-4.27, P < 0.01), hypertension (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.36-3.34, P < 0.01), history of stroke/TIA/arterial thromboembolism (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.26-3.17, P < 0.01) and congestive heart failure (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.22-2.86, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors of PAT. Prevalence of vascular disease and histories of PAT was higher in PAT group than in CT group (P < 0.01), while CHADS2 and CHA2DS2VASc scores were similar between the PAT and CT groups. CONCLUSION: PAT is not uncommon in NVAF patients, risk factors for PAT in NVAF patients are vascular disease, advanced age, hypertension, history of stroke/TIA/arterial thromboembolism and congestive heart failure.

Identification of a Kir3.4 mutation in congenital long QT syndrome.

Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a hereditary disorder that leads to sudden cardiac death secondary to fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Although many genes for LQTS have been described, the etiology remains unknown in 30%-40% of cases. In the present study, a large Chinese family (four generations, 49 individuals) with autosomal-dominant LQTS was clinically evaluated. Genome-wide linkage analysis was performed by using polymorphic microsatellite markers to map the genetic locus, and positional candidate genes were screened by sequencing for mutations. The expression pattern and functional characteristics of the mutated protein were investigated by western blotting and patch-clamp electrophysiology. The genetic locus of the LQTS-associated gene was mapped to chromosome 11q23.3-24.3. A heterozygous mutation (Kir3.4-Gly387Arg) was identified in the G protein-coupled, inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit Kir3.4, encoded by the KCNJ5 gene. The Kir3.4-Gly387Arg mutation was present in all nine affected family members and absent in 528 ethnically matched controls. Western blotting of human cardiac tissue demonstrated significant Kir3.4 expression levels in the cardiac ventricles. Heterologous expression studies with Kir3.4-Gly387Arg revealed a loss-of-function electrophysiological phenotype resulting from reduced plasma membrane expression. Our findings suggest a role for Kir3.4 in the etiology of LQTS.

Denervation as a common mechanism underlying different pulmonary vein isolation strategies for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: evidenced by heart rate variability after ablation.

BACKGROUNDS: Segmental and circumferential pulmonary vein isolations (SPVI and CPVI) have been demonstrated to be effective therapies for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). PVI is well established as the endpoint of different ablation techniques, whereas it may not completely account for the long-term success. METHODS: 181 drug-refractory symptomatic PAF patients were referred for segmental or circumferential PVI (SPVI = 67; CPVI = 114). Heart rate variability (HRV) was assessed before and after the final ablation. RESULTS: After following up for 62.23 ± 12.75 months, patients underwent 1.41 ± 0.68 procedures in average, and the success rates in SPVI and CPVI groups were comparable. 119 patients were free from AF recurrence (SPVI-S, n = 43; CPVI-S, n = 76). 56 patients had recurrent episodes (SPVI-R, n = 21; CPVI-R, n = 35). Either ablation technique decreased HRV significantly. Postablation SDNN and rMSSD were significantly lower in SPVI-S and CPVI-S subgroups than in SPVI-R and CPVI-R subgroups (SPVI-S versus SPVI-R: SDNN 91.8 ± 32.6 versus 111.5 ± 36.2 ms, rMSSD 47.4 ± 32.3 versus 55.2 ± 35.2 ms; CPVI-S versus CPVI-R: SDNN 83.0 ± 35.6 versus 101.0 ± 40.7 ms, rMSSD 41.1 ± 22.9 versus 59.2 ± 44.8 ms; all P < 0.05). Attenuation of SDNN and rMSSD remained for 12 months in SPVI-S and CPVI-S subgroups, whereas it recovered earlier in SPVI-R and CPVI-R subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified SDNN as the only predictor of long-term success. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond PVI, denervation may be a common mechanism underlying different ablation strategies for PAF.

[Efficacy and safety of ibutilide for conversion of atrial fibrillation/flutter].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravenous ibutilide for conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter (AFL) to sinus rhythm. METHODS: Ninety-nine consecutive patients aged 18-75 y with AF/AFL were included. The duration of arrhythmia was <90 d (1 h-90 d) and ventricular rate was >60 beats/min. Patients were assigned randomly into two groups: 49 patients in ibutilide group received ibutilide 1 mg, then repeated if AF/AFL was not converted after 10 min; 50 patients in propafenone group received propafenone 70 mg, then repeated if AF/AFL persisted after 10 min. Two drugs were diluted by 50 ml of 5% glucose and injected intravenously within 10 min. RESULTS: Ventricular rates were decreased in both groups. AF/AFL were converted in 34 of 49 patients (69.4 % ) in ibutilide group and in 22 of 50 patients (44.0 %) in propafenone group (P <0.05). The converting time of ibutilide was significantly shorter than that of propafenone [(16.79 ± 12.31) min compared with (36.92 ± 11.38)min, P <0.01]. The most serious adverse effect of ibutilide was non-sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (3/49,6.12 %). Transient hypotension and heart pause were the main adverse events in patients who received propafenone, acute left heart failure occurred in one patient of propafenone group. CONCLUSION: Intravenous ibutilide is a safe and effective agent for cardioversion of recent-onset AF/AFL. Furthermore,strict processing under electrocardio-monitoring is important.

[Long term outcome of atrial fibrillation patients with KCNA5 and NPPA mutations post circumferential pulmonary vein ablation].

OBJECTIVE: The outcome of atrial fibrillation patients with genetic mutations post ablation was not well evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three atrial fibrillation patients with evidence of mutations in KCNA5 and NPPA post successful circumferential pulmonary vein ablation were included. Mutation in KCNA5 was found in one male patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. He was free of atrial fibrillation post ablation after 46 months follow-up. Mutations in NPPA were found in two male patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and they were free from atrial fibrillation after 64 months and 38 months follow-up post circumferential pulmonary vein ablation, roof line and mitral isthmus line ablation. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory long term results are observed in atrial fibrillation patients with KCNA5 and NPPA mutations post circumferential pulmonary vein ablation.

Associations between KCNQ1OT1 genetic variation rs10766212 and susceptibility to colorectal cancer and clinical stage in a Chinese Han population.

KCNQ1OT1 has been linked to the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). As a result, functional polymorphisms in the KCNQ1OT1 gene may have a role in CRC formation and progression. The goal of this study was to see if the rs10766212 polymorphism on the KCNQ1OT1 gene was linked to CRC susceptibility and clinical stage in a Chinese Han population. The case-control research comprised a total of 576 CRC patients and 606 healthy controls. The genotype of the rs10766212 polymorphic locus was determined using the Sanger sequencing technique. We found that the KCNQ1OT1 rs10766212 polymorphism was not related to CRC susceptibility; however, it was connected with the clinical stage of CRC. Patients with CRC who had the rs10766212 T allele had a lower risk of stage III/IV tumors than those who had the rs10766212 C allele. Furthermore, CRC tissues with the rs10766212 CC genotype showed a significant negative connection between KCNQ1OT1 and hsa-miR-622 expression. The luciferase assay showed that the rs10766212 C allele might contribute to the adsorption of KCNQ1OT1 on hsa-miR-622. In conclusion, the rs10766212 polymorphism altering hsa-miR-622 binding is linked to the clinical stage of CRC and may serve as a biomarker for predicting CRC progression in the Chinese Han population. However, better-designed studies are still needed to confirm the current findings.

TP73-AS1 rs3737589 Polymorphism is Associated With the Clinical Stage of Colorectal Cancer.

Objective: TP73-AS1 can promote the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The current study aimed to investigate the association between a potentially functional genetic polymorphism (rs3737589 T > C) on the TP73-AS1 gene and the susceptibility and clinical stage of CRC in a Chinese Han population. Methods: The polymorphic genotyping was performed by the SNaPshot method. The real-time quantitative PCR method and the luciferase assay were used separately to explore genotype-tissue expression and the function of the genetic polymorphism. Results: A total of 576 CRC patients and 896 healthy controls were included in the current study. The rs3737589 polymorphism was not associated with CRC susceptibility but was associated with the CRC stage (CC vs. TT: OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.12 - 0.54, P=0.0003; C vs. T: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.53-0.89, P=0.006; and CC vs. (TC + TT): OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.12-0.56, P=0.0004). CRC patients carrying the rs3737589 CC genotype or C allele were less likely to have stage III/IV tumors than those carrying the rs3737589 TT genotype or T allele. The expression of TP73-AS1 was lower in CRC tissues with the rs3737589 CC genotype compared to those with the TT genotype. Bioinformatics analysis and the luciferase assay revealed that the C allele could promote the binding of miR-3166 and miR-4771 to TP73-AS1. Conclusion: The TP73-AS1 gene rs3737589 polymorphism affecting miRNAs binding is associated with the CRC stage and may serve as a biomarker for predicting CRC progression.