Differentiated expressed miRNAs in splenic monocyte induced by burn injury in mice.

To find potential biomarkers based on miRNA and their potential targets in splenic monocytes in burn-injured mice. Male Balb/c mice were subjected to sham or scalding injury of 15% total body surface area. Spenic CD11b+ monocytes were purified with magnetic beads. The monocytes were cultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide. The proliferation of monocytes was detected by MTT assay, and the cytokines in the supernatant were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The purified monocytes were also under total RNA extraction. The differential monocytic miRNAs expression between the sham and burn-injured mice was analysed by miRNA microarray. The activity of monocytes was comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, monocytes from burn-injured mice secreted higher levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor-ß, but lower level of monocyte chemoattratctant protein-1. A total of 54 miRNAs were differentially expressed in monocytes from burn relative to sham-injured mice (fold >3). Further quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that the expression of miR-146a was significantly down-regulated, while miR-3091-6p was up-regulated after burn injury. Using the combination of Miranda and TargetScan softwares, we found that mir-146a may regulate 180 potential target genes including TNF receptor related factor 6 (TRAF6), interleukin-1 receptor related kinase 1 (IRAK1) and CD28. Mir-3091-6p may regulate 39 potential targets, including SOCS7 (cytokine signal transduction inhibitor 7) and ARRB2 (arrestin, ß 2). The miRNAs expressed by monocytes after burn injury may be involved in the regulation of innate immune response in burn injury.

Left atrial reservoir and pump function after catheter ablation with persistent atrial fibrillation: a two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging study.

OBJECTIVE: By using ultrasound strain rate (SR) imaging to evaluate the left atrial (LA) reservoir and pump function after catheter ablation (CA) with persistent atrial fibrillation (PAF). METHODS: A total of 45 patients with PAF underwent echocardiography examination before and after ablation as well as during 6 months of follow-up. Peak SR was measured at each LA segment (septal, lateral, anterior, inferior and posterior) during systole (LAs) and late diastole (LAa). RESULTS: During 6 months after CA, 30 patients were free of atrial fibrillation recurrence (AFR). left atrial area index (LAAI), left atrial maximum volume index (LAVImax), and E/Ea were obviously higher in patients with before CA, left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF), SR-LAs were lower than in normal cases, the SR-LAa was disappeared. Shortly after ablation, SR-LAa was recovered, and SR-LAs was reduced compared to those at baseline. At midterm follow-up, LAEF and SR-LAs were still lower than the control group, and LAAI and LAVImax were higher. SR-LAa was recovered slowly over time, but still lower. CONCLUSION: LA reservoir function was seriously damaged and LA pump function disappeared in patients with PAF. LA reservoir function impairment appeared shortly after ablation, it showed improvement at midterm follow-up, but some degree of damage to the LA reservoir and pump function was still present. Speckle tracking imaging is a feasible technique for the assessment of LA function in patients with PAF, which is a potentially valuable clinical tool to assist in the early detection of atrial remodelling and reverse remodelling.

Early detect left ventricular subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus by a left ventricular pressure-strain loop.

OBJECTIVE: Noninvasive myocardial work (MW) is a new technology which is based on strain after considering the load influence on myocardial deformation. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of quantitatively assessing left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) using a left ventricular pressure-strain loop (LVPSL). METHODS: 76 patients with SLE were included in the study (A), further divided into two subgroups according to the presence of lupus nephritis (LN). Global longitudinal strain (GLS), peak strain dispersion (PSD), global myocardial work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE) were obtained. RESULTS: 1: Patients with SLE demonstrated a significantly reduced GWE and GLS compared with control group, GWW and PSD were increased, above changes were more pronounced in patients with LN. There was no significant difference in GWI and GCW. 2: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that GWE was the most powerful tool for detecting myocardial insufficiency early in SLE patients, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.804, and was superior to GLS (AUC = 0.707). GWE remains the best indicator of subclinical myocardial injury in patients with LN. The AUC was 0.910, and the best cutoff point was 96.5% (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 73.3%). CONCLUSIONS: LVPSL can be used to noninvasively assess changes in MW in patients with SLE. Noninvasive GWE is a more sensitive index than GLS to detect subclinical myocardial injury early in SLE patients. This is a potential valuable clinical tool to assist in the early-find myocardial damage.

Characteristics of Helicobacter pylori Heteroresistance in Gastric Biopsies and Its Clinical Relevance.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) plays a vital role in anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment, but the traditional AST method has difficulty detecting heteroresistance, which may cause an increased prevalence of resistant strains and eradication failure. AIMS: To investigate the characteristics of heteroresistance in H. pylori in gastric biopsies and investigate its clinical relevance. METHOD: A total of 704 gastric biopsies were selected for 23S rRNA and gyrA gene sequencing, 470 H. pylori isolates from these biopsies were selected for AST, and the clinical characteristics of the patients were reviewed. RESULT: For the 699 biopsies that were positive for 23S rRNA gene, 98 (14.0%) showed a heteroresistance genotype, and a wild type (WT) combined with A2143G (86.7%) genotype was found in most samples. For the 694 biopsies that were positive for gyrA gene, 99 (14.3%) showed a heteroresistance genotype, and a WT combined with 87K (26.3%) or WT combined with 91N (23.2%) genotype was predominant. According to the E-test results, the resistance rates of heteroresistance genotype samples for clarithromycin and levofloxacin were 36.2% and 68.1%, respectively. When dividing the heteroresistance samples into different groups according to the sequencing profile peaks of the mutation position, the resistance rates were higher along with mutation peaks at the mutation position. In addition, patients infected with mutated or heteroresistant strains showed lower peptic ulcer detection rates than those infected with the WT strain (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Heteroresistance genotypes for clarithromycin and levofloxacin were not rare in H. pylori. Most cases with a heteroresistance genotype showed a susceptible phenotype for clarithromycin and a resistance phenotype for levofloxacin. Patients infected with heteroresistance genotype strains showed a lower peptic ulcer detection rate than those infected with the WT strain.

Genotype profiles of Helicobacter pylori from gastric biopsies and strains with antimicrobial-induced resistance.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The genotypic method could significantly shorten the time needed to obtain antibiotic susceptibility data for Helicobacter pylori. The aim of this study was to explore the profile of H. pylori from gastric biopsies and strains with antibiotic-induced resistance. METHODS: A total of 124 gastric biopsies were used to perform gene sequencing and to perform bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. Seven susceptible strains were selected to develop resistance to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole. Four susceptible strains were selected to transfer candidate mutations. The genotype profiles of these groups were analyzed by sequencing analysis. The antibiotic susceptibility of these strains was detected using the E-test method. RESULTS: Phenotypic resistance to clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole was observed in 35.5%, 40.0%, and 79.8% strains, respectively. Point mutations in 23 S rRNA, gyrA, and rdxA genes were observed in 39.5%, 38.7%, and 86.3% of gastric biopsies, respectively. The A2143G mutation in the 23S rRNA occurs in most clarithromycin-resistant samples. The A2142C point mutation showed a higher efficacy than A2142G and A2143G for inducing clarithromycin resistance. The D91N and N87K mutations in gyrA occurs in most levofloxacin-resistant samples, and double point mutations showed a higher efficacy than single mutations for inducing levofloxacin resistance. Phenotypic resistance and mutations in rdxA lacked consistency. CONCLUSION: Genotype-based gastric biopsy analysis was reliable for determining clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance. A2143G in 23S rRNA and N87K/D91N in the gyrA gene occurred in most resistant strains. Mutations in the rdxA gene were not good indicators of metronidazole resistance.

Mechanism study on co-processing of water-based drilling cuttings and phosphogypsum in non-autoclaved aerated concrete.

The feasibility of coordinated use of water-based drilling cuttings (WDC), fly ash, and phosphogypsum (PG) as raw materials for the preparation of WDC non-autoclaved aerated concrete (WNAAC) was evaluated by laboratory experiment. The results showed that the pozzolanic reaction of the multi-component cementitious system containing 40% (in mass) of WDC is significantly promoted. Newly formed C-S-H gel and ettringite with the uniform distribution of fibrous and flake-like shape occur, presenting a denser and interlock microstructure. In addition, after cured by steam at 80 °C for 24 h, the mechanical property and unit weight of the WNAAC prepared with 40% WDC fully meet the B06, A3.5 grade of China state standard (GB/T11968-2006). Environmental performance tests confirm that the WNAAC prepared with 40% WDC does not create any secondary contamination.

Organic-inorganic Hybrid ([BrCH2 CH2 N(CH3 )3 ]+ 2 [CdBr4 ]2- ) with Unusual Ferroelectric and Switchable Dielectric Bifunctional Properties over Different Temperature Range.

Both ferroelectric and switchable dielectric behaviors are of great academic value and practical significance, but they usually exist alone. If combine the two properties into one compound, it will be more valuable in practical application. In this paper, quasi-spherical (2-bromoethyl) trimethylammonium cation was used to match with [CdBr4 ]2- anion, and a new organic-inorganic hybrid compound ([BrCH2 CH2 N(CH3 )3 ]+ 2 [CdBr4 ]2- , BETABCdBr) was obtained and carefully characterized. The results indicate that this compound undergoes two continuous reversible phase transition around 342 K and 390 K. It could respectively exhibit ferroelectric and switchable dielectric properties over different temperature range. This work may provide a new clue to explore new types of bifunctional phase transition smart materials to meet various application requirements.

Characteristics of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance: data from four different populations.

Aims: To describe the characteristics of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates from four populations. Methods: In total, 1463 H. pylori strains were examined for antibiotic resistance. Among these strains, 804 were isolated from treatment-naïve adults, 133 from previously treated adults, 100 from treatment-naïve children and 426 from a population who participated in a health survey (age ≥ 40 years). The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the E-test method. Results: In the treatment-naïve adult group, the resistance rates for metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, amoxicillin, rifampicin and tetracycline were 78.4, 19.0, 23.3, 1.2, 1.7 and 2.3%, respectively. Compared with this group, the previously treated adult group had significantly higher resistance rates for metronidazole (99.2%), clarithromycin (58.3%) and levofloxacin (52.3%). In addition, the treatment-naïve children had a lower metronidazole resistance rate (46.0%) than the treatment-naïve adults. The resistance rate for clarithromycin was low in treatment-naïve patients with ages ranging from 10 to 24 years. For the strains isolated from the general population group, the resistance rates for metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, amoxicillin, rifampicin and tetracycline were 78.6, 10.1, 25.1, 0.5, 2.1 and 0.9%, respectively. Compared with the treatment-naïve adult group, the general population group showed significant differences in clarithromycin resistance. Conclusion: The resistance rates for metronidazole, clarithromycin and levofloxacin were high, especially in previously treated adults. Compared to those in treatment-naïve younger patients, the resistance rates for clarithromycin were significantly lower in treatment-naïve patients with ages ranging from 10 to 24 years and in the general population.

An effective treatment method for phosphogypsum.

Phosphogypsum (PG) accumulation occupies huge amounts of land resources and results in serious environmental risks. A new recycling product, the phosphogypsum embedded filler (PGEF) made with calcination-modified phosphogypsum, was developed. The preparation process, hydration mechanism of PG, basic physical performances, environmental safety, engineering application, and cost analysis of the PGEF were studied. The results showed that the stress performance and thermal insulation property of the products were satisfied. Environmental performance tests established their findings that the application of PGEF prepared with calcination-modified PG does not cause any secondary contamination. In addition, the cost of PGEF is far lesser than that of the same volume of reinforced concrete. PGEF prepared with calcination-modified PG has shown a perfect application in cast-in situ concrete hollow floor structure.

An effective treatment method for shale gas drilling cuttings solidified body.

The exploration and production of shale gas technology provides a way for utilization of clean fuels. However, during the exploration process of shale gas, enormous amount of drilling cutting was generated and had to be solidified and landfilled. So the accumulation of shale gas drilling cutting solidified body (SGDS)causes severe land resource misuse and environmental complications. This study focuses on the utilization of SGDS as a raw material for the production of cement clinker, and the phase composition, microstructure, and environmental performance of the cement clinker was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum analysis (EDX), and soaking test, respectively. The results show that the cement clinker obtained mainly constitutes of typical Portland cement mineral (C3S, C2S, C3A, and C4AF). The leaching test indicated that the concentration of heavy metal ions in leachate is within the limits allowed by the state "Technical specification for co-processing of solid wastes in cement kiln" (GB 30760-2014). This study therefore provides a benchmark on environmental effects resulting from drilling cuttings and utilization of resources.

Series of Lanthanide-Mercury Compounds with Three-Dimensional Structures: Rational Preparation, Structures and Properties.

Three novel Ln-Hg complexes [Ln(H2O)2(µ-IA)3Hg3Br6] n (Ln = Pr (1), Nd (2), and Er (3); HIA is isonicotinic acid) are synthesized and characterized. They feature three-dimensional (3-D) motifs. Solid-state UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy found that their band gaps are 4.91, 4.59, and 2.68 eV. It is found that lanthanide ions could adjust the band structures of semiconductors. Their photoluminescence comes from their characteristic emissions of 1D2 → 3H4 of Pr3+, 7F7/2 → 4S3/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I9/2 of Nd3+, and 4I15/2 → 4F7/2 and 4I15/2 → 4S3/2 of Er3+. The CIE chromaticity coordinate is ( x = 0.5726, y = 0.4206), ( x = 0.7268, y = 0.2732), and ( x = 0.2923, y = 0.4317). Their magnetization susceptibility totally obeys the Curie-Weiss equation with antiferromagnetic performances.

Prognostic value of total tumor volume in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the prognostic value of total tumor volume (TTV), which reflects both the primary tumor volume and nodal tumor volume, in NPC. Furthermore, the relationship between TTV and survival remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of TTV in patients with NPC treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). METHODS: TTV was retrospectively assessed in 455 patients with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic NPC. All patients were treated using IMRT; 91.1% (288/316) of patients with stage III-IVb also received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the optimal TTV cut-off point and examine the prognostic value of combined TTV with current clinical stage. RESULTS: Mean TTV was 11.1 cm3 (range, 0.3-27.9 cm3) in stage I, 22.5 cm3 (1.3-92.4 cm3) in stage II, 40.6 cm3 in stage III (3.2-129.2 cm3), and 77.5 cm3 in stage IVa-b (7.1-284.1 cm3). For all patients, the 4-year estimated FFS, OS, DMFS, and LRRFS rates for patients with a TTV ≤ 28 vs. > 28 cm3 were 93 vs. 71.4% (P < 0.001), 95.1 vs. 75.4% (P < 0.001), 94.5 vs. 79.4% (P < 0.001), and 96.2 vs. 88% (P = 0.001). TTV was an independent prognostic factor for FFS, OS, DMFS and LRRFS in all patients. In stage III-IVb, 4-year estimated FFS, OS, DMFS, and LRRFS for a TTV ≤28 vs. >28 cm3 were 88.9 vs. 70.5% (P = 0.001), 96.2 vs. 72.7% (P < 0.001), 91.2 vs. 78.3% (P = 0.008), and 93.8 vs. 87.6% (P = 0.063). TTV was an independent prognostic factor for FFS, OS and DMFS in stage III-IVb. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis curves revealed adding TTV to clinical stage had superior prognostic value for treatment failure compared to clinical stage alone (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: TTV is an important prognosticator for treatment outcome and significantly improves the prognostic value of the current staging system for patients with NPC treated with IMRT.

The internalization of Helicobacter pylori plays a role in the failure of H. pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) internalization involves invasion of cells by the bacterium. Several studies have shown that H. pylori can invade human gastric epithelial cells, immune cells, and Candida yeast in vivo and in vitro. Whether bacterial invasion plays a role in eradication failure is unclear. AIM: To investigate the relationship between H. pylori invasion of GES-1 cells and H. pylori eradication failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two clinical strains isolated from H. pylori-positive patients with different outcomes after treatment with furazolidone-based therapy were examined (17 failures and 25 successes). The H. pylori strains were shown to be susceptible to amoxicillin and furazolidone, and the patients also exhibited good compliance. Genotyping was performed for cagA and vacA (s and m). The antibiotic susceptibility of the strains to amoxicillin, furazolidone, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin was determined by E-tests. The levels of H. pylori invasion of GES-1 cells were detected by gentamicin colony-forming unit assays. RESULTS: The internalization level in the eradication success group was 5.40±5.78 × 10-3  cfu/cell, and the median was 6.194 × 10-3  cfu/cell; the internalization level in the eradication failure group was 8.98±5.40 × 10-3  cfu/cell, and the median was 10.28 × 10-3  cfu/cell. The eradication failure group showed a greater invasion level than the eradication success group (P<.05). No significant difference was observed between the susceptible strains and the resistant strains when the internalization levels were compared (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that H. pylori invasion of the gastric epithelia might play a role in eradication failure.

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori cagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes in children with gastroduodenal diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of cagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes in the isolated strains of Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) from children with gastroduodenal diseases in Jiangxi, China, as well as the association between cagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes and the type of gastroduodenal diseases. METHODS: The samples of gastric antral mucosa were collected from 316 children with gastroduodenal diseases in Jiangxi, and a total of 107 strains of H.pylori were isolated. The genomic DNA of these strains was extracted, and PCR was used to determine the ureA, cagA, vacA, and iceA genotypes. RESULTS: Of all the 107 isolated strains of H.pylori, the detection rates of ureA and cagA genes were 100% (107/107) and 94.4% (101/107) respectively. The overall detection rate of vacA gene was 100% (107/107), and the detection rates of vacAs1a, vacAs1c, vacAm1, and vacAm2 genes were 74.8% (80/107), 25.2% (27/107), 29.9% (32/107), and 69.2% (74/107) respectively, with both vacAm1 and vacAm2 genes detected in 0.9% (1/107) of all H.pylori strains. In the chimera of vacA gene, the detection rates of vacAs1a/m1, vacAs1a/m2, vacAs1c/m1, and vacAs1c/m2 genes were 26.2% (28/107), 51.4% (55/107), 3.7% (4/107), and 17.8% (19/107) respectively (P<0.001). The detection rates of iceA1 and iceA2 genes were 79.4% (85/107) and 9.3% (10/107), respectively (P<0.001), and both iceA1 and iceA2 genes were detected in 7.5% (8/107) of all strains. The detection rates of the genotypes of H.pylori showed no significant differences between the peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis, and duodenal bulbar inflammation groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The dominant genotypes of H.pylori are cagA, vacAs1a/m2, and iceA1, and there are mixed infections with H.pylori strains of different genotypes in children with gastroduodenal disease from Jiangxi, China. The genotypes of H.pylori are not associated with the type of gastroduodenal disease.

Photophysical and electrochemical properties of a dysprosium-zinc tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin complex.

A dysprosium-zinc porphyrin, [DyZn(TPPS)H3O]n (1) (TPPS = tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin), was prepared through solvothermal reactions and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Complex 1 features a three-dimensional (3-D) porous open framework that is thermally stable up to 400 °C. Complex 1 displays a void space of 215 Å(3), occupying 9.2% of the unit cell volume. The fluorescence spectra reveal that it shows an emission band in the red region. The fluorescence lifetime is 39 µsec and the quantum yield is 1.7%. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement revealed one quasi-reversible wave with E1/2 = 0.30 V.

Overexpression of HMGB1 A-box reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal inflammation via HMGB1/TLR4 signaling in vitro.

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanism of high mobility group box (HMGB)1 A-box in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation. METHODS: Overexpression of HMGB1 A-box in human intestinal epithelial cell lines (SW480 cells) was achieved using the plasmid pEGFP-N1. HMGB1 A-box-overexpressing SW480 cells were stimulated with LPS and co-culturing with human monocyte-like cell lines (THP-1 cells) using a Transwell system, compared with another HMGB1 inhibitor ethyl pyruvate (EP). The mRNA and protein levels of HMGB1/toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling pathways [including HMGB1, TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor88 (MYD88), Phosphorylated Nuclear Factor κB (pNF-κB) p65] in the stimulated cells were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The levels of the proinflammatory mediators [including HMGB1, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] in the supernatants of the stimulated cells were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: EP downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of HMGB1, inhibited the TLR4 signaling pathways (TLR4, MYD88 and pNF-κB p65) and reduced the secretion of proinflammatory mediators (HMGB1, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α) in the SW480 and THP-1 cells activated by LPS but not in the unstimulated cells. Activated by LPS, the overexpression of HMGB1 A-box in the SW480 cells also inhibited the HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathways and reduced the secretion of these proinflammatory mediators in the THP-1 cells but not in the transfected and unstimulated cells. CONCLUSION: HMGB1 A-box, not only EP, can reduce LPS-induced intestinal inflammation through inhibition of the HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathways.

Is maximum primary tumor diameter still a prognostic factor in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated using intensity-modulated radiotherapy?

BACKGROUND: Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has represented a technical milestone that has facilitated the clinical implementation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of maximum primary tumor diameter (MPTD) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated using IMRT. METHODS: Five-hundred and sixty-six patients with non-metastatic, histologically-confirmed NPC were retrospectively reviewed. MPTD was measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients were treated using IMRT; 87.5% (456/521) of patients with Stage T3-T4/N1-N3 disease also received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the optimal MPTD cut-off point and examine the prognostic value of combining MPTD with the current T classification criteria. RESULTS: Median follow-up for all patients was 36 months (range, 1-52 months). The 3-year overall survival (OS), failure-free survival (FFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and local relapse-free survival (LRFS) rates for patients with a MPTD ≤41 vs. >41 mm were 96.1% vs. 85.4%, 93.7% vs. 74.7%, 96.1% vs. 79.7%, and 98.1% vs. 92.9%, respectively (all P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, MPTD was an independent prognostic factor for OS, FFS, DMFS and LRFS in all patients (all P < 0.05). Among stage T3-T4 patients, the 3-year OS, FFS, DMFS, and LRFS rates for patients with a MPTD ≤41 vs. >41 mm were 96.9% vs. 84.5%, 95.4% vs. 73.5%, 96.1% vs. 79.2%, and 99.3% vs. 92.6%, respectively (all P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, MPTD was also an independent prognostic factor for OS, FFS and DMFS in stage T3-T4 patients (all P < 0.05), and the difference in LRFS was almost statistically significant (P = 0.05). ROC curves verified that inclusion of MPTD improved the predictive value of the current T classification criteria (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MPTD was an independent prognostic factor in patients with NPC treated using IMRT, and significantly improved the prognostic value of the current T classification criteria for NPC.

Furazolidone-based triple and quadruple eradication therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of furazolidone-based triple and quadruple therapy in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in a multi-center randomized controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 720 H. pylori positive patients with duodenal ulcer disease were enrolled at 10 different hospitals in Jiangxi province in China. The patients were randomly assigned to four treatment groups as follows: patients in Groups 1 and 3 received rabeprazole (10 mg), amoxicillin (1000 mg) and furazolidone (100 mg) twice daily for 7 and 10 d, respectively; patients in Groups 2 and 4 received rabeprazole (10 mg), bismuth (220 mg), amoxicillin (1000 mg) and furazolidone (100 mg) twice daily for 7 and 10 d, respectively. The primary outcome measure was H. pylori eradication rate 4 wk after treatment by intention-to-treat and per protocol analysis, while the secondary outcome measures were symptom and sign changes at the end of treatment and 4 wk after the end of treatment, as well as the proportion of patients who developed adverse events. RESULTS: The demographic data of the four groups were not significantly different. Overall, 666 patients completed the scheme and were re-assessed with the (13)C-urea breath test. The intention-to-treat analysis of the H. pylori eradication rates in Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 74.44%, 82.78%, 78.89% and 86.11%, respectively. The H. pylori eradication rate in Group 4 was significantly higher than that in Group 1. According to the per protocol analysis, the H. pylori eradication rates in Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 81.21%, 89.22%, 85.54% and 92.26%, respectively. The H. pylori eradication rate in Group 4 was significantly higher than that in Group 1. The number of adverse events was 15 (8.3%), 16 (8.9%), 15 (8.3%) and 17 (9.4%) in Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, including dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, skin rash, itchy skin, and malaise. The symptoms were relieved without special treatment in all of the patients. CONCLUSION: Both 7- and 10-d quadruple furazolidone-based therapies achieve satisfactory H. pylori eradication rates.

A modified decision tree algorithm based on genetic algorithm for mobile user classification problem.

In order to offer mobile customers better service, we should classify the mobile user firstly. Aimed at the limitations of previous classification methods, this paper puts forward a modified decision tree algorithm for mobile user classification, which introduced genetic algorithm to optimize the results of the decision tree algorithm. We also take the context information as a classification attributes for the mobile user and we classify the context into public context and private context classes. Then we analyze the processes and operators of the algorithm. At last, we make an experiment on the mobile user with the algorithm, we can classify the mobile user into Basic service user, E-service user, Plus service user, and Total service user classes and we can also get some rules about the mobile user. Compared to C4.5 decision tree algorithm and SVM algorithm, the algorithm we proposed in this paper has higher accuracy and more simplicity.

Primary tumor regression speed after radiotherapy and its prognostic significance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: To observe the primary tumor (PT) regression speed after radiotherapy (RT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and evaluate its prognostic significance. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-eight consecutive newly diagnosed NPC patients were reviewed retrospectively. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging and fiberscope examination of the nasopharynx before RT, during RT when the accumulated dose was 46-50 Gy, at the end of RT, and 3-4 months after RT. RESULTS: Of 188 patients, 40.4% had complete response of PT (CRPT), 44.7% had partial response of PT (PRPT), and 14.9% had stable disease of PT (SDPT) at the end of RT. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for patients with CRPT, PRPT, and SDPT at the end of RT were 84.0%, 70.7%, and 44.3%, respectively (P < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.177, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.480-3.202). The 5-year failure-free survival (FFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates also differed significantly (87.8% vs. 74.3% vs. 52.7%, P = 0.001, HR = 2.148, 95% CI, 1.384-3.333; 91.7% vs. 84.7% vs. 66.1%, P = 0.004, HR = 2.252, 95% CI = 1.296-3.912). The 5-year local relapse-free survival (LRFS) rates were not significantly different (95.8% vs. 86.0% vs. 81.8%, P = 0.137, HR = 1.975, 95% CI, 0.976-3.995). By multivariate analyses, the PT regression speed at the end of RT was the only independent prognostic factor of OS, FFS, and DMFS (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.004, respectively). The 5-year FFS rates for patients with CRPT during RT and CRPT only at the end of RT were 80.2% and 97.1%, respectively (P = 0.033). For patients with persistent PT at the end of RT, the 5-year LRFS rates of patients without and with boost irradiation were 87.1% and 84.6%, respectively (P = 0.812). CONCLUSIONS: PT regression speed at the end of RT was an independent prognostic factor of OS, FFS, and DMFS in NPC patients. Immediate strengthening treatment may be provided to patients with poor tumor regression at the end of RT.