The decay of coronavirus in sewage pipes and the development of a predictive model for the estimation of SARS-CoV-2 infection cases based on wastewater surveillance

Wastewater surveillance serves as a promising approach to elucidate the silent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a given community by detecting the virus in wastewater treatment facilities. This study monitored the viral RNA abundance at one WWTP and three communities during the COVID-19 outbreak in the Yanta district of Xian city from December 2021 to January 2022. To further understand the decay of the coronavirus in sewage pipes, avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was seeded in two recirculating water systems and operated for 90 days. Based on the viral abundance in the wastewater of Xian and the above data regarding the decay of coronavirus in sewage pipes, Monte Carol simulations were performed to estimate the infectious cases in Xian. The results suggested that the delta variant was first detected on Dec-10, five days earlier than the reported date of clinical samples. SARS-CoV-2 was detected on December 18 in the monitored community two days earlier than the first case and was consecutively detected in the following two sampling times. In pipelines without biofilms, the results showed that high temperature significantly reduced the viral RNA abundance by 2.18 log10 GC/L after experiencing 20 km travel distance, while only a 1.68 log10 GC/L reduction was observed in the pipeline with a low water temperature. After 90 days of operation, the biofilm matured in the pipeline in both systems. Reductions of viral RNA abundance of 2.14 and 4.79 log10 GC/L were observed in low- and high-temperature systems with mature biofilms, respectively. Based on the above results, we adjusted the input parameters for Monte Carol simulation and estimated 23.3, 50.1, 127.3 and 524.2 infected persons in December 14, 18, 22 and 26, respectively, which is largely consistent with the clinical reports. This work highlights the viability of wastewater surveillance for the early warning of COVID-19 at both the community and city levels, which represents a valuable complement to clinical approaches.

Effects of elevated pulmonary artery pressure measured by echocardiography on clinical characteristics and adverse events in patients with acute pulmonary embolism / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the effect of elevated pulmonary artery pressure measured by echocardiography on clinical characteristics and adverse events in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.Methods:Retrospective analysis hospitalized patients with acute pulmonary embolism diagnosed in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 were divided into elevated pulmonary artery pressure group and control group according to pulmonary artery pressure measured by echocardiography. The differences between the two groups in admission baseline data, admission basic situation, admission hematology examination, admission imaging examination, in-hospital medication and in-hospital adverse events were compared.Results:A total of 568 patients with acute pulmonary embolism were included, including 178 in the elevated pulmonary artery pressure group and 390 in the control group. The data analysis of the two groups showed that the proportion of height, weight, body mass index, smoking history, coronary heart disease history, stroke history, diabetes history, chronic heart failure history, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease history and chronic renal insufficiency history in the group with elevated pulmonary artery pressure was significantly higher than that in the control group. The proportion of fracture in the group with elevated pulmonary artery pressure was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the proportion of tumor and heart rate were significantly higher than those in the control group. The hemoglobin, international standardized ratio, D-dimer, PaO 2, SaO 2, etc. of patients with elevated pulmonary artery pressure were significantly lower than those of the control group, and TnI, B-type natriuretic peptide, etc. were significantly higher than those of the control group. The left ventricular ejection fraction of patients with elevated pulmonary artery pressure was significantly lower than those of the control group, and the left ventricular end diastolic diameter, the proportion of mitral regurgitation, the proportion of tricuspid regurgitation, and the proportion of pulmonary artery embolism were significantly higher than those of the control group. The use proportion of rivaroxaban in patients with elevated pulmonary artery pressure was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the use proportion of aspirin and warfarin was significantly higher than that in the control group. The incidence of all-cause death, acute heart failure and in-hospital hemorrhage in the group with elevated pulmonary artery pressure was significantly higher than that in the control group. There was no significant difference in other indexes between the two groups. Conclusions:There are some differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis between patients with acute pulmonary embolism complicated with elevated pulmonary artery pressure and patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure. The increase of pulmonary artery pressure may increase the risk of all-cause death, acute heart failure and nosocomial bleeding to a certain extent.

Construction and efficacy evaluation of Rb luciferase reporter gene detection system / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To construct the Rb luciferase reporter gene assay system and detect the activation ability of Rb gene for screening the targeted drugs. 【Methods】 The synthetic Rb gene sequence was annealed to form a double-stranded DNA structure and then inserted into the polyclonal site of pGL6-TA. The junction product was transformed into E.coli DH5α competent cells for expanded culture, and the constructed pGL6-Rb-Luc plasmid and pGL6-TA plasmid were transfected into HEK293 cells. The monoclonal cell line HEK293-Rb-Luc with stable expression was screened by G418, and the activation and inhibition of Rb in HEK293-Rb-Luc were tested by serum and CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib. 【Results】 The sequence of Rb reaction elements in pGL6-Rb-Luc was completely correct. The recovery of serum culture significantly increased the luciferase activity in HEK293-Rb-Luc (P<0.001). Compared with 0 nmol/L, 25, 50, 75 and 100 nmol/L, CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib made the inhibition rate of Rb activity rise to 6.90%, 40.23%, 50.57% and 52.07%, respectively (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The Rb luciferase reporter gene detection system HEK293-Rb-Luc was successfully constructed, which can effectively detect the activation level of Rb.

Evaluating new evidence in the early dynamics of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China with real time domestic traffic and potential asymptomatic transmissions

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19), first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has spread to 28 countries/regions with over 43,000 confirmed cases. Much about this outbreak is still unknown. At this early stage of the epidemic, it is important to investigate alternative sources of information to understand its dynamics and spread. With updated real time domestic traffic, this study aims to integrate recent evidence of international evacuees extracted from Wuhan between Jan. 29 and Feb. 2, 2020 to infer the dynamics of the COVD-19 outbreak in Wuhan. In addition, a modified SEIR model was used to evaluate the empirical support for the presence of asymptomatic transmissions. Based on the data examined, this study found little evidence for the presence of asymptomatic transmissions. However, it is still too early to rule out its presence conclusively due to sample size and other limitations. The updated basic reproductive number was found to be 2.12 on average with a 95% credible interval of [2.04, 2.18]. It is smaller than previous estimates probably because the new estimate factors in the social and non-pharmaceutical mitigation implemented in Wuhan through the evacuee dataset. Detailed predictions of infected individuals exported both domestically and internationally were produced. The estimated case confirmation rate has been low but has increased steadily to 23.37% on average. The findings of this study depend on the validity of the underlying assumptions, and continuing work is needed, especially in monitoring the current infection status of Wuhan residents.

Correlation between preoperative blood glucose level and clinicopathologic characteristics of pancreatic cancer / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics of pancreatic cancer patients and explore the relationship between preoperative blood glucose level and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 267 patients treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2015 to September 2016 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. We also studied the correlation between preoperative blood glucose level and clinicopathologic characteristics of pancreatic cancer. Results: For the study we selected 110 patients (68 males and 42 females) aged between 41 and 84 years with the mean age of (61.34±10.33) years. Among them, 74 (67.27%) of them had preoperative blood glucose level (>6.1 mmol/L) higher than normal level. In addition, 57 patients (51.81%) and 33 patients (30.0%) had CEA level and CA125 level significantly higher than normal and 83 patients (75.45%) had higher CA199 level. There were 56 patients (50.91%)with tumor size over 3 cm and 73 (66.36%) with the tumor located in the head of pancreas. There were 92.73% of patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, 2.73% with squamous carcinoma, 2.73% with adenosquamous carcinoma and 1.81% with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma. As for pathological grading, there were 6 cases diagnosed with highly differentiated tumors, 65 cases moderate, 12 moderate to low differentiated, and 27 lowly differentiated tumors. For clinical stage, 2, 13, 27, 20, 15 and 33 patients were detected in stage A, IIIB, ⅡA, ⅡB, III and , respectively. In addition, there were 19 patients detected with lymph node metastases, 22 with distal metastases and 22 with neural invasion. All the 110 patients were followed up effectively, with the average follow-up duration of (4.6±3.8) months. Until the last time we followed up all the patients, we found the tumor relapsed in 14 patients. The median survival time of patients with normal blood glucose was 10 months, while it was only 4 months in patients with high blood glucose. Preoperative blood glucose level was closely related with the patients' prognosis and tumor size, TNM stage, distal metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and neural invasion. Conclusion: High blood glucose level is one of the risk factors for the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer.

Therapeutic effect of the combined treatment with acupuncture and venlafaxine hydrochloride on depression based on diffusion tensor imaging technology / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effectiveness and safety of the combined treatment with acupuncture and venlafaxine hydrochloride on depression in terms of the microstructure change of white matter fiber tracts of brain based on diffusion tensor imaging technology (DTI).@*METHODS@#The prospective study design was adopted. All of 60 patients with depression were randomized into an acupuncture-medication group and a medication group, 30 cases in each one. In the medication group, venlafaxine hydrochloride was used, 75 mg per day in the 1st week, 150 mg per day in the 2nd week and 225 mg per day from the 3rd to 6th week. In the acupuncture-medication group, on the base of the treatment in the medication group, acupuncture was combined. Baihui (GV 20) and Yintang (GV 29) were the main acupoints. The supplementary acupoints were selected according to the clinical symptoms of individuals. The needles were retained for 30 min. Acupuncture was provided once every 2 days, 3 times a week. The consecutive 12 weeks of treatment were required in the two groups. Additionally, a normal group was prepared with 30 healthy volunteers. Separately, before treatment, in 2, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD-17), Beck depression inventory scale (BDI) and the antidepressant side effect scale (SERS) were adopted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the two groups. Moreover, before and after 12 weeks of treatment, DTI was adopted to detect the fractional anisotropy score (FA) of each brain region in the patients.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of HAMD-17 and BDI were all reduced in the two groups (0.05). Compared with the healthy volunteers, FA scores in 6 brain regions changed obviously in the patients with depression, including the white matter of bilateral frontal lobes, splenium of corpus callosum, left cingulated gyrus, white matter of bilateral inferior temporal gyrus, white matter of bilateral inferior parietal lobe and white matter of bilateral deep temporal occipital region separately. Before treatment, the differences in FA scores of these 6 brain regions were not significant statistically between the two groups (>0.05). After treatment, FA scores in the white matter of bilateral frontal lobes, white matter of bilateral inferior temporal gyrus and white matter of bilateral deep temporal occipital region in the acupuncture-medication group were all higher than those in the medication group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture repairs the brain white matter fiber tracts in some brain regions to certain extent and the therapeutic effects are enhanced with the adjuvant medication of venlafaxine hydrochloride.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and inpatient adverse events of elderly patients with Stanford A type of aortic dissection / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To illustrate the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection and to discuss the incidence of such inpatients' adverse events. Methods A retrospective study was conducted, 588 patients with definite diagnosis of Stanford type A aortic dissection admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2013 to December 2015 were enrolled, and they were divided into an elderly group (≥60 years, 79 cases) and a non-elderly group (< 60 years, 509 cases). The differences of general clinical data, results of hospitalization-related examinations, medication for treatment, surgical intervention and inpatient adverse events between the two groups were compared. Results Compared with non-elderly group, the proportion of male, age, stature, body mass index (BMI), proportion of alcohol history, hemoglobin (Hb), incidence of acute liver failure in hospital in elderly group were decreased significantly [proportion of male: 60.8% (48/79) vs. 80.6% (410/504), age (years):64.81±4.66 vs. 45.05±8.63, stature (cm): 169.41±8.09 vs. 173.39±7.59, BMI (kg/m2): 24.24±2.93 vs. 25.50±3.82, proportion of alcohol history: 12.7% (10/79) vs. 22.4% (114/509), Hb (g/L): 122.62±21.14 vs. 128.42±23.44, incidence of acute liver failure: 0 (0/79) vs. 5.3% (21/509), all P < 0.05], the proportion of diabetes history, proportion of cerebrovascular diseases, all-cause mortality in this hospital in elderly group were increased significantly [proportion of diabetes history: 24.1% (62/79) vs. 8.8% (45/509), proportion of cerebrovascular diseases: 6.3% (5/79) vs. 2.2% (11/509), all-cause mortality: 16.5% (13/79) vs. 7.1% (36/509), all P < 0.05], and the left ventricular end diastolic internal diameter (LVEDD) in elderly group decreased significantly (mm: 48.38±6.11 vs. 50.77±7.56, P <0.05). Conclusion The elderly patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection suffer from more complications and higher mortality, therefore, the risk consciousness should be strengthened for the senile patients and more attention should be paid on the prevention of the elderly inpatients' adverse events.

3-Bromopyruvate enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through CHOP-dependent upregulation of TRAIL-R2.

Past reports have shown that the sensitivity of cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis is related to their expression of TRAIL-death receptors on the cell surface. However, the level of TRAIL-death receptors expression on cancer cells is always low. Our previous research showed that nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells have a poor sensitivity to low doses of TRAIL. Here, we evaluated combined treatment with the energy inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate (3BP) and TRAIL as a method to produce an increased apoptotic response in NPC cells. The results showed that 3BP and TRAIL together produced higher cytotoxicity and increased TRAIL-R2 expression in NPC cells compared with the effects of either 3BP or TRAIL alone. These findings led us to hypothesize that 3BP may sensitize NPC cells to TRAIL. 3BP is a metabolic blocker that inhibits hexokinase II activity, suppresses ATP production, and induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Our results showed that 3BP also activated AMP-activated protein kinase, which we found to play an important role in the induction of ER stress by 3BP. Furthermore, the induction of TRAIL-R2 expression and the sensitization of the NPC cells to TRAIL by 3BP were reduced when we inhibited the expression of CHOP. Taken together, our results showed that a low dose of 3BP sensitized NPC cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by the upregulation of CHOP, which was mediated by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and ER stress. The results showed that 3BP is a promising candidate agent for enhancing the therapeutic response to TRAIL in NPC.

Optimization of Processing Technology for Processed Morinda Officinalis Based on Monotropein Content / 中国药师

Objective:To optimize the processing technology of processed Morinda Officinalis by taking monotropein content as the index. Methods:The amount of licorice,stir frying time and cooking pot temperature were used as the investigation factors in orthogonal experiments design,and an HPLC method was used to determine the content with he following chromatographic conditions:Kromalsil C18 chromatographic column(200 mm × 4. 6 mm,5μm),mobile phase of methanol-0. 4% phosphoric acid solution(90 ∶10),the column tem-perature at 30℃,the flow rate at 1 ml·min-1 ,the detection wavelength at 233 nm and the sample size of 5μl. Results:The monotropein content of each processed Morinda Officinalis sample after different processing was:0. 535 6, 0. 582 4, 0. 523 4, 0. 589 1, 0. 578 6, 0. 587 8,0. 575 2,0. 609 1 and 0. 558 7 mg·g-1,which showed that the processing technology could affect,the monotropein content. Conclusion:The best processing technology of preparation Morinda Officinalis based on Monotropein content is: Liquorice of 6%,stir time of 10min and boiling pot temperature at 100 ℃.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis of X-linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective]To establish a reliable and accurate preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)method using multiple dis?placement amplification (MDA), which can be applied to the diagnosis of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease (X-SCID).[Methods]Haplotype analysis for the X-SCID family was performedusing five short tandem repeats (STR) markers flanking the both sides of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma chain (IL2RG) gene. MDA technique was used for single-cell whole genomic amplification. The products were used as template in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of informative STR markers found by linkage analysis for haplotype analysis as well as sequencing of the IL2RG gene exon 5.The amelogenin (AMEL) locus was used to do sex diag?nosis.[Results]Linked analysis revealed 3 STR markers were informative. The method was evaluated with 10 single lymphocytes and 10 single blastomeres. MDA was successful in all single cell. The detection efficiency of gene sequencing of pathogenic IL 2RG exon5 was 100%. The PCR efficiency of 3 STR informative markers and AMEL was 96.3%(77/80)and the average allele drop-out (ADO) rate was 11.5%(7/61). A cycle of PGD was performed on the family, and seven embryos were diagnosed, two of which were normal embry?os. Twin pregnancy occurred after transplantation which were given a healthy baby boy and a healthy baby girl.[Conclusion]In this study, multiple displacement amplification combined with specific amplification/sequencing of pathogenic gene and haplotype analysis in the single cell level of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease were performed. The protocol can avoid misdiagnosis caused by contamination and ADO, and improve the diagnostic efficiency of PGD.

Influence of Different Processing Methods on Polysaccharide Content in Morinda Officinalis(Ⅰ) / 医药导报

Objective To compare the influence of different processing methods on polysaccharide content in Morinda Officinalis. Methods Reflux extraction was performed with 80% ethanol.Ultraviolet spectrophotometery was used to determine the polysaccharide content after Phenol-sulferic acid method. Results Morinda officinalis was treated with different processing methods to remove moody core.The polysaccharide content in Morinda officinalis was the highest by cooking method (4.001 ± 0.004)%,and the next was steaming method with salt (2.312 ± 0.006)%,the sequence of the others was moistening method (2.163±0.010)%,steaming method after soaking (1.910±0.008)%,soaking method (1.731±0.008)% and steaming method (1.123±0.013)%. Conclusion The highest polysaccharide content is obtained in Morinda officinalis when processed by cooking method for removing woody core.

Optimization of extraction technology for Fufang-Fuqing-Xiji by orthogonal test combined with Plackett-Burman experimental design / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To optimize extraction technology of Fufang-Fuqing-Xiji.Methods Orthogonal test combined with Plackett-Burman experimental design was adopted to study the influence factors of water extraction in Fufang-Fuqing-Xiji. The contents of chlorogenic acid, paeoniflorin and caffeic acid in Fufang-Fuqing-Xiji were determined by HPLC gradient elution method at the same time. A multi-index comprehensive score method was applied to analyze the data and to screen the optimum extraction technology. Results The best extraction conditions of Fufang-Fuqing-Xiji were as following: threaded 80 mesh sieve, soaked 2 h, decocted 3 times with 12 times the amount of water for 1h each time.Conclusions This optimized extraction technology was rational and stable, which could be used for the extraction ofFufang-Fuqing-Xiji.

Effects of LCL161, a Smac mimetic on the proliferation and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of LCL161, a Smac mimetic, on the proliferation and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the underlying mechanisms. 
@*METHODS@#The effect of LCL161 on the cell viability of HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells was measured by MTT assay. The effect of LCL161 at lower concentrations on the proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells was detected by colony formation assay. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry with PI staining. The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by JC-1 staining. The expression of PARP, p-Akt, cIAP1 and XIAP protein was analyzed by Western blot.
@*RESULTS@#LCL161 displayed notable antiproliferative activity on HCC cells at the concentrations of 1-16 μmol/L (P<0.01), with IC50 values of 4.3 and 4.9 μmol/L for HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells, respectively, after treatment for 48 h. LCL161 at lower concentrations obviously inhibited the colony formation of HCC cells. LCL161 induced significant apoptosis in HCC cells (P<0.01), and resulted in the apoptotic rate at (1.5±0.8)% or (1.8±0.6)% , (15.2±2.8)% or (12.2±2.4)%, (28.7±3.0)% or (22.4±2.7)%, (34.6±2.3)% or (30.2±2.4)% for HepG2 cells or SMMC7721 cells at the concentration of 0, 2, 4 or 8 μmol/L, respectively. The result of JC-1 staining indicated that the mitochondrial membrane potential of HCC cells was reduced by LCL161. In addition, LCL161 promoted the cleavage of PARP, down-regulated the protein expression of p-Akt, and degraded cIAP1.
@*CONCLUSION@#LCL161 possesses significant anti-proliferative activity and pro-apoptotic action in HepG2 and SMMC7721 cells, which might be correlated with reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, down-regulation of p-Akt and degradation of cIAP1.

Autophagy Attenuates MnCl2-induced Apoptosis in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of autophagy in MnCl2-induced apoptosis in human bronchial epithelial 16HBE cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Autophagic vacuoles were detected by fluorescence microscopy. Cellular levels of apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins were measured by western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>16HBE cell proliferation was inhibited by MnCl2 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. MnCl2-induced 16HBE cell growth inhibition was related to MMP depolarization prior to the induction of apoptosis. Our data revealed that MnCl2-induced apoptosis in 16HBE cells was mediated by decreased expression of Bcl-2 and increased levels of cleaved caspase-3. It was observed that when we exposed 16HBE cells to MnCl2 in a dose-dependent manner, the formation of autophagic vacuoles and the levels of LC-3B-II were elevated. RNA interference of LC3B in these MnCl2-exposed cells demonstrated that MMP loss and apoptosis were enhanced. Additionally, the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK increased the cellular levels of Bcl-2 and decreased apoptosis, but did not affect the cellular levels of LC3B in MnCl2-treated 16HBE cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MnCl2 dose- and time-dependently inhibits 16HBE cell proliferation and induces MMP loss and apoptosis. Autophagy acts in a protective role against MnCl2-induced apoptosis in 16HBE cells.</p>

Qualitative Identification and Quantitative Analysis of Paeoniae Radix Rubra in Fufang Fuqing Lotion / 中国药师

Objective:To study the qualitative identification and quantitative analysis of Paeoniae radix Rubra in Fufang Fuqing lotion. Methods:TLC was used to identify Paeoniae radix Rubra. The content of paeoniflorinl was determined by HPLC. The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0. 01% phosphonic acid (13 ∶87), and the detection wavelength was 230 nm,the flow rate was 1. 0ml·min-1, the column temperature was 40℃,and the sample size was 10μl. Results:The results of TLC showed that the relevant spots were clear without any interference from the negative sample. The calibration curve of paeoniflorinl was linear within the range of 0. 070-4. 500 μg (r=1. 000 0). The average recovery was 98. 36% with RSD of 2. 73%(n=6). Conclusion:The methods are accurate and quick in the qualitative identification and quantitative assay of the preparation, which can be used for the quality control of Fufang Fuqing lo-tion.

S phase cell percentage normalized BrdU incorporation rate, a new parameter for determining S arrest / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

In this study, a new parameter, S phase cell percentage (S fraction) normalized BrdU (SFN-BrdU) incorporation rate, was introduced to detect S arrest. The results showed a positive linear correlation between the BrdU incorporation rate and the S fraction in unperturbed 16HBE cells. Theoretical analysis indicated that only S arrest could result in a decrease in the SFN-BrdU incorporation rate. Additionally, the decrease in SFN-BrdU incorporation rate and the activation of DNA damage checkpoints further demonstrated that S arrest was induced by diethyl sulfate treatment of 16HBE cells. In conclusion, SFN-BrdU incorporation rate can be used to detecting S arrest.

Intra-operative rectal washout can effectively prevent local tumor recurrence: a Meta-analysis / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective To investigate the effect of rectal washout on prevention of local recurrence in patients with resectable rectal cancer.Methods Relevant studies published on PubMed,Embase database and Google between January 1980 and June 2013 were identified and reviewed.A meta-analysis was performed to compute the risk ratio (RR) and evaluate the effect of rectal washout on local recurrence in patients included in the reviewed studies.Results Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis,in which a total of 427 patients underwent rectal washout and 492 did not during rectal cancer resection.The patients had an overall local recurrence (LR) rate of 6.64 ％ (61/919).Rectal washout,no matter which type of washout solution was used,significantly reduced the risks of local recurrence (3.75 ％,16/427 vs 9.15 ％,45/492,RR =0.46,95 ％ CI =0.26-0.82,P =0.008).Patients with rectal washout showed a low LR rate,when compared with those in the three subgroups who underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) (5.18 ％,10/193 vs 5.32 ％,10/188).However,there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of LR among the three subgroups (RR =0.99,95 ％ CI =0.42-2.30,P =0.98; RR =0.44,95 ％ CI =0.18-1.04,P =0.06; RR =0.46,95 ％ CI =0.20-1.04,P =0.06,respectively).Conclusions The intra-operative rectal washout largely reduces local recurrence after anterior resection of rectal cancer.Rectal washout should be applied routinely during anterior resection.

Relationship between masseter muscle electromyographic activities and the position of the mandible / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes in electromyographic activities of the temporal and masseter muscles at different positions of the mandible.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty orthodontic patients with Angle Class II malocclusion and mandibular retrusion (ANB<6°) aged 10-14 years were enrolled in this study. All the patients were treated with Forsus fixed functional appliance combined with MBT straight-wire appliance. The electromyographic activities of the temporal (T) and masseter (M) muscles before, during and after functional treatment were evaluated by assessing the average integrated electromyogram (EMG) and T/M ratio at clenching status in different mandibular positions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After functional forward positioning of the mandible, the electromyographic activities of the temporal and masseter muscles decreased and T/M ratio increased significance at the clenching status (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The appliance insertion and activation is associated with a decreased EMG activity of the temporal and masseter muscles, and the T/M ratio is correlated to the position of the mandible.</p>

Meta-analysis of the risk factors for clinical anastomotic leakage after resection of rectal cancer in China / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the risk factors for clinical anastomotic leakage after resection of rectal cancer in China. Methods By meta-analysis we made a comprehensive analysis of the risk factors for clinical anastomotic leakage after resection of rectal cancer based on 19 articles published in China between January 1999 and January 2009. Results The anastomotic leakage rate was higher in the patients aged 60 years old and above than in those younger, with the combined odds ratio (OR) value being 0.50 (95% CI: 0.33-0.76) (P<0.01). The incidence rate was higher in the male patients than in the female ones, with the combined OR value being 2.17 (95% CI: 1.38-3.42) (P<0.01). The incidence rate in the patients with the distance of tumor from the lower margin to anal verge being 7cm and shorter was higher than that with longer distance, with the combined OR value being 1.79 (95% CI: 1.37-2.35) (P<0.01). The incidence rate in the patients who had received radiotherapy preoperatively was higher than that in those who had not, with the combined OR value of 3.66 (95% CI: 2.19-6.09) (P<0.01). The incidence rate in the patients who had received stapler anastomosis was higher than that in the patients who had received manual anastomosis, with the combined OR value being 0.70 (95% CI: 0.47-1.05), but there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). The incidence rate was higher in the patients with diabetes mellitus than in the healthy ones, with the combined OR value being 3.16 (95% CI: 2.27-4.39) (P<0.01). The incidence rate was lower in the patients with Dukes A and B stages than in those with Dukes C and D stages, with the combined OR value being 0.61 (95% CI: 0.45-0.83) (P<0.01). The incidence rate in the patients with high malignance degree in clinicopathological types was higher than that with low malignance degree, with the combined OR value being 2.17 (95% CI: 1.38-3.42) (P<0.01). The incidence rate was lower in the patients who had received preventive colostomy than in those who had not, with the combined OR value being 0.39 (95% CI: 0.14-1.05), but there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). The incidence rate was higher in the patients who had got selective operation than in those who had got emergency operation, with the combined OR value being 0.27 (95% CI: 0.13-0.56). Conclusion The risk factors of anastomotic leakage after resection of rectal cancer are as follows: 60 years old and above, male patients, diabetes mellitus, preoperative neo-adjuvant radiotherapy, the distance of tumor from the lower margin to the anal verge being shorter than 7cm, Dukes C and D stages, high malignance degree in clinicopathological types, and emergency operation.

Vinorelbine and cisplatin combined with endostatin as the first-line therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer / 药物分析学报

Objective Systemic chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer is still a difficult problem in clinical practice. The standard chemotherapy of pancreatic cancer has been gemcitabine, but the response rate is low. Therefore, it is in urgent need to explore an effective clinical therapy for this cancer. This paper, a case report, is aimed at discussing the effectiveness of vinorelbine and cisplatin combined with endostatin as the first-line therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer. Methods A 52-year-old female patient was diagnosed with pancreas cancer with liver metastasis at the time of the first visit to our hospital. Systemic chemotherapy with vinorelbine and cisplatin combined with endostatin was conducted. Results Liver metastases almost disappeared after the first cycle of chemotherapy. The primary tumor decreased by one third in size after four cycles and disappeared after the sixth cycle according to the CT scan evaluation. Conclusion Vinorelbine and cisplatin combined with endostatin can be a promising regimen for metastatic pancreatic cancer.