Comparative Long Non-Coding Transcriptome Analysis of Three Contrasting Barley Varieties in Response to Aluminum Stress.

Aluminum toxicity is a major abiotic stress on acidic soils, leading to restricted root growth and reduced plant yield. Long non-coding RNAs are crucial signaling molecules regulating the expression of downstream genes, particularly under abiotic stress conditions. However, the extent to which lncRNAs participate in the response to aluminum (Al) stress in barley remains largely unknown. Here, we conducted RNA sequencing of root samples under aluminum stress and compared the lncRNA transcriptomes of two Tibetan wild barley genotypes, XZ16 (Al-tolerant) and XZ61 (Al-sensitive), as well as the aluminum-tolerant cultivar Dayton. In total, 268 lncRNAs were identified as aluminum-responsive genes on the basis of their differential expression profiles under aluminum treatment. Through target gene prediction analysis, we identified 938 candidate lncRNA-messenger RNA (mRNA) pairs that function in a cis-acting manner. Subsequently, enrichment analysis showed that the genes targeted by aluminum-responsive lncRNAs were involved in diterpenoid biosynthesis, peroxisome function, and starch/sucrose metabolism. Further analysis of genotype differences in the transcriptome led to the identification of 15 aluminum-responsive lncRNAs specifically altered by aluminum stress in XZ16. The RNA sequencing data were further validated by RT-qPCR. The functional roles of lncRNA-mRNA interactions demonstrated that these lncRNAs are involved in the signal transduction of secondary messengers, and a disease resistance protein, such as RPP13-like protein 4, is probably involved in aluminum tolerance in XZ16. The current findings significantly contribute to our understanding of the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in aluminum tolerance and extend our knowledge of their importance in plant responses to aluminum stress.

Zero-shot learning enables instant denoising and super-resolution in optical fluorescence microscopy.

Computational super-resolution methods, including conventional analytical algorithms and deep learning models, have substantially improved optical microscopy. Among them, supervised deep neural networks have demonstrated outstanding performance, however, demanding abundant high-quality training data, which are laborious and even impractical to acquire due to the high dynamics of living cells. Here, we develop zero-shot deconvolution networks (ZS-DeconvNet) that instantly enhance the resolution of microscope images by more than 1.5-fold over the diffraction limit with 10-fold lower fluorescence than ordinary super-resolution imaging conditions, in an unsupervised manner without the need for either ground truths or additional data acquisition. We demonstrate the versatile applicability of ZS-DeconvNet on multiple imaging modalities, including total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, three-dimensional wide-field microscopy, confocal microscopy, two-photon microscopy, lattice light-sheet microscopy, and multimodal structured illumination microscopy, which enables multi-color, long-term, super-resolution 2D/3D imaging of subcellular bioprocesses from mitotic single cells to multicellular embryos of mouse and C. elegans.

CRISPR-dCas13-tracing reveals transcriptional memory and limited mRNA export in developing zebrafish embryos.

BACKGROUND: Understanding gene transcription and mRNA-protein (mRNP) dynamics in single cells in a multicellular organism has been challenging. The catalytically dead CRISPR-Cas13 (dCas13) system has been used to visualize RNAs in live cells without genetic manipulation. We optimize this system to track developmentally expressed mRNAs in zebrafish embryos and to understand features of endogenous transcription kinetics and mRNP export. RESULTS: We report that zygotic microinjection of purified CRISPR-dCas13-fluorescent proteins and modified guide RNAs allows single- and dual-color tracking of developmentally expressed mRNAs in zebrafish embryos from zygotic genome activation (ZGA) until early segmentation period without genetic manipulation. Using this approach, we uncover non-synchronized de novo transcription between inter-alleles, synchronized post-mitotic re-activation in pairs of alleles, and transcriptional memory as an extrinsic noise that potentially contributes to synchronized post-mitotic re-activation. We also reveal rapid dCas13-engaged mRNP movement in the nucleus with a corralled and diffusive motion, but a wide varying range of rate-limiting mRNP export, which can be shortened by Alyref and Nxf1 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: This optimized dCas13-based toolkit enables robust spatial-temporal tracking of endogenous mRNAs and uncovers features of transcription and mRNP motion, providing a powerful toolkit for endogenous RNA visualization in a multicellular developmental organism.

Calcium transients on the ER surface trigger liquid-liquid phase separation of FIP200 to specify autophagosome initiation sites.

The mechanism that initiates autophagosome formation on the ER in multicellular organisms is elusive. Here, we showed that autophagy stimuli trigger Ca2+ transients on the outer surface of the ER membrane, whose amplitude, frequency, and duration are controlled by the metazoan-specific ER transmembrane autophagy protein EPG-4/EI24. Persistent Ca2+ transients/oscillations on the cytosolic ER surface in EI24-depleted cells cause accumulation of FIP200 autophagosome initiation complexes on the ER. This defect is suppressed by attenuating ER Ca2+ transients. Multi-modal SIM analysis revealed that Ca2+ transients on the ER trigger the formation of dynamic and fusion-prone liquid-like FIP200 puncta. Starvation-induced Ca2+ transients on lysosomes also induce FIP200 puncta that further move to the ER. Multiple FIP200 puncta on the ER, whose association depends on the ER proteins VAPA/B and ATL2/3, assemble into autophagosome formation sites. Thus, Ca2+ transients are crucial for triggering phase separation of FIP200 to specify autophagosome initiation sites in metazoans.

Genome-wide identification of sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase genes in maize and their responses to abiotic stresses.

Introduction: Protein kinases play an important role in plants in response to environmental changes through signal transduction. As a large family of protein kinases, sucrose non-fermenting-1 (SNF1)-related kinases (SnRKs) were found and functionally verified in many plants. Nevertheless, little is known about the SnRK family of Zea mays. Methods: Evolutionary relationships, chromosome locations, gene structures, conserved motifs, and cis-elements in promoter regions were systematically analyzed. Besides, tissue-specific and stress-induced expression patterns of ZmSnRKs were determined. Finally, functional regulatory networks between ZmSnRKs and other proteins or miRNAs were constructed. Results and Discussion: In total, 60 SnRK genes located on 10 chromosomes were discovered in maize. ZmSnRKs were classified into three subfamilies (ZmSnRK1, ZmSnRK2, and ZmSnRK3), consisting of 4, 14, and 42 genes, respectively. Gene structure analysis showed that 33 of the 42 ZmSnRK3 genes contained only one exon. Most ZmSnRK genes contained at least one ABRE, MBS, and LTR cis-element and a few ZmSnRK genes had AuxRR-core, P-box, MBSI, and SARE ciselements in their promoter regions. The Ka:Ks ratio of 22 paralogous ZmSnRK gene pairs revealed that the ZmSnRK gene family had experienced a purifying selection. Meanwhile, we analyzed the expression profiles of ZmSnRKs, and they exhibited significant differences in various tissues and abiotic stresses. In addition, A total of eight ZmPP2Cs, which can interact with ZmSnRK proteins, and 46 miRNAs, which can target 24 ZmSnRKs, were identified. Generally, these results provide valuable information for further function verification of ZmSnRKs, and improve our understanding of the role of ZmSnRKs in the climate resilience of maize.

Genetic variants, circulating levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 with risk of breast cancer: a case-control study and Mendelian randomization analysis / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To assess the association of genetic polymorphisms and circulating levels of chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) with risk of breast cancer. Methods: A total of 820 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer and 900 age-and area-of-residence-matched healthy controls who visited the hospital for routine health screening during the same period were included in this case-control study. Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using three widely followed functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MCP1 gene rs1024611, rs2857656 and rs4586 to construct instrumental variables . Results: MCP1 rs1024611 (OR=1.26, P=0.002), rs2857656 (OR=1.23, P=0.006) and rs4586 (OR=1.23, P=0.003) were significantly associated with increased risk of breast cancer. SNP rs1024611 (β=1.194, P<0.001), rs2857656 (β=1.221, P<0.001) and rs4586 (β=1.137, P<0.001) were positively correlated with higher circulating level of MCP1. The case-control study showed that an increase of 23.7 pg/ml of circulating levels of MCP1 was associated with a 0.25-fold increased risk of breast cancer. MR analysis confirmed that the genetic predicted circulating levels of MCP1 were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and the risk of breast cancer increased by 0.20 times with an increase of 23.7 pg/ml in MCP1. Conclusion: Genetic variants and circulating levels of MCP1 are significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer and can be used as a biomarker for early prediction of breast cancer.

Promising Therapeutic Targets in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma: PLXNA1 and PLXNB3.

Aims: This study sets out to identify dysregulated plexins and investigate their roles in KIRC through an integrated bioinformatics approach. Methods: RNA-sequencing data and clinicopathological information of KIRC, extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, were used to perform comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Results: Almost all plexin gene family members were dysregulated in KIRC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that PLXNA1/B3 were independent prognostic factors of overall survival in patients with KIRC. Mechanically, PLXNA1/B3 may promote ccRCC progression through several cancer-related signaling pathways, tumor immunity, and angiogenesis. Drug sensitivity analysis suggested that vemurafenib was the potential drug for PLXNA1/B3. Conclusion: Herein, we found that PLXNA1/B3 were independent prognostic factors, making them attractive new targets for KIRC treatment.

CARS as a Prognosis Factor in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Its Association with Tumor Immunity.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of CARS (cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and its biological action mechanisms. METHODS: Expression profiles and clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to estimate the CARS expression patterns in ccRCC, its relationship with clinicopathological variables, and prognosis of ccRCC and potential biological mechanisms in ccRCC. RESULTS: CARS was significantly elevated in ccRCC. Overexpression of CARS indicated disease progression. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses identified CARS as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in renal clear cell carcinoma. Mechanically, CARS influenced the progression of ccRCC through several tumor-related pathways. Additionally, we found that CARS was significantly associated with tumor mutational burden, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immunosuppressive molecules, methyltransferases, and mismatch repair proteins. CONCLUSION: CARS could serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ccRCC.

IQGAP3 May Serve as a Promising Biomarker in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

AIM: The study was designed to mine the expression and roles of IQGAP3 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS: Expression profiles and clinical information were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to estimate IQGAP3 expression in ccRCC, its relationship with patients' clinicopathological variables and prognosis, and the potential biological mechanisms. RESULTS: IQGAP3 was highly expressed in ccRCC and indicated advanced clinical outcome and poor prognosis. IQGAP3 affected the progression of ccRCC through several cancer-related pathways. IQGAP3 might play a vital role in the ccRCC tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSION: IQGAP3 could serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Effect of Rongchang capsule on seizure behavior, cognitive impairment, and hippocampal DNA damage and inflammatory factors in epileptic rat.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the behavioral changes and changes in DNA fragments and related inflammatory factors in the hippocampus of epileptic rats pretreated with Rongchang capsule (). METHODS: Eighty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal group (NG), model group (MG), sodium valproate group (VG), and Rongchang capsule group (RG) (n = 20 in each group). Pentylentetrazol was administered to the MG, VG, and RG to induce epilepsy. The VG and RG were pretreated with 1/2 the therapeutic dose of sodium valproate and Rongchang capsule, respectively. Changes in convulsion behavior and water maze learning were observed. Single cell gel electrophoresis was used to detect changes in the DNA in the hippocampus. The tail length (TL) and Olive tail moment (OTM) of cells were analyzed by GASP software. The expression of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), and CCL4 in the hippocampus was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Rongchang capsule had a weaker effect on convulsive latency than sodium valproate, but significantly reduced seizure susceptibility. The spatial learning ability of the RG was better than that of the VG (P ≤ 0.01). The TL and OTM were significantly higher in the MG than the NG (P < 0.01). The RG had a better TL and OTM than the VG (P < 0.01). Combined with the microscopy results, DNA damage was most pronounced in the MG. Drug intervention decreased the DNA damage in the VG and RG. The expressions of IL-1ß, CCL4, and HMGB1 in the hippocampus were significantly greater in the MG than the NG (P < 0.01), and were significantly reduced in the RG and VG compared with the MG (P < 0.01); however, there was no intergroup difference in the expression of TGF-ß. The average values for the expression of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus were higher in the RG than in the VG; thus, Rongchang capsule may have a weaker effect on reducing the expression of inflammatory factors in the hippocampus than sodium valproate. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with Rongchang capsule prevents or delays cognitive impairment in rats with induced epilepsy, reduces hippocampal DNA damage, and decreases the hippocampal expressions of IL-1ß, CCL4, and HMGB1.

[Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and unicomartmental knee arthroplasty in treating medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee: a Meta analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To systematic evaluate the outcome of open-wedge high tibial osteotomy(OWHTO) and unicomartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in treating medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS: According to the retrieval strategy made by the Cochrane collaboration, a computer-base research of Medline, Pubmed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang databases was performed and search deadline was March 2018. Related Chinese and English orthopedic journals and conference papers were manually searched. Controlled studies of OWHTO and UKA in the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis were included. The quality of included researches was evaluated, and the data of postoperative knee function, complications, total knee arthroplasty(TKA) revision rates, and postoperative pain were extracted. Meta analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.0 software. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles that met the criteria were included containing a total of 675 patients. Meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in postoperative HSS score, knee score, functional score, and Lysholm score between the OWHTO and UKA groups(P=0.32, P=0.87, P=0.22, P=0.53). The range of joint motion in the OWHTO group was better than that in the UKA group, and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.009). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications and the rates of revision to TKA between the two groups(P=0.81, P=0.23). There was no difference in postoperative knee pain between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of medial compartmental osteoarthritis of the knee that meets the surgical indications, OWHTO had better postoperative joint mobility. The results were similar in postoperative knee score, postoperative complications, and postoperative TKA revision rates between OWHTO and UKA groups.

Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and unicomartmental knee arthroplasty in treating medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee: a Meta analysis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To systematic evaluate the outcome of open-wedge high tibial osteotomy(OWHTO) and unicomartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in treating medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee.@*METHODS@#According to the retrieval strategy made by the Cochrane collaboration, a computer-base research of Medline, Pubmed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang databases was performed and search deadline was March 2018. Related Chinese and English orthopedic journals and conference papers were manually searched. Controlled studies of OWHTO and UKA in the treatment of medial knee osteoarthritis were included. The quality of included researches was evaluated, and the data of postoperative knee function, complications, total knee arthroplasty(TKA) revision rates, and postoperative pain were extracted. Meta analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.0 software.@*RESULTS@#A total of 8 articles that met the criteria were included containing a total of 675 patients. Meta-analysis showed that there was no significant difference in postoperative HSS score, knee score, functional score, and Lysholm score between the OWHTO and UKA groups(=0.32, =0.87, =0.22, =0.53). The range of joint motion in the OWHTO group was better than that in the UKA group, and the difference was statistically significant(=0.009). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications and the rates of revision to TKA between the two groups(=0.81, =0.23). There was no difference in postoperative knee pain between the two groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the treatment of medial compartmental osteoarthritis of the knee that meets the surgical indications, OWHTO had better postoperative joint mobility. The results were similar in postoperative knee score, postoperative complications, and postoperative TKA revision rates between OWHTO and UKA groups.

Repairing partial nasal defect with different strategies / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective Proper selection of reconstruction method is the key point to get a successful result in nasal reconstruction.The purpose of the article is to evaluate the results of repairing the partial nasal defect with different surgical strategies.Methods Different surgical methods were used according to the area and type of nasal defects of nasal defects,the different sub-unit of nasal de fects and the different tissue damage levels.Local skin flaps,auricular composite tissue flaps,nasolabial skin flaps and superficial temporal artery pedicle flaps were used in these patients.Results 23 cases suffering from partial nasal defects were repaired with flaps or tissue graft,including 4 auricular composite tissue flap,5 nasolabial skin flap,3 forehead island flap with a pedicle of superficial temporal vessels,7 local flap,and 1 skin graft.After 5-16 months of follow-up,the color and texture around the nose were basically consistent,the appearance of nose was satisfactory,and the postoperative effect turned out fine.Conclusions The method of surgical reconstruction of partial nasal defects should be considered carefully according to the area of nasal defects,sub-unit of nasal defects and the different tissue damage levels.

[Research on the characteristics of Ulva prolifera in Shandong Peninsula during 2008-2012 based on MODIS data].

In the present study, the MODIS data were used to monitor the situation of Ulva prolifera in the Shandong Peninsula waters during the period of 2008-2012. Those studies mainly calculate the area of NDVI, and get the information of the time, area , scope , floating path of Ulva prolifera by using threshold segmentation method. The feasibility of monitoring Ulva prolifera information based on MODIS data and the macroscopic regularity of the outburst of Ulva prolifera was elementally studied. The results showed that Ulva prolifera first generated in the middle of May or early June, the time, area, scope of Ulva prolifera reached a maximum, but the relative crowding density was earlier or later when Ulva prolifera developed into a outburst. Finally, Ulva prolifera died away after existing for 71 days in the late July or the early August. Wholly, the floating path moved to the northwest from off the coast to offshore. Based on those aspects above, the outburst of Ulva prolifera in 2008 and 2009 was more serious than others.

Preoperative easily misdiagnosed telangiectatic osteosarcoma: clinical-radiologic-pathologic correlations.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, imaging, and pathologic characteristics and diagnostic methods of telangiectatic osteosarcoma (TOS) for improving the diagnostic level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed patient demographics, serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) levels, preoperative biopsy pathologic reports, pathologic materials, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes from 26 patients with TOS. Patient images from radiography (26 cases) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (22 cases) were evaluated by 3 authors in consensus for intrinsic characteristics. There were 15 male and 11 female patients in the study, with an age of 9-32 years (mean age 15.9 years). RESULTS: Eighteen of 26 patients died of lung metastases within 5 years of follow-up. The distal femur was affected more commonly (14 cases, 53.8%). Regarding serum AKP, normal (8 cases) or mildly elevated (18 cases) levels were found before preoperative chemotherapy. Radiographs showed geographic bone lysis without sclerotic margin (26 cases), cortical destruction (26 cases), periosteal new bone formation (24 cases), soft-tissue mass (23 cases), and matrix mineralization (4 cases). The aggressive radiographic features of TOS simulated the appearance of conventional high-grade intramedullary osteosarcoma, though different from aneurysmal bone cyst. MR images demonstrated multiple big (16 cases) or small (6 cases) cystic spaces, fluid-fluid levels (14 cases), soft-tissue mass (22 cases), and thick peripheral and septal enhancement (22 cases). Nine of 26 cases were misdiagnosed as aneurysmal bone cysts by preoperative core-needle biopsy, owing to the absence of viable high-grade sarcomatous cells in the small tissue samples. CONCLUSION: The aggressive growth pattern with occasional matrix mineralization, and multiple big or small fluid-filled cavities with thick peripheral, septal, and nodular tissue surrounding the fluid-filled cavities are characteristic imaging features of TOS, and these features are helpful in making the correct preoperative diagnosis of TOS.

[Effects of all trans retinoic acid on the expression alterations of beta-protein 1 in human breast cancer cell lines of MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of all trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the cell proliferation and expression alterations of beta-protein 1 (BP1) in human breast cancer cells lines of MDA-MB-468 and MCF-7. METHOD: The proliferation changes were detected by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) after the treatment of ATRA. At the dose of 10(-5) mol/L ATRA, the expression of BP1 was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunochemistry. RESULTS: After the treatment of ATRA, the proliferation of cells and the expression of BP1 decreased. Optical density ratio (ODR) of each group decreased from 0.85 ± 0.01, 0.71 ± 0.01 to 0.75 ± 0.02, 0.72 ± 0.06 at 24 h, 0.55 ± 0.01, 0.52 ± 0.05 at 48 h and 0.34 ± 0.02, 0.48 ± 0.03 at 72 h. Significant differences existed among different time groups (P < 0.01). The mean optical density (MOD) of each group decreased from 0.509 ± 0.081, 0.826 ± 0.015 to 0.509 ± 0.081, 0.826 ± 0.015 at 24 h, 0.270 ± 0.022, 0.641 ± 0.041 at 48 h and 0.145 ± 0.019 and 0.206 ± 0.179 at 72 h. Significant differences existed among different time groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: ATRA can inhibit the proliferation and the expression of BP1 in breast cancer cells. And BP1 gene may become a therapeutic target for the ATRA-mediated inhibited growth of breast cancer cells.

[Assessment of 64-slice spiral computed tomography angiography with image fusion for perigastric arteries anatomy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and clinical significance of 64-multislice spiral computed tomography angiography(MSCTA) with image fusion for the anatomy of perigastric arteries. METHODS: A total of 53 patients underwent abdominal 64-MSCTA, among whom 26 patients with gastric cancer underwent gastrectomy. Using volume rendering techniques, computed tomography angiography(CTA) of perigastric arteries and the stomach were reconstructed respectively, and then the images were fused together. The branching pattern of the celiac trunk and the origins and courses along the stomach of the 10 perigastric arteries were assessed. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 64-MSCTA were determined based on intraoperative findings. RESULTS: CTA clearly showed the celiac trunk. The most common branching pattern of the celiac trunk was Michels type I( in 46 patients(86.8%). The anatomy of perigastric arteries and stomach could be clearly demonstrated from any angle according to image fusion. The left gastric artery and the right gastroepiploic artery were shown in 100%, the left gastroepiploic artery 94.3%(50/53), the right gastric artery 83.0%(44/53), short gastric artery 58.5%(31/53), posterior gastric artery 49.1%(26/53), the replaced left hepatic artery 15.1%(8/53). The accessory left hepatic artery, accessory left gastric artery and replaced right hepatic artery were all identified in 7.5%(4/53) patients. The accuracy of preoperative CTA in term of correctly identifying perigastric arteries ranged from 84.6% to 100%, the sensitivity 82.6% to 100%, and the specificity was 100% for all the perigastric arteries. CONCLUSIONS: 64-MSCTA can clearly reveal individual perigastric arteries. The anatomy of the stomach and perigastric arteries can be shown in vivo by fused image, and can provide guidance for gastrectomy.

[Clinical comparative study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy outcome in locally advanced breast cancer: docetaxel versus paclitaxel plus pirarubicin hydrochloride and cyclophosphamide].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy of docetaxel with paclitaxel plus pirarubicin hydrochloride (THP) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). METHODS: A total of 97 LABC cases were randomly divided into 2 groups: docetaxel group (n = 49, taxotere plus THP & CTX) and paclitaxel group (n = 48, paclitaxel plus THP & CTX). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy had four cycles of 21 days each. RESULTS: The clinical and pathological complete remission rates of docetaxel group was 28.6% and 26.5% respectively. They were significantly higher than those of paclitaxel group (10.4% and 8.3%). Furthermore the pathological negative rate of regional lymph node in docetaxel group was also significantly higher than that of paclitaxel group (40.6% vs. 12.9%). However, grade III-IV blood system toxic reaction was found in 71.4% cases, grade II-IV liver dysfunction in 53.1% cases and edema in 24.5% cases among docetaxel group. They were higher than those among paclitaxel group (46.9%, 27.1% & 4.2%). CONCLUSION: Compared with paclitaxel, the combined regimen of docetaxel plus THP and CTX offers better outcomes for locally advanced breast cancer.

[Radiological progression and life quality analysis in ankylosing spondylitis patients using etanercept/methotrexate combination therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between the radiological progression and quality of life in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients using etanercept/methotrexate (MTX) combination therapy. METHODS: A total of 153 AS cases fulfilling the 1984 modified New York diagnostic criteria were reviewed. All patients received radiological evolution at baseline and during a follow-up period. Radiological progression, clinical remission and life quality were recorded and analyzed for their relations. RESULTS: The radiological assessments of mSASSS (modified Stoke ankylosing spondylitis spine score) were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 & 12 months after treatment. Life quality assessments were recorded with SF (short-form)-36 simultaneously. No significant radiological improvement was observed at the end points. However, most patients reported a significant improvement of life quality after a combination therapy of etanercept/MTX. BASDAI (Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index), C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate demonstrated similar trends. With no relevance with mSASSS, life quality was significantly correlated with disease activity and pain control. CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of etanercept/MTX greatly improves life quality in AS patients. Yet clinical remission and pain control offer no hint of a suspension of radiological progression. Routine radiological assessment is required throughout the follow-up period of AS even if life quality index reaches a high level.

[Application of guide wire location under mammography for a resection of subclinical breast lesions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of guide wire location under mammography for a resection of subclinical breast lesions. METHODS: A total of 79 patients presenting with abnormal mammography but unpalpable lesions received a guide wire pre-operative location under mammography. And 82 lesions were successfully located and resected for pathological examination. RESULTS: All 82 lesions were located with a high accuracy. The pathological examination revealed breast fibroma (n = 4), mammary gland hyperplasia with calcification (n = 58), intraductal papilloma (n = 2), fat necrosis with calcification (n = 3), mammary atypical hyperplasia (n = 5), breast inflammation (n = 1) and breast cancer (n = 9). CONCLUSION: The technique of guide wire location under mammography is highly accurate for pre-operative location of subclinical breast lesions. It is valuable for an early diagnosis of unpalpable breast lesions.