Structural Evolution from Noninterpenetrated to Interpenetrated Thorium-Organic Frameworks Exhibiting High Propyne Storage.

Two thorium-organic frameworks of [Th6O4(OH)4(TFBPDC)6(H2O)6]n (Th-TFBPDC) and [Th6O4(OH)4(TFBPDC)4(HCOO)4(H2O)6]n (Th-TFBPDC-i) constructed from the 3,3',5,5'-tetrakis(fluoro)biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylate (TFBPDC2-) ligand were obtained in a reaction. At an early stage of the reaction, the formation of the three-dimensional (3D) framework of Th-TFBPDC was discovered. At a later stage of the reaction, the complete product of Th-TFBPDC-i was obtained. The structural evolution from a noninterpenetrated network of Th-TFBPDC to a 2-fold interpenetrated network of Th-TFBPDC-i is a dissolution-recrystallization process and rationalized as the four equatorial TFBPDC2- ligands in an octahedral [Th6O4(OH)4(TFBPDC)12] unit were displaced by four formate ligands to form a [Th6O4(OH)4(TFBPDC)8(HCOO)4] unit via a ligand substitution reaction. The large pore volume as well as the strong interactions between the host framework and guest propyne (C3H4) molecules demonstrated by computational results endow the highly water-stable Th-TFBPDC with the best-performing C3H4 storage under ambient conditions. This work presents a rare example of structural evolution from a 3D noninterpenetrated network to a 2-fold 3D interpenetrated network and a highly promising metal-organic framework (MOF) for C3H4 storage with a C3H4 uptake of 8.16 mmol g-1 at 298 K.

Aberrant Promoter Methylation of Protocadherin8 (PCDH8) in Serum is a Potential Prognostic Marker for Low Gleason Score Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND PCDH8 is a newly-discovered suppressor gene that is frequently inactivated by aberrant methylation in several human cancers, including prostate cancer. The identification of PCDH8 methylation can be used as a potential predictive biomarker. Prostate cancer patients with high Gleason score are considered as being at high risk for tumor recurrence and progression, and adjuvant therapy is often routinely performed in clinical practice. In the present study, we did not measure the methylation of PCDH8 in these patients. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical significance of PCDH8 methylation in serum of prostate cancer patients with low Gleason score. MATERIAL AND METHODS PCDH8 methylation in serum samples of 117 patients and 47 controls was checked by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Then, we correlated PCDH8 methylation status with the clinicopathological parameters of prostate cancer patients with low Gleason score and patient outcomes. RESULTS We found that PCDH8 was more frequently methylated in serum samples of patients with prostate cancer than in controls. PCDH8 methylation was correlated with advanced clinical stage (P=0.021), higher level of preoperative PSA (P=0.008), and positive lymph node metastasis (P=0.010). Moreover, patients with PCDH8 methylation had worse biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival (P<0.001) than patients without. Independent prognostic factors for worse BCR-free survival of prostate cancer patients with low Gleason score were: PCDH8 methylation in serum (Exp (B)=3.147, 95% CI: 1.152-7.961, P=0.007), clinical stage (Exp (B)=2.53, 95% CI: 1.032-4.763, P=0.025) and lymph node status (Exp (B)=1.476, 95% CI: 1.107-4.572, P=0.042). CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that PCDH8 methylation in serum occurred frequently in prostate cancer patients and was correlated with risk factors for poor outcome. The methylation of PCDH8 in serum is a potential predictive marker for prostate cancer patients with low Gleason score after surgery.

Prognostic Value of Protocadherin10 (PCDH10) Methylation in Serum of Prostate Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy with outcome difficult to predict. Currently, there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers that can accurately predict patient outcome and improve the treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate the methylation status of PCDH10 in serum of prostate cancer patients and its potential relevance to clinicopathological features and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The methylation status of PCDH10 in serum of 171 primary prostate cancer patients and 65 controls was evaluated by methylation-specific PCR (MSP), after which the relationship between PCDH10 methylation and clinicopathologic features was evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between PCDH10 methylation and prognosis. RESULTS PCDH10 methylation occurred frequently in serum of prostate cancer patients. Moreover, PCDH10 methylation was significantly associated with higher preoperative PSA level, advanced clinical stage, higher Gleason score, lymph node metastasis, and biochemical recurrence (BCR). In addition, patients with methylated PCDH10 had shorter BCR-free survival and overall survival than patients with unmethylated PCDH10. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis indicated that PCDH10 methylation in serum is an independent predictor of worse BCR-free survival and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS PCDH10 methylation in serum is a potential prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer.

Aberrant Protocadherin17 (PCDH17) Methylation in Serum is a Potential Predictor for Recurrence of Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Patients After Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is a one of the most common malignant diseases in men worldwide. Now it is a challenge to identify patients at higher risk for relapse and progression after surgery, and more novel prognostic biomarkers are needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of protocadherin17 (PCDH17) methylation in serum and its predictive value for biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated the methylation status of PCDH17 in serum samples of 167 early-stage prostate cancer patients and 44 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and then evaluated the relationship between PCDH17 methylation and clinicopathologic features. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox analysis were used to evaluate its predictive value for BCR. RESULTS The ratio of PCDH17 methylation in prostate cancer patients was higher than in patients with BPH. Moreover, PCDH17 methylation was significantly associated with advanced pathological stage, higher Gleason score, higher preoperative PSA levels, and BCR. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that patients with methylated PCDH17 had shorter BCR-free survival time compared to patients with unmethylated PCDH17. Cox regression analysis indicated that PCDH17 methylation was an independent predictive factor for the BCR of patients after radical prostatectomy. CONCLUSIONS PCDH17 methylation in serum is a frequent event in early-stage prostate cancer, and it is an independent predictor of BCR after radical prostatectomy.

Protocadherin17 Promoter Methylation is a Potential Predictive Biomarker in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Protocadherin17 (PCDH17) is a tumor suppressor gene, and is frequently silenced by promoter methylation in human cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the clinical significance of PCDH17 methylation in ccRCC remains largely unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the methylation status of PCDH17 in ccRCC and its potential relevance to clinicopathological parameters and prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Methylation-specific PCR was used to examine the methylation status of PCDH17 in 191 ccRCC tumors and matched paired adjacent noncancerous tissues. Subsequently, the associations between PCDH17 methylation and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of patients with ccRCC were analyzed. RESULTS: PCDH17 methylation occurred in 66.5% of ccRCC tumors, but in only 12.1% of adjacent noncancerous tissues. PCDH17 methylation is significantly correlated with advanced stage, higher grade, and lymph node metastasis in ccRCC. Moreover, it is an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival and overall survival of patients with ccRCC. CONCLUSIONS: PCDH17 methylation occurred more frequently and was associated with malignant clinicopathological characteristics and poor prognosis in ccRCC patients. Thus, PCDH17 methylation may be used as a novel biomarker to predict the prognosis of patients with ccRCC.

[Efficacy and safety of Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We conducted a multi-centered open clinical study on 165 BPH patients treated with Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules at a dose of 160 mg qd for 12 weeks. At the baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of medication, we compared the International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume, urinary flow rate, quality of life scores (QOL), and adverse events between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, both IPSS and QOL were improved after 6 weeks of medication, and at 12 weeks, significant improvement was found in IPSS, QOL, urinary flow rate, and postvoid residual urine. Mild stomachache occurred in 1 case, which necessitated no treatment. CONCLUSION: Saw Palmetto Extract Capsules were safe and effective for the treatment of BPH.

Aberrant methylation of CDH13 is a potential biomarker for predicting the recurrence and progression of non muscle invasive bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: CDH13 is a novel tumor suppressor gene often inactivated by aberrant promoter methylation in human cancers. Previous studies have shown that CDH13 methylation correlated with advanced disease and poor prognosis in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The aim of the current study was to investigate the correlations between CDH13 methylation and disease recurrence as well as progression of NMIBC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The methylation status of CDH13 in 178 NMIBC samples and 38 normal bladder epithelial tissues was examined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and then correlated with clinicopathological features. RESULTS: We found that CDH13 methylation occurs frequently in NMIBC, and significantly correlates with high grade, advanced stage, larger tumor size, and tumor recurrence and progression. Moreover, patients with methylated CDH13 exhibited significantly shorter recurrence-free survival (P<0.0001) and progression-free survival (P=0.0060) than patients with unmethylated CDH13. In addition, a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis suggests that CDH13 methylation is an independent predictor for the recurrence (P=0.0043) and progression (P=0.0016) of NMIBC after initial transurethral resection. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that CDH13 methylation is a frequent event in NMIBC, and is associated with unfavorable tumor features. It should be used as an independent predictor for the recurrence and progression of NMIBC, and may be useful for the design of individualized therapeutic modalities.

Aberrant methylation of PCDH8 is a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: PCDH8 is a tumor suppressor that regulates cell adhesin, proliferation, and migration. It is often inactivated by aberrant promoter methylation in several human cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). The clinical significance of PCDH8 methylation in CCRCC remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PCDH8 methylation and clinicopathological characteristics as well as outcome of patients with CCRCC. MATERIAL/METHODS: The methylation status of PCDH8 in 153 CCRCC tissues and 97 paired adjacent normal renal tissues were examined using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Then the relationships between PCDH8 methylation and clinicopathological features as well as progression-free survival of CCRCC patients were evaluated. RESULTS: PCDH8 methylation was significantly more frequent in CCRCC tissues compared with normal renal tissues. Moreover, PCDH8 methylation was significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage (P=0.0141), higher grade (P=0.0190), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.0098). In addition, multivariate analysis showed that PCDH8 methylation was independently associated with poor progression-free survival (P=0.0316). CONCLUSIONS: PCDH8 methylation is a frequent event in CCRCC and is correlated with unfavorable clinicopathological features. Moreover, PCDH8 methylation may be a useful biomarker to predict the progression of CCRCC.

Aberrant methylation of protocadherin 17 and its clinical significance in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Aberrant methylation of protocadherin 17 (PCDH17) has been reported in several human cancers. However, the methylation status of PCDH17 in prostate cancer and its clinical significance remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the methylation status of PCDH17 and its clinical significance in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL/METHODS: The methylation status of PCDH17 in 152 prostate cancer tissues and 51 non-tumoral prostate tissues was examined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Then the association between PCDH17 methylation and clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis were used to analyze the correlation between PCDH17 methylation and prognosis of patients with prostate cancer. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that PCDH17 methylation occurred frequently in prostate cancer. PCDH17 methylation was significantly associated with higher pathological Gleason score (P=0.0315), advanced pathological stage (P=0.0260), higher level of preoperative PSA (P=0.0354), positive angiolymphatic invasion (P=0.0461), positive lymph node metastasis (P=0.0362), and biochemical recurrence (BCR) (P=0.0018). In addition, PCDH17 methylation was an independent predictor of poor biochemical recurrence-free (BCR-free) survival and overall survival for patients with prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: PCDH17 methylation is a frequent tumor-specific event in prostate cancer, and is significantly correlated with shorter BCR-free survival and overall survival of patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. PCDH17 methylation in tumor samples after radical prostatectomy may be used as an independent prognostic biomarker.

Aberrant methylation of PCDH10 predicts worse biochemical recurrence-free survival in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in men, and inevitably some patients experience biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. To date, there are no reliable predictors for prostate cancer recurrence, and novel predictors are urgently needed. PCDH10 (protocadherin-10) is a novel tumor suppressor gene, which is down-regulated by promoter methylation in prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using PCDH10 methylation to predict the biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. MATERIAL/METHODS: Fresh tissue samples were obtained from 151 patients with primary prostate cancer, and from 34 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as control. The methylation status of PCDH10 in prostate cancer tissues and controls were examined using methylation-specific PCR (MSP), and then associated with clinicopathological features and BCR-free survival of patients with prostate cancer. RESULTS: We found that PCDH10 methylation was detected in 79 (52.3%) patients with prostate cancer, but no methylation was found in controls (P<0.0001). Moreover, PCDH10 methylation was significantly associated with higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (P <0.0001), higher Gleason Score (P<0.0001), advanced clinical stage (P=0.0002), lymph node metastasis (P=0.0389), angiolymphatic invasion (P=0.0303), and biochemical recurrence (P=0.0068). Moreover, PCDH10 methylation was associated with poor BCR-free survival (P<0.0001), and may be used as an independent predictor of BCR-free survival (P=0.0046). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that PCDH10 methylation in prostate cancer tissue is an independent prognostic biomarker of worse BCR-free survival of patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

Promoter methylation of protocadherin8 is an independent prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence of early-stage prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Protocadherin8 has been demonstrated to play critical roles in initiation and progression of several human cancers. It is frequently inactivated by promoter methylation in cancers and may be used as a potential biomarker. However, the methylation status of protocadherin8 and its clinical significance in prostate cancer remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of protocadherin8 methylation in early-stage prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The promoter methylation status of protocadherin8 in 162 prostate cancer tissues and 47 normal prostate tissues was examined using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Subsequently, the relationships between protocadherin8 methylation and clinicopathological features of prostate cancer patients and biochemical recurrence-free survival of patients were analyzed. RESULTS: We found that protocadherin8 methylation occurred frequently in prostate cancer tissues but not in normal prostate tissues. Moreover, protocadherin8 methylation was significantly associated with advanced pathologic stage, higher level of preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA), higher Gleason score, positive lymph node metastasis, and biochemical recurrence. In addition, patients with protocadherin8 methylated have shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival time than patients without. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that protocadherin8 methylation was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence-free survival in prostate cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Promoter methylation of protocadherin8 is a frequent event in prostate cancer, and might be used as an independent prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence-free survival in patients with prostate cancer.

A general pattern of plant traits and their relationships with environmental factors and microbial life-history strategies.

The trait-based unidimensional plant economics spectrum provides a valuable framework for understanding plant adaptation strategies to the environment. However, it is still uncertain whether there is a general multidimensionality of how variation of both leaf and fine root traits are influenced by environmental factors, and how these relate to microbial resource strategies. Here, we examined the coordination patterns of four pairs of similar leaf and fine root traits of herbaceous plants in an alpine meadow at the community-level, and their environmental driving patterns. We then assessed their correlation with microbial life-history strategies, as these exhibit analogous resource strategies with plants in terms of growth and resource utilization efficiency. Results exhibited an analogous multidimensionality of the economics spectrum for leaf and fine root traits: the first dimension, collaboration gradient, primarily represented a tradeoff between lifespan and resource foraging efficiency; the second dimension, conservation gradient, primarily represented a tradeoff between conservation and acquisition in resource uptake. Climate variables had a stronger impact on both dimensions for leaf and fine root traits than soil variables did; whereas, the primary drivers were more complex for fine root traits than for leaf traits. The collaboration gradient of leaf and fine root traits exhibited consistent relationships with soil microbial life-history strategies, both showed negative and positive correlation with bacterial and fungal strategies, respectively. Our findings suggest that both leaves and fine roots have general multidimensional strategies for adapting to new environments and provide a solid basis for further understanding the relationships between the adaptive strategies of plants and microbes.

Mechanical characteristics analysis of high dimensional vibration isolation systems based on high-static-low-dynamic stiffness technology.

Large floating raft vibration isolation systems (FRVISs) based on high-static-low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) technology offer excellent low frequency vibration isolation performance with broad application prospects. However, the design process for these complex high-dimensional coupled nonlinear systems remains poorly developed, particularly when applied for ocean-going vessels that experience rolling and pitching motions. The present work addresses this issue by establishing a six-degree-of-freedom HSLDS vibration isolation model for FRVISs composed of eight isolators, and the model is applied to fully analyze the swing stability and multidimensional vibration isolation performance of these systems. The influence of nonlinearity on the mechanical properties of the vibration isolators is analyzed more clearly by assuming that each vibration isolator realizes nonlinear HSLDS characteristics in the z direction and linear characteristics in the x and y directions. The results demonstrate that the swing displacement responses of the system are greatly reduced under weak nonlinearity, which reflects the high static stiffness and high static stability characteristics of an HSLDS system. The multidimensional vibration isolation performance of the system is evaluated according to the impacts of nonlinearity, the installation height Hz of the isolators, and the relative position Dr of the two middle isolators. The results of analysis demonstrate that applying a value of Hz = 0 produces the best vibration isolation performance overall under strong nonlinearity by avoiding unnecessary secondary peaks in the force transmission rate under harmonic mechanical excitation and ensuring a maximum high-frequency vibration isolation effect. However, applying a weak nonlinearity is better than a strong nonlinearity if Hz is not zero. In contrast, Dr has little effect on the vibration isolation effect of the raft in the x, y, and z directions. Therefore, an equidistant installation with Dr = 0.5 would be considered ideal from the standpoint of installation stability.

Roles of the tumor microenvironment in the resistance to programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors in patients with gastric cancer.

Despite the continuous developments and advancements in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC), which is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in China, the overall survival is still poor for most patients with advanced GC. In recent years, with the progress in tumor immunology research, attention has shifted toward immunotherapy as a therapeutic approach for GC. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, as novel immunosuppressive medications, have been widely utilized in the treatment of GC. However, many patients are still resistant to PD-1 inhibitors and experience recurrence in the advanced stages of PD-1 immunotherapy. To reduce the occurrence of drug resistance and recurrence in GC patients receiving PD-1 immunotherapy, to maximize the clinical activity of immunosuppressive drugs, and to elicit a lasting immune response, it is essential to research the tumor microenvironment mechanisms leading to PD-1 inhibitor resistance in GC patients. This article reviews the progress in studying the factors influencing the resistance to PD-1 inhibitors in the GC tumor microenvironment, aiming to provide insights and a basis for reducing resistance to PD-1 inhibitors for GC patients in the future.

Microbiological mechanism of hydrogen fertilizer effect in soil.

For a long time, intercropping and rotation of leguminous with non-leguminous crops is widely used to reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer and increase yield in agroecosystems. At present, most researchers considered that this management measure is helpful for reducing fertilizer consumption and increasing its efficiency, as it can improve nutrient supply of legumestonon-legumes, the spatial nutrient utilization efficiency by enhancing soil spatial heterogeneity, and improve soil structure and disease resistance. However, current theories cannot fully explain the positive effect of crop rotation and inter-cropping systems involving legumes. A large amount of hydrogen (H2) can be produced as an obligatory by-product of nitrogenase responsible for nitrogen (N2) fixation in the root nodules of leguminous plants. Despite of substantial amounts of H2 enriched in the rhizosphere of legumes, only a minor proportion of H2 is found to leak to soil surface. Increasing evidence showed that most H2 released in soil is immediately depleted in the surrounding of N2-fixing nodules by H2-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) thriving in soil. HOB can use H2 as an electron donor to assimilate and fix CO2 through redox reactions to synthesize cellular substances and consequently promote plant growth. To date, however, little is known about the biological mechanism and ecological process behind the "hydrogen fertilizer effect". Therefore, we review the H2-induced plant growth-promoting effects and its microbiological mechanisms. Our aims were to explore a new way for enhancing agroecosystem production, and to provide scientific basis for future utilization of H2 in agricultural production practices.

Soil and vegetation characteristics during the formation of typical Ligularia virgaurea degraded grassland.

To understand the formation process of typical poisonous plant degraded grassland, we studied the cha-racteristics of vegetation and soil during the gradual expansion of Ligularia virgaurea into the native grassland of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The results showed that population density, plant height, coverage, and biomass of L. virgaurea increased during the formation of L. virgaurea degraded grassland. In comparison with native grassland, the degraded grassland had higher total aboveground biomass (113.9%), soil total nitrogen concentration (61.0%), NH4+-N (77.9%), organic carbon concentration (45.3%), available phosphorus concentration (78.8%) as well as soil microbial biomass carbon (42.1%) and nitrogen (47.4%), but lower NO3--N (40.1%) and species richness (28.5%) and aboveground biomass (45.7%) of other species beyond L. virgaurea. The extremely strong abilities of interspecific inhibition and morphological plasticity of L. virgaurea, as well as efficient nutrient accumulation and utilization were the keys to its successful expansion, which facilitated the formation of typical L. virgaurea degraded grassland.

Epichloë Fungal Endophytes Have More Host-Dependent Effects on the Soil Microenvironment than on the Initial Litter Quality.

Fungal endophytes have been extensively found in most terrestrial plants. This type of plant-microorganism symbiosis generates many benefits for plant growth by promoting nutrient availability, uptake, and resistance to environmental disease or stress. Recent studies have reported that fungal endophytes have a potential impact on plant litter decomposition, but the mechanisms behind its effect are not well understood. We proposed a hypothesis that the impacts of fungal endophytes on litter decomposition are not only due to a shift in the symbiont-induced litter quality but a shift in soil microenvironment. To test this hypothesis, we set-up a field trial by planting three locally dominant grass species (wild barley, drunken horse grass, and perennial ryegrass) with Epichloë endophyte-infected (E+) and -free (E-) status, respectively. The aboveground litter and bulk soil from each plant species were collected. The litter quality and the soil biotic and abiotic parameters were analyzed to identify their changes across E+ and E- status and plant species. While Epichloë endophyte status mainly caused a significant shift in soil microenvironment, plant species had a dominant effect on litter quality. Available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) as well as soil organic carbon and microbial biomass in most soils with planting E+ plants increased by 17.19%, 14.28%, 23.82%, and 11.54%, respectively, in comparison to soils with planting E- plants. Our results confirm that fungal endophytes have more of an influence on the soil microenvironment than the aboveground litter quality, providing a partial explanation of the home-field advantage of litter decomposition.

[Androgen receptor mutation and progression of prostate cancer].

Prostate cancer growth is almost wholly dependent on the route of the androgen receptor and most therapies aimed at blocking this signaling axis are useful tools in the management of this disease. Unfortunately such therapies invariably fail, and the cancer progresses to an androgen-independent stage. In such cases, androgen receptor mutation almost always occurs and much evidence suggests the continuous growth of the tumor. One mechanism by which the receptor is thought to remain active is mutation. This paper reviews the molecular mechanism of tumor growing after androgen receptor mutation and some of the promising management principles and systemic chemotherapy options against prostate cancer.

[Long-term outcome of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the outcome of percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) in patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis. METHODS: From April 1992 to November 2008, 1768 patients underwent PBMV in our hospital.Clinical and echocardiographic follow up data were analyzed in 426 patients from April 1992 to August 1998. Left atrial pressure and the mitral valve gradient (MVG) were measured before and immediately after PBMV in all patients. RESULTS: PBMV was successful in 1748 out of 1768 patients (98.86%). Left atrial pressure decreased from (38 +/- 7) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) to (12 +/- 4) mm Hg (P < 0.001), MVG decreased from (28 +/- 6) mm Hg to (8 +/- 3) mm Hg (P < 0.001) and the area of the mitral valve increased from (0.98 +/- 0.26) cm(2) to (1.97 +/- 0.39) cm(2) (P < 0.001) post PBMV. The main complications included death (n = 2), acute pericardial effusion (n = 1), severe mitral regurgitation (n = 12), cerebral embolism (n = 2) and pulmonary edema (n = 1). Ten years follow up was finished in 426 patients and 288 patients (67.6%) were still in NYHA class Ior II without mitral valve replace operation or repeated PBMV, restenosis was evidenced in 140 patients (33.3%) and 31 patients dead (7.5%). CONCLUSION: PBMV was an effective therapy option for patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis.

Beneficial effects of combined administration of Clopidogrel and Aspirin on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, cardiac function, and prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Both Aspirin and Clopidogrel are considered as effective drugs in decreasing ischemic events, which potentially contribute to a promising application regarding the cardiovascular events. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the combination of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin to determine the influence among inflammatory factors, cardiac function, and treatment outcome of patients suffering from ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the Hebei province of China. METHODS: To compare the efficacy of this combination therapy with a single Aspirin treatment, we experimented in 68 patients with the administration of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin as well as another 68 patients administered only with Aspirin. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the expression of inflammatory factors, thereby evaluating the effect on inflammation. In addition, a series of indexes related to cardiac function and renal function were monitored by use of a color Doppler ultrasound and an automatic biochemical analyzer, respectively. Myocardial injury-related indicators were detected. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed so we could identify potential risk factors. In addition, both postoperative hemorrhages and cardiac events were observed to evaluate the treatment outcome of patients with STEMI. RESULTS: Initially, the treatment outcome revealed a better efficacy in patients treated with the combination of both Clopidogrel and Aspirin, with the patients also showing more obviously alleviated myocardial injury, better cardiac and renal functions with lower serum levels of inflammatory factors. The lower incidence of postinfarction angina, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, and death also provide evidence that patients showed a better outcome after treatment with both Clopidogrel and Aspirin. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the combination therapy of Clopidogrel and Aspirin provided a better improvement on both the cardiac function and outcome of STEMI patients in the Hebei province of China, with reduced inflammation as well.