Alternative polyadenylation ( APA) is a widespread phenomenon and an important layer of gene regulation . APA contributes to the complexity of the transcriptome by allowing a single gene to encode multiple mRNA isoforms that dif -fer either in their coding sequence or in their 3′untranslated regions (3′UTR).The length of the 3′UTR can affect the sta-bility, localization and efficiency of the messenger RNAs ( mRNAs) by altering binding sites of RNA binding proteins or mi-croRNAs(miRNAs).The polyadenylation process , mechanisms governing APA and biological consequences resulting from APA are only starting to be deciphered .Here, we review the research progress in APA .

Objective To test the reliability and validity of self-management instrument for person with schizophrenia.Methods The instrument was psychometrically tested by using 396 people with schizophrenia among 8 mental health service centers in Beijing.The instrument was test by internal consistency analysis,test-retest reliability,exploratory factor analysis,confirmed factor analysis,known-groups validity.Results The Cronbach α coefficient of instrument was 0.96,Pearson coefficient was 0.791.Factor analysis of the instrument resulted in six factors:medication compliance,medication management,symptom management,maintain daily life and social functioning,manage health recourse and support,and self-efficacy.The six-factor solution accounted for 61.70％ of the total variance.The results also showed that the newly developed instrument was positively correlated with PIH.The results also demonstrated that the instrument could discriminate patients' self-management ability according to their living status,work status,education background,and financial burden.Conclusion The newly developed instrument has adequate psychometric properties and may be useful in intervention program and assessing self-management in individuals with schizophrenia.

Purpose Many studies have shown that subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction is seen in prediabetic patients.However,its relationship with prognosis is unclear.The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction with prediabetes.Materials and Methods This was a prospective clinical cohort study.A total of 98 prediabetes patients with complete medical record and follow up data in the physical exam center and the clinic of Yan'an People's Hospital were chosen between January 2013 and January 2014.The biochemical data,echocardiography and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) in 2 years of follow up were collected.The subjects were grouped into diabetes if the diagnosis was confirmed during follow up,or non-diabetes group if not diagnosed.After follow up,the baseline parameters were compared to screen for risk factors to develop clinical diabetes.Results During the study,38 participants were diagnosed as clinical diabetes.Cox proportional hazard regression models show that obesity [hazard ratio (HR):2.662,95％ CI 1.374-5.159,P=0.004],waist-hip ratio (HR:1.917,95％ CI:1.012-3.492,P=0.001),mitral E/e'ratio (HR:1.661,95％ CI:1.336-2.065,P＜0.001),HbAlc (HR:2.029,95％ CI:1.047-3.932,P＜0.001),global longitudinal strain (HR:0.786,95％ CI:0.728-0.848,P＜0.001) were significant independent predictors for developing diabetes.Using GLS＜18％ as cutoff value,the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to predict development of diabetes was 0.796 (95％ CI:0.704-0.888,P＜0.001),with sensitivity and specificity of 46.7％ and 89.5％,respectively.Conclusion Among modifiable risk factors in patients with prediabetes,subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction is an early indicator of progressing to diabetes.Early detection of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in prediabetes can provide the basis for early clinical intervention.

Objective To observe hepatocellular apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines expression and their mechanisms after paraquat poisoning in rat.Methods Forty Wistar rats were divided into control group (n =8) and model group (n =32) by random number table.Rats in model group were intraperitoneally injected with 30 mg/kg 20％ paraquat concentrate,while those in control group were injected with normal saline.0.5,1,3,7 days after reproduction of the model,8 rats were sacrificed,and blood was collected from inferior vena cava and hepatic tissue was harvested.The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1 β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The mRNA expressions of IL-1β,TNF-α,inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and p53 were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Cysteine-containing aspartate-specific proteases (caspase-3,-8,-9,-12) activity in hepatic tissue was determined on the 3rd day with chromogenic substrate method.The liver histopathological changes were observed after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining.Results In model group,hepatic tissue showed extensive necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration in time dependant manner.Serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in model group half a day after reproduction than those in control group [IL-1β (ng/L):220.13 ± 69.74 vs.0.14 ± 0.03,TNF-α (ng/L):102.66 ± 26.43 vs.0.16 ± 0.02,P＜ 0.01 and P＜0.05],and peaked on the 3rd day and 1st day [IL-1β:(423.72 ± 153.11) ng/L,TNF-α:(690.35 ± 229.64) ng/L].They then decreased gradually,but were still significantly higher than those in control group on the 7th day [IL-1 β:(357.47 ± 87.28) ng/L,TNF-α:(12.39 ± 5.06) ng/L,both P＜0.05].The contents of IL-1β,TNF-α and iNOS mRNA expressions in hepatic tissue were significantly higher than those in control group,and the highest values were seen on the 1st day,the 1st day,and the 3rd day [IL-1β mRNA (gray value):1.569 ± 0.057 vs.0.123 ± 0.016,TNF-α mRNA (gray value):0.683 ± 0.077 vs.0.261 ± 0.025,iNOS mRNA (gray value):3.259 ± 0.135 vs.0.002 ±0.001,P＜0.05 or P＜0.01].There was no difference in p53 mRNA expression between model group and control group at early stage,and both of them showed low expression,and p53 mRNA expression was significantly higher in model group on the 7th day (gray value:2.959 ± 0.086 vs.0.263 ± 0.032,P＜0.01).In model group,caspase activity (pmol/mg) in liver tissue were significantly higher on the 3rd day than those in control group (caspase-3:857.25 ± 309.26 vs.169.73 ± 48.21,caspase-8:199.18 ± 61.41 vs.32.26 ± 11.09,caspase-9:321.62 ± 80.73 vs.90.38 ± 29.76,caspase-12:413.13 ± 89.77 vs.26.73 ± 9.86,all P＜0.01).Conclusion Paraquat can cause acute liver injury in rats,with caspase-3,-8,-9,-12 activities markedly enhanced,and liver injury may be associated with an early high expression of TNF-α,iNOS and p53 gene.

Objective:To explore protective effect of atorvastatin on blood vessels in early stage of atherosclerosis (AS).Methods:A total of 120 patients without AS plaques,who had >2 cardiovascular risk factors and received control cardiovascular risk factors therapy,were randomly divided into four groups:control group (did not receive atorvastatin),atorvastatin 5mg group,10mg group and 20mg group (received corresponding dose of atorvastatin). All patients were followed up for six months,changes of thromboxane B2 (TXB2),6-Keto-prostaglandin F1α (6-Keto-PGF1α),brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV),ankle brachial index (ABI)and intima-media thickness (IMT)were observed.Results:There were no significant changes in ABI and IMT between before and after treat-ment among four groups (P >0.05 all).Compared with baseline,TXB2、baPWV levels significantly rose,6-Keto-PGF1αlevel significantly decreased after treatment in control group and 5mg group;in contrast,TXB2、baPWV lev-els significantly decreased,6-Keto-PGF1αlevel significantly rose after treatment in 10mg group and 20mg group(P <0.05~ < 0.01).After treatment six-month,compared with control group and 5mg group,the TXB2 [(148.3 ± 29.2)pg/ml,(142.3±30.6)pg/ml vs.(111.5±22.8)pg/ml,(104.9 ± 17.4)pg/ml]、baPWV[(1621.1 ± 136.1) cm/s,(1597.7±125.3)cm/s vs.(1232.9±132.3)cm/s,(1178.2±155.1)cm/s]levels significantly decreased,6-Keto-PGF1α[(104.7±66.1)pg/ml,(102.2±70.3)pg/ml vs.(132.8±48.3)pg/ml,(139.1±66.3)pg/ml]level significantly rose(P <0.05~<0.01)in 10 mg group and 20 mg group.Conclusion:Atorvastatin has protective effect on blood vessels in early stage of atherosclerosis,and 10mg atorvastatin may be the minimum effective dosage to protect blood vessels.

BACKGROUND:Epidural analgesia has been considered a gold standard for postoperative analgesia in the lower limbs. Its outcomes are accurate and adverse reactions are few, so it can be used in the clinic. However, this method has adverse reactions such as hypotension and urine retention. Low molecular weight heparin should be used after operation, which can increase the possibility of epidural hematoma, and limits its application to epidural analgesia in the clinic. At present, few studies concerned ultrasound guided continuous fascia iliaca compartment block technology.
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative pain relief and the joint rehabilitation between a continuous fascia iliaca compartment block and a continuous epidural analgesia for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.
METHODS:A total of 60 patients undergoing a selective total hip arthroplasty were assigned to continuous fascia iliaca compartment block group and continuous epidural analgesia group (n=30). Al patients in both groups received a pre-fluence before general anesthesia. Continuous fascia iliaca compartment block group were injected with 0.25%ropivacaine 30 mL via iliac fascia gap. Continuous epidural analgesia group received 0.20%ropivacaine 10 mL via epidural catheter, indwel ing catheter. When the analgesic effect was identified, anesthesia intubation was carried out. After operation, medicine was given via iliac fascia and epidural analgesia pump in both groups respectively. Postoperative analgesia in single dose was not given. If pain could not be endured, analgesia would be rescued (parecoxib 20-40 mg/time) according to pain degree. Visual analogue scale scores, supplemental analgesia of parecoxib, complication of anesthesia, Harris hip joint scores, day of first walk, and duration of hospital stay were recorded.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:No significant difference in visual analogue scale scores, supplemental analgesia, Harris hip joint scores and duration of hospital stay was detected. Day of first walk was earlier in the continuous fascia iliaca compartment block group than in the continuous epidural analgesia group. The complications were apparently lower in the continuous fascia iliaca compartment block group than in the continuous epidural analgesia group. These data indicated that after total hip arthroplasty, two kinds of analgesia methods could provide satisfactory postoperative outcomes. Hip joint was perfectly recovered. However, the complications of continuous fascia iliaca compartment block were less, and helpful to patients’ early off-bed activities, and could be considered as a good choice for analgesia after total hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVETo determine the structures and contents of the volatile components of flowers of Fritillaria thunbergii, and investigate the effects of operation modes on its volatile components.

METHODThe volatile oils were first obtained by the hydrodistillation assay and then submitted to gas chromatography-time-of flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) analysis.

RESULTMore than 60 peaks were resolved, and 39 of which were identified quantitatively and qualitatively based on high-resolution spectra and compounds library screening. Among these identified components, the octadecatrienoic acid methyl esters were major components in the unprocessed flowers, while some aromatic aldehydes and ketones, such as benzeneacetaldehyde and 1-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)-ethanone, were prominent components in the flowers both dried in the fluidized bed and in shadow. In addition, the flowers dried in the fluidized bed were more fragrant than other flowers.

CONCLUSIONThe component and contents closely related to their processing mode, and the fluided bed drying may be a best choice to process the flowers of F. thunbergii.

Flowers ; chemistry ; Fritillaria ; chemistry ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Oils, Volatile ; analysis ; isolation & purification ; Plant Extracts ; analysis ; isolation & purification

Objective To compare postoperative three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and conventional radiotherapy (CR) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods From Nov. 2002 to Mar. 2006,162 patients with stage ⅠB～ⅢB NSCLC receiving postoperative radiotherapy in our department were restrospetcively analyzed. Among them,86 received 3DCRT and 76 re-ceived CR. The survival outcome, pattern of failure and treatment-related side effects in both groups were an-alyzed. Results The median follow-up was 29.4 months in the 3DCRT group and 24 months in the CR group. The 1-,2- and 3-year local-regional free survival was 97.5% ,83.2% and 83.2% in 3DCRT group, and 84.3% ,76.0% and 65.6% in CR group(χ2= 5.46, P = 0.019), respectively. No statistically signifi-cant difference was found in the overall survival, disease-free survival or distant metastasis-free survival be-tween the two groups. The local-regional failure rate was statistically different between the two groups (14.5% vs 33.3% ,χ2 =7.70,P =0.006). The incidence of distant metastasis in the two groups was simi-lar. Radiation pneumonitis of NCI CTC grade 2-3 occurred in 10 patients(11.6%)in 3DCRT group and 18 (23.7%) in CR group,which was statistically different(χ2 =4.10,P=0.043). Conclusions Postopera-tive 3DCRT for NSCLC provides a better local-regional control and lower incidence of radiation pneumonitis compared with CR.

Objective To retrospectively analyze treatment results of radiotherapy for medically inoperable stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ non-small cell lung cancer. Methods Between Jan.2000 and Dec.2005,fifty-eight such patients were enrolled into the database analysis,including 37 with clinical stage Ⅰ and 21 with stage Ⅱ disease.Fifty patients received radiotherapy alone and eight with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.Fortythree patients were treated with 3-D conformal radiotherapy(3D-CRT)and 15 with conventional radiotherapy.Results The 1-,2-and 3- year overall survival rates were 85%,54%and 30%,and the median survival time was 26.2 months for the whole group.The corresponding figures were 88%,60%,36%and 30.8 months for cancer-specific survival:84%,64%,31%and 30.8 months for Stage Ⅰ disease;81%,47%,28%and 18.8 months for Stage Ⅱ disease;95%,57%,33%and 30.8 months for 3D-CRT group and 53%,44%,24%and 15.3 months for conventional radiotherapy group.By logrank test,tumor volume,pneumonitis of Grade Ⅱ or higher and weight loSS more than 5%showed statistically significant impact on overall survival.Tumor volume was the only independent prognostic factor in Cox muhivariable regression.Pneumonitis and esophagitis of Grade Ⅱ or higher were 16%and 2%,respectively.Age and lung function before treatment had a significant relationship with pneumonitis.Failure included the local recurrence(33%)and distant metastasis(21%).There was no difference between the treatment modalities and failure sites. Conclusions For medically inoperable early stage non-small cell lung cancer patients,tumor volume is the most important prognostic factor for overall survival.The conformal radiotherapy marginally improves the survival.The age and pulmonary function are related to the incidence of treatment induced pneumonitis.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of rescue treatment for recurrent esophageal cancer after radical esophagectomy, and to provide insights into the development of comprehensive treatment for esophageal cancer.Methods The clinical data of 218 patients who were confirmed with recurrent metastatic esophageal cancer after R0 resection and received rescue treatment in our hospital from 2004 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.The survival rate was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method.Univariate and multivariate prognostic analyses were performed using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model, respectively.Results The median post-recurrence follow-up time was 53 months.The 1-and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates after recurrence were 57.2% and 24.4%, respectively.Among the 163 patients with local recurrence, the 1-and 3-year OS rates were 70% and 42% for patients treated with chemoradiotherapy (n=40), 55% and 24% for those with radiotherapy alone (n=106), and 23% and 8% for those with supportive therapy (n=13)(chemoradiotherapy vs.radiotherapy alone P=0.045, radiotherapy alone vs.supportive therapy P=0.004;none of the patients who were treated with chemotherapy alone survived for one year or more).Univariate analysis showed that N staging, TNM staging, and post-recurrence rescue treatment regimen were independent prognostic factors for esophageal cancer (all P=0.001).On the other hand, multivariate analysis indicated that only rescue treatment regimen was the independent prognostic factor for esophageal cancer (P=0.013).Conclusions Rescue chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone can bring significant survival benefits for patients with recurrent and metastatic, especially locally recurrent, esophageal cancer following radical esophagectomy.