With the constant rise of energy price,it has a great practical meaning of using lignocellulose to produce ethanol.Xylose is a kind of monosaccharide whose content is only less than glucose in most lignocellulosic hydrolysates.There is some difficulty of producing ethanol from lignocellulose by the traditional ethanol production strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae,because it cannot metabolize xylose.People have tried to use genetic engineering technology and cell fusion method to modify Saccharomyces cerevisiae to make it metabolize xylose and produce ethanol for many years.This review indroduced the progress in this field.

Humans ; Forensic Pathology

OBJECTIVETo assess the genetic and environmental influences on the somatotype of children and adolescents, and the effects of sex and age.

METHODSThe components of somatotype were calculated by using Heather-Cater method in a total of 376 twin pairs of Han nationality, including 245 monozygotic (MZ) and 131 like-sex dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs aged 6 to 18 years. Model-fitting method by Mx package was performed to evaluate the proportion of variance components and to analyze the effects of sex and age on each component of somatotype using the adjusted data for other two somatotype components. The heritability of each component in different development periods divided by growth spurt was also evaluated.

RESULTSThe estimated heritabilities of endomorphic, mesomorphic and ectomorphic components were 0.45, 0.80, 0.44 in boys, 0.82, 0.79 and 0.81 in girls respectively after adjusting age. In boys, the heritability of endomorphic component during late puberty was significantly higher than that during pre-puberty (t = 4.99, P < 0.01) and puberty (t = 6.16, P < 0.01), while the heritability of ectomorphic component during late puberty was significantly lower than that during pre-puberty (t = 3.35, P < 0.01) and puberty (t = 4.12, P < 0.01). In girls, the heritability of endomorphic (t = 2.77, P < 0.01) or mesomorphic (t = 2.08, P < 0.05) component during pre-puberty was significantly higher than that in early puberty.

CONCLUSIONThe genetic influence on somatotype of girls should be much more than that of boys, especially on the endomorphic and ectomorphic components. For boys, the mesomorphic component is mainly determined by genetic factors, but the other components are mainly affected by environmental ones. The effects of the development periods on the heritability of somatotype should be paid much attention to.

Adolescent ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Child ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Somatotypes ; genetics ; Twins ; genetics ; Twins, Dizygotic ; genetics ; Twins, Monozygotic ; genetics

OBJECTIVEEpinephrine has a place in the treatment of pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest but has been controversy concerning its optimal dose. This meta-analysis aimed to seek for evidences of the effectiveness of different doses of epinephrine in children with cardiac arrest and to evaluate the effectiveness of high-dose versus standard-dose epinephrine in children with cardiac arrest.

METHODPublished papers on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective clinical controlled trials (CCTs) were electronically searched from MEDLINE (1966 to September 2006), EMBASE (1974 to June 2006), the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2006), CBM (1998 to 2006) and CNKI (1994 to 2006). We also had searched the related references and manual retrieval 10 professional academic journals about epinephrine treatment of pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest (1998 to 2006). The search strategy was made according to the collaborative review group search strategy. At first, we found 546 articles. Second, we excluded 474 of them through reading the title, abstract, excluding non-randomized, non-controlled trials and non-clinical studies. Finally, we identified 4 papers through searching for original articles and telephone contact with some of the authors after excluding 68 papers. Then we performed the meta-analysis by RevMan 4.2.7. For homogenous dichotomous data (P > or = 0.1, I(2) < or = 50%) we calculated fixed effects model, relative risk (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), For heterogeneity Dichotomous data (P < 0.1, I(2)>50%) we calculated random effects model, relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTFour trials involving 360 cases were included. The results of meta-analysis indicated that there were no statistical difference in recovery of spontaneous circulation [RR = 1.28, 95% CI (0.93, 1.77)]. Perondi, Patterson and Cheng xiuyong's study compared the rate of survival at 24 hours and showed statistical heterogeneity (P = 0.01, I(2) = 0.77). The random effects model indicated that there were no significant difference [RR = 1.40, 95% CI (0.43, 4.55)]. The sensitivity analysis showed that after deleting Perondi's group there were no statistical heterogeneity. Fixed effects model indicated that there were significant difference [RR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.52, 4.11)]. T When the rates of survival to hospital discharge were compared among the 4 studies, there was statistical heterogeneity (P = 0.07, I(2) = 0.58), the random effects model indicated that there were no statistical difference [RR = 1.78, 95% CI (0.42, 7.50)], There were no heterogeneity after Cheng Xiu-yong group was deleted.

CONCLUSIONHigher doses of epinephrine in children with cardiopulmonary arrest may not increase the rate of recovery of spontaneous circulation, the rate of survival at 24 hours, the rate of survival to hospital discharge and worsen the neurological outcomes. Adverse reactions is difficult to monitor and evaluate because of the current restrictions on medical technology.

Bronchodilator Agents ; toxicity ; Child ; Epinephrine ; toxicity ; Heart Arrest ; chemically induced ; mortality ; Humans ; Pediatrics ; Risk ; Treatment Outcome ; United States

Objective To investigate the serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and their dynamic changes in patients with delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) and their relation with the condition variation of the patients.Methods The serum ET-1 and TNF-α levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunno-sorbent assay (ELISA) in 31 patients with DEACMP, and the dynamic changes of patients' condition were monitored by use of the activity of daily living (ADL) scale, the information-memory-concentration test (IMCT) and the Hasegawa's dementia scale (HDS). The comparisons between patients with DEACMP and both 30 patients with acute carbon momoxide poisoning (ACMP) but without DEACMP and 30 normal controls were also conducted. Results At the acute stage of the DEACMP group, the serum levels of ET-1 and TNF-α were both significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P＜0.05); that of TNF-α was significantly lower than that in the ACMP group (P＜0.05), but that of ET-1 was not significantly different from that in the ACMP group (P＞0.05). The serum levels of ET-1 and TNF- α in the ACMP group were both significantly higher than those in the normal control group(P＜0.05). In the DEACMP group, the serum level of ET-1 at the convalescent stage was significantly lower than that at the acute stage (P＜0.05), but the serum level of TNF-α was not significantly different from that at the acute stage (P＞0.05). At the acute stage of the DEACMP group, ADL scores were significantly higher than those in norms, and IMCT scores and HDS scores were significantly lower than those in norms (P＜0.05). In the DEACMP group, the ADL scores at the convalescent stage were significantly lower than those at the acute stage (P＜0.05), IMCT scores and HDS scores were significantly higher than those at the acute stage (P＜0.05). Significant correlations between scores of any 2 of 3 scales in patients with DEACMP at both acute and convalescent stage were noted (P＜0.05). Conclusion The dynamic detection of serum ET-1 and TNF-α level variations could be used as an indicator for condition severity in patients with DEACMP.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the value of ischemic myocardial viability assessment using interleaved T1-T2* magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODSThe left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD) were occluded for 2 hours, followed by 1-hour reperfusion in 7 pigs. The hearts were then removed and perfused with a mixture of pig blood and crystalloid solution in 1:1 ratio. T1 relaxation times of the myocardium were measured with a TurboFLASH inversion-recovery sequence. The contrast agent, Gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) was then injected as a bolus into the aortic perfusion line (0.05 mmol/kg body wt). The first pass of the contrast agent through the heart was followed using the interleaved T1-T2* imaging sequence. Once the concentration of Gd-DTPA was in an equilibrium state, T1 relaxation times were measured again.

RESULTSThe percentage recovery of T2* intensity (PRT2*) at the maximum T1 intensity measured during the first pass of the contrast agent with the interleaved T1-T2* imaging was statistically different in normal myocardium (37 +/- 11)%, infarct rim (90 +/- 15)% and infarct core (100 +/- 5)%, F = 66.585, P = 0.000. Moreover, the infarcted regions shown on PR(T2)* maps matched well with the infarcted myocardium measured by TTC staining. The median of T(1) relaxation time in normal region, infarct rim and infarct core was 531 ms, 541 ms and 1298 ms, respectively (H = 6.284, P = 0.043). However, normal region could not be differentiated from infarct rim with T1 relaxation times (q = 0.082, P = 0.775).

CONCLUSIONInfarcted myocardium and ischemic myocardial viability can be correctly identified and evaluated by the interleaved T1-T2* magnetic resonance imaging in this model.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Myocardial Contraction ; Myocardial Infarction ; diagnosis ; Myocardial Ischemia ; diagnosis ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Swine

BACKGROUNDDiagnosis and treatment for respiratory symptoms (RSs) of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more difficult than that for common esophageal symptoms. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) treatment on RSs of GERD in a preliminary 12-month follow-up observation.

METHODSFrom April 2006 to October 2008, 505 GERD patients with mainly respiratory presentations such as wheezing, chronic cough or hoarseness, were treated by endoscopic RF. A questionnaire was completed before and after treatment, using a six-point scale ranging from 0 to 5 to assess symptom severity and frequency. The symptom score was the sum of frequency and severity.

RESULTSSymptom scores were significantly improved at the end of the follow-up period. The mean heartburn score decreased from 5.31 to 1.79. The mean regurgitation score decreased from 5.02 to 1.64; mean cough score decreased from 6.77 to 2.85; mean wheezing score decreased from 7.83 to 3.07; and mean hoarseness score decreased from 5.13 to 1.81 (P < 0.01). No major complications or deaths occurred. Minor complications included temporary post-procedural retrosternal unease or pain (n = 106; 21.0%), mild fever (n = 86; 17.0%), transient nausea/vomiting (n = 97; 19.2%), and transient dysphagia (n = 42; 9.3%). Thirty-five (6.9%) patients had recurrence of symptoms. Endoscopic RF treatment was repeated in six patients, and laparoscopic fundoplication was performed in seven.

CONCLUSIONEndoscopic RF is an effective and safe means to treat RSs in patients with GERD.

Adult ; Aged ; Cough ; surgery ; Esophagogastric Junction ; physiopathology ; radiation effects ; Esophagoscopy ; methods ; Female ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Heartburn ; surgery ; Hoarseness ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radio Waves ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection (LR) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) and to investigate risk factors affecting prognosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 94 HCC patients with PVTT type I (segmental PVTT) and PVTT type II (lobar PVTT) were involved and divided into LR (n=47) and LT groups (n=47). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared before and after inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Prognostic factors for RFS and OS were explored. Results: Two treatment groups were well-balanced using IPTW. In the entire cohort, LT provided a better prognosis than LR. Among patients with PVTT type I, RFS was better with LT (p=0.039); OS was not different significantly between LT and LR (p=0.093). In subgroup analysis of PVTT type I patients with α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels >200 ng/mL, LT elicited significantly longer median RFS (18.0 months vs. 2.1 months, p=0.022) and relatively longer median OS time (23.6 months vs. 9.8 months, p=0.065). Among patients with PVTT type II, no significant differences in RFS and OS were found between LT and LR (p=0.115 and 0.335, respectively). Multivariate analyses showed treatment allocation (LR), tumor size (>5 cm), AFP and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels to be risk factors of RFS and treatment allocation (LR), AFP and AST as risk factors for OS. Conclusion LT appeared to afford a better prognosis for HCC with PVTT type I than LR, especially in patients with AFP levels >200 ng/mL.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the response rate and adverse reactions of exemestane (a new aromatase inactivator) in the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer.

METHODSOne hundred and seventy-three patients with advanced breast cancer entered this study with two patients excluded because of postmenopausal time being less than one year. Therefore, 173 patients could be evaluated for adverse events and 171 patients could be evaluated for efficacy. Exemestane, 25 mg orally daily for 4 weeks as one cycle was given.

RESULTSIn the 171 patients evaluated for efficacy, 4 (2.3%) experienced a complete response (CR) and 40 (23.4%) a partial response (PR), with the overall response rate of 25.7%. Ninety patients (52.6%) had stable disease (SD), with 25 having SD for at least 24 weeks. The clinical benefit (CR + PR + SD > or = 24 weeks) was shown in 69 (40.4%) patients. Progressive disease (PD) was shown in 37 (21.6%) patients. The untreated patients had a higher objective response rate (33.8%) than the retreated ones (18.1%) with significant difference (P = 0.019 7). The response rates for soft-tissue, bone involvement and visceral metastasis were 32.8%, 23.9%, and 12.4% (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in different ages, time of menopause, disease-free interval or receptor status (P > 0.05). Drug-related adverse events were gastric discomfort (17.9%), malaise (17.9%), nausea (13.9%), hot flushes (11.0%) and dysphoria (5.8%). Other side reactions and abnormal laboratory parameters were observed occasionally which were irrelevant.

CONCLUSIONExemestane can be used to treat postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer giving only mild adverse reactions which are well tolerated.

Adult ; Aged ; Androstadienes ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Aromatase Inhibitors ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Enzyme Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Postmenopause

BACKGROUNDSurgical treatment options for patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension are complicated. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a new treatment strategy, splenic auto-transplantation and oesophageal transection anastomosis. We report results from clinical observations, splenic immune function and portal dynamics in 274 patients.

METHODSFrom 1979 to 2005, 274 cirrhosis patients with portal hypertension underwent the new treatment strategy, and were followed up to compare results with those patients who underwent traditional surgical treatment. From 1999 to 2002, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed on 40 patients to compare their post-operative immune function. From 1994 to 2006, another RCT enrolled 28 patients to compare portal dynamics using three-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D DEC MRA) investigation post operation.

RESULTSAmong 274 patients (mean age 41.8 years), the emergency operative mortality (4.4%), selective operative mortality (2.2%), complication rate (17.9%), prevalence of hepatic encephalopathy (< 1%), rate of portal hypertension gastritis (PHG) bleeding (9.1%), and morbidity of hepatic carcinoma (8%) were similar to those patients undergoing traditional operation; the spleen immunology function (Tuftsin, IgM) decreased in both groups 2 months post operation, but this decrease did not reach statistical significance. Through 3D DCE MRA, the cross sectional area and the velocity and volume of blood flow of the main portal vein decreased significantly after operation in both groups. The velocity and volume of blood flow in the auto-transplantation group was significantly lower than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONSSplenic auto-transplantation and esophageal transection anastomosis is a safe, effective, and reasonable treatment strategy for patients with portal hypertension with varicial bleeding. It not only can correct hypersplenism, but may also achieve complete hemostasis. Spleens auto-transplanted into the retroperitoneal space can preserve immune function and establish broad collateral circulation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Child ; Esophagus ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; immunology ; surgery ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Immunoglobulin M ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Spleen ; transplantation ; Transplantation, Autologous