Objective To investigate the pathologic mechanism of radiofrequency ablation ( RFA ) combined with intravenous infusion of thermosensitive liposome encapsulated vinorelbine (TL-Vin) in treating liver tumors, and to analyze the effect of combination therapy on the long-term survival rate. Methods H22 liver adenocarcinoma tissue was subcutaneously implanted into ICR mice to establish the animal models. At the first experimental period, 40 mice were randomly and equally divided into 5 groups to receive different therapeutic scheme (using different TL-Vin concentrations). Twenty-four hours after the treatment the tumor specimens were collected, the necrotic areas were measured separately, and the optimal TL-Vin concentration was determined. At the second experimental period, 13 mice were randomly selected to receive treatment. Half an hour after the treatment the tumor tissues were collected and the TL-Vin concentration within the tumor was determined. At the third experimental period, 32 mice were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups, and 90 days after treatment the tumor growth curve was drawn. The survival rate was compared between each other of the groups. Results Compared with pure RFA group, TL-Vin + RFA significantly increased tumor coagulation extent (P<0.01). But free-VIN+RFA had similar tumor necrotic extent as that produced by RFA alone (P>0.05). Tumor coagulation area in TL-Vin + RFA group was bigger than that in free-VIN + RFA group at the concentration of 10 mg/kg [(341.8 ± 65.4)mm2 vs (225.3 ± 25.4)mm2, P < 0.01]. In TL-Vin group the coagulation margin was clear. The mean intratumoral Vinorelbine accumulation in TL-Vin + RFA group was 10 folds of that in free-Vin group [(1 156.5 ± 158.3)ng/ml vs (194.5 ± 52.3)ng/ml, P = 0.005]. TL-Vin +RFA had better survival result than that of RFA alone (37.6 ± 20.1 days vs. 23.4 ± 5.0 days, P=0.015), as well as than that of free-Vin + RFA [(37.6 ± 20.1)days vs (23.3 ± 1.2)days, P = 0.016]. Conclusion Thermosensitive liposomal chemotherapies (Vinorelbine) can be selectively delivered at the edge of RFA coagulation area and thus effectively increase RFA-induced tumor coagulation and prolong the end-point survival in experimental mice.

Objective To discuss the clinical application of contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment for residual and recurrent hepatic neoplasms. Methods A total of 517 cases of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hepatic metastases with residual or recurrent hepatic neoplasms after different kinds of treatment were treated with RFA. A total of 619 lesions were used as study subjects. The average size of the 290 lesions detected in 281 patients with recurrent HCC was (3.4 ± 1.5) cm. CEUS-guided RFA group included 150 cases (154 lesions in total), while conventional US-guided RFA group included 131 cases (136 lesions in total). A total of 329 lesions were detected in 236 cases with recurrent hepatic metastases, and the mean size of the lesions was (3.1 ± 1.3) cm, of which CEUS-guided RFA group included 152 cases (198 lesions in total) and conventional US-guided RFA group included 84 cases (131 lesions in total). Results In recurrent HCC, the one-month tumor necrosis rate of CEUS group and conventional US group was 96.1% and 89.7% respectively (P = 0.032), and the local recurrence rate was 9.7% and 17.6% respectively (P = 0.049). The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. In recurrent hepatic metastases , the one-month tumor necrosis rate of CEUS group and conventional US group was 88.4% and 87.0% respectively (P = 0.712), and the local recurrence rate was 16.7% and 23.7%respectively (P = 0.117). No significant differences existed between the two groups. Conclusion For the treatment of recurrent HCC, CEUS-guided radiofrequency ablation can effectively improve the early necrosis rate and decrease local recurrence rate.

Objective To assess the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) before percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating patients with liver metastases. Methods A total of 267 patients with 485 liver metastatic lesions were treated with percutaneous RFA in authors ’ department during the period from July 2001 to December 2012. Among them , 180 patients with 251 lesions received CEUS examination before RFA and based on CEUS findings the treatment scheme was made (CEUS group), and other 87 patients with 234 lesions without use of preoperative CEUS were used as control group. No significant differences in clinical data existed between the two groups (P<0.05). Contrast-enhanced CT/MRI, CEUS and laboratory tests were regularly employed to evaluate the clinical results after RFA therapy. Results In CEUS group, 25.1% of the lesions (63/251) determined by CEUS were 3 mm larger than that determined by conventional US. 8.8%of the lesions (22/251) were more clear on CEUS findings. In addition, 41 new lesions were detected only on CEUS. No significant differences in early tumor necrosis rate existed between the two groups: 95.2%(239/251) vs. 92.7%(217/234)(P>0.05). The local recurrence rate of CEUS group was lower than that of the control group: 12.4% (46/234) vs. 19.7%(31/251) (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the recurrence time existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion CEUS performed before RFA treatment for patients with liver metastases is very useful for accurately judging the size and number of the lesions, which is very helpful in making therapeutic scheme. Therefore, preoperative CEUS can significantly increase early tumor necrosis rate and decrease the local recurrence rate.

A study on ariboflavinosis was made among the students of a college in Chongqing from Jan. to Apr. 1980. The incidence of ariboflavinosis was 18.3%. There were typical oro-genital syndromes, e.g. cheilosis, angular stomatitis, glossitis and scrotal dermatitis etc. 84 students suffered fro-m 3 types of scrotal dermatitis, The incidences of squamo-erythematoid pa-puloid and eczematoid type were 7.26%, 19% and 8.3% respectively. A patient with scrotal dermatitis(eczematoid type) was accompanied with similar lesions on the skin of buttock, right chest and right upper arm and they subsided almost at the same time with scrotal lesion after riboflavin treatment.Ten subjects of scrotal dermatitis were selected for fungus examination and it gave negative findings both microscopically and culturally.Dietary survey was made in the student's dining hall and the nutrients were calculated. The amount of riboflavin averaged only 1.07 mg per capita per day, but the calculated value was probably higher than the actual intake due to improper cooking. The intakes of thiamine, niacin and ascorbic acid were adequate.The 4-hour urinary riboflavin excretions of 10 subjects following a 5mg oral load averaged 590?g.Dietary survey, biochemical test and clinical examination benefited the diagnosis of ariboflavinosis. The lack of the knowledge of nutrition and improper cooking of vegetables were perhaps the main causes of such deficiency.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world for more than a year, with multiple waves of infections resulting in morbidity, mortality and disruption to the economy and society. Response measures employed to control it have generally been effective but are unlikely to be sustainable over the long term. METHODS: We examined the evidence for a vaccine-driven COVID-19 exit strategy including academic papers, governmental reports and epidemiological data, and discuss the shift from the current pandemic footing to an endemic approach similar to influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases. RESULTS: A desired endemic state is characterised by a baseline prevalence of infections with a generally mild disease profile that can be sustainably managed by the healthcare system, together with the resumption of near normalcy in human activities. Such an endemic state is attainable for COVID-19 given the promising data around vaccine efficacy, although uncertainty remains around vaccine immunity escape in emergent variants of concern. Maintenance of non-pharmaceutical interventions remains crucial until high vaccination coverage is attained to avoid runaway outbreaks. It may also be worthwhile to de-escalate measures in phases, before standing down most measures for an endemic state. If a variant that substantially evades immunity emerges, it will need to be managed akin to a new disease threat, with pandemic preparedness and response plans. CONCLUSION An endemic state for COVID-19, characterised by sustainable disease control measures, is likely attainable through vaccination.
COVID-19 ; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control* ; Humans ; Influenza, Human/prevention & control* ; Pandemics/prevention & control* ; SARS-CoV-2

Constructing biological networks is one of the most important issues in systems biology. However, constructing a network from data manually takes a considerable large amount of time, therefore an automated procedure is advocated. To automate the procedure of network construction, in this work we use two intelligent computing techniques, genetic programming and neural computation, to infer two kinds of network models that use continuous variables. To verify the presented approaches, experiments have been conducted and the preliminary results show that both approaches can be used to infer networks successfully.
Algorithms ; Artificial Intelligence ; Biological Evolution ; Computational Biology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; statistics & numerical data ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Models, Biological ; Multigene Family ; Neural Networks (Computer) ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; statistics & numerical data ; Systems Biology

Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and secondary right ventricular failure. A thromboembolic occlusion of the proximal or distal pulmonary vasculature results in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. We report an uncommon case that presented to our hospital with symptoms of dyspnea on exertion over 2 years. The patient had been treated for profound pulmonary thrombosis and right ventricular failure with adequate anticoagulation and sildenafil. Our echocardiography disclosed a large atrial septal defect with severe pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure. A diagnosis of Eisenmenger syndrome with pulmonary artery thrombosis was made. Although Eisenmenger syndrome with pulmonary thrombosis is well described in western societies, a huge pulmonary thrombosis is seldom reported in eastern countries. Profound pulmonary thrombosis may obfuscate the actual diagnosis of pulmonary artery hypertension with underlying congenital heart disease. A physical examination and echocardiography are essential in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Arterial Pressure ; Dyspnea ; Echocardiography ; Eisenmenger Complex ; Heart Diseases ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypertension, Pulmonary ; Physical Examination ; Piperazines ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Purines ; Sulfones ; Thrombosis ; Sildenafil Citrate

INTRODUCTION: Childhood radiation exposure is a known risk factor for thyroid malignancy and dysfunction. However, local data are limited and there is no consensus on the modality and frequency of screening in this high-risk group. METHODS: Retrospective analysis study evaluating patients with childhood radiation exposure in 2006-2016 and minimum of 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 132 childhood cancer survivors in the study, thyroid malignancy was detected in 2 cases (1.5%) and thyroid nodules in 13 (9.8%). The earliest thyroid malignancy was detected 5 years post-radiotherapy via ultrasound. Of the 84 patients who had screening thyroid function test, 26 (31.0%) were detected with abnormal test results post-radiation, majority being subclinical hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION Regular screening via clinical examination for thyroid nodules should be performed at least annually. Where feasible and if resources permit, consideration should be given to using ultrasound for thyroid nodule(s) and malignancy screening at 5 years post-radiation therapy. Screening for thyroid dysfunction can be considered from 6-12 months post-radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Age is a traditional risk factor for open-heart surgery. The efficacy and safety of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair, using MitraClip (Abbott Vascular), has been demonstrated in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Since octogenarians or older patients are usually deferred to receive open-heart surgery, the main interest of this study is to elucidate the procedural safety and long-term clinical impact of MitraClip in elderly patients. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic severe MR were evaluated by the heart team. For those with high or prohibitive surgical risks, transcatheter mitral valve repair was performed in hybrid operation room. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), blood tests, and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed before, 1-month, 6-months, and 1 year after index procedure. RESULTS: A total of 46 consecutive patients receiving MitraClip procedure were enrolled. Nineteen patients (84.2±4.0 years) were over 80-year-old and 27 (73.4±11.1 years) were younger than 80. Compare to baseline, the significant reduction in MR severity was achieved after the procedure and sustained. All the patients benefited from significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) increased from 259±114 to 319±92 meters (p=0.03) at 1 year. The overall 1-year survival rate was 80% in the elderly and 88% in those <80 years, p=0.590. Baseline 6MWT was a predictor for all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.982–0.999; p=0.026) after the MitraClip procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Trans-catheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repairs are safe and have positive clinical impact in subjects with severe MR, even in advanced age.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Echocardiography ; Heart ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency ; Mitral Valve ; Mortality ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Age is a traditional risk factor for open-heart surgery. The efficacy and safety of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair, using MitraClip (Abbott Vascular), has been demonstrated in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Since octogenarians or older patients are usually deferred to receive open-heart surgery, the main interest of this study is to elucidate the procedural safety and long-term clinical impact of MitraClip in elderly patients. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic severe MR were evaluated by the heart team. For those with high or prohibitive surgical risks, transcatheter mitral valve repair was performed in hybrid operation room. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), blood tests, and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed before, 1-month, 6-months, and 1 year after index procedure. RESULTS: A total of 46 consecutive patients receiving MitraClip procedure were enrolled. Nineteen patients (84.2±4.0 years) were over 80-year-old and 27 (73.4±11.1 years) were younger than 80. Compare to baseline, the significant reduction in MR severity was achieved after the procedure and sustained. All the patients benefited from significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class. The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) increased from 259±114 to 319±92 meters (p=0.03) at 1 year. The overall 1-year survival rate was 80% in the elderly and 88% in those <80 years, p=0.590. Baseline 6MWT was a predictor for all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.982–0.999; p=0.026) after the MitraClip procedure. CONCLUSIONS Trans-catheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repairs are safe and have positive clinical impact in subjects with severe MR, even in advanced age.