Objective To evaluate the efficacy of salvage radiotherapy for supraclavicular lymph node metastasis ( SLNM) after initial treatment in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods A total of 117 patients with SLNM after radical resection for esophageal cancer were enrolled as subjects from 2006 to 2012. All patients received three?dimensional radiotherapy with 1. 8?2. 0 Gy per cycle, 5 cycles a week. The survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan?Meier method and analyzed using the log?rank test. The Cox model was used for multivariate analysis. Results The follow?up rate was 100%. In all the patients, the 1?and 3?year overall survival (OS) rates were 38. 5% and 14. 1%, respectively. The 1?and 3?year OS rates were significantly higher in patients treated with salvage radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy ( n=100) than in patients without any salvage treatment (n=17)(42% vs. 18%,P=0. 008;17% vs. 0%, P=0. 008). The patients treated with radiochemotherapy ( n=32) had significantly higher 1?and 3?year OS rates than those treated with radiotherapy alone (n=68)(59% vs. 34%, 36% vs. 11%, P=0. 002) or without any salvage treatment (n=17)(59% vs. 18%, 36% vs. 0%, P=0. 002). Patients without visceral metastasis (n=80) had significantly higher 1?and 3?year OS rates than those with visceral metastasis ( n=37) ( 44% vs. 27%, P=0. 002;22% vs. 0%,P=0. 002) . Patients with supraclavicular doses of ≥60 Gy in salvage radiotherapy ( n=75) had significantly higher 1?and 3?year OS rates than those with supraclavicular doses of<60 Gy in salvage radiotherapy ( n=25) ( 75% vs. 25%,P=0. 000;24% vs. 8%,P=0. 000) . The multivariate analysis using the Cox model showed that supraclavicular doses of ≥60 Gy, mediastinal metastasis, visceral metastasis, and salvage treatment method were independent factors for survival ( P=0. 001,0. 015,0. 009, 0. 025) . Conclusions Salvage radiotherapy can improve the survival of patients with SLNM in esophageal cancer. Salvage radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy is highly recommended for patients with SLNM alone. A radiation dose of ≥60 Gy in salvage radiotherapy improves survival in patients.

Objective To investigate the main risk factors influencing the pre-hospital delay of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) for preventing methods.Methods A retrieval was done across the epidemiologic studies on pre-hospital delay of AIS patients during 2004 to 2015 using the key words of ischemic stroke,prehospital delay,treatment delay.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,the literature was collected and the literature quality was assessed.The data were extracted for meta-analysis by RevMan software.Results Sixteen epidemiologic studies were included.Totally,there were 2,966 cases of prehospital delay and 2,468 cases of non-delay.The pooled OR values and 95％ CI by multivariate analysis were as follows:the degree of awareness of stroke was 0.5 (0.3,0.82),emergency medical service (EMS) was 0.49 (0.29,0.85),National Institute of Health Stroke scale (NHISS) score 0.58 (0.36,0.95),outpatient visit as first visit 4.28 (1.44,12.74),distance 0.76 (0.61,0.95),medical history of ischemic stroke 0.37 (0.18,0.79) (with significant differences in OR value,P＜0.05).Conclusions The protective factors for pre-hospital delay of acute ischemic stroke patients include:strengthened awareness of stroke,effective EMS,high NHISS score,short distance,medical history of ischemic stroke.The main risk factor is that their outpatient visit is their first visit for medical treatment.Therefore,we need to enhance the health education to the patients and their families about awareness of stroke,improve the use of EMS and build complete and efficient green path for the stroke patient.

The expensive production of bioethanol is because it has not yet reached the 'THREE-HIGH' (High-titer, high-conversion and high-productivity) technical levels of starchy ethanol production. To cope with it, it is necessary to implement a high-gravity mash bioethanol production (HMBP), in which sugar hydrolysates are thick and fermentation-inhibitive compounds are negligible. In this work, HMBP from an atmospheric glycerol autocatalytic organosolv pretreated wheat straw was carried out with different fermentation strategies. Under an optimized condition (15% substrate concentration, 10 g/L (NH4)2SO4, 30 FPU/g dry matter, 10% (V/V) inoculum ratio), HMBP was at 31.2 g/L with a shaking simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) at 37 degrees C for 72 h, and achieved with a conversion of 73% and a productivity of 0.43 g/(L x h). Further by a semi-SFF with pre-hydrolysis time of 24 h, HMBP reached 33.7 g/L, the conversion and productivity of which was 79% and 0.47 g/(L x h), respectively. During the SSF and semi-SSF, more than 90% of the cellulose in both substrates were hydrolyzed into fermentable sugars. Finally, a fed-batch semi-SFF was developed with an initial substrate concentration of 15%, in which dried substrate (= the weight of the initial substrate) was divided into three portions and added into the conical flask once each 8 h during the first 24 h. HMBP achieved at 51.2 g/L for 72 h with a high productivity of 0.71 g/(L x h) while a low cellulose conversion of 62%. Interestingly, the fermentation inhibitive compound was mainly acetic acid, less than 3.0 g/L, and there were no other inhibitors detected, commonly furfural and hydroxymethyl furfural existing in the slurry. The data indicate that the lignocellulosic substrate subjected to the atmospheric glycerol autocatalytic organosolv pretreatment is very applicable for HMBP. The fed-batch semi-SFF is effective and desirable to realize an HMBP.
Biofuels ; Carbohydrates ; chemistry ; Cellulose ; chemistry ; Ethanol ; metabolism ; Fermentation ; Furaldehyde ; chemistry ; Glycerol ; chemistry ; Hydrolysis ; Triticum

Objective To explore the effects of curriculum provision of nursing risk management in standardized training of new nurses. Methods Totally 140 new recruits nurses from the year 2011 to 2014 were divided into control group and experimental group with 70 cases each. The control group received standardized training. In addition, the experimental group added the curriculum of nursing risk management from different levels in the basis of standardized training. Data were statistically analyzed according to the examination results, incidence of nursing safety events ( adverse events) and post admittance rate of new nurses, in order to evaluate the effects. Results The examination results after standardized training and post admittance rate of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group:(83.61 ±6.90) points vs. (80.13±10.58) points,95.7%(67/70) vs. 82.9% (58/70), and there were significant differences, t=-2.309,χ2=6.05, P<0.05. And the incidence of nursing safety events ( adverse events) of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group in standardized training: 1.4%(1/70) vs.11.4%(8/70 ),and there was significant difference, χ2=4.275, P<0.05. Conclusions The curriculum provision of nursing risk management can enforce the safety consciousness of new nurses , culture them self-conscious and standardized nursing behaviors, reduce the incidence of nursing safety events ( adverse events) and improve the work ability of new nurses.

Objective To investigate the genotype and allele frequencies of osteopontin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs11728697and rs9138 in Zhuang populations in Guangxi ,and to compare the distribution of osteopontin polymorphisms a‐mong different races .Methods The osteopontin gene rs11728697 and rs9138 polymorphisms were detected by SNaPshot SNP gen‐otyping technique in 150 Zhuang populations in Guangxi ,the genotype and allele frequencies of osteopontin gene rs 11728697 and rs9138 polymorphisms were analyzed in Zhuang populations compared with the other four populations (HapMap‐CEU ,HapMap‐YRI ,HapMap‐JPT ,HapMap‐HCB) from HapMap database .Results The most common genotype and allele of osteopontin gene rs11728697 polymorphism in Zhuang populations in Guangxi were CC(42 .7% ) and C(62 .7% ) ,and the most common genotype and allele of osteopontin gene rs9138 polymorphism were CA (51 .3% ) and C(63 .0% ) .There were no significant differences in the gen‐otype and allele frequencies of osteopontin gene rs11728697 and rs9138 polymorphisms between male and female groups ( P >0 .05) .The genotype and allele frequencies of osteopontin gene rs11728697 polymorphism were significantly differenct compared with HapMap‐CEU ,HapMap‐JPT and HapMap‐YRI(P< 0 .05) ,but were not significantly different compared with HapMap‐HCB (P> 0 .05) .The genotype and allele frequencies of osteopontin gene rs9138 polymorphism were significantly differenct compared with HapMap‐CEU and HapMap‐YRI(P < 0 .05) ,but had no significantly different compared with HapMap‐JPT and HapMap‐HCB(P> 0 .05) .Conclusion There are significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of osteopontin gene rs 11728697 and rs9138 polymorphisms between Zhuang populations and other ethnic populations ,and this variation might contribute for a varie‐ty of clinical manifestation and morbidity of some osteopontin related diseases .

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Factor VIII ; genetics ; Hemophilia A ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mutation ; Young Adult

INTRODUCTIONThe present study aimed to investigate the possible associations between serum levels of visfatin, an adipokine, and atherosclerosis in patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease.

METHODSA total of 95 participants were recruited for this study. Group A comprised 35 individuals with no history of cerebrovascular disease (control group) and Group B comprised 60 patients with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease. Group B was further categorised into two subgroups based on the ultrasonographic findings of the common carotid artery intima‑media thickness (CCA‑IMT) - Group B1 consisted of 21 patients with no atherosclerosis (i.e. CCA‑IMT ≤ 0.9 mm) and Group B2 consisted of 39 patients with atherosclerosis (i.e. CCA‑IMT > 0.9 mm). The body mass index, fasting blood total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose levels of each patient were measured. Serum visfatin levels were determined using enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays. Visfatin levels were compared between groups, and stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for atherosclerosis, including visfatin levels.

RESULTSThe mean serum visfatin level of the patients in Group B was higher than that in Group A (75.5 ± 77.80 ng/mL vs. 8.6 ± 4.69 ng/mL; p < 0.05) and the level was higher in patients from Group B2 than those from Group B1 (89.0 ± 80.68 ng/mL vs. 50.4 ± 72.44 ng/mL; p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that CCA‑IMT values were not significantly associated with visfatin levels. However, logistic regression analysis showed that serum visfatin was an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis (odds ratio 37.80; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONSerum visfatin may be an independent risk factor for cerebral infarction, as high serum visfatin levels are positively associated with the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease.

Adipokines ; metabolism ; Adipose Tissue ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Atherosclerosis ; blood ; complications ; Body Mass Index ; Brain Ischemia ; blood ; complications ; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness ; Case-Control Studies ; Cerebrovascular Disorders ; blood ; complications ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase ; blood ; Risk Factors

Objective To investigate the effect of methylprednisolone on T helper 17 cell (Th17 cells) related cytokines (interleukin (IL)-23,17A,21,22,6,and tansforming growth factor (TGF)-β) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid from patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis and their effects on the pathogenesis.Methods We recruited relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis group (38 patients)and noninflammatory neurological disease group (20 controls),and detected the levels of IL-23,IL-17A,IL-21,IL-22,TGF-β and IL-6 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with ELISA kit in both controls and patients before and after treatment by methylprednisolone.Results After treatment in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients,IL-17A,IL-23,IL-21,and IL-22 levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum were significantly decreased,however,they were still higher than that in the non-inflammatory neurological disease patients.TGF-β levels was significantly increased (serum:(17.2 ± 5.9) pg/ml vs (34.1 ± 6.5) pg/ml,t =14.351,P =0.000 ; CSF:(26.4 ± 4.7) pg/ml vs (73.2 ± 19.7) pg/ml,t =16.352,P =0.000).The levels of TGF-β in serum and CSF in patients before treatment were lower than those of in non-inflammatory neurological disease patients (serum:(30.2 ± 8.9) pg/ml,t =6.769,P =0.012 ; CSF:(3 1.4 ± 7.5) pg/ml,t =9.368,P =0.017).However,the levels of TGF-β in CSF in patients after treatment were significantly higher than those in non-inflammatory neurological disease patients (t =9.138,P =0.000).Correlation analysis showed that IL-23 and IL-17A were positive correlation in the serum of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients before treatment.Moreover,positive correlations among IL-23,IL-17A and IL-21 were detected in the CSF of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients before treatment.Conclusions Decreased levels of IL-23,IL-17A,IL-21 and IL-22,and elevated levels of TGF-β were detected in serum and CSF of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis after methylprednisolone treatment.IL-23,IL-17A,IL-21,IL-22 and TGF-β might involve in the pathogenesis of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

Objective To investigate the effect of Beraprost Sodium and atorvastatin in the treatment of TIA combined carotid plaques. Method 60 cases in our hospital with TIA and carotid artery plaques were randomly divided into observation group and control group, 30 cases in each group. The observation group was received beraprost natriuretic peptide and atorvastatin calcium therapy, the control group was treated with atorvastatin calcium. 12 months later,two groups were compared with carotid plaque area change and coagulation conditions. Results Carotid plaque area in observed group was significantly less than the control group (P<0.05). The differences of platelet agglutination test(PAgT), fibrinogen(Fg) , hypersensieive 3 C-reaction protein, total cholesterol(TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), TIA recurrence rate and incidence of ischemic stroke between two groups after treatment were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Beraprost Sodium and atorvastatin has a good effect in reducing carotid plaques area, adjusting blood fat and preventing TIA and ischemic stroke, It is worthy to clinical popularization and application.

Objective To compare the clinical effects between the two-level ladder ultrafiltration and sequential dialysis for hemodialysis patients with excessive water retention.Methods According to our hospital standard,23 patients with water retention during treatment with dialysis from January 2010 to September 2011 were selected.And they conducted a total of 198 dialysis.Both the two-level of high-level segment and sequential ultrafiltration step dialysis were set for 1 hour.Ultrafiltration accounted for one-third of the total,and the remaining two-thirds of the amount of ultrafiltration was completed in the remaining time.The blood pressure,ultrafiltration volume completed,plasma osmotic pressure,detection of vascular access pressure,and other observed indicators during dialysis were compared.Results The occurrence of hypotension and muscle spasms in two-level ladder ultrafiltration was slightly more than that in sequential dialysis,ultrafiltration volume completed actually in two-level ladder ultrafiltration was a little less than sequential dialysis.However,the difference was not statistically significant ( P ＞ 0.05 ).It took more time during sequential dialysis simple ultrafiltration,occasionally dialysis fluid stopped flowing and dialyzer and the trail tube lack of incubation,and some patients could not adapt to it.Amount of heparin( [7.48 ± 1.73 ] mg/h vs[6.25 ± 1.36] mg/h,t =5.374,P ＜ 0.01 ),venous pressure ( [ 128.62 ± 10.53 ] mm Hg vs [ 96.35 ± 11.84 ] mm Hg,t =20.166,P ＜ 0.01 ),trausmembrane pressure( [ 236.84 ± 23.65 ] mm Hg vs [ 175.94 ± 24.72] mm Hg,t =17.516,P ＜ 0.01 ) were significantly higher than those in the high level of ultrafiltration period.Mean arterial pressure ( MAP ) ( [ 100.48 ± 5.78 ] mm Hg vs [ 102.54 ± 5.39 ] mm Hg,t =2.571,P ＜ 0.05 ) and plasma osmotic pressure ( [ 311.42 ± 7.36] mOsm/( kg · H2O ) vs [ 3 1 7.31 ± 6.89 ] mOsm/( kg · H2O ),t =5.774,P ＜ 0.01 ) in high level period were significantly lower than those in the singal ultrafiltration period,and the MAP difference was higher than that in the singal ultrafiltration period ( [ 11.46 ± 6.53 ] mm Hg vs [ 9.42 ± 5.46 ] mm Hg,t =2.385,P ＜ 0.05 ).There is less symptomatic hypotension and other adverse reactions.Conclusion Two dialysis ultrafiltration method can both be used for patients with excessive water retention,they can reduce the ultrafiltraion complications and achieve ultrafiltration targets.Two-level ladder ultrafiltration with dialysis and ultra.filtration unity is more likely to be adopted by the clinic.