PHB2 inhibits WSSV replication by promoting the nuclear translocation of STAT

Prohibitins (PHBs) are ubiquitously expressed conserved proteins in eukaryotes that are associated with apoptosis, cancer formation, aging, stress responses and cell proliferation. However, the function of the PHBs in immune regulation has largely not been determined. In the present study, we identified PHB2 in the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. PHB2 was found to be widely distributed in several tissues, and its expression was significantly upregulated by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge. PHB2 significantly reduced the amount of WSSV in crayfish and the mortality of WSSV-infected crayfish. Here, we observed that PHB2 promotes the nuclear translocation of STAT by binding to STAT. After blocking PHB2 or STAT with antibodies or interfering with PHB2 or STAT, the expression levels of the antiviral genes β-thymosin (PcThy-4) and crustin2 (Cru2) decreased. The gene sequence of PHB2 was analyzed and found to contain a nuclear introgression sequence (NIS). After in vivo injection of PHB2 with deletion of NIS (rΔNIS-PHB2), the nuclear translocation of STAT did not change significantly compared to that in the control group. These results suggest that PHB2 promoted the nuclear translocation of STAT through NIS and mediated the expression of antiviral proteins to inhibit WSSV infection.

Human health risk assessment of volatile organic compounds in oil-based drill cuttings of shale gas

Waste oil-based drill cuttings contain dioxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have the potential to cause serious health effects in humans. Therefore, this paper took oil-based drill cuttings (OBDCs) as the research object and carried out the testing of VOCs and dioxins content by using GC-MS and HRGCS-HRMS and comprehensively evaluated the content, composition and distribution pattern of VOCs and dioxins and the risk to human health posed by the two pollutants in OBDCs. The results showed that the VOCs did not exceed the emission limits in ESPPI (GB 31571-2015), but it is vital to recognise that 1,2-dichloropropane has the potential to cause cancer risk, with soil and groundwater risk control values of 662.95 mg·kg-1 and 0.066 mg·kg-1, respectively. Benzene, 1,2-dichloropropane and 8 other VOCs pose a non-carcinogenic risk to humans. The levels of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) exceeded those of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), which accounted for 95.76 percent of the total PCDD/Fs, 2,3,4,7,8-P5CDF (56.00%), 2,3,7,8-T4CDF (9.20%), 1,2,3,6,7,8-H6CDF (8.80%) and 1,2,3,7,8-P5CDF (8.00%) were the main contributing monomers. The findings of the assessment on exposure risk indicate that there is a respiratory risk to oil-based drill cuttings dioxins for adults and children exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) acceptable daily intake (ADI) (1-4 pgTEQ/kg/d). Finally, three aspects of solid waste pre-treatment prior to incineration, the incineration process and post incineration were used to reduce the environmental and human health risks from dioxins.

[Outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks' gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network]

Objective: To describe the current status and trends in the outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks' gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2021. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the CHNN cohort of very preterm infants. All 963 extremely preterm infants with gestational age between 22-25 weeks who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the CHNN from 2019 to 2021 were included. Infants admitted after 24 hours of life or transferred to non-CHNN hospitals were excluded. Perinatal care practices, survival rates, incidences of major morbidities, and NICU treatments were described according to different gestational age groups and admission years. Comparison among gestational age groups was conducted using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Trends by year were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results: Of the 963 extremely preterm infants enrolled, 588 extremely preterm infants (61.1%) were male. The gestational age was 25.0 (24.4, 25.6) weeks, with 29 extremely preterm infants (3.0%), 88 extremely preterm infants (9.1%), 264 extremely preterm infants (27.4%), and 582 extremely preterm infants (60.4%) at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks of gestation age, respectively. The birth weight was 770 (680, 840) g. From 2019 to 2021, the number of extremely preterm infants increased each year (285, 312, and 366 extremely preterm infants, respectively). Antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate were administered to 67.7% (615/908) and 51.1% (453/886) mothers of extremely preterm infants. In the delivery room, 20.8% (200/963) and 69.5% (669/963) extremely preterm infants received noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support and endotracheal intubation. Delayed cord clamping and cord milking were performed in 19.0% (149/784) and 30.4% (241/794) extremely preterm infants. From 2019 to 2021, there were significant increases in the usage of antenatal steroids, antenatal magnesium sulfate, and delivery room noninvasive positive-end expiratory pressure support (all P<0.05). Overall, 349 extremely preterm infants (36.2%) did not receive complete care, 392 extremely preterm infants (40.7%) received complete care and survived to discharge, and 222 extremely preterm infants (23.1%) received complete care but died in hospital. The survival rates for extremely preterm infants at 22, 23, 24 and 25 weeks of gestation age were 10.3% (3/29), 23.9% (21/88), 33.0% (87/264) and 48.3% (281/582), respectively. From 2019 to 2021, there were no statistically significant trends in complete care, survival, and mortality rates (all P>0.05). Only 11.5% (45/392) extremely preterm infants survived without major morbidities. Moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (67.3% (264/392)) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (61.5% (241/392)) were the most common morbidities among survivors. The incidences of severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were 15.3% (60/392), 5.9% (23/392) and 19.1% (75/392), respectively. Overall, 83.7% (328/392) survivors received invasive ventilation during hospitalization, with a duration of 22 (10, 42) days. The hospital stay for survivors was 97 (86, 116) days. Conclusions: With the increasing number of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks' gestation admitted to CHNN NICU, the survival rate remained low, especially the rate of survival without major morbidities. Further quality improvement initiatives are needed to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care practices.

PcTrim prevents early infection with white spot syndrome virus by inhibiting AP1-induced endocytosis

Viruses have evolved various strategies to achieve early infection by initiating transcription of their own early genes via host transcription factors, such as NF-κb, STAT, and AP1. How the host copes with this immune escape has been a topic of interest. Tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins with RING-type domains have E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and are known as host restriction factors. Trim has been reported to be associated with phagocytosis and is also believed to be involved in the activation of autophagy. Preventing the virus from entering the host cell may be the most economical way for the host to resist virus infection. The role of TRIM in the early stage of virus infection in host cells remains to be further interpreted. In the current study, a crayfish TRIM with a RING-type domain, designated as PcTrim, was significantly upregulated under white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Recombinant PcTrim significantly inhibited WSSV replication in crayfish. RNAi targeting PcTrim or blocking PcTrim with an antibody promoted WSSV replication in crayfish. Pulldown and co-IP assays showed that PcTrim can interact with the virus protein VP26. PcTrim restricts the expression level of dynamin, which is involved in the regulation of phagocytosis, by inhibiting AP1 entry into the nucleus. AP1-RNAi effectively reduced the expression levels of dynamin and inhibited host cell endocytosis of WSSV in vivo. Our study demonstrated that PcTrim might reduce early WSSV infection by binding to VP26 and then inhibiting AP1 activation, resulting in reduced endocytosis of WSSV in crayfish hemocytes. Video Abstract.

Toxic effect of fracturing flow-back fluid on Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia, and specific industry microorganisms Aspergillus niger and S. cerevisiae

Previous studies have shown that the soil microbial population and soil enzyme activity are seriously affected by fracturing flow-back fluid (FFBF) from the shale gas mining process. However, the toxic effect of FFBF on specific bacteria, fungi, and plankton has not been systematically confirmed in detail. In this paper, a toxic effect evaluation of FFBF was conducted using the representative toxicity test organisms Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia, Aspergillus niger, and S. cerevisiae, indicating that FFBF can significantly decrease the survival rate of these species. The results also showed that there was a significant negative correlation between the concentration of some inorganic toxicity factors and the survival rate when Daphnia was used as the test organism, indicating that the toxicity degree order for these inorganic toxicity factors is Ba²⁺ > Li⁺ > As³⁺ > Cl^- > Cu²⁺ > Rb²⁺ > Ga²⁺ > V²⁺ > Na⁺. In addition, other toxic factors, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were also determined, and the order of toxic effects with a negative correlation to the Daphnia survival rate was confirmed. These results showed that the biological toxicity of FFBF was caused not only by inorganic toxicity factors such as heavy metals but also by organic compounds such as PAHs. The results not only provide a significant reference value for the systematic assessment of biological toxicity by FFBF, but they also have great significance for developing approaches to appropriate FFBF treatment.

Toxic effects of shale gas fracturing flowback fluid on microbial communities in polluted soil

A large amount of shale gas fracturing flowback fluid (FFBF) from the process of shale gas exploitation causes obvious ecological harm to health of soil and water. However, biological hazard of soil microbial populations by fracturing flowback fluid remains rarely reported. In this study, the microbiological compositions were assessed via analyzing diversity of microbial populations. The results showed significant differences between polluted soil by fracturing flowback fluid and unpolluted soil in different pH and temperature conditions. And then, the microbe-index of biological integrity (M-IBI) was used to evaluate the toxicity of the fracturing flowback fluid based on analysis of microbial integrity. The results showed that polluted soil lacks key microbial species known to be beneficial to soil health, including denitrifying bacteria and cellulose-decomposing bacteria, and 35 °C is a critical value for estimating poor and sub-healthy level of damage to microbial integrity by fracturing flowback fluid. Our results provide a valuable reference for the evaluation of soil damage by fracturing flowback fluid.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet

Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Mechanism study on co-processing of water-based drilling cuttings and phosphogypsum in non-autoclaved aerated concrete

The feasibility of coordinated use of water-based drilling cuttings (WDC), fly ash, and phosphogypsum (PG) as raw materials for the preparation of WDC non-autoclaved aerated concrete (WNAAC) was evaluated by laboratory experiment. The results showed that the pozzolanic reaction of the multi-component cementitious system containing 40% (in mass) of WDC is significantly promoted. Newly formed C-S-H gel and ettringite with the uniform distribution of fibrous and flake-like shape occur, presenting a denser and interlock microstructure. In addition, after cured by steam at 80 °C for 24 h, the mechanical property and unit weight of the WNAAC prepared with 40% WDC fully meet the B06, A3.5 grade of China state standard (GB/T11968-2006). Environmental performance tests confirm that the WNAAC prepared with 40% WDC does not create any secondary contamination.

Development of a closed-loop system for tremor suppression in patients with Parkinson's disease

More than 70% of patients suffering Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit resting tremor in their extremities, hampering their ability to perform daily activities. Based on our earlier studies on corticospinal transmission of tremor signals [10,11], we hypothesize that cutaneous afferents evoked by surface stimulation can produce an inhibitory effect on propriospinal neurons (PN), which in turn will suppress tremor signals passing through the PN. This paper presents the development of a closed-loop system for tremor suppression by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of sensory fibers beneath the skin. The closed-loop system senses EMGs of forearm muscles, and detects rhythmic bursting in the EMG signal. When a tremor is detected by the system, a command signal triggers a stimulator to output a train of bi-phasic, current regulated pulses to a pair of surface electrodes. The stimulation electrode is placed on the dorsal hand skin near the metacarpophalangeal joint of index finger, which is innervated by the superficial radial nerve that projects an inhibitory afferent to PNs of forearm muscles. We tested the closed-loop system in 3 normal subjects to verify the algorithm and in 2 tremor dominated PD subjects for feasibility of tremor detecting and suppression. Preliminary results indicate that the closed-loop system can detect tremor in all subjects, and tremor in PD patients was suppressed significantly by electrical stimulation of cutaneous afferents.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics of necrotizing enterocolitis in term infants]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in Chinese term infants population.

METHODS

A national neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis network was established. Neonates as having necrotizing enterocolitis with gestation age ≥37 weeks were identified if they met the accepted diagnostic criterion during the study period from Jan 1(st) 2011 to Dec 31(st) 2011. The data of maternal and neonates' characteristics, the comorbidities, the clinical interventions prior to NEC, the clinical courses and radiology results, the medical and surgical treatment and the outcomes were collected. SPSS 19.0 software was used to do statistic analysis. Logistic-regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for death in infants with NEC, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

There were 231 067 newborn infants, 164 307 of them were term infants, admitted to 95 hospitals in main land China. There were 718 term infants were diagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis with the incidence of 0.44%. There were 294 term infants cases identified as ≥stage 2 necrotizing enterocolitis for the analysis, including 193 cases of stage 2 and 101 cases of stage 3.The mean gestation age was (39.0±1.3) weeks, and the mean birth weight was(3 087.4±548.3)g. The percentage of small for gestation age was 20.4%. The onset age of NEC was 5 (2-11)d. The percentage of cases received breast milk feeding was 23.7%. The most common comorbidities were sepsis (9.5%, 28/294), asphyxia (9.5%, 28/294), pneumonia (7.8%, 23/294) and congenital megacolon (7.5%, 22/294). The bowel perforation rate was 13.9%. The rate of cases who received surgical treatment was 25.2%(76.6% small intestinal necrosis and 65.8% small intestinal perforation). The mortality rate was 28.9%(the mortality rate were 20.7% and 44.6% in stage 2 and stage 3 NEC, respectively). Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure treatment for NEC (OR=5.278, 95% CI: 2.058-13.533, P<0.01) and NEC staging 3 (OR=3.156, 95% CI: 1.766-5.642, P<0.01) were statistically significantly associated with mortality of NEC.

CONCLUSIONS

The term infants with necrotizing enterocolitis usually have the underlying comorbidities. The breastmilk feeding rate is low. Necrotizing enterocolitis remains high mortality in term neonates in Chinese neonatal units. Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure treatment for NEC is statistically significantly associated with mortality of NEC.

[Application of transoral robotic surgery in pharyngolaryngeal tumour resection]

Objective: To summarize clinical experience on application of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in pharyngeal tumour resection. Methods: Six patients underwent TORS with da Vinci^® surgical system in our department from November 2013 to July 2015 and their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: TORS was accomplished successfully in all 6 patients. The surgical field-exposed time ranged from 30 to 40 minutes with an average of 35 minutes. The operative time ranged from 30 to 130 minutes with an average of 72 minutes. The hospital stays ranged from 6 to 14 days with an average of 10 days, and recovery time for oral intake ranged from 2 to 10 days with an average of 6 days. During TORS, the mouth gag needed to be adjusted 2 to 5 times. Surgical blood loss ranged from 5 to 30 ml with an average of 15 ml. No complications occurred during or after operation. Postoperative pathological examination of incisal edge in patients with malignant tumors showed no residual tumor cell. The mean follow-up was 14 months with no recurrence. Conclusion: With proper indications, TORS possesses enormous value to the application in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

Effect of age on the immune system and pathology of mice with chronic graft-versus-host disease lupus nephritis

We investigated the effect of age on the expression of immune molecules [ANA, C4, double stranded DNA (dsDNA), CD16/32, CD19, CD3, and CD64], urine protein, and pathology in mice with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) lupus nephritis (LN), and their relationship with reactivity index score. Mouse models of cGVHD LN were established, and mice were randomly divided into four aged-based groups of nine mice each. Serum levels of ANA, C4, and dsDNA were determined, the urine protein levels were assessed, and expression levels of CD16/32, CD19, CD3, and CD64 were measured. Expression levels of CD16/32+CD19(T1), CD16/CD32+CD3(T2), and CD64+CD3 or CD19(T3) were defined in the thymus, in bone marrow they were defined as CD16/32+CD19(B1), CD16/32+CD3(B2), CD64+CD3 or CD19(B3), and in spleen they were defined as CD16/32+CD19(P1), CD16/32+CD3(P2), CD64+CD3 or CD19(P3), respectively. There were significant differences in the levels of dsDNA and urine protein among the four groups (P < 0.05), which were negatively correlated with age. B1, B2, S1, and S2 were significantly different among the four groups (P < 0.05), with a positive correlation with age for B1 and B2. There was no correlation of expression of ANA, C4, dsDNA, T1-T3, B1-B3, S2-S3 with reactivity index score; S1 was the exception (r = -0.440, P = 0.011). Age influenced levels of dsDNA and urine protein in the mouse cGVHD model of LN. S1 was associated with reactivity index score and might also affect pathological changes.

Association of XRCC1 genetic polymorphism (Arg399Gln) with laryngeal cancer: a meta-analysis based on 4,031 subjects

Several case-control studies on the relation between XRCC1 gene Arg399Gln polymorphism and laryngeal cancer do not have similar conclusions. To further evaluate the relation between the XRCC1 gene Arg399Gln polymorphism and laryngeal cancer, we selected seven case-control studies related to the XRCC1 gene Arg399Gln polymorphism and laryngeal cancer by searching MEDLINE, EMBase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese CNKI, and Wanfang database. We utilized Q test and I (2) test to test the heterogeneity between each study. The fixed effects model was utilized to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval. The present study included 1,654 patients with laryngeal cancer and 2,377 cancer-free control subjects. By meta-analysis, we did not find any association of XRCC1 gene Arg399Gln polymorphism with laryngeal cancer (OR = 1.13, 95 % CI 0.81-1.58, P = 0.47). Therefore, we concluded that XRCC1 gene Arg399Gln polymorphism was not associated with laryngeal cancer.

The effects of SOCS-1 on liver endotoxin tolerance development induced by a low dose of lipopolysaccharide are related to dampen NF-kappaB-mediated pathway

BACKGROUND

Endotoxin tolerance is an important mechanism to maintain the homeostasis of liver. It was reported that suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 was a negative regulator of lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages activation, however, the mechanism underlying endotoxin tolerance and suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 has not been fully elucidated.

AIM

Our aim here is to clarify whether suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 was involved in the mechanisms of endotoxin tolerance in liver through dampening nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated pathway.

METHODS

Endotoxin tolerance models of C57BL/6J mice and isolated Kupffer cells were established by pretreating them with a low dose of lipopolysaccharide to observe the changes of suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 expression during endotoxin tolerance inducement. Moreover, a vector-based short hairpin RNA expression system was used to specifically inhibit suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 expression in RAW264.7 macrophage cells to further explore the role of suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 in endotoxin tolerance inducement. The expression of suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 was analysed by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The responses to lipopolysaccharide were assessed by the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB and the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, which were analysed by ELISA.

RESULTS

The histopathologic changes in the liver of the non-endotoxin tolerance group were more serious than those of the endotoxin tolerance group. The phagocytic activity of Kupffer cells were depressed and suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 expression in the endotoxin tolerance group obviously increased. Endotoxin tolerance also led to a hyporesponse of Kupffer cells to lipopolysaccharide with less activation of nuclear factor-kappaB, less production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and more expression of suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 than those of non-endotoxin tolerance group. Moreover, the inhibitive effect was partly refracted in pSOCS-1-short hairpin RNA transfected RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Endotoxin tolerance induced by lipopolysaccharide pretreatment was accompanied with upregulation of suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 and the silence of suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 by RNA interference obviously attenuated this inhibitive effect, indicating that the absence of suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 caused abnormal enhancement of inflammatory cytokine production and suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 was involved in endotoxin tolerance inducement through dampening nuclear factor-kappaB-mediated pathway. Therefore, suppressors of cytokine signalling-1 may be a new target for the clinical treatment of sepsis.

[Expression and clinical significance of Mucin and E-cadherin in colorectal tumors]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Mucin (MUC), a glycoprotein with high molecular weight, can lubricate and protect the epithelium. E-cadherin (E-cad) is helpful in keeping the polarity and integrity of the epithelium. The abnormal expression of Mucin and E-cad is involved in the genesis of many tumors. This study was to investigate the expression of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and E-cad in different colorectal tumor tissues, and explore their correlations to clinicopathologic features of colorectal cancer and the correlations of MUC1, MUC2, and MUC5AC expression to E-cad expression.

METHODS

The expression of MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and E-cad in 150 specimens of normal colorectal mucosa, 150 specimens of colorectal adenoma and 150 specimens of colorectal adenocarcinoma was detected by immunohistochemistry. Patients' survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. The correlations of MUC1, MUC2, and MUC5AC expression to E-cad expression were analyzed by spearman's rank correlation.

RESULTS

The positive rates of MUC1 were 0.07% in normal colorectal mucosa, 12.7% in colorectal adenoma, and 45.3% in colorectal adenocarcinoma. Those of MUC2 were 100%, 90.0% and 52.6%, respectively. Those of MUC5AC were 8.7%, 30.7% and 44.0%, respectively. Those of E-cad were 98.7%, 82.0% and 54.0%, respectively. In colorectal adenocarcinoma, the expression of MUC1 and MUC2 was correlated to tumor differentiation, invasion, lymph node metastasis and Dukes' stage (P<0.05); the expression of MUC5AC was correlated to tumor differentiation and invasion (P<0.01); the expression of E-cad was correlated to tumor differentiation (P<0.01). The 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in MUC1-negative group, MUC2-positive group and E-cadherin-positive group than in their counterparts (P<0.05). In colorectal adenocarcinoma, MUC1 expression was negatively correlated to E-cad expression (r=-0.234, P=0.004), MUC2 and MUC5AC expression were positively correlated to E-cad expression (r=0.170, P=0.038; r=0.198, P=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

In colorectal adenocarcinoma, MUC expression is obviously correlated to E-cad expression. The up-regulation of MUC1 and MUC5AC expression and the down-regulation of MUC2 and E-cad expression may be involved in the genesis of colorectal tumors and reflect the prognosis to a certain extent.

Adsorption and absorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to rice roots

Rice roots and surrounding air, soil and water samples were collected for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) analysis. The rice roots were separated into lateral roots and nodal roots, and the PAH concentration in the former was found to be higher than that in the latter. In addition, root physiological characteristics including root biotic mass, root lipid content and specific surface area are also discussed. When normalizing the total, adsorption and absorption PAH fractions on a dry root weight basis to root biomass, root lipid, and surface area bases respectively, the differences between PAHs in the two types of roots diminished by 2 to 3 times on average. Results from sequential extraction indicated that PAHs were more easily absorbed by interior rice roots than adsorbed on the surface. In addition, more than 60% of total PAHs accumulated in root tissue for both lateral and nodal roots. However, the results were highly related to the solvent used, extraction time and methodology. Correlation analysis between bioconcentration factors (root over environment) and K(OA), K(OW) showed water to be more significant for PAH adsorption in rice roots than other environmental media.

Adsorption and absorption of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and metabolites (DDD and DDE) by rice roots

A three-step sequential extraction procedure was applied to measure the concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) on rice root surface and in root tissues collected from two sites in Tianjin. Bulk and rhizosphere soils were also analyzed. The measured DDXs in the rhizosphere soils were significantly higher than those in the bulk soils. On average, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, and p,p'-DDE in the soil accounted for 38%, 47% and 15% of the total. For total DDXs, approximately one third remained on the outer surface of the roots. The partition of DDXs between rhizosphere soil and root surface depend on contaminant affinity to soil organic matter, soil organic matter content and root specific area. A case specific equation was developed to quantitatively describe the partition of DDXs between soil and root surface.

Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor

AIM: To investigate the clinicopathological features of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and to study the reference indexes for malignancy.

METHODS: Fifty-two cases of primary GIST were distinguished from a group of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors using a panel of antibodies such as CD117 and CD34 by immunohistochemical SP method. Their biological behaviors were analyzed using the expression of p21WAF1 and Bax in 52 cases of GIST.

RESULTS: Grossly, the tumor size was between 1.5 cm and 13 cm (mean: 5.5 cm). Focal areas of hemorrhage, necrosis, or small cyst formation could be seen. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of spindle cells (20 cases), epithelioid cells (20 cases) and mixed cells (12 cases). Immunohistochemically, CD117 and CD34 showed diffuse strong positive expressions, the positive rates were 98.1% and 92.3%. SMA, S-100, NSE, NF and MBP showed focal positive expressions, the positive rates were 48.1%, 28.8%, 25%, 21.2% and 42.3% respectively. Vimentins were all positive desmin and CgA were all negative. In normal adult stomach and intestine, the immunoreactive staining for CD117 and CD34 showed immunoreactive interstitial cells of Cajal in myenteric neuroplexus. Among the 52 cases of GIST, 27 were positive for p21WAF1 (51.9%), 29 for Bax (55.8%). The expression of p21WAF1 and Bax had no significent difference with the localization, size, histological subtype of GIST, but had a significent difference with the histological grade (P = 0.000, respectively). p21WAF1 expression had a positive correlation to Bax expression (r = 0.461, P = 0.001, κ = 0.459).

CONCLUSION: GIST has complicated arrangements and various cell types. Positivity of CD117 and CD34 is the most valuable factor in diagnosing GIST. Expression of p21WAF1 and Bax plays an important role in potential malignancy and malignancy rather than in benign GIST. p21WAF1 and Bax may be used as the markers in the assessment of GIST malignant potential.

Uptake of vapor and particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by cabbage

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cabbage (aerial part), air (gas and particles) and soil samples collected from two sites in Tianjin, China were measured. Although the levels of PAHs in all samples from the heavily contaminated site B were higher than those from the less contaminated site A, the PAH profiles were similar, suggesting the similarity in source type. PAH concentrations in cabbages were positively correlated to either gas or particle-bound PAHs in air. A multivariate linear regression with cabbage PAH as a function of both gas and particle-bound PAHs in air was established to quantitatively characterize the relationship between them. Inclusion of soil PAH concentrations would not improve the model, indicating that the contribution of soil PAHs to cabbage (aerial part) accumulation was insignificant.

Modeling the dynamic changes in concentrations of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) in Tianjin region from 1953 to 2020

A level IV fugacity model was used to simulate the dynamic changes of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) concentrations in environmental media in Tianjin, China. A similar model (level III) was previously used and validated under steady state conditions; this paper explores its dynamic behavior. Application of the level IV fugacity model has been validated using independently observed gamma-HCH concentrations in various media during the early 1980s and during 2001. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using coefficient-of-variation normalized sensitivity coefficients. The model was also subject to uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo simulation. It was found that concentrations of gamma-HCH reached within 95% of their steady-state levels in all media after less than 15 years. Around one order-of-magnitude decreases in gamma-HCH concentrations in various media occurred between 1993 and 2001. We project that gamma-HCH concentrations will decrease another 1.7-1.9 orders of magnitude to reach 1.1 (0.9-1.2) x 10(-14), 2.7 (2.5-3.0) x 10(-10), 1.2 (1.1-1.3) x 10(-7), and 6.1 (5.4-6.8) x 10(-8) mol/m(3), in air, water, soil, and sediment, respectively, by 2020. The sensitivities and true uncertainty of the model are discussed.

Human exposure and health risk of alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) in Tianjin, China

The dynamic exposures to HCHs of individuals born between the years 1913 and 1993 in Tianjin have been simulated by connecting a fugacity model (IV) with a multimedia exposure model. Ingestion is the most important pathway for human beings to take up HCHs, and concentrations in the human body correlate with body weight changes. Accumulations of HCHs were derived assuming that the degradation in human body behaved linearly. The health risk of exposure to HCHs was measured using cancer risk and loss of life expectancy (LLE), and LLE was modified from its original definition to incorporate a dynamic calculation that takes variances in exposure into account. Monte-Carlo simulations were run to analyze the uncertainties of the model.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dustfall in Tianjin, China

Atmospheric dustfall samples from 23 locations in Tianjin, China, were collected and analyzed for 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as priority pollutants from March 2002 to March 2003. SigmaPAH16 (sum of 16 PAH compounds) concentrations in the dustfall collected during heating season ranged from 2.5 to 85.5 mug/g, while that during the non-heating season varied from 1.0 to 48.2 microg/g dry weight. The dominant components in the heating season included naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and chrysene, while naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and fluoranthene were dominant during the non-heating season. Compared with the non-heating season, the heating season was characterized by a higher fraction of high-molecular-weight PAHs with four to six rings with exception of the samples from the east industrial area. The east industrial area had more significant correlations between individual PAH compounds, and more discrete triangular components of three-, four-, five- and six-ring PAHs. No significant correlations were observed between the PAHs concentrations and total organic carbon (TOC) in the dustfall samples. The deposition fluxes of sigmaPAH15 (sum of 15 PAHs except naphthalene), sigmaPAH6 (sum of 6 carcinogenic PAHs recommended by IARC) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) from atmospheric deposition to the whole area were estimated as 1911, 196, and 53 microg/m2/year, respectively. The deposition rates for PAH compounds in the east industrial area were higher than those in the urban and rural areas. Furthermore, the deposition contribution of PAHs during domestic heating season in winter was not significant relative to the annual inputs.

Organochlorine pesticides in agricultural soil and vegetables from Tianjin, China

Samples of eight types of vegetables, the rhizosphere soils, and bulk soils were collected from two sites (A and B) in Tianjin, China for the determination of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and metabolites (DDXs). The average concentrations of total HCHs and DDXs in the bulk soils were 3.6 and 80.1 ng/g for site A and 102 and 235 ng/g for site B, respectively. Relative accumulations of HCHs and DDXs in the rhizosphere soil from site A but not site B were demonstrated. The concentrations of total HCHs and DDXs in vegetable roots were 3.6-60 and 4.2-73 ng/g for site A and 15-152 and 7.1-136 ng/g for site B, respectively. Difference in bioaccumulation among various vegetables, especially between tuber and fibrous vegetables was significant. DDXs in spinach and cauliflower from site B and lindane (gamma-HCH) in cauliflower from both sites and violet from site B exceeded the maximum residual limits. Linear correlation of log-transformed HCHs and DDXs contents between the vegetable roots and the rhizosphere soils suggests the direct uptake of HCHs and DDXs.

Contamination of rivers in Tianjin, China by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Tianjin urban/industrial complex is highly polluted by some persistent organic pollutants. In this study, the levels of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were tested in sediment, water, and suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples in 10 rivers in Tianjin. The total concentration of 16 PAHs varied from 0.787 to 1943 microg/g dry weight in sediment, from 45.81 to 1272 ng/L in water, and from 0.938 to 64.2 microg/g dry weight in SPM. The levels of PAHs in these media are high in comparison with values reported from other river and marine systems. Variability of total concentrations of PAHs in sediment, water, and SPM from nine different rivers is consistent with each other. No obvious trends of total PAHs concentration variations were found between upstream and downstream sediment, water, and SPM samples for most rivers, which indicate local inputs and disturbances along these rivers. The spatial distributions of three-phase PAHs are very similar to each other, and they are also similar to those found in topsoil. However, their chemical profiles are significantly different from that of topsoil. The change of profiles is consistent with the different aqueous transport capability of 16 PAHs. Low molecular weight PAHs predomination suggests a relatively recent local source and coal combustion source of PAHs in the study area.

Effect of cordycepin on Hantaan virus 76-118 infection of primary human embryonic pulmonary fibroblasts--characterization of apoptotic effects

The cDNA microarray technique was used to study gene epression in human embryonic pulmonary fibroblasts (HEPF) infected with Hantaan virus (HTNV) under the influence of cordycepin (Cor), an inhibitor of post-transcriptional pre-mRNA polyadenylation. Four apoptotic genes, the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, NFkB inhibitor alpha, caspase-3 and NFkB1 were up-regulated in both infected and uninfected Cor-treated cells and two cell cycle-associated genes, CDC-like kinase and beta-induced transforming growth factor were up-regulated in Cor-untreated cells but down-regulated in Cor-treated cells. Cell morphology examination, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence (IF) test suggested that following the Cor treatment the HTNV infection took place, but late viral gene expression was slightly reduced. Three parameters, namely caspase-3 activity, annexin V binding, and cell cycle were used to detect apoptosis. The results suggested that the induction of apoptosis in HEPF by HTNV started at 6 hrs post infection (p.i.). Following the Cor treatment, however, the caspase-3 activity began to increase at 24 hrs p.i. Thus it is suggested that inhibition of de novo late viral protein synthesis by Cor changes the apoptosis pathway and cell cycle by delaying caspase-3 gene expression and by up/down-regulating of expression of other apoptotic and cell cycle-associated genes. This implicates that HTNV can induce apoptosis in HEPF even without de novo viral protein synthesis and with a reduced and slowed viral maturation.

Expression of p21WAF1 and Bax in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and its clinical significance

AIM: To investigate the relationship between the expression of p21WAF1 and Bax and clinicopathologic characteristics in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and to analyze the role of p21WAF1 and Bax in GIST.

METHODS: Immunohistochemical SP method was used to detect p21WAF1 and Bax expression in 40 cases of GIST.

RESULTS: p21WAF1 was expressed in the nucleus of 21 cases of GIST (52.5%), and Bax was expressed in the cytoplasm of 22 patients (55.0%). The expression of p21WAF1 and Bax had no significant relationship with sex, age of patients, as well as localization, size, necrosis, histological typing of GIST, but it significantly related to histological grading (χ² = 20.217, P = 0.000 < 0.01; χ² = 22.896, P = 0.000 < 0.01; respectively). There were higher rates of p21WAF1 and Bax expression in potential malignant and malignant GIST than those in benign one (p21WAF1: 80.0 %, 80.0% vs 6.7%, P < 0.01; Bax: 90.0%, 80.0% vs 6.7%, P < 0.01). The difference of p21WAF1 and Bax expression between potential malignancy and malignancy was not significant. There was a positive correlation between p21WAF1 and Bax expression (r = 0.448, χ² = 8.021, P = 0.005 < 0.01, Kappa = 0.447) in GIST.

CONCLUSION: The expression of p21WAF1 and Bax plays an important role in the pathogenesis of potential malignant and malignant GIST, but not in benign GIST, which may be used as an index to differentiate benign GIST from potential malignant and malignant ones.

Evaluation of factors influencing root-induced changes of copper fractionation in rhizosphere of a calcareous soil

Major factors influencing the root-induced copper fractionation changes within the rhizosphere of maize, wheat, pea, and soybean seedlings were evaluated using a contaminated calcareous soil. The effects of acidification, alkalization, and introduction of root exudates were investigated by addition of acid, alkaline and root exudates from solution cultures, prior to incubation and copper fractionation. Raw and sterilized soils were compared for changes of copper fractionation in the rhizosphere using rhizoboxes with maize, wheat, pea and soybean seedlings. The results indicated that the general trend in considerable changes was similar among the plant species studied. The rhizosphere experienced a depletion of carbonate associated and organic bound copper along with an accumulation of exchangeable and Fe-Mn oxide bound copper. The resulting significant influence of root exudates on copper fractionation appears to have been produced through complexation rather than acidification or alkalization. The increase in exchangeable copper in rhizosphere was strengthened by microorganisms.

Residues of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers and their distribution characteristics in soils in the Tianjin area, China

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) has a history of use in China. This paper presents the results of an investigation of HCH residue isomers and their distribution characteristics in soils near Tianjin, China. One hundred eighty-eight soil samples were collected from the Tianjin area. Four HCH isomers-alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, and delta-HCH-were detected using gas chromatography for all samples. Concentrations of the sum HCH ranged from 1.3 to 1095 ng g(-1), among which beta-HCH accounted for 52.5%. In addition, residues of HCH within Tianjin's urban areas were found to be higher. No significant differences were found between the residues of HCH in soils from waste irrigation areas and those in other areas. Total organic carbon content was determined to impact the residue levels of HCH in soils, while pH value and clay content were not related to concentrations of HCH. In general, all HCH isomers in soil samples had abnormally high residue levels, possibly the result of continuous use of HCH in this area.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in agricultural soil and vegetables from Tianjin

Several types of vegetables were collected from two contaminated sites in Tianjin, China. The bulk soil and the rhizosphere soil samples were also collected from the same plots. Sixteen PAHs in the samples were measured. The total concentrations of PAH16 in the bulk soil from the two sites were 1.08 and 6.25 microg/g, respectively, with similar pattern. The concentrations of PAH16 and individual compounds in the rhizosphere were significantly higher than those in the bulk soil with mean values of 2.25 and 7.82 microg/g for the two sites, respectively. The contents of both total and dissolved organic matter in the rhizosphere were also higher than those in the bulk soil. Almost all PAH compounds studied were detected in both roots and aerial parts of the vegetables studied. Abundance of higher molecular weight PAHs in vegetable, however, was lower than that in soil. Concentrations of PAH16 in vegetable were higher than those reported in the literature for other areas. It appears that agricultural soils and vegetables in Tianjin, especially those from the site located immediately next to an urban district and irrigated with wastewater for several decades, are severely contaminated by PAHs. Among the eight types of vegetable studied, the highest concentration of PAHs was found in cauliflower. By average, the concentration of PAH16 in the aerial part of vegetables was 6.5 times higher as that in vegetable root, suggesting that foliar uptake is the primary transfer pathway of PAHs from environment to vegetables.

Use of sequential ASE extraction to evaluate the bioavailability of DDT and its metabolites to wheat roots in soils with various organic carbon contents

An accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) procedure using water, n-hexane and a mixture of n-hexane and acetone as solvents in sequence was developed and tested to evaluate the bioavailability of DDT and its metabolites including p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, and p,p'-DDD (SigmaDDTs) to wheat uptake from soils characterized by varied organic carbon contents. Results indicated that the extractability of SigmaDDTs with water was enhanced considerably in the presence of water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), while the amount of SigmaDDTs extracted with n-hexane was negatively correlated to the content of water insoluble organic carbon (WIOC). The interaction between SigmaDDTs and WIOC also reduced the bioavailability of the pesticides to wheat roots during uptake. There was a good positive correlation between the amount of SigmaDDTs extracted by n-hexane and the amount of SigmaDDTs accumulated in wheat roots, suggesting some potential for the use of the n-hexane ASE-extracted fraction as an indicator of SigmaDDTs' bioavailability to plant uptake. As such, the three sequentially extracted fractions may be viewed as representing the mobile, bioavailable, and fixed pools of SigmaDDTs in the soil.

Level and distribution of DDT in surface soils from Tianjin, China

One hundred and eighty eight surface soil samples were collected from the Tianjin area to study the contamination of DDT and its metabolites. Measurements were taken for p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDD and o,p'-DDT for all samples. The results indicated that p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE were the predominant contaminant compounds in the surface soil samples, with mean concentrations of 27.5 and 18.8 ng g(-1) respectively. No significant differences in DDT concentrations were found between the soils from wastewater treated irrigated areas and other areas, suggesting that wastewater irrigation is not an important source of DDT in the area. However, the spatial distribution of soil DDTs levels in the area did correlate well with early direct application rates of pesticides. In addition, both pH level and organic carbon content are also known factors affecting the level of DDT and its metabolites. Although it was assumed that the use of these chemicals was banned in the early 1980s, the current concentration levels appear to be too high to be mere residuals after 20 years degradation.

Serological characterization of a hantavirus from Hubei, China

Hantavirus HV114, isolated from urine of a patient during epidemic of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in China, was subjected to a detailed serological characterization using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), neutralization test and indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA). It has been found that HV114 is antigenically similar to the hantavirus A9 strain isolated in China and to the Hantaan 76-118 virus (HTNV 76-118), but different from the hantaviruses isolated from Apodemus agrarius in the region endemic for HFRS.

Changes of copper speciation in maize rhizosphere soil

Chemical forms of copper in the rhizosphere and bulk soil of maize were investigated using rhizobox cultivation and sequential extraction techniques. The copper accumulations were also determined. The results demonstrated that there were continuous changes in copper fractionation within the maize rhizosphere. Initially, the amount of exchangeable copper increased before dropping below the initial level after 40 days or so. Carbonate associated copper followed a similar trend of change, but with a slower pace than the exchangeable copper. The increase in carbonate associated copper only become evident after 30 days, with the net loss occurring after 60 days. There were also initial increases in oxide bound copper as well as decreases in the organic matter associated copper, both followed by a turnover after 40-50 days. The accumulation of copper in the maize plant was found to be biomass dependent. The amount of accumulated copper absorbed in the plant material exceeded the initial quantity of the exchangeable copper in the soil, revealing a transformation from less bioavailable to more bioavailable fractions. During cultivation, decreases in redox potential and increases in pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and microbial activity in the maize rhizosphere were observed. The change in copper speciation may result from root-induced changes in DOC, redox potential, and microbial activity in the rhizosphere.

Characterizing and comparing risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a Tianjin wastewater-irrigated area

A probability risk assessment was conducted to characterize the ecotoxicity of three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including benzo[a]pyrene, fluoranthene, and phenanthrene, to various species in a wastewater-irrigated area of Tianjin, China. The relative risk of these chemicals was investigated using joint risk probability distribution curves, which were generated based on the distributions of exposure and acute toxicity data. Risk at various exposure levels was discussed. The results indicated that among the three PAHs studied, the overall risk of phenanthrene was the highest, with that of benzo[a]pyrene the lowest, due mainly to their exposure concentrations. For lower exposure levels at which the percentage of species affected was less than 20%, the risk associated with benzo[a]pyrene was clearly higher than that of the other two chemicals.

Modeling the fate of benzo[a]pyrene in the wastewater-irrigated areas of Tianjin with a fugacity model

A Level III fugacity model was applied to characterize the transfer processes and environmental fate of benzo[a]pyrene in wastewater-irrigated areas of Tianjin, China. The physical-chemical properties and transfer parameters of benzo[a]pyrene were used in the model and the concentration distribution of benzo[a]pyrene in sediment, soil, water, air, fish, and crop compartments, as well as transfer fluxes across the compartments, were then derived under steady-state assumptions. The calculated results were compared with monitoring data for air, soil, water, and sediment collected from the literature. The results indicate that there was generally good agreement and the differences were within an order of magnitude for air, soil, and sediment. The concentration of benzo[a]pyrene in the ambient air in the area was very low with a majority present sorbed to aerosol. In the water compartment, approximately 70% of benzo[a]pyrene dissolved in water phase. Relatively high concentrations of the compound were found in the soil and sediment, with the soil serving as the dominant sink in the area. Benzo[a]pyrene, with a slow metabolic rate, was found to accumulate in fish in the area.

Determination of PAHs in wastewater irrigated agricultural soil using accelerated solvent extraction

A procedure was developed for determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in heavily contaminated paddy soil from wastewater irrigated farmland near Tianjin. The sample was distilled with accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), purified by a silica gel column, and measured with GC/MS. The optimal conditions for the distillation were at 140 degrees C (1500 psi) with a 1:1 mixture of dichloromethane and acetone for 5 min. Application of cyclohexane for extract transfer improved the recovery when the ASE extraction was followed by a silica gel cleanup procedure. Recoveries from the method for 16 PAHs ranged from 57-140% with the coefficients of variation of the results ranging from 0.35% to 5.75%. The total 16 PAHs in a composite sample collected from a wastewater irrigated paddy field near Tianjin was 3.90 mg/kg.

Lake ecosystem health assessment: indicators and methods

A set of ecological indicators including structural, functional, and system-level aspects were proposed for a lake ecosystem health assessment, according to the structural, functional, and system-level responses of lake ecosystems to chemical stresses including acidification, eutrophication and copper, oil and pesticide contamination. The structural indicators included phytoplankton cell size and biomass, zooplankton body size and biomass, species diversity, macro- and micro-zooplankton biomass, the zooplankton phytoplankton ratio, and the macrozooplankton microzooplankton ratio. The functional indicators encompassed the algal C assimilation ratio, resource use efficiency, community production, gross production/respiration (i.e. P/R) ratio, gross production standing crop biomass (i.e. P/B) ratio, and standing crop biomass unit energy flow (i.e. B/E) ratio. The ecosystem-level indicators conisisted of ecological buffer capacities, energy, and structural energy. Based on these indicators, a direct measurement method (DMM) and an ecological modeling method (EMM) for lake ecosystem health assessment were developed. The DMM procedures were designed to: (1) identify key indicators; (2) measure directly or calculate indirectly the selected indicators; and, (3) assess ecosystem health on the basis of the indicator values. The EMM procedures were designed to: (1) determine the structure and complexity of the ecological model according to the lake's ecosystem structure; (2) establish an ecological model by designing a conceptual diagram, establishing model equations, and estimating model pararmeters; (3) compare the simulated values of important state variables and process rates with actual observations; (4) calculate ecosystem health indicators using the ecological model; and, (5) assess lake ecosystem health according to the values of the ecological indicators. The results of a case study demonstrated that both methods provided similar results which corresponded with the lake's actual trophic state.

[The treatment of hypopharyngoesophageal stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

To improve the curative effects of hypopharyngoesophageal stenosis.

METHOD

35 patients treated for hypopharyngoesophageal stenosis were retrospectively reviewed. The curative methods were selected on the stage of stenosis, including drug, dilatation, reconstruction of hypopharynx and oesophagus.

RESULT

33 patients resumed a normal oral diet, no stenosis of anastomosis occurred.

CONCLUSION

For the early mild lesions, using of steroids, antibacterial and dilatation is considered to be the procedure of choice, for those severe lesions, reconstruction of hypopharynx and oesophagus with selected appropriate materials can obtain good results.