Core D (21°23′02″N, 116°47′13″E, water depth 405 m) was sampled from the upper slope from the northeastern South China Sea (SCS) and applied to analyze the sedimentary environmental change in this se...Core D (21°23′02″N, 116°47′13″E, water depth 405 m) was sampled from the upper slope from the northeastern South China Sea (SCS) and applied to analyze the sedimentary environmental change in this sea area since the last glacial stage. The results of grain size analysis, diatom analysis and detrital mineral analysis were well matched. We divided the core D into two layers. The surface sand layer (0 - 2 cm) consisted of residual sediments, which might be originally the sediment in the late Pleistocene and later suffered from being transformed in the post glacial transgression. The lower layer (2 - 130 cm) was quite different from the surface one, which might mainly result from a neritic sedimentary environment in the last glacial stage. Two sedimentary cycles could be detected in the core D: regression during Marine isotope stage (MIS) 4 to transgression during MIS 3 and regression during MIS 2 to transgression during the post glacial.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the prognostic value of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and three new MELD-based models combination with serum sodium in decompensated cirrhosis patients-the MELD with the incorpora...AIM: To investigate the prognostic value of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and three new MELD-based models combination with serum sodium in decompensated cirrhosis patients-the MELD with the incorporation of serum sodium (MELD-Na), the integrated MELD (iMELD), and the MELD to sodium (MESO) index. METHODS: A total of 166 patients with decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled into the study. MELD, MELD- Na, iMELD and MESO scores were calculated for each patient following the original formula on the first day of admission. All patients were followed up at least 1 year. The predictive prognosis related with the four models was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the four parameters. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were made using the cut-offs identified by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: Out of 166 patients, 38 patients with significantly higher MELD-Na (28.84 ± 2.43 vs 14.72 ± 0.60), iMELD (49.04 ± 1.72 vs 35.52 ± 0.67), MESO scores (1.59 ± 0.82 vs 0.99 ± 0.42) compared to the survivors died within 3 mo (P 〈 0.001). Of 166 patients, 75 with markedly higher MELD-Na (23.01 ± 1.51 vs 13.78 ± 0.69), iMELD (44.06 ± 1.19 vs 34.12 ± 0.69), MESO scores (1.37 ± 0.70 vs 0.93 ± 0.40) than the survivors died within 1 year (P 〈 0.001). At 3 mo of enrollment, the iMELD had the highest AUC (0.841), and was followed by the MELD-Na (0.766), MESO (0.723), all larger than MELD (0.773); At year, the iMELD still had the highest AUC (0.783), the difference between the iMELD and MELD was statistically significant (P 〈 0.05). Survival curves showed that the three new models were all clearly discriminated the patients who survived or died in short-term as well as intermediate-term (P 〈 0.001). CONCLUSION: Three new models, changed with serum sodium (MELD-Na, iMELD, MESO) can exactly predict the prognosis of patients with decompensated cirrhosis for short and intermediate period, and may enhance the prognostic accuracy of MELD. The iMELD is better prognostic model for outcome prediction in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the capability of a biochemical and clinical model,BioCliM,in predicting the survival of cirrhotic patients.METHODS:We prospectively evaluated the survival of 172 cirrhotic patients.The model was co...AIM:To investigate the capability of a biochemical and clinical model,BioCliM,in predicting the survival of cirrhotic patients.METHODS:We prospectively evaluated the survival of 172 cirrhotic patients.The model was constructed using clinical(ascites,encephalopathy and variceal bleeding) and biochemical(serum creatinine and serum total bilirubin) variables that were selected from a Cox proportional hazards model.It was applied to estimate 12-,52-and 104-wk survival.The model's calibration using the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic was computed at 104 wk in a validation dataset.Finally,the model's validity was tested among an independent set of 85 patients who were stratified into 2 risk groups(low risk≤8 and high risk>8).RESULTS:In the validation cohort,all measures of fi t,discrimination and calibration were improved when the biochemical and clinical model was used.The proposed model had better predictive values(c-statistic:0.90,0.91,0.91) than the Model for End-stage Liver Disease(MELD) and Child-Pugh(CP) scores for 12-,52-and 104-wk mortality,respectively.In addition,the Hosmer-Lemeshow(H-L) statistic revealed that the biochemical and clinical model(H-L,4.69) is better calibrated than MELD(H-L,17.06) and CP(H-L,14.23).There were no significant differences between the observed and expected survival curves in the stratified risk groups(low risk,P=0.61;high risk,P=0.77).CONCLUSION:Our data suggest that the proposed model is able to accurately predict survival in cirrhotic patients.展开更多
Objectives:To investigate the current situation of palliative care needs and the symptom burden in patients with end-stage renal disease(ESRD)undergoing maintenance hemodialysis(MHD),and to explore whether there are d...Objectives:To investigate the current situation of palliative care needs and the symptom burden in patients with end-stage renal disease(ESRD)undergoing maintenance hemodialysis(MHD),and to explore whether there are differences between younger and older patients.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in the hemodialysis centers of two tertiary hospitals from November 2021 to June 2022.Participants were selected by convenience sampling.Sociodemographics,clinical characteristics,the Palliative Care Outcome Scale(POS),the Dialysis Symptom Index(DSI),and health-related quality of life(EQ-5D-3L)were used for evaluation.Descriptive statistics,between-group comparisons,and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data.Results:A total of 236 patients were enrolled,including 118 younger and 118 older patients.The total median(P25,P75)POS score was 16.0(12.0,23.0),and the score was higher in older patients(P<0.01).The mean total number of symptoms in MHD patients was 15.04±5.06,and the overall median symptom severity score was 59.0(52.0,71.0);these scores were higher in the older group(P<0.01).The most common symptom was dry mouth(91.5%),followed by itching(83.1%),and dry skin(82.2%).Additionally,palliative care needs were significantly associated with symptom burden and health-related quality of life(HRQOL).Conclusions:The results showed that patients with ESRD undergoing MHD have a significant symptom burden and moderate palliative care needs,which are more severe in older patients.Therefore,interdisciplinary teams should be formed to actively manage patients’symptoms and meet the physical,psychological,social,and spiritual needs related to palliative care to improve patients’HRQOL.展开更多
The shortage of organ donors is a problem worldwide, with approximately 15% of adult patients with lifethreatening liver diseases dying while on the waiting list. The use of cell transplantation for liver disease is a...The shortage of organ donors is a problem worldwide, with approximately 15% of adult patients with lifethreatening liver diseases dying while on the waiting list. The use of cell transplantation for liver disease is an attempt to correct metabolic defects, or to support liver function as a bridge to liver transplantation and, as such, has raised a number of expectations. Most of the available studies briefly reported here focus on adult hepatocyte transplantation (HT), and the results are neither reproducible nor comparable, because the means of infusion, amount of injected cells and clinical variability differ among the studies. To better understand the specif ic role of HT in the management of end-stage liver disease, it is important that controlled studies, designed on the principles of evidence-based medicine, be done in order to guarantee the reproducibility of results.展开更多
Objective To investigate the efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation via the hepatic artery vs. the portal vein for end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Methods Patients with hepatic decompensation w...Objective To investigate the efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation via the hepatic artery vs. the portal vein for end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Methods Patients with hepatic decompensation were prospectively recruited from September 2010 to September 2012 to receive HSC transplantation via the hepatic artery or the portal vein. Liver function was examined at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Liver biopsy results were analyzed using the Knodell score. Results Eighty patients (58 males and 22 females) were enrolled in the study. The Child-Pugh score was grade B in 69 cases, and grade C in the remaining 11 cases. HSC transplantation was performed via the portal vein in 36 patients and via the hepatic artery in 44 patients. ALT levels decreased while serum albumin levels increased significantly in both groups at 6 and 12 months after HSC transplantation (P〈0.05 compared with pre-transplantation levels). Total biliruhin levels decreased significandy in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after HSC transplantation (P〈0.05 compared with pre-transplantation levels). Additionally, prothromhin time decreased in both groups at 12 months after HSC transplantation (P〈0.05 compared with pre-transplantation level). There were no significant differences in ALT, total bilirubin and prothromhin time between the two groups either before or after transplantation. Moreover, Knodell score decreased significantly at 6 and 12 months. Histological examination showed that liver cell edema, degeneration, necrosis, and inflammation were significantly relieved at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. The incidence of portal vein thrombosis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy were 1.25%, 3.75%, and 2.5% respectively. The one-year survival rate was 100%. Conclusions Autologous HSC transplantation improves liver function and histology in ESLD patients The administration route of HSC has no significant impact on the efficacy of transplantation.展开更多
AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common disease in Taiwan. The prevalence of viral hepatitis infection and the subsequent development of HCC are well known to be higher in patients with end-stage renal disease...AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common disease in Taiwan. The prevalence of viral hepatitis infection and the subsequent development of HCC are well known to be higher in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) than among the general population. However, information on hepatic resection for ESRD-HCC patients is limited. METHODS: The clinical features of 26 ESRD-HCC patients who underwent hepatic resection from 1982 to 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Meanwhile, the clinicopathological features and the outcome of 1 198 HCC patients without ESRD undergoing hepatic resection were used for comparison. RESULTS: Of 1 224 surgically resected HCC patients, 26 (4.2%) were ESRD-HCC. Univariate analysis revealed more associated disease, more physical signs of anemia and postoperative complications, lower hemoglobin, platelet, α-fetoprotein, elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, smaller tumors, lower HBsAg positivity, higher HCV positivity, and longer hospital stays in the ESRDHCC group compared with the HCC group. Furthermore, multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated BUN and creatinine levels were the only two independently significant factors in the patients in the ESRD-HCC group. Overall and disease-free survival rates were similar between the ESRD-HCC and HCC groups.CONCLUSION: Elevated BUN and creatinine were the only two main independent factors differentiating ESRD-HCC from HCC patients. ESRD should not be a contraindication of hepatic resection in HCC patients; however, careful operative techniques and perioperative care are crucial to achieving lower morbidity and mortality. Comparable overall survival and disease-free survival can be achieved in selected ESRD-HCC patients undergoing hepatic resection when compared with conventional HCC patients.展开更多
Investigation of depression prevalence in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with two different methods, hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is conducted. We inves...Investigation of depression prevalence in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with two different methods, hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is conducted. We investigated whether the dialysis adequacy (Kt/v) and serum hemoglobin level had any correlation with depression severity. Psychiatric interview was performed on 30 HD and 30 CAPD patients. Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate depression symptoms. Kt/v and serum hemoglobin level were detected. Half of HD patients were depressive, while depression wasn't found in any CAPD patient. Hemoglobin was in positive correlation with the HAMD, while Kt/v was in negative correlation with the HAMD. Patients on CAPD had less depressive symptoms. Good dialysis adequacy diminish depressive symptoms.展开更多
Heart failure (HF), a complex clinical syndrome due to structural or functional disorder of the heart, is a major global health issue, with a prevalence of over 5.8 million in the USA alone, and over 23 million worl...Heart failure (HF), a complex clinical syndrome due to structural or functional disorder of the heart, is a major global health issue, with a prevalence of over 5.8 million in the USA alone, and over 23 million worldwide. As a leading cause of hospitalizations among patients aged 65 years or older, HF is a major consumer of healthcare resources, creating a substantial strain on the healthcare system. This paper discusses the epidemiology of HF, financial impact, and multifaceted predicaments in end-stage HF care. A search was conducted on the U.S National Library of Medicine website (www.pubmed.gov) using keywords such as end-stage heart failure, palliative care, ethical dilemmas. Despite the poor prognosis of HF (worse than that for many cancers), many HF patients, caregivers, and clinicians are unaware of the poor prognosis. In addition, the unpredictable clinical trajectory of HF complicates the planning of end-of-life care, such as palliative care and hospice, leading to underutilization of such resources. In conclusion, ethical dilemmas in end-stage HF are numerous, embroiling not only the patient, but also the caregiver, healthcare team, and society.展开更多
A lot of well-preserved plants from the Linxi Formation are collected in the Soron area,Inner Mongolia,consisting of 34 species of 16 genera. They are Late Permian in age. The flora is characterized by a lot of Angara...A lot of well-preserved plants from the Linxi Formation are collected in the Soron area,Inner Mongolia,consisting of 34 species of 16 genera. They are Late Permian in age. The flora is characterized by a lot of Angaran plants,such as Paracalamites,Comia,Rhachiphyllum,Iniopteris,Rufloria,etc. Some Cathaysian elements,such as Lobatannularia lingulata,L. multifolia,Fascipteris Cathaysiantus,F. densata,Taeniopteris szei,Cladophlebis liulinensis and C. permica,are also mixed within the present flora. This indicates that the Soron of Inner Mongolia was located in the sector between the Angaran and Cathysian floristic provinces in Lopingian. It is beneficial for depicting the location and the evolution of the Solenker--Xar Moron suture zone in the phytogeographic view. The transmigration of tropical and subtropical Cathaysian plants to the north indicates that the Paleoasian Ocean was closed during the late Permian along the suture zone.展开更多
By using remote sensing images from three periods (1980, 1995, 2000) and with the support of GIS and RS, the spatial information of landscape elements of Jilin Province from 1980 to 2000 was interpreted and extracted....By using remote sensing images from three periods (1980, 1995, 2000) and with the support of GIS and RS, the spatial information of landscape elements of Jilin Province from 1980 to 2000 was interpreted and extracted. Using models of landscape indices such as diversity, fragmentation, and mean patch fractal dimension, dynamic spatio-temporal changes of landscape patterns of the province were analyzed. The results: ① cropland and forestland were the main landscape types, and forestland became a landscape matrix; ② in the study area, landscapes were distributed unevenly, and there was low heterogeneity, a simple ecosystem structure and a tendency of irrational landscape patterns. There were also simple spatial shapes of patches and strong self-similarities, and in terms of dynamic change analysis, patch shapes tended to be more simple; ③ from 1980 to 2000, holistic landscape fragmentation was low and changed slightly. As far as landscape elements were concerned, the fragmentation of grassland, water area, land for residential area and factory facilities was relatively low; land distribution for residential areas and factory facilities was dispersed; and cropland and forestland were most concentrated-an indication that the trend will continue. Comprehensive effects among human activity, local policy, regional climate and environmental change led to the results.展开更多
Currently,the growing number of end-stage renal disease patients in developing countries consumes a greater proportion of healthcare budget,and increasing attention is being focused on the cost-effectiveness of the pr...Currently,the growing number of end-stage renal disease patients in developing countries consumes a greater proportion of healthcare budget,and increasing attention is being focused on the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of living-related renal transplantation (RTx) as compared with that for hemodialysis (HD) and identify medical factors associated with charges for RTx in northwestern China.This study was a retrospective analysis of 372 patients on regular HD and 122 living-related kidney transplant recipients on regular follow-up for at least 3 years in northwestern China.All data on charges included HD procedure,RTx procedure,the cost for donor operation,immunosuppression,and follow-up medicare.The average annual cost to all patients on HD and kidney recipients during the first 3 years after RTx was $14482/$31027,$13502/$11038,and $13382/$10243,respectively.The three variables were found to be significant in predicting increased costs for RTx:diltiazem administration,acute rejection and infection complications.We concluded that from the second year on,RTx in China was more effective and less costly than dialysis treatment,although recipients without diltiazem administration and with acute rejection or infection proved costlier during the first year after transplantation.展开更多
This study sought to establish the compatibility effects of biochar/vermin-compost application on growth and yield of maize and cabbages. Biochar application rate was at 3 to 4% of soil weight. Biochar was mixed in va...This study sought to establish the compatibility effects of biochar/vermin-compost application on growth and yield of maize and cabbages. Biochar application rate was at 3 to 4% of soil weight. Biochar was mixed in various proportions to come up with treatments which were 100% vermicompost, 50/50% biochar: vermicompost, 75/25% biochar: vermicompost and 100% biochar. The experiment was repeated twice and arranged as a completely randomized design and replicated five times. The study established that maize yield increased with application of biochar from 25% to 50%. In the cabbage trial, comparable results in plant height, leaf numbers and final yield was obtained with 100% vermicompost application, 50% and 75% biochar inclusion. When biochar was applied at 100%, noticeable reduction in plant performance was noted. It is recommended to use biochar as a bio-fertiliser at 50/50% biochar: vermicompost in maize and cabbage production.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlations between the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and apoptosis and angiogenesis in lung carcinomas. METHODS A 829 microarray of the paraffin tissue chips was...OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlations between the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and apoptosis and angiogenesis in lung carcinomas. METHODS A 829 microarray of the paraffin tissue chips was constructed, which contained 196 lung carcinomas, 10 normal lung tissues, and 1 muscular tissue. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemical SP method were used to detect apoptosis and expression of TTF-1 and CD34 in different types of lung carcinomas. A Leica Q500 MC image analysis system was used to measure and calculate TTF-1 positive unit (PU), apoptotic index (AI) and microvessel density (MVD). RESULTS AI of lung small cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma were smaller than those of lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.000). AI of lung carcinomas with lymph node metastases was smaller than that of those without (P = 0.039). AI of lung carcinomas in TNM stage I-IV was smaller than that in stage I (P = 0.008). The PU of the TTF-1 was negatively correlated with AI in small cell lung carcinoma (r = -0.752, P = 0.000). MVD of lung carcinomas without lymph node metastases was smaller than that of those with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.031). MVD of lung carcinomas in TNM stage I was smaller than that in stage I-IV (P = 0.040). The PU of TTF-1 was positively correlated with MVD in lung adenocarcinoma (r = 0.708, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION There is a negative correlation between TTF-1 PU and AI in small cell lung carcinoma. TTF-1 PU and AI may be correlated with each other. There is a positive correlation between TTF-1 PU and MVD in lung adenocarcinoma. TTF-1 may induce the development of lung adenocarcinoma by inducing tumor angiogenesis.展开更多
This paper analyses the chanting of 21 five-syllable modem-style poems, which is Chinese traditional style of poem reciting with cadence and pleasant melody, in order to fmd out the prosodic hierarchy according to pau...This paper analyses the chanting of 21 five-syllable modem-style poems, which is Chinese traditional style of poem reciting with cadence and pleasant melody, in order to fmd out the prosodic hierarchy according to pause duration, and probe the phonetic features and methods of chanting. Results reveal that pause exists after "level-level" tonal combinations, which is a kind of metrical pattern of Chinese poetry. The duration of syllables doubles in sentence final position. An exclamation is added when the sentence ends with a checked syllable. The pitch of syllables with level tone is lower than that of syllables with oblique tones, alternation of level and oblique tones forms the chanting melody. Sentences and poems with same metrical pattern have the same chanting melody.展开更多
The paper reports the results of a field study which was carried out at the Language Centre of the University of Naples and originated in the observation that learning the Italian language was not perceived by ab init...The paper reports the results of a field study which was carried out at the Language Centre of the University of Naples and originated in the observation that learning the Italian language was not perceived by ab initio students as connected to their personal and academic experiences. The claim of this research is that a procedural syllabus based on texts and tasks facilitates both the acquisition of Italian as a foreign language and the integration of language and content. Each text proposed to the learners was accompanied and enhanced by pre-, while-, and production-tasks. A particular emphasis was assigned to noticing and attention management tasks in the pre and while phase Production tasks in a later phase favoured interlanguage development by combining representational structures with controlled attention. The method of the study was a combination of qualitative and quantitative approach at any stage. Measures for written production during the course and to assess final exams were: Holistic Rating (fluency and creativity), Accuracy Ratios (intelligibility index and error index), and Complexity Ratios (dependent and coordinate clauses per t-units ratio and re-elaboration of a model or text type). At the final exams, Texts and tasks learners outperformed non-texts and tasks learners. In conclusion, an input related to personal and/or academic interests, to be processed through tasks, allowed learners a rapid interlanguage change and development展开更多
To decipher the sedimentary evolution and environmental changes since the late Last Deglaciation, two gravity cores were analyzed from the western North Yellow Sea (NYS). The two cores (B-L44 and B-U35) were sampled f...To decipher the sedimentary evolution and environmental changes since the late Last Deglaciation, two gravity cores were analyzed from the western North Yellow Sea (NYS). The two cores (B-L44 and B-U35) were sampled for grain size, clay minerals, detrital minerals, and 14C dating. They are comparable in lithofaies, and the observed succession was divided into four depositional units based on lithology and mineral assemblages, which recorded the postglacial transgression. Depositional unit 4 (DU 4) (before 11.5 ka) was characterized with enrichment in sand, and was interpreted as nearshore deposits in shallow water during the Younger Dryas Event. DU 3 (11.5-9.6 ka) displayed a fining-upward succession composed of sediments from local rivers, such as the Huanghe (Yellow) River, and from coastal erosion, which clearly were related to the Early Holocene transgression. Stable muddy deposition (DU 2) in NYS began to form at about 9.6 ka, which received direct supply of fine materials from the Shandong subaqueous clinoform. It is believed that the Yellow Sea circulation system played a major role in controlling the formation of fine sediment deposition in DU 1 (after 6.4 ka) after the sea level maximum.展开更多
Changes in sea surface temperature (SST), seawater oxygen isotope (δ18Osw), and local salinity proxy (δ18Osw-ss ) in the past 155 ka were studied using a sediment core (MD06-3052) from the northern edge of t...Changes in sea surface temperature (SST), seawater oxygen isotope (δ18Osw), and local salinity proxy (δ18Osw-ss ) in the past 155 ka were studied using a sediment core (MD06-3052) from the northern edge of the western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP), within the flow path of the bifurcation of the North Equatorial Current. Our records reveal a lead-lag relationship between paired Mg/Ca-SST and δ18O during Termination II and the last interglacial period. Similarity in SST between our site and the Antarctic temperature proxy and in CO2 profile showed a close connection between the WPWP and the Antarctic. Values of 818Osw exhibited very similar variations to those of mean ocean δ18Osw, owing to the past sea-level changes on glacial-interglacial timescale. Calculated values of δ18O reflect a more saline condition during high local summer insolation (SI) periods. Such correspondence between δ18O and local SI in the WPWP may reflect complex interaction between ENSO and monsoon, which was stimulated by changes in solar irradiance and their influence on the local hydrologic cycle. This then caused a striking reorganization of atmospheric circulation over the WPWP.展开更多
文摘Core D (21°23′02″N, 116°47′13″E, water depth 405 m) was sampled from the upper slope from the northeastern South China Sea (SCS) and applied to analyze the sedimentary environmental change in this sea area since the last glacial stage. The results of grain size analysis, diatom analysis and detrital mineral analysis were well matched. We divided the core D into two layers. The surface sand layer (0 - 2 cm) consisted of residual sediments, which might be originally the sediment in the late Pleistocene and later suffered from being transformed in the post glacial transgression. The lower layer (2 - 130 cm) was quite different from the surface one, which might mainly result from a neritic sedimentary environment in the last glacial stage. Two sedimentary cycles could be detected in the core D: regression during Marine isotope stage (MIS) 4 to transgression during MIS 3 and regression during MIS 2 to transgression during the post glacial.
文摘AIM: To investigate the prognostic value of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and three new MELD-based models combination with serum sodium in decompensated cirrhosis patients-the MELD with the incorporation of serum sodium (MELD-Na), the integrated MELD (iMELD), and the MELD to sodium (MESO) index. METHODS: A total of 166 patients with decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled into the study. MELD, MELD- Na, iMELD and MESO scores were calculated for each patient following the original formula on the first day of admission. All patients were followed up at least 1 year. The predictive prognosis related with the four models was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the four parameters. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were made using the cut-offs identified by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: Out of 166 patients, 38 patients with significantly higher MELD-Na (28.84 ± 2.43 vs 14.72 ± 0.60), iMELD (49.04 ± 1.72 vs 35.52 ± 0.67), MESO scores (1.59 ± 0.82 vs 0.99 ± 0.42) compared to the survivors died within 3 mo (P 〈 0.001). Of 166 patients, 75 with markedly higher MELD-Na (23.01 ± 1.51 vs 13.78 ± 0.69), iMELD (44.06 ± 1.19 vs 34.12 ± 0.69), MESO scores (1.37 ± 0.70 vs 0.93 ± 0.40) than the survivors died within 1 year (P 〈 0.001). At 3 mo of enrollment, the iMELD had the highest AUC (0.841), and was followed by the MELD-Na (0.766), MESO (0.723), all larger than MELD (0.773); At year, the iMELD still had the highest AUC (0.783), the difference between the iMELD and MELD was statistically significant (P 〈 0.05). Survival curves showed that the three new models were all clearly discriminated the patients who survived or died in short-term as well as intermediate-term (P 〈 0.001). CONCLUSION: Three new models, changed with serum sodium (MELD-Na, iMELD, MESO) can exactly predict the prognosis of patients with decompensated cirrhosis for short and intermediate period, and may enhance the prognostic accuracy of MELD. The iMELD is better prognostic model for outcome prediction in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
文摘AIM:To investigate the capability of a biochemical and clinical model,BioCliM,in predicting the survival of cirrhotic patients.METHODS:We prospectively evaluated the survival of 172 cirrhotic patients.The model was constructed using clinical(ascites,encephalopathy and variceal bleeding) and biochemical(serum creatinine and serum total bilirubin) variables that were selected from a Cox proportional hazards model.It was applied to estimate 12-,52-and 104-wk survival.The model's calibration using the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic was computed at 104 wk in a validation dataset.Finally,the model's validity was tested among an independent set of 85 patients who were stratified into 2 risk groups(low risk≤8 and high risk>8).RESULTS:In the validation cohort,all measures of fi t,discrimination and calibration were improved when the biochemical and clinical model was used.The proposed model had better predictive values(c-statistic:0.90,0.91,0.91) than the Model for End-stage Liver Disease(MELD) and Child-Pugh(CP) scores for 12-,52-and 104-wk mortality,respectively.In addition,the Hosmer-Lemeshow(H-L) statistic revealed that the biochemical and clinical model(H-L,4.69) is better calibrated than MELD(H-L,17.06) and CP(H-L,14.23).There were no significant differences between the observed and expected survival curves in the stratified risk groups(low risk,P=0.61;high risk,P=0.77).CONCLUSION:Our data suggest that the proposed model is able to accurately predict survival in cirrhotic patients.
文摘Objectives:To investigate the current situation of palliative care needs and the symptom burden in patients with end-stage renal disease(ESRD)undergoing maintenance hemodialysis(MHD),and to explore whether there are differences between younger and older patients.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in the hemodialysis centers of two tertiary hospitals from November 2021 to June 2022.Participants were selected by convenience sampling.Sociodemographics,clinical characteristics,the Palliative Care Outcome Scale(POS),the Dialysis Symptom Index(DSI),and health-related quality of life(EQ-5D-3L)were used for evaluation.Descriptive statistics,between-group comparisons,and correlation analysis were used to analyze the data.Results:A total of 236 patients were enrolled,including 118 younger and 118 older patients.The total median(P25,P75)POS score was 16.0(12.0,23.0),and the score was higher in older patients(P<0.01).The mean total number of symptoms in MHD patients was 15.04±5.06,and the overall median symptom severity score was 59.0(52.0,71.0);these scores were higher in the older group(P<0.01).The most common symptom was dry mouth(91.5%),followed by itching(83.1%),and dry skin(82.2%).Additionally,palliative care needs were significantly associated with symptom burden and health-related quality of life(HRQOL).Conclusions:The results showed that patients with ESRD undergoing MHD have a significant symptom burden and moderate palliative care needs,which are more severe in older patients.Therefore,interdisciplinary teams should be formed to actively manage patients’symptoms and meet the physical,psychological,social,and spiritual needs related to palliative care to improve patients’HRQOL.
文摘The shortage of organ donors is a problem worldwide, with approximately 15% of adult patients with lifethreatening liver diseases dying while on the waiting list. The use of cell transplantation for liver disease is an attempt to correct metabolic defects, or to support liver function as a bridge to liver transplantation and, as such, has raised a number of expectations. Most of the available studies briefly reported here focus on adult hepatocyte transplantation (HT), and the results are neither reproducible nor comparable, because the means of infusion, amount of injected cells and clinical variability differ among the studies. To better understand the specif ic role of HT in the management of end-stage liver disease, it is important that controlled studies, designed on the principles of evidence-based medicine, be done in order to guarantee the reproducibility of results.
基金Supported by the Science&Technology Department of Sichuan Province(2010FZ0098,2011HH0022)Chengdu Bureau of Science and Technology(10GGYB883SF)the Scientific Research Foundation of the Health Department of Sichuan Province(100487,100489)
文摘Objective To investigate the efficacy of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation via the hepatic artery vs. the portal vein for end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Methods Patients with hepatic decompensation were prospectively recruited from September 2010 to September 2012 to receive HSC transplantation via the hepatic artery or the portal vein. Liver function was examined at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. Liver biopsy results were analyzed using the Knodell score. Results Eighty patients (58 males and 22 females) were enrolled in the study. The Child-Pugh score was grade B in 69 cases, and grade C in the remaining 11 cases. HSC transplantation was performed via the portal vein in 36 patients and via the hepatic artery in 44 patients. ALT levels decreased while serum albumin levels increased significantly in both groups at 6 and 12 months after HSC transplantation (P〈0.05 compared with pre-transplantation levels). Total biliruhin levels decreased significandy in both groups at 3, 6, and 12 months after HSC transplantation (P〈0.05 compared with pre-transplantation levels). Additionally, prothromhin time decreased in both groups at 12 months after HSC transplantation (P〈0.05 compared with pre-transplantation level). There were no significant differences in ALT, total bilirubin and prothromhin time between the two groups either before or after transplantation. Moreover, Knodell score decreased significantly at 6 and 12 months. Histological examination showed that liver cell edema, degeneration, necrosis, and inflammation were significantly relieved at 3, 6, and 12 months after transplantation. The incidence of portal vein thrombosis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy were 1.25%, 3.75%, and 2.5% respectively. The one-year survival rate was 100%. Conclusions Autologous HSC transplantation improves liver function and histology in ESLD patients The administration route of HSC has no significant impact on the efficacy of transplantation.
文摘AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common disease in Taiwan. The prevalence of viral hepatitis infection and the subsequent development of HCC are well known to be higher in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) than among the general population. However, information on hepatic resection for ESRD-HCC patients is limited. METHODS: The clinical features of 26 ESRD-HCC patients who underwent hepatic resection from 1982 to 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Meanwhile, the clinicopathological features and the outcome of 1 198 HCC patients without ESRD undergoing hepatic resection were used for comparison. RESULTS: Of 1 224 surgically resected HCC patients, 26 (4.2%) were ESRD-HCC. Univariate analysis revealed more associated disease, more physical signs of anemia and postoperative complications, lower hemoglobin, platelet, α-fetoprotein, elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, smaller tumors, lower HBsAg positivity, higher HCV positivity, and longer hospital stays in the ESRDHCC group compared with the HCC group. Furthermore, multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated BUN and creatinine levels were the only two independently significant factors in the patients in the ESRD-HCC group. Overall and disease-free survival rates were similar between the ESRD-HCC and HCC groups.CONCLUSION: Elevated BUN and creatinine were the only two main independent factors differentiating ESRD-HCC from HCC patients. ESRD should not be a contraindication of hepatic resection in HCC patients; however, careful operative techniques and perioperative care are crucial to achieving lower morbidity and mortality. Comparable overall survival and disease-free survival can be achieved in selected ESRD-HCC patients undergoing hepatic resection when compared with conventional HCC patients.
文摘Investigation of depression prevalence in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with two different methods, hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is conducted. We investigated whether the dialysis adequacy (Kt/v) and serum hemoglobin level had any correlation with depression severity. Psychiatric interview was performed on 30 HD and 30 CAPD patients. Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate depression symptoms. Kt/v and serum hemoglobin level were detected. Half of HD patients were depressive, while depression wasn't found in any CAPD patient. Hemoglobin was in positive correlation with the HAMD, while Kt/v was in negative correlation with the HAMD. Patients on CAPD had less depressive symptoms. Good dialysis adequacy diminish depressive symptoms.
文摘Heart failure (HF), a complex clinical syndrome due to structural or functional disorder of the heart, is a major global health issue, with a prevalence of over 5.8 million in the USA alone, and over 23 million worldwide. As a leading cause of hospitalizations among patients aged 65 years or older, HF is a major consumer of healthcare resources, creating a substantial strain on the healthcare system. This paper discusses the epidemiology of HF, financial impact, and multifaceted predicaments in end-stage HF care. A search was conducted on the U.S National Library of Medicine website (www.pubmed.gov) using keywords such as end-stage heart failure, palliative care, ethical dilemmas. Despite the poor prognosis of HF (worse than that for many cancers), many HF patients, caregivers, and clinicians are unaware of the poor prognosis. In addition, the unpredictable clinical trajectory of HF complicates the planning of end-of-life care, such as palliative care and hospice, leading to underutilization of such resources. In conclusion, ethical dilemmas in end-stage HF are numerous, embroiling not only the patient, but also the caregiver, healthcare team, and society.
基金Supported by China Geological Survey ( Grant Nos. 1212011120966,1212011121086)the Key Lab for Evolution of Past Life and Environment in NE Asia,Ministry of Education,China( Jilin Univ. )
文摘A lot of well-preserved plants from the Linxi Formation are collected in the Soron area,Inner Mongolia,consisting of 34 species of 16 genera. They are Late Permian in age. The flora is characterized by a lot of Angaran plants,such as Paracalamites,Comia,Rhachiphyllum,Iniopteris,Rufloria,etc. Some Cathaysian elements,such as Lobatannularia lingulata,L. multifolia,Fascipteris Cathaysiantus,F. densata,Taeniopteris szei,Cladophlebis liulinensis and C. permica,are also mixed within the present flora. This indicates that the Soron of Inner Mongolia was located in the sector between the Angaran and Cathysian floristic provinces in Lopingian. It is beneficial for depicting the location and the evolution of the Solenker--Xar Moron suture zone in the phytogeographic view. The transmigration of tropical and subtropical Cathaysian plants to the north indicates that the Paleoasian Ocean was closed during the late Permian along the suture zone.
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.40401003).
文摘By using remote sensing images from three periods (1980, 1995, 2000) and with the support of GIS and RS, the spatial information of landscape elements of Jilin Province from 1980 to 2000 was interpreted and extracted. Using models of landscape indices such as diversity, fragmentation, and mean patch fractal dimension, dynamic spatio-temporal changes of landscape patterns of the province were analyzed. The results: ① cropland and forestland were the main landscape types, and forestland became a landscape matrix; ② in the study area, landscapes were distributed unevenly, and there was low heterogeneity, a simple ecosystem structure and a tendency of irrational landscape patterns. There were also simple spatial shapes of patches and strong self-similarities, and in terms of dynamic change analysis, patch shapes tended to be more simple; ③ from 1980 to 2000, holistic landscape fragmentation was low and changed slightly. As far as landscape elements were concerned, the fragmentation of grassland, water area, land for residential area and factory facilities was relatively low; land distribution for residential areas and factory facilities was dispersed; and cropland and forestland were most concentrated-an indication that the trend will continue. Comprehensive effects among human activity, local policy, regional climate and environmental change led to the results.
基金Supported by the Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province (No. SJ08C201)
文摘Currently,the growing number of end-stage renal disease patients in developing countries consumes a greater proportion of healthcare budget,and increasing attention is being focused on the cost-effectiveness of the procedure.We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of living-related renal transplantation (RTx) as compared with that for hemodialysis (HD) and identify medical factors associated with charges for RTx in northwestern China.This study was a retrospective analysis of 372 patients on regular HD and 122 living-related kidney transplant recipients on regular follow-up for at least 3 years in northwestern China.All data on charges included HD procedure,RTx procedure,the cost for donor operation,immunosuppression,and follow-up medicare.The average annual cost to all patients on HD and kidney recipients during the first 3 years after RTx was $14482/$31027,$13502/$11038,and $13382/$10243,respectively.The three variables were found to be significant in predicting increased costs for RTx:diltiazem administration,acute rejection and infection complications.We concluded that from the second year on,RTx in China was more effective and less costly than dialysis treatment,although recipients without diltiazem administration and with acute rejection or infection proved costlier during the first year after transplantation.
文摘This study sought to establish the compatibility effects of biochar/vermin-compost application on growth and yield of maize and cabbages. Biochar application rate was at 3 to 4% of soil weight. Biochar was mixed in various proportions to come up with treatments which were 100% vermicompost, 50/50% biochar: vermicompost, 75/25% biochar: vermicompost and 100% biochar. The experiment was repeated twice and arranged as a completely randomized design and replicated five times. The study established that maize yield increased with application of biochar from 25% to 50%. In the cabbage trial, comparable results in plant height, leaf numbers and final yield was obtained with 100% vermicompost application, 50% and 75% biochar inclusion. When biochar was applied at 100%, noticeable reduction in plant performance was noted. It is recommended to use biochar as a bio-fertiliser at 50/50% biochar: vermicompost in maize and cabbage production.
文摘OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlations between the expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and apoptosis and angiogenesis in lung carcinomas. METHODS A 829 microarray of the paraffin tissue chips was constructed, which contained 196 lung carcinomas, 10 normal lung tissues, and 1 muscular tissue. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemical SP method were used to detect apoptosis and expression of TTF-1 and CD34 in different types of lung carcinomas. A Leica Q500 MC image analysis system was used to measure and calculate TTF-1 positive unit (PU), apoptotic index (AI) and microvessel density (MVD). RESULTS AI of lung small cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma were smaller than those of lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.000). AI of lung carcinomas with lymph node metastases was smaller than that of those without (P = 0.039). AI of lung carcinomas in TNM stage I-IV was smaller than that in stage I (P = 0.008). The PU of the TTF-1 was negatively correlated with AI in small cell lung carcinoma (r = -0.752, P = 0.000). MVD of lung carcinomas without lymph node metastases was smaller than that of those with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.031). MVD of lung carcinomas in TNM stage I was smaller than that in stage I-IV (P = 0.040). The PU of TTF-1 was positively correlated with MVD in lung adenocarcinoma (r = 0.708, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION There is a negative correlation between TTF-1 PU and AI in small cell lung carcinoma. TTF-1 PU and AI may be correlated with each other. There is a positive correlation between TTF-1 PU and MVD in lung adenocarcinoma. TTF-1 may induce the development of lung adenocarcinoma by inducing tumor angiogenesis.
文摘This paper analyses the chanting of 21 five-syllable modem-style poems, which is Chinese traditional style of poem reciting with cadence and pleasant melody, in order to fmd out the prosodic hierarchy according to pause duration, and probe the phonetic features and methods of chanting. Results reveal that pause exists after "level-level" tonal combinations, which is a kind of metrical pattern of Chinese poetry. The duration of syllables doubles in sentence final position. An exclamation is added when the sentence ends with a checked syllable. The pitch of syllables with level tone is lower than that of syllables with oblique tones, alternation of level and oblique tones forms the chanting melody. Sentences and poems with same metrical pattern have the same chanting melody.
文摘The paper reports the results of a field study which was carried out at the Language Centre of the University of Naples and originated in the observation that learning the Italian language was not perceived by ab initio students as connected to their personal and academic experiences. The claim of this research is that a procedural syllabus based on texts and tasks facilitates both the acquisition of Italian as a foreign language and the integration of language and content. Each text proposed to the learners was accompanied and enhanced by pre-, while-, and production-tasks. A particular emphasis was assigned to noticing and attention management tasks in the pre and while phase Production tasks in a later phase favoured interlanguage development by combining representational structures with controlled attention. The method of the study was a combination of qualitative and quantitative approach at any stage. Measures for written production during the course and to assess final exams were: Holistic Rating (fluency and creativity), Accuracy Ratios (intelligibility index and error index), and Complexity Ratios (dependent and coordinate clauses per t-units ratio and re-elaboration of a model or text type). At the final exams, Texts and tasks learners outperformed non-texts and tasks learners. In conclusion, an input related to personal and/or academic interests, to be processed through tasks, allowed learners a rapid interlanguage change and development
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.41076032, 40776030)the Special Program 908 on investigation and research of the environment under the sea (No. 908-01-CJ03)
文摘To decipher the sedimentary evolution and environmental changes since the late Last Deglaciation, two gravity cores were analyzed from the western North Yellow Sea (NYS). The two cores (B-L44 and B-U35) were sampled for grain size, clay minerals, detrital minerals, and 14C dating. They are comparable in lithofaies, and the observed succession was divided into four depositional units based on lithology and mineral assemblages, which recorded the postglacial transgression. Depositional unit 4 (DU 4) (before 11.5 ka) was characterized with enrichment in sand, and was interpreted as nearshore deposits in shallow water during the Younger Dryas Event. DU 3 (11.5-9.6 ka) displayed a fining-upward succession composed of sediments from local rivers, such as the Huanghe (Yellow) River, and from coastal erosion, which clearly were related to the Early Holocene transgression. Stable muddy deposition (DU 2) in NYS began to form at about 9.6 ka, which received direct supply of fine materials from the Shandong subaqueous clinoform. It is believed that the Yellow Sea circulation system played a major role in controlling the formation of fine sediment deposition in DU 1 (after 6.4 ka) after the sea level maximum.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41230959,41076030,41106042,40906038,41206044)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA11030104)the Project of Global Change and Air-Sea Interaction
文摘Changes in sea surface temperature (SST), seawater oxygen isotope (δ18Osw), and local salinity proxy (δ18Osw-ss ) in the past 155 ka were studied using a sediment core (MD06-3052) from the northern edge of the western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP), within the flow path of the bifurcation of the North Equatorial Current. Our records reveal a lead-lag relationship between paired Mg/Ca-SST and δ18O during Termination II and the last interglacial period. Similarity in SST between our site and the Antarctic temperature proxy and in CO2 profile showed a close connection between the WPWP and the Antarctic. Values of 818Osw exhibited very similar variations to those of mean ocean δ18Osw, owing to the past sea-level changes on glacial-interglacial timescale. Calculated values of δ18O reflect a more saline condition during high local summer insolation (SI) periods. Such correspondence between δ18O and local SI in the WPWP may reflect complex interaction between ENSO and monsoon, which was stimulated by changes in solar irradiance and their influence on the local hydrologic cycle. This then caused a striking reorganization of atmospheric circulation over the WPWP.