Metal mineral resources play an indispensable role in the development of the national economy.Dynamic disasters in underground metal mines seriously threaten mining safety,which are major scientific and technological ...Metal mineral resources play an indispensable role in the development of the national economy.Dynamic disasters in underground metal mines seriously threaten mining safety,which are major scientific and technological problems to be solved urgently.In this article,the occurrence status and grand challenges of some typical dynamic disasters involving roof falling,spalling,collapse,large deformation,rockburst,surface subsidence,and water inrush in metal mines in China are systematically presented,the characteristics of mining-induced dynamic disasters are analyzed,the examples of dynamic disasters occurring in some metal mines in China are summarized,the occurrence mechanism,monitoring and early warning methods,and prevention and control techniques of these disasters are highlighted,and some new opinions,suggestions,and solutions are proposed simultaneously.Moreover,some shortcomings in current disaster research are pointed out,and the direction of efforts to improve the prevention and control level of dynamic disasters in China’s metal mines in the future is prospected.The integration of forward-looking key innovative theories and technologies in the abovementioned aspects will greatly enhance the cognitive level of disaster prevention and mitigation in China’s metal mining industry and achieve a significant shift from passive disaster relief to active disaster prevention.展开更多
Foodborne disease is a worldwide il ness and over 1 bil ion people get diseased every year. In China, thousands of foodborne diseases occur every year. It is proved that prevention is the most crucial for control ing ...Foodborne disease is a worldwide il ness and over 1 bil ion people get diseased every year. In China, thousands of foodborne diseases occur every year. It is proved that prevention is the most crucial for control ing foodborne disease. In the research, food safety monitoring system, laws and early warning system in the US and EU were introduced to explore the successful experience and monitoring or control mode suitable for China.展开更多
With the research on and development of Genetically Modified Food (GMF), people's attitude toward GMF may fall into two divergent categories, typical- ly represented by the United States(US) and the European Unio...With the research on and development of Genetically Modified Food (GMF), people's attitude toward GMF may fall into two divergent categories, typical- ly represented by the United States(US) and the European Union(EU), respectively. The former follows a "sound science principle" and firmly objects to the precautionary principle, namely a permissive policy of positive support of and voluntary labelling on GMF; while the latter adopts a cautiously precautionary principle, requiring mandatory labelling and traceability. From the standpoint of regulatory principles, together with corresponding supervisory measures and relevant provisions, this paper compared the execution of directives and provisions on GMF from the initial policies enacted by the US and EU to current situation combined with the track and analysis of latest polic ies issued.展开更多
A new short-term warning and integrity monitoring algorithm was proposed for coal mine shaft safety. The Kalman filter (KF) model was used to extract real global positioning system (GPS) kinematic deformation informat...A new short-term warning and integrity monitoring algorithm was proposed for coal mine shaft safety. The Kalman filter (KF) model was used to extract real global positioning system (GPS) kinematic deformation information. The short-term warning model was built by using the two-side cumulative sum (CUSUM) test, which further improves the warning system reliability. Availability (the minimum warning deformation, MWD), false alarm rate (the average run length, ARL), missed rate (the warning delay, WD) and the relationships among them were analyzed and the method choosing warning parameters is given. A test of a deformation simulation platform shows that the warning algorithm can be effectively used for steep deformation warning. A field experiment of the Malan mine shaft in Shanxi coal area illustrates that the proposed algorithm can detect small dynamic changes and the corresponding occurring time. At given warning thresholds (MWD is 15 mm and ARL is 1000),the detected deformations of two consecutive days’ deformation sequences with the algorithm occur at the 705th epoch (705 s) and the 517th epoch (517 s), respectively.展开更多
This paper, in the context of resources and environmental carrying capaci-ty, systematic reviewed resources and environmental carrying capacity in monitoring, evaluation and early warning, and then putted forward the ...This paper, in the context of resources and environmental carrying capaci-ty, systematic reviewed resources and environmental carrying capacity in monitoring, evaluation and early warning, and then putted forward the development direction for promoting the sustainable development of China’s social and economic environment.展开更多
A new on-line predictive monitoring and prediction model for periodic biological processes is proposed using the multiway non-Gaussian modeling. The basic idea of this approach is to use multiway non-Gaussian modeling...A new on-line predictive monitoring and prediction model for periodic biological processes is proposed using the multiway non-Gaussian modeling. The basic idea of this approach is to use multiway non-Gaussian modeling to extract some dominant key components from daily normal operation data in a periodic process, and subsequently combining these components with predictive statistical process monitoring techniques. The proposed predictive monitoring method has been applied to fault detection and diagnosis in the biological wastewater-treatment process, which is based on strong diurnal characteristics. The results show the power and advantages of the proposed predictive monitoring of a continuous process using the multiway predictive monitoring concept, which is thus able to give very useful conceptual results for a daily monitoring process and also enables a more rapid detection of the process fault than other traditional monitoring methods.展开更多
With the rapid development of space technology,earth observation tech nology and sky observatory technolo-gy,they have played a more and more im portant part in monitoring and predi cting of earthquakes and volcanoes ...With the rapid development of space technology,earth observation tech nology and sky observatory technolo-gy,they have played a more and more im portant part in monitoring and predi cting of earthquakes and volcanoes i n the terres-trial land.In recent years,the rela ted agencies have done the experimen ts and researches on monitoring and p redicting of earthquakes and volcanoes in the forewarning period by means of many appr oaches,such as satellite thermal in frared re-mote sensing(TIRS),Global Positioning System(GPS),differential interferometric syn thesis aperture radar(D-INSAR),astronomical time-latitude residual anomaly,and Geographic Information Systems (GIS),etc.A quite large number of re-search foundation has been built in t he fundamental theories and applica tion methods.The experiments and re searches have shown that these technology is e fficient methods for high frequency crust movement.If the existed separate scientific forces and results are possibly asse mbled together to form a more complete integration monitoring system wit h the combina-tion of space,sky observation,grou nd,deep geology and macro anomaly,i t will come into a new stage of monitoring and predicting of earthquakes and volca nic eruptions.展开更多
Immunotherapy has become a key strategy for cancer treatment, and two immune checkpoints, namely, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), have recently emerged as important targets. The interaction ...Immunotherapy has become a key strategy for cancer treatment, and two immune checkpoints, namely, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), have recently emerged as important targets. The interaction blockade of PD-1 and PD-L1 demonstrated promising activity and antitumor efficacy in early phase clinical trials for advanced solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many cell types in multiple tissues express PD-L1 as well as several tumor types, thereby suggesting that the ligand may play important roles in inhibiting immune responses throughout the body. Therefore, PD-L1 is a critical immunomodulating component within the lung microenvironment, but the correlation between PD-L1 expression and prognosis is controversial. More evidence is required to support the use of PD-L1 as a potential predictive biomarker. Clinical trials have measured PD-L1 in tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with different antibodies, but the assessment of PD-L1 is not yet standardized. Some commercial antibodies lack specificity and their reproducibility has not been fully evaluated. Further studies are required to clarify the optimal IHC assay as well as to predict and monitor the immune responses of the PD-I/PD-L1 pathway.展开更多
Remote monitoring of tools for prediction of tool wear in cutting processes was considered, and a method of implementation of a remote-monitoring system previously developed was proposed. Sensor signals were received ...Remote monitoring of tools for prediction of tool wear in cutting processes was considered, and a method of implementation of a remote-monitoring system previously developed was proposed. Sensor signals were received and tool wear was predicted in the local system using an ART2 algorithm, while the monitoring result was transferred to the remote system via intemet. The monitoring system was installed at an on-site machine tool for monitoring three kinds of tools cutting titanium alloys, and the tool wear was evaluated on the basis of vigilances, similarities between vibration signals received and the normal patterns previously trained. A number of experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed system, and the results show that the wears of finishing-cut tools are successfully detected when the moving average vigilance becomes lower than the critical vigilance, thus the appropriate tool replacement time is notified before the breakage.展开更多
This study introduced the effects of high-temperature damage on rice and reviewed the damage mechanism, heat damage index and risk assessment, forewarning and monitoring. On the basis of extensive studies, this paper ...This study introduced the effects of high-temperature damage on rice and reviewed the damage mechanism, heat damage index and risk assessment, forewarning and monitoring. On the basis of extensive studies, this paper put forward the viewpoints of ascertaining the fundamental mechanism of high temperature damage to rice at the molecular level, establishing a comprehensive heat damage index taking variety, growth stage and other meteorological factors into consideration, selecting appropriate sowing time, choosing heat-resistant varieties and improving the prevention system. All of these are aimed at providing a solid foundation for coping avoiding the harms from heat damage and improving the coping method.展开更多
Microseismic monitoring technology has become an important technique to assess stability of rock mass in metal mines.Due to the special characteristics of underground metal mines in China,including the high tectonic s...Microseismic monitoring technology has become an important technique to assess stability of rock mass in metal mines.Due to the special characteristics of underground metal mines in China,including the high tectonic stress,irregular shape and existence of ore body,and complex mining methods,the application of microseismic technology is more diverse in China compared to other countries,and is more challenging than in other underground structures such as tunnels,hydropower stations and coal mines.Apart from assessing rock mass stability and ground pressure hazards induced by mining process,blasting,water inrush and large scale goaf,microseismic technology is also used to monitor illegal mining,and track personnel location during rescue work.Moreover,microseismic data have been used to optimize mining parameters in some metal mines.The technology is increasingly used to investigate cracking mechanism in the design of rock mass supports.In this paper,the application,research development and related achievements of microseismic technology in underground metal mines in China are summarized.By considering underground mines from the perspective of informatization,automation and intelligentization,future studies should focus on intelligent microseismic data processing method,e.g.,signal identification of microseismic and precise location algorithm,and on the research and development of microseismic equipment.In addition,integrated monitoring and collaborative analysis for rock mass response caused by mining disturbance will have good prospects for future development.展开更多
Landslides not only cause property losses,but also kill and injure large numbers of people every year in the mountainous areas. These losses and casualties may be avoided to some extent by early warning systems for la...Landslides not only cause property losses,but also kill and injure large numbers of people every year in the mountainous areas. These losses and casualties may be avoided to some extent by early warning systems for landslides. In this paper, a realtime monitoring network and a computer-aided automatic early warning system(EWS) are presented with details of their design and an example of application in the Longjingwan landslide, Kaiyang County, Guizhou Province. Then, according to principle simple method of landslide prediction, the setting of alarm levels and the design of appropriate counter-measures are presented. A four-level early warning system(Zero, Outlook, Attention and Warning) has been adopted, and the velocity threshold was selected as the main warning threshold for the landslide occurrence, but expert judgment is included in the EWS to avoid false alarms. A case study shows the applicability and reliability for landslide risk management, and recommendations are presented for other similar projects.展开更多
AIM:To explore the prognostic value in the monitoring of treatment efficacy of serial α-fetoprotein(AFP) in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients.METHODS:We searched MEDLINE,EMBASE and COCHRANE LIBRARY through April...AIM:To explore the prognostic value in the monitoring of treatment efficacy of serial α-fetoprotein(AFP) in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients.METHODS:We searched MEDLINE,EMBASE and COCHRANE LIBRARY through April 21,2012,to find qualifying articles.Our overall search strategy included terms for HCC,AFP,treatment response,and prognosis.Literature was limited to English-language,human studies.Studies reporting cumulative survival rates were summa-rized qualitatively.For the prognostic meta-analysis,we undertook a series of meta-analyses that summarised the Cox proportional hazard ratios(HRs) by assuming a random effects model.With regards to the correlation of AFP change with radiologic response,the categorical dichotomous variables were assessed using Poisson relative risks(RRs),which were incorporated into the random effects model meta-analysis of accuracy prediction.Between-study heterogeneity was estimated by use of the I2 statistic.Publication bias was evaluated using the Begg funnel plot and Egger plot.Sensitivity analyses were conducted first by separating systemic treatment estimates from locoregional therapy estimates,evaluating different AFP response cut-off point effects,and exploring the impact of different study sizes.RESULTS:Of 142 titles identified in our original search,11 articles(12 clinical studies) met our criteria.Six studies investigated outcome in a total of 464 cases who underwent systemic treatment,and six studies investigated outcome in a total of 510 patients who received locoregional therapy.A random-effects model metaanalysis showed that AFP response was associated with an mortality HR of 0.55(95%CI,0.47-0.65) across HCC in overall survival(OS) and 0.50(95%CI,0.38-0.65) in progression-free survival.Restricting analysis to the six eligible analyses of systemic treatment,the pooled HRs were 0.64(95%CI,0.53-0.77) for OS.Limiting analysis to the six analyses of locoregional therapy,the pooled HRs for OS was 0.39(95%CI,0.29-0.53).We showed a larger pooled HR in the 50% definition studies(HR,0.67,95%CI,0.55-0.83) compared with that from the 20% definition studies(HR,0.41,95%CI,0.32-0.53).Restricting analysis to the four studies including over 100 patients individually,the pooled HR was 0.65(95%CI,0.54-0.79),with a pooled HR for OS of 0.35(95%CI,0.23-0.46) in the studies of less than 100 patients.As to radiological imaging,43.1%(155/360) of the patients in the AFP response group presented with a radiological overall response,while the response rate decreased to 11.5%(36/313) in the patients from theAFP nonresponse group.The RR of having no overall response was significantly lower in the AFP response group than the AFP nonresponse group(RR,0.67;95%CI,0.61-0.75).In terms of disease control rate,86.9%(287/330) in the AFP response group and 51.0%(153/300) in the AFP nonresponse group showed successful disease control,respectively.The RR of disease control failure,similarly,was significantly lower in the AFP response group(RR,0.37;95%CI,0.23-0.58).But these findings could be overestimates because of publication and reporting bias.CONCLUSION:HCC patients presenting with an AFP response are at decreased risk of mortality.In addition,patients with an AFP response also present with a higher overall response rate and disease control rate.展开更多
基金Project(52204084)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(FRF-IDRY-GD22-002)supported by the Interdisciplinary Research Project for Young Teachers of USTB(Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities),China+2 种基金Project(QNXM20220009)supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities and the Youth Teacher International Exchange and Growth Program,ChinaProjects(2022YFC2905600,2022YFC3004601)supported by the National Key R&D Program of ChinaProject(2023XAGG0061)supported by the Science,Technology&Innovation Project of Xiongan New Area,China。
文摘Metal mineral resources play an indispensable role in the development of the national economy.Dynamic disasters in underground metal mines seriously threaten mining safety,which are major scientific and technological problems to be solved urgently.In this article,the occurrence status and grand challenges of some typical dynamic disasters involving roof falling,spalling,collapse,large deformation,rockburst,surface subsidence,and water inrush in metal mines in China are systematically presented,the characteristics of mining-induced dynamic disasters are analyzed,the examples of dynamic disasters occurring in some metal mines in China are summarized,the occurrence mechanism,monitoring and early warning methods,and prevention and control techniques of these disasters are highlighted,and some new opinions,suggestions,and solutions are proposed simultaneously.Moreover,some shortcomings in current disaster research are pointed out,and the direction of efforts to improve the prevention and control level of dynamic disasters in China’s metal mines in the future is prospected.The integration of forward-looking key innovative theories and technologies in the abovementioned aspects will greatly enhance the cognitive level of disaster prevention and mitigation in China’s metal mining industry and achieve a significant shift from passive disaster relief to active disaster prevention.
文摘Foodborne disease is a worldwide il ness and over 1 bil ion people get diseased every year. In China, thousands of foodborne diseases occur every year. It is proved that prevention is the most crucial for control ing foodborne disease. In the research, food safety monitoring system, laws and early warning system in the US and EU were introduced to explore the successful experience and monitoring or control mode suitable for China.
文摘With the research on and development of Genetically Modified Food (GMF), people's attitude toward GMF may fall into two divergent categories, typical- ly represented by the United States(US) and the European Union(EU), respectively. The former follows a "sound science principle" and firmly objects to the precautionary principle, namely a permissive policy of positive support of and voluntary labelling on GMF; while the latter adopts a cautiously precautionary principle, requiring mandatory labelling and traceability. From the standpoint of regulatory principles, together with corresponding supervisory measures and relevant provisions, this paper compared the execution of directives and provisions on GMF from the initial policies enacted by the US and EU to current situation combined with the track and analysis of latest polic ies issued.
基金Projects(2013RC16,2012LWB28)supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,ChinaProject(NCET-13-1019)supported by the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University,China
文摘A new short-term warning and integrity monitoring algorithm was proposed for coal mine shaft safety. The Kalman filter (KF) model was used to extract real global positioning system (GPS) kinematic deformation information. The short-term warning model was built by using the two-side cumulative sum (CUSUM) test, which further improves the warning system reliability. Availability (the minimum warning deformation, MWD), false alarm rate (the average run length, ARL), missed rate (the warning delay, WD) and the relationships among them were analyzed and the method choosing warning parameters is given. A test of a deformation simulation platform shows that the warning algorithm can be effectively used for steep deformation warning. A field experiment of the Malan mine shaft in Shanxi coal area illustrates that the proposed algorithm can detect small dynamic changes and the corresponding occurring time. At given warning thresholds (MWD is 15 mm and ARL is 1000),the detected deformations of two consecutive days’ deformation sequences with the algorithm occur at the 705th epoch (705 s) and the 517th epoch (517 s), respectively.
基金Supported by Key Tasks of Eco-civilization System Reform Special Group in 2014,Anhui Government~~
文摘This paper, in the context of resources and environmental carrying capaci-ty, systematic reviewed resources and environmental carrying capacity in monitoring, evaluation and early warning, and then putted forward the development direction for promoting the sustainable development of China’s social and economic environment.
基金the Korea Research Foundation Grant Funded by the Korean Government (MOEHRD) (KRF-2007-331-D00089) Funded by Seoul Development Institute (CS070160)
文摘A new on-line predictive monitoring and prediction model for periodic biological processes is proposed using the multiway non-Gaussian modeling. The basic idea of this approach is to use multiway non-Gaussian modeling to extract some dominant key components from daily normal operation data in a periodic process, and subsequently combining these components with predictive statistical process monitoring techniques. The proposed predictive monitoring method has been applied to fault detection and diagnosis in the biological wastewater-treatment process, which is based on strong diurnal characteristics. The results show the power and advantages of the proposed predictive monitoring of a continuous process using the multiway predictive monitoring concept, which is thus able to give very useful conceptual results for a daily monitoring process and also enables a more rapid detection of the process fault than other traditional monitoring methods.
文摘With the rapid development of space technology,earth observation tech nology and sky observatory technolo-gy,they have played a more and more im portant part in monitoring and predi cting of earthquakes and volcanoes i n the terres-trial land.In recent years,the rela ted agencies have done the experimen ts and researches on monitoring and p redicting of earthquakes and volcanoes in the forewarning period by means of many appr oaches,such as satellite thermal in frared re-mote sensing(TIRS),Global Positioning System(GPS),differential interferometric syn thesis aperture radar(D-INSAR),astronomical time-latitude residual anomaly,and Geographic Information Systems (GIS),etc.A quite large number of re-search foundation has been built in t he fundamental theories and applica tion methods.The experiments and re searches have shown that these technology is e fficient methods for high frequency crust movement.If the existed separate scientific forces and results are possibly asse mbled together to form a more complete integration monitoring system wit h the combina-tion of space,sky observation,grou nd,deep geology and macro anomaly,i t will come into a new stage of monitoring and predicting of earthquakes and volca nic eruptions.
文摘Immunotherapy has become a key strategy for cancer treatment, and two immune checkpoints, namely, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1), have recently emerged as important targets. The interaction blockade of PD-1 and PD-L1 demonstrated promising activity and antitumor efficacy in early phase clinical trials for advanced solid tumors such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Many cell types in multiple tissues express PD-L1 as well as several tumor types, thereby suggesting that the ligand may play important roles in inhibiting immune responses throughout the body. Therefore, PD-L1 is a critical immunomodulating component within the lung microenvironment, but the correlation between PD-L1 expression and prognosis is controversial. More evidence is required to support the use of PD-L1 as a potential predictive biomarker. Clinical trials have measured PD-L1 in tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with different antibodies, but the assessment of PD-L1 is not yet standardized. Some commercial antibodies lack specificity and their reproducibility has not been fully evaluated. Further studies are required to clarify the optimal IHC assay as well as to predict and monitor the immune responses of the PD-I/PD-L1 pathway.
基金supported by Changwon National University in 2009-2010
文摘Remote monitoring of tools for prediction of tool wear in cutting processes was considered, and a method of implementation of a remote-monitoring system previously developed was proposed. Sensor signals were received and tool wear was predicted in the local system using an ART2 algorithm, while the monitoring result was transferred to the remote system via intemet. The monitoring system was installed at an on-site machine tool for monitoring three kinds of tools cutting titanium alloys, and the tool wear was evaluated on the basis of vigilances, similarities between vibration signals received and the normal patterns previously trained. A number of experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed system, and the results show that the wears of finishing-cut tools are successfully detected when the moving average vigilance becomes lower than the critical vigilance, thus the appropriate tool replacement time is notified before the breakage.
基金Supported by Special Fund of Scientific Research(Meteorology)in Public Interest(GYHY201506018)~~
文摘This study introduced the effects of high-temperature damage on rice and reviewed the damage mechanism, heat damage index and risk assessment, forewarning and monitoring. On the basis of extensive studies, this paper put forward the viewpoints of ascertaining the fundamental mechanism of high temperature damage to rice at the molecular level, establishing a comprehensive heat damage index taking variety, growth stage and other meteorological factors into consideration, selecting appropriate sowing time, choosing heat-resistant varieties and improving the prevention system. All of these are aimed at providing a solid foundation for coping avoiding the harms from heat damage and improving the coping method.
基金Projects(51974059,52174142)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(2017YFC0602904)supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of ChinaProject(N180115010)supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China。
文摘Microseismic monitoring technology has become an important technique to assess stability of rock mass in metal mines.Due to the special characteristics of underground metal mines in China,including the high tectonic stress,irregular shape and existence of ore body,and complex mining methods,the application of microseismic technology is more diverse in China compared to other countries,and is more challenging than in other underground structures such as tunnels,hydropower stations and coal mines.Apart from assessing rock mass stability and ground pressure hazards induced by mining process,blasting,water inrush and large scale goaf,microseismic technology is also used to monitor illegal mining,and track personnel location during rescue work.Moreover,microseismic data have been used to optimize mining parameters in some metal mines.The technology is increasingly used to investigate cracking mechanism in the design of rock mass supports.In this paper,the application,research development and related achievements of microseismic technology in underground metal mines in China are summarized.By considering underground mines from the perspective of informatization,automation and intelligentization,future studies should focus on intelligent microseismic data processing method,e.g.,signal identification of microseismic and precise location algorithm,and on the research and development of microseismic equipment.In addition,integrated monitoring and collaborative analysis for rock mass response caused by mining disturbance will have good prospects for future development.
基金financially supported by the State Key Laboratory of Geo-hazard Prevention and Geo-environment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology) (Grant No. SKLGP2013Z007)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41302242)
文摘Landslides not only cause property losses,but also kill and injure large numbers of people every year in the mountainous areas. These losses and casualties may be avoided to some extent by early warning systems for landslides. In this paper, a realtime monitoring network and a computer-aided automatic early warning system(EWS) are presented with details of their design and an example of application in the Longjingwan landslide, Kaiyang County, Guizhou Province. Then, according to principle simple method of landslide prediction, the setting of alarm levels and the design of appropriate counter-measures are presented. A four-level early warning system(Zero, Outlook, Attention and Warning) has been adopted, and the velocity threshold was selected as the main warning threshold for the landslide occurrence, but expert judgment is included in the EWS to avoid false alarms. A case study shows the applicability and reliability for landslide risk management, and recommendations are presented for other similar projects.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNo. 30872482 and No. 81072051
文摘AIM:To explore the prognostic value in the monitoring of treatment efficacy of serial α-fetoprotein(AFP) in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients.METHODS:We searched MEDLINE,EMBASE and COCHRANE LIBRARY through April 21,2012,to find qualifying articles.Our overall search strategy included terms for HCC,AFP,treatment response,and prognosis.Literature was limited to English-language,human studies.Studies reporting cumulative survival rates were summa-rized qualitatively.For the prognostic meta-analysis,we undertook a series of meta-analyses that summarised the Cox proportional hazard ratios(HRs) by assuming a random effects model.With regards to the correlation of AFP change with radiologic response,the categorical dichotomous variables were assessed using Poisson relative risks(RRs),which were incorporated into the random effects model meta-analysis of accuracy prediction.Between-study heterogeneity was estimated by use of the I2 statistic.Publication bias was evaluated using the Begg funnel plot and Egger plot.Sensitivity analyses were conducted first by separating systemic treatment estimates from locoregional therapy estimates,evaluating different AFP response cut-off point effects,and exploring the impact of different study sizes.RESULTS:Of 142 titles identified in our original search,11 articles(12 clinical studies) met our criteria.Six studies investigated outcome in a total of 464 cases who underwent systemic treatment,and six studies investigated outcome in a total of 510 patients who received locoregional therapy.A random-effects model metaanalysis showed that AFP response was associated with an mortality HR of 0.55(95%CI,0.47-0.65) across HCC in overall survival(OS) and 0.50(95%CI,0.38-0.65) in progression-free survival.Restricting analysis to the six eligible analyses of systemic treatment,the pooled HRs were 0.64(95%CI,0.53-0.77) for OS.Limiting analysis to the six analyses of locoregional therapy,the pooled HRs for OS was 0.39(95%CI,0.29-0.53).We showed a larger pooled HR in the 50% definition studies(HR,0.67,95%CI,0.55-0.83) compared with that from the 20% definition studies(HR,0.41,95%CI,0.32-0.53).Restricting analysis to the four studies including over 100 patients individually,the pooled HR was 0.65(95%CI,0.54-0.79),with a pooled HR for OS of 0.35(95%CI,0.23-0.46) in the studies of less than 100 patients.As to radiological imaging,43.1%(155/360) of the patients in the AFP response group presented with a radiological overall response,while the response rate decreased to 11.5%(36/313) in the patients from theAFP nonresponse group.The RR of having no overall response was significantly lower in the AFP response group than the AFP nonresponse group(RR,0.67;95%CI,0.61-0.75).In terms of disease control rate,86.9%(287/330) in the AFP response group and 51.0%(153/300) in the AFP nonresponse group showed successful disease control,respectively.The RR of disease control failure,similarly,was significantly lower in the AFP response group(RR,0.37;95%CI,0.23-0.58).But these findings could be overestimates because of publication and reporting bias.CONCLUSION:HCC patients presenting with an AFP response are at decreased risk of mortality.In addition,patients with an AFP response also present with a higher overall response rate and disease control rate.