Efficacy and feasibility of vein of Marshall ethanol infusion during persistent atrial fibrillation ablation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is currently used to treat persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF). However, its effectiveness is limited. This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of the vein of Marshall absolute ethanol injection (VOM-EI) for PeAF ablation.

Prospective randomized comparison between upgraded '2C3L' vs. PVI approach for catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: PROMPT-AF trial design.

Background: In randomized studies, the strategy of pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVI) plus linear ablation has failed to increase success rates for persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) ablation when compared with PVI alone. Peri-mitral reentry related atrial tachycardia due to incomplete linear block is an important cause of clinical failures of a first ablation procedure. Ethanol infusion (EI) into the vein of Marshall (EI-VOM) has been demonstrated to facilitate a durable mitral isthmus linear lesion.

MiR-497 enhances metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma through SMAD7 suppression.

SMAD7 is a key inhibitor of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor signaling, which regulates the alteration of cancer cell invasiveness through epithelial-mesenchymal cell conversion. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) play a potential role in the tumorigenesis, cancer cell growth and metastases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), determination of the involved miRNAs that may regulate SMAD7-mediated OSCC cell invasion appears to be one important question. Here, we found that the levels of miR-497 were significantly increased and the levels of SMAD7 were significantly decreased in OSCC specimens, compared to the paired adjacent non-tumor tissue.

Regulation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Proliferation Through Crosstalk Between SMAD7 and CYLD.

Background/aims: SMAD7 is a key inhibitor of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor signaling, which regulates the alteration of cancer cell invasiveness through epithelial-mesenchymal cell conversion. Dysfunction of protein ubiquitination plays a critical role in carcinogenesis, whereas the involvement a deubiquitinating enzyme, cylindromatosis gene (CYLD), in the tumor invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unknown.

Methods: Here, we studied the role of CYLD in regulation of OSCC cell invasion, using clinic specimens and cell lines.

[Expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer in the unstable plaque of patients with acute coronary syndrome].

Objective: To observe the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in the unstable plaque of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and the impact of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) on the EMMPRIN expression in macrophages.

Methods: The EMMPRIN expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in 11 unstable plaques from patients with ACS. Protein expression of EMMPRIN was evaluated by Western blot on macrophages differentiated from THP-1 which were stimulated with LTB4 in the absence or presence of LTB4 antagonist U75302.

Tensile force produced by a lipoma in the masseteric space possibly causing hyperostosis of the angle of the mandible.

Background: A lipoma is a benign tumor which may occur in the adipose tissue of any part of the body. The tumor is most commonly found on the trunk and extremities. Although it is the most common tumor of mesenchymal origin in the head and neck, its incidence is relatively rare.

[Expression of c-fos, OPG, OPGL in rabbit mandibular distraction osteogenesis zone].

Objective: To evaluate the possible signal transduction mechanism of the mechanical stress induced by the distraction procedure in osteocytes.

Methods: An animal model of mandibular distraction osteogenesis in rabbits was established. The expressions of c-fos, OPG and OPGL were detected by ultrasensitive S-P immunohistochemical method.

Removal of adhesive dusts from flue gas using corona discharges with spraying water.

Effective removal of adhesive and fine dusts from flue gas is very difficult. A new method of electrostatic precipitation of the corona discharges with spraying water (CDSW) was introduced. A new electrode configuration and the circulation spraying of water were employed in the method.