Quantitative calibration strategy as an essential issue in laser ablation ICP-MS plays an important role for the guarantee of analytical accuracy.In this study, uncertainties of reference values in current available glass certified reference materials (NIST, MPI-DING and USGS) as well as the matrix effect among them were systematically evaluated.The results illustrated that NIST610 was better than other reference materials from aspect of reference value uncertainty.The matrix effect among NIST, MPI-DING and USGS reference materials was insignificant under our experimental conditions.A quantification strategy based on two reference materials (NIST610 and StHs6/80-G) and normalization to 100% (w/w) was proposed to avoid the insufficiency of single reference material strategy, which suffered the very low content and large uncertainty for some elements.The comparision of ML3B-G results obtained from three quantification strategies (single reference material NIST610, single reference material StHs6/80-G and two refterence materials) illustrated that the proposed strategy improved the analytical accuracy.Three reference materials (BCR-2G, CGSG-2 and KL-2G) were quantified with the proposed strategy, and almost all data matched well with reference value, meanwhile the data reported here could supplement the reference value database.

Objective To evaluate the effect of intravenous Gd-DTPA on DWI of breast. Methods DWI was performed before and after Gd-DTPA injection on 25 patients with breast cancer confirmed by core or fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and ADC values were measured on DWI when b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2 were selected. A paired t-test and non-parametric test were used to compare the differences between SNR, CNR and ADC values before and after enhancement in breast cancer and normal breast. Results There were no significant differences between the SNR(34. 56 ± 11.34 and 33.60 ± 14. 34 for cancer, 9. 88 ± 3.16 and 10. 42 ± 4. 18 for normal breast)and CNR( 24. 16 ± 9. 05 and 22. 26 ± 10. 05 ) before and after administration of contrast medium in breast cancer and normal breast, and no significant differences between the ADC values before and after administration of contrast medium in breast cancer [(0.96±0. 13) × 10-3 vs (0.95±0. 14) × 10-3 mm2/s] and normal breast[(1.90±0.47) × 10-3 vs (1.91±0.61) × 10-3 mm2/s], either (P =0.20 and 0.97). Conclusion It is possible to repeat DWI acquisition after administration of contrast medium in breast MRI.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of the type and the steepest slope of tumor's time-intensity curve (TIC) in assessing the pathologic response of locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods Thirty-six patients with pathologically confirmed locally advanced breast cancer who finished four courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy underwent preoperative breast MRI three times during the NAC. Pathologic response was assessed according Miller-Payne grading system, grade 4 and 5 were defined as major histological response ( MHR, n = 16) group, and grade 1 to 3 as nonmajor histological response( NMHR,n = 20)group. The type and the steepest slope of tumor's TIC were compared between two groups before NAC, after the second cycle and after the fourth cycle of NAC. ROC analysis was carried out to assess the clinical value of the TIC parameters. Results After the second cycle of NAC, the steepest slope of TIC and its first change rate were different between the MHR group [ ( 1.93 ±0.88) %/s, median 35.6%] and NMHR group [(2.73 ± 1.22) %/s, median - 11.4%] (P =0.045 and 0. 01,t=1. 09,Z= -3.64). After the fourth cycle, the proportion of type Ⅰ in MHR group (62.5% ,10/16) was significantly higher than that in NMHR group (10.0%, 2/20, P = 0.01, Z=-2. 02), and the proportion of type Ⅲ in MHR group (6. 2% ,1/16)was significantly lower than that in NMHR group (60. 0% ,12/20,P =0. 01 ,Z = -1.48). The steepest slope and its second change rate were different between the MHR group [ ( 1.33 ± 0. 52) %/s, median 56. 8% ] and NMHR group [ (2. 33 ±0. 94) %/s, median 15. 8% ] ( P ＜ 0. 01, t = 1.82, Z = - 3. 58 ). After the second cycle, the area under curve of the steepest slope of TIC and its first change rate were 0. 70 ( P = 0. 04 ), 0. 80 ( P = 0. 01 ),respectively. After the fourth cycle, the area under curve of the type Ⅰ, the type Ⅰ + Ⅱ, the steepest slope and its second change were 0. 78 ( P = 0. 03 ), 0. 69 ( P = 0. 06), 0. 82 ( P = 0. 01 ), 0. 92 ( P = 0. 01 ),respectively. Conclusion The steepest slope of TIC and its first change rate could assess the NAC response after the second cycle, and the type Ⅰ, the steepest slope and its second change could assess the NAC response after the fourth cycle.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of tumor's longest diameter and volume in assessing pathologic response in locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC).Methods A prospective study was undertaken in women undergoing NAC for locally advanced breast cancer in order to determine the ability of quantitative MRI to assess the final pathologic response. 36 cases with pathologically confirmed locally advanced breast cancer who had been undergone four courses of NAC underwent preoperative breast MRI three times during the NAC. Pathologic response was assessed according Miller & Payne grading system, of which grade 4 and 5 defined as major histological response (MHR), and grade 1 to 3 as non-major histological response (NMHR). The tumor's longest diameters and volumes in MHR were compared with those in NMHR by Mann-Whitney U test before, after the second and fourth cycle of NAC. Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were assessed to evaluate the agreement between the two method. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was carried out to assess the clinical value of tumor size and the change rate.Results Before,after the second and the fourth cycle of NAC, the difference of tumor's longest diameters and their first change rate between MHR [(2.75±1.16) cm,(2.19±1.07) cm ,(1.58±0.75) cm and (21.70±15.09)%]respectively,and NMHR [(2.71±1.10) cm,(2.33±0.90) cm,(2.01±0.94) cm and (11.68±10.27)%] respectively were not significant(P>0.05). The second change rate of tumor's longest diameter in MHR [(39.00±15.38)% ] was significantly higher than that in NMHR[ (25.83±21.77)% ](P=0.04). Before, after the second and the fourth cycly of NAC, the differences of tumor volumes and their first change rate between MHR [ median 14.00 cm~3 ( range 2.96～83.41 cm~3 ) , median 7.31 cm~3 (range 0.05～55.35 cm~3), median 2.69 cm~3 (range 0～33.40 cm~3 ) , median 48.65% (range 33.64%～98.48%) ] and NMHR [median 4.25 cm~3 (range 4.78～106.55 cm~3), median 10.53 cm~3 (range 1.72～42.85 cm~3), median 7.56 cm~3 (range 0.68～156.58 cm~3), median 52.04% (range-35.79%～78.31%) ] were not significant. The second changing rate of tumor's volume in MHR [median 85.37% (ranged 27.52%～100%)] was significantly higher than that in NMHR [median 68.80% (ranged -289.60%～94.24%)](P=0.01). CCC was computed before and (0.82), after the second cycle (0.67) and after the fourth cycle (0.55), in all examinations pooled together (0.78).The second change rates of tumor's longest diameter and volume were equal to predict the final pathologic response, and the area under curve were 0.75 and 0.80, respectively (P=0.61). Conclusion The agreement between the tumor's longest diameters and tumor's volumes is good in all in breast carcinoma. The assessment efficacy of the change rate of tumor's longest diameter and that of volume were low.

ObjectiveTo construct a mouse model for studying pathophysiology and mechanism of human Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection.MethodsInnate immunity-deficient C3H/HeJ female mice were infected intravaginally with human C.trachomatis serovar D urogenital isolates for screening the highest violent clinical strain.The clinical strain UT0603 as well as standard strain D/UW-3/CX were then used to reinfect na(i)ve mice,the lower genital tract shedding were monitored by swabbing every 3-7 day over the entire infection period by culture.Some mice were sacrificed at early infection stage to detection of in site Chlamydia growth by immunofluorescence assay,then all the mice were sacrificed at later infection stage to evaluate upper genital tract gross pathology and histopathological characterization.ResuIts In the lower genital tract,Chlamydia shedding time course were significantly prolonged in clinical strain infected mice.Chlamydia not only growth in the lower genital tract,the live organism also ascending and growth in the upper genital tissue.The gross appearance under naked eyes and dilation and inflammation scores under microscope all showed that the genital tract pathology from the clinical strain infected mice were much more severe than standard strain infected control mice.Conclusion Together,all these results demonstrated that a mouse model for Chlamydia genital infection was constructed.

Objective To improve the understanding of the characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in the elderly patients, and to improve the diagnosis and treatment level. Methods Monitoring results of polysomnography (PSG) from 110 elderly OSAHS patients were analyzed retrospectively. The general conditions, sleep architecture, apnea and hypopnea events, oxygen reduction as well as possible correlations between various indicators were analyzed using SPSS18.0 statistical software. Results The median rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep time of elderly patients with OSAHS accounted for 2. 17% and 76.73%,respectively. The median arousal index was 45.6 times/h. The longest time of sleep apnea was (51.94±22.06) s, the median of average sleep apnea time was 22.50 s, the longest time of hypopnea was (47.06±12.52) s and the average hypopnca time was (21.50±4.63) s. The median respiratory disturbance index (RDI) of all patients was 21.50, the patients with RDI between 5 and 20 accounted for 46.40%, with RDI between 20 and 40 accounted for 31.80% and with RDI over 40 accounted for 21.8%. The average oxygen saturation accounted for (93.45% ± 2.81%), the lowest oxygen saturation accounted for (76.3%± 10. 5%) and the median oxygen desaturation index was 31.6;times/h. BMI was negatively correlated with lowest oxygen saturation (r=-0. 378, P＜0.01) and average oxygen saturation ( r = - 0. 355, P ＜ 0. 01 ), while was positively correlated with oxygen desaturation index (r=0. 338, P＜0. 01 ). The lowest oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with the longest time of obstructive apnea (r= -0. 47, P＜0. 01 ), the average time of obstructive apnea (r=-0.316, P＜0.01), the longest time of hypopnea (r=-0.293, P＜0.01) and the average time of hypopnea (r=-0. 277, P＜0.01). The median time intervals of oxygen desaturation during supine, left side and right side position were 2.36 min, 11.54 min and 12.45 min,respectively. The median time intervals of oxygen desaturation during left side and right side position were both longer than that of supine position (Z= -6.12 and -7. 10 respectively, both P＜0.01).Conclusions Elderly patients with OSAHS manifest obvious disorder of sleep structural and sleep fragmentation. According to RDI, the majority of the patients are classified as mild to moderate in severity. However, elderly patients with OSAHS are severe regarding to hypoxia relatively. The severity of hypoxia is related with BMI and the lasting time of sleep-disordered breathing events, and hypoxia are less severe when sleeping on left side or on right side.

Objective To assess the value of initial MRI measurements of breast tumor diameter and pathological responses for predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods Fortynine patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in this study. The longest diameter of each tumor was measured on MRI before and after two cycles of NAC and just before operation. Pathological responses were evaluated by Miller and Payne grading system criteria by comparing post-operation breast tissue with large core biopsy tissue. Changes of diameter after two cycles of NAC and before operation were compared and pathological responses were evaluated. ROC and spearman correlation analysis was used.Results The sensitivity and specificity of initial diameter for predicting response to NAC were 96. 7% (29/30) and 84.2% (16/19). There was a moderate correlation between pathological responses and diameter measured pre-operation ( r = 0. 613, P = 0. 000 ). Conclusion The initial diameter changes of breast tumor could predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, pathological response have moderate correlation with changes of tumor diameter.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of active breathing control (ABC) in conformal radiotherapy (CRT) for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods From Feb 2005 to Mar 2008, 29 patients with inoperable NSCLC (stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ) were evaluated. For each patient, two series of CT scans were obtained with free breathing (FB) and ABC system during simulation, respectively. Then two confonnal radiotherapy (CRT) plans were finished based on the two sets of reconstructed images. The pattern of post-inspiratory breath-hold was triggered at 80% of the peak of inspiration curve. The margin of clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) was 0. 6 cm for lesions of the superior lobe, and 1.0 cm for the lesions of middle and inferior lobes. Three to five coplanar fields were performed in conformal radiotherapy. The gross tumor volume (GTV), CTV, PTV, volume of the bilateral lungs (Volume_(lung)), V_(20) and mean lung dose (MLD) of two plans were evaluated by dose-volume histogram (DVH). The World Health Organization criteria and National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria 3.0 (NCI-CTC3.0) scale were used to assess the immediate response and acute side-effect, respectively. Results Significant differences of GTV, CTV, FIN, Volum_(lung), V_(20) and MDL were observed between the two plans (36. 35 cm~3 vs. 31.40 cm~3, t = 9. 70, P <0. 001 ;82. 33 cm~3 vs. 70. 83 cm~3, t = 8. 19, P < 0. 001 ; 230. 73 cm~3 vs. 197.59 cm~3 ,t=5.72,P <0. 001 ;21.66% vs. 18. 76% ,t = 11.16,P <0. 001 ;1329. 07 Gy vs. 1143. 14 Gy, t = 13. 24, P < 0. 001). With ABC, all patients completed their treatment successfully except one patient for financial problems. The median radiation dose to the GTV was 64 Gy (60 -64 Gy). The overall immediate response rate was 64% (18/28). According to the NCI-CTC 3.0, grade 1 and 2 acute radiation-related toxicities occurred in 68% (19/28) and 18% (5/28) of patients for esophagitis, 82% (23/28) and 7% (2/28) for pneumonitis, respectively. Grade 1, 2 and 3 bone marrow suppression occurred in 57% (16/28), 25% (7/28) and 14% (4/28) of patients, respectively. Grade 1 and 2 acute cardiac injuries occurred in 86% (24/28) and 14% (4/28) of patients. Conclusions During CRT for patients with NSCLC, the use of ABC can decrease the radiation dose and acute complications of normal tissues.

Objective To explore the value of fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR)sequence and gradient echo T2 ?weighted image (GRE-T2 ? WI)in diagnosis of acute traumatic extra-axial hemorrhage.Methods 50 patients who were diagnosed as acute traumatic extra-axial hemorrhage by plain CT underwent FLAIR and GRE-T2 ? WI in acute stage.The diagnosis consistency (Kappa ),detection rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH),epidural hemorrhage(EDH)and subdural hemorrhage(SDH)were compared.The detection rates of SAH in 8 locations among FLAIR,GRE-T2 ? WI and combination of two sequences were analyzed by Chi-square test.Results 48 patients were enrolled in the study.The diagnosis consistency of SAH between FLAIR and GRE-T2 ? WI was high (k =1.0).The detection rate of SAH was 100% for both FLAIR and GRE-T2 ? WI.Comparing with GRE-T2 ? WI and combi-nation of two sequences,FLAIR tended to misdiagnose SAH in perimesencephalic cistern (P <0.05).The diagnosis consistency of EDH between FLAIR and GRE-T2 ? WI was high (k =1.0).3 patients with EDH were all detected by FLAIR and GRE-T2 ? WI. The diagnosis consistency of SDH between FLAIR and GRE-T2 ? WI was high (k =0.943).The detection rate of 12 patients with SDH was 100% in FLAIR,and 1 patient with SDH was missed by GRE-T2 ? WI.Conclusion The detection rate of acute traumatic extra-axial hemorrhage is high for both FLAIR and GRE-T2 ? WI.Combination of two sequences can improve the accuracy of acute traumatic extra-axial hemorrhage in clinic.

Objective To investigate the immune injury in genital tract of BALB/c mice induced by plasmid protein pORF5 of Chlamydia trachomatis and its possible mechanism.Methods GST(glutathione-S-transferases)-pORF5 fusion protein was expressed and digested with PreScission Protease to obtain the target protein without GST tag.After further purification and endotoxin removal,pORF5 protein was injected into the posterior fornix of BALB/c mice on day 1,3 and 6,while the control groups were injected with PBS or GST protein respectively,and then all the mice were sacrificed on day 7 to evaluate genital tract gross pathology and histopathological characterization.The levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in serum,splenocytes culture supernatant and vaginal douche were detected by ELISA.Results Mice in pORF5 group developed different degrees of swelling in isthmic portion and ampulla of uterine tube,connective tissue adhesion and hydrosalpinx in the genital tract tissues,while the PBS group and the GST group did not show any obvious change.The inflammatory score showed that the genital tract pathology in pORF5 group was much more severe than PBS and GST control groups (P＜0.O1).The levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in vaginal douche and splenocytes culture supernatants in pORF5 group were obviously higher than those of PBS and GST groups (P＜0.05).The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in serum were also higher than those of GST and PBS groups (P＜0.01).Conclusion pORF5 plasmid protein could induce pathological immune response in the genital tract of BALB/c mice,which may be associated with the increase of the production of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in BALB/c mice.