Inflammasome, which is a large multiprotein complex in the cytosol regulating IL-1β production, plays an important role in atherosclerosis ( AS ) . To date, NLRP3 ( nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3) inflammasome is the most widely studied type of inflammasome. This article aims to review the effects of NLRP3 inflammasome on AS-related cells ( endothelial cells, macrophages and vascular smooth mus-cle cells) to further explore the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the progression of AS.

Objective:To make a preliminary application of the assessment system for cancer pain management and find insuffi-ciency in the clinical practice of cancer pain diagnosis and treatment. Methods:Data from 41 doctor questionnaires, 43 nurse question-naires, 50 patient questionnaires, and 12 ward questionnaires from the tumor departments of 3 hospitals were analyzed, and the insuffi-ciency in cancer pain management was determined. The wards in the tumor and non-tumor departments related to oncology were as-sessed using rank test, and differences between the 2 wards were investigated. Results:The average scores of doctor, nurse, and wards were 85.41±5.93, 88.46±5.09 and 83.75±3.11, respectively, whereas patient score was 68.67±7.14. To further analyze the patient subsys-tem by converting into a hundred-mark system, the effectiveness and safety scores for the pain management was 81.69±7.71. However, patients' opinion score on pain treatment was only 55.78±11.37. The score of tumor departments was 82.22±2.03, whereas related non-tumor departments had a score of 39.27 ± 3.58. Wilcoxon W value was at 120.0 with P<0.01 after rank test. Conclusion:Education on patients' opinion on cancer pain management should be promoted in the tumor wards, and continuous education on cancer pain diagno-sis and treatment is needed in the non-tumor departments relative to oncology.

Objective To evaluate the clinical significance of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid autoantibodies (anti-TGAb and anti-TPOAb) in cord blood of infants of mothers complicated with hypothyroidism and the influencing factors of neonatal thyroid function. Methods Clinical data of 67 singleton pregnant women complicated with hypothyroidism in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Thyroid function and its autoantibody levels in maternal, cord blood and neonatal serum at 5-7 d after birth were compared. Umbilical TSH level and its affecting factors were also investigated. The results of TSH was expressed as median (25th-75th percentile). Results (1) Umbilical TSH levels were elevated in 9. 0% (6/67) of all infants born to mothers complicated with hypothyroidism. (2) No correlation was found in TSH levels between cord blood and venous blood in neonates 5-7 d after birth. Umbilical TSH levels were significantly higher in infants born vaginally than in those born abdominally [10. 20(6. 10-12. 80) mU/L vs 5. 86(4.02-7.74) mU/L,P=0.001]. Higher umbilical TSH levels were also detected in those complicated with fetal distress and preterm birth compared with those withoutere [fetal distress: (10. 36(6. 61-13. 37) mU/L and 6. 89(4. 18-9. 70) mU/L, P = 0. 046; preterm birth: 8. 90(7. 60-10. 33) mU/L and 6.84(4.17-9. 80) mU/L,P=0. 046,0. 049)]. (3) The anti-TGAb levels in cord blood were positively correlated with that in neonatal serum at 5-7 d after birth (r=0. 960, P = 0. 000), and the same was true for anti-TGPOAb levels (r= 0. 975, P = 0. 000). Maternal thyroid autoantibody levels (anti-TGAb and anti-TPOAb) had significant effect on umbilical antibody levels (P = 0. 003 and 0. 000, respectively), but not on the neonatal TSH levels (P>0. 05). Conclusions Umbilical TSH levels are affected by many delivery factors which may limit its prediction role on congenital hypothyroidism. However, there is an increased risk of elevated umbilical TSH, anti-TGAb and anti-TPOAb levels among these patients which may increase the risk of congenital hypothyroidism. Further follow up of these infants is warranted.

In order to investigate the effect of curcumin on proliferation and apoptosis of human pterygium fibroblasts (HPF) in culture and search for a new method to prevent the recurrence after pterygium surgery, HPF was incubated with 0-160 micromol/L curcumin for 24-96 h. The MTT method was used to assay the biologic activities of curcumin at different time points and different doses. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in each group was detected by immunohistochemistry. The cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry (FCM). Administration of 20-80 micromol/L curcumin for 24-72 h could significantly inhibit HPF proliferation in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P<0.05). After treatment with curcumin at different concentrations of 20, 40, 80 and 160 micromol/L for 24 h, FCM revealed there was a significant sub-G1 peak at each concentration. The number of HPF in G0/G1 phase was increased, while in S phase, it was decreased (P<0.05). At the concentration of 20-80 micromol/L, curcumin, in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), could inhibit the expression of PCNA in HPF. It was suggested that curcumin could significantly inhibit the proliferation of HPF, make HPF arrest in G0/G1 phase and induce the apoptosis of HPF in a dose-and time-dependent manner.

Objective To explore the value of multislice spiral computed tomography ( MSCT ) in predicting the resectability of pancreatic cancer ( PC) .Methods The MSCT images of 102 PC patients ( 62 men, mean age, 61 ±9 years;40 women, mean age, 60 ±9 years) confirmed by postoperative pathology were analyzed retrospectively .The images were analyzed and evaluated by 2 senior radiologists who were double blinded.The relationship between tumor and vessels was investigated based on consensus statement on the radiological diagnosis of PC of the Society of Abdominal Radiology and the American Pancreatic Association in 2014 .The diagnostic criterion on the resectability of PC was based on the 2015 NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines on PC . Image analysis included the lesion location , size and density , the characteristics of pancreatic and bile ducts , relationship of tumor and adjacent vessels , the extrapancreatic findings as well as T staging and resectability.Results The locations of PC were found in the pancreatic head (n=71,69.6%), body (n=23, 22.5%) and tail (n=8, 7.8%).The long-and short-axis diameter were (28.9 ±8.8)mm and (23.8 ±8.0)mm in head, and respectively, (31.2 ±11.0)mm and (23.8 ±6.3)mm in body and tail, respectively.The imaging findings included hypo-(n=98, 96.1%) and iso-density masses (n=4, 3.9%) on pancreatic phase, intra-and extrahepatic bile duct dilation (n=63, 61.8%), main pancreatic duct cut-off with dilation (n=46, 45.1%), the pseudocyst (n=4), acute pancreatitis (n=1) and chronic pancreatitis (n=2).T staging evaluation by MSCT observed T1 (n=3), T2 (n=7), T3 (n=78) and T4 (n=14), respectively.MSCT assessment for T staging was correct in 98 (96.1%), but wrong in 4 (3.9%), which was quite consistent with pathological T staging (K=0.88, P<0.05).MSCT assessment for the resectability was correct in 98 (96.1%), but wrong in 4 (3.9%).Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under curve of MSCT in the assessment of the resectability were 96.8%, 87.5%, 98.9%, 70.0%and 92.2%, respectively.Conclusions MSCT could improve the diagnostic accuracy for T Staging and resectability of PC .

Objective The effect of Asperosaponin Ⅵ(ASAⅥ)on adipocyte differentiation and the involvement of Wnt signal pathway was investigated. Methods The murine bone marrow stromal cell line ST-2 were divided into 6 groups:control group, adipocyte differentiation group, and 4 different doses of ASAⅥgroups. Control group was exposed to the vehicle, adipocyte differentiation group was exposed to adipogenic reagent, and those 4 ASAⅥgroups were treated with different concentration(10-7, 10-6, 10-5, 10-4 mol/L)of ASAⅥafter adipocyte differentiation induction. 5 days later, oil red O staining was performed to calculate adipocyte rate. Then mRNA transcription levels of PPARγ, FABP4 genes andβ-catenin that were Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway proteins were examined by FQ-PCR. Then Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1 was supplemented into ST-2 cells treated with 10-4 mol/L ASAⅥfor 5 days. After that FQ-PCR was used to detect whether tran?scription levels of PPARγ, FABP4 andβ-catenin in ST-2 cells were changed. Results Compared with adipocyte differenti?ation group 10-5 mol/L and 10-4 mol/L ASAⅥtreatments greatly down-regulated the number of lipid droplets and markedly inhibited transcription levels of adipocyte characterization transcription factors included PPARγ, FABP4 while up-regulat?ed transcription level ofβ-catenin in ST-2 cells. DKK1 can reverse the inhibitory effect of ASAⅥon adipocyte differentia?tion in ST-2 adipocyte. The transcription levels of PPARγand FABP4 were up-regulated significantly while transcription level ofβ-catenin was inhibited. Conclusion ASAⅥblocks adipocyte differentiation in ST-2 cells which might be medi?ated through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the impacts of natural ovulation cycles and stimulation cycles on the outcome of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in order to improve the clinical effects of IUI. Methods 176 women received 384 stimulation cycles. According to different ovulation stimulation protocols , the women were divided into six groups including natural cycle (NC) group, clomiphene citrate (CC) group, letrozole (LE) group;human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG ) group, CC + HMG group, and LE + HMG group. The pregnancy rate between nature cycles and ovarian hyperstimulation cycles was compared. Results The pregnancy rate was 9.33%in the nature cycle group and 13.27% in the stimulation cycle group, with a significant difference (P < 0.05);and it dif not differ significantly among the stimulation cycle groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Use of ovulation-induction medications is one of the important factors affecting the pregnancy rate of intrauterine insemination. There are no differences in the outcome of IUI among different ovulation stimulation protocols.

Background and purpose:One of the reasons why cancer cells are resistant to chemotherapy is the existence of cancer stem cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemoresistance of CD44+/CD24+ Siha cells to cisplatin and its mechanisms.Methods:Siha cells were cultivatedin vitro. The CD44+/CD24+ Siha cells were sorted out by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) andin vitro proliferation was detected by MTT assay after treatment with the different concentrations of cisplatin. The cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry after 10 μg/mL cisplatin acted on CD44+/CD24+ Siha cells for 24, 48 and 72 h. The relative mRNA and protein expressions of Bcl-2, Oct-4 and ABCG2 were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Results:The survival rates of CD44+/CD24+ Siha cells treated with different concentrations of cisplatin (0.1, 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 μg/mL) were higher than those of their parental Siha cells [(88.42±1.51)%vs (92.87±1.5)%, (79.94±1.05)%vs (84.72±1.09)%, (69.78±0.81)%vs (75.13±2.86)%, (58.97±0.70)%vs (65.79±2.71)%, (49.60±0.88)%vs (52.10±0.52)%, (45.13±0.69)%vs (48.84±1.02)%,P<0.05]. Compared with their parental Siha cells, the apoptosis rates of CD44+/CD24+ Siha cells were lower after 10 μg/mL of cisplatin acting on them for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively [(3.05±0.16)%vs (5.17±0.27)%, (17.94±2.02)%vs (32.60±4.28)% and (40.14±3.01)%vs (56.62±5.32)%,P<0.05]. The results from both qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that Oct-4, ABCG2 and Bcl-2 were highly expressed on CD44+/CD24+ Siha cells. A significant difference was found in Oct-4, ABCG2 and Bcl-2 expression between CD44+/CD24+Siha cells and their parental cells (P=0.015<0.05).Conclusion:CD44+/CD24+ Siha cells could be resistant to apoptosis induced by cisplatin and expressed high levels of cancer stem cell markers such as Oct-4 and ABCG2. This study lays the basis for useful isolation and further targeted therapy of cervical cancer stem cells.

Objective To explore whether CD44 +/CD24 + expressing cervical cancer cells are resistant to X-ray irradiation and investigate the underlying mechanism.Methods Cervical cancer cell line (Siha) was cultured in vitro and the CD44 +/CD24 + expressing cells were sorted with a flow cytometer.The cells were irradiated with 8,16 and 30 Gy of 6 MV X-rays.Colony formation test was used to evaluate the radiosensitivity of CD44 +/CD24 + expressing cervical cancer cells.Cell morphology was observed by electronmicroscopy,cell apoptosis was analyzed with a flow cytometer and also verified with a DNA ladder assay.Gene expression was determined by RT-PCR.Results After radiation,the ratio of CD44 +/CD24 + cells significantly increased.Compared to Siha cells,the radiosensitivity of CD44 +/ CD24 + cells decreased (t =93.99-400.45,P ＜0.05),and the expressions of bcl-2,survivin and Oct4 mRNA increased in CD44 +/CD24 + cells (t =221.35,941.65,82.27,P ＜0.01).Both apoptotic body and specific DNA ladder pattern were observed in cells but not in the CD44 +/CD24 + Sihacells which had no obvious morphological changes of apoptosis.Conclusions The CD44 +/CD24 + expressing cervical cancer cells are resistant to X-rays due to expression of anti-apoptosis factors.

AIM: To establish the methods of quality control of Kangxian Pills (Redix Astragali,Radix Angelicale Sinensis,Rhizoma Chuanxiong,Radix Scutellariae,Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis,etc.). METHODS: Radix Angelicae sinensis;Rhizoma Chuanxiong;Radix Astragali;Radix Scutellariae were identified with TLC and the content of deoxyschizandrin and schisandrin B in the Kangxian Pills were determined by HPLC The separation was performed on Diamonsil~(TM) C_(18)(4.6 mm?250 mm,5 ?m)analytical column with a mobile phase consisted of methanol and water(78(∶)22) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min.The UV detection wavelength was set at 254 nm first and was altered to 220 nm after 17 min. RESULTS: The same color spots in the TLC graphs of sample existed at the corresponding position compared with the reference solution.The linear range of deoxyschizandrin was within 0.39-(1.95) ?g(r=0.999 9).The average recovery was 98.8%,RSD was 1.7%.The linear range of schisandrin B was within 0.09-0.45 ?g(r=0.999 9).The average recorery was 99.1%,RSD was 1.7%. CONCLUSION: The methods are simple and have good reproducibility.