To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transvaginal cervical cerclage and to investigate the influencing factors in prognosis. Methods The medical records of 85 cases who underwent transvaginal cervical cerclage in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January, 1985 to September, 2011 were reviewed. Patients with a typical history of recurrent preterm birth/second trimester miscarriage, or for whom the 8.0 mm Hegar uterine dilator could be pushed through the internal cervical os without resistance during the non-pregnancy period were included in the elective cerclage group (n=69) and those diagnosed as cervical insufficiency during pregnancy were included in the emergency cerclage group (n=16). The numbers of premature birth/second trimester miscarriage, gestational age at cerclage, gestational age at delivery and its influencing factors were compared between the two groups. T test, rank sum test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results All patients underwent cerclage between 13+3 and 26+6 weeks of gestation without major complications, such as rupture of membrane, placental abruption or bladder injury. Patients in the elective cerclage group underwent the procedure significantly earlier than those in the emergency cerclage group [16.6(15.4, 18.3)vs 22.7(19.5, 24.6)weeks, Z=-5.140, P<0.05]. Nine cases had lost to follow-up. Among the remaining 76 cases, the rate of infection after surgery was 18.4%(14/76);the rate of abortion was 17.1%(13/76); and the rate of live birth was 82.9%(63/76). The live birth rate of the emergency group was lower than that of the elective cerclage group [9/15 vs 88.5%(54/61), Fisher's exact test, P<0.05]. Apparent infection after surgery was observed more frequently in the emergency group than that in the elective cerclage group [6/15 vs 13.1% (8/61), Fisher's exact test, P<0.05]. Uterine malformation, infection after surgery and latent infection befor surgery were unfavorable factors associated with miscarriage and early preterm labor. Conclusions Transvaginal cervical cerclage is a safe and effective treatment for cervical insufficiency. Elective cervical cerclage is superior to emergent cerclage. Emphasis should be placed on the monitoring and treatment of perioperative infection. Cervical cerclage should be undertaken with caution in patients with uterine malformation.

Objective To observe heterotopic osteogenesis of autogenous marrow stromal cells on ?-tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP) scaffold, and the effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-?) on osteogenesis. Methods The Newzealand rabbits autogenous marrow stromal cells were cultured by mineralized condition medium. The cell suspension was collected. All the cells with concentration of 5 ?106 ? mL-1 were divided into four groups. Group A: rhBMP-2 (15 ?g) /TGF-? (30 ng) were added; group B: TGF-? 30 ng was administered; group C: without growth factor as control; group D: continual cultured and no loading on ?-TCP. MSCs in group A, B, C were planted on ?-TCP. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was examined by histochemistry. Then MSCs loading on ?-TCP were embedded in autogenous subcutaneous. Four weeks later, the osteogenesis was observed by HE staining, type I collagen and bone morphogenetic protein synthesis were examined by immunohistochemistry stains. Results The ALP activities in groups A and B were significantly higher than those in group C and D (P

OBJECTIVETo explore a simple but novel method of strengthening gypsum material by cyanoacrylate infiltration. To evaluate the influence of cyanoacrylate on the mechanical properties of dental gypsum models.

METHODSGypsum specimens were polished to the dimension of 35 mmx4 mmx4 mm. Butyl-cyanoacrylate was diluted with chloroform at different concentrations, namely 20% and 30% cyanoacrylate. Gypsum specimens were infiltrated by diluting one component of cyanoacrylate at different concentrations for 8 h and then dried for analysis. The changes in elastic modulus, fracture toughness, compressive strength, biaxial strength, brinell hardness were measured. The data were analyzed using software OriginPro 8.

RESULTSThe viscosity measurements indicated that diluted cyanoacrylate were Newtonian fluids and the viscosity increased slightly within the 48 hours of preparation but still similar as water at room temperature, which could be used to infiltrating gypsum. The gypsum infiltrated with cyanoacrylate exhibited good physicochemical properties. The biaxial strength, fracture toughness, compressive strength and brinell hardness of the gypsum were improved by 39%, 30%, 63% and 18%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONCyanoacrylate can significantly improve the strength of gypsum model which indicates the potential clinical application.

AIM: To explore the role of calcineurin i n th e expression of NF-?B and the neurotoxicity in cultured cortical neurons treate d with interleukin-1? (IL-1?) and NMDA. METHODS: The cultured rat cortical neurons were used in the expe riment, damage of neurons was induced by interleukin-1?(IL-1?) or excitator y amino acid (NMDA). The degree of neuron damage was examined with the methods o f MTT assay and LDH releasing rate assay, as well as the Annexin V and PI immuno fluorescence. The expression of NF-?B p65 on the neurons was tested by the West ern blot analysis. RESULTS: Viability of neurons was obviously lower in the IL-1? group and NMDA group respectively than that in control group (P0.05). Annexin V and PI immunofluoresc ence showed that IL-1? mainly induced the neuron apoptosis, and NMDA induced th e neuron necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The calcineurin mediates the higher expression of N F -?B p65 and neuron damage induced by IL-1?, but not play a critical role in th e necrosis induced by NMDA in the cultured cortical neurons. These results indic ate that calcineurin is the key molecule in the apoptotic signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE:To establish a HPLC method for the content determination of baicalin in Pneumonia I mixture.METHODS:The assaying was conducted on a ODS C 18 column with methol-0.06%H 3 PO 4 (43∶57)as mobile phase,the detection wavelength was278nm,the column temperature was25℃and the flow rate was1.0ml/min.RESULTS:The linear concentration range of baicalin was0.1875?g～1.5?g(r=0.9998)with average recovery rate at99.63%(RSD=1.00%,n=6).CONCLUSION:This method is simple,accurate and reproducible,and it can be used for the quality control of baicalin.

Objective To investigate MDR1mRNA quantitative expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma( HCC) and its relation to pathologic features, chemotherapy sensitivity, metastasis and prognosis. Methods Total RNA extracted from 47 cases of HCC and 12 normal liver tissue were subjected to analysis of MDR1mRNA expression by fluoregenic probe quantitative RT-PCR(FQ-RT-PCR). Result The level of MDR1mRNA expression was 1.4?10 3～3.6?10 6copies/?g RNA .The positive rates observed in 72% of the tumor tissue was significantiy higher than in 51% of the adjacent liver tissue and in 42% of the normal liver tissue (P

Objective To analyze the articles of Journal of Intentational Oncology published from 2000 to 2009, and offer reference for the edition and publication of the journal. Methods Bibliometric analysis was used to analyze articles published in Journal of International Oncology from 2000 to 2009, including the quantity analysis, ration of fund-aided articles and authors analysis. Results 2 551 pieces of articles were published,including 182 pieces of original articals, 2 198 pieces reviews and 171 pieces of abstracts, and the density was 0. 3 piece per page. Fund-aided articles were 536 pieces and the ration of fund-aided articles was 0. 21. Fundaided articles and the ration were rising in these ten years. The authors distributed widely and came from 29 province, autonomous region or municipality under the direct control of the Central Government. Author cooperation degree was 1.6 in general, 1.4 in reviews and 4.3 in original articls. Conclusion Articles in this journal are from various sources, and the ratio of fund-aided articles is high. Most original articles have high author cooperation degree. Journal of International Oncology has a very high utilization value in professional population.

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.

Objective To investigate the effects of methamphetamine (Meth) on the outward K+ currents and elucidate the role of outward K+ channels in Meth induced hippocampal neuron damage.Methods Hippocampal neurons were harvest from 18-day-old embryonic rats and were divided into two groups:the control group and the Meth treated group.Both of 4-AP and TEA sensitive K+ currents were recorded after the treatment of Meth by performing the whole cell patch clamp.Furthermore,the MTT and TUNEL assays were performed to evaluate the effects of K+ channel on hippocampal neuron damage mediated by Meth.For statistical comparison,One-way ANOVA and LSD multiple comparison test or t-test was used.P-value ＜ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results The density of 4-AP sensitive K+ channel currents in Meth treated group [(120.1 ± 19.6) pA/pF,n =7] were significantly increased when compared with control group [(87.4 ± 12.5) pA/pF,n =10,P ＜0.01] and the increments of the currents induced by Meth was dose dependent.The MTT data showed that the cell viability was obviously decreased in Meth treated group (48.72 ± 4.38) ％ relative to the control group (100.07 ± 3.36) ％.Moreover,application of K+ channel antagonist,4-AP (61.39 ± 3.15)％,and the high K+ solution (78.25 ± 9.42) ％ substantially enhanced the cell viability.The TUNEL assay showed there were protective effects of 4-AP and the high K+ solution against neuron damage observed during cells exposed to Meth.Conclusions The increments of 4-AP sensitive K+ channel currents induced by Meth might be involved in hippocampal neuron damage.

Objective To investigate the effect of low molecular weight substance extracted from chick embryo on mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)deletion in senile mice induced bv D-galactose.Methods Senile mice induced by D-galactose were treated with low molecular weight substance extracted from chick embryo.The deleted fragment of mtDNA was examined by using polymerase chain reaction technique and agarose gel electrophoresis.A relative quantitation of band densities was performed by using densitometry scanning techniques.The deletion was identified by using direct sequencing analysis. Results The 4239 bD mtDNA deletion were present in liver,cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissues in all of the mice.and it was significantly higher in senile model mice than in control mice(all P＜0.01).Low molecular weight substance extracted from chick embryo reduced the mtDNA deletion in various tissues in senile model mice(all P＜0.05).Deletion was more abundant in liver than in cerebral cortex and hippoeampus. Conclusions The 4239 bp mtDNA deletion is a common deletion,and low molecular weight substance extracted from chick embryo could decrease the incidence of 4239 bD mtDNA deletion.