Objective To realize the simultaneous control of two laboratory instruments by a computer. Methods On the basis of analysing the mode of communication between computer and laboratory instrument, the author expanded the computer's COM interface through the USB / COM converter. Results The author realized a computer controlling MP280 CLIA chemiluminescence analyzer and anthos 2010 enzyme tester at the same time. Conclusion User can use computer's USB interface and USB / COM converter to achieve controlling multiple instruments and equipments at the same time, as long as the communication interface of equipment is open. This method has preferable potential application.

An ordered mesoporous silica ( OMS ) was synthesized through hydrothermal process. The synthesized material was characterized by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption and transmission electron microscope. The electrochemical characteristics of the OMS modified carbon paste electrode ( OMS/CPE ) were investigated by using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Compared with bare carbon paste electrode ( CPE ) , the OMS/CPE exhibited a larger electrode surface and a faster electron-transfer rate. Electrochemical behaviors and kinetic properties of L-tryptophan ( L-Trp) at the OMS/CPE in the presence of sodium dodecylsulphate ( SDS) were studied. The results showed that the voltammetric response of L-Trp at OMS/CPE was improved due to the synergistic effect of OMS and SDS. The electrochemical oxidation of L-Trp at OMS/CPE in the presence of SDS was an irreversible process involved two electrons and two protons, and the electrode process was controlled by the adsorption step. Some parameters such as SDS concentration, accumulation time, accumulation potential and pH were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the oxidation peak current was linearly proportional to L-Trp concentration in the range of 8. 0×10-8 to 4. 0×10-6 mol/L, with a detection limit of 7. 0×10-8 mol/L (S/N=3 ) . The proposed method was applied for the determination of L-Trp in oral liquid with the recoveries of 99 . 6%-102 . 6%.

Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are the second common central nervous system tumors. Patients often present with headache, vision loss, visual field defects, and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive function is the ability of the brain to acquire, analyze and process external information; once the patient has serious cognitive dysfunction, it will bring heavy burden to the family and society. This article summarizes the cognitive functions in patients with PitNETs from perspectives of hormone, anatomical structures around the pituitary, tumor volume, treatment, and cognitive function assessment, in order to provide research ideas in elucidating relevant mechanisms in the future and provide basis for formulating rehabilitation plans for patients.

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features, immunophenotype and prognosis of matrix-producing metaplastic carcinoma (MPC).

METHODSSixteen cases of MPC diagnosed between 2002 and 2012 in West China Hospital were identified. The clinicopathologic features were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin, S-100 protein, CK5/6, HCK, PCK, CK7, CK8, p63, SMA, EMA, CD99, MSA, CK14, EGFR, ER, PR, HER2 and Ki-67 was performed with EnVision method. The clinical outcome was evaluated and compared to matched controls of invasive ductal carcinoma.

RESULTSAll patients were women and ranged in age from 29 to 69 years (median age 48 years). The median size of primary tumor was 4 cm. Most of the tumors were well-circumscribed with expansile and multinodular appearance. Histology showed invasive carcinoma with a direct transition from carcinoma to cartilaginous/chondromyxoid matrix without an intervening spindle cell component. Tumor distribution was either nodular or diffuse. The matrix component accounted for 10%-80% of the tumor volume. All the tumors were strongly positive for S-100 protein and basal-like cytokeratin with triple negative phenotype (ER, PR and HER2 negative). Alcian blue stain was positive for the cartilaginous/chondromyxoid matrix. Compared with invasive ductal carcinoma, patients with MPC had increased locoregional recurrence (P = 0.010), increased distant recurrence (P = 0.011) and shorter disease-free survival (P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONSMPC is a rare variant of mammary metaplastic carcinoma with unique characteristics of morphology and immunohistochemical staining pattern. This subtype seems to have aggressive biologic behavior.

Adult ; Aged ; Cadherins ; metabolism ; Carcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; China ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Prognosis ; S100 Proteins ; metabolism ; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology