Objective To map the approximate transcription initiation site of STK11/LKB1 and identify its potential promoter region. Methods All reported transcripts of STK11/LKB1 were colllected through searching online database. The “first exon”, “first intron” and 5' UTR upstream gDNA sequence of STK11/LKB1 were analysed by MethPrimer and FiretEF to predict the CpG island and possible transcription initiation site, respectively. The STK11/LKB1 gDNA sequence was also analysed by softwares such as PromoterInspector to predict the probable promoter region. Results Among all the reported transcripts of STK11/LKB1, 5'UTR of BC007981 was the longest. STK11/LKB1 gene was a typical CpG island associated gene. There was no exon in the upstream region of the “first exon”, and 5'UTR in BC007981 was close to transcription initiation site. Promoters were predicted in the BC007981 5' upstream 200～400bp region. Conclusion The 5'UTR of STK11/LKB1 approaches the transcription initiation site. The transcription initiation site of STK11/LKB1 gene in several hundreds bp region of 5'UTR upstream may be indentified. The data will benefit further research on the trascriptional regulation of STK11/LKB1 through experimental methods.

Objective To compare the diagnostic values of US-guided optical imaging system (OPTIMUS) and full-field digital mammography (FFDM) in breast neoplasms. Methods Sixty-four patients suspected of breast neoplasms underwent OPTIMUS and FFDM before surgery. All patients were proved histopathologically. The accuracy of diagnosis was compared with chi-square test. Results Sixty-five masses were delineated by OPTIMUS and FFDM. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of OPTIMUS were 86. 2% ( 56/65 ), 87.0% ( 20/23 ) and 85.7% ( 36/42 ), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 6. 09 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0. 175. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of FFDM were 73.8% (48/65), 82. 6% ( 19/23 ) and 71.4% (30/42), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 2. 892 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0. 243. There were no significant differences between OPTIMUS and FFDM ( x2 = 3. 077 ,P ＞ 0. 05). Conclusion OPTIMUS is similar and supplementary to FFDM for the diagnosis of breast neoplasms.