Objective To segment brain magnetic resonance (MR) images corrupted by noises. Methods We presented a novel Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) algorithm for image segmentation. The algorithm was by modifying the objective function in the conventional FCM. Firstly,by using kernel method,the original Euclidean distance in the FCM was replaced by a kernel-induced distance. Then,a spatial penalty term was added to the objective function to compensate the influence of the neighboring pixels on the center pixel. Results Segmentation results on a four-class synthetic image corrupted by salt & pepper noise shows that the new algorithm is less speckled and smoother. The new algorithm is applied to simulation MR images and is shown to have less misclassification rate than the other FCM-based methods. Conclusion The results of experiments show that the proposed algorithm is more robust to noise than other FCM-based methods.

Objective To investigate the expression of neurotrophic tyresine kinase receptor TrkB in the eutopic and ectopic endometium of women with endometriosis and evaluate the role of TrkB in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Methods Seventeen women with endometriosis and 9 controls were studied. Expression of TrkB was investigated using RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. Results TrkB mRNA was expressed in eutopic endometrium in secretory phase and ectopic endometium of women with endometriosis, (23.51±0.51)% vs (35.29±0.67) % (P<0.05), but TrkB mRNA expression was not detected in control endometrium and eutopic endometrium in proliferative stage of women with endometriosis by RT-PCR. TrkB was expressed both on membrane (glycosylated receptor) and in cytoplasm (non-glycosylated receptor) of the glandular epithelial cells of ectopic endometium, and more often observed in cytoplasm of glandular epithelial cells of eutopic endometrium in secretory phase of women with endometriosis by IHC. In eutopic endometrium in secretory phase and ectopic endometium of women with endometriosis, the expression of TrkB protein was (0.12±0.02)% vs (0.37±0.01)% (P<0.05) by Western blot. Conclusions There is an overexpression of TrkB in eutopic endometrium in secretory phase and ectopic endometium of women with endometriosis. Full-length (glycosylated receptor) TrkB more often is overexpressed in ectopic endometium of women with endometriosis, and TrkB may act as a pathogenic role in formation of endometriosis.

Purpose:To evaluate the therapeutic effects of 3-D conformal radiotherapy(3D-CRT) and concurrent chemotherapy in advanced non -small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Methods:38 stage Ⅲ NSCLC patients were given radio therapy to a total dose of 75~80 Gy(5-10 Gy/fraction;8-10 fractions)by using SCRT.And ea ch patient was given four cycles of concurrent chemotherapy(vinorelbine 25 mg/m ~2 on Days1,8;cisplatin 80 mg/m~2 on Days1;21 days for one cycle). Results:The response rate was 92.1%,of which 16 complete respo nders and 19 partial responders .The survival rate was 74.53%at 1 year, 37.45% at 2 years,the median survival time was 16 months. Conclusions:Stereotactic conformal radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy,as described here,is a well tolerated regimen with acceptable toxic ity.More effective treatment schemes are required to improve local disease contr ol and overall survival.

Acetylation regulated by histone deacetylases (HDAC) has a broad influence on plenty of physiological processes and regulation of malignant tumor.HDAC inhibitors can promote tumor cell apoptosis and have little effect on normal cells,so they have been developed a new kind of anti-tumor agent,and part of them have entered clinical trials.Vorinostat and romidepsin have been approved by FDA for treating cutaneous T cell lymphoma patients with progressive,persistent and recurrent disease.Studies of the molecular mechanisms of the HDAC inhibitors will contribute to the further clinical application.

Objective On the basis of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ), to establish and appraise a new prognostic evaluation system for elder patients with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation in order to predict hospital mortality in the respiratory intensive care unit. Methods Two hundred and thirty-eight senile patients with respiratory failure having had mechanical ventilation during their hospitalization were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: model group (n=138) and validation group (n=100). Data of model group were analyzed by monofactorial and multifactorial regression analysis to screen the risk factors. Risk factors were given numerical values according to different grades, and complementary scoring system was then established. APACHE Ⅱ system was combined with complementary scoring system with Logistic multiple regression to form SRFMV system, a special evaluation system for the senile patients with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation. One hundred patients from validation group were evaluated by both SRFMV system and APACHE Ⅱ system, and the results were then compared to assess the validity and reliability of SRFMV system. Oxygenation index, positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), tidal volume, phlegm quantity and character, and pulmonary auscultation were selected to serve as standard for complementary scoring system. Mortality equation was set up with logistic multiple regression analysis. Results The predication sensitivity and specificity evaluated by SRFMV system in validation group (0.878 and 0.821, respectively) outstripped that evaluated by APACHE Ⅱsystem (0.818 and 0.771, respectively); the area under ROC curve in SRFMV system and the X2 value in Lemesshow-Hosmer statistic (0.911 and 13.77, respectively) also outstripped that in APACHE Ⅱsystem (0.860 and 11.808, respectively). Conclusions SRFMV system is of better sensitivity and specificity, in which the prediction of mortality is closely consistent with the reality. SRFMV system can be applied to obtain valid predictions of relevant outcomes in senile patients with respiratory failure underwent mechanical ventilation.

Objective To explore the effect of token on the pain and compliance of wound care of postoperative children with hypospadias, and provide evidence for the pain management and psycho-behavior intervention of children. Methods Selected 80 cases of hypospadias and they were assigned to the experience group and the control group. The control group was guided by conventional nursing intervention method while the experience group was guided by token intervention. Compare the pain score and compliance of two groups. Results The pain score of the experience group were (2.65±1.89), (2.40± 1.73), (2.10±1.43) points, the control group were (4.10±2.52), (3.35±2.09), (2.90±1.75) points. There were significant differences between the two groups (t=2.912, 2.399,- 2.239, all P<0.05). There were significant differences between the two groups for the compliance (χ2=5.415, 7.587, 9.372, all P<0.05). Conclusion Token can relief the pain of wound care of postoperative children with hypospadias, increase the compliance of wound care of the children.

Objective: To research the functional segments of B-FA molecule binding invariant chain and their characters. Methods:The DNA segments (α1α2, sα1α2 and α3TC ) of B-FA genes were respectively cloned and inserted into prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression plasmids,then they were singly or co-transfected with Ii gene into the engineering bacteria E. coli (BL-21)or 293T cells. After induction of expression,affinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE identification,the binding between B-FA segments and Ii molecule and co-localization in cells were observed with Pull-down and Western blot. Results:First three recombinant prokaryotic expression plasmids and four recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmids were constructed. The single molecules expressed by B-FA segments were observed after an affinity chromatography. Secondly the complexes of Ii/B-FA-α1α2 and Ii/B-FA-sα1α2 were detected by a Pull-down from the co-transfected corresponding prokaryotic expression plasmids,but no complex of Ii andα3TC,also in the western blot it was detected that B-FA-α1α2 or B-FA-sα1α2 as functional segment could bind Ii to form complex. Finally in eukaryotic expression 293T cells B-FA-sα1α2 kept localization, the same as B-FA. Conclusion: Chicken B-FA-α1α2 is function segment to bind with Ii molecule and keeps the location characters same as B-FA. The results of this research first time provide experimental evidence about B-FA functional region binding segment to Ii molecule.

Objective To explore the association of Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(LP-PLA2) and Antithrombin Ⅲ(AT-Ⅲ)level with the severity of coronary artery lesion in patients with coronary disease. Methods 276 patients undergoing coronary angiography were recruited in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from March,2016 to March,2017. Patients were sent to one of the two following groups according to their CAG reports:the controlled group(n=111)and the CAD group(n=165). Gensini scores were calculated in CAD group,and divided CAD group into 4 groups by quartiles:group 1(n=41),group 2(n=39),group 3 (n=42)and group 4(n=43). LP-PLA2 and AT-Ⅲwere then compared in different groups and correlation was analyzed in deciding the severity of coronary artery disease. Results (1)LP-PLA2 level in CAD group was signifi-cantly higher than the controlled group(342.9 ± 91.9 vs. 131.8 ± 27.0,P<0.05),but AT-Ⅲlevel was lower than controlled group and(91.0 ± 12.9 vs. 97.8 ± 11.0,P<0.05).(2)Both LP-PLA2 and AT-Ⅲlevel were different in groups stratified by the quartiles of Gensini scores,and the difference is statistically significant.(3)LP-PLA2 was a risk factor while AT-Ⅲwas a protectional factor for coronary artery disease(OR=1.08,95%CI:1.05~1.11,P<0.01;OR=0.95,95%CI:0.93~0.98,P<0.01;respectively )analyzed by Logisitic regression model.(4)Correla-tion analysis showed a positive association of LP-PLA2 level with Gensini scores(r=0.48,P<0.01),and a nega-tive association of AT-Ⅲlevel with Gensini scores(r=-0.24,P<0.01). Conclusion LP-PLA2 level was higher in CAD patients compared to normal patients ,while the relationship of AT-Ⅲ level among the two groups was reversed. Elevated LP-PLA2 level was associated with the increased severity of coronary artery and can provide guidance for clinic.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between G protein-coupled receptor 120 ( GPR120 ) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in 3T3-L1 cells.Methods:3T3-l1 cells were induced for differentiation,GRP120 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and Oil red O was used to determine fat expression.GPR120 expression was knocked down by a specific siRNA in 3T3-L1cells.3T3-L1 cell that were tranfected with GPR120 siRNA were incubated with palmitic acid for 24 hours.Then,real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of GLUT4 mRNA and protein.Results: Induced differentiation led to GPR120 overexpression in 3T3-L1 cells ( P<0.05 ).GPR120 knockdown resulted in reduction of both lipid volume and number in 3T3-L1 cells.Furthermore,GPR120 knockdown decreased GLUT4 mRNA and protein levels in 3T3-L1 cells (P<0.05,respectively).Conclusion:GPR120 affects the expression level of GLUT4 in insulin signaling pathway,suggesting its involvement in the initiation of insulin resist-ance.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effects of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC -MSCs) on Th17 cells and related cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Human UC-MSCs were isolated and expanded and infused into fourteen SLE patients. Clinical changes were evaluated before and after transplantation by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), 24-hour urine protein, serum albumin and complement C3. The percentages of CD3 +CD8-IL17A + T cells in peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. Concentrations of plasma IL-6, TGF-β, IL-17A, IL-22were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). UC-MSCs and peripheral blood mononindependent samples t-test. Results SLEDAI scores decreased significantly at 3 month (7.8±1.2, t=2.19) and 6 month (6.9±0.9, t=4.2) after UC-MSCs transplantation than pre-transplantation level (10.4±0.9, P< 0.05). Twenty-four-hour proteinuria decreased significantly 6 months after MSCs infusion [(1489±260) mg vs (2454±322) mg, t=2.6, P<0.05]. Meanwhile, serum albumin and complement C3 levels had increased significantly since 1 month after transplantation (P<0.05). The percentages of peripheral blood CD3+CD8-IL17A+T cells decreased obviously in 1 week, 1 month and 6 months after UC-MSCs transplantation (all P<0.05). The coculture of UC-MSCs with PBMC from SLE patients resulted in a statistically significant reduction of CD3+CD8-IL17A+T cells percentage in PBMC (P<0.05), but was not in a dose dependent manner. No change of plasma IL+6, TGF-β, IL-17A and IL-22 levels was observed after UC-MSCs transplantation (P>0.05).Conclusion UC-MSCs transplantation down-regulates the percentages of CD3+CD8-IL17A+T cells in SLE patients, which may be one of the mechanisms for its therapeutic effect in refractory SLE.