Procalcionin ( PCT) is a soluble protein liberated into the circulation of patients in response to severe systemic in-fection, in particular by bacterial infection.It is used as the most accurate biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis.This review briefly de-scribes the induction of PCT, the comparison of PCT and other markers of sepsis, the application of PCT measurement in confirmation or exclusion of diagnosis of sepsis, the assessment of severity and treatment effectiveness of systemic infection, the application of PCT in guiding individual and specific treatment of antibiotics, and the anormaly situation of elevated levels of PCT in patients who do not have sepsis.

Colorectal cancer is a common malignant tumor in the gastrointestinal tract, with the characteristics of high morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown that the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer is closely related to the abnormal activation of Wnt signaling pathway. Abnormal expression of β-catenin in Wnt pathway is found both in the cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cells. Different drugs can target the Wnt signaling pathway and its upstream and downstream related factors to inhibit or suppress the development of colorectal cancer. We review the components of Wnt signaling pathway, and the correlation between Wnt signaling pathway and colorectal cancer. Then, we summarize the current status of drug research targeting the Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal cancer. Finally, the challenges and prospects of these methods and drugs were briefly summarized.

OBJECTIVESince glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common hereditary hemolytic erythrocyte enzyme deficiency, most cases have single nucleotide mutations in the coding region, and current test methods for gene mutation have some missed detections, this study aimed to investigate the feasibility of RT-PCR sequencing in the detection of gene mutation in G6PD deficiency.

METHODSAccording to the G6PD/6GPD ratio, 195 children with anemia of unknown cause or who underwent physical examination between August 2013 and July 2014 were classified into G6PD-deficiency group with 130 children (G6PD/6GPD ratio <1.00) and control group with 65 children (G6PD/6GPD ratio≥1.00). The primer design and PCR amplification conditions were optimized, and RT-PCR sequencing was used to analyze the complete coding sequence and verify the genomic DNA sequence in the two groups.

RESULTSIn the G6PD-deficiency group, the detection rate of gene mutation was 100% and 13 missense mutations were detected, including one new mutation. In the control group, no missense mutation was detected in 28 boys; 13 heterozygous missense mutations, 1 homozygous same-sense mutation (C1191T) which had not been reported in China and abroad, and 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms of C1311T were detected in 37 girls. The control group showed a high rate of missed detection of G6PD deficiency (carriers) in the specimens from girls (35%, 13/37).

CONCLUSIONSRT-PCR sequencing has a high detection rate of G6PD gene mutation and a certain value in clinical diagnosis of G6PD deficiency.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mutation ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Objective:To investigate the effect of huaier granule combined with docetaxel + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide (TEC) neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the disease control rate and the levels of extracellular fragment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2-ECD) and tumor abnormal protein (TAP) in patients with advanced breast cancer.Methods:From April 2013 to June 2016, 94 patients with advanced breast cancer in Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University were selected and randomly divided into observation group ( n=47) and control group ( n=47). The control group was treated with TEC neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the observation group was treated with TEC neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with huaier granules for 12 weeks. The curative effect, incidence of adverse reactions, cellular immune function indexes (CD8 + , CD4 + , CD4 + /CD8 + ), serum HER2-ECD and TAP levels were compared before and 12 weeks after treatment. The patients were followed up for 3 years after treatment, and the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival rates were compared between the two groups. Results:After 12 weeks of treatment, the disease control rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05); during the treatment, the incidence of gastrointestinal reaction, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and abnormal liver function of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05); after 12 weeks of treatment, the serum CD8 + level of the observation group was lower than that of the control group, and the serum CD4 + , CD4 + /CD8 + level was higher than that of the control group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05); after 12 weeks of treatment, the serum levels of HER2-ECD and TAP in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05); the 3-year survival rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, with statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Huaier granules combined with TEC neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer can reduce serum HER2-ECD, TAP levels, which can enhance the immune function of the body, reduce the toxic and side effects, improve the long-term survival rate, and have a significant effect.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic significance of endoscopic findings in Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP),especially when abdominal pain preceded the cutaneous lesions.Methods The clinical data and gastroscopic findings in 37 cases of children with HSP were studied and analysed retrospectively in order to detect the pathological changes in the stomach and duodenum mucosa.The biopsy was taken in the pathological changeing place,and the relationship between clinical and endoscopic findings was analyzed.Results Detection rate of the pathological changes in the stomach and duodenum mucosa was 62.2%,31.3% of which experienced only cutaneous lesions,100% of which presented the acute abdominal pain.Three patients were not checked up the pathological changes.Of them,1 had arthritis,2 had Henoch-Schonlein nephritis.Characteristically endoscopic findings in the stomach and duodenum mucosa were found.The endoscopic findings included anabrosis,hyperemia,edema and hemorrhage.Conclusions Detection rate of the pathological changes in the stomach and duodenum mucosa is higher.Endoscopy is very helpful to the early diagnosis of HSP in children,especially abdominal pain presented firstly.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of ~1H-MR spectroscopy(~1H-MRS)imaging to quantitatively detect fatty liver.Methods Twenty patients with fatty liver and 11 healthy volunteers underwent plain CT scan,conventional MR imaging and ~1H-MRS analysis.The blood lipid and liver function were tested on the same day as the MR examination.~1H-MRS sequence measured the peaks of H_2O and lipid,and the areas under the peaks.The relative contents of the lipid compound were calculated,and compared with the results of CT scan and liver function tests.Results The CT values of the normal group and the fatty liver group were(59?9)HU and(24?11)HU respectively.On ~1H-MRS a protruding high H_2O peak and a flat low lipid peak were observed in the normal group,while the protruding high H_2O peak and a high lipid peak appeared in the fatty liver group.The values of lipid peak in the normal group and the fatty liver group were(0.05?0.01)?10~5,(0.70?0.24)?10~5 respectively(t=4.32,P0.05),the areas under the lipid peak were(1.36?0.73)?10~9、(2.35?1.15)?10~9 respectively(t=5.21,P0.05).Conclusion ~1 H-MRS imaging is feasible to quantitatively detect liver fat and is a non-invasive method for detecting early fatty liver.

Objective To investigate the immunoregulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)on peripheral blood T lymphocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)in vitro and their potential mechanism.Methods MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of 3 healthy human volunteers,cultivated and identified.Under phytohemagglutinin(PHA)stimulating,peripheral blood T lymphocytes from 8 patients with SLE were treated with MSCs with the T lymphocyte/MSC ratio being 50:1 in group B and 5:1 in group C or without MSCs(group A).MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation of T lymphocytes.flow cytometry to analyze the expressions of surface markers CD152 and CD28 on T lymphocytes.and real time PCR to measure the mRNA expressions of interleukin-6 and interferon-γ,in the T lymphocytes.Results MSCs could markedly inhibit the proliferation of T lymphocytcs.The proliferation of T lymphocytes expressed as absorbance value at 570 nm was 0.484±0.032 in group B.0.308±0.025 in group C,significantly lower than that in group A(0.765±0.036,both P＜0.05),and significant difference was also observed between group C and B(P＜0.05).In the case of the percentage of CD28 positive T lymphocytes.group B and C were significantly lower than group A(60.39%±3.92%and 45.05%±3.46%vs 74.73%±3.74%,both P＜0.05),and group B significantly differed from group C(P＜0.05).MSCs had no obvious effect on the expression of CD152 on T lymphocytes,but significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 and interferon-γ(both P＜0.05).and the suppressive effect was enhanced with the incrgase in MSC count.ConclusionsMSCs exert an immunosuppressive effect on T lymphocytes from patients with SLE,likely through inhibiting the proliferation,CD28 expression,interleukin-6 and interferon-γ mRNA expression of T lymphocytes.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)-α inhibiting osteo blastdifferentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in the mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (MRL/lpr). Methods The femurs of MRL / lpr and C3He/HeJ mice were isolated, the bone structure were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The proteins of TNF-α, NF-κB P50, bone morphogenetic protein -2 (BMP-2) and PSmad1/5/8 were measured by immunohistochemical stain. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) were isolated. After BMMSCs grew on the cover slips, the proteins on top of it were evaluated by immunohistochemistry stain. Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was employed for the measurement of the early osteogenic differentiation. BMMSCs together with hydroxyapatite were embedded subcutaneously in the nude mice and eight weeks later, the ectopic bone formation was evaluated. The recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor type Ⅱantibody fusion protein (etanercept) or normal saline was subcutaneous injected to the mice with lupus. After four weeks, the expression of these proteins was observed and the ectopic bone formation was investigated. Image-Pro plus 6.0 software was employed for imagine analysis, and Studentˊs t-test was used to test the differences between 2 independent groups. Results MRL/lpr mice showed decreased volume of cortex and the percentage of cortex to the volume of bone of MRL/lpr mice was significantly lower compared to control groups and with C3He/HeJ mice (13.96±0.25 vs 23.61±0.71, n=3, P<0.01). The protein levels of both TNF-αand NF-κB P50 on the femur of MRL/lprl mice were higher than those of the control group (0.643±0.051 vs 0.405±0.022, 0.917±0.023 vs 0.650±0.032, n=3, P<0.01). The expressions of BMP-2 on the femur of MRL/lpr mice were lower than those of the C3He/HeJ mice (0.52 ±0.03 vs 0.72 ±0.03, n=3, P<0.01). There was no difference in the expression of PSmad1/5/8 on the femur between the two groups by immunohistochemistry detection (1.264 ±0.021 vs 1.301± 0.044, n=3, P>0.05). The expressions of TNF-α and NF-κB P50 in BMMSCs of MRL/lprl mice were higher than those of the C3He/HeJ (0.184±0.021 vs 0.136±0.013, 0.132±0.021 vs 0.097± 0.014, n=3, P<0.01), while BMP-2 and PSmad were lower than those of the control group (0.128±0.013 vs 0.216±0.221, 0.115±0.023 vs 0.196±0.034, n=3, P<0.01). After 7 days of BMP-2 stimulation, the activities of ALP of BMMSCs from MRL/lprl mice were reduced detected by ALP staining and the osteoblast differentiation of these cells were decreased than BMMSCs from the control mice by HE and Masson staining. The percentage of the cortex to the volume of bone of the etanercept injection MRL/lpr mice was higher than that of the control group (21.8±1.0 vs 14.3 ±0.6, n=3, P<0.01). Moreover, the proteins of TNF-α and NF-κB P50 on the femurs of such injected mice were lower than those of the control group (0.540±0.024 vs 0.682±0.031, 0.857±0.023 vs 1.098±0.044, n=3, P<0.05), while the expressions of BMP-2 were higher than the control group (0.99±0.04 vs 0.85±0.04, n=3, P<0.05). There was no difference in the PSmad1/5/8 expression on the bone of the two group of lupus mice (0.88 ±0.08 vs 0.84 ±0.04, n=3, P>0.05). The ectopic bone formation of BMMSCs of the etanercept injected MRL/lpr mice was higher than that of the normal saline injected mice, however, it was lower than that of the C3He/HeJ mice. Conclusion TNF-α inhibits osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells by depressing Smad signaling which may contribute to the osteoporosis of the lupus mice.

Objective To investigate the virtual wedge (VW) dosimetric parameters with the ionization chamber array Matrixxenvlution.Methods Using Matrixxenvlution and solid water to measure and calculate Siemens accelerator's VW angle and VW factors of different fields and compare the wedge field dose distribution to that of treatment planning system (TPS) by gamma analysis,summarized the measurement results of 50 times.Results The γ pass rate (3 mm/ 3％) of 15° and 30° VW in both direction were (91.47 ± 1.76)％,(92.99 ± 1.54)％ and (93.27 ± 1.24)％,(93.27 ± 1.68)％,respectively,with the increase of filed size and the VW angle,but for 20 cm ×20 cm field and VW 60°,the result was not very good.The largest angle deviation ＜ 2° except small field size and wedge angle,VW factors were approximately equal to 1,the maximum deviation was no more than 0.05,plan dose distribution and the measured dose distribution have good consistency except large field with large wedge angle.Conclusions Matrixxenvlution used in the measurement of VW dosimetric parameters which can obtain all parameters for angle calculation and dose plane analysis with only once positioning,and become more rapid,convenient,economical and practical one of quality assurance tools for VW dose verification.

Adult ; Carcinoma, Small Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Leukosialin ; metabolism ; Lymphoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Peroxidase ; metabolism ; Sarcoma, Myeloid ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; surgery ; Uterine Cervicitis ; metabolism ; pathology