Background and purpose:Vascular endothelial growth factor-C(VEGF-C) is ranked first as a lymphoangiogenic factor, which induces lymphatic proliferation and spread of solid tumors. Lymph node status remains the strongest prognostic factor in a variety of human malignant tumors including uterine cervical carcinomas and lymphnode metastasis is stimulated by tumor cell aggressiveness, such as abilities of growth and metastases.We examined the correlation between VEGF-C expression and tumor aggressiveness in cervical carcinomas with respect to clinicopathologic features and patient outcome and to see whether the expression of VEGF-C and its receptor in cervical carcinoma tissue and their paratumour tissue had a role in tumor metastasis and other clinical significance. Methods:48 fresh cervical cancer tissues and their paratumour tissue were examined by RT-PCR to detect the VEGF-C/KDR/Flt-4mRNA expression.Results:There was a significant difference of VEGF-C/KDR/Flt-4mRNA expression between the tumor , paratumour tissue and the normal controls. And there was no significant relationship between VEGF-C mRNA, KDR mRNA or flt-4mRNA expression with the pathological types and clinical stage of invasive carcinoma of cervix. However,expression was significantly associated with the grade of tumor pathology, lymph node metastasis, tumor size and the invasion of deep muscular layer(P

Background and Purpose:Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms among women.The 5-year survival for patients with early stage disease is over 70%.While it is generally accepted that either radical surgery or radiotherapy can achieve cure for the majority of patients with early-stage cervical cancer,there is no standard approach to the patients with bulky disease,whose prognosis remains very poor in spite of the therapeutic advances achieved in recent years.Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been used as part of the multidisciplinary treatment before either operation or radiation therapy.Although the approach still had many controversies,numerous studies have supported its effectiveness in bulky cervical cancer.The present study was conducted to explore whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the combination of vincristine,bleomycin and cisplatin could improve the operability and pathological response rate in Ⅰb_(2)~Ⅱb bulky cervical cancer patients.Methods:A total of fifty-six patients with bulky cervical cancer were histologically diagnosed and staged into Ⅰb_(2)~Ⅱb according to the standards of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO) and randomly selected,including 15 cases with Ⅰb_(2),15 with Ⅱa,26 with Ⅱb.They were treated by a regimen of PVB chemotherapy for 2 cycles and followed by operation.The immediate response and adverse effects were analyzed.Results:The overall response rate was 78.6%.The resectability rate for surgery after chemotherapy was 100%.No intolerable toxic and adverse effects were recorded during neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy can apparently increase the possibility of resection by operation and enhance the remission rate.The primary tumor sizes were significantly decreased after chemotherapy before surgery(P

Objective To investigate the relationship between neurokinin B (NKB), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the pathogenesis of hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP). Methods 22 HDCP, who received antenatal examination in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College in Huazhong University of Science and Technology from March to July in 2005, were selected for the study, including 12 gestational hypertension (gestational hypertension group) and 10 preeclampsia (preeclamptic group); 22 normal pregnant women in the same period were served as control. At different gestational weeks, maternal plasma levels of NKB and ET-1 in three groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay technique, the expression and location of NKB in placenta were examined by immunohistochemical SP, and mRNA expressions of NKB and ET-1 in placenta were measured with RT-PCR method. Results (1) At 10 - 14, 20 - 24, and 30 - 34 gestational weeks, the plasma levels of NKB and ET-1 in preeclamptic group were ( 35. 6±5.2), ( 17. 9±4. 3), (39. 5±4. 3 ), (22. 7± 3.6), (47. 1±3. 3) and (27.5±3.5) μg/L, respectively; in the control group they were (22. 9±3. 3), (10.7±5.3), (30.2±3.4), (13.2±4.1), (34.6±4.3) and (16.6±4.8) μg/L, respectively. There was a significant difference between preeclamptic group and control group ( P < 0. 05), while there was no significant difference between gestational hypertension group and control group (P>0.05).(2) Immunohistochemical staining for NKB protein was observed in all groups and was located in the villous syncytintrophoblast and villous vascular endothelial cells as well as cytoplasm of stromal cells, mostly located in villous syncytiotrophoblast. The expressions of NKB in placenta of preeclamptic group (0.244±0.020) was significantly higher than that in control group (0. 160±0. 012), with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05 ). However, there was no significant difference between gestational hypertension group (0.162±0.019) and control group (P>0.05). (3) The transcription levels of the NKB mRNA (0. 97±0. 36) and ET-1 mRNA (0. 90±0. 36) in preeclamptic placentas were both significantly higher than those in control groups (0. 78±0. 54, 0. 65±0. 47, respectively ), with a significant difference between the two groups( P <0. 05 ). But there was no significant difference between gestational hypertension group (0. 80±0. 40, 0. 70±0. 32, respectively) and control group (P >0. 05). (4) There was an evident positive correlation between plasma NKB and ET-1 levels in preeclampsia ( r =0. 79, P < 0. 05 ). Conclusions The significantly increased maternal plasma levels of NKB and ET-1 of patients with preeclampsia occur at early pregnancy (10 -14 gestational weeks) before the onset of clinical symptoms. The change of maternal plasma levels of NKB and ET-1 is closely related to pathogenesis of HDCP.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) system is a system that achieves communication and control among humans and computers and other electronic equipment with the electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. This paper describes the working theory of the wireless smart home system based on the BCI technology. We started to get the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) using the single chip microcomputer and the visual stimulation which composed by LED lamp to stimulate human eyes. Then, through building the power spectral transformation on the LabVIEW platform, we processed timely those EEG signals under different frequency stimulation so as to transfer them to different instructions. Those instructions could be received by the wireless transceiver equipment to control the household appliances and to achieve the intelligent control towards the specified devices. The experimental results showed that the correct rate for the 10 subjects reached 100%, and the control time of average single device was 4 seconds, thus this design could totally achieve the original purpose of smart home system.
Brain-Computer Interfaces ; Electroencephalography ; Evoked Potentials, Visual ; Humans ; Microcomputers ; Wireless Technology

Objective To observe the changes of electrical property of the 12 Source-points in encephaloma patients undergoing surgery.Methods A total of 116 encephaloma patients and 60 healthy people who signed the informed consent were enlisted in the present study.The regional cutaneous electric resistance(CER) of the bilateral 12Yuan(Source)-points was measured in the afternoon(14:00-16:00) before and one week after surgery under room temperature [(22?3)℃,(55?10)% in humidity] by using "Meridian Energy Analysis Device".Results In comparison with normal subjects,CER values of the 12 Source-points on both sides of the body in encephaloma patients were significantly lower(P

Objective To determine the accuracy of multi-slice CT pneumocolon in the staging of colonic carcinomas.Methods Thirty-six patients, who were strongly suspected to have colonic disorders, underwent CT pneumocolon before and after intravenous injection of iodinated contrast agent. CTVE, MPR, SSD, and Raysum images were then obtained by using 4 different softwares in workstation (ADW3.1). 33 positive cases were staged preoperatively according to TNM standard. All cases were proved by surgical or colonoscopic histology. Sensitivity and accuracy of MSCT were determined for the detection of cancers, lymph nodes, and metastases. Results MSCT pneumocolon examinations demonstrated 32 lesions, missing one case. Sensitivity and positive accuracy value for T staging were 96.97% (32/33) and 87.88% (29/33), respectively; Sensitivity and positive accuracy value for lymph node involvement were 73.91% (17/23) and 69.57% (16/23), respectively. The density of metastatic lymph node was higher than that of normal one. Five cases in M stage were all diagnosed correctly.Conclusion MSCT pneumocolon is a better method of depicting the colorectal carcinoma. It allows for accurate staging of the colorectal carcinoma, especially detecting the invasion of adjacent tissues and distant metastasis. However the value for early T staging in colorectal carcinoma and minute metastasis of lymph nodes is limited. It is helpful to combine all the findings of lymph nodes, including the size, density, and location, to make a correct diagnosis.

Objective To evaluate the use of preoperative MSCT in patients with clinically suspected colorectal disease after incomplete colonoscopy Methods After incomplete colonoscopy, 31 patients underwent MSCT before and after intravenous injection of iodinated contrast agent CT virtual colonography (CTVC), multiplanar reformation (MPR), shaded surface display (SSD), and Raysum images were obtained by using 4 different software in workstation The results of MSCT were compared with the findings of colonoscopy, intraoperative colon palpation, and postoperative pathology Results After incomplete colonoscopy, MSCT was successfully performed in all 31 cases Postoperative pathology revealed 22 colorectal cancers (one synchronous cancers, two with polyps) and 9 benign disease 22 colonic carcinomas were all correctly diagnosed by MSCT (including synchronous disease), 2 benign diseases were misdiagnosed as malignancy, and one polyp was missed Conclusion MSCT is a feasible and useful method for evaluating the entire colon before surgery in patients with occlusive disease

Objective To assess roles of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and plateletderived growth factor(PDGF)in the mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis in epithelial ovarian carcinoma.Methods (1)Expression of Proxl,a newly described lymphatic endothelial cell nucleus marker,VEGF-A,VEGF-C,VEGF-D and PDGF-A,PDGF-B,PDGF-C,PDGF-D were detected bv RT-PCR in SKOV3 cell line and in 90 ovarian tissue samples,included 15 benigh tumors 10 borderline tumors, 45 malignant tumors and 20 normal ovarian samples.(2)Expression levels of Proxl,VEGF-A,-C,-D and PDGF-A,-B,-C,-D were detected in 90 ovarian tissue sample mentioned above by real-time quantitative PCR(RTQPCR).Resuls (1)Proxl was expressed in ovarian samples mentioned above,while not detected in SKOV3 cell. VEGF-A,-C,-D and PDGF-A,-B,-C,-D were found in SKOV3 cell and various ovarian tissues.(2)Expression levels of Proxl(2.2±1.3,P＜0.01),VEGF-A(3.5±1.5,P＜0.01),VEGF-C(19±14.P＜0.01),VEGF-D(3.0±1.8,P＜0.01)and PDGF-A(3.3±3.3,P＜0.05),PDGF-C(6.9±4.6,P＜0.01)in malignant group were found to be significantly higher than those in borderline group and benign group.(3)The expression levels of Proxl,VEGF-A and PDGF-A were significantly greater in samples from the patients with lymph node metastasis(Proxl:3.0±1.4,VEGF-A:4.1± 1.7,PDGF-A:4.9±4.1),peritoneum metastasis(Proxl:2.8±0.9,VEGF-A:4.0±1. 8,PDGF-A:4.5±4.0)and in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ(Proxl:2.6±1.3,VEGF-A:4.0±1.4,PDGF-A:4.1±3.7)than those without lymph node metastasis,without peritoneum metastasis and in stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ.There was a significant increased in the degree of VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression in positive lymph node metastasis group(VEGF-C:24±13,VEGF-D:3.9±2.0)compared with negative group(P＜0.05).(4)There were significant positive correlations between the expression levels of Proxl and VEGF-D(r=0.62,P＜0.01),PDGF-C(r=0.91,P＜0.01)or PDGF-D(r=0.61.P＜0.01).Conclusions VEGF-A,VEGF-C and PDGF-A may promote lymphatic metastasis in epithelial ovarian carcinoma though else mechanisms other than lymphangiogenesis.VEGF-D may facilitate lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer.There is no significant correlation between the expression of PDGF-B and lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis.PCGF-C and PDGF-D may motivate lymphangiogenesis,but could not participate in lymph node metastasis in ovarian carcinoma.

Objective To observe the osteogenic effect of tissue-engineered bone constructed by poly-L-lysine-demineralized bone matrix (PLL-DBM) enriched bone marrow stem cells in the space of goat transverse process bone fusion model and explore a new tissue-engineered bone construction method. Methods PLL was used to decorate goat DBM to prepare a matrix material (PLL-DBM). The osteo-genic effect of tissue-engineered bone constructed by PLL-DBM enriched bone marrow cells ( Group Ⅰ A) was detected in goat lumbar intertransverse graft bone model; autogenous iliac bone (Group Ⅰ B), DBM enriched bone marrow (Group Ⅱ C) and DBM (Group Ⅱ D) were used as controls. The osteogenesis of the bones in the fused segments of four groups were compared and evaluated by X-ray, three-dimensional CT, CT value testing and biomechanical testing. Results The results of X-ray showed that the fusion ranges in groups ⅠA and ⅠB were basically the same, which were significantly wider than that in Group Ⅱ, with no fusion detected in Group Ⅱ D. The CT value was (696.76±10275) HU in Group Ⅰ A and (766.03±69.24) HU in Group B, which were significantly higher than that in Group Ⅱ C (P <0.05), but there was no statistical difference in CT value between Groups Ⅰ A and Ⅰ B (P > 0.05). The CT val-ue in Group Ⅱ C was significantly higher than in Group ⅡD (P <0.01). There was no statistical differ-ence between Groups Ⅰ A and Ⅰ B in the maximum load and bending strength (P > 0.05). The maxi-mum load and bending strength in Groups Ⅰ A and Ⅰ B were significantly higher than that in Group Ⅱ C (P < 0.05), and the two indices in Group Ⅱ C were significantly higher than that in Group Ⅱ D (P <0.01). Conclusion Tissue-engineered bone constructed by PLL-DBM enriched bone marrow cells is an ideal tissue engineered bone and its osteogenic potential is similar to that of autologous bone.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multi-system disease, and metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD interact as both cause and effect. Deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors are the adverse outcome of patients with NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and increased deaths caused by liver disease is mainly seen in NASH patients. There is a causal relationship between NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma, and almost 50% of patients with NASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma do not have liver cirrhosis. At present, cohort studies on the natural history of NAFLD in China should be enhanced in order to provide a basis for the development of health strategies and prevention and treatment measures. This editorial elaborates on the association of NAFLD with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma from the perspective of clinical epidemiology, in order to emphasize the importance of the natural history of NAFLD.