AIM: To investigate the relationship between the expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and VEGF-C in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with or without lymph node metastasis. METHODS: The expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and VEGF-C in 44 cases of HCC were examined using immunohistochemistry methods (SP).RESULTS: The positive expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2 and VEGF-C was associated with lymph node metastasis of HCC (P

Objective To evaluate the autocontouring accuracy using the atlas-based autosegmentation of CT images for head-and-neck cancer.Methods Ten head and neck patients with contours were selected.Two groups of autocontouring atlas were tested,the first group was for patients with own atlas,for the second group we tested the autocontouring of eight patients with other two patients atlas.Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and overlap index (OI) were introduced to evaluate the autocontours,and the discrepancy between the two groups was evaluated through paired t-test.Results Both the DSC and OIof all the organs in the first group were ＞0.80,the result of mandible was the highest ( ＞0.91 ),the DSC of the gross tumor volume (GTV) was the lowest (0.81 ),the OI of the GTV was 0.82,and the DSC and OI of the clinical target volume (node) were 0.82 and 0,79,respectively.Only the risk organ was delineated in the second group,and spinal cord and brain stem were combined to analyze.All the DSC was about 0.70,and the DSC and OI of mandible were higher than the others,which was due to its bone anatomy.The accuracy in the second group was significantly lower than that of the first group ( t =3.24 - 8.26,P =0.014 -0.000),except the right parotid (t=2.08,P=0.075).Conclusions Automatic segmentation generates contours of sufficient accuracy for adaptive planning intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to accommodate anatomic changes during treatment.For convention planning IMRT normal structure auto-contouring,it need to select more standard atlas in order to acquire a satisfied autocontours.

Objective To study the expression of Survivin protein and its relation with the expression of Bcl-2, Bax in the tropho- blasts of human normal placenta. Methods The normal placental tissues (8 -9week ,18-23 week and 37-40week) were fixed, embed- ded, sectioned, and Survivin, Bcl-2, and Bax in the trophoblasts were detected with immunnohistochemistry. Result As the gestational age advanced , the staining intensity of Survivin in the trophoblasts was significantly decreased from the first trimester group to the second trimes- ter group to the term group (PU value: 11.74±0.8,9.95±0.43,8. 83 ~ O. 67, respectively, P <0.01 ), while the staining intensity of Bcl-2 and Bax in trophoblast was significantly increased (PU value of Bcl-2 : 4.33±0.60, 5.00±0.75,6.87±0.45, respectively, P<0.01 and PU value of Bax: 9.82±1.12,16.00±1.05,27.48±2.10, respectively, P <0.01 ). Expression of Survivin in trophoblasts has no rela- tionship with the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax (P>0.05 ). Conclusion Survivin may take part in the development of human normal pla- centa through the way of suppressing the apoptesis in trophoblasts. Expression of Survivin in trophoblasts has no relationship with the expres- sion of Bcl-2 and Bax, which indicate that they regulate apoptesis of trophoblasts via different biological pathways.

Objective To estimate the clinical value of 4 methods of endometrium preparation for frozen‐thawed embryo transfer(FET ) cycle .Methods Total 320 FET cycles completed in center of reproductive medicine of Qingyuan people′s hospital from March 2013 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed ,and divided into 4 groups :natural cycle group(group A ,n=70) ,o‐vulation‐inducing cycle group(group B ,n=152) ,hormone replacement treatment(HRT) cycle group (group C ,n=74) ,down‐regu‐lated HRT cycle (group D ,n=24) .The pregnancy outcomes were followed and compared among these different 4 groups .Results In FET cycles ,the clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates of group B ,group C and group D were significantly higher than that of group A (P<0 .05) ,there were no significant differences in the rates of multiple pregnancy ,biochemical pregnancy ,early a‐bortion and ectopic pregnancy among 4 groups(P>0 .05) .However ,the rank of the FET cycle of group D was significantly higher than those of the other three groups(P<0 .05) .Conclusion In FET cycles ,the methods of ovulation‐inducing ,HRT and down‐reg‐ulated HRT all have favorable clinical outcomes ,and the method of down‐regulated HRT is more suitable for patients with previous implantation failure .

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of levonorgestrel- releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of adenomyosis and the influence of ovarian function. Methods Eighty patients with adenomyosis were followed up for 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 months after treating with LNG-IUS. The menstrual blood volume, dysmenorrheal, size of uteri, CA125 and EMAb level, hepatic function, serum glucose and serum lipids were observed and evaluated. Serum- levels of FSH and LH were tested before insertion and followed up for 6, 12 months after insertion, respectively. Results After inserting LNG-IUS,dysmenorrhea was obviously alleviated, and it was significantly decreased after 6 months. The menstrual blood volume was (200. 0 ±60)ml, (40. 0 ± 15)ml and (28 ±7)ml in 0, 6, 12 months after the insertion.Serum CA125 and positive rate of EMAb also significantly reduced [CA125: (50. 69 ± 10. 00) IU/L vs (18. 60 ±3.55)IU/L;EMAb:80. 0% vs 3. 8%, P ＜0. 05]. The volume of uterus reduced without significant changed (P ＞0. 05). There were little changes in the levels of hepatic function, serum glycosum, serum lipids, FSH and LH at 6 and 12 months after LNG-IUS(P ＞ 0. 05). Conclusions LUG-IUS is an effective and safe therapy for adenomyosis with dysmenorrheal and menorrhagia, and it has no significant effects on ovarian function.

Objective To compare the static intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for mid and upper thoracic esophageal cancer.Method The data of twenty esophageal cancer patients were retrospectively re-planned with VMAT(single arc and double arcs) modality using Pinnacle treatment plan system.Five of these patients were selected again to simulate single arc plans with different segment intervals (4°,3°,2°) and re-planned on other treatment planning systems (Monaco and MasterPlan).Differences of dose distribution and treatment parameters were compared.Results In comparison to IMRT and single-VMAT (S-VMAT),Double-VMAT (D-VMAT) significantly improves the dosimetric parameters for targets(P ＜ 0.05),dose homogeneity(P ＜ 0.05) and conformity(P ＜ 0.05).Though VMAT plans were slightly better than IMRT in reducing the doses to the organs at risk (OARs),no advantage was observed in the low-dose protection of lung and E-P (P ＜ 0.05).For the VMAT plans with different segment intervals,lower OAR doses were observed using an interval of 2°(P ＜ 0.05),except for the mean dose of the heart.For the VMAT plans on different treatment planning systems,Monaco-based plans protected OARs better (P ＜ 0.05).The number of monitor units (MU) and treatment time were less in VMAT cases.Conclusions VMAT plans perform better in target coverage,dose homogeneity and conformity,and can reduce the radiation dose to the spinal cord,lungs,heart and other normal tissue than IMRT plans.The VMAT plan quality could be further improved by using double arcs and smaller segment interval.Monaco-based plans provide better OAR protections under the same conditions of physical and optimization parameters.

Objective:To prepare monoclonal antibody ( mAb ) against human testis-specific conserved gene ( hTSC29 ) peptides and characterize its immunological and biological features.Methods:According to bioinformatics analysis and prediction of the antigenicity, surface property, hydrophilicity and flexibility of hTSC29, a 18-amino acid residue partial peptide of hTSC29 was synthesized,then immunized the BALB/c mice for preparing antiserum.The mAb against hTSC29 was produced using the routine hybridoma technique.The properties of the mAb against hTSC29 were identified by ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining.Results:After cell fusion and subcloning, one hybridoma cell lines secreting specific mAb against hTSC29 protein were obtaind.The Ig subclass of the mAb was IgG2b(κ).ELISA detection showed that the titer of mAbs in cultured was 1∶104.Western blot analysis proved that the mAb could specifically recognize Mr 60 000 protein in human testis total protein.The hTSC29 protein main located at circumference of spermatocyte and spermatid in human testis tissue by immunohistochemistry staining and immunofluorescence assay.Conclusion:One hybridoma cell lines which can secrete specific mAb against hTSC29 protein with high titers and specificity have been established successfully.The mAb will provide efficient tools for functional studies of hTSC29 expressed in spermatogenesis.

Background and purpose:Currently, subjective questionaire is the most frequently used methods to evaluate swallowing dysfunctions after radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, while lacking of effective objective examinations. This study aimed to explore effective methods to evaluate swallowing dysfunctions after radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, and gain knowledge of the incidence and severity of swallowing dysfunctions. Methods: From Oct. 2013 to Dec. 2013, 128 consecutive outpatients with previously treated nasopharyngeal carcinoma received esophageal barium lfuoroscopy examination at there regularly follow-ups to evaluate swallowing function. Among these patients, 89 were primary treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and 39 with conventional radiotherapy (CRT). In this study, each patient received esophageal barium lfuoroscopy examination for 3 times with thin, thick and pasty barium and were dynamically observed using X-ray fluoroscopy from front and lateral direction. Swallowing dysfunctions were defined as follows:①The bolus could not be swallowed and blocked in the mouth;②The dilute barium diverted to the glottis or trachea;③Residual barium delayed in the pyriform sinus and vallecula;④The movement of the hyoid bone or epiglottis were restricted;⑤Bolus prolong through the pharynx;⑥Barium slowed down when went though the esophageal entrance. Results:Of the 128 patients, incidence of dysphagia was 60.2%for the entire cohort, 52.8%for IMRT group and 76.9%for CRT group. Incidence of dysphagia for IMRT group was signiifcantly lower than CRT group (P=0.018). Dysphagia incidence within 1 year, 1 to 2 years and more than 2 years after RT were 63.1%, 33.3%and 69.0%, respectively (P=0.019). Conclusion:There was a high incidence of swallowing dysfunction for the nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy and dysphagia incidence decreased when treated with IMRT. Esophageal barium lfuoroscopy examination is objective method to evaluate the incidence and severity of the swallowing dysfunction.

Objective To explore the relationship between childhood asthma and pregnant and neonatal risk factors, thus provide evidence for early prevention of childhood asthma. Methods 162 children diagnosed asthma and 213 healthy children in pediatric outpatient and the inpatient services of our hospital who was born and living in Baotou city were retrospectively analyzed. The pregnancy related factors (parity, fever during pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus, history of overdose in early-pregnancy) and the neonatal period related factors (surface defects, asphyxia, rough placenta, birth weight, number of fetus during this pregnancy, gestational age, premature birth, cesarean section) were investigated. The sex and age showed no signiifcance between childhood asthma and control group. Results Eight pregnant and neonatal factors (fever during pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, history of overdose in early-pregnancy, surface defects, asphyxia, rough placenta, birth weight, premature birth, cesarean section) showed signiifcant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Multifactor regression analysis found fever during pregnancy (OR=9.43, 95%CI:3.08~28.82), rough placenta (OR=2.15, 95%CI:1.29~3.59), premature birth (OR=5.16, 95%CI:1.53~17.39) and cesarean section (OR=4.05, 95%CI:2.40~6.86)are independent risk factors for childhood asthma. Conclusions Fever during pregnancy, abnormal placenta;premature birth and cesarean section are likely risk factors of childhood asthma.

AIM: To study the effect of ligustrazine on the cardiacmyocyte lesion in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus.METHODS: Male Wistar rats were injected with STZ via tail vein under high-glucose and high-fat feeding for 4 weeks to establish the animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.Ligustrazine at different doses was used to treat the diabetic rats.The body weight, blood glucose and the morphology of heart tissues were observed.The myocardial levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA, and the protein expression of IKKβ and NF-κB in the myocardium was determined by Westeren blotting.RESULTS: Ligustrazine at high dose alleviated the body weight reduction and blood glucose elevation cause by diabetes, and reduced pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6.Moreover, the protein expression of IKKβ and NF-κB was significant decreased by ligustrazine.CONCLUSION: Ligustrazine inhibits the myocardial inflammation caused by diabetes through anti-inflammatory pathway.