Objective:To investigate the prognostic value of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Ki-67 in breast can-cer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and explore the association of chemotherapy regimens and cycles with the outcome of NAC. Methods:Clinical data of cancer patients receiving NAC were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were admit-ted in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2015 to December 2015. All statistical analyses were per-formed using SPSS version 19.0. The relationship among the outcome of NAC, molecular subtype, expression levels of ER, PR, and Ki-67, and chemotherapy regimens and cycles was investigated. Results:Only five HER-2(+) patients accepted the addition of trastuzum-ab in treatment, and few cases were excluded from the statistical analysis based on the effect of chemotherapy regimens. The effec-tiveness of NAC was positively correlated with the expression of Ki-67 whereas negatively correlated with the expression levels of ER and PR (P<0.05). In patients receiving NAC, the patients with Luminal subtype had worse outcome than those with non-Luminal sub-type (P=0.033). The invalid efficacy of pathologic evaluations of Luminal and non-Luminal NAC were 10.1%and 1.3%, respectively. No significant difference was found in the outcome among patients receiving TE, TEC, or EC-T;however, patients who received more than four cycles of NAC had better outcome than others (P=0.016). The outcome was statistically significant when the cut-off value of Ki-67 was 25%. Conclusion:Ki-67 proliferative index could be used as a prognostic marker to NAC in breast cancer patients. The cut-off value of Ki-67 should be determined on the basis of the data of each cancer patient. The curative effect of NAC was poor, and Luminal pa-tients with chemotherapy were insensitive and could be considered for surgical treatment. Patients who received less than four cycles of NAC had worse outcome than others, and prompt NAC foot treatment could improve the efficiency.

Objective To assess left ventricular(LV)twisting parameters in different layers with velocity vector imaging(VVI)in both healthy subjects and premature ventricular contraction(PVC)bigeminy from right ventricle(RV)patients,and investigate the rules of LV myocardium dynamics in sinus rhythm and PVC from RV.Methods Ten patients with PVC bigeminy from RV and twelve healthy subj ects underwent the examination of two-dimensional ultrasound,in which the standard LV mitral valve(MV)and apical short-axis views were acquired.The twisting angle(TA)and untwisting starting time(UST)were measured.Results In healthy subjects myocardium of LV MV short-axis twisted in clockwise,while the myocardium of LV apical short-axis twisted in counter-clockwise.TA of endocardium was higher than that of epieardium(P＜0.01).In PVC bigeminy from RA patients,their TA during sinus contraction was lower than that of healthy subjects both in MV and apical short axis respectively(P＜0.05),and UST was earlier(P＜0.05).In PVC the TA curve is bidirectional.and in early systolic TA twisted reversely compared with that of healthy subjects and sinus contraction in PVC patients.Conclusions Twisting parameters could be used to assess myocardium dynamics during different ventricular mechanical activation.VVl was a novel tool to analyze myocardium twisting.

Objective To appraise the clinical value of velocity vector imaging(VVI) by analyzing the peak systolic velocities,strain and strain rate of ventricular segments in patients with DDD pacing. Methods eventeen patients with DDD pacing were enrolled in this study. The peak systolic velocities, strain andstrain rate of ventricular segments were measured with VVI. The difference at baseline and after pacemaker implantation was analyzed. Results Left and right ventricular (LV and RV) longitudinal peak velocities at baseline and after DDD pacing were significantly decreasing from basal, mid to apical segments. But no significant difference was found in longitudinal strain,strain rate and radial motion characteristic of LV. The mean systolic velocities and strain rate at baseline and after pacemaker implantation and strain with pacing of RV posterior septum and free wall were higher than those of posterior septum and lateral segment of LV respectively. The mean strain and strain rate of RV after pacing were higher than that of LV. Compared with the values at baseline, mean strain of LV with pacing was lower significantly. Conclusions VVI can accurately assess ventricular systolic function in patients with DDD pacing, and can become a powerful means in assessing the regional myocardial function.

Objective To evaluate left ventricular(LV) systolic synchrony and sequence in patients with premature ventricular complexes(PVCs) from right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT).Methods Thirty patients with frequent isolated PVCs from RVOT and 30 healthy subjects as control were included.Speckle tracking imaging (STI) was performed to assess the time-to-peak segmental systolic strain in longit udinal(TsL), circumferential (TsC) and radial (TsR) direction.The standard deviation (SD) of TsL,TsC and TsR of 18 LV segments were calculated respectively.All values of patients with PVCs were recorded during sinus beats(PVC-S) and PVC beats(PVC-V) respectively.LV systolic sequence in PVC-V was analyzed.Results Significant differences were observed in the SD values between the PVC-V and control subjects in three directions,as well as between the PVC-S and control subjects in circumferential and radial direction.In PVC-V significance difference was seen in TsL and TsR from apical to basal level,as well as in TsL and TsC in different walls.Conclusions LV systolic synchrony was demonstrated in patients with PVCs from RVOT during both sinus beats and PVC beats.Systolic sequence in PVC beats from RVOT exhibit certain rules.

Objective To investigate neuroprotective effect of AM-36 on secondary brain injury following traumatic brain injury(TBI)in rats.Methods A total of 38 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into an experimental group,a control group and a sham operation group,then sustained to moder- ate TBI.AM-36(0.1 ml/100 g)was administered intraperitoneally in the experimental group and isoton- ic saline solution was administered intraperitoneally in the control and the sham operation groups at 30 mi- nutes,24 and 48 hours after TBI,respectively.The brain water content was determined at 24 hours after TBI.Rats were sacrificed by decapitation at 24 hours or one week after TBI for observing histological changes in peripheral cortex,thalamus and hippocampus by means of Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and Fluoro-Jade(F-J)staining.Results The brain water content of bilateral hemispheres 24 hours after TBI in the experimental group was significantly decreased,compared to that of the control group.Histo- logical examination revealed less degenerating neurons(F-J positive neurons)in the cortex,thalamus, CAI and CA3 of the hippocampus in AM-36 treated rats 24 hours and one week after injury(P＜0.05). Conclusion Systemic administration of AM-36 at the early stage after TBI can decrease brain water content and exert neuroprotective effect on TBI.F-J staining can be used for histopathologic quantitation of neuronal damage,for it can accurately exhibit pathologic changes following TBI induced by fluid per- cussion.

Objective: To investigate the alteration of bcl- 2 gene family in the rat brain and the molecular mechanism of neuronal apoptosis following traumatic brain injury. Methods: Male Sprague -Dawley rats were subjected to lateral fluid percussion brain injury(FPI) of mo derate severity. Bcl-2, Bcl-x and Bax protein expression was detected by immun ohistochemistry. Results: (1) The immunoreactivity of Bcl-2 and Bcl-x protein decreased in the hippocampus ipsilateral impact site as early as 6 h post-injury, and this was the main cause of down-regulation of the ratio of Bcl-2+Bcl-x to Bax. (2) During 1-3 d after injury, the Bax protein express i on increased significantly, while the Bcl-2 and Bcl-x protein expression decre ased relatively slow. The decreased ratio of Bcl-2+Bcl-x to Bax was mainly due to the Bax up-regulation. Conclusion: The bcl-2 gene family is involved in neuronal apoptosis after FBI, and the protein expression alteration of the family members leads the neuronal cell to apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Research shows that genetic factors are an important component of the congenital dislocation of the hip(CDH) . However, no susceptibility genes have been identified by now. The homebox-containing (HOX) genes that regulate the embryogenesis and vertebrate limb development may play a role in the pathogenesis of CDH.OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a correlation exists between CDH and the Hox genes.DESIGN: Controlled study associated with family.SETTING: Department of aevelopmental pediatrics, genetic laboratory, department of pediatric orthopaedics in an affiliated hospital of a university.PARTICIPANTS: All the 101 CDH patients and their parents (altogether 303 members) were the in-patients from the Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics of the Second Clinical College of China Medical University; from December 1999 to January 2001. All the patients presented typical clinical manifestations and were diagnosed by X rays and operations for confirmation.METHODS: Four microsatellite markers D7S1808, D17S1820, D12S1686 and Hox4EP were selected in the chromosome regions of7p14 - 15, 17q21, 12q13and 2q31 where Hox A, Hox B, Hox C and Hox D genes which regulate the embryonic limb development reside respectively. Genotypes of 303 members in 101CDH families were analyzed by the techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Then transmission disequilibrium test(TDT) was performed to analyze the data of genotypes.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The genotypes of four microsatellite markers D7S1808, D17S1820, D12S1686 and Hox4EP in every CDH family including one child and parents; transmission disequilibrium test between transmission alleles and non-transmission alleles.RESULTS: Transmission disequilibrium was found between CDH and allele 7 of D7S1808(X2 = 6. 045, P = 0. 014) among a total of 10 alleles detected, between CDH and allele 4 of D17S1820(X2 =6. 025, P =0. 014) among a total of 12 alleles detected, between CDH and allele 4 of Hox4Ep (X2 = 6. 461, P =0.011) among a total of 16 alleles detected. But no transmission disequilibrium was found between CDH and D12S1686(X2 = 6. 171,P =0. 965) with 16 alleles detected.CONCLUSION: CDH may be related to Hox A, Hox B, Hox D genes, and Hox A, Hox B, Hox D genes may be susceptibility genes in CDH.

Objective To investigate the potential effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue exendin-4 (Ex-4) on immune function of T lymphocytes via neuroendocrine modulation mechanism in mice following severe burns.Methods Male BALB/C mice were randomly (ramdam number) divided into thermal injury group (n =50) and sham-thermal group (n =30).The thermal injury model was made by exposing the back skin of 15％ total body surface area (TBSA) to 95 ℃ water for 7 seconds,while in sham-thermal model the mice were immersed in 37 ℃ water instead.The expression of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1 R) was determined in sorted CM + T cells from normal mice by immunofluorescence method.In ex vivo experiment,the mice were sacrificed at 24 h post-bum,then the mononuclear cells (MNC) from spleen were separated from both groups and cultured in RMPI 1640 with 10％ FCS (fetal calf serum) in presence of ConA (concanavalin A,5 μg/mL).Cells were pretreated with catecholamine receptor antagonist propranolol (prop) for 1 hour,followed by consecutive dose of Ex-4 for another 48 h.In in vivo experiment,prop (30 mg/kg) was i.p.injected 30 minutes before thermal injury,then Ex-4 (2.4 nmol/kg) was injected i.p.immediately after scalding.Mice were sacrificed at 6 h and 24 h after thermal injury,then the serum and the spleens were collected.Results GLP-1R was expressed on splenic CD4 + T cells from normal micc.Ex-4 exerted no marked effect on the functions of T cells in terms of proliferation and IL-2 secretion at all doses examined ex vivo,which was not affected by pretreatment with prop.In vivo,T cell functions were suppressed by Ex-4 in thermal mice (P ＜ 0.05),but was restored by pretreatment with prop.Regardless of ex vivo or in vivo,Ex-4 could induce T cells switched to Th2 response (P ＜ 0.05).Moreover,the Th2 switch by Ex-4 was greatly potentiated by prop intervention in thermal mice in vivo other than ex vivo.Norepinephrine level was increased and epinephrine was decreased by Ex-4 in thermal mice.Both norepinephrine and epinephrine levels were obviously enhanced by pretreatment with prop.Conclusions Ex-4 can inhibit the proliferation and IL-2 secretion of splenic T lymphocytes through the sympathetic nervous system,however,it might induce Th2 switch from Th cells by acting directly on GLP-1R.

Objective:To analyze the clinical outcome and feasibility for patients who underwent total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation (TPTX) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).Methods:From April 2012 to December 2015,220 SHPT patients underwent TPTX in the department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery of China-Japan Friendship Hospital.The clinical data and effect were assessed retrospectively.Results:All the 220 patients were on permanent dialysis with mean duration of dialysis (7.93 ± 3.75) years.A durable reduction in mean PTH,Ca and P were observed after TPTX (P＜0.01).The mean hospital stay was (7.8 ± 2.8) days.TPTX produced a rapid improvement in clinical symptoms.Incidence of hypocalcemia was 73.46％.Severe complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or inactive dynamic osteopathia,haven't been observed postoperatively.The rate of persistent status (PTH≥300 pg/mL) was 9.1％.One (0.45％) died of infectious shock perioperatively.Conclusions:TPTX was a safe and feasible surgical procedure for patients with SHPT.It was worth of being applied.Not missing the parathyroid during operation was the key point for successful TPTX.Intensive monitoring and maintaining stable normocalcemia were the key point to reduce complication.

OBJECTIVETo discuss the intervention effect of ligustrazine on ox-LDL-induced foam cells from the perspective of reverse cholesterol transport.

METHODRAW264.7 cultured in vitro was induced with 20 mg x L(-1) ox-LDL to establish the foam cell model, and intervened with ligustrazine. The lipid accumulation in cells was observed by the oil red O dyeing. The changes in total cholesterol and cholesterol ester in the cells were detected with the colorimetric method. The fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA expressions of PPARgamma, LXRalpha and ABCA1.

RESULTLigustrazine could reduce total cholesterol and cholesterol ester in foam cells, inhibit the lipid accumulation, and increase the mRNA and protein expressions of PPARgamma, LXRalpha and ABCA1.

CONCLUSIONLigustrazine can promote the reverse cholesterol transport by increasing the gene expressions of PPARgamma, LXRalpha and ABCA1.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Biological Transport ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Foam Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Mice ; PPAR gamma ; genetics ; metabolism