Objective The radiotherapy is one of main treatments for patients with malignant tumor and leads to ovarian func-tion decreasing in young women .It is very important to protect ovarian function during the process of radiotherapy .The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of melatonin ( MT) agonist on radiotherapy-induced ovarian function damage in female rats . Methods Thirty SD rats were divided into five groups randomly , which received normal saline, 200 cGy radiotherapy+normal saline, 200 cGy radiotherapy+MT(25 mg/kg), 200 cGy radiotherapy+MT(50 mg/kg), and 200 cGy radiotherapy +MT(100 mg/kg), respectively.All rats were de-capitated two weeks after radiotherapy .Levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) were measured by en-zyme-linked immune sorbent assay method;the number of the primordial follicles , the growth follicles and the mature follicle were ob-served;Caspase3 activity was assayed by spectrophotometry . Results In accordance with the normal control group , RT+MT (100 mg/kg) group, RT+MT (50 mg/kg) group,RT group , serum E2 levels decreased, respectively (6.68 ±0.48, 5.73 ±1.36, 4.26 ±0.44, 2.83 ±0.51)pmol/L;FSH levels increased, respectively (0.340 ±0.011, 0.431 ±0.053, 0.479 ±0.023, 0.604 ± 0.028)ng/mL ;the total number of follicles decreased ,respectively (21.67 ±1.97, 18.00 ±2.28, 15.50 ±1.05, 11.50 ±2.43);Caspase3 activity increased,respectively (0.14 ±0.03, 0.26 ±0.06, 0.36 ±0.05, 0.50 ±0.05).Except FSH had no significant difference between RT +MT(50 mg/kg)group and RT+MT(100 mg/kg) group(P>0.05), the rest indexes had significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05). Conclusion MT can diminish radiotherapy-induced ovarian damage in female rats, it may be related to the mechanism that MT inhibits the radiotherapy-induced activation of Caspase 3.

Objective To evaluate the differential expression of lysophosphatidic acid receptor (LPAR) in breast cancer (BC), and its relationship with clinicopathological features of BC patients. Methods The qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the LPAR expression in 37 normal tissues, 55 benign disease tissues and 82 BC tissues, besides, the correlation of LPAR expression with clinicopathological data was also analyzed. Results The expression levels of LPAR2 and LPAR3 mRNA and protein in BC tissues were higher than those in normal benign tissues (all P<0.05). LPAR1 mRNA expression had no difference in three tissues (χ2 =1.908, P >0.05). LPAR1 expression was not associated with clinicopathological features in BC tissues (P>0.05). LPAR2 expression in postmenopausal patients was higher than that in premenopausal patients (χ2=4.821, P<0.05). LPAR3 expression was significantly associated with nodal metastasis, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in BC tissues (all P<0.05). Conclusion LPAR in BC tissues has differential expression, which is associated with nodal metastasis, ER, PR and HER2.

Objective: To explore the blood-saving effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) back-transfusion in patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection surgery. Methods: A total of 59 consecutive patients who received Stanford type A aortic dissection surgery in our hospital from 2013-01 to 2015-10 were studied. The patients were at the age of (50±6) years with mean body weighting at (80±12) kg and were randomly divided into 2 groups: Traditional (T) group,n=31 and Autologous PRP back-transfusion (P) group,n=28. Blood levels of Hb, platelet counts, PT, APTT were measured at pre-induction of anesthesia (T1), before CPB (T2), prior ifnishing of CPB (T3) and at 1 h (T4), 24 h (T5), 48 h (T6) after the operation. The in-operative, 48 h post-operative volumes of allogeneic blood transfusion and the volume of chest tube drainage at 48h after operation were recorded; the complication occurrence at peri-operative period was recorded. Results: In P group, whole blood processing volume was (1269±197) ml, PRP volume was (753±78) ml, PRP separation time was (35±9) min and the separated platelets were about (22±3)% of total platelet counts. Compared with T group, P group had decreased Hb at T2 (131.0±15.0) g/L vs (101.0±10.0) g/L, decreased platelet counts at T3 (115.0±51.0)×109 /L vs (83.0±23.0)×109/L, while increased platelet counts at T4 (103.0±25.0)×109/L vs (151.0±27.0)×109/L, T5 (105.0±25.0)×109 /L vs (147.0±39.0)×109/L and T6 (101.0±26.0) ×109/L vs (149.0±35.0)×109/L, allP<0.05; P group presented reduced PT at T4 (17.6±2.1) s vs (14.1±1.1) s and T5 (17.6±2.7) s vs (13.5±0.8) s, allP<0.05. The in-operative transfusions of platelet, plasma, cold precipitation and post-operative transfusions of red blood cells, platelets, plasma, cold precipitation and the volume of chest tube drainage at 48h after operation were less in P group,P<0.05. Compared with T group, P group had the lower rates of acute post-operative lung injury (32.1% vs 19.4%), shorter mechanical ventilation time (69.1±5.9) h vs (43.1±1.5) h and ICU staying time (8.1±2.8) d vs (5.3±1.1) d, allP<0.05. Conclusion: Autologous PRP back-transfusion could reduce the post-operative bleeding and allogeneic blood transfusion for Stanford A aortic dissection surgery, it has obvious blood-saving effect.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effect of lycopene against cryopreservation injury of post-thawing human sperm and its mechanism.

METHODSSemen samples were collected from 25 volunteers, each sample equally divided into four parts to be cryopreserved with cryoprotectant only (Ly0 control) or cryoprotectant + lycopene at the concentrations of 2 (Ly2), 5 (Ly5), and 10 µmol/L (Ly10), respectively. Before and after thawing, the semen samples were subjected to computer-assisted semen analysis ( CASA) for sperm kinematics, flow cytometry for sperm apoptosis, thiobarbituric acid assay for malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and JC-1 fluorescent staining for the sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

RESULTSAfter cryopreservation, sperm motility was markedly decreased in all the groups (P < 0.01). The rate of sperm apoptosis was significantly lower in the Ly5 group than in the Ly0 control ([25.68 ± 4.36]% vs [33.26 ± 4.78]%, P < 0.05), while sperm MMP remarkably higher in the former than in the latter ([66.18 ± 14.23]% vs [55.24 ± 12.31]%, P < 0.05). The Ly2, Ly5 and Ly10 groups showed no statistically significance differences in the MDA level from the Ly0 control (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAddition of lycopene at a proper concentration to cryoprotectant may reduce oxidative damage to sperm mitochondria in the freezing-thawing process, attenuate oxidative stress injury induced by reactive oxygen species to sperm plasma membrane, and improve the anti-apoptosis ability of sperm.

Apoptosis ; Carotenoids ; pharmacology ; Cryopreservation ; Cryoprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Semen Analysis ; Semen Preservation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; drug effects ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo investigate muscle segment homeobox 1 (MSX1) microsatellite marker distribution and the relationship between MSX1 gene and the genetic susceptibility of nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) in Hunan Hans.

METHODSOne microsatellite DNA marker CA repeat in MSX1 intron region was used as genetic markers. The genotypes of 129 patients with NSCLP and 108 controls were analyzed by the techniques of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Then case-control study was used to conduct association analysis.

RESULTSThe allele frequencies of the CA repeat microsatellite DNA in Hunan Han normal population were in good agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The polymorphism information content and heterozygosity of CA repeat microsatellite DNA were 0.50 and 0.50 respectively. The allele CA4 frequency in CL/P and CPO group was significantly higher than that of normal controls (P<0.05). The genotype CA4,4 frequency was significantly higher in CL/P and CPO group than that in normal controls (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe microsatellite DNA marker CA repeat in MSX1 is a good genetic marker. MSX1 gene is significantly associated with NSCLP in Hunan Hans.

Base Sequence ; China ; ethnology ; Cleft Lip ; genetics ; Cleft Palate ; genetics ; Ethnic Groups ; genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Markers ; genetics ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; MSX1 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between muscle segment homeobox gene-1 (MSX1) and the genetic susceptibility of nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) in Hunan Hans.

METHODSOne microsatellite DNA marker CA repeat in MSX1 intron region was used as genetic marker. The genotypes of 387 members in 129 NSCLP nuclear family trios were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Then transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and Logistic regression analysis were used to conduct association analysis.

RESULTSTDT analysis confirmed that CA4 allele in CL/P and CPO groups preferentially transmitted to the affected offspring (P = 0.018, P = 0.041). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the recessive model of inheritance was supported, and CA4 itself or CA4 acting as a marker for a disease allele or haplotype was inherited in a recessive fashion (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONSMSX1 gene is associated with NSCLP, and MSX1 gene may be directly involved either in the etiology of NSCLP or in linkage disequilibrium with disease-predisposing sites.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cleft Lip ; genetics ; Cleft Palate ; genetics ; Genetic Markers ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; Linkage Disequilibrium ; Logistic Models ; MSX1 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Pedigree

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of buffer on separate capacity of macroporous resin. To evaluate the quality of ferulic acid liposome and determine its entrapment efficiency.

METHODDifferent type of macroporous resin counterpoised by buffer system of Na2 HPO3-NaH2, PO3 was used to separate the free ferulic acid from the preparation and HPLC was used to determine the concentration of the ferulic acid to calculate the entrapment efficiency.

RESULTThis method had good linearity in the range of 0.56 - 2.8 g x mL(-1) (r = 0.999 6). The precision RSD was less than 1.1%. The adsorption effect of macroporous resin on liposome was reduced while it had no effect on the absorption ability of macroporous resin on the ferulic acid by the usage of buffer. The recovery of HPD450 resin on blank liposome was between 97.2% - 100.8%, while the average recovery is 98.1%.

CONCLUSIONBuffer system can enhance the separate ability of macroporous resin on liposome and free drug.

Adsorption ; Buffers ; Coumaric Acids ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; Drug Carriers ; Liposomes ; Quality Control ; Resins, Synthetic

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus larvae. It seriously affects the development of animal husbandry and endangers human health. Due to a poor understanding of the cystic fluid formation pathway, there is currently a lack of innovative methods for the prevention and treatment of CE. In this study, the protoscoleces (PSCs) in the encystation process were analyzed by high-throughput RNA sequencing. A total of 32,401 transcripts and 14,903 cDNAs revealed numbers of new genes and transcripts, stage-specific genes, and differently expressed genes. Genes encoding proteins involved in signaling pathways, such as putative G-protein coupled receptor, tyrosine kinases, and serine/threonine protein kinase, were predominantly up-regulated during the encystation process. Antioxidant enzymes included cytochrome c oxidase, thioredoxin glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase were a high expression level. Intriguingly, KEGG enrichment suggested that differentially up-regulated genes involved in the vasopressin-regulated water reabsorption metabolic pathway may play important roles in the transport of proteins, carbohydrates, and other substances. These results provide valuable information on the mechanism of cystic fluid production during the encystation process, and provide a basis for further studies on the molecular mechanisms of growth and development of PSCs.

Methods: In this study, 267 matched pairs of AIS and controls were recruited. The participants underwent EMG measurements at their first presentation and did not receive any treatment for 6 months at which point they underwent EMG and radiographs. Early curve progression was defined as >5° in Cobb angle at 6 months. The root mean square of the EMG (rms-EMG) signal was recorded with the participants in sitting and back extension. The rms-EMG ratio at the upper end vertebrae, apical vertebrae (AV), and lower end vertebrae (LEV) of the major curve was calculated. Results: The rms-EMG ratio in the scoliosis cohort was high compared with that in the controls (sitting: 1.2±0.3 vs. 1.0±0.1, p<0.01; back extension: 1.1±0.2 vs. 1.0±0.1, p<0.01). An AV rms-EMG ratio in back extension, with a cutoff threshold of ≥1.5 in the major thoracic curve and ≥1.3 in the major lumbar curve, was a risk factor for early curve progression after 6 months without treatment (odds ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 2.8–5.9; p<0.01). Increases in side deviation (SD) (distance between the AV and the central sacral line) were related to a higher rms-EMG ratio in LEV of the major thoracic curve (baseline: rs=0.2, p=0.03; 6 months: rs=0.3, p<0.01). Conclusions An EMG discrepancy was detected in the scoliosis cohort, which was related to increases in SD in the major thoracic curve. The AV rms-EMG ratio in back extension was correlated with curve progression after 6 months of no treatment.

Abstract： Objective　To elucidate the antigenic antibody reaction of recombinant expression of non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus with various mosquito-borne flaviviruses, including JE virus, and the antigenic antibody reaction of serum samples of patients infected with JE virus in acute stage. Methods　In this study, Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression vector (pET) system was used to recombinant express Japanese encephalitis virus NS1 gene. Western Blot assay was performed to detect the antibody responses of the recombinantly expressed protein against a variety of mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses, including JE virus, as well as antigen-antibody reactions of serum from patients with acute JE virus infection. Results　The NS1 gene expression product of JE virus (P3 strain) was in the form of an inclusion body, and the denatured and renatured expression product was displayed as a single band in the denatured gel (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, PAGE), with a molecular weight of about 45 000. The results of further antigen-antibody analysis showed that the antigen/antibody hybridization reaction of the expression product with polyclonal or monoclonal antibody of JE virus (mosquito isolates, encephalitis isolates) and serum samples of patients with acute JE virus infection could be completely consistent. The recombinant product showed negative antigen/antibody hybridization reactions with mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses, such as dengue virus and yellow fever virus polyclonal antibodies, but positive reactions with polyclonal antibodies to West Nile virus and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. Conclusions　In this study, the recombinant expression of the NS1 protein of JE virus was successfully obtained, and the antigen/antibody reaction between the recombinant protein and samples of patients infected with mosquito-borne flavivirus and JE virus was analyzed. The study results provide important basic data for elucidating the antigen-antibody reaction between the NS1 protein of JE virus and mosquito-borne flavivirus. The recombinant expression protein obtained in this study provides an important material basis for further research on the function of JE virus NS1 protein.