AIM:To retrospectively analyze the lipid metabolism disturbance and subacute inflammation within the microenvironment of follicular fluid between Chinese polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS ) patients and the controls . METHODS:Serum lipid indexes , steroid hormone levels , and inflammatory cell counts were analyzed .The inflammatory cytokine and apolipoprotein levels were detected in the serum and follicular fluid .The mRNA expression of apolipoproteins and cytokines in the granulose cells was determined by real-time PCR.RESULTS: PCOS patients showed typical obesity accompanied with hyperlipidemia and hyperandrogenemia .Significantly elevated inflammatory cell number and cytokine lev-els were detected in both serum and follicular fluid .The mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines and apoli-poproteins in the granulose cells from the PCOS patients were higher than those from the controls .CONCLUSION:Elevat-ed apolipoproteins reflect systematic hyperlipidemia in the follicular fluid .Serum lipids and cytokines penetrate follicle-ser-um barrier and get into follicle fluid .Meanwhile , increased intake of apolipoproteins or elevated synthesis of cytokines ( IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α) by granulose cells could also be crucial to stabilize microenvironment of follicular fluid .Oocyte and subsequent embryos are sensitive to the originaal follicular environment .The lipid metabolism disturbance , inflammatory cell infiltration and hyperandrogenemia may possibly disturb oocyte developmental potential .

Objective: To investigate the expression of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in endometrial carcinoma tissues and its rela-tionship with the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of the disease. Methods: A total of 267 paraffin-embedded endometrial carci-noma specimens of patients with complete follow-up data were collected from the Shijiazhuang Bethune International Peace Hospital between January 2005 and June 2014. CD31-PAS dual staining was performed to identify the VM structure. Tissue samples were then divided into VM-positive and VM-negative groups. CD133 expression was detected by immunohistochemical streptavidin peroxidase method. Results: Among the 267 endometrial carcinoma patients, 65 cases (24.3%) were VM positive. VM formation was closely corre-lated with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Staging (χ2=9.987, P=0.002), histodifferentiation grade (χ2=11.795, P=0.001), myometrial invasion depth (χ2=5.499, P=0.019), vascular cancer embolus (χ2=22.599, P<0.001), and lymph node me-tastasis (χ2=7.848, P=0.005). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that survival time was significantly shorter in the VM-posi-tive group (median survival time was 51 months) than in the VM-negative group (median survival time was 100 months) (χ2=70.973, P<0.001). Moreover, CD133 expression was significantly higher in the VM-positive group [75.4% (49/65)] than in the VM-negative group [58.9% (119/202)] (χ2=5.720, P=0.017). Conclusion: VM is closely correlated with the pathogenesis, development, and malignancy of endometrial carcinoma. Furthermore, VM is one of the important indexes influencing the prognosis of this disease. Therefore, CD133-positive cells may contribute to VM formation.

Objective To explore the value of dual-source CT monoenergetic-plus imaging in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer. Methods Imaging data of 2 6 cases with pathologically proven early gastric cancer who underwent dual-energy scanning were analyzed retrospectively.Monoenergetic-plus images with energy levels at 40 keV,50 keV,60 keV and 70 keV were reconstructed by using an advanced monoenergetic software (syngo.via.VA30A,Dual energy Mono+).Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)of the lesion,image noise,overall image quality score and lesion conspicuity score were com pared between different monoenergetic-plus images and conventional polychromatic images at 1 2 0 kVp.Results The CNRs (3 .2 4 ± 0 .7 6 ,2 .9 4 ± 0 .9 2 ,2 .4 7 ± 0 .7 9 ,2 .3 7 ± 0.98 and 1.22±0.40 respectively)and image noises [(32.7±1.82)HU,(25.6±2.61)HU,(20.30±2.1 7)HU,(1 7.03±2.1 5)HU and (18.15±2.12)HU respectively]among 40 keV,50 keV,60 keV,70 keV and 120 kVp groups all had statistical differences (F =24.654 and 227.05,P <0.01).The CNR in 50 keV group was higher than that in 60 keV,70 keV and 120 kVp groups,but similar to that in 40 keV group (P >0.05).The SD value in 50 keV group was lower than that in 40 keV group,but higher than that in other three groups (P <0.05).The overall image quality score (3.08±0.27,3.65±0.49,3.31±0.47,3.23±0.43 and 3.1 5±0.37,respectively) and lesion conspicuity score (4.15±0.67,3.92±0.48,3.27 ±0.45,3.08±0.27 and 3.04±0.20)among the five groups all had statistical differences (Z =25.343 and 70.426,P <0.05).The overall image quality score of 50 keV group was higher than that of the other four groups (P <0.05).Lesion conspicuity score in 50 keV group was higher than that in 60 keV,70 keV and 120 kVp groups and similar to that in 40 keV group (P =0.1 52).Conclusion The 50 keV monoenergetic-plus images can increase the CNR value of early gastric cancer while maintaining the overall image quality.

Objective: To investigate the status of overweight and obesity and associated factors among primary and middle school students in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into formulating the prevention and control strategies for overweight and obesity in students. Methods: Primary and middle school students from 5 counties (cities, districts) of Huzhou City were selected by using stratified cluster random sampling method from September to November, 2023. The general information, dietary habits and exercise behaviors were collected using the Student Health Status and Influencing Factors Questionnaire. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index was used to analyze overweight and obesity in primary and middle school students. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of overweight and obesity. Results: A total of 7 573 students were surveyed, including 3 791 males (50.06%) and 3 782 females (49.94%). There were 2 754 primary school students (36.37%), 2 744 junior high school students (36.23%) and 2 075 senior high school students (27.40%). There were 2 166 students with overweight and obesity (28.60%), 1 186 students with overweight (15.66%), and 980 students with obesity (12.94%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gender (female, OR=0.546, 95%CI: 0.493-0.604), frequency of sweetened beverage consumption (once and more per day, OR=1.349, 95%CI: 1.102-1.650), and frequency of milk and milk products consumption (less than once per day, OR=0.742, 95%CI: 0.577-0.954) were the influencing factors for overweight and obesity in primary and middle school students. Conclusion The prevalence of overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Huzhou City is 28.60%, and is associated with gender, frequency of sweetened beverages and milk and milk products consumption.

The gene approach to the pathogenesis of male infertility may bring about some strategies for the diagnosis and manage of the condition. Gene knockout technology is the mainstream method currently used in the study of gene function. Screening and identification of testis-specific genes and insights into their features and functions in spermatogenesis are significant for a further understanding of testicular functions and searching for new therapeutic targets for male reproductive disorders. This review focuses on the application of gene knockout technology in the study of spermatogenesis-associated genes.
Animals ; Gene Knockout Techniques ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; Male ; Spermatogenesis ; genetics

Hemorrhoids ; Humans ; Male ; Mucous Membrane

Objective:To identify the proliferation effect and angiogenic ability of CXCL4 on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells(HDMECs),and to explore the secretion of vasomotion factors.Methods:HDMECs were treated with gradient concentration to test the proliferation of HDMECs.CCK-8 was used to explicated the proliferation of HDMECs.The effect of CXCL4 on angiogenic ability of HDMECs was determined by tube formation assay.The mRNA levels of endothelin-1(ET-1),Fli-1,AngiotensinⅡtype 1 receptor(AT1R) and endothelin-1 type A receptor (ETAR) were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR).Results:The specific receptor of CXCL4 was expressed on HDMECs.CXCL4 could inhibit the proliferation of HDMECs and the number of tube formation in a dose-depend manner.After CXCL4 intervention,the relative amplification multiples of ET-1,AT1R were significantly increased(P<0.05),Fli-1 was decreased(P<0.05),and ETAR had no change as compared with the control group.Furthermore,CXCL4 antagonist could reverse the effects of CXCL4 on HDMECs.Conclusion:CXCL4 inhibit the proliferation and angiogenesis of HDMECs and induce the secretion of ET-1 and AT1R,reduce the secretion of Fli-1 in a dose-dependent manner.

OBJECTIVETo explore mechanism of dermal toxicity of trichloroethylene(TCE).

METHODSNormal human keratinocytes (KC) were isolated from foreskins of healthy donors undergoing circumcision by two-step trypsin digestion and cultured in serum-free medium. Cells were treated with medium, 1% acetone (volume fraction) 0.125, 0.500 or 2.000 mmol/L TCE for different time (4, 8, 12 or 24) hours. After treatment, MTT assay and ATPase activity detected, inhibition ratio of mitochondrial enzyme was calculated according to optical density (A) value of MTT assay. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by flow cytometry FCM after being stained with Rhodamine123 (Rh123). Morphological changes were also observed through transmission electron microscope (TEM).

RESULTSCellular viability and ATPase activity declined with dose of TCE, while inhibition ratio of mitochondrial enzyme increased with dose of TCE. FCM results showed that after treatment with 2.000 mmol/L TCE, fluorescence density of Rh123 decreased quickly from 18.73 +/- 0.45(0 h) to 8.20 +/- 0.66(8 h) (P < 0.01). After 8 h, fluorescence density maintained at the level equal to that of 8 h (fluorescence density of Rh123 were 8.20 +/- 0.36 and 8.20 +/- 0.40 for 12 and 24 h respectively, compared with that for 8 h group, P > 0.05). The results also showed that MMP diminished with dose of TCE. Under TEM, mitochondria in TCE-treated group appeared extensive swelling and vacuolar degeneration with less matrix and obscure or vanished mitochondria cristae but in control group, mitochondrial structure was integrated, with uniform matrix and visible mitochondria cristae.

CONCLUSIONSTCE could inhibit mitochondrial metabolic enzyme, reduce ATP production, diminish MMP, and destroy ultrastructure of mitochondria in KC, all these contributing to the cytotoxicity of TCE.

Cell Survival ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Male ; Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial ; drug effects ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Mitochondria ; drug effects ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Trichloroethylene ; toxicity

OBJECTIVETo study the responses of peginterferon-alpha 2a antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

METHODSOne hundred two CHB patients with their serum ALT values higher than 2x the upper limit of the normal (ULN) were divided into a HBeAg-positive and a HBeAg-negative group. All patients were treated with peginterferon-alpha 2a by subcutaneous injection (180 microgram once weekly). After treatment for 6 months, patients without a defined therapeutic response were dropped from the treatment group; the others completed a 12 month therapy. The sustained response and the antiviral effect of the treatment were assessed at the end of the therapy. To investigate the possible impact factors of the response to peginterferon-alpha 2a, we studied the therapeutic response of patients with different serum ALT levels, inflammation grades of liver histology, stages of fibrosis, and HBV viral load levels.

RESULTS(1) There was no statistical difference of the rates of response at the end of treatment and 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months after the cessation of therapy between the HBeAg-positive and the HBeAg-negative groups. (2) In the HBeAg-positive group, the rates of response of patients with serum ALT values>3*ULN were significantly higher than those with serum ALT values less than 3*ULN (x2=4.40). However, no statistical difference of serum ALT levels was found in the HBeAg-negative group. (3) In both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative groups, no difference was revealed in the rates of response among patients with different levels of HBV viral loads. (4) In the HBeAg-positive group, patients with more severe liver inflammation histologically (G3 and G4) had significantly higher response rates than those with milder inflammation (G1 and G2) (x2=4.19), but no similar statistical differences were found in the HBeAg-negative group. Moreover, there was no difference in the rates of response among patients in different stages of liver fibrosis in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative groups.

CONCLUSIONSSimilar rates of response and sustained virological response to the peginterferon-alpha 2a treatment can be achieved in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients. Hepatic fibrosis is not a predictor of poor therapeutic response. For HBeAg-positive patients, more severe liver inflammation identified with liver biopsies (G3 or G4) and high serum ALT values (more than 3*ULN) can be considered as predictors of a good therapeutic response.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Liver ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; Young Adult

Background The mortality of stroke patients is strongly affected by medical complications.However,there are limited data investigating the effect of in-hospital medical complications on the dependency of stroke patients worldwide.We prospectively and systematically investigated the effect of medical complications on dependency of patients at 3,6 and 12 months after stroke using the China National Stroke Registry (CNSR).Methods This prospective cohort study collected data of patients age ＞18 years with acute ischemic stroke in 132 clinical centers distributed across 32 provinces and four municipalities (including Hong Kong region) of China,from September 2007 to August 2008.Data on medical complications,dependency and other information were obtained from paper-based registry forms.Medical complications associated with stroke outcomes were assessed using multivariable Logistic regression.Results Of 11 560 patients with acute ischemic stroke,1826 (15.80％) presented with in-hospital medical complications.In-hospital medical complications were independent risk factors for dependency of patients at 3 months (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.367,95％ confidence interval (CI) 2.021-2.771),6 months (adjusted OR 2.257,95％ CI 1.922-2.650),and 12 months (adjusted OR 1.820,95％ CI 1.538-2.154) after acute ischemic stroke.Conclusion The results demonstrated that the short-term and long-term dependency of acute ischemic stroke patients is significantly associated with in-hospital medical complications in China.