【Objective】The aim of this study was to investigate the proportion of dominant follicles（PDF）on HCG day in young and aged women.【Methods】In total，3 064 cycles of GnRH agonist long protocol and 918 cycles of GnRH antagonist protocol from 2014 to 2016 were retrospectively included. Patients were divided into 3 groups（low PDF，< 20%； medium PDF，≥20% and ≤40% ；high PDF，> 40%）. The measurements regarding the ovarian stimulation characteris? tics ，clinical pregnancy rate was compared between different PDF groups stratified by age and protocol. 【Results】 In patients aged ≤30 years who received the GnRH agonist long protocol，no significant difference was found in the clinical pregnancy rate between the different PDF groups（P > 0.05）. Regarding the GnRH antagonist protocol，no significant difference was found in the clinical pregnancy rate and moderate or severe OHSS rate（P > 0.05）. In patients aged ≥40 years， the clinical pregnancy rate in the low PDF group was higher than that in the high PDF groups（40% vs. 30.88%）in GnRH agonist long protocol. Concerning the GnRH antagonist protocol，patients in the low PDF group had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate than those in the other two groups（27.27% vs. 9.09% ，7.40% ；P = 0.002）.【Conclusions】PDF within 20% is recommended for older patients（≥40 years），especially in those receiving the GnRH antagonist protocol.

【Objective】To evaluate the role of serum antimullerian hormone （AMH） concentration in predicting clinical outcomes in controlled ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination （IUI）. 【Methods】 A retrospective analysis of IUI data from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility in our reproductive center from January 2014 to August 2017. According to the clinical outcomes，data was divided into three groups：clinical pregnancy group，non-pregnant group，and cancellation cycle group due to multiple follicular or no dominant follicular develop. The ovarian function evaluation indexes were compared such as serum AMH，basal FSH and basal sinus follicle（AFC）. The cutoff values of the AMH to predict multi- follicular development or no dominant follicular development which IUI cycles were cancelled，and to predict obtain cumulative clinical pregnancy outcomes were calculated according to the ROC curve to cancel the cycle. 【Results】 The clinical pregnancy rates of PCOS patients were from 15.9% to 17.1% ，while the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate increased in repeat cycles （≤3 cycles） was 21.6% ，significantly higher than the average clinical pregnancy rate（16.7%）during the first cycle. AMH levels in the cancelled cycle group were significantly higher than those in the non-cancelled cycle group［（14.1±6.5）vs（10.3±4.3）ng/mL，（14.1±6.5）vs（9.3±4.3）ng/mL， P<0.025］. Compared with the clinical pregnancy group，cancel cycle group and non- pregnant group，the mean AFC of the former two groups were significantly higher［（34.5±11.4）vs（30.7±11.3），（7.8±10.8）vs（30.7±11.3），P<0.025］. In addition，we found that women′ s age，baseline FSH were negatively correlated with the cumulative pregnancy rate of repeated IUI cycles，and women′s baseline BMI，baseline LH，AFC，and AMH were positively correlated with cumulative pregnancy rates. The number of mature follicles on the HCG triggering day，as well as the value of AMH，may be the influencing factor of IUI cumulative clinical pregnancy. By ROC curve analysis，we assume that AMH is more suitable than the AFC to predict IUI cycle cancellation rate and the cumulative pregnancy rate.【Conclusion】Repeated IUI cycles can be improved cumulative pregnancy rate of PCOS infertile couples. AMH，as an important index to measure ovarian reserve function，can be used to predict the the IUI cumulative clinical pregnancy outcomes and cancelled cycle rates：as AMH increased to more than 6.56 ng/mL，the pregnancy rate increased；but when AMH ≥14.72 ng/mL，the risk of cancelled IUI cycles was increased，becasues of multi-follicular developing and absence of dominant follicle development.

OBJECTIVETo establish the triple-transgenic mouse model and study their biological characteristics by molecular biology, behavior and pathology.

METHODSHybrid the Tau and amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilins (PS1) transgenic mouse, the genotype of offspring mice were identified by PCR. Transcribed target genes were detected by RT-PCR. The protein expression of exogenous genes was detected by Western-blot. The pathological change of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaque were observed by Bielschowsky silver staining and ABC immunohistochemical method. The changes time of learning and memory were observed by Morris water maze.

RESULTSAPP, PS1 and Tau genes were transcript in Tau/APP/PS1 mice. In 6 to 8 months old Tau/APP/PS1 mice, the neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaque could be found in cortex and hippocampus. In 6 months old Tau/APP/PS1 mice, the learning and memory abilities were worse.

CONCLUSIONWith the behavior change and pathological changes in Tau and beta-amyloid protein (AP), the Tau/APP/PS1 triple-transgenic mice can be used as a further study animal model of AD's pathogenesis and the target of drug treatment.

Alzheimer Disease ; pathology ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor ; genetics ; Animals ; Brain ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Learning ; Male ; Memory ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Neurofibrillary Tangles ; pathology ; Plaque, Amyloid ; pathology ; Presenilin-1 ; genetics ; tau Proteins ; genetics

Paracetamol was used as a model drug in this study to investigate the synergetic effects of lipid coating and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) inclusion for masking the bitter taste of poorly soluble drugs. To control the concentration as low as possible of the free drug which produced a bitter taste, a kinetic model was established to calculate the drug distribution theoretically among the free drug in medium, lipid coated particles and molecular inclusion on the basis of the preparation and characterization of the lipid microspheres, so as to select the proper amount of beta-CD. Finally, the synergetic drug delivery systems were prepared and characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), molecular simulation and the electronic tongue. As a result, the drug release rate constant (k) of the lipid microspheres coated with octadecanol was determined as 0.001 270 s(-1). Then, the synergetic drug delivery systems were prepared with the ratio of 6.74 : 1 (w/w) for beta-CD and paracetamol. The chemical shift values for the fingerprint peaks of paracetamol all increased and hydrogen bonds were formed between the oxygen on the phenolic hydroxyl group, the nitrogen on the imino in paracetamol and the hydrogens on the hydroxyl groups in beta-CD. The results tested by the electronic tongue indicated that the paracetamol, lipid microspheres, beta-CD inclusion and their mixture showed different taste characteristics, with the bitterness order of the synergetic drug delivery systems approximately lipid microspheres < beta-CD inclusion < paracetamol, which confirmed the synergetic taste masking effects of lipid coating and beta-CD molecular inclusion. In summary, the synergetic taste masking was jointly achieved through the retard of the drug release by the lipid coating and the inclusion of the free paracetamol by beta-CD through hydrogen bonds.
Acetaminophen ; administration & dosage ; chemistry ; Administration, Oral ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Electrical Equipment and Supplies ; Electrochemical Techniques ; instrumentation ; methods ; Hydrogen Bonding ; Kinetics ; Lipids ; chemistry ; Microspheres ; Solubility ; Taste ; drug effects ; beta-Cyclodextrins ; chemistry

BACKGROUNDThe maximal use of the limited resource to improve peritoneal dialysis (PD) penetration and clinical outcomes is a challenge for all PD centers. In this study, we reported the experience and outcomes in successfully managing a rapidly growing PD center in Southern China.

METHODSA standard PD program with a team consisted of 6 nephrologists (3 doctors were in charge of catheter insertion and in-patients care, the other 3 doctors focused on PD patients' follow-up and education) and 11 nurses in a PD center at Sun Yat-sen University was established for PD patients follow-up in 2005. A prospective and observational study was conducted in all patients undergoing continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) at our center from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009.

RESULTSThe yearly number of prevalent CAPD patients was 297, 409, 547 and 695 in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The PD catheter insertion was performed by the nephrologists with open surgical procedure and 94% of catheters were patent at one year. In 841 incident CAPD patients, the survival rates at the end of 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were 94%, 87%, 83% and 76%, respectively, while cumulative technique survival rates (death-censored) were 98%, 95%, 91% and 90%, respectively. Peritonitis rate was 1/68.5 patient months.

CONCLUSIONSBetter patient and technical survival rates as well as lower peritonitis episode have been achieved in our rapidly growing PD center. A standardized PD program, well-trained team members of PD doctors and nurses, and continuous quality improvement of PD are important elements in managing a successful PD program.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory ; statistics & numerical data ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo screen childhood ALL related microRNAs (miRNAs), analyze association of miRNAs expression profiles with prognosis and relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and explore new indicator for predicting relapse and prognosis.

METHODSmiRNAs expression profile was analyzed by gene chip in 49 newly diagnosed childhood ALL and 12 primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) cases (as control group). Abnormal expression of miRNAs was verified by qRT-PCR. The correlation of miRNAs expression pattern with indicators predicting early prednisone response and relapse within a year was analyzed.

RESULTSSpecific expression of miRNAs profiles associated with prednisone response and early relapse in childhood ALL was identified. Eight miRNAs (miR-18a, miR-532, miR-218, miR-625, miR-193a, miR-638, miR-550 and miR-633) could distinguish prednisone sensitive from insensitive. The early relapse of newly diagnosed patients with either high-risk or non-high-risk clinical types had some characteristics of abnormal expression of miRNAs, including miR-7, miR-216 and let-7i upregulated, while miR-486, miR-191, miR-150, miR-487 and miR-342 downregulated.

CONCLUSIONSThe initial screening reveals miRNAs differentially expressed from normal in ALL suggesting the potential roles of them in leukemogenesis. MiRNAs expression signatures may be useful for predicting prognosis and relapse in childhood ALL and directing personalized treatment.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; diagnosis ; genetics ; pathology ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Transcriptome

【Objective】To evaluate the efficacy of three different methods of subcostal transversus abdominis plane（TAP）block for patients undergoing open liver carcinoma resection.【Methods】A total of 60 adult patients，undergoing elective open liver carcinoma resection through a“reverse L”incision below the rib bow，were enrolled. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups（20 cases in each），including Group A，B and C，according to the position of local anesthetic injection. All patients underwent ultrasound- guided bilateral subcostal TAP block under local anesthesia. The TAP injection was injected at the middle line of the clavicle in Group A；Two separate injections were at the parasternal line and at the anterior axillary line in Group B；Multiple injections were proformed between the anterior median line and the middle axillary line in Group C. After completion of TAP block，the onset time，duration，blocking extent，hemodynamics and abdominal muscle thickness were evaluated. The operating time of TAP block and incidence of complications were recorded.【Results】The blocking extent of Group B or Group C was greater than that of Group A（P < 0.05），with no significant difference between Group B and Group C. The duration of TAP block in Group B or Group C was longer than that of Group A，while the onset time was not significantly different between the three groups. The mean arterial pressure and heart rate during laparotomy were higher than the base value in Group A，while there were no evident changes in Group B and Group C. The rectus abdominis became thinner after TAP block in all patients，but there was no significant difference in muscle thickness change among the three groups. The operating time of TAP block in the three groups was （8.4±1.9），（13.8±3.1），（23.3±4.2）min，respectively，with significant difference between any two groups（P < 0.05）. None of the patients enrolled showed such complications as local anesthetic poisoning，abdominal wall hematoma，nerve injury， abdominal viscera injury，and puncture point infection.【Conclusion】The outcome of subcostal TAP block for patients undergoing open liver surgery is related to injecting position of anesthetics. Two- point-injection method is superior to one- point-injection method or multiple-point-injection method，for adequate analgesic extent as well as less operating time.

BACKGROUNDA recent study demonstrated that the inflammatory response accompanying necrotic brain injury played an important role in stroke. Thus, inhibition of this response may help to stop the expansion of infarcts. It has been also shown that the spleen, a major peripheral immune organ, plays a role in stroke-induced immune responses. This study aimed to establish rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and to investigate the effect of splenectomy and possible mechanisms in that rat models.

METHODSInfarct size in a stroke model was measured with the Nissl body staining method, numbers of inflammatory cells in ischemic regions were detected by immunofluorescence staining, and inflammatory factors were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in brain homogenates and sera. The significance of differences was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the least significant difference post hoc test.

RESULTSInfarct size in the brain of rats that underwent splenectomies 2 weeks before permanent MCAO ((34.93 ± 3.23)%) was over 50% smaller than that of rats subjected to the stroke surgery alone ((74.33 ± 2.36)%, P < 0.001; (77.30 ± 2.62)%, P < 0.001). Lower numbers of T cells, neutrophils, and macrophages in brain tissue and lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were observed in rats that underwent splenectomies, compared with the two other groups, but splenectomized rats showed higher levels of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in the brain.

CONCLUSIONThe mechanism(s) by which splenectomy protects brain from damage induced by stroke may correlate with the decreased numbers of inflammatory cells and changes in inflammatory cytokines.

Animals ; Cerebral Infarction ; prevention & control ; Cytokines ; secretion ; Inflammation ; prevention & control ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Splenectomy ; Stroke ; complications ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology

ObjectiveTo explore whether the impact of low serum progesterone （P4） levels on the adverse pregnancy outcomes could be improved by the additional use of oral dydrogesterone （DYG） during the single use of micronized vaginal progesterone （MVP） for luteal phase support in hormone replacement therapy frozen embryo transfer （HRT-FET） cycles. MethodsIn this retrospective study， the clinical and perinatal outcomes of HRT-FET cycles using MVP alone （n=549） and MVP combined with DYG （n=495） were analyzed. The primary outcome was live birth rate （LBR）， and the secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate （CPR）， gestational weeks （GW） at delivery， and perinatal birth weight （BW）. ResultsThe elevated serum P4 level on the day of pregnancy test was a protective factor for live birth. In the group using MVP alone， compared with the high serum P4 concentration （≥7.46 ng/mL）， the low serum P4 concentration （<7.46 ng/mL） was closely associated with low LBR （25.6% vs. 40.7%， P < 0.001）， CPR （34.6% vs. 50.1%， P < 0.001）， rates of full-term birth （FTB） （18.6% vs. 32.6%， P =0.003） and normal birth weight （NBW） （17.9% vs. 34.4%， P <0.001）. Compared with the group using MVP alone， combined use of MVP and DYG did not significantly improve LBR （38.3% vs. 40.6%， P=0.366）， but significantly increased the mean GW at delivery （37.28±3.01 vs. 38.36±1.48 weeks； P=0.043）， the neonatal NBW rate （18.2% vs. 27.6%； P=0.039） and decreased the proportion of low BW and very low BW （LBW+VLBW） infants （7.7% vs. 2.2%； P=0.037）. ConclusionAdditional use of DYG could significantly increase the GW at delivery and NBW rate， decrease the LBW+VLBW rates and thereby improve the adverse perinatal outcomes induced by low serum P4 levels （<7.46 ng/mL） in the HRT-FET cycles using MVP alone.

Background: There is no absolute consensus for the best time for triggering. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different proportion of dominant follicles (PDF) on the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day for the clinical outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) of different ovarian stimulation protocols. Methods: A total of 371 cycles of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist long protocol and 347 cycles of GnRH antagonist protocol from January 2014 to December 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Based on the PDF on the day of the HCG administration, the included patients were divided into three groups: Group A (low PDF), PDF <20%; Group B (medium PDF), 20%≤ PDF ≤40%; Group C (high PDF), PDF >40%. The measurements regarding ovarian stimulation characteristics, fertilization rate, top quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ovarian hyperstimualtion syndrome (OHSS) rate were compared in different PDF groups with different protocols. Results: In both the GnRH antagonist protocol and GnRH agonist long protocol, the characteristics such as mean age, anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count (AFC), and body mass index were comparable between groups. The number of oocytes retrieved decreased statistically significantly as the PDF and rate of matured oocytes increased. In the GnRH agonist long protocol, the rate of normally fertilized oocytes was highest in Group A (59.74 ± 31.21 vs. 49.70 ± 37.95, 49.67 ± 36.62; F = 3.743, P = 0.025). There were no significant differences in the rate of top-quality embryos and the clinical pregnancy rate between the groups. The clinical pregnancy rate was similar in the three groups (63.6%, 62.5%, 67.5%, respectively, χ² = 0.989, P = 0.911). The moderate and severe OHSS rate increased statistically significantly when the PDF increased, which was highest in group C (1.4%, 3.1%, 6.7%, respectively, χ² = 12.014, P = 0.017). In the GnRH antagonist protocol, there were no significant differences in the rate of top-quality embryos, the rate of normally fertilized oocytes, the clinical pregnancy rate, and the moderate and severe OHSS rate between the groups. The clinical pregnancy rate in Group C was higher than that in Group A (57.9% vs. 46.6%, χ² = 10.850, P = 0.093). Conclusions In the GnRH antagonist protocol, PDF on the HCG day of less than 20% may be unfavorable to the clinical pregnancy rate in PCOS. In the GnRH agonist long protocol, delaying the HCG trigger timing has no good effect on clinical pregnancy and the risk of OHSS might increase in patients with PCOS.