Positive regulative factors of PI3K/Akt signaling pathways is often activated in ovarian cancer, whereas the function of negative regulator PTEN is often defective. These two kinds of regulators cooperatively regulate tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis in closely association with tumor angiogenesis and invasion and metastasis. It has been suggested that PI3K-Akt pathway is not only related to prognosis of tumor patients but can also be used as novel targets for tumor therapy.

Objective:To explore the clinical significance of classification and grading of ovarian serous tumors (OST) and the correlation of classification and grading with expressions of p53 and Ki-67 proteins, so as to provide a basis for accurate diagnosis and reasonable treatment of OST.Methods:A total of 100 paraffin-embedded ovarian tissues were collected from Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine from January 2012 to November 2017. The classification and grading of OST was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) ovarian tumor tissue classification, the work conference on borderline ovarian tumors which was held in August 2013 in Maryland, United States, and the two-level tissue classification system of the United States MD Anderson Cancer Center. The 100 cases of ovarian tissues included 10 cases of normal ovarian tissues (NOT), 12 cases of ovarian serous cystadenoma (OSA), 18 cases of ovarian serous borderline tumor (OSBT), 22 cases of low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC), and 38 cases of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC). The expressions of p53 and Ki-67 proteins in paraffin-embedded tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. The clinical characteristics of patients with different types of OST and their relationships with the expression of p53 protein and Ki-67 positive index were analyzed.Results:Among OSBT, LGSC and HGSC groups, the proportion of patients with onset age > 50 years old [38.9% (7/18), 45.5% (10/22), 73.7% (28/38)], poor differentiation [0 (0/18), 0 (0/22), 100.0% (38/38)], stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ [5.6% (1/18), 27.3% (6/22), 39.5% (15/38)] increased sequentially, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Among NOT, OSA, OSBT, LGSC and HGSC groups, there were significant differences in the positive rate of p53 protein [20.0% (2/10), 25.0% (3/12), 27.8% (5/18), 31.8% (7/22), 57.9% (22/38)] and Ki-67 positive index [(10.40±0.00)%, (31.49±6.53)%, (42.81±6.84)%, (74.29±6.54)%, (77.04±8.88)%] (all P < 0.05). In the patients with ovarian serous carcinoma (LGSC + HGSC), there was no significant difference in the positive rate of p53 protein and Ki-67 positive index between the onset age ≤ 50 years old and > 50 years old groups (both P > 0.05), but there were significant differences between the patients with different tissue differentiation grade, clinical stage and metastasis (all P < 0.05). There was significant difference in Ki-67 positive index among NOT, OSA, OSBT, LGSC and HGSC patients with positive expression of p53 protein ( P < 0.01). Conclusions:The classification and grading of OST is related to onset age, tissue differentiation and clinical stage, which can be used to guide treatment and judge prognosis. The positive rate of p53 protein and Ki-67 positive index increase with advancing grade of breast lesions, which may be related to the occurrence and development of OST.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of 2D ultrasound (2DUS)-based composite score method and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiation between thyroid microcarcinomas and benign micronodules. Methods A total of 216 consecutive patients with 258 thyroid micronodules underwent 2DUS and CEUS examinations before thyroidectomy from June 2011 to October 2013. The scoring of each nodule was based on five 2DUS features including hypoechogencity, irregular shape, macrocalcification, and taller than wide in shape. Microcalciifcation was assigned as 2 points and the remaining features were assigned as 1 point. A composite score was ifnally given to each thyroid nodule ranging from 0 to 6 points. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of diagnosing thyroid microcarcinoma by 2DUS composite score method and CEUS were calculated. Results The histopathologic results of all 258 nodules were acquired, including 125 papillary microcarcinomas and 133 benign micronodules. Each nodule′s 2DUS compostie score was ranging from 0 to 6 points. The area of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 2DUS in diagnosing thyroid microcarcinoma was 0.81. The 2DUS composite score method predicted the thyroid microcarcinoma with sensitivity of 78.4%(98/125), speciifcity of 72.9%(97/133), accuracy of 75.6%(195/258), when the nodule with a score greater than or equal to 3 points was deifned as malignant. Thyroid micronodules′enhancement pattern were divided into 7 types, including early hypoenhancement, hypoenhancement, isoenhancement, hyperenhancement, local nonenhancement, nonenhancement, and ring margin ring enhancement. CEUS predicted thyroid malignant micronodules with sensitivity of 87.2%(109/125), specificity of 75.9%(101/133), and accuracy of 81.4%(210/258), when early hypoenhancement and hypoenhancement pattern was defined as malignant patterns. There were no differences in sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy between 2DUS cumulative score method and CEUS in diagnosing thyroid microcarcinoma (McNemar test, P=0.099, 0.608, 0.096). Conclusion Early hypoenhancement and hypoenhancement are CEUS characteristic enhancement pattern for thyroid microcarcinoma, CEUS has higher sensitivity, speciifcity in diagnosis than 2DUS composite score method, while there are no statistical differences.

Objective To apply the binary Logistic regression model and evaluate the value of grey scale ultrasonography(US),ultrasond elastography(UE) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS).Methods US,UE and CEUS were performed in 130 patients with 142 solid thyroid micronodules (the largest diameter less than 10 mm).Pathology was followed up as golden diagnosis criteria.A Logistic model on the basis of ultrasonographic features was obtained.A receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to assess the performance of Logistic model.Results Four ultrasonic indexes were finally entered into the Logistic regression model including microcalcification,acpect ratio,advanced CEUS mode and elasticity score.The percentage correction of prediction was 92.1％ (129/142),the area under the ROC curve was 0.944.Conclusions The multivariate analysis model of binary Logistic regression can describe and analyze the process of differential diagnosis of malignant and benign solid thyroid micronodules by ultrasonography,and select out the valuable indexes for differential diagnosis.

A method was developed for determination of 12 kinds of phosphate compounds in water and sediment by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) coupled with solid phase extraction (SPE) and ultrasonic extraction.The water samples were concentrated by HLB solid-phase extraction (SPE) column and eluted twice with ethyl acetate, ultrasonic solvent extraction for sediment samples and then repeated the operation of water samples after diluted with deionized water.The sample were separated on a ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 3.5 μm) column by a gradient elution with 0.2% formic acid aqueous solution and methanol as the mobile phase.Ion mode analysis was monitored by high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometer (MRM).The target compounds were quantified by external standard method.At the spiked levels (0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 μg/L), the average recoveries of 12 kinds of OPEs in water samples ranged from 66.4% to 115%, except for TMP (28.5%-47.8%) and TEHP (22.4%-73.8%).The relative standard deviation RSD (n=3) was 0.5%-9.09%, and the method quantification (MOQ) was 0.001-0.05 μg/L, However at the spiked levels of 5, 10 and 50 μg/kg, the average recoveries of 12 kinds of OPEs in sediment samples ranged from 65.4% to 120.0%, except for TMP (35.7%-44.9%) and TCEP (31.2%-48.9%).The relative standard deviation RSD (n=3) was 0.01%-9.54%, and the MOQ for sediment was 0.02-2.0 μg/kg dw.Based on the above methods, the detection and analysis of the targets in the water and sediments samples of Taihu Lake were carried out.The results showed that the concentrations of ΣOPEs were 0.1-1.7 μg/L and 8.1-420 μg/(kg dw), respectively.

Objective To evaluate right ventricular (RV)systolic function in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)patients.Methods Fifty T2DM patients and fifty normal controls were included in the study and underwent echocardiographic examinations.The following parameters were measured:1 ) Right heart dimensions,pulmonary artery (PA)diameter,pulmonary acceleration time (AT)and PA systolic pressure (PASP);2)RV systolic function:RV fractional area change (RVFAC),tissue Doppler-derived tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S'),tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE),longitudinal strain of six RV segments by 2-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI);3 )RV diastolic function:E,A ratio of the tricuspid inflow spectrum (E/A),E,E'(peak early diastolic velocity of the tricuspid annulus) ratio (E/E');4)RV Tei index.Results Statistic analysis showed that T2DM patients had thicker RV walls,wider PAs and shorter AT than the control group (P =0.000,0.001 and 0.000),while their right heart chamber sizes and PASP remained unchanged.Among systolic parameters,absolute values of RV longitudinal strain at the lateral wall-mid (lat-m),septum-mid (sep-m)and septum-basal (sep-b)segments were significantly lower in the diabetic group than the control group (P =0.001 ,0.000 and 0.005),whereas strain of the other three RV segments and RVFAC,TAPSE.S'were not significantly different.Moreover, E/A,E/E'and Tei index were all significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.000,0.000 and 0.006),indicating declined diastolic and general function of RV in the T2DM group.Conclusions RV myocardial strain by 2D-STI is more sensitive in detecting RV systolic dysfunction than TAPSE,S' and RVFAC.Among the six segments of RV walls,lat-m,sep-m and sep-b are better locations for 2D-STI than the other three.

Objective To evaluate the role of real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography(RT-3D TEE)in left atrial appendage (LAA)occlusion.Methods Consecutive 10 atrial fibrillation (AF)patients (CHADS2 ≥ 2 )with high risk bleeding underwent LAA occlusion under the guidance of TEE.The LAA orifice shape and characteristics of lobes were assessed,the size of LAA with RT-3D TEE wee measured before closer implanation,and the position of the LAA occlusion device were evaluated by RT-3D TEE.The correlational analysis between LAA diameter and occluder size was conducted.Results Among 10 patients,the test results revealed 8 cases with complete LAA occlusion and 1 case with incomplete occlusion,and 1 case with failed occlusion.Five cases showed approximate round LAA ostium,and the other 5 showed approximate oval ostium.The average number of LAA lobes were 2.2±0.7. LAA ostium long diameter were larger by 3D TEE compared with 2D TEE[(21 .8±5.1)mm vs (20.8±4.1) mm],and ostium short diameter were smaller by 3D TEE compared with 2D TEE [(16.1 ± 3.0 )mm vs (1 7.0±2.6)mm],however there were no significant differences between 2D and 3D TEE measurements,and the mean ostium diameter and LAA depth were comparable between two methods.LAA ostium long diameter,short diameter,average diameter and LAA depth assessed by 3D TEE and 2D TEE showed good correlation with occluder diameter (3D TEE:r =0.719,0.690,0.791 ,0.71 1 ,and P =0.029,0.040,0.01 1 , 0.032,respectively;2D TEE:r = 0.887,0.894,0.932,0.896,and P = 0.001 ,0.001 ,0.000,0.000, respectively).LAA occlusion device position assessed by RT-3D:6 cases with appropriate position, acceptable position with 2 cases,and 1 case with malposition.Conclusions RT-3D TEE can play important role in evaluating the morphology of LAA,accurately judging LAA ostium shape and size and position of the occlusion device.

Objective To explore the imaging features of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC) with real time contrast-enhanced ultrasound.Methods One hundredand forty-three cases with 149 thyroid nodules(no diffuse lession) were divided into two groups according to the diameter size(group 1,＜0.5 cm;group 2,0.5-1.0 cm) and examined by contrast-enhanced ultrasound during preoperation.Pathology was followed up as golden diagnosis criteria.Results Seventy-five benign tumors and 74 PTMC were confirmed by pathology.There were significant differences in echoes homogeneity between benign and malignant tumors in group 2(W =1 029.5,Z =-5.524,P =0.000) but no in group 1(W =933.0,Z =-1.738,P =0.082).And nonhomogeneous enhancement were showed in most PTMC in group 2.But most PTMC showed homogeneous enhancement in group 1.Conclusions Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is valuable in diagnosis of PTMC with the diameter size of 0.5-1.0 cm.

Objective To discuss the feasibility and accuracy of left atrial appendage (LAA)ejection fraction by real-time 3 dimensional imaging (3D-EF),and tissue velocity of the LAA wall by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI)via transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)in assessing LAA functions.Methods A total number of 76 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)were included in the study consecutively and underwent TEE for LAA investigations.3D-EF,fractional area change by 2 dimensional imaging (2D-FAC),peak emptying velocity (PEV),LAA tissue velocity by TDI at the mid-portion of lateral wall (TDI-L),mid-portion of septal wall (TDI-S)and the apical tip (TDI-A)were calculated.Results Statistic analysis showed the following results:1 )2D-FAC,3D-EF,PEV,TDI-L,TDI-S and TDI-A were all significantly higher in patients with sinus rhythm than those with AF during the TEE examinations (all P <0.05),and significantly higher in patients without spontaneous echo contrast (SEC)than those who had SEC (all P <0.05);2)The results of 3D-EF showed a good correlation with 2D-FAC (r=0.727,P =0.000),and their correlations with PEV were similar (2D-FAC and PEV:r =0.685;3D-EF and PEV:r =0.632,both P =0.000);3)TDI-A [(14.95±4.63)cm/s]were significantly higher than TDI-L [(12.62±3.96)cm/s]and TDI-S [(12.68±3.59)cm/s](both P =0.000).The correlations of TDI-A with PEV,2D-FAC and 3D-EF were all marked higher than those of TDI-L and TDI-S (with PEV:r=0.840 vs r=0.564,r=0.524;with 2D-FAC:r=0.701 vs r=0.486,r=0.504;with 3D-EF:r=0.753 vs r=0.493,r=0.522,all P <0.05). Conclusions 3D TEE is feasible and reliable in assessing LAA emptying function.The best location for LAA tissue velocity evaluation is the apical tip.

AIM: To illuminate the effect of SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily b, member 1 (SMARCB1) in early diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by determining the clinical expression of SMARCB1 in HCC tissue and benign liver tissue.METHODS: The specific target gene SMARCB1 was selected from these genes by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).SMARCB1 expression in HCC tissue and benign liver tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry.Further statistical analysis of TCGA was performed to illuminate the role of SMARCB1 on HCC occurrence and progression.RESULTS: Compared with the benign liver tissue, immunohistochemical staining showed that SMARCB1 expression was significantly up-regulated in the HCC tissue (P<0.01).In addition, SMARCB1 expression was significantly associated with advanced tumor stage (P<0.05).The relation between SMARCB1 expression at mRNA level and clinical prognosis was analyzed.The results indicated that high SMARCB1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for HCC (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: SMARCB1 may play a part as a carcinogenic gene in tumorigenesis.We can distinguish primary HCC samples from non-malignant samples according to its different clinical expression.High SMARCB1 expression probably predicts poor outcome in HCC patients.