Objective To evaluate the predictive value of diffusion weighted imaging ( DWI) for progres-sion free survival(PFS)in patients with cervix cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).Methods Thirty two consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed cervical cancer underwent MRI including DWI before and after NACT.Pathologic results and MR images were reviewed .Univariate analysis was applied by Kaplan -Meier method.The Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate prognostic variables for multivariate analysis .Re-ceiver operating characteristic ( ROC) curves were used to find optimal cutoff values of independent prognostic fac -tors for disease progression.Results Of 32 patients,10 had disease progression during follow -up period.In uni-variate analysis,FIGO stage,tumor size,the depth of tumor invasion,lymph node metastasis and ADC changes be-tween before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ΔADC) were significantly associated with the disease progres-sion.In multivariate analysis , FIGO stage and ΔADC were the independent prognostic factors for PFS .Optimal cutoff values that determined by ROC curves analyses were FIGO stage ⅡandΔADC 0.31.Area under the ROC curve(AUC)of FIGO stage and ΔADC were 0.841(sensitivity 90.0%,specificity 68.2%)and 0.864(sensitivity 80.0%,specificity 81.8%),respectively.Conclusion In patients with cervix cancer after NACT ,FIGO stage andΔADC are significant predictive values for PFS .

Objective: To investigate the inhibition of tanshinoneⅡA (TanⅡA) on the proliferation of lung cancer cells. Methods: Human lung cancer cell lines A549, SK-MES-1, H446 and H460 were cultured in vitro and treated with TanⅡA at concentrations of 0.3, 0.6, 1.3, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/mL, while untreated cells served as controls. Cell proliferation was measured by using CCK-8 assay, and apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry, while the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was determined using Western blotting. The apoptotic rate of lung cancer cells was compared between Tan ⅡA-treated cells and untreated cells. Results: Tan ⅡA inhibited lung cancer cell proliferation in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner, and the survival rates of A549, SK-MS-1, H446 and H460 cells reduced with the concentration of TanⅡA (t=4.503, 2.114, 2.103 and 3.567; all P<0.05) and the duration of TanⅡA treatment (t=5.189, 3.079, 3.023 and 3.845; all P<0.05). The 48 h half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values) of TanⅡA were (1.18±0.12), (0.78±0.08), (1.55±0.16) and (1.27±0.14) mg/mL against A549, SK-MES-1, H446 and H460 cells, respectively. Following 48 h treatment with Tan ⅡA at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, the apoptotic rates of A549, SK-MS-1, H446 and H460 cells were (34.97±3.78)%, (37.62±2.48)%, (18.27±2.98)% and (19.17±2.30)%, which were significantly significantly higher than those of untreated cells [(4.86±0.36) %, (3.21±0.48) %, (3.25±0.26)% and (2.66±0.19)%, all P<0.05]. Reduced Akt1 protein expression, elevated Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio, and elevated caspase-9 and caspase-3 protein expression were detected in lung cancer cells treated with 2.5 mg/mL TanⅡA for 48 h relative to untreated cells Conclusion TanⅡA may inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation in a time- and concentration-dependent manner via the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-9/caspase-3 pathway.

Objective To analyze the influential factors of clinical pregnancy rate of the frozen-thawed embryo transplantation. Methods The data of 3 192 FET patients in the reproductive medicine center of our hospital up to May 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. According to ages, reasons of infertility, types of infertility, duration of infertility, drug regimen, the number and the time of embryo transplantation, we divided these patients into six groups for comparing the clinical pregnancy rate. Results The FET clinical pregnancy rate of the under 35 years group was higher than the 35~39 years group and the over 39 years group (33.96%vs. 27.58%and 19.35%; P<0.05, respectively). The duration of infertility in the clinical pregnancy group was significantly shorter than the non-pregnancy group (P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate in the group with three embryos transplanted was higher than the group with only two embryos transplanted (41.01% vs. 28.75%; P < 0.05). Among the group with the age of over 40 years, those with three embryos transplanted had a higher clinical pregnancy rate than those with only one embryo transplanted (25.49% vs. 0.00%; P < 0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate of the frozen blastocyst transplantation group was higher than that of the cleavage-stage transplantation group (40.00%vs. 26.27%;P<0.05). Conclusion Age, infertility duration, the number and the time of frozen embryo transplantation may affect the clinical pregnancy rate among the FET patients. An individualized transplantation program based on age may improve the patient′s clinical pregnancy rate.

Objective To evaluate the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)or Janus kinase(JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT-3)signaling pathways in reduction of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury by combination of limb ischemic and morphine postconditioning in rats.Methods Eighty SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 8 weeks,weighing 280-320 g,were used in the study.Myocardial I/R was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion.The rats were divided into 8 groups(n=10 each)using a random number table:I/R group,limb ischemic postconditioning group(LIP group),morphine postconditioning group(group MP),combination of limb ischemic and morphine postconditioning group(LIP+MP group)and signaling pathway blocker groups(I/Rb group,LIPb group,MPb group,LIP+MPb group).In I/R,LIP,MP and LIP+MP groups,the animals were sacrificed at the end of reperfusion,and myocardial specimens in ischemic and non-ischemic regions were obtained for determination of phosphorylated STAT-3(p-STAT-3),STAT-3,phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)and Akt expression(by Western blot)and STAT-3 and Akt mRNA expression(by polymerase chain reaction).In I/Rb,LIPb,MPb and LIP+MPb groups,PI3K/Akt signaling pathway blocker LY294002 0.3 mg/kg was intravenously injected in 5 rats of each group,and JAK/STAT-3 signaling pathway blocker AG490 5 mg/kg was intravenously injected in the other 5 rats of each group.The animals were sacrificed at the end of reperfusion,and myocardial specimens in the ischemic region were obtained for determination of myocardial infarct size.Results Compared with I/R group,the p-STAT-3/STAT-3 ratio in LIP,MP and LIP+MP groups and p-Akt/Akt ratio in LIP+MP group were significantly increased,and the expression of STAT-3 and Akt mRNA was up-regulated in LIP+MP group(P<0.05).Compared with LIP and MP groups,the p-STAT-3/STAT-3 and p-Akt/Akt ratios were significantly increased,and the expression of STAT-3 and Akt mRNA was up-regulated in LIP+MP group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in myocardial infarct size between the four groups when PI3K inhibitor LY294002 was applied(P>0.05).When JAK2 inhibitor AG490 was applied,the myocardial infarct size was significantly smaller in LIP+MPb group than in I/Rb,LIPb and MPb groups(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference in myocardial infarct size between I/Rb,LIPb and MPb groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Combination of limb ischemic and morphine postconditioning can enhance the activation of PI3K/Akt or JAK/STAT-3 signaling pathways,and the cardioprotection is dependent on the integrity of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and partially dependent on the integrity of the JAK/STAT-3 signaling pathway when applied in combination in rats.

Objective To describe the prevalence and risk factors of insomnia among adults in YiBin City. Meth?ods Using multi-stage stratified cluster sampling, 12000 subjects over 18 years old were identified in YiBin City. The subjects were screened using the insomnia survey self-edited and risk factors of insomnia were identified through logistic analysis. Results A total of 11227 subjects completed the survey in which 1671 people (14.9%, 95%CI:14.2%~15.5%) were diagnosed insomnia using ICD-10. Among them, 9.4% (157 patients) had seeked for professional help. The multi?variate logistic analysis showed that low level of life quality(OR=2.42,P<0.01), jobless(OR=1.87,P<0.01), over 60 years old(OR=1.69,P<0.01), fewer years of education(OR=1.41,P<0.01), female(OR=1.41,P<0.01)and lower annu?al per capita income(OR=1.15,P=0.01)were risk factors in insomnia people. Conclusion The incidence of insomnia is high in YiBin city. Sleep quality in high-risk group needs more attention and corresponding measures should be taken in order to increase the rate of asking for help in insomnia people.

While currently therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are actively being developed to complement standard antiviral treatments, their immune activity, especially T cell activity, remains to be further improved. Here, we investigated the role of heat shock proteins HSP70 and gp96 on cellular and humoral immunity, using the main structure antigens of hepatitis core (HBcAg) and surface (HBsAg) as the DNA vaccine. By ELISPOT (enzyme linked immunospot assay), IFN-gamma intracellular staining, [3H]-thymidine incorporation and ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) analyses, we showed that immunization with HBsAg/HBcAg DNA formulation along with HSP70 or gp96 induced significant increase of T-cell (about 1-6-fold) and antibody (about 20%-60%) immunity against HBsAg and HBcAg. These results may provide bases for designing HSP70- and gp96-based vaccines aimed at eliciting T-cell responses for therapeutic applications.
Adjuvants, Immunologic ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Female ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Vaccines ; immunology ; Hepatitis B virus ; immunology ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; immunology ; therapy ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; immunology ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; immunology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology ; Vaccines, DNA ; immunology

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of determining the chemical composition of kidney stones using gemstone spectral imaging ( GSI ).Methods One hundred and sixty eight extracted human kidney stones immersed in a 10 cm deep water tank underwent CT (Discovery CT750 HD) scans with GSI mode and conventional polychromatic imaging ( CPI,120 kVp) mode.All GSI data were transferred to Workstation AW 4.4 to acquire monochromatic images of 50 keY,effective atomic number (Zeff) mapping images,water (calcium)-based images and calcium (Water)-based images with GSI Viewer.CT numbers of stones were measured and compared at 50 keV monochromatic images and 120 kVp polychromatic images,the mean Zeff,calcium density and water density were measured at Zeff mapping images,Calcium (Water) -based images and Water (Calcium)-based images,respectively.The mean Zeff,spectral HU curve slope and calcium water ratio (CWR) were compared with ANOVA and Wilcoxon test.The composition of kidney stones was determined by infrared spectrometer after CT examination.According to the result of stone composition determined by infrared spectroscopy,108 pure kidney stones were divided into five groups:Uric acid stones ( UA,n = 13 ),struvite stones ( STR,n = 24),cystine stones ( CYS,n = 14),calcium phosphate stones ( CaP,n = 18),and calcium oxalate stones ( COX,n = 39).ResultsThe mean Zeff,CWR,the mean CT numbers at 50 keV images,120 kVp images and spectral HU curve slope of each group were listed as the following:UA [ 7.4 ± 0.4,0.0085 ± 0.0021,( 503 ± 168 ) HU,(495 ± 106 ) HU and - 0.77 ] ; STR [ 11.8 ± 0.9,0.1743 ± 0.0677,( 1056 ± 290 ) HU,( 799 ± 165 ) HU and 18.72 ] ; CYS [ 11.2 ± 0.6,0.1253 ± 0.0297,( 740 ± 172 ) HU,( 565 ± 129 ) HU and 12.79 ] ; CaP [ 16.0 ± 0.4,0.6781 ± 0.0952,( 2567 ±178 ) HU,( 1602 ± 200 ) HU and 37.14 ] ; COX [ 15.4 ± 0.4,0.5683 ± 0.0759,( 2267 ± 385 ) HU,( 1489 ±284) HU and 36.36 ],there were significant differences among groups ( P ＜ 0.01 ).The differences in the mean Zeff,CRW,spectral HU curve slope were statistically significant among the five groups ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion Spectral CT imaging provides a new method to characterize the kidney stones with the information orovided by mean Zeff,CRW and the CT numbers at 50 keV.

Objective To We Used high-dose paraquat to induce apoptosis of A549 cells,and observed the expression of E-cadherin,α-SMA,caspase-8,caspase-3 and caspase-9.Then explored the possible mechanisms of apoptosis.Methods A549 cells were treated with various concentrations of PQ (0.1-1.0 mmol/L) for 24 and 48 hours,then observe the cell morphology and measured cell survival rate respectively determined by MTT method.A549 cells were treated with various concentrations of PQ (0.1,0.2,0.3 mmol/L) for 24 hours.The expressions of the mRNAs for α-SMA、E-cadherin,caspase-8,caspase-3 and caspase-9 were analysed by quantitative real-time PCR.Exposed to various concentrations of PQ (0.1,0.2,0.3mmol/L) for 24 hours,we analysed the protein expressions of α-SMA、E-cadherin、caspase-8、caspase-3 and caspase-9 by Western blot analysis.Results Treated with various concentrations of PQ (0.1-1.0mmol/L) for 24 hours,the A549 cells survival rate significantly reduced by MTT method.For 48 hours,the survival rate was lower.So,in subsequent experiments,we used 0.1,0.2 and 0.3 mmol/L concentration of paraquat to A549 cells,trained for 24 hours.After high-dose (0.1,0.2 and 0.3 mmol/L) exposure to PQ,a decrease in E-cadherin was observed while a decrease in α-SMA was also detected of the mRNAs.While the expressions of the mRNAs for caspase-8、caspase-3 and caspase-9 wereincrease.The protein expressions of α-SMA and E-cadherin were decrease with the increase of concen trations by Western blot analysis,and the levels of caspase-8、caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increase.Conclusions After high-dose short-time exposure to PQ,the survival rate of A549 cells is decreased obviously,cell morphology changed significantly,and the expressions of α-SMA and E-cadherin were decrease.But the expressions of caspase-8、caspase-3 and caspase-9 were increase.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a case of recurrent fetal congenital hydrocephalus. METHODS: Next-generation sequencing was carried out for the fetus, the gravida and two of her sisters. RESULTS: The fetus was found to harbor a c.1765T>C (p.Tyr589His) mutation in exon 14 of the L1CAM gene, which was derived from the gravida. CONCLUSION Male fetuses with recurrent hydrocephalus should be subjected to testing of the L1CAM gene to facilitate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.
DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Fetus ; Genetic Diseases, X-Linked ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Mutation ; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Pregnancy

Objective: To explore the genetic basis for a case of recurrent fetal congenital hydrocephalus. Methods: Next-generation sequencing was carried out for the fetus, the gravida and two of her sisters. Results: The fetus was found to harbor a c. 1765T>C (p.Tyr589His) mutation in exon 14 of the L1CAM gene, which was derived from the gravida. Conclusion Male fetuses with recurrent hydrocephalus should be subjected to testing of the L1CAM gene to facilitate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.