Objective To study basic thyroid stimulating hormone (bTSH) levels impact on outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in Qinghai.Methods Totally 282 cases with IVF cycles and 93 cases with ICSI cycles were studied prospectively,according to bTSH level,patients were divided into four groups.Reproduction rate,clinical pregnancy rate,miscarriage rate and live birth rate were studied among four groups.Results (1) In 375 cases with IVF/ICSI cycles,bTSH was positively correlated with abortion rate (r=0.42,P=0.04),but live birth rate and growing rate showed negative correlations with bTSH (r=-0.42,-0.28; P=0.04,0.03).bTSH and the number of eggs,the number of fertilized eggs,the number of embryos,biochemical pregnancy rate,and clinical pregnancy rate were no significant correlation (all P＞0.05).(2) Among women at group of ≤1.7,＞1.7 and ≤2.5,＞2.5 and ≤3.5,＞3.5 mU/L,the implantation rates were 28.7％,27.3％,37.7％ and 19.2％,live birth rates were 80.9％,75.0％,82.7％,and 59.8％,abortion rates were 19.0％,15.0％,16.7％,40.1％; they all showed significant difference (all P＜0.05).Abortion rate in women with high bTSH level was higher than that of women with lower bTSH level,however implantation rate,live birth rate in women with high bTSH level were lower.Conclusion When bTSH level is ＞3.5 mU/L,the abortion rate were increased,but live birth rate,rate of implantation were decreased.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the precise locations of the blood vessels and nerves surrounding the seminal vesicles (SV) in men and provide some anatomical evidence for SV-related minimally invasive surgery.

METHODSWe observed the courses and distribution of the blood vessels and nerves surrounding SVs and obtained the data for positioning the SV neuroplexes in 20 male pelvises.

RESULTSOne branch of the neuroplexes was distributed to the SVs bilaterally with the neurovascular bundles, (2.85 ± 0.18) cm from the median sulcus of the prostate (MSP), while another branch ran through the Denonvillier fascia behind the SV, (0.81 ± 0.06) cm from the MSP. The arterial SVs (ASV) originated from the inferior vesical artery and fell into 4 types, 55% going directly to the SVs as one branch, 15% running between the SV and the ampulla of the deferent duct as another branch, 25% downward as 2 branches to the SV and between the SV and the ampulla of the deferent duct respectively, and 5% as the other ASVs. The shortest distance from the ASV through the prostatic neuroplexus to the posterior SV was (1.08 ± 0.09) cm.

CONCLUSIONIn SV resection, neuroplexus injury can be reduced with a bilateral distance of < 2.85 cm and a posterior distance of < 0.81 cm from the MSP, and so can bleeding by vascular ligation between the SV and the ampulla of the deferent duct.

Biopsy ; Humans ; Male ; Prostate ; blood supply ; innervation ; Seminal Vesicles ; blood supply ; innervation ; Vas Deferens ; blood supply ; innervation

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features, histologic diagnosis and differential diagnosis of sinonasal-type of hemangiopericytoma (SNTHPC).

METHODSThe clinical, radiographic and pathologic findings of 6 cases of SNTHPC were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy were performed on selected examples.

RESULTSAmongst the 6 patients studied, 4 were males and 2 were females. The age of patients ranged from 56 to 71 years (mean = 60.5 years old). The commonest clinical presentation was nasal obstruction and/or epistaxis. Other symptoms could include increased nasal secretion, eyeball pain, decreased visual acuity, increased tear secretion and headache. The tumor involved nasal cavity and/or paranasal sinuses. Gross examination showed polypoid tumor masses, brownish fleshy tissue or whitish tumor tissue fragments. Histologically, the tumor showed a mixture of diffuse, fascicular, storiform, reticulated and whorled growth patterns. The tumor cells were spindle-shaped and possessed clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm. Mitotic figures were rarely seen. The intervening vasculature was characteristically thin-walled, with focal hyalinization changes and rarely the staghorn pattern. Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells expressed vimentin (6/6), smooth muscle actin (5/6) and CD34 (3/6). Electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of intracytoplasmic myofilaments. The tumor cells were linked together by primitive cell junctions. In general, the histologic diagnosis of SNTHPC was difficult, and only 1 case had the correct initial pathologic diagnosis made. Follow-up data were available in 5 patients and 2 of them had local recurrences.

CONCLUSIONSSNTHPC is a low to intermediate grade soft tissue tumor with pericytes differentiation. Correct diagnosis relies on detailed pathologic assessment and application of ancillary investigations.

Actins ; metabolism ; Aged ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemangiopericytoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Cavity ; pathology ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Paranasal Sinuses ; pathology ; Vimentin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo detect aquaporin-1 mRNA (AQP1) expression in human oligohydramnios placenta and fetal membranes.

METHODSPlacenta and fetal membranes samples were obtained from 5 women with oligohydramnios and 5 with normal amniotic fluid volume. AQP-1 mRNA expression in the tissue samples was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe expression of AQP1 mRNA was significantly lower in oligohydramnios placenta than in normal pregnancy placenta at term (P<0.05), and also significantly lower in oligohydramnios fetal membranes than in normal fetal membranes at term (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONAlterations in AQP1 mRNA expressions in human placenta and fetal membranes may play an important role in the disorder of maternal-fetal fluid exchange and amniotic fluid volume.

Adult ; Aquaporin 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Extraembryonic Membranes ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Oligohydramnios ; metabolism ; Placenta ; metabolism ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Objective To conduct research of β-Thalassemia incidence and genotypes on children below 7 years of age in Nanning, Liuzhou and Baise areas, Guangxi province. Methods A total of 2261 children aged below 7 in Nanning, Liuzhou and Baise areas were studied. Venous blood was detected by routine blood test, hemoglobin analysis and β-Thalassemia genotyping. Results Among 2261 samples, 125 showed high level of HbA2 and were diagnosed as β-Thalassemia (5.53%). Genotypes of the patients were classified as: 59 cases with β-globin gene eondon (CD) 41-42 mutation, 33 cases CD17 mutation, 18 cases with TA TA box nt-28 mutation, 7 with IVS-Ⅱ-654 mutation, 3 with CD43 mutation, 3 with HbE mutation, one with CD71-72 and TATA box nt-29 mutation, respectively. The genotyping frequencies of β-Thalassemia were as follows: 47.20% for CD41-42 mutation, 26.40% for CD17 mutation, 14.40% for TATAbox nt-28 mutation, 5.60% for IVS-Ⅱ -654 mutation, 2.40% for CD43 mutation, 2.40% for HbE mutation, 0.80% for CD71-72 mutation and TATAbox nt-29 mutation respectively. Conclusion This study on children in the area with high incidence of β-Thalassemia reflected the incidence and characteristics of genotypes in this area. Our data also provided evidence for the development of a program on genetic counseling and prevention for thalassemia.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution features of Chinese medical constitutions in hypertension complicated diabetes patients.

METHODSRecruited were 251 primary hypertension inpatients at the Department of Neurology and the Department of Cardiology, Mindong Hospital of Ningde City from October 2010 to March 2011. They were assigned to two groups according to whether they were complicated with diabetes, i.e., the primary hypertension complicated diabetes (as the case group, 78 cases) and the primary hypertension without complicated diabetes (as the control group, 173 cases). The constitution types were investigated by questionnaire. The constitution type distribution was compared between the two groups. The data including gender, age, and the distribution of the constitution type were compared between the two groups. The levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, Hb, FPG, and ALB were detected on the 2nd day after admission. The levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, Hb, and ALB were compared be- tween the two groups in patients of yin deficiency constitution, phlegm dampness constitution, and qi deficiency constitution.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in the hypertension grading, the disease course, and chronic disease complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). The main constitution types were yin deficiency (accounting for 26.0%), phlegm dampness (accounting for 19.1%), and qi deficiency (accounting for 19.1%) in the control group. The main constitution types were yin deficiency (accounting for 32.1%), phlegm dampness (accounting for 30.8%), and qi deficiency (accounting for 17.9%) in the case group. The ratio of phlegm dampness type in the case group was higher than that in the control group with statistical difference (P = 0.041). There was no statistical difference in the constitution distribution in the same gender between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the constitution distribution in those younger than 80 years between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with those older than 80 years in the control group, the ratio of phlegm dampness was higher, and the ratios of yang deficiency, yin deficiency, qi deficiency, and dampness heat were lower in the case group with statistical difference (P = 0.020). There was no statistical difference in the constitution distribution among different age stages in the case group (P > 0. 05). But there was statistical difference in the constitution distribution among different age stages in the control group (P < 0.05). The yin deficiency and qi deficiency constitutions were dominated in thinner patients of the control group, while yin deficiency constitution was dominated in thinner patients of the case group, showing no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the distribution of constitution type in overweight patients between the two groups (P = 0.458). Compared with those of gentle type constitution in the same group, the levels of TC and LDL-C increased in those of phlegm dampness constitution in the two groups (P < 0.05). The level of TC increased in those of qi deficiency constitution in the case group. The level of Hb decreased in those of qi deficiency constitution in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with those of qi deficiency constitution in the same group, the levels of TC and Hb obviously increased in those of phlegm dampness constitution in the control group (P < 0.05). The level of ALB increased in those of yin deficiency constitution in the case group (P < 0. 05). Compared with the control group, the level of FPG of those of each constitution increased in the case group (P < 0.05) ,.and the level of TC increased in those of qi deficiency constitution (P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONSThe main constitution types of hypertension complicated diabetes patients were yin deficiency, phlegm dampness, and qi deficiency. The ratio of phlegm dampness was higher in hypertension complicated diabetes patients than hypertension without complicated diabetes patients. The levels of TC and LDL-C were higher in those of phlegm dampness constitution type. The level of TC was higher in hypertension complicated diabetes patients of qi deficiency constitution.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Case-Control Studies ; Diabetes Complications ; diagnosis ; Diabetes Mellitus ; diagnosis ; Essential Hypertension ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; complications ; diagnosis ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features, criteria for grading and prognostic factors of primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

METHODSThirty-five cases of primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm were retrieved from the archival files over a period of 11 years (with 32 cases having integrated data). According to the 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system, the cases were categorized into three groups: neuroendocrine tumor grade 1 (NET G1), neuroendocrine tumor grade 2 (NET G2) and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). Statistical correlation between various histologic parameters and survival data was analyzed.

RESULTSStatistical analysis showed significant difference between NET [G1 (1 case)/G2 (14 cases)] and NEC (17 cases) groups in terms of tumor differentiation, necrosis, nuclear atypia, mitotic count and Ki-67 proliferative index (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in tumor size, growth pattern and presence of vascular tumor emboli (P > 0.05). The survival rate of patients correlated with tumor differentiation, growth pattern, necrosis, nuclear atypia, mitotic count and proliferative index (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between patient survival and tumor size or presence of vascular tumor emboli (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe subdivision of primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm according to the 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system helps to evaluate the malignant potential and prognosis of the tumors. Prognostically useful histologic parameters include tumor differentiation, growth pattern, necrosis, nuclear atypia, mitotic count and proliferative index.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine ; immunology ; pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ki-67 Antigen ; metabolism ; Liver Neoplasms ; classification ; immunology ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuroendocrine Tumors ; classification ; immunology ; pathology ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical, radiologic and pathologic features, as well as differential diagnosis of teratocarcinosarcoma in nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

METHODSLight microscopic examination and immunohistochemical study was performed in 5 cases of sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma. The clinical, radiologic and pathologic features were analyzed and the literature was reviewed.

RESULTSAll 5 patients were males and their age ranged from 34 to 43 years (mean age = 39 years). The clinical presentation was nasal obstruction, epistaxis and headache. Physical examination often revealed a polypoid mass with contact bleeding. Computed tomography showed a homogeneous nasal mass with obturation of sinuses. Cystic changes, calcification or ossification was not observed. Histologically, the tumor showed a heterogeneous admixture of components from the 3 germ cell layers, exhibiting various degrees of maturation. Squamous epithelium, smooth muscle cells, chondro-osseous tissue, intestinal or respiratory type epithelium, "fetal-type" clear cells and immature neuroepithelium were commonly seen. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated that the epithelial component expressed cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen, while the mesenchymal component variably expressed vimentin, smooth muscle actin and S-100 protein. On the other hand, the neuroepithelial component expressed neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin and chromogranin, and the primitive component expressed CD99. The initial biopsy diagnosis included capillary hemangioma, olfactory neuroblastoma, craniopharyngioma and malignant mixed tumor. Follow-up information was available in all patients. Two of which had local recurrence and 1 had cervical lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSIONSSinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma is a rare and highly malignant tumor occurring in sinonasal tract. It manifests mainly in adult males and is characterized by a complex admixture of teratomatous and carcinosarcomatous components. "Fetal-type" clear cells, squamous epithelium and immature neuroepithelium represent important histologic characteristics useful in diagnosis.

Adult ; Carcinosarcoma ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Keratins ; metabolism ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Mucin-1 ; metabolism ; Nasal Cavity ; Neck Dissection ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Nose Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Radiography ; Teratocarcinoma ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on the apoptosis of annulus fibrosus (AF) cell induced by interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta).

METHODSCultured AF cells were divided into 6 groups and treated with no drug, 10 ng/mL IL-6, 10 ng/mL IL-1beta, 10 ng/mL IL-1beta and Z-VAD-FMK (a caspase-9 inhibitor), 10 ng/mL IL-1beta and 10 ng/mL IL-6, 10 ng/mL IL-1beta and 100 ng/mL IL-6, respectively. After three days of culture, the apoptosis rate, the positive rates of caspase-3, -8, and -9 of AF cells were detected with flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe apoptosis rates of cells in group 1 to 6 were 2.67% +/- 1.08%, 2.71% +/- 0.53%, 20.37% +/- 1.57%, 11.34% +/- 0.67%, 18.17% +/- 0.74%, and 9.42% +/- 1.08%, respectively. There was no significant difference between group 1 and 2, while the apoptosis rates of group 4, 5, and 6 were significantly lower than group 3 (P = 0.001, P = 0.172, and P = 0.001, respectively). Positive rates of caspase-3 in group 5 (12.35% +/- 0.64%) and 6 (9.26% +/- 0.36%) were significantly lower than group 3 (17.14% +/- 0.72%; P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). And positive rates of caspase-9 in group 5 (15.13% +/- 1.45%) and 6 (10.17% +/- 2.50%) were significantly lower than group 3 (19.4% +/- 0.98% ; P = 0.014 and P = 0.004, respectively). But there was not obvious change of caspase-8 activity after IL-6 was added.

CONCLUSIONIL-6 is capable of protecting AF cells from IL-1beta induced apoptosis in vitro. Mechanism of the protection is related with the inhibition of caspase-3 and -9 activities.

Amino Acid Chloromethyl Ketones ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase Inhibitors ; Cells, Cultured ; Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-1beta ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-6 ; pharmacology ; Intervertebral Disc ; cytology ; drug effects ; enzymology ; Rabbits

OBJECTIVESTo examine whether or not vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors were expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines with various metastatic potentialities.

METHODSReverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot were employed to study the expressions of VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGF-A and VEGF-B in four hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines MHCC97-H, MHCC97-L, SMMC7721 and HepG-2 and one normal liver cell line L-02.

RESULTSThree hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (MHCC97-H, MHCC97-L, SMMC7721) expressed VEGFR-1 mRNA and their proteins. The expression level of VEGFR-1 in MHCC97-H was higher than that in MHCC97-L (P less than 0.05) and the expression level of VEGFR-1 in MHCC97-L was higher than that in SMMC7721 (P less than 0.05). No expression of VEGFR-1 was found in HepG-2 or L-02. All four hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and the L-02 cell line expressed VEGFR-2 mRNA and the protein, as well as the VEGFR-1 ligands VEGF-A and VEGF-B. The expression level of VEGFR-2 in all tested hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and normal liver cell line L-02 showed no significant differences (P more than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONVEGFR-1 was expressed in 4 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines with various metastatic potentialities. The expression levels appeared to be positively correlated with the potentialities of metastasis of the hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. VEGFR-1 may relate to the invasiveness and metastatic potential of the hepatocellular carcinoma.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; metabolism