OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of the rate of morphologically normal sperm (MNS) on the clinical outcomes of conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with one retrieved oocyte.

METHODSFrom January 2013 to January 2015, a total of 256 couples with one retrieved oocyte underwent conventional IVF in our center. According to the rate of MNS, the patients were divided into two groups: MNS < 4% (134 cycles) and MNS ≥ 4% (122 cycles). We compared the rates of no transferrable embryo cycles, fertilization, cleavage, normal fertilization, abnormal fertilization, high-quality embryo and transferrable embryo between the two groups. A total of 75 fresh embryo transfer cycles were performed, 43 in the MNS < 4% group and the other 32 in the MNS ≥ 4% group. We also compared the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy and abortion between the two groups.

RESULTSThere were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the rates of no transferrable embryo cycles, fertilization, cleavage, normal fertilization, abnormal fertilization, high-quality embryo and transferrable embryo (P > 0.05). The rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy and abortion exhibited no remarkable differences either in the fresh embryo transfer cycles between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe rate of MNS does not affect the clinical outcomes of conventional IVF in patients with one retrieved oocyte.

Abortion, Spontaneous ; Cleavage Stage, Ovum ; Embryo Implantation ; Female ; Fertilization ; Fertilization in Vitro ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Oocyte Retrieval ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Single Embryo Transfer ; statistics & numerical data ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa ; physiology

Objective To analyze the prevalence,risk factors of kidney disease in type 2 diabetic patients with KDIGO classification of chronic kidney disease,also to study cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and death in these patients,so as to investigate the significance of the KDIGO classification system.Methods One thousand six hundred and forty-five type 2 diabetic patients who were in hospitalization from June 2008 to December 2012 were grouped according to the KDIGO classification of chronic kidney disease and the incidence of vascular disease was analyzed based on the classification.Clinical features were compared between patients with or without kidney disease.The risk factors of kidney disease and the death of diabetic patients were also investigated.Results There were 915 male and 730 female,aged a median (57.86±12.54) years with (6.35±6.30) years duration of diabetes mellitus among the 1645 cases,and 37.2％ of patients had concomitant kidney disease.According to the classi fi cation of CKD,patients in CKD group 3a,group 3b and CKD group 4-5 accounted for 5.7％,3.5％ and 7.6％,while 33.4％ of patients had proteinuria,among which 19.5％ with microalbuminuria,13.5％ with macroalbuminuria.On complications,patients with hypertension accounted for 49.5％,hyperlipidemia 67.7％,diabetic retinopathy 27.4％,cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases 18.5％ (coronary artery disease 16.5％,cerebrovascular diseases 8.8％).Statistical difference was detected in the incidence of diabetic retinopathy,coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular diseases between CKD group 3a and 3b (P ＜ 0.05).The duration of diabetes,concomitant hypertention especially with elevated systolic blood pressure,diabetic retinopathy and hyperuricemia were the independent risk factors for type 2 diabetic patients with kidney disease.Age,Scr,complicating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and advanced CKD stage were the independent risk factors for the death of type 2 diabetic patients with kidney disease.Conclusion KDIGO classification of chronic kidney disease enables better staging of kidney diseases in diabetic patients for management and prognosis.Diabetic patients have a higher prevalence of renal diseases and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events than the general population.Early control of factors such as blood pressure and serum uric acid can delay the progression of kidney disease,and the predictive role of diabetic retinopathy should be emphasized.

Objective To analyze the impact factors for early renal damage in type 2 diabetic patients by the classification tree model.Methods A total of 601 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled.According to glomerular filtration rates and urine albumin quantification,the patients were divided into type 2 diabetes group (418 cases) and early diabetic renal damage group (183 cases).The clinical data of the patients were recorded to analyze the main influential factors for the microalbuminuria of type 2 diabetic patients using the Exhaustive CHAID classification tree algorithm.Results Six important explanatory variables were screened out by the classification tree model from the 34 candidate variables related to early renal damage,including fibrinogen,history of hypertension,retinopathy,Cys C levels,SBP and peripheral neuropathy.Elevated fibrinogen was the main factor.Conclusion The classification tree model can analyze the major influential factors of early renal damage in type 2 diabetic patients effectively,and it can help develop the prevention and treatment methods.

Background: We found microRNA (miR)-1246 to be significantly differentially expressed between severe active alopecia areata (AA) patients and healthy individuals. Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of miR-1246 in severe AA. Methods: Expression of miR-1246, dual-specific tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), and nuclear factor of activated T cells 1c (NFATc1) in peripheral CD4+ T cells and in scalp tissues of patients were detected using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays. Peripheral CD4+ T cells from the AA patients were transfected with lentiviral vectors overexpressing miR-1246. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis were used to measure mRNA or protein expression of retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gamma (ROR-γt), interleukin (IL)-17, DYRK1A, NFATc1, and phosphorylated NFATc1. Flow cytometry was used to assay the CD4+ IL-17+ cells proportion. ELISA was used to measure cytokine levels. Results: miR-1246 levels decreased and DYRK1A and NFATc1 mRNA levels significantly increased in the peripheral CD4+ T cells and scalp tissues of severe active AA samples.NFATc1 protein expression was also significantly increased in the peripheral CD4+ T cells but not in the scalp tissues. NFATc1 positive cells were mainly distributed among infiltrating inflammatory cells around hair follicles. In peripheral CD4+ T cells of severe active AA, overexpression of miR-1246 resulted in significant downregulation of DYRK1A, NFATc1, ROR-γt, and IL-17 mRNA and phosphorylated NFATc1 protein, as well as a decrease in the CD4+ IL-17+ cells proportion and the IL-17F level. Conclusion miR-1246 can inhibit NFAT signaling and Th17 cell activation, which may be beneficial in the severe AA treatment.

Objective To predict B cell epitopes in Sj22, Sj23, Sj14-3-3, Sj26 of Schistosoma japonicum with bioinformatics, and evaluate the antigenicity of these epitope proteins. Methods The complete DNA sequences of S.japonicum were predicted by BioSun system, the target B cell epitope genes were selected, cloned and expressed. The expressed fusion proteins were detected with the sera of schistosomiasis patients and health people for evaluation of their antigenicity. Results Eight B cell epitopes from four molecules of S.japonicum were predicted. The B cell epitopes of Sj22 probably located in 56-62 and 127-133 amino acids. The B cell epitopes of Sj23 probably located in 149-156 and 160-167 amino acids. The B cell epitopes of S14-3-3 probably located in 118-125 and 130-137 amino acids. The B cell epitopes of Sj26 probably located in 143-149 and 191-197 amino acids. The predicted epitope genes were cloned into pET-32c plasmid and expressed. Three of eight expressed fusion proteins of epitopes were reacted with the sera of schistosomiasis patients but not with health people. Conclusion Three epitope antigens with potential diagnosis value are determined.

To study the effect of the combined administration of different doses of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma on the proliferation of DFMO-treated intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) and p53, p21 mRNA and protein expressions, in order to define the molecular basis for the effect of the combined administration of different doses of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma on the cell proliferation. The effect of the drugs on the cell division rate and cell cycle of IEC-6 cells was detected by FCM. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the effect of the drugs on mRNA of p2l and p53 related to IEC-6 proliferation. Western blot was used to analyze the effect of the drugs on p2l and p53 protein expressions of IEC-6 cells. Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma could increase p53, p21 mRNA and proteins expression in DFMO-treated IEC-6 cells. The combined administration of different ratios of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma could significantly down-regulate Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma's effect on p53, p21 mRNA and proteins expression in DFMO-treated IEC-6 cells and promote the proliferation of IEC-6 cells. The combined administration of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma could down-regulate Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma's effect on DFMO-treated intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6).
Animals ; Atractylodes ; chemistry ; Cell Line ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Glycyrrhiza ; chemistry ; Intestines ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo develop a therapeutic vaccine against human tumors associated with human papillomavirus type 16E6E7 (HPV16E6E7) which is modified from a Chinese patient of the cervical cancer which possessing the antigenicity and no transforming activity, and explore more active vaccine for inducing cellular immunity with mouse co-stimulatory molecular B7-1 gene.

METHODSThe modified E6E7 gene expression plasmid pVR1012-fmE6E7 was constructed and transfected Cos-7 cells, and the E7 protein specific expression was testified by immunofluorescence assay. C57BL/6 mice were immunized intramuscularly with pVR1012-fmE6E7 alone or in combination with B7-1 gene expression plasmid (pcDNA3.1-B7-1). The activity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) was analyzed with 51Cr specific release assay and the specific antibody in sera was analyzed by indirect ELISA. HPV16 positive C57BL/6 tumor cells C3 were inoculated subcutaneously in the vaccinated mice to assay the growth of transplanted tumors.

RESULTSThe specific CTLs and antibody from immunized mice were induced efficaciously by the E6E7 gene immunization, and co-administration of B7-1 gene could significantly enhanced the CTLs immune responses of fmE6E7, and protected 33% immunized mice against C3 tumor cells challenge. In contrast, all the mice immunized only with fmE6E7 gene developed transplanted tumors after C3 cells challenge. There was no difference in E7 specific antibody responses between mice immunized with the E6E7 gene only and co-administration with B7-1 gene.

CONCLUSIONSThe modified E6E7 gene can be used as target gene for developing DNA vaccine, and B7-1 gene may represent an attractive adjuvant for enhancement of the specific cellular immune responses.

Animals ; Antibodies, Neoplasm ; immunology ; B7-1 Antigen ; genetics ; immunology ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; Oncogene Proteins, Viral ; genetics ; immunology ; Papillomavirus E7 Proteins ; Repressor Proteins ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; immunology ; Transfection ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; immunology ; pathology ; virology ; Vaccines, DNA ; immunology

Objective To observe the improving effect in joint function of moderate skeletal fluorosis treated by traditional Chinese medication(main ingredient was Strychnine).MethodsFrom December 2007 to July 2009,120 moderate skeletal fluorosis patients met the inclusion criteria were divided into the treatment group(60 cases)and the control group(60 cases)in the skeletal fluorosis hospital of Xinzhou,the treatment group was given basic treatment and traditional Chinese medication,the control group wa8 given basic treatment and placebo.The treatment lasted 12 weeks,follow up 24 weeks.Before treatment,after treatment 4 weeks,8 weeks,12 weeks,36 weeks,a third party evaluate comprehensive function of both upper and lower limb and joint dysfunction.Results The main effect of both drugs was statistically significance in the scores of the upper forearm in the finger by touching the posterior contralateral ear, upper arm touched by the finger back in the opposite corner subscapularis function, lower limb function and single-joint dysfunction(F values were 4.08,14.32,35.81,13.02, all P<0.05), the main effect of time also was significant (F values were 82.63,72.82,277.33,328.16, all P<0.05),①the upper forearm in the finger by touching the posterior contralateral ear functions:At the time of 8,12 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than those of before treatment and control group (all P<0.05);At the time of 36 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than that 12 weeks(all P<0.05);At the time of 8,12,36 weeks, scores of the control group were lower than those of before treatment(all P < 0.05);②upper arm function, namely fingers touching the opposite corner subscapularis:At the time of 4,8,12 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than those of before treatment(all P<0.05); At the time of 36 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than that 12 weeks(all P<0.05); At the time of 8,12,36 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than those of the control group (all P<0.05);③Lower extremity functions: At the time of 8,12 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than those of before treatment and control group (all P<0.05);At the time of 36 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than that 12 weeks(all P<0.05) ; At the time of 8,12,36 weeks, scores of the control group were lower than those of before treatment (all P<0.05);④single joint functions:At the time of 4,8,12 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than those of before treatment(all P<0.05); At the time of 36 weeks,scores of the treatment group were lower than that 12 weeks(all P<0.05) ; At the time of 8,12,36 weeks, scores of the control group were lower than those of before treatment(all P<0.05);At the time of 4,8,12,36 weeks, scores of the treatment group were lower than those of control group(all P<0.05);⑤At the end of treatment and follow-up,the improvement rate in joint functions in the treatment group were 88.33% (53/60),93.33% (56/60); the control group were 28.07%(16/57),40.35%(23/57), (Fisher test, P<0.01,X2=56.21, P<0.01). ConclusionTraditional Chinese medication(its main ingredient is Strychnine), an effective drug for improving joint dysfunction in patients suffering from moderate skeletal fluorosis, is simple and effective.

OBJECTIVETo study significance and limitations of the ratio of free to total prostate specific antigen (f/t PSA) in differential diagnosis between prostate cancer and benign prostatehyperplasia (BPH) with total PSA (tPSA) levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml.

METHODSWe analysed retrospectively 180 prostate cancer and BPH patients who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from October 1998 to October 2002 and had serum tPSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml. Of the 180 patients, 36 (20%) were histologically confirmed as prostate cancer and 144 (80%) BPH. The tPSA and free PSA (fPSA) in serum were measured by micropartical enzyme immunoassay. Prostate volume was measured by transabdominal ultrasonography. We chose Student's t-test for comparison between prostate cancer and BPH groups. The correlation between prostate volume and f/t PSA was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTSThe mean values of tPSA and f/t PSA were 6.75 ng/ml and 0.17 in patients with prostate cancer, 6.48 ng/ml and 0.25 in patients with BPH. The mean value of tPSA wasn't significantly different between patients with prostate cancer and BPH (P > 0.05). However, the mean value of f/t PSA of patients with prostate cancer was significantly lower than that of patients with BPH (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there were significant and positive correlation between prostate volume and f/t PSA in both groups with prostate cancer and BPH (prostate cancer group's correlation coefficient (r = 0.50, P < 0.01); BPH group (r = 0.24, P < 0.01). There was significant difference in f/t PSA between prostate cancer and BPH patients with prostate volumes more than 40 cm(3) (P < 0.05), but not between these two groups with prostate volumes more than 40 cm(3) (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe f/t PSA is significant in differential diagnosis between prostate cancer and BPH with tPSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml. But prostate volume has an effect on f/tPSA. The f/tPSA has diagnostic value of differentiation only when the prostate volume is less than 40 cm(3).

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; blood ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Kidney ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; blood ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo assess the impact of pre-procedure anemia on the long-term mortality in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary interventions.

METHODSA total of 1014 ACS patients (≥ 60 years of age) with hemoglobin data and without previous treatment with thrombolytic agents and without end-stage renal failure before the interventional procedure were included. Patients were classified as anemia using the definition of World Health Organization: hemoglobin < 130 g/L in men, and < 120 g/L in women. A total of 253 patients were anemia. The clinical features of patients with and without anemia and association of pre-procedure anemia with long-term mortality were analyzed.

RESULTSIncidence of diabetes and serum creatinine level were significantly higher in anemia patients than in non-anemia patients while systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly lower in anemia patients than in non-anemia patients (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The patients were followed up for 528 (178 - 675) days. After adjustment for potential co-variants in Cox regression analysis, pre-procedure anemia was associated with a significantly higher long-term mortality (RR: 3.293, 95%CI: 1.431 - 7.578, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPre-procedure anemia is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary interventions.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; complications ; mortality ; therapy ; Aged ; Anemia ; complications ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome