BackgroundRecent researches suggested that properties of neurons in the lateral geniculate neuron (LGN) may represent an important neural limitation on the development of basic spatial and temporal vision,and even binocular rivalry.However,previous studies on the properties of spatiotemporal frequency tuning of LGN were rather concentrated on a monkey or cat,whereas little is known about rat.ObjectiveThis study was to examine the development of spatiotemporal frequency tuning in rats LGN.MethodsTwenty Wistar rats were collected and divided into 14-16 day,20-22 day,27-30 day and 60 day groups according to the different ages after their eyes opened and 5 rats were assigned for each group.Extracellular single neuron recording was carried out in the rats to study the spatio-temporal receptive field properties of neurons in LGN by sinusoidal gratings visual stimuli.Dynamic changes of the spatio-temporal receptive field properties of neurons in LGN with the development of Wistar rats were evaluated.ResultsThe differences between band-pass and low-pass distribution of temporal frequency or spatial frequency of rat LGN were not statistically significant (x2 =0.68,0.47,P＞0.05 ).The optimal temporal frequency of receptive field in rat LGN went up to the maximum value until 60 day in Wistar rats.The mean optimal temporal frequencies of neurons in the four different age groups were ( 2.5 ± 1.3 ),( 2.6± 1.2),(2.6± 1.1 ) and ( 3.6± 1.1 ) Hz with significant differences among the 4 groups (F=4.53,P＜0.05 ),and those in the 14-16 day group,20-22 day group,27- 30 day group were significantly lower than in the 60 days group ( q =4.43,4.10,4.03,P ＜ 0.05 ).No significant differences were seen among the 14-16 day group,20-22 day group and 27-30 day group ( P＞0.05 ).The optimal spatial frequency values in the four groups were ( 0.04 ± 0.04 ),( 0.04 ± 0.03 ),( 0.05 ± 0.03 ),( 0.05 ± 0.04 ) cpd,respectively without statistical difference among them ( F =0.58,P ＞ 0.05 ).The temporal and spatial bandwidth values in the various age groups were not statistically significant among the four groups ( F =0.37,1.22,P＞0.05). Conclusions The development of temporal and spatial frequency characteristics of the rat LGN receptive field may be related to its functional visual pathway.

Background The integration of segregated pathways from the two eyes first appears in V1 neurons,where it not only plays a critical role in the generation of a three-dimensional visual representation.Abnormal visual experiences in critical period usually lead to amblyopia and binocular integration defects.Objective Present study was to investigate how neurons of kitten coordinate their activity patterns in response to synchronous dichoptic stimulus inputs in striate cortex.Methods Spike rate and local field potential(LFP) gamma band(20-90Hz) power of three kitten(1-1.2Kg,8-10 weeks old) to monocular and synchronous dichoptic presented gratings were assessed for 28 binocular neurons in V1 of kitten by in vivo extracellular record method under anaesthesia and paralysis.Ocular dominance index(ODI) and binocular integration index(BII) were assessed and the correlation between these two indexes were analyzed.Results In 28 cells with binocular characteristic,the absolute value of spike-ODI was significant larger than that of LFP-ODI(t=2.606,P=0.021).A positive linear correlation between the ocular preferences of spike and LFP was found(R2=0.513,F=27.423,P=0.003).In dichotic trails,binocular facilitation with BII for spike was 2.348±0.996,showing a significant reduce in comparison with BII for LFP(3.678±1.974)(t=2.671,P=0.019).Binocular integration index for two signals were greater when monocular responses of both eyes were similar(P=0.035 and P=0.124,respectively).Conclusion Both spike rate and gamma band power of LFP exhibited binocular facilitation to synchronous presented dichotic stimuli with significant facilitation induced by balanced monocular responses.Spiking activity and LFP reflect neural activities of different spatial scales and source components.

OBJECTIVETo compare the age-specific detection rates of colorectal neoplasms by colonoscopic screening among high-risk population in rural area and to provide evidence for determining the initial age in the colorectal cancer screening.

METHODSThe age-specific detection rates of colorectal cancers and adenomas, and the proportion of detected cases in each age group after screening by the optimized sequential colorectal cancer screening program in Jiashan County, Zhejiang Province, were analyzed.

RESULTSMass screening with the optimized sequential colorectal cancer screening program in Jiashan was conducted and 8867 colonoscopic examinations were performed. A total of 1811 individuals with at least one colorectal neoplastic lesion were found. Among them, there were 92 (1.04%) colorectal cancer patients, 1164 (13.13%) patients with at least one adenoma and 377 (4.25%) patients with at least one advanced adenoma. The detection rate of colorectal neoplastic lesions for the age group 40 - 44 was considerably lower than that in the age group 45 - 49. Hypothetically, to increase the initial age to 45-years for the optimized sequential colorectal cancer screening program would yield a 7.84% increase in the detection rate of total colorectal neoplastic lesions, 13.46% increase in the detection rate of colorectal cancer, 8.76% increase in the detection rate of adenoma, 12.24% increase in the detection rate of advanced adenoma and 19.64% lower in the cost of initial screening, 13.30% lower in the cost of colonoscopic screening.

CONCLUSIONSAmong the high-risk population aged 40 to 74, the detection rates of colorectal cancer and adenoma are increasing with the increase of age, the detection rates of colorectal cancer and adenoma as well as proportion of detected cases in the 40 - 44 age group are considerably lower. To increase the initial age to 45 for colorectal cancer screening in rural area of China is reasonable.

Adenoma ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; pathology ; China ; epidemiology ; Colitis, Ulcerative ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Colonic Polyps ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Mass Screening ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Risk ; Rural Population ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differential expression of apoptosis associated gene Bcl-2 and Bax through cell cycle and its possible clinical meaning.

METHODSThe prostate cancer cell line PC-3 was synchronized in M, G1, S and G2 phase using modified thymine deoxyriboside blockage and high pressure N2O technique. The efficiency of synchronization was detected by flow-cytometry. RT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to examine the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in mRNA and protein level.

RESULTSThe synchronized rate of M, G1, S and G2 phase were 92.1%, 87.0%, 80.2% and 75.9% respectively. Bcl-2 was constitutively expressed through the cell cycle, but both the mRNA and protein expression level of Bcl-2 were very high in the G1 phase, dramatically decreased in M, S and G2 phase. The expression level of Bax had no change through the cell cycle.

CONCLUSIONSCell cycle could influence the expression level of Bcl-2 significantly but not Bax, these might have some clinical relevance.

Cell Cycle ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; biosynthesis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo assess the accuracy and reliability of the nest-PCR-sequence specific primer(SSP) method in HLA-A site genotyping of single blastomeres retrieved from human pre-implantation embryos.

METHODSBy nest PCR on HLA-A exon 2, the success rate of first-round amplification was estimated for single blastomeres. Based on the first-round amplification, the HLA-A genotype of every single blastomeres was analyzed by commercially available PCR-SSP kits.

RESULTSThe amplification of HLA-A exon 2 were performed to 120 blasotmeres retrieved from in vitro fertilization(IVF) surplus embryos donated by 10 couples. The average success rate of family 1-5 and 6-10 was 78.2%(43/55) and 93.8%(61/65), respectively. And 86.7%(104/120) in total. Eighty blastomeres were further tested by nest-PCR-SSP, among which 11 blastomeres failed to HLA-A exon 2 amplification and then failed to genotyping while the other 69 blastomeres succeed in HLA-A exon 2 amplification and succeed in genotyping. Except for 6 blastomeres that were uncertain for allele lost because of parents' homozygosity, the left 63 blastomeres had accurate HLA genotyping. Among these 63 blastomeres, 59 blastomeres had genotypes confirmed from their parents(93.6%), 3 blastomeres lost one of parents' alleles(4.8%), and only one blastomere had two more than parents' alleles(1.6%).

CONCLUSIONThe above research results indicated that based on the successful first round amplification of single blastomeres, nest-PCR-SSP strategy offers a convenient and reliable option for HLA genotyping on single blastomeres, which is a key process in pre-selecting HLA-identical sibling for allogeneic cord blood cell transplantation.

Base Sequence ; Blastomeres ; metabolism ; DNA ; analysis ; DNA Fingerprinting ; methods ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; HLA Antigens ; analysis ; HLA-A Antigens ; analysis ; genetics ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I ; analysis ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Single Person

BACKGROUNDWith the technical advances, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is now sensitive enough to detect subtle structural abnormalities of ocular motor nerves arising from the brainstem and orbits of living subjects. This study was designed to delineate the MRI characteristics in patients with special forms of strabismus.

METHODSA total of 29 patients with special forms of strabismus underwent orbital and intracalvarium MRI. Imaging of the ocular motor nerves in the brainstem was performed in 0.8 mm thickness image planes using the three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (3D-FIESTA) sequence. Nerves to extraocular muscles (EOMs), EOMs and their associated connective tissues were imaged with T1 weighting in tri-planar scans by dual-phased coils within 2.0 mm thick planes.

RESULTSPatients with congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles exhibited hypoplasia of the oculomotor (CN3), abducens (CN6), trochlear (CN4) nerves, and the EOMs; hypoplasia of CN6 in the brainstem and an extra branch of the inferior division of CN3 to the lateral rectus were the most common but not the only presentation of Duane's retraction syndrome. Hypoplasia of CN6, facial (CN7) and hypoglossal (CN12) nerves were revealed in patients with Möbius syndrome. In a rare case of bilateral synergistic convergence and divergence, an enlarged branch of CN3 to the medial rectus and a questionable branch of CN3 to the inferior rectus bilaterally were found.

CONCLUSIONMRI can reveal subtle structures of the ocular motor nerves and their corresponding EOMs. This can provide valuable information regarding pathogenesis in some special forms of strabismus.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cranial Nerves ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Oculomotor Muscles ; pathology ; Prospective Studies ; Strabismus ; pathology

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been reported to be effective for local control of different-sized hepatocellular carcinomas. However, it is unclear if these benefits could also be applicable to different-sized liver metastases from gastrointestinal cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of TACE combined with RFA for liver metastases from gastrointestinal cancers. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 19 consecutive patients who had a total of 26 liver metastatic lesions from gastrointestinal cancers and underwent RFA followed by first-time TACE treatment. The tumor recurrence, overall survival rate and procedure-related complications were evaluated. Moreover, patients' demographics and tumor characteristics were analyzed to determine their impact on the outcomes. The technical success of TACE plus RFA was achieved with 2 major procedure-related complications found. The mean follow-up was 21.3 months. The total 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rate was 89.4%, 52.6%, and 35.1%, respectively. It was found that the tumor size and the ratio of enhancement area were significant factors that influenced the overall survival. In conclusion, patients with gastrointestinal cancer-derived liver metastatic lesions of smaller size and larger enhancement area are considered appropriate candidates for TACE plus RFA.
Ablation Techniques ; adverse effects ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; adverse effects ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; secondary ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment ; adverse effects ; Survival Analysis

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanism of modified Guizhi Fulingwan in rats with uterine fibroids. Method:Seventy-two female adult SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into a model group， a normal group， and a preventive administration group. The model group and preventive administration group were established by estrogen and progestin loading method. After successful modeling， the rats in the model group were randomly divided into a western medicine group （mifepristone）， the high-dose traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） group， and a low-dose TCM group. All the rats were dosing as required once a day for 28 consecutive days. Hematoxylin-eosin（HE）staining was used to observe the morphological changes of the uterus. The micRNA gene chip was used to detect the expression profile of uterine micRNA gene. Differential expressions of micRNA were screened by bioinformatics methods. Gene function enrichment was used to predict the possible signaling pathways in rats with uterine fibroids by modified Guizhi Fulingwan. Result:Compared with the normal group， microRNA of the model group was 1 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated. Compared with the model group， microRNA of the high-dose group of TCM group was 2 up-regulated and 1 down-regulated， in the preventive administration group， 9 was up-regulated and 2 was down-regulated. Gene function enrichment analysis indicated that four signaling pathways were closely related to uterine fibroids. They were mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， Wnt signaling pathway， mammalian rapamycin target protein （mTOR） signaling pathway and vascular endothelial cell growth factor （VEGF） signaling pathway. Conclusion:Modified Guizhi Fulingwan affected the expression profile of micRNA in rat model of uterine fibroids induced by estrogen and progesterone， suggesting that modified Guizhi Fulingwan may involve in a variety of biological processes such as signal transduction and gene regulation in the treatment of uterine fibroids.

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) from Cordyceps militaris has been reported to have anti-tumor effects. However, the molecular target and mechanism underlying cordycepin impeding pancreatic cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo remain vague. In this study, we reported functional target molecule of cordycepin which inhibited pancreatic cancer cells growth in vitro and in vivo. Cordycepin was confirmed to induce apoptosis by activating caspase-3, caspase-9 and cytochrome c. Further studies suggested that MAPK pathway was blocked by cordycepin via inhibiting the expression of Ras and the phosphorylation of Erk. Moreover, cordycepin caused S-phase arrest and DNA damage associated with activating Chk2 (checkpoint kinase 2) pathway and downregulating cyclin A2 and CDK2 phosphorylation. Very interestingly, we showed that cordycepin could bind to FGFR2 (K = 7.77 × 10) very potently to inhibit pancreatic cancer cells growth by blocking Ras/ErK pathway. These results suggest that cordycepin could potentially be a leading compound which targeted FGFR2 to inhibit pancreatic cells growth by inducing cell apoptosis and causing cell cycle arrest via blocking FGFR/Ras/ERK signaling for anti-pancreatic cancer new drug development.

Objective: To investigate the incidence and trend of short-term outcomes among preterm infants born <34 weeks' gestation. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from the standardized database established by a multicenter cluster-randomized controlled study "reduction of infection in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) using the evidence-based practice for improving quality (REIN-EPIQ) study". This study was conducted in 25 tertiary NICU. A total of 27 192 infants with gestational age <34 weeks at birth and admitted to NICU within the first 7 days of life from May 2015 to April 2018 were enrolled. Infants with severe congenital malformation were excluded. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the mortality and major morbidities of preterm infants by gestational age groups and different admission year groups. Cochran-Armitage test and Jonckheere-Terpstra test were used to analyze the trend of incidences of mortality and morbidities in 3 study-years. Multiple Logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the differences of outcomes in 3 study-years adjusting for confounders. Results: A total of 27 192 preterm infants were enrolled with gestational age of (31.3±2.0) weeks at birth and weight of (1 617±415) g at birth. Overall, 9.5% (2 594/27 192) of infants were discharged against medical advice, and the overall mortality rate was 10.7% (2 907/27 192). Mortality for infants who received complete care was 4.7% (1 147/24 598), and mortality or any major morbidity was 26.2% (6 452/24 598). The incidences of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, proven necrotizing enterocolitis, and severe retinopathy of prematurity were 16.0% (4 342/27 192), 11.9% (3 225/27 192), 6.8% (1 641/24 206), 3.6% (939/25 762) and 1.5% (214/13 868), respectively. There was a decreasing of the overall mortality (P<0.001) during the 3 years. Also, the incidences for sepsis and severe retinopathy of prematurity both decreased (both P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the major morbidity in preterm infants who received complete care during the 3-year study period (P=0.230). After adjusting for confounders, infants admitted during the third study year showed significantly lower risk of overall mortality (adjust OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.55-0.69, P<0.001), mortality or major morbidity, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis and severe retinopathy of prematurity, compared to those admitted in the first study year (all P<0.05). Conclusions: From 2015 to 2018, the mortality and major morbidities among preterm infants in Chinese NICU decreased, but there is still space for further efforts. Further targeted quality improvement is needed to improve the overall outcome of preterm infants.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/epidemiology* ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality/trends* ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Premature, Diseases/epidemiology* ; Patient Discharge ; Retinopathy of Prematurity/epidemiology* ; Sepsis/epidemiology*