Focused Ultrasound Surgery (FUS) is a promising minimally invasive technique in tissue ablation. Because of the high intensity at the ultrasound focus, a precise 3D-localization system is required to determine the site of the treating target in order to increase the efficiency and security of FUS. This paper represents a three dimensional ultrasound (3D US) localization system developed and its workflow. The system is mainly composed of imaging and image processing system, movement device and its controlling circuits, and position feedback device. The system has a maximum scan range of +/- 30 degrees with a resolution of 8 levels from 0.54' to 0.36 degrees. For a spherical shape like target, in theory, the maximum diameter is 160 mm the system can treat. The system can be used to localize precisely the treatment targets with general sizes in the suitable parts of the body in FUS.
Algorithms ; Automatic Data Processing ; Computer Simulation ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; methods ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; instrumentation ; Microcomputers ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; methods ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; instrumentation ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore effective pretreated methods for hydrosalpinx before frozen embryo transfer (FET).

METHODSA randomized controlled study was performed on 229 FET cycles of hydrosalpinx patients. They were assigned to two groups by random digit table, Group A (94 cases), Group B (89 cases), and Group C (46 cases). Patients in Group A received transvaginal aspiration of hydrosalpinx combined with auricular point sticking. Those in Group B received transvaginal aspiration of hydrosalpinx group. Those in Group C received no transvaginal aspiration of hydrosalpinx. Pregnancy outcomes of FET, endometrial and subendometrial blood flow distribution on the embryo transfer day were compared among the three groups.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in the endometrial thickness on FET day, the number of transfer embryos, the number of transferred good quality embryos among the three groups (P > 0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate and the embryo implantation rate were significantly higher in Group A than in Group C (P < 0.05), and the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (P < 0.05). The early abortion rate and the transfer cycle cancel rate were significantly lower in Group A than in Group C (P < 0.05). Type A endometrial and subendometrial blood flow distribution was dominant in Group A, which was significantly higher in Group A than the rest two groups (P < 0.05). Type A distribution rate was also significantly higher in Group B than in Group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTransvaginal aspiration of hydrosalpinx combined with auricular point sticking before FET could improve the endometrial receptivity and improve outcomes of IVF.

Embryo Implantation ; Embryo Transfer ; methods ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; methods ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Pregnancy Rate

OBJECTIVETo explore the better therapy in the treatment of ganglion.

METHODSNinety cases of ganglion were randomized into a two-way quintuple puncture group, a common quintuple puncture group and a fire needling group, 30 cases in each one. In the two-way quintuple puncture group, the "9-in-1" multiple penetrating needling technique was used. In the common quintuple puncture group, the traditional "5-in-1" multiple penetrating needling technique was applied. In the fire needling group, the traditional multiple fire needling technique was adopted. The treatment was given once a day, 3 treatments made one session and the efficacy was analyzed statistically after 1 session treatment in the three groups.

RESULTSAll of the three therapeutic methods achieved the efficacy on ganglion. The curative rate was 96. 7% (29/30) in the two-way quintuple puncture group, which was better obviously than 66.7% (20/30) in the common quintuple puncture group and 60. 0% (18/30) in the fire needling group (both P<0. 01).

CONCLUSIONThe two-way quintuple puncture technique achieves the remarkably superior efficacy on ganglion as compared with the common quintuple puncture technique and fire needling technique.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Ganglion Cysts ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo examine the plasma lipid level and distribution of dyslipidemia in workers of Chongqing enterprises and institutions.

METHODSBy using cluster sampling method, 20 000 workers of Chongqing enterprises and institutions aged 18 to 60 were selected as target population from January to October, 2009. We conducted questionnaire survey, physical and laboratory examinations including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Workers were divided into 18 - 29 years old group, 30 - 39 years old group, 40 - 49 years old group and 50 - 60 years old group. Characteristic and distribution of dyslipidemia were analyzed.

RESULTSTotal cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly different in various age group (all P < 0.01). TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C levels in the 30 years and over groups were all significantly higher than in the under 30 years old group(all P < 0.01). The TG levels in the 40 - 49 years old group and the 50 - 60 years old group were similar (P > 0.05). After adjusting for age, TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C levels in males were all significantly higher than in females (all P < 0.01). The incidence of dyslipidemia in this population was 35.01% and significantly higher in males than that of females (58.27% vs. 11.01%, P < 0.01). The incidence of dyslipidemia increased with aging (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of dyslipidemia is high in Chongqing enterprises and institutions. The incidence of dyslipidemia is higher in males than in females and higher among the 30 years and over workers than that of under 30 years old workers.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Dyslipidemias ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Lipoproteins, HDL ; blood ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Triglycerides ; blood ; Young Adult

In order to solve the problem of selection and in vivo delivery problem in siRNA treatment, hepatitis B virus (HBV) HBx gene which could be targeted by siRNA was studied. The siRNA expression plasmid which specific inhibits HBx expression was obtained by in vitro selection via a dual-luciferase plasmid including HBx-Fluc fusion protein expression domain. The selected siRNA expression plasmid was then encapsulated in PEG-modified cationic liposome, which was devoted into pharmacodynamic studies at both cellular and animal level. The results illustrated that the cationic liposome which encapsulated siRNA expression plasmid could effectively inhibit HBx gene expression both in vitro and in vivo.
Cations ; Gene Expression Regulation, Viral ; drug effects ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; Liposomes ; chemistry ; Plasmids ; RNA, Small Interfering ; chemistry ; Trans-Activators ; genetics ; metabolism

p-Hydroxybenzoic acid can be oxidized by hydroxyl radicals ( · OH) to produce electroactive 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA). Therefore, it can be used as a probe to detect ·OH. In this work, 3,4-DHBA/ PPy / TiO2 molecularly imprinted polymer film was prepared for indirect determination of ·OH based on its recognition ability for 3,4-DHBA. The sensor was constructed by using pyrrole as the functional monomer and 3, 4-DHBA as the template molecule. The sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscope and different electrochemical methods. The preparation and determination conditions, such as the electropolymerization cycle number, pH value in the electropolymerization process, and elution time, were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, a linear range of 1. 0×10-8-1. 0×10-6 mol/ L was obtained for 3,4-DHBA and the detection limit was down to 4. 2×10-9 mol/ L (S / N = 3). This new approach was of low cost and convenience, and was successfully applied to measure the concentration of ·OH in the atmosphere.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti-HBV effect of fusion protein thymosin alpha1-interferon alpha (TA1-IFN) in vitro and to compare its effect with a combination of interferon alpha and thymosin alpha1.

METHODSAfter 2.2.15 cells were seeded for 24 hours, drugs of five serial concentrations (8000, 4000, 2000, 1000, 500 U/ml) were added to the wells, then the medium was changed every three days. After 2.2.15 cells were treated with drugs for 6 days, the medium was collected. The inhibitory rates on HBsAg and HBeAg were determined using Abbot kit, and the cytotoxicity of different drugs by means of MTT colorimetric assays was also observed.

RESULTSThe inhibitory rate of fusion protein on HBsAg, HBeAg was dose-dependent and reached the maximum at 8000 U/ml concentration. In the meantime, the inhibitory rates of fusion protein on HBsAg and HBeAg were 72.2% +/- 0.8% and 60.4% +/- 1.1% respectively, and the cell survival rate was 85.2% +/- 2.0%; In the corresponding concentration, the inhibitory rates of combination thymosin alpha 1 and interferon alpha on HBsAg and HBeAg were 40.0% +/- 0.7%, 34.5% +/- 3.2% respectively. The results showed significant statistical differences between them; cell survival rate 70.0% +/- 1.9%, and the difference of the results was also significant. Cytotoxicity of fusion protein was weaker than a combination of thymosin alpha 1 and interferon alpha.

CONCLUSIONFusion protein TA1-IFN exerted stronger anti-HBV effects in vitro. Its anti-HBV effects in vitro were stronger than the combination of thymosin alpha and interferon alpha, and its cytotoxicity was weaker than the combination of thymosin alpha and interferon alpha. Our studies provided important evidence for clinical research on TA1-IFN, and also brought new hope for hepatitis B therapy.

Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Thymosin ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology

This study was aimed to investigate the expression of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 1 (NHE1) in K562 and HL-60 cells undergoing DNA damage induced by etoposide and to elucidate the regulating mechanism. Real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) and Western blot methods were used to determine the expression of NHE1 in K562 cells after the treating with etoposide. Meanwhile, the flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of leukemic cells. The luciferase reporter vector containing NHE1 promoter was constructed to measure relative luciferase activity after treating with different etoposide concentrations. The results showed that the mRNA and protein of NHE1 increased in accordance with apoptosis ratio in HL-60 cells after treated with etoposide (p < 0.05), but no such obvious increase in K562 cells. Treatment with NHE1 specific inhibitor could block etoposide induced alkalization and reduce the apoptosis ratio of HL-60 cells. The expression pattern and apoptosis alteration was not similar in K562 cells. Relative luciferase activity of reporter vector containing NHE1 promoter however increased in K562 cells after treated with etoposide. It is concluded that the expression of NHE1 is up-regulated in the process of apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by etoposide and depends on the pHi increasing caused by NHE1 up-regulation which is not found in K562 cells although the transcriptional activity increased.
Apoptosis ; Cation Transport Proteins ; metabolism ; DNA Damage ; Etoposide ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchanger 1 ; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo search for the optimal approach for hepatocyte-directed differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells and investigate the molecular mechanism of the hepatic differentiation.

METHODSHepatic progenitor cells were infected with recombinant adenovirus which containing human LIF, BMP2 or BMP9 gene. The maturation and differentiation of progenitor cells were examined by PAS staining and ICG uptake methods at 4, 7 and 10 days post infection. The production of Albumin (Alb) was measured by luciferase activity at day 4, 7, 10 and 14.

RESULTSPAS staining assay revealed that BMP2 and BMP9 enhanced glycogen storage in hepatic progenitor cells most obviously at day 7. The percentages of positive cells were 30% and 45% respectively at 7 days post-infection. Meanwhile, 40% and 30% cells were positive by ICG uptake assay after BMP2 and BMP9 induction. Luciferase activity indicated that BMP9 induced ALB-Luc activity most significantly at day 7. However, less inductive activity was found in LIF-treated group.

CONCLUSIONThese results indicated tuat hepatic progenitor cells were differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells by BMPs and LIF induction.

Adenoviridae ; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ; pharmacology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Hepatocytes ; cytology ; metabolism ; virology ; Humans ; Leukemia Inhibitory Factor ; pharmacology ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; virology

This study was purposed to explore the changes of possible angiogenetic factors other than VEGF after inhibition of NHE1 and their related mechanisms. The K562 cells were treated by NHE1 specific inhibitor cariporide, the angiogenesis factors after inhibition of NHE1 were screened by using protein chip, the IL-8 expression level after cariporide treatment was detected by real-time quantitative PCR; the K562 cells with stable interference of NHE1 were constructed, the IL-8 expression level after interference of NHE1 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR; the p38 phosphorylation level in K562 cells treated with cariporide was detected by Western blot. After treatment of K562 cells with p38 inhibitor SB203580, the IL-8 expression level was decreased by real-time quantitative PCR. The results of protein chip showed that IL-8 expression decreased after cariporide treatment. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed this inhibitory effect. The p38 phosphorylation level increased after cariporide treatment. The down-regulation of IL-8 expression induced by cariporide treatment was partially restored after K562 cells were treated with p38 inhibitor SB203580. It is concluded that the inhibition of NHE1 can inhibit IL-8 expression through up-regulation of p38 phosphorylation.
Cation Transport Proteins ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Down-Regulation ; Guanidines ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; pharmacology ; Interleukin-8 ; metabolism ; K562 Cells ; Phosphorylation ; drug effects ; Pyridines ; pharmacology ; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchanger 1 ; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Sulfones ; pharmacology ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism