[Objective]To evaluate the utility of left atrial(LA)volume and strain measured by 4D auto left atrial quantification(4D auto LAQ)in differentiating pre-capillary from post-capillary pulmonary hypertension(PH),and to compare its discriminative performance with echocardiographic pulmonary to left atrial global strain ratio(ePLAGS).[Methods]A total of ninety-eight subjects with intermediate to high probability of PH were prospectively enrolled.Clinical history and laboratory data were collected.All patients underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography,and LA volume and strain parameters were measured by dedicated commercial software for LA 4D analysis.[Results]Based on pulmonary arterial wedge pressure,patients were divided into pre-capillary PH group[n=39;mean age(53±24)years]and post-capillary PH group[n=59;mean age(57±18)years].Compared to the pre-capillary PH group,the post-capillary PH group showed significantly higher LAVImax,LAVImin and LAVIpreA but markedly lower LASr and LAScd.Multivariate logistic regression identified LAVImax[OR:1.40;95%CI:(1.052,1.872);P=0.021]and LAScd[OR:1.76;95%CI:(1.183,2.489);P=0.004]as independent predictors of post-capillary PH.ROC analysis demonstrated that LAVImax(AUC=0.82,P＜0.001)and LAScd(AUC=0.78,P＜0.001)had strong discriminating power for predicting post-capillary PH group,with optimal cutoff values of 35.69 mL/m2(sensitivity 86%,specificity 74%)and-9%(sensitivity 80%,specificity70%).[Conclusion]LAVImax and LAScd measured with 4D auto LAQ are robust parameters for distinguishing pre-capillary PH from post-capillary PH.

[Objective]To evaluate the utility of left atrial(LA)volume and strain measured by 4D auto left atrial quantification(4D auto LAQ)in differentiating pre-capillary from post-capillary pulmonary hypertension(PH),and to compare its discriminative performance with echocardiographic pulmonary to left atrial global strain ratio(ePLAGS).[Methods]A total of ninety-eight subjects with intermediate to high probability of PH were prospectively enrolled.Clinical history and laboratory data were collected.All patients underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography,and LA volume and strain parameters were measured by dedicated commercial software for LA 4D analysis.[Results]Based on pulmonary arterial wedge pressure,patients were divided into pre-capillary PH group[n=39;mean age(53±24)years]and post-capillary PH group[n=59;mean age(57±18)years].Compared to the pre-capillary PH group,the post-capillary PH group showed significantly higher LAVImax,LAVImin and LAVIpreA but markedly lower LASr and LAScd.Multivariate logistic regression identified LAVImax[OR:1.40;95%CI:(1.052,1.872);P=0.021]and LAScd[OR:1.76;95%CI:(1.183,2.489);P=0.004]as independent predictors of post-capillary PH.ROC analysis demonstrated that LAVImax(AUC=0.82,P＜0.001)and LAScd(AUC=0.78,P＜0.001)had strong discriminating power for predicting post-capillary PH group,with optimal cutoff values of 35.69 mL/m2(sensitivity 86%,specificity 74%)and-9%(sensitivity 80%,specificity70%).[Conclusion]LAVImax and LAScd measured with 4D auto LAQ are robust parameters for distinguishing pre-capillary PH from post-capillary PH.

Objective:To explore the effectiveness, safety and cost between urinary follicle stimulating hormone (uFSH) and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in China.Methods:Data were collected from 16 reproductive centers in China covering oocytes collection time from May 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. Eligible patients were over 18 years old, adopting COS with uFSH (uFSH group) or rFSH (rFSH group) as start gonadotropins (Gn), and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and (or) intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fertilisation, excluding frozen embryo recovery cycle. Generalised estimating equation was used to address the violation of independency assumption between cycles due to multiple IVF cycles for one person and clustering nature of cycles carried out within one center. Controlling variables included age, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone level, cause of infertility, ovulation protocol, type of fertilisation, number of embryos transferred, number of days of Gn use.Results:Totally 102 061 cycles met eligibility criteria and were included in the analyses. In terms of effectiveness, after controlling relevant unbalanced baseline characteristics, compared with rFSH group, the high oocyte retrieval (>15 oocytes was considered high retrieval) rate of uFSH group significantly decreased in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol ( OR=0.642, P<0.01) and in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol ( OR=0.556, P=0.001), but the clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle and the live birth rate per transfer cycle significantly increased ( OR=1.179, OR=1.169, both P<0.01) in both agonist and antagonist protocols. For safety, multiple analysis result demonstrated that in the agonist protocol, compared with rFSH group, the incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome of uFSH group significantly decreased ( OR=0.644, P=0.002). The differences in ectopic pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate between the uFSH and rFSH groups were not significant ( P=0.890, P=0.470) in all patients. In terms of cost, compared with rFSH group, the uFSH group had lower total Gn costs for each patient ( P<0.01). Conclusion:For patients who underwent COS, uFSH has better safety, and economic profiles over rFSH in China.

PURPOSE: Acute leukemia (AL) is classified as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-146a on childhood AL and its underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow samples were obtained from 39 AL children and 10 non-cancer controls. The expressions of miR-146a and ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in ALL and AML pediatric patients, as well as ALL (Jurkat) and AML (HL-60) cells. Correlations between miR-146a and clinical indicators were explored. A targeting relationship between miR-146a and CNTFR was detected by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of Jurkat and HL-60 cells were measured by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. LIF expression was detected by qRT-PCR in Jurkat and HL-60 cells. The expression of p-JAK2, JAK2, p-STAT3, and STAT3 in HL-60 cells was measured by Western blot. RESULTS: miR-146a was increased in ALL and AML pediatric patients, while CNTFR was decreased. miR-146a expression was associated with immunophenotype, karyotype, fusion gene, and SIL-TAL1. CNTFR was a target gene of miR-146a. miR-146a could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as inhibit cell apoptosis in Jurkat and HL-60 cells by downregulating CNTFR. Meanwhile, miR-146a inhibited the expression of LIF and activated JAK2/STAT3 pathway by downregulating CNTFR. CONCLUSION: miR-146a could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibit the apoptosis of AL Jurkat and HL-60 cells by downregulating CNTFR and activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Bone Marrow ; Cell Proliferation ; Child ; Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor ; Flow Cytometry ; Genes, Reporter ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; Karyotype ; Leukemia ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Luciferases ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptor, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor

Objective To establish a safe and effective method of rhesus monkey biopsy to take liver and kidney samples under B-mode ultrasound guidance. Methods A total of 4 adult monkeys(weight:8-12 kg; sex: male; age:11 -12 years old)were anaesthetized with 5 -10 mg/kg of ketamine hydrochloride for each through intramuscular injection. After successful anesthesia, abdominal shaving and iodophor disinfection, they were monitored from intercostal area of right upper quadrant or lateral waist subcostal abdomen portions to find liver or kidney organ by MyLab 30CV B-mode ultrasonography with 3.5 Hz transducer which was fixed with a guiding frame. Large vessels such as the portal vein and inferior vena cava were carefully avoided. The range of the biopsy gun was set to 15 mm. When the puncture target and the puncture needle were positioned in the guide line, the puncture target was perpendicular to the puncture needle, and then the trigger button of the puncture needle was pressed to obtain the liver or kidney tissue samples respectively. After puncture,the needle was pulled out quickly. The obtained liver and kidney tissues were used to extract RNA. Results About 13 mg of liver or kidney tissue was obtained by each puncture with volume convertion. This method was fast,reliable and safe,and the total RNA had high purity and integrity. There was no postoperative bleeding and infection. Conclusions This is a very important method for obtaining liver and kidney tissue samples of rhesus monkeys with the guidance of ultrasound. With this method, the research cost can be reduced, the life quality and animal welfare of laboratory non-human primates can be improved,and the accuracy of experimental result can be ensured.

Objective To explore the inhibition role of araloside on cervical cancer HeLa cell proliferation and migration to reveal the molecular mechanism of NF-κB in HeLa cell in the process of tumor suppression.Methods The in vitro cultured cervical cancer HeLa cell line served as the research object.The experiment was divided into the control group and araloside(200 μg/mL) treatment group(observation group).The change of proliferation and migration ability after 48 h were observed in the two groups.Western blot was used to detect the expression of NF-κB molecule and change of autophagy involved protein Beclin 1 and LC3B.Results Araloside could significantly inhibit the proliferation and migration of HeLa cells and the NF-κB signaling pathway,and promoted the expression of autophagy related molecule Beclin 1,Atg 5 and LC3B.Conclusion Araloside could inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathways,thus induces autophagy occurrence and influences the proliferation and migration of cervical cancer HeLa cells.

Objective To explore the effect of araloside on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells.Methods Human cervical cancer cell line HeLa was cultured in vitro,the experiment was divided into 4 groups as follows:blank group,araloside trea-ted groups(50,100,200 μg/mL).Normal saline and araloside (50,100,200 μg/mL)were gave,respectively.24,48 and 72 hours lat-er,the cells were collected.Cell proliferation was detected by MTT,cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry,the expression of pAkt1,pIкBα,NF-κB (p65),Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 were evaluated by western blot.Results Araloside obviously inhibited the pro-liferation and increased the apoptosis level of HeLa cells in a time-dose dependent manner.Moreover,Araloside significantly de-creased the phosphorylation of Akt1 and IκBα,reduced the expression of NF-κB(p65)and Bcl-2,whereas obviously increased Caspase-3 content.Conclusion Araloside could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of HeLa cells via suppressing Akt/NF-кB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the correlation between infection with L-form of Helicobacter pylori (Hp-L) and the expressions of macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gastric cancer.

METHODSHp-L was examined in 80 gastric carcinoma and 50 adjacent normal tissues by Gram staining and immunohistochemical staining, and the expressions of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF were detected by immunohistochemical staining; the expression of MIF mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and the expression of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF proteins were detected by Western blotting in 30 fresh gastric cancer tissues and the corresponding adjacent tissues.

RESULTSOf the 80 gastric carcinoma tissues, 57 (71.25%) showed Hp-L positivity detected by both Gram staining and immunohistochemical staining, as compared with a rate of only 14% in the adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). The gastric carcinoma tissues showed higher expression levels of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF proteins than the corresponding adjacent normal mucosa; the positivity MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF proteins were significantly higher in Hp-L-positive gastric carcinoma than in Hp-L-negative cases (P<0.05). Positive correlations were found between Hp-L positivity and the expressions of MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF (r=0.598, 0.292, 0.341, respectively, P<0.05). The 30 fresh gastric cancer tissues showed also significantly higher MIF mRNA expression and MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF protein expressions than the adjacent tissues (t=3.729, P<0.01). The expressions of MIF and MMP-9 were also related to the clinicopathological factors including lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONInfection with L-form of Hp-L can be an important factor that contributes to the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma, the mechanism of which involves up-regulated expressions of MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Helicobacter Infections ; metabolism ; pathology ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; L Forms ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors ; metabolism ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; microbiology ; pathology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the correlation between infection with L-form of Helicobacter pylori (Hp-L) and the expressions of macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gastric cancer. Methods Hp-L was examined in 80 gastric carcinoma and 50 adjacent normal tissues by Gram staining and immunohistochemical staining, and the expressions of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF were detected by immunohistochemical staining;the expression of MIF mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and the expression of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF proteins were detected by Western blotting in 30 fresh gastric cancer tissues and the corresponding adjacent tissues. Results Of the 80 gastric carcinoma tissues, 57 (71.25%) showed Hp-L positivity detected by both Gram staining and immunohistochemical staining, as compared with a rate of only 14% in the adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). The gastric carcinoma tissues showed higher expression levels of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF proteins than the corresponding adjacent normal mucosa;the positivity MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF proteins were significantly higher in Hp-L-positive gastric carcinoma than in Hp-L-negative cases (P<0.05). Positive correlations were found between Hp-L positivity and the expressions of MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF (r=0.598, 0.292, 0.341, respectively, P<0.05). The 30 fresh gastric cancer tissues showed also significantly higher MIF mRNA expression and MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF protein expressions than the adjacent tissues (t=3.729, P<0.01). The expressions of MIF and MMP-9 were also related to the clinicopathological factors including lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P<0.05). Conclusion Infection with L-form of Hp-L can be an important factor that contributes to the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma, the mechanism of which involves up-regulated expressions of MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF.

Objective To investigate the correlation between infection with L-form of Helicobacter pylori (Hp-L) and the expressions of macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gastric cancer. Methods Hp-L was examined in 80 gastric carcinoma and 50 adjacent normal tissues by Gram staining and immunohistochemical staining, and the expressions of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF were detected by immunohistochemical staining;the expression of MIF mRNA was detected by RT-PCR and the expression of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF proteins were detected by Western blotting in 30 fresh gastric cancer tissues and the corresponding adjacent tissues. Results Of the 80 gastric carcinoma tissues, 57 (71.25%) showed Hp-L positivity detected by both Gram staining and immunohistochemical staining, as compared with a rate of only 14% in the adjacent normal tissues (P<0.05). The gastric carcinoma tissues showed higher expression levels of MIF, MMP9 and VEGF proteins than the corresponding adjacent normal mucosa;the positivity MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF proteins were significantly higher in Hp-L-positive gastric carcinoma than in Hp-L-negative cases (P<0.05). Positive correlations were found between Hp-L positivity and the expressions of MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF (r=0.598, 0.292, 0.341, respectively, P<0.05). The 30 fresh gastric cancer tissues showed also significantly higher MIF mRNA expression and MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF protein expressions than the adjacent tissues (t=3.729, P<0.01). The expressions of MIF and MMP-9 were also related to the clinicopathological factors including lymph node metastasis and depth of invasion (P<0.05). Conclusion Infection with L-form of Hp-L can be an important factor that contributes to the invasion and metastasis of gastric carcinoma, the mechanism of which involves up-regulated expressions of MIF, MMP-9 and VEGF.