Objective To investigate the role of complement C3 in early predicting pregnancy outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer(F-ET).Methods A total of 378 F-ET cycles were prospectively collected and divided into group A(complement C3≤1.05,120 cycles)and group B(complement C3>1.05,258 cycles)based on the best cutoff value of complement C3 for predicting F-ET pregnancy outcomes.The outcomes of the two groups were compared,and the best cutoff value of complement C3 for predicting F-ET spontaneous abortion was analyzed in group B.Results Age was a risk factor for successful F-ET pregnancy(P<0.05),and complement C3 and embryo type were protective factors for successful F-ET pregnancy(P<0.05).The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve(ROC)of complement C3 for predicting F-ET pregnancy outcome was 0.702,and the best cutoff value was 1.05 g/L,with a clinical pregnancy sensitivity of 87.60%and a specificity of 52.00%.The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate in group B were both significantly higher than those in group A(67.05%vs.52.75%,P<0.05).The best cutoff value of complement C3 for predicting spontaneous abortion after F-ET was 1.32 g/L,with an area under the ROC curve of 0.760,a sensitivity of 69.00%,and a specificity of 81.20%.Conclusions Complement C3 is of significance in the early prediction of F-ET pregnancy outcome.When complement C3 exceeds the level of 1.32 g/L,it may lead to an increase in the rate of spontaneous abortion.

Objective To investigate the toxic activity of perilla essential oil(PE-EO)and PE-EO nanoemulsion on larvae and pupae of Culex pipiens pallens.The findings of this study will provide a scientific basis for the development of safe and effective plant-derived mosquitoicides.Methods The larvicidal and pupicidal activity,the duration of action of PE-EO nanoemulsion against Cx.pipiens pallens,and toxicity to non-target organisms were determined using a series of laboratory bioassays.Results The LC50 of PE-EO against L1,L2,L3 larvae was 25.4,43.0,46.6 mg/L,while those of nanoemulsion-PE-EO against L1,L2,L3 larvae was＜25.0,35.1,38.1 mg/L respectively.At all larvae stages,the larvicidal activity of the nanoemulsion was significantly greater than that of pure EO at the same concentration.In pupal stage,the mortality of PE-EO at 24 h and 48 h were 1.3％and 2％,while that of nanoemulsion-PE-EO were 34.7％and 40％.The larvicidal activity of the essential oil(EO)is limited to a period of 1-2 days,whereas the nanoemulsion can maintain its efficacy for up to 5 days.Neither the EO nor the nanoemulsion exhibited any toxicity towards aquatic plants.However,the toxicity of the PE-EO mixture towards fish was significantly reduced following nanoemulsion encapsulation.Conclusion In comparison to PE-EO,the nanoemulsion displays enhanced stability,which has resulted in augmented killing activity against mosquito larvae and a reduction in toxicity to non-target organisms.Nanoemulsion-PE-EO has the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly,sustainable and efficacious larvicide for mosquito vector control.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prenatal ultrasonic manifestations of fetal gray matter heterotopias (FGMH) and evaluate the optimal method its prenatal diagnosis.

METHODSThe prenatal and postnatal ultrasound images and MRI images were analyzed for a fetus with a definitive diagnosis of FGMH. The detection rates of FGMH by prenatal ultrasound and MRI reported in literature were compared.

RESULTSWe identified 11 reports of FGMH from 1998 to 2015, involving 43 cases with prenatal diagnoses. Of the total of 44 cases (including our case), 32 that had been confirmed postpartum had prenatal ultrasound and MRI data, which showed a significantly lower detection rates of FGMH by prenatal ultrasound than by MRI (43.8% vs 93.8%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONPrenatal ultrasound can only detect subependymal heterotopia with characteristic manifestations, and the detection of other types of FGMH relies on MRI, which is currently the best option for prenatal diagnosis of FGMH.

Classical Lissencephalies and Subcortical Band Heterotopias ; diagnosis ; Female ; Fetal Diseases ; diagnosis ; Fetus ; Gray Matter ; pathology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

Objective To investigate the prenatal ultrasonic manifestations of fetal gray matter heterotopias (FGMH) and evaluate the optimal method its prenatal diagnosis. Methods The prenatal and postnatal ultrasound images and MRI images were analyzed for a fetus with a definitive diagnosis of FGMH. The detection rates of FGMH by prenatal ultrasound and MRI reported in literature were compared. Results We identified 11 reports of FGMH from 1998 to 2015, involving 43 cases with prenatal diagnoses. Of the total of 44 cases (including our case), 32 that had been confirmed postpartum had prenatal ultrasound and MRI data, which showed a significantly lower detection rates of FGMH by prenatal ultrasound than by MRI (43.8% vs 93.8%, P<0.001). Conclusions Prenatal ultrasound can only detect subependymal heterotopia with characteristic manifestations, and the detection of other types of FGMH relies on MRI, which is currently the best option for prenatal diagnosis of FGMH.

Objective To investigate the prenatal ultrasonic manifestations of fetal gray matter heterotopias (FGMH) and evaluate the optimal method its prenatal diagnosis. Methods The prenatal and postnatal ultrasound images and MRI images were analyzed for a fetus with a definitive diagnosis of FGMH. The detection rates of FGMH by prenatal ultrasound and MRI reported in literature were compared. Results We identified 11 reports of FGMH from 1998 to 2015, involving 43 cases with prenatal diagnoses. Of the total of 44 cases (including our case), 32 that had been confirmed postpartum had prenatal ultrasound and MRI data, which showed a significantly lower detection rates of FGMH by prenatal ultrasound than by MRI (43.8% vs 93.8%, P<0.001). Conclusions Prenatal ultrasound can only detect subependymal heterotopia with characteristic manifestations, and the detection of other types of FGMH relies on MRI, which is currently the best option for prenatal diagnosis of FGMH.

A rapid analytical method was developed for the identification of components in Ixeris sonchifolia and its injection by HPLC-ESI-MS(n). The characterization of various components was analyzed according to the retention time of reference standard and mass spectrometry information. A profile of I. sonchifolia and its injection constituents was described and a total of three nucleosides, sixteen phenolic acids, seven flavonoids and twelve sesquiterpene lactones were identified or tentatively characterised. Twelve compounds were accurately identified with reference standards. Eleven of them, guanosine, 1-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, caffeic anhydride, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-p-coumaroylquinic acid, 3-feruloylquinic acid, 5-p-coumaroylquinic acid and 4-feruloylquinic acid were reported for the first time in I. sonchifolia and its preparations. The structures of five isomers were deduced by theirs mass information and the fragmentation pattern of known compounds. The developed method was useful for the quality control and evaluation of this herb and its preparations. The HPLC-ESI-MS(n) could be a promising tool for the rapid analysis of components from herbal medicines.
Asteraceae ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Injections ; Quality Control ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Time Factors

BACKGROUNDRoutine anteroposterior radiographs of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint with or without weight bearing have limitations in demonstrating the AC joint. Transarticular fixation with Kirschner wire is a treatment choice for AC dislocations. However, percutaneous fixation of the AC joint is technically demanding. The C-arm fluoroscopy can be used as routine intraoperative guidance to facilitate this procedure. The current study aims to introduce new projections, the axial and tangential views of AC joint, to help evaluate the severity of the injury and facilitate the percutaneous procedure.

METHODSThree shoulder specimens were used to find the projection directions of the axial and tangential views of the AC joint by using the digital radiography (DR) unit. The axial and tangential views were taken of 20 adult volunteers by referencing the projection directions determined in the shoulder specimens. The angles showed on the DR system and the angles between the coronal plane of the body and the vertical plane of the flat panel detector (FPD) during taking these radiographs were recorded. The C-arm fluoroscopy unit was used to take the axial and tangential views referencing the angles measured on the DR system. Routine anteroposterior radiographs of the AC joint were taken on the volunteers. The minimal distances from the distal clavicle to the acromion were measured on both tangential and anteroposterior radiographs. The data was statistically analyzed.

RESULTSThe clear axial and tangential radiographs of AC joints of the volunteers were obtained using both DR and C-arm fluoroscopy units. The angles demonstrated on the DR window are (20.8 ± 2.4)° for male and (18.3 ± 2.3)° for female. During taking the axial views, the angles between the coronal plane of the body and vertical plane of FPD are (23.3 ± 3.2)° for male and (20.1 ± 2.4)° for female. During taking tangential views, the corresponding angles are (117.5 ± 3.7)° for male and (113.1 ± 3.3)° for female. On the tangential radiographs, the minimal distance from the distal clavicle to the acromion is (6.1 ± 1.2) mm, wider than the same measurement on the anteroposterior radiographs (P < 0.05). Statistical analyses showed no significant differences in the above-mentioned angles and the minimal distances between the left and right AC joints (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the above-mentioned angles between DR and C-arm fluoroscopy units (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe axial and tangential radiographs of the AC joint can demonstrate the joint clearly and they can be easily obtained with both DR system and C-arm fluoroscopy unit in similar projection directions.

Acromioclavicular Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiographic Image Enhancement

BACKGROUNDIntramedullary nails have been widely used in treating femoral shaft fractures. However, end caps falling into soft tissue intraoperatively may cause trouble to surgeons, prolong operative time and increase radiation exposure. Additionally, difficulties may be encountered when removing nails because of callus formation over the nail tip. We performed a prospective study to compare two types of nails in managing femoral shaft fractures.

METHODSGroup I consisted of seventy-four patients with unilateral femoral shaft fractures treated with cannulated interlocking anatomical femoral intramedullary nails. Group II consisted of seventy-eight patients treated with cannulated interlocking anatomical femoral intramedullary nails with tail wires. The patients' ages, fracture severity, duration of operation, fluoroscopy time, blood loss and falls of end caps into soft tissue were recorded. Nails were removed after fracture healing. The duration of operation and blood loss during nail removal were recorded.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences between groups with respect to age and fracture severity (P > 0.05). End caps fell into soft tissue 17 times in 15 cases in group I and 21 times in 16 cases in group II. An average of seven minutes was spent recovering a lost cap in group I. In group II, all lost caps were recovered immediately. The duration of operation and fluoroscopy time in group II was significantly less than in group I (P < 0.05). Asymptomatic palpable nodules were detected in 4 cases in group II. Nail removals were performed on 58 patients in group I and 69 patients in group II. The duration of operation, blood loss and complications in group II were less than in group I (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONIntramedullary nails with tail wires facilitate both fracture fixation and nail removal, which can be used to treat femoral shaft fractures with less radiation exposure, shorter surgical time and fewer complications.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Nails ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; methods ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To compare the in-hospital and follow-up clinical results of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)and coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)in patients of left ventricular dysfunction with coronary artery disease.Methods 147 patients with left ventricular dysfunction were divided into PCI group(n=60)and CABG group(n=87).Clinical,angiographic and revascularization data were collected for analysis.Patients were by SPSS 13.0 software.P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results In-hospital MACCE rates and mortality ofthe two groups were comparable[(6.7%vs 9.2%,P＞0.05)and(1.7%vs 8.0%,P＞0.05)].Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that in-hospital MACCE risk of the two groups were similar(OR≥3.03,95%CI 0.27～34.48,P＞0.05).22-month follow-up showed no signficance in MACCE rates (16.0%vs 13.8%,P＞0.05)and in repeated revaseularization rates(8.O%vs 1.7%,P＞0.05)between the two groups.Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that follow-up MACCE risk of the two groups were comparable (HR≥1.35,95%C/0.44～4.13,P＞0.05).Conclusion In coronary artery disease patients with left ventricular dysfunction,PCI and CABG have similar in-hospital and long-tem MACCE rates.Long-terra effect of PCI would be further increased with the wide use of drug-eluting stents.