Abstract: Objective To follow up and evaluate the stability testing status of γ stereotactic radiotherapy system (hereinafter γ knife WS 582-2017 Specifications for Testing of Quality Control in X and γ referred to ) in medical institutions based on the RayStereotactic Radiotherapy System WS 582-2017 Methods (hereinafter referred to ). A total of 43 medical institutions using γ knife and 54 medical physics personnel were recruited as the research subjects by random sampling method. Based on the - - standard tracking evaluation method, we followed up the evaluation of γ knife stability testing based on WS 582 2017. Results - Only 66.7% of the 54 subjects preformed WS 582 2017 in their daily work. Only 30.2% (all were tertiary hospital) of 43 medical institutions were equipped with complete quality control and testing equipment. The implementation rate of γ knife stability test was 67.4%, and it was not carried out in strict accordance with the test events and test cycle requirements - specified in the WS 582 2017. There were incomplete test events, incomplete records or test cycles that did not meet the Conclusion standard requirements in γ knife stability test. Medical institutions did not carry out γ knife stability tests in strict - accordance with the projects and cycle required by the WS 582 2017. The reasons are related to medical institutions are not equipped with complete testing equipment, the personnel are lack of understanding of relevant national standards, the poor publicity and implementation of the standards, the lack of standardized training channels and inadequate health supervision.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of different transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) modes on ovarian responses and pregnancy outcomes in patients with infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Two hundred infertility patients undergoing IVF-ET were divided randomly into experimental groups (TEAS groups: E-I, E-II, E-III, and E-IV, 40 cases each group) and a control group (mock TEAS group, 40 patients) using the random number method. The patients in the experimental groups received TEAS treatment of 20, 30, 40 and 50 mA for the E-I, E-II, E-III and E-IV groups, respectively. The control group received a treatment of 5 mA. TEAS was applied at acupoints of Guanyuan (RN 4), Zhongji (RN 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zigong (EX-CA 1), and Taixi (KI 13), once a day for 30 min each time for a treatment period of 10-13 d. Treatment effect was assessed using the following indicators: endometrial thickness on the 6th day of gonadotropin treatment (GN6 day), endometrial thickness on the day on chorionic gonadotropin administration (HCG day), number of ovarian follicles on HCG day, number of ova captured, amount of estrogen required for each harvested ova, number of mature ova divided by the total number of ova, percentage of high-quality embryos, and clinical pregnancy. RESULTS: Endometrial thickness in the experimental groups on the HCG day was significantly better than that of the control group after TEAS stimulation (P=0.01). TEAS exhibited a greater impact on the number of ova captured (P=0.003). However, the effect of TEAS stimulation on the high-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy in patients was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS TEAS is an effective method in improving the ovarian state. When the stimulus intensity was at 40 mA and above, it could be helpful to improve the patient's endometrial condition and endometrial receptivity and to retrieve more oocytes. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-11001780).
Acupuncture Points ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans ; Infertility ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome

Objective: To monitor the content of bisphenol S ( BPS ) in vegetables and fruits in Henan Province and evaluate the dietary exposure risk of the population, so as to provide the basis for formulating relevant food safety standards. Methods: From 2018 to 2019, 276 samples of vegetables and fruits produced and sold in Henan Province were collected. BPS was determined by isotope dilution ultra performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry ( UPLC-MS/MS ) , and the dietary exposure was calculated according to the dietary structure and average body weight of local residents. The risk index of BPS was calculated according to the daily tolerable intake ( TDI ) of bisphenol A ( BPA ). Results: The BPS contents in vegetables and fruits were 0.006-12.600 µg/kg and 0.006-9.380 µg/kg, the medians were 0.053 µg/kg and 0.023 µg/kg, the detection rates were 78.43% and 62.60%, respectively.The detection rate and content of BPS in vegetables were higher than those in fruits ( P<0.05 ). The maximum exposure of BPS from vegetables and fruits was 5.37×10-2 µg/ ( kgbw·d ), and the exposure risk index was 1.07 × 10-3, which was acceptable. Conclusions BPS was detected from vegetables and fruits in Henan Province. The detection rate and content of BPS in vegetables were higher than those in fruits. The health risk of BPS exposed by vegetables and fruits is small.

Background: With the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and its increasing success rate in the mainland of China, more attention has been paid to the safety of ART. In this study, we explored the associations between conception by ART and pregnancy/perinatal complications, and neonatal outcomes compared with similar outcomes following spontaneous conception. Methods: This retrospective cohort study of pregnancies over a 3-year period (2013-2015) was performed at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing, China. Subjects were divided into two groups: conception by ART (n = 2256) or spontaneous conception (n = 6768). According to different fertilization modes, the ART group was divided into in vitro fertilization (IVF, n = 1873) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI, n = 383) subgroups. The ART group was also divided into two different embryo transfer methods; fresh embryo transfer (ET, n = 1583) and frozen embryo transfer (FET, n = 673) subgroups. Pregnancy complications, perinatal complications, and neonatal outcomes of the enrolled subjects were investigated and analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results: After adjustment for maternal age, gravidity, parity, maternal education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI), pregnancies conceived by ART were associated with a significantly increased incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM; OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.56-2.27), gestational hypertension (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.83-2.60), and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) (OR 2.79, 95% CI 2.15-3.64), compared with spontaneous conception. These associations were similar for the singleton group. In the twin group, only the incidence of ICP was significantly higher than in controls. We found that pregnancies conceived by ART were associated with perinatal complications, including placental abruption (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.33-3.45), premature rupture of membranes (PROM; OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06-1.45), postpartum hemorrhage (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.33-3.59) and polyhydramnios (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.29-3.16). The singleton group had a similar result with placental abruption, but not with fetal membranes ruptures before labor and polyhydramnios. There were no significant differences in the incidence of these perinatal complications in the twin group. Some neonatal outcomes, including preterm labor (OR 4.29, 95% CI 3.84-4.80) and low birth weight (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.42-2.08), were more likely to occur with singleton births after ART. However, there were no significant differences for these outcomes from twin pregnancies. Perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes were consistent between the IVF and ICSI subgroups. The FET and ET subgroups showed a similar increase in complications, except for the incidence of placental abruption. After taking into account the effects of parity, birth plurality and maternal age, the ART group still exhibited increased maternal and neonatal complications, although some differences narrowed or disappeared. Conclusions This retrospective cohort study demonstrated that patients who underwent ART were at increased risk of several adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with women who conceived spontaneously. These complications may be attributed in part to the relatively high multiple pregnancy rate after ART. Elective single embryo transfer should be promoted in China to reduce the obstetrical risks of ART pregnancy. Singletons of ART pregnancy exhibited increased maternal and neonatal complications as well, suggesting that underlying infertility or other maternal or parental factors may contribute to the adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) variants (rs12363572 and rs4930588) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Han Chinese.

METHODSA total of 1842 T2DM cases (507 newly diagnosed cases and 1335 previously diagnosed cases) and 7777 controls were included in this case-control study. PCR-RFLP was conducted to detect the genotype of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated to describe the strength of the association by logistic regression.

RESULTSIn the study subjects, neither rs12363572 nor rs4930588 was significantly associated with T2DM, even after adjusting for relevant covariates. When stratified by body mass index (BMI), the two SNPs were also not associated with T2DM. Among the 3 common haplotypes, only haplotype TT was associated with reduced risk of T2DM (OR 0.820, 95% CI 0.732-0.919). In addition, rs12363572 was associated with BMI (P<0.001) and rs4930588 was associated with triglyceride levels (P=0.043) in 507 newly diagnosed T2DM cases but not in healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONNo LRP5 variant was found to be associated with T2DM in Han Chinese, but haplotype TT was found to be associated with T2DM.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Body Mass Index ; Case-Control Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; blood ; genetics ; Female ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-5 ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Odds Ratio ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Rural Population ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Qingchang Huashi Recipe (QHR) on the activation and expressions of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and contents of interleukin-8 (IL-8), thus exploring its possible mechanisms for treating ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODSThe HT-29 cells were induced to inflammation model by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). HT-29 cells were divided into 6 groups, i.e., the vehicle control group, the model control group, the sulfasalazine (SASP) group, the high dose QHR group, the middle dose QHR group, the low dose QHR group. Effects on the cell growth were detected by MTT. The chemoattractant of macrophages was observed using Transwell. The expressions of NF-kappaB and TLR4 protein were detected using immune cell fluorescence method. The content of IL-8 was detected by ELISA.

RESULTSThe growth of cells were not inhibited in each group. Statistical difference existed in each dose QHR group in inhibiting the chemoattractant of macrophages, reducing activation of NF-kappaB, lowing expressions of TLR4 protein, and decreasing the secretion of IL-8, when compared with the model control group (P < 0.05). No statistical difference existed in inhibiting the chemoattractant of macrophages between the high dose QHR group and the vehicle control group (P > 0.05). But its inhibition on NF-kappaB activation was higher in the high dose QHR group than in the SASP group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQHR could obviously attenuate the inflammatory reaction of HT-29 cells, inhibit the chemoattractant of macrophages, reduce the activation of NF-kappaB, lower expressions of TLR-4, and attenuate the secretion of IL-8, which might be one of its mechanisms for treating UC.

Colitis, Ulcerative ; metabolism ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; HT29 Cells ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-8 ; metabolism ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlation between T2* relaxation time and the pathological changes in the knee joint of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and analyze the changes of T2* relaxation time in early cartilage injury.

METHODSSixty-two patients with OA in different phases underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee and the articular cartilage T2* relaxation time was recorded, with 20 young healthy volunteers as the control group.

RESULTSPatients with mild OA showed significantly different T2* relaxation time for most of the articular cartilage from that of the healthy volunteers (P<0.05), but no such difference was found between serious OA group and the healthy volunteers. The change of T2* relaxation time of the cartilage was also associated with age, weight and body height, and the potential effects of other factors could not be excluded.

CONCLUSIONThe articular cartilage shows no obvious morphological changes in early OA of the knee, a stage characterized mostly by alterations of the tissue structure and compositions. Cartilage pathologies can be the most obvious on the weight-bearing surface of the medial condyle of the femur or in the patella. T2* relaxation time measurement can be helpful in the detection of early cartilage pathologies.

Adult ; Aged ; Cartilage, Articular ; pathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Image Enhancement ; methods ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; pathology ; Patella ; pathology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Osthol on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts of rats (rat calvarial osteoblasts, ROB) cultured in vitro.

METHODSThe neonatal SD rat skull was segregated, and enzyme digestion was used to obtain bone cells which were cultured in MEM containing 10% FBS. The medium was changed every three days, and serial subcultivation was performed when cells covered with 90% of the culture dish. The Osthol was added to 96-well plates with final concentration of 1 x 10(-4) mol/L, 1 x 10(-5) mol/L, 1 x l0(-6) mol/L and 1 x10(-7) mol/L, and MTT method was used to evaluate the proliferation. Differentiation analysis: the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th days separately after osteogenic induction culture. The synthesis of type I collagen was observed using immunohistochemical method at the 8th day. The ALP stain was performed at the 12th day. The alizarin red staining was done and calcified nodules was counted at the 14th day.

RESULTSThe Osthol with final concentration of 1 x 10(-4) mo/L inhibit the proliferation of ROB. The Osthol with final concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L had no obvious influence on the proliferation of ROB, but it significantly promoted the activity of ALP, enhanced the synthesis of collagen type I and increased the number of calcified nodules.

CONCLUSIONThe Osthol with final concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L can promote differentiation and maturation of ROB, which may be active ingredients of Chinese drugs for the osteoporosis prophylaxis.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Coumarins ; pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of serine protease Omi/HtrA2 in kidneys of postasphyxial neonatal rats, and to study the effects of Ucf-101 on apoptosis and the expression of Omi/HtrA2 in these rats.

METHODSSeventy-two neonatal Wistar rats of 7-10 days old were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, postasphyxial model, Ucf-101-treated postasphyxialThe postasphyxial model was established by normobaric asphyxiaExpression of Omi/HtrA2 was determined with streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry 2, 24 and 48 hrs after asphyxia. Terminal deoxynuleotidyl-mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to ascertain the apoptosis of renal cells.

RESULTSCompared with the control group, OmiHtrA2 expression in renal cells began to increase 2 hrs after asphyxia and peaked at 24 hrs. The expression of Omi/HtrA2 in the Ucf-101-treated postasphyxial group was significantly lower than that in the postasphyxial model group (P<0.01). TUNEL-positive cells began to increase 2 hrs after asphyxia and peaked at 24 hrs in the postasphyxial model group when compared with the control group. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the Ucf-101-treated postasphyxial group was significantly lower than that in the postasphyxial model group at all time points (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of Omi/HtrA2 in kidneys is increased in postasphyxial neonatal rats. The increased Omi/HtrA2 expression may play an important role in the development of postasphyxial renal injury. Treatment with Ucf-101 can reduce the expression of Omi/HtrA2 in kidneys of postasphyxial neonatal rats and thus reduce renal tububar epithelial cell apoptosis.

Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Asphyxia Neonatorum ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; High-Temperature Requirement A Serine Peptidase 2 ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Infant, Newborn ; Kidney ; chemistry ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; analysis ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Pyrimidinones ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Serine Endopeptidases ; analysis ; Thiones ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between CD4- CD8- T cells ratio and IL-4, IFN-gamma levels in the peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

METHODSFlow cytometer was used to analyze the CD4- CD8- T cells ratio in the peripheral blood of patients with pancreatic carcinoma and the IL-4, IFN-gamma levels were detected by ELISA.

RESULTSThe ratio of CD4- CD8- T cell in CD3+ T cell from 25 pancreatic carcinoma patients was (4.2 +/- 1.7)%, the ratio of CD4- CD8- T cell in CD3+ T cell from 45 healthy person was (6.3 +/- 2.6)%, there was significant deviation between the two groups (P < 0.01). The IL-4 level of 25 pancreatic carcinoma patients was (86.3 +/- 23.3) fg/L, the IL-4 level of 45 healthy person was (56.2 +/- 9.2) fg/L,there was significant deviation between the two groups (P < 0.01). The IFN-gamma level of 25 pancreatic carcinoma patients was (16.4 +/- 4.8) fg/L before operation, the IFN-gamma level of 45 healthy person was (27.4 +/- 3.8) fg/L, there was significant deviation between the two groups (P < 0.01). The ratio of CD4- CD8- T cell in pancreatic carcinoma patient after operation was higher than before operation. It could be found negative correlation between CD4- CD8- T cells ratio and IL-4 level in pancreatic carcinoma patient,it could also be found positive correlation between CD4- CD8- T cells ratio and IFN-gamma level in pancreatic carcinoma patient. In pancreatic carcinoma patient, the CD4- CD8- T cells ratio and IL-4 level was significant associated with clinical stage (P < 0.05), but no relationship with histological differentiation (P > 0.05), it could be found no relationship between IFN-gamma level and clinical stage, histological differentiation (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe CD4- CD8- T cells ratio in the peripheral blood of patients is decreased,it may be participate in the carcinogenesis and development of pancreatic carcinoma by influence the IFN-gamma levels.

Adult ; Aged ; CD4-CD8 Ratio ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; blood ; immunology ; T-Lymphocytes ; immunology