Development of a Novel Retrospective Instrument to Gauge the General Well-Being Index and Lumbar-Specific Disability Index Post-intervention in Lumbar Degenerative Disease

Methods@#Questionnaire items were created based on a literature review, followed by a process of content validation by experts and modification based on expert opinions to achieve an acceptable content validity index (CVI, 0.70–1.00). To calculate factor loadings for each question, a pilot test was subsequently conducted from a pool of patients who underwent lumbar spine surgeries for degenerative spine diseases. @*Results@#All items achieved a CVI of >0.85 for both relevancy and clarity and were successfully validated after appropriate corrections were made before the second validation phase. Except for Q9 and Q10, which showed low-loading factors in the pooled sample, the remainder of the items had acceptable loading factors across different subgroups, indicating that the passage of time did not affect the results of the exploratory factor analysis. @*Conclusions@#The retrospective questionnaire that encompasses the general well-being and lumbar-specific symptoms is a valid and reliable instrument to provide an impression of the outcome after intervention in a patient with a degenerative lumbar spinal disease. A summative score will indicate the overall outcome.

Effect of antibiotics on treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in nonsmall cell lung cancer: A Meta-analysis / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[Abstract] Objective: To investigate the effects of antibiotics on the treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) with Meta-analysis. Methods: Literatures regarding the effects of antibiotics on the treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in NSCLC were searched in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, EBSCO, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM) and Chinese Journal Full-text Database(CNKI). RevMan 5.3 software was used in this Meta-analysis. Results: Fourteen articles involving 2 505 NSCLC patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that the application of antibiotics could significantly shorten the PFS (HR=1.14, 95%CI =1.04-1.26, P=0.005) and OS (HR=1.30, 95%CI =1.14-1.47, P<0.0001) of NSCLC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Conclusion: Application of antibiotics before, concurrently or after immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC may significantly shorten PFS and OS, resulting in adverse effect on treatment efficacy.

NLRP3 inflammasome: a new therapeutic target for high-risk reproductive disorders? / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a key regulator of the host's immune response, and many immune and metabolic disorders are linked to its activation. This review aimed to investigate and clarify the relationship between this inflammasome and high-risk reproductive disorders. Papers cited here were retrieved from PubMed up to August 2020 using the keywords "NLRP3" or "NALP3", "caspase-1", "endometriosis", "gestational diabetes", "interleukin (IL)-18", "IL-1β", "pre-eclampsia (PE)", "preterm birth", "polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)", "recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA)", and combinations of these terms. The results show that NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with various high-risk reproductive disorders and many inflammatory factors are secreted during its activation, such as IL-1β induced during the development of endometriosis. PCOS is also associated with activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, especially in overweight patients. It also participates in the pathogenesis of RSA and is activated in fetal membranes before preterm birth. The placentas of pregnant women with PE show higher expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and gestational diabetes mellitus occurs simultaneously with its activation. Current evidence suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays an important role in female reproductive disorders. New treatment and management methods targeting it might help reduce the incidence of such disorders and improve neonatal outcomes.

Comparison in treatment efficacy and safety between PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC:AMeta-analysis / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy as comparing with chemotherapy alone for the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC (non-small lung cancer). Methods: RCTs (randomized controlled trials) on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone for the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC were searched in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, EBSCO, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Journal Full-text Database (CNKI), and Chinese Scientific Journal Full-text Database (VIP). RevMan 5.2 software was used for the Meta-analysis. Results: Six RCTs with 3 238 advanced NSCLC patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that the combination therapy group was more effective than the chemotherapy alone group in OS (HR=0.86, 95%CI=0.79~ 0.94, P=0.0006) and PFS (HR=0.81, 95%CI=0.78~0.84, P<0.00001). The incidence of adverse reactions, such as thrombocytopenia of grade 1-5, vomiting, diarrhea, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, rash, pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, dysgeusia, hepatitis of grade 3-5 and colitis, in combined treatment group were all higher than those in chemotherapy alone group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with chemotherapy alone, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy can significantly improve the OS and PFS of patients with advanced NSCLC in the first-line treatment, while the overall incidence of adverse reactions is higher than chemotherapy.

Factors associated with the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a common complication in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment, but the underlying causes for this remain unclear. This study aimed to explore factors affecting the incidence of EP in in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).@*METHODS@#This was a retrospective study on the incidence of EP in IVF/ICSI cycles between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. Patient age, infertility diagnosis (tubal factor or not), primary or secondary infertility, type of cycle (frozen-thawed or fresh), type of embryo(s) transferred (cleavage embryo or blastocyst), number of embryos transferred (one, two, or three), previous history of EP, and endometrial combined thickness were analyzed to explore their relationships with the incidence of EP. Based on clinical typing results, the patients were divided into an EP group or a non-EP group. Categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-squared test or Fisher exact test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore their associations with the incidence of EP.@*RESULTS@#The percentage of patients with primary infertility in EP group was significantly lower than that in non-EP group (31.3% vs. 46.7%, χ = 26.032, P < 0.001). The percentage of patients with tubal infertility in EP group was also significantly higher than that in non-EP group (89.2% vs. 63.6%, χ = 77.410, P < 0.001). The percentages of patients with transfer of cleavage-stage embryo or blastocyst (91.4% vs. 84.4%, χ = 10.132, P = 0.001) and different endometrial combined thickness (ECT) (χ = 18.373, P < 0.001) differed significantly between EP and non-EP groups. For patients who had a previous history of one to four EPs, the percentage of patients undergoing transfer of a cleavage-stage embryo was significantly higher in EP group than that in non-EP group (92.2% vs. 77.6%, χ = 13.737, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, tubal infertility was strongly associated with EP (adjusted odds ratio: 3.995, 95% confidence interval: 2.706-5.897, P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In IVF/ICSI cycles, transfer of a blastocyst-stage embryo, especially for patients with a previous history of EP, reduced the rate of EP. Tubal infertility was strongly associated with EP.

Impact of adenomyosis on fertility and the choice of management / 中国实用妇科与产科杂志

Adenomyosis has high prevalence in infertility women,deteriorating the pregnancy results of in vitro fertilization therapy for couples with or without pelvic endometriosis.The mechanisms of effect include:anatomical distortion,uterine dysperistalsis,altered implantation environment,intrauterine free radicals excess and overactive immune system,etc.Assisted reproductive technology is an effective measure to improve the pregnancy outcome,and conservative surgery adds up some natural conception while alleviating the symptoms.Obstetric complications should be taken into account before cytoreductive surgery.Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist is usually combined with other therapies.Robust evidence is needed for the reproductive effect and safety of high intensity focused ultrasound ablation.

Advance in the Treatment of Ph Chromosome Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ---Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Abstract　　The curative efficacy of adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph ALL) has been improved substantially with the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, there is no consensus so far on the following issues, which TKIs should be chosen in combination with chemotherapeutic regimens; which regimen of intensive chemotherapy incorporated into TKIs would be more beneficial to patients. The prognosis of the patients with Ph ALL has been so significantly improved by the combinatorial treatment of TKIs and chemotherapy, thus it is necessary to reevaluate the role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the management of Ph ALL. In addition, immunotherapy has achieved an initial success in the treatment of Ph ALL. In this review, the treatment paradigms for the disease are summrized briefly.

Variation Pattern of Rhizospheric Soil Nutrient for Fritillaria taipaiensis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the variation patterns of rhizospheric soil nutrient and the content of nutrient elements for Fritillaria taipaiensis,in order to provide the theoretical base for the soil improvement and balanced fertilization during the artificial cultivation. Method: Totally 14 samples of rhizospheric soil of Fritillaria taipaiensis from different origins and years were taken as the research objects. Total N,available N,total P,available P,total K,available K,organic matter,pH and 7 nutrient element contents (Ca,Mg,Na,Mn,Zn,Cu and Ni) were analyzed by the soil agrochemical analysis method combined with the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. SPSS 22.0 software was applied for data multiple comparison and correlation analysis. Result: The all results showed significant differences (PF. taipaiensis. The content of total N,available N,total P,available P and organic matter of rhizospheric soil collected from cultivated varieties decreased with the increase of years,and the content of total K,available K and pH decreased first and then increased. However,the soil physical and chemical properties of wild varieties had no obvious change with the increase of years. The content of Ca,Mg,Na and Cu of soil from cultivated varieties decreased with the increase of years,while the content of Mn decreased first and then increased. And Zn and Ni showed no significant change with the increase of years. Compared with cultivated varieties,the content of Ca,Mg,Na,Mn and Cu increased first and then decreased. The content of Zn and Ni showed no obvious change. In general,the rhizospheric soil nutrient and the content of nutrient elements for wild F. taipaiensis were superior to those of cultivated varieties. Conclusion: The third year is the turning point of F. taipaiensis growth. The rhizospheric soil nutrient and the content of nutrient elements decreased obviously after three years. Attention shall be given to the balanced fertilization,the improvement of soil quality and the prevention of the cropping during cultivation of F. taipaiensis.

Predicting Therapeutic Response by Lymphocyte Level at 28th Day after DAC Treatment in Patients with MDS / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate a reliable clinical indication for predicting the therapeutic response of decitabine therapy in the patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).@*METHODS@#The clinical efficacy of decitabine for 55 cases of MDS was analyzed retrospectively. According to the lymphocyte level at d28 after the first time treatment with decitabine, the patients were divided into high lymphocyte level group (H-Lym≥1.2×10/L) and low lymphocyte level group (L-Lym<1.2×10/L), and the overall response rate (ORR) and the progression-free survival (PFS) time in 2 groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#As compared with L-Lym group, the ORR and PFS time in H-Lym group were significantly enhanced ［(76.0% vs 50.0%) (P<0.05) and median time (15.7 months vs 8.5 months)(P<0.05), respectively］;the ratio of platelet level ≥100×10/L in H-Lym group was very significantly higher than that in L-Lym group (72.0% vs 20.0%)(P<0.01). Multivariat analysis showed that the risk of disease progression in L-Lym group was 4.45-fold of H-Lym group (95% CI:1.58-12.59)(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The patients with lymphocyte level ≥1.2×10/L at day 28 after the first time treatment with decitabine show the higher ORR and longer PFS time, therefore. the lymphocyte level at day 28 after first time treatment with decitabine can be used as an early clinical indicator for predecting the response to decitabine treatment.

The absolute value of lymphocyte counts and the response to decitabine treatment in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To investigate the relations of absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) to the therapeutic responses in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after the first course of decitabine (DAC) treatment.Methods Clinical data of 35 patients with MDS and MDS-derived secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who were admitted in the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from Jan.2014 to Dec.2016 and treated with DAC were included in the present study.The patients were grouped into high lymphocyte group (H-Lym,ALC ≥ 1.2 × 109/L) and low lymphocyte group (L-Lym,ALC＜1.2 × 109/L) based on the ALC in days 28-35 after the first course of DAC treatment.The baseline data of both groups were compared with Pearson x2 analysis,while t test was used to analyze the changes of lymphocyte number before and after the first course of DAC treatment.Progressionfree survival (PFS) was estimated with Kaplan-Meier method,and the cumulative survival (CS) was compared between the two groups using log-rank test.Results Of the 35 patients,15 were in H-Lym group and 20 in L-Lym group.No significant difference existed in the baseline lymphocyte levels between the two groups (P＞0.05).The statistically significant differences (P＜0.05) existed only in the patients of the two groups who were with the proportion of bone marrow blasts ≥ 10％.The ALC in H-Lym group were slightly higher after the first course of DAC treatment than that at the time of diagnosis,but with no statistically significant (P＞0.05).However,the ALC in L-Lym group were significantly lower after the first course of DAC treatment than that at the time of diagnosis (P＜0.05).Patients had higher overall response rate (ORR) in H-Lym group than in L-Lym group (80％ vs.40％,P＜0.05).The median PFS was 10 months in H-Lym group and 7.6 months in L-Lym group (P＜0.05).Univariate analysis showed that the low ALC was a poor prognostic factor for the progression ofMDS (P＜0.05).Conclusion Patients with ALC ≥ 1.2 × 109/L after the first course of DAC treatment will have better ORR and longer PFS.

Lymphocyte Count before First Consolidation Therapy Is A Predictor of Relapse free Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of absolute lymphocyte count(ALC) before start of the first cycle of consolidation chemotherapy(CC) on the relapse free survival in the patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML), so as to explore a simple and easy method for predicting AML relapse.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data of 132 patients with newly diagnosed AML (all non-acute promyelotic leukemia) from 2011 to 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The 132 AML patients were treated with standard induction chemotherapy (IC) and consolidation chemotherapy (CC). According to lymphocyte count of patients before start of the first cycle of CC, the AML patients were divided into 2 group: high lymphocyte count group (H-Lym≥1.2×10/L) and low lymphocyte count group (L-Lym<1.2×10/L). The differences in ralapse rate and relapse-free survival between 2 groups were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 132 patients with AML, patients who could be valuated and were elicible for the study accounted for 65 (49.24%). The absolute leukocyte count, age, chromosome karyotypes before IC of patients did not show statistical difference between H-Lym group (40 cases) and L-Lym group (25 cases). Unvarvate analysis showed that the Low lymphocyte count and unfavorable chromosome karyotypes were poor prognostic factors for the relapse-free survival time, and there was significant difference between 2 groups (P<0.01). The relapse risk in patients of L-Lym group increased, the hazard ratio (HR)=3.01 (95% CI=1.55-4.98) (P<0.01). In multivariate analysis containing unfavorable prognostic karyotypes, this trend still existed (HR=2.52, 95% CI 1.28-9.98)(P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The AML patients with high lymphocyte count before the first CC have more long relapse free survival time suggesting that the lymphocyte count before the first CC may be prognostic factor for relapse free survival of AML patients.</p>

Ovarian Fibrosis: A Phenomenon of Concern / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Ovarian fibrosis is characterized by excessive proliferation of ovarian fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and it is one of the principal reasons for ovarian dysfunction. This review aimed to investigate the pathogenetic mechanism of ovarian fibrosis and to clarify the relationship between ovarian diseases and fibrosis.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>We searched PubMed for English language articles published up to November 2016. The search terms included ovarian fibrosis OR fibrosis, ovarian chocolate cyst OR ovarian endometrioma, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, ECM, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and combinations of these terms.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Articles were obtained and reviewed to analyze the pathogenic mechanism of ovarian fibrosis and related ovarian diseases.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Many cytokines, such as MMPs, TIMPs, TGF-β1, CTGF, PPAR-γ, VEGF, and ET-1, are involved in ovarian fibrogenesis. Ovarian fibrogenesis is associated with various ovarian diseases, including ovarian chocolate cyst, PCOS, and premature ovarian failure. One finding of particular interest is that fibrogenesis in peripheral tissues around an ovarian chocolate cyst commonly causes ovarian function diminution, and therefore, this medical problem should arouse widespread concern in clinicians worldwide.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Patients with ovarian fibrosis are susceptible to infertility and tend to have decreased responses to assisted fertility treatment. Thus, protection of ovarian function should be a priority for women who wish to reproduce when making therapeutic decisions about ovarian fibrosis-related diseases.</p>

Advanced Role of Hippo Signaling in Endometrial Fibrosis: Implications for Intrauterine Adhesion / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a major health problem that causes infertility, menstrual irregularities, and recurrent pregnancy losses in women. Unfortunately, treatments for IUA are limited, and there are currently no effective strategies for preventing IUA recurrence. In this review, we introduced the role of Hippo signaling in the normal endometrium and IUA and described the mechanisms by which the Hippo pathway integrates with the Wnt and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathways to form an intricate network governing the development of fibrosis.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>Original research articles in English that were published until July 2017 were collected from the PubMed database.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Literature search was conducted using the search terms "endometrial fibrosis OR fibrosis AND or OR intrauterine adhesion OR Asherman syndrome OR IUA," "Hippo AND or OR Hippo/TAZ," "TGF-β," and "Wnt." Related original research articles were included in the comprehensive analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Endometrial fibrosis is recognized as a key pathological event in the development of IUA, which is characterized by epithelial/fibroblast-myofibroblast transition. Myofibroblasts play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of fibrous scarring, and myofibroblast differentiation can be triggered by multiple signaling pathways. Hippo signaling is a critical regulator of the epithelial/fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and α-smooth muscle actin, which exhibits a specific spatiotemporal expression in the endometrium.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hippo signaling plays a critical role in fibrous diseases and participates in cross talks with Wnt and TGF-β signaling. Our findings not only contributed to knowledge on the pathogenesis of endometrial fibrosis, but can also serve as a useful resource for developing specific molecular inhibitors for IUA treatment and prevention.</p>

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Fertilization Rate Does Not Depend on the Proportion of Round-headed Sperm, Small-acrosomal Sperm, or Morphologically Normal Sperm in Patients with Partial Globozoospermia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Generally, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be the preferable method to treat partial globozoospermia, but whether there exist some correlations between ICSI fertilization rate and the proportion of round-headed sperm or morphologically normal sperm remains open. This study was to explore the correlation between ICSI fertilization rate and the sperm morphology in patients with partial globozoospermia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-four patients diagnosed with partial globozoospermia accepted the following assisted fertilization treatments - 2 cases accepted in-vitro fertilization (IVF) alone, 26 cases accepted ICSI alone, and 6 accepted split IVF/ICSI. Detailed morphological characteristics were described using Diff-Quik rapid staining. Sixty cases accepting IVF or ICSI treatment in our reproductive center were considered as the control group after being matched by relevant criteria. Fertilization rate, embryo quality, embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Besides very high proportion of round-headed sperm, partial globozoospermia also showed very high proportion of small-acrosomal sperm and very low proportion of morphologically normal sperm. Fertilization rate of IVF (IVF alone plus split IVF) was very low in partial globozoospermia (25.4% ± 17.4%), but ICSI (ICSI alone plus split ICSI) achieved satisfying fertilization rate compared with the control group (66.2% ± 22.5% vs. 68.8% ± 29.4%, P > 0.05). In patients with partial globozoospermia, there were no correlations between ICSI fertilization rate and the proportion of round-headed sperm, small-acrosomal sperm, or morphologically normal sperm.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There was high proportion of small-acrosomal sperm in partial globozoospermia. For patients with partial globozoospermia, ICSI is more preferable than IVF. ICSI fertilization rate does not depend on the proportion of round-headed sperm, small-acrosomal sperm, or morphologically normal sperm.</p>

Preliminary study of semi-quantitative and quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in evaluating the response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the capability of semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to predict the response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy( CCRT) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 24 patients with stage III or IIIB NSCLC, who underwent 3.0T DCE-MRI before CCRT, were enrolled in this study. Semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters were calculated by Funtool and Omnikinetics software. The relationship between these obtained parameters and tumor response was evaluated by Spearmen' s correlation analysis. The patients were classified into two groups according to the tumor regression rate after treatment, as response group (group A) and non-response group ( group B). Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the parameters of responders and non-responders. The value of the parameters on predicting response was calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The tumor regression rate after treatment was negatively correlated with time to peak (TTP) and the extravascular-extracellular volume fraction (Ve), and was positively correlated with signal enhancement ratio (SERmax) and volume transfer constant (Ktrans) (P < 0.05 for all). Statistical significant differences were found between group A and group B both in semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters (P < 0.05). Group A had a lower TTP value [(34.66 ± 16.37) s vs. (44.09 ± 17.41) s] and Ve value [(0.19 ± 0.03) vs. (0.25 ± 0.05)] than group B, whereas group A had a higher SERmax [(166.50 ± 44.95)% vs. (113.57 ± 46.62)%] and Ktrans [(0.41 ± 0.17) min(-1) vs. (0.28 ± 0.12) min(-1)] than group B (P < 0.05 for all). The ROC analysis indicated that when setting the threshold of Ve on ≤ 0.21 for predicting response, the specificity, sensitivity and accuracy were 85.7%, 80.0% and 83.3%, respectively, with an area under curve of 0.875 (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Both the semi-quantitative and quantitative DCE-MRI parameters are helpful for predicting the response after CCRT of NSCLC. Quantitative parameters seem to be more meaningful than semi-quantitative parameters.</p>

Expression and distribution of calcium-binding protein S100P in human placenta during pregnancy

S100P is a member of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, and it participates in pathophysiological events, such as tumor growth and invasion. Based on the striking similarities between trophoblast cells and tumor cells with regard to proliferative and invasive properties, we raised the question of whether and how S100P expresses in trophoblast cells during development. This study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of S100P in the human placenta during pregnancy development. In this experimental study, we collected 16 first-trimester placental tissues, 10 second-trimester placental tissues, and 12 term placentas. The mRNA expression levels of S100P were detected by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] and quantitative real-time PCR, the protein expression levels were detected by western blot, and the localization of S100P was measured by immunohistochemical staining. The values obtained from PCR and western blot analysis were expressed as the mean +/- SD. Levene's test was used to test equal variances, and one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] was used to evaluate differences between groups. Protein and mRNA expression of S100P could be detected in placenta during pregnancy, with minor higher levels in first-trimester [p>0.05]. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that S100P protein was strongly expressed in syncytiotrophoblasts, and moderate expression was detected in villous cytotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblast columns. The S100P protein was localized to both cytoplasm and nuclei in syncytiotrophoblasts, while it only existed in the cytoplasm of cytotrophoblasts. S100P was strongly detected in human placenta during pregnancy. The specific expression and distribution of S100P in human placenta throughout gestation suggested that S100P function might vary with its location in the placenta

Efects of Inhibiting miR-155 Expression on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Leukemia THP-1 Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of miR-155 inhibitor transfection on the proliferation and apoptosis of THP-1 cells. The miR-155 inhibitor was transfected into THP-1 cells (THP-1I) by using X-treme GENE siRNA transfection reagent. Cells without transfection (THP-1C) and cells with negative transfection (THP-1IC) were used as controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of miR-155 and relative expression of SHIP1 mRNA in the cells. Cell proliferation was assayed using CCK-8 method. Cell apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of SHIP1, TAKT and pAKT in THP-1 cells were detected by Western blot. The results indicated that compared with THP-1C and THP-1IC, the expression of miR-155 in THP-1I cells was significantly reduced; miR-155 inhibition significantly increased apoptosis rate in THP-1 cells (P < 0.05) ; miR-155 inhibition in THP-1 cells caused no significant alteration in SHIP1 mRNA level but significantly increased its protein content, indicating some post-transcriptional modulations might exist underlying the modulation of miR-155 to SHIP1, the miR-155 caused significantly reduced protein level of pAKT (P < 0.05) without interfering TAKT protein content. It is concluded that the miR-155 inhibition may promote THP-1 cell apoptosis through increasing SHIP1 protein content and impairing its downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study suggests that miR-155 inhibition may be a promising therapy strategy for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Fertility-preserving treatment and pregnancy outcomes in the early stage of endometrial carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed to review the available literature on fertility-preserving treatment and pregnancy outcomes in patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma who desired to preserve their fertility.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>The PubMed database (1992-2012) was searched for the words "conservative "OR" fertility sparing "OR" fertility preserving" AND "endometrial neoplasms" (MeSH). All relevant articles in English and the relevant references were collected.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Data from published articles about fertility-preserving treatment of endometrial cancer, including the response and recurrence rate of conservative treatment, strategies of infertility treatment, pregnancy, and obstetric outcomes, were selected. Data were mainly extracted from 41 studies, which are listed in the reference section of this review.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Hormone therapy was the most common method used for early-stage endometrial carcinoma in patients who wished to preserve fertility. Sixty percent of the patients became pregnant after remission of the carcinoma. The percentage of patients who conceived in the assisted reproductive technology group was higher than that of the natural pregnancy group (80.0% vs. 43.2%, P < 0.01). A higher rate of preterm labor and multiple pregnancies was observed in the assisted reproductive technology group than that in the natural pregnancy group. The majority of pregnancies (71.4%) in the assisted reproductive technology group were achieved by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. The clinical pregnancy rate of transfer cycles in patients with endometrial carcinoma was 34.1%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Assisted reproductive technology is a good option in well-selected patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma who have completed conservative treatment. In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer offers an opportunity to achieve an immediate pregnancy.</p>

Expression of Yes-associated protein 1 gene and protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the oral and maxillofacial region. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) has been implicated as a bona fide oncogene in solid tumors. We seek to elucidate the role of YAP1 in OSCC tissue.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We identified YAP1 gene and protein overexpression in 30 OSCC patients and 10 normal oral mucosa tissues by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the normal oral mucosa by immunohistochemical staining, YAP1 mainly located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus mainly the nuclei of the basal cells. In OSCC, the expression of YAP1 translocated from the nucleus to cytoplasm; YAP1 being mainly located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of the adjacent mucosa. The expression of YAP1 gradual increased in normal oral mucosa, tumor adjacent mucosa and low grade, middle grade, high grade OSCC tissue by Western blotting. Significant difference was found between the expressions of the normal oral mucosa and OSCC tissue (P < 0.05). The coincidence was detected between the normal oral mucosa and OSCC tissue by RT-PCR (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>YAP1 is involved in the carcinogenesis and development of OSCC. There is a transformation between nucleus and cytoplasm.</p>

In vitro culture and characterization of alveolar bone osteoblasts isolated from type 2 diabetics

In order to understand the mechanisms of poor osseointegration following dental implants in type 2 diabetics, it is important to study the biological properties of alveolar bone osteoblasts isolated from these patients. We collected alveolar bone chips under aseptic conditions and cultured them in vitro using the tissue explants adherent method. The biological properties of these cells were characterized using the following methods: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) chemical staining for cell viability, Alizarin red staining for osteogenic characteristics, MTT test for cell proliferation, enzyme dynamics for ALP contents, radio-immunoassay for bone gla protein (BGP) concentration, and ELISA for the concentration of type I collagen (COL-I) in the supernatant. Furthermore, we detected the adhesion ability of two types of cells from titanium slices using non-specific immunofluorescence staining and cell count. The two cell forms showed no significant difference in morphology under the same culture conditions. However, the alveolar bone osteoblasts received from type 2 diabetic patients had slower growth, lower cell activity and calcium nodule formation than the normal ones. The concentration of ALP, BGP and COL-I was lower in the supernatant of alveolar bone osteoblasts received from type 2 diabetic patients than in that received from normal subjects (P < 0.05). The alveolar bone osteoblasts obtained from type 2 diabetic patients can be successfully cultured in vitro with the same morphology and biological characteristics as those from normal patients, but with slower growth and lower concentration of specific secretion and lower combining ability with titanium than normal ones.