Direct generation of a 635 nm red random laser based on praseodymium (Pr)-doped ZBLAN fiber.

Visible random fiber lasers have garnered significant attention due to their unique emission properties and potential applications in various fields. We first, to the best of our knowledge, demonstrated a compact all-fiber structure, red wavelength, and random fiber laser (RFL) based on a double-clad Pr-doped ZBLAN fiber. The simple half-open cavity consists of a high-reflectivity fiber pigtail mirror and the Pr-doped ZBLAN fiber. The Pr-doped ZBLAN fiber not only served as a gain medium but also offered random backward scattering. We investigated the effects of different lengths on output power and slope efficiency of the RFL. For 21 m Pr-doped fiber, the RFL emitted a maximum output power of 208.50 mW with a slope efficiency of 11.09%. For 15 m Pr-doped fiber, the maximum power decreased to 120.18 mW with the slope efficiency of 7.27%. We are also numerically simulating the output power versus the pump power at different fiber lengths based on power steady-state light propagation equations. This novel RFL has the potential for broad applications in fields such as display technology, spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, and optical sensing due to its unique properties and simple all-fiber structure.

Exploration of Diagnostic Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Endometriosis and Its Immune Infiltration.

The mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to identify key deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) for endometriosis diagnosis and elucidate the possible mechanism, offering novel insights for noninvasive early diagnosis and treatment. Four gene expression datasets were employed from the Gene Expression Omnibus to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between endometriosis and normal controls. GO and KEGG pathways were performed for enrichment analysis. Calibration curves, ROC, DCA, and clinical impact curves verified the clinical usefulness of the nomogram model. In addition, the ssGSEA method was conducted to estimate 23 types of immune cells. A specific DUB gene signature was constructed with Lasso regression, univariate logistic regression, and SVM analysis. RT-qPCR validated the expression of biomarkers. A total of 85 endometriosis-related DUBs were identified in the eutopic endometrium. Among them, 20 DUBs were found to be correlated with the severity of endometriosis. A diagnostic risk model based on five DUB-related genes (USP21, USP48, ZRANB1, COPS5, and EIF3F) was developed using lasso-cox regression analysis. The nomogram model exhibited a strong predictive ability to diagnose endometriosis. KEGG analysis revealed that ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis was activated in patients suffering from severe symptoms. Analysis of immune cell infiltration revealed a positive correlation between USP21 and multiple immune cells in the eutopic endometrium. However, EIF3F showed an opposite relationship. Dysregulation of DUBs was related to the immune microenvironment in endometriosis. Results from RT-qPCR confirmed the expression of DEGs in clinical samples. In summary, the diagnostic model for endometriosis constructed using five differentially expressed DUB genes demonstrates strong diagnostic capability, suggesting that these genes could serve as potential candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Safety and efficacy of onradivir in adults with acute uncomplicated influenza A infection: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Onradivir (ZSP1273) is a novel anti-influenza A virus inhibitor. Preclinical studies show that onradivir can inhibit influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 replication and increase the survival rate of infected animals. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three onradivir dosing regimens versus placebo in outpatients with acute uncomplicated influenza A virus infection. METHODS: We did a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial at 20 clinical sites in China. Eligible participants were adults (18-65 years) with an influenza-like illness screened by rapid antigen testing at the first clinical visit, had the presence of a fever (axillary temperature ≥38·0°C), and had the presence of at least one moderate systemic and one respiratory symptom within 48 h of symptom onset. Patients were excluded if they were pregnant, allergic to onradivir, or had received any influenza antiviral medication within 7 days before enrolment. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) into four groups by an interactive web response system: onradivir 200 mg twice per day group, onradivir 400 mg twice per day group, onradivir 600 mg once per day group, and a matching placebo group. A 5-day oral treatment course was initiated within 48 h after symptoms onset. The primary outcome was the time to alleviate influenza symptoms in the modified intention-to-treat population. Safety was a secondary outcome. We evaluated the patients' self-assessed severity of seven influenza symptoms on a 4-point ordinal scale, and the treatment-emergent adverse events in all patients. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04024137. FINDINGS: Between Dec 7, 2019, and May 18, 2020, a total of 205 patients were screened; of whom, 172 (84%) were randomly assigned to receive onradivir (n=43 in the 200 mg twice per day group; n=43 in the 400 mg twice per day group; and n=43 in the 600 mg once per day group), or placebo (n=42). Median age was 22 years (IQR 20-26). All three onradivir groups showed decreased median time to alleviate influenza symptoms (46·92 h [IQR 24·00-81·38] in the 200 mg twice per day group, 54·87 h [23·67-110·62] in the 400 mg twice per day group, and 40·05 h [17·70-65·82] in the 600 mg once per day) compared with the placebo group (62·87 h [36·40-113·25]). The median difference between the onradivir 600 mg once per day group and the placebo group was -22·82 h (p=0·0330). The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse event was diarrhoea (71 [42%] of 171), ranging from 33-65% of the patients in onradivir-treated groups compared with 10% in the placebo group; no serious adverse events were observed. INTERPRETATION: Onradivir showed a safety profile comparable to placebo, as well as higher efficacy than placebo in ameliorating influenza symptoms and lowering the viral load in adult patients with uncomplicated influenza infection, especially the onradivir 600 mg once per day regimen. FUNDING: National Multidisciplinary Innovation Team Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guangdong Science and Technology Foundation, Guangzhou Science and Technology Planning Project, Emergency Key Program of Guangzhou Laboratory, Macao Science and Technology Development Fund, and Guangdong Raynovent Biotech.

Overweight and obesity determined by body mass index criteria for Asian populations adversely affect assisted reproductive outcomes among Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a common feature in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is associated with multiple adverse reproductive outcomes. However, the impact of overweight and obesity on reproductive outcomes of women with PCOS who underwent in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is currently controversial and appropriate body mass index (BMI) levels differ across ethnic groups. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including 1066 women with PCOS receiving IVF treatment at our institution between January 2018 and June 2021, among whom 960 underwent their first fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Participants were categorized according to BMI cut-off values proposed by the World Health Organization for Asian populations: normal weight (BMI < 23 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 23-24.9 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). The effect of BMI on clinical and embryological outcomes was evaluated by descriptive statistics and logistic regression models with confounders adjusted. The dose-response relationship between BMI as a continuous variable and IVF outcomes is also explored. INTERVENTIONS: no RESULTS: Increasing BMI was associated with significantly lower numbers of total oocytes retrieved, metaphase II oocytes, two pronuclear (2PN) zygotes, and good-quality embryos among women with PCOS. Patients with PCOS with a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 had significantly lower live birth rates (41.9% vs. 49.1%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.97) and implantation rates (35.8% vs. 43.9%; aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61-0.93) than those with normal BMI. Moreover, BMI showed a non-linear relationship (p for nonlinearity <0.001) with the number of 2PN zygotes with the curve becoming steeper as BMI surpassed 22.4 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PCOS with a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 have lower live birth rates than those with a BMI < 23 kg/m2. Defining obesity and overweight with ethnicity-specific BMI cut-offs may help to improve IVF outcomes among PCOS patients.

Clostridium brassicae sp. nov., A Strictly Anaerobic Bacterium Isolated from High-Salt Industrial Wastewater.

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (1.8-5.5 µm long, 0.6-0.9 µm wide), designated ZC22-4T, was isolated from a pickle-processing wastewater treatment plant in Zhejiang province, P.R. China. Strain ZC22-4T grows optimally at 37-40 °C and pH 7.0 in the presence of 1% (w/v) NaCl or 2.0% (w/v) sea salts. It contained C16:0 (25.9%), C14:0 (13.6%), and C16:1 cis 9 (10.6%) as the dominant cellular fatty acid (> 10%). Polar lipids include phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one unidentified phospholipid (PL), two unidentified glycolipids (GL), three unidentified amino phosphoglycolipids (APGL1-3), one unidentified aminoglycolipid (AGL), and one unidentified lipid (L). The genomic DNA G + C content of ZC22-4T was 28.7%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain ZC22-4T belonged to the genus Clostridium and formed a clade with the most closely related Clostridium aestuarii HY-45-18T (96.3%), Clostridium ganghwense HY-42-06T (95.9%). The average nucleotide identity and DNA-DNA hybridization values among the genomes of strain ZC22-4T and C. aestuarii HY-45-18T and C. ganghwense HY-42-06T were 75.7% and 77.3%, 21.7% and 23.0%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genetic data, strain ZC22-4T represents a novel species in the Clostridium cluster I, for which the name Clostridium brassicae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZC22-4T (= MCCC 1K07510T = JCM 35370T).

Derivation and Validation of a Necroptosis-Related lncRNA Signature in Patients with Ovarian Cancer.

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of gynecologic malignant tumors. The role of necroptosis-related lncRNAs (NRLs) in OC remains unclear. This study aims to explore the association between NRLs and prognosis in OC patients. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GTEx datasets were used to obtain OC's data. A NRLs signature associated with overall survival (OS) was constructed by Cox-LASSO regression analysis in training cohort for calculating risk score and then validated in testing cohort. Subsequently, the area under the curve (AUC) and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the risk score. Finally, the immune infiltration and functional enrichment were compared between different risk groups. Results: A 8-NRLs signature including AC245128.3, AL355488.1, AC092794.1, AC068888.2, AL590652.1, AC008982.2, FOXP4-AS1, and Z94721.1 was identified to assess the OS of OC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, AUC value, and Cox regression analysis confirmed its predictive value and showed that the clinical outcomes were worse for high-risk patients. There were also differences in immunological functioning and immune pathways between the high-risk and low-risk groups. Conclusions: The signature based on eight NRLs has significant values in predicting prognostic prediction in OC, as well as providing a new sight for targeted therapies.

Comparison of the modified laparoscopic Vecchietti and Davydov colpoplasty techniques in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: A long-term follow-up analysis.

AIMS: To introduce and compare the modified laparoscopic Vecchietti and Davydov techniques for vaginoplasty in patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. Moreover, the long-term treatment of vaginal agenesis was followed-up. METHODS: This comparative retrospective cohort study enrolled a total of 53 women with MRKH syndrome. The patients underwent surgical creation of a neovagina including 32 patients who underwent the modified laparoscopic Vecchietti technique, and 21 patients who underwent the modified laparoscopic Davydov technique from January 2009 to February 2019. The perioperative parameters, complications, anatomical, and functional outcomes of the two groups were compared. Patients' sexual functions were evaluated over a long-term follow-up using the female sexual function index (FSFI) and the revised female sexual distress scale (FSDS-R). RESULTS: The medians (25th-75th) of the surgery duration for modified Vecchietti procedures was 50.0 (40.0-59.0) minutes, comparing to 135.0 (117.5-162.5) min for Davydov procedures (p < 0.001). The intraoperative blood loss was 20 (7.5-20.0) mL versus 50.0 (50.0-100.0) mL using the modified Vecchietti and Davydov approaches (p < 0.001), respectively. In the 39 follow-up cases, the lengths of the neovagina of the patients for Vecchietti group versus Davydov group were 7.9 ± 1.0 cm versus 8.6 ± 1.2 cm at 6 months after the vaginoplasty and 8.3 ± 0.7 cm versus 8.5 ± 0.9 cm after 2 years. There was no statistical difference in the FSFI and FSDS-R scores between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both the modified Davydov and Vecchietti laparoscopic procedures successfully achieved optimal anatomic and functional outcomes in treatments of vaginal agenesis. The modified Vecchietti technique is relatively simpler than the modified Davydov technique.

The novel use of lauromacrogol: A respective study of ultrasound-guided sclerosant injection for cesarean scar pregnancy.

AIM: To introduce the novel use of lauromacrogol for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), and to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of curettage combined with ultrasound-guided sclerosant injection (USI) and curettage following uterine artery embolization (UAE) in the treatment of CSP. METHODS: CSP patients undergoing curettage combined with USI (n = 72) from December 2014 to May 2020 were compared to patient with curettage following UAE (n = 72).The basic clinical findings and clinical outcomes were reviewed between the two groups. RESULTS: For USI group, 69 patients underwent successful treatment (95.8% success rate), while the number of cured patients for the UAE group was 70 (97.2% success rate). Differences between USI group and UAE group in intraoperative blood loss (10.0 [10.0-20.0] vs. 10.0 [10.0-20.0] mL) and time for serum ß human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) to reduce to normal (28.0 [21.0-40.0] vs. 28.0 [21.0-35.0] days) were not statistically significant. The hospital stay for USI group was significantly shorter than that for UAE group (4.0 [4.0-6.0] vs. 6.0 [5.0-7.0] days, respectively). Statistically significant decreases were noted in hospitalization expenses and adverse events in USI group, compared to UAE group. There was no difference in live birth rate between the two groups with fertility intentions during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: For treatment of CSP, curettage combined with USI yielded clinical results comparable to those of curettage following UAE. Curettage combined with USI was associated with lower hospitalization expenses, shorter hospital stay and less complications, and it merited an effective and safe treatment for CSP.

Long-Term Disturbed Expression and DNA Methylation of SCAP/SREBP Signaling in the Mouse Lung From Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been linked to cholesterol metabolic and respiratory disorders later in life, but the mechanisms by which biosynthetic signaling remain unclear. Lung inflammatory diseases are tightly linked with the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), but this has not been shown in an ART offspring. Here, mouse models from a young to old age were established including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI), and in vivo fertilized groups. In our results, significantly higher plasma levels of CRP, IgM, and IgG were identified in the aged ICSI mice. Additionally, pulmonary inflammation was found in four aged ART mice. At three weeks, ART mice showed significantly downregulated levels of Scap, Srebp-1a, Srebp-1c, and Srebf2 mRNA in the lung. At the same time, significant differences in the DNA methylation rates of Scap-Srebfs and protein expression of nuclear forms of SREBPs (nSREBPs) were detected in the ART groups. Only abnormalities in the expression levels of Srebp-1a and Srebp-1c mRNA and nSREBP1 protein were found in the ART groups at 10 weeks. However, at 1.5 years old, aberrant expression levels and DNA methylation of SCAP, SREBP1, and SREBP2, and their associated target genes, were observed in the lung of the ART groups. Our results indicate that ART increases long-term alterations in SCAP/SREBP expression that may be associated with their aberrant methylation status in mouse.

The suture fixation of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device using the hysteroscopic cold-knife surgery system: an original method in treatment of adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce an effective approach using the hysteroscopic cold-knife surgery system (HCSS) for suture fixation of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) in patients with adenomyosis. DESIGN: Video description of the surgical procedures to demonstrate the detailed technique. The study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Hangzhou Women's Hospital. SETTING: Maternity hospital. PATIENT(S): A 39-year-old woman diagnosed with adenomyosis had endured 7 years of severe dysmenorrhea and 4 years of heavy menstrual bleeding. She had a past medical history that was significant for expulsion of an LNG-IUD. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed that her uterus was enlarged by adenomyosis. She insisted on preserving fertility potential. INTERVENTION(S): We proceeded with the HCSS and the uterine cavity was found enlarged significantly. In consideration of the patient's strong desire for maintaining fertility options, the fixation of the LNG-IUD on the intrauterine posterior wall with an Ethibond suture was performed successfully through an endoscopic needle driver and a knot-pushing device. Proficient endoscopic suturing is the key to the technique. Informed consent was obtained from the patient. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Feasibility and value of using the HCSS to fix an LNG-IUD for treatment of adenomyosis. RESULT(S): The LNG-IUD was fixed successfully by the HCSS with an Ethibond suture on the posterior wall of the uterus within 30 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 2 mL. The patient was discharged 24 hours postoperatively without any adverse perioperative complications. At the one-year follow-up, the patient reported obvious relief of her dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia and no more experience with expulsion. Ultrasound demonstrated normal position of the IUD at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION(S): Hysteroscopy presents a clear visual field to locate and fix the IUD. In patients with adenomyosis suffering from dysmenorrhea or excessive menstrual blood loss, suture fixation of the LNG-IUD using the HCSS can be a minimally invasive and effective alternative for treating adenomyosis, especially in patients who have previously expelled an LNG-IUD, preventing the risk of expulsion.

The association between serum testosterone levels and metabolic syndrome among women.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between total serum testosterone level (TT) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among adult female population. Subgroup analysis further stratified the population by menopausal status to address the potential hormonal difference in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 1966 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012 cycle was included for analysis in this study. MetS was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Serum TT was collected during the physical examination of the NHANES program and divided into quartiles (Q) in this analysis. Menopausal status was determined based on NHANES Reproductive Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied for analysis. RESULTS: The odds of MetS in Q2: 12.99-19.38 ng/mL (OR = 0.641, 95%CI 0.493-0.835, P < 0.01), Q3: 19.39-28.38 ng/mL (OR = 0.476, 95%CI 0.362-0.626, P < 0.001), and Q4: ≥28.40 ng/mL (OR = 0.390, 95%CI 0.294-0.517, P < 0.001) were statistically lower compared to the reference Q1: <12.99 ng/mL. For the postmenopausal group, a significantly lower odds of MetS was observed in the Q2 (OR = 0.689, 95%CI 0.486-0.977, P < 0.05) and Q4 (OR = 0.606, 95%CI 0.399-0.922, P < 0.05), while the odds of Q3 (OR = 0.439, 95%CI 0.248-0.779, P < 0.01) and Q4 (OR = 0.464, 95%CI 0.261-0.825, P < 0.01) were significantly lower than the reference Q1 in the premenopausal group. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated TT levels are associated with incremental reductions in the odds of metabolic syndrome among adult females. Although, serum testosterone level is associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in both the postmenopausal and the premenopausal group, the patterns of the relationship are different.

Modified Vecchietti vaginoplasty using self-made single-port laparoscopy in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the minimally invasive Vecchietti procedure based on single-port laparoscopy with self-made surgical instruments for the surgical management of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH). DESIGN: Surgical video article. The approval of the Institutional Review Board and written consent from the patient were obtained. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): A 22-year-old woman presented with primary amenorrhea and inability to participate in penetrative sexual intercourse. A gynecological examination revealed a phenotypically normal vulva and absence of the vagina. A normal 46,XX karyotype was expressed. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonic imaging of the abdomen and pelvis indicated that the ovaries were normal in size and there was vaginal agenesis with rudimentary uterus. No other congenital malformations were present. INTERVENTION(S): The modified Vecchietti procedure involved a transvaginal operation and laparoscopic surgery. The epidural catheter was stretched and made into two wires that were tucked into the core of the Veress needle and then folded into four strings for perineal puncture. A transverse incision of about 3 cm was made in the center of the navel, layer by layer into the abdomen, and placed in a self-made single port (made of a small wound protector and an 8-inch glove), introducing the laparoscope. Under laparoscopic surveillance, the Veress needle was inserted through the vesicorectal space guided by the index finger, which was placed in the rectum. The epidural catheter was pumped from the core into the abdominal cavity under laparoscopy. Subsequently, cystoscopy was performed to ensure that no bladder perforation occurred during the needle insertion. The ball-shaped acrylic device and the two rubber stoppers were attached to the epidural catheter of the vulva. An epidural puncture needle with wire perforated the peritoneum through McBurney's point and the opposite McBurney's point, pulling the epidural catheter out of the abdominal cavity. The epidural catheter was curled around the gauze rolls until the ball-shaped device could be accommodated into the newly created cavity at a sufficient depth. After the surgery, the top of neovagina was lifted about 1 cm every day by tightening gauze rolls to increase the traction, until a neovagina 9 cm long was achieved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The clinical and anatomical data such as the operative time, intraoperative bleeding, duration of hospitalization, and measurement of the final length of the newly created canal 30 days after surgery and 3 months after surgery. RESULT(S): The operative time was 30 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 10 mL. The duration of hospitalization was 10 days. Before discharge, the vaginal depth was 9 cm at 5 days after the surgery, and the self-made traction system was removed. A plastic mold was then inserted using povidone-iodine. The vaginal dilator had to be worn day and night. The patient was advised to sit at the corner of a hard bed or chair from time to time to enhance the dilated effect of the vaginal mold. Three months after the surgery, it could be worn each night until regular sexual intercourse was initiated. The canal length 30 days and 3 months after the surgery was nearly 9 cm. CONCLUSION(S): The modified Vecchietti vaginoplasty is a simple, safe, cost-effective, and minimally invasive procedure, offering an anatomic and functional neovagina for MRKH patients.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) inhibits the gap junction intercellular communication and induces apoptosis in human ovarian granulosa cells.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has attracted widespread research attention as it is very stable, bioaccumulates, and causes reproductive toxicity. Data from several animal experiments and epidemiological studies indicate that female fertility may decline because of ovarian granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis as oocyte quality is positively associated with effective gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) between GCs. To the best of our knowledge, however, no previous trials have been conducted or reported on the effects of PFOA exposure on apoptosis induction in human GCs. Moreover, the roles of GJIC in GC survival and in the induction of apoptosis in GCs by PFOA remain unclear. To test this, we cultured human GCs in vitro and treated them with 0 µM, 0.3 µM, 3 µM, or 30 µM PFOA for 24 h. We also treated a human ovarian GC line (KGN) with various combinations of PFOA, retinoic acid (RA, 10 µM), and carbenoxolone disodium (CBX, 50 mM). Our findings showed that PFOA lowered human GC viability and increased apoptosis. The effects of CBX resemble those of PFOA. The combination of PFOA and CBX enhances the inhibition of GJIC by PFOA and promotes apoptosis. The effects of RA are the opposite to those of PFOA. The combination of RA and PFOA mitigates PFOA-induced GJIC inhibition and reduces apoptosis. The observed expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were consistent with the aforementioned findings. Hence, our study demonstrated that PFOA may induce human ovarian GC apoptosis by inhibiting GJIC.

Development and validation of a simple and rapid method for hepatitis C virus genotyping based on one-step RT-qPCR.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections caused by different subtypes require different treatments; therefore, rapid and cost-effective genotyping methods for the diagnosis of HCV are greatly needed. In the present study, a new method to diagnose HCV subtypes that depends on a one-step quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and TaqMan fluorescence probe technique is described. Five pairs of primers and five probes were designed, which were able to detect five genotypes in three reaction tubes. One reaction was used to detect the 1b subtype, one was used to detect the 2a and 6a subtypes, and the other was used to detect the 3a and 3b subtypes. Rigorous performance validation was implemented for five aspects: Precision, sensitivity, accuracy, specificity and anti-interference. The HCV subtype that infected 289 patients was evaluated in the present study via RT-qPCR and verified by sequencing. The results revealed that the 1b subtype accounted for 45% of infections, the 2a subtype accounted for 9% of infections, the 3a subtype accounted for 13% of infections, the 3b subtype accounted for 18% of infections, and the 6a subtype accounted for 15% of infections. The analytical sensitivity for the detection of each of the five HCV subtypes was 1,000 IU/ml. The new method performed well in the performance validation mentioned above, indicating its effectiveness as a HCV genotyping method. RT-qPCR has mitigated some of the former challenges of existing HCV genotyping methods, including the time commitment, expense, and inaccuracy of such methods. The performance validation of this new method showed that RT-qPCR is reliable enough to be widely applied in China for HCV genotyping.

Myomectomy scar pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

Myomectomy scar pregnancy (MSP) is a rare disease, which is defined as a gestational sac located within a previous myomectomy scar. MSP is an uncommon late complication of uterine fibroids after myomectomy. We report a case where the implantation site matched the site of the previous myomectomy, and review the existing literature. A 28-year-old pregnant woman presented with vaginal bleeding. She was diagnosed with MSP by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, and then underwent laparotomic enucleation. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Taking into account the findings in our case and the seven other reported cases of MSP, we propose that MSP can be divided into three types and that surgical enucleation of the pregnancy mass is an effective treatment.

miR-638 in circulating leukaemia cells as a non-invasive biomarker in diagnosis, treatment response and MRD surveillance of acute promyelocytic leukaemia.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNA (miRNA) expression has been implicated in leukaemia. In recent years, miRNAs have been under investigation for their potential as non-invasive biomarkers in acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). We investigated whether miR-638 in circulating leukaemia cells is a non-invasive biomarker in diagnosis, assessment of the treatment response and minimal residual disease (MRD) surveillance of APL. METHODS: Sixty cases of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), including 30 cases of APL and 30 cases of non-APL AML, were selected. Thirty healthy controls were also selected. Bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) samples were collected from APL patients at diagnosis and post-induction. Microarray analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were performed for miRNA profiling and miR-638 expression analysis, respectively. For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Spearman's rho correlation test were used. RESULTS: Both microarray and qRT-PCR data showed that miR-638 was significantly upregulated in BM after APL patients received induction therapy. Moreover, miR-638, which is specifically downregulated in APL cell lines, was upregulated after all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced myeloid differentiation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses revealed that miR-638 could serve as a valuable biomarker for differentiating APL from controls or non-APL AML. Furthermore, miR-638 expression was sharply increased after induction therapy and complete remission (CR). An inverse correlation was observed between miR-638 and PML-RARα transcripts levels in BM samples, while a positive correlation was revealed between PB miR-638 and BM miR-638 levels in APL patients after induction therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that miR-638 may serve as a potential APL biomarker for diagnosis and assessment of the response to targeted therapy, and PB miR-638 could be used for non-invasive MRD surveillance in APL.