Disruption of precise regulation of αPKC expression and cellular localization is associated with cervical cancer progression.

PURPOSE: To understand the pathogenesis of cervical cancer (CC) associated with polarity protein αPKC and the potential roles of αPKC in clinical management of CC. METHODS: Tissue samples were collected from women who received colposcopy biopsy or hysterectomy surgery, including 9 CIN1, 8 CIN2, 15 CIN3, and 12 invasive cervical squamous cancer (ICC). 16 normal controls were from the normal region of tumor samples, HE and immunofluorescence staining of αPKC were performed on these samples. ANOVA and Kruslal-wallis test were used to quantitate the abnormal distribution and expression level of αPKC among different cervical lesions. RESULTS: Disruption of polarized apical localization and increased cytoplasmic accumulation of αPKC were identified in cervical lesions. In normal cervical epithelium, αPKC was detected on the apical membrane of endocervical columnar epithelial cells and of exocervical epithelial cells located at basal layer of squamous epithelium. While in squamous metaplasia, a precancerous lesion of cervical neoplasia, the polarized apical membrane localization of αPKC was disrupted, and intensed cytoplasmic accumulation was identified in the immature squamous metaplastic cells. Compared with normal cervix, number of epithelial cells with abnormal αPKC distribution was progressively increased in CINs and ICC (P < 0.05), and cytoplasmic accumulation of αPKC was increased in CIN2, CIN3, and ICC compared with CIN1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Disruption of polarized apical localization and increased cytoplasmic accumulation of αPKC were associated with CC progression, indicating that precise regulation of αPKC may play important roles in CC progression, and αPKC may be a potential molecular target for clinical diagnoses and treatment of CC.

The feasibilities of TruScreen for primary cervical cancer screening: a self-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Screening programs based on cytology testing led to the incidence reduction of cervical cancer mortality of about 70-80 % in industrialized countries. However, these favorable results have not been replicated in developing areas. Thus, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of TruScreen (Polartechnics, Sydney, Australia) in detecting of precancerous lesions in comparison with cervical cytology test. METHODS: A total of 181 outpatients were screened by TruScreen using the pathological results as the gold standard. The medical records of cytological smear within 6 weeks were obtained from 169 of these participants. The reliability and yield of TruScreen and cytological smear were assessed. The screening results of TruScreen were compared with those obtained from the conventional smear. RESULTS: The sensitivities for histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions by TruScreen and Pap, were 67.4 % (95 % CI 53.4-81.5) and 87.9 % (95 % CI 76.7-99.0), respectively. The specificities for histologically confirmed CIN lesions by TruScreen and Pap, were 68.1 % (95 % CI 60.3-75.9) and 74.3 % (95 % CI 70.0-81.4), respectively. In contrast to Pap smear, TruScreen was comparatively efficacious in screening of cervical cancer (χ (2) = 0.0133, P = 0.9081). CONCLUSION: TruScreen is a potential test for initial cervical screening in developing world regions.

The creative behavior of virtual idol fans: a psychological perspective based on MOA theory.

Breakthroughs in digital technology are accelerating the development and commercialization of virtual idols. They are overturning the traditional one-way communication between idols and fans, turning fans into producers and consumers. Therefore, identifying the motivations for fan creation can regulate and guide the creative behavior of fans and turn their creativity into productivity. This paper took "the factors influencing fans' spontaneous participation in creating virtual idols" as the primary research question, took the Motivation Opportunity Ability (MOA) theory as the research framework, used questionnaires as the primary research method, and combined the relevant research on motivation theory and self-determination theory to explore fans' creative behavior from the psychological perspective in depth. The empirical tests revealed that in the motivation dimension, interest motivation, achievement motivation, social motivation, and utility motivation all positively influenced fans' creative behavior; in the opportunity dimension, fans' perceived cost had a significant negative moderating effect on the influence of interest motivation, social motivation, and utility motivation on fans' creative behavior; fans' perceived community atmosphere was substantial. The moderating effect of knowledge and skills on the capability dimension was insignificant. For the virtual idol industry, the future development of the industry could not only focus on IP image creation and content production but also effectively stimulate fans' creative motivation through the creation of an excellent community atmosphere, the provision of targeted creator services, and the reduction of fans' perceived costs in the creation process.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Resulting from Antepartum Hemorrhage in Women with Placenta Previa and Its Associated Risk Factors: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) in women with placenta previa (PP) has been associated with increased perinatal complications. The present study aims to evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes, and risk factors related to this condition. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University from January 2016 to September 2019, which included all women with PP. The clinical and ultrasound features in patients with or without APH were compared. RESULTS: There were 233 women with APH and 302 women without APH in the cohort. Most of the women with APH were prone to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. In the logistic regression analysis, cervical length was inversely correlated to APH (OR: 0.972, 95% CI: 0.952~0.993), while complete PP increased the risk for APH (OR: 2.121, 95% CI: 1.208~3.732). Furthermore, the anterior placenta increased the risk for APH (OR: 1.664, 95% CI: 1.139~2.430), the partial absence of the over lying myometrium increased the risk for APH (OR: 2.015, 95% CI: 1.293~3.141), and the previous history of uterine artery embolization (UAE) increased the highest risk for APH (OR: 11.706, 95% CI: 1.424~96.195). CONCLUSION: Obstetricians should be aware of the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes related to APH in women with complete PP, short cervical length, anterior placenta, and partially absent over lying myometrium. Prior UAE is a novel risk factor associated with increased prevalence of APH.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Evaluation of Mifepristone for Treatment of Low-Risk Cesarean Scar Pregnancy.

Purpose: The effect of mifepristone for treatment of low-risk cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) was monitored by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods: Data were collected from 23 CSP patients with a 10-point risk score <5 (low-risk CSP) and from 23 intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) patients with a scar from a previous cesarean delivery. All patients were prescribed 75 mg mifepristone daily for 2 days and underwent transvaginal CEUS before and after administration of mifepristone. On the third day, uterine curettage was performed after transvaginal CEUS. Arrival time (AT), peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC) around the gestational sac were monitored by CEUS before and after application of mifepristone, and the rate of effective treatment was compared between the two patient groups. Results: No patients experienced side effects from either the CEUS procedure or the mifepristone treatment. Changes in AT, PI, and AUC index from before vs. after mifepristone treatment did not differ significantly between the two groups (all p values >0.05). There was also no significant difference in the rate of effective treatment between the two groups (95.65% in the CSP group vs. 100% in the IUP group; p > 0.05). Conclusions: Based on monitoring by CEUS, the effect of mifepristone in low-risk CSP was comparable to that in IUP.

Early versus delayed oral feeding for patients after cesarean.

BACKGROUND: Early oral feeding (EOF) after cesarean delivery is still controversial. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether EOF is superior to delayed oral feeding (DOF) after cesarean in terms of safety and effectiveness. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for reports related to early feeding and cesarean published in English before June 30, 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing at least one of six outcomes after EOF (≤12 hours after surgery) and DOF (after return of bowel sounds/movement or >12 hours) after cesarean delivery were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted using a predesigned extraction form. Risk ratios or mean differences were calculated. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included, including 4584 women who had undergone cesarean. No significant differences were identified in patient satisfaction and frequency of postoperative complications. Compared with DOF, EOF promoted a quicker return of bowel sounds, flatus, bowel movement, and regular diet (P<0.001 for all). Significant reductions were also noted in duration and amount of intravenous fluids, length of hospital stay, and time to first breastfeeding (P<0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS: There are no obvious advantages in withholding fluid and food after cesarean. Indeed, EOF offers some short-term benefits.

Glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) and their susceptibility to renal cell carcinoma: an evidence-based meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association of the three Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) polymorphisms (GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1) genotypes with their individual susceptibilities to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been well established. We performed a quantitative meta-analysis to assess the possible associations between the GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genotypes and their individual susceptibilities to renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: We systematically searched the PubMed, CNKI and Embase databases to identify the relevant studies. Finally, 11 eligible studies were selected. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association between the GSTs polymorphisms and the risk of RCC. Multiple subgroup analyses and quality assessment of the included studies were performed based on the available information. RESULTS: None of the GSTs polymorphisms had a significant association with the RCC risk. Similar results were found in the subgroup analyses, except for the GSTs polymorphisms in the situations described below. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 active genotypes in subjects exposed to pesticides (GSTM1: OR = 3.44; 95% CI, 2.04-5.80; GSTT1: OR = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.75-4.60), most of the GSTs genotypes in Asian populations (GSTT1: OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.63-3.51; GSTP1: Dominant model: OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.14-1.99; Additive model: OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.12-1.73; AG vs. AA: OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.10-1.97; GG vs. AA: OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.07-3.09) and the dual null genotype of GSTT1-GSTP1 (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.75-4.60) showed positive associations with the RCC risk. CONCLUSION: Our present study provides evidence that the GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms are not associated with the development of RCC. However, more case-control studies are needed for further confirmation.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and susceptibility for cervical lesions: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T/A1298C polymorphisms and the susceptibility to cervical lesions was unclear. This study was designed to investigate their precise association using a large-scale meta-analysis. METHODS: The previous 16 studies were identified by searching PubMed, Embase and CBM databases. The crude odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the association between the MTHFR C677T/A1298C polymorphisms and the susceptibility to the cervical lesions. The subgroup analyses were made on the following: pathological history, geographic region, ethnicity, source of controls and source of DNA for genotyping. RESULTS: Neither of the polymorphisms had a significant association with the susceptibility to the cervical lesions in all genetic models. Similar results were found in the subgroup analyses. No association was found between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the cervical lesions in the Asia or the America populations though a significant inverse association was found in the Europe population (additive model: P = 0.006, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.72-0.95; CT vs. CC: P = 0.05, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69-1.00; TT vs. CC: P = 0.05, OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.53-1.00). Interestingly, women with the MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms had a marginally increased susceptibility to invasive cancer (ICC) when compared with no carriers but no statistically significant difference in the dominant model (P = 0.06, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.99-1.49) and AC vs. AA (P = 0.09, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.97-1.51). CONCLUSIONS: The MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms may not increase the susceptibility to cervical lesions. However, the meta-analysis reveals a negative association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphisms and the cervical lesions, especially in the European populations. The marginal association between the MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms and the susceptibility to cervical cancer requires a further study.