Highly Luminescent Copper Iodide Cluster Based Inks with Photoluminescence Quantum Efficiency Exceeding 98.

Highly luminescent inks are desirable for various applications such as decorative coating, art painting, and anticounterfeiting, to name a few. However, present inks display low photoluminescent efficiency requiring a strong excitation light to make them glow. Here, we report a highly luminescent ink based on the copper-iodide/1-Propyl-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-1-ium (Cu4I6(pr-ted)2) hybrid cluster with a quantum efficiency exceeding 98%. Under the interaction between the Cu4I6(pr-ted)2 hybrid cluster and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), the highly luminescent Cu4I6(pr-ted)2/PVP ink can be facilely prepared via the one-pot solution synthesis. The obtained ink exhibits strong green light emission that originates from the efficient phosphorescence of Cu4I6(pr-ted)2 nanocrystals. Attractively, the ink displays high conversion efficiency for the ultraviolet light to bright green light emission due to its wide Stokes shift, implying great potential for anticounterfeiting and luminescent solar concentrator coating.

Treatment of detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia using ultrasound-guided trocar catheter transurethral botulinum toxin a injection in men with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of transrectal ultrasound-guided trocar catheter transurethral botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection into the external urethral sphincter (EUS) for treating detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD) in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Hospital rehabilitation department. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N=15; mean age, 40.5y; range, 22-64y) with suprasacral SCI with confirmed DESD determined by urodynamic study. INTERVENTIONS: A single dose of 100U BTX-A was injected into the EUS via transrectal ultrasound-guided trocar catheter transurethral injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximal detrusor pressure, detrusor leak point pressure, maximal pressure on static urethral pressure profilometry, postvoid residual volume, and maximal flow rate. RESULTS: After BTX-A transurethral injection, 4 (28.5%) patients showed an excellent result and 7 (46.7%) patients showed an improved result, whereas 4 (28.5%) patients experienced treatment failure. The overall success rate was 75.2%. We observed a significant decrease in static urethral pressure (P<.05) and detrusor leak point pressure after treatment (P<.05), but not in detrusor pressure. The postvoid residual volume were significantly decreased in the fourth week after treatment (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transrectal ultrasound-guided trocar catheter transurethral BTX-A injection into the EUS effectively suppresses or ameliorates DESD. A potential advantage of the method is that ultrasound guidance may not be necessary in the next injection.

[MRI outstands mammogram in sensitivity of breast ductal carcinoma in situ:an analysis of 122 cases].

OBJECTIVES: To compare the sensitivity of mammogram and breast dedicated MRI in detecting ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvaion (DCIS-MI) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions, and to further investigate the independent predictive factors of mammogram and MRI sensitivity. METHODS: From August 2009 to November 2011, 122 consecutive confirmed breast cancer patients who had received operations were recruited for this clinical research. These patients were divided into two groups including DCIS (72 cases) and DCIS-MI (50 cases) based on pathologic reports. All the patients were female, with mean ages of 52.6 years and 54.4 years. Preoperative bilateral breast mammogram, breast dedicated MRI depictions and reports as well as histopathological reports were collected. RESULTS: Sensitivity of MRI outstood mammogram in each subgroups: 84.7% vs. 42.4% in DCIS (χ(2) = 27.028, P = 0.000), 94.0% vs. 80.0% in DCIS-MI group (χ(2) = 4.540, P = 0.040). And further analysis showed that MRI was more sensitive to high nuclear grade DCIS and DCIS-MI lesions than low nuclear grade ones (OR = 3.471, P = 0.031). RESULTS: of logistic regression analysis proved microcalcification was an independent predictive factor of mammogram sensitivity (OR = 11.287, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity of breast dedicated MRI is superior to mammogram in detecting DCIS and DCIS-MI groups. Lesions with microcalcifiation is an independent predictive marker which meant that mammogram would achieve high detection rate in cancers presented calcification on mammogram image when compared with non-calcification. Diagnostic performance of breast MRI is less affected by clinical and pathological characteristics of the early stage breast cancer patients but further increased detection rate is observed in DCIS and DCIS-MI with high nuclear grade lesions which indicated that MRI could detect more early stage cancers with relative more aggression biological behaviour and provide these patients with early surgical interventions before possible progression to invasive breast cancers.

Primary prostate Burkitt's lymphoma resected with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: A rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Primary prostate Burkitt's lymphoma is a rare and aggressive condition with a poor prognosis. Its clinical presentation can be challenging to differentiate from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Given the rarity of primary prostate Burkitt's lymphoma, its diagnosis and treatment remain unclear. CASE SUMMARY: This report presents a case of a 57-year-old male with primary prostate Burkitt's lymphoma, initially misdiagnosed as prostatic hyperplasia. This case's operative process, intraoperative findings and postoperative management are discussed in detail. CONCLUSION: Primary prostate lymphoma is difficult to distinguish from other prostate diseases. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), a minimally invasive procedure, is crucial in diagnosing and treating this rare disease. Clinicians should remain vigilant and thoroughly combine physical examination, imaging and test results when encountering patients of younger age with small prostate size but a rapid progression of lower urinary tract symptoms. HoLEP is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in managing primary prostate Burkitt's lymphoma.

[Correlation of bilateral testicular volume discrepancy with semen parameters in men with varicocele].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of varicocele on the volume discrepancy of bilateral testes, and the relationship between testicular volume discrepancy and semen parameters. METHODS: This study included 181 varicocele patients and 102 normal fertile men without varicocele. We retrospectively analyzed their clinical data, including the grades and locations of varicocele, testis volume and semen parameters. RESULTS: Bilateral testicular volume discrepancy was found in 132 (72.9%) of the varicocele patients (including 117 cases of left testicular hypotrophy [88.6%]), and 35 (34.3%) of the non-varicocele fertile men. The rates of bilateral testicular volume discrepancy were 61.3%, 3.5%, 20.9% and 14.3% in the grade-III, grade-II, grade-I and non-varicocele groups, respectively (P < 0.05), with statistically significant differences among different age groups (P < 0.05). The percentage of morphologically normal sperm and sperm motility were reduced differently with different degrees of testicular volume discrepancy (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Testicular volume discrepancy is more common in men with left varicocele, and its prevalence and degree are correlated with the grade of varicocele. Semen quality decreases with the increase of testicular volume discrepancy.

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Genkwanin: A Novel Approach for Anti-Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to develop an optimized Genkwanin (GKA)-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) formulation to enhance the solubility, intestinal permeability, oral bioavailability and anti-colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) activity of GKA. METHODS: We designed a SNEDDS comprised oil phase, surfactants and co-surfactants for oral administration of GKA, the best of which were selected by investigating the saturation solubility, constructing pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, followed by optimizing thermodynamic stability, emulsification efficacy, self-nanoemulsification time, droplet size, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), drug release and intestinal permeability. In addition, the physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of GKA-SNEDDS were characterized, and its anti-colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) activity and potential mechanisms were evaluated in AOM/DSS-induced C57BL/6J mice model. RESULTS: The optimized nanoemulsion formula (OF) consists of Maisine CC, Labrasol ALF and Transcutol HP in a weight ratio of 20:60:20 (w/w/w), in which ratio the OF shows multiple improvements, specifically small mean droplet size, excellent stability, fast release properties as well as enhanced solubility and permeability. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that compared with GKA suspension, the relative bioavailability of GKA-SNEDDS was increased by 353.28%. Moreover, GKA-SNEDDS not only significantly prevents weight loss and improves disease activity index (DAI) but also reduces the histological scores of inflammatory cytokine levels as well as inhibiting the formation of colon tumors via inducing tumor cell apoptosis in the AOM/DSS-induced CAC mice model. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the developed GKA-SNEDDS exhibited enhanced oral bioavailability and excellent anti-CAC efficacy. In summary, GKA-SNEDDS, using lipid nanoparticles as the drug delivery carrier, can be applied as a potential drug delivery system for improving the clinical application of GKA.

Chinese medicine GeGen-DanShen extract protects from myocardial ischemic injury through promoting angiogenesis via up-regulation of VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway.

HEADINGS ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Coronary heart disease (CHD) usually refers to myocardial ischemia or myocardial necrosis caused by coronary artery stenosis. GeGen and DanShen (GD) are popular Chinese herbs for the treatment of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction (MI). This sentence needs to be a separate paragraph. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was to investigate the role of GD extract in promoting ischemic myocardial angiogenesis, and to explore its signaling mechanism, so as to provide a more reliable scientific basis for the clinical treatment of ischemic cardiovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GD extract was initially analyzed by HPLC-Q-TOF MS. In vitro, migration assay and tube formation assay were subsequently used to detect the angiogenesis activity of GD extract in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Following the in vitro study, an MI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), immediately followed by a 4-week daily GD extract treatment by intragastric administration. After the animal sacrifice, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted to observe the pathological changes of the infarct margin. Besides, the MI area was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC) staining. The microvascular density (MVD) was also quantified through CD31 immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the levels of VEGF, TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1α in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of VEGFR2 and ERK were detected by immunohistochemistry as well. RESULTS: In vitro study, GD extract was found to induce significant angiogenesis in HUVECs. In vivo, smaller infarct size was found in treatment groups than that of the model group, and the protein expression of VEGFR2 as well as ERK in the marginal zone of MI in treatment groups were significantly increased. The morphological changes of myocardium were observed with a significant growth in the number of new blood vessels. Regarding the effect of GD extract, the serum levels of CK, LDH and TXB2 were consequently reduced, whereas the levels of VEGF, 6-keto-PGF1α were significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, GD extract had a protective effect against MI in rats. The possible mechanism is to promote angiogenesis by regulating the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway after MI occurrence.

Prof. ZHANG Yi's experience in treating severe arrhythmia.

The prescription of Zhi Gan Cao Tang (? Decoction of prepared Licorice) is made for the syndrome of both yin and yang deficiency of the Heart, with the effects of tonifying yin and nourishing blood, activating yang and restoring normal pulse, and evenly tonifying yin and yang. However, in clinical practice, the symptoms may vary greatly. The heart rate may be slow or fast; and the symptoms may belong to the cold or heat, excess or deficiency syndrome. Therefore, the treatment should be based on syndrome-differentiation. We can learn from the above sample cases. The two patients with bradycardia needed to carry pacemaker. Their TCM differentiations were different, one due to insufficiency of yang-qi should be treated based on the principle of restoring yang from collapse; while the other due to obstruction of collaterals by phlegm and blood stasis should be treated based on the principle of resolving phlegm, promoting circulation of blood and dredging the collaterals. However, they used the same prescription of Zhi Gan Cao Tang (? Decoction of prepared Licorice) with different modifications, and both of them got quite good therapeutic effects. We can also learn from the other three cases of tachycardia. Based on western medical analyses, the 3 patients had different etiology, clinical manifestations, and ECG findings. However, they were treated with the same prescription of Zhi Gan Cao Tang (? Decoction of prepared Licorice), with modifications made according to the different accompanying symptoms. As a result, all of the three patients got marked therapeutic effects.

[Laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cyst].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the method and clinical efficacy of laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cyst. METHODS: Laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cyst was performed under general anaesthesia in two patients with symptomatic seminal vesicle cyst confirmed by ultrasonography and CT scanning preoperatively. The sizes of the seminal vesicle cysts were 3.3 cm x 3.7 cm x 2.5 cm and 4.1 cm x 4.3 cm x 5.3 cm, respectively. RESULTS: The operations were performed successfully in both the patients, with the operation time of 140 min and 100 min, blood loss of 50 ml and 20 ml, and postoperative stay of 6 days. The patients were followed up for 6 and 7 months, respectively. All the preoperative symptoms disappeared, and no complications and recurrence were found. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cyst, with a good visual field, refined procedure, minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery, is a safe and effective surgical option for patients with seminal vesicle cyst.

[Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy combined with anchorage technique of pedicle for the treatment of high prolapse free lumbar disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of percutaneous spinal endoscopy (percutaneous endoscopy) in the treatment of high prolapse free lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: From May 2016 to June 2018, 24 patients with highly prolapse free lumbar disc herniation were enrolled in this study, including 11 males and 13 females, ranging in age from 48 to 72 years old, with an average of (59.5±7.2) years old. There were 1 case of L2, 3, 5 cases of L3, 4, 18 cases of L4, 5. The course of disease ranged from 8 to 26 months, with an average of (16.2±6.3) months. All the patients were subjected to local infiltration anesthesia. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) for leg pain, low backpain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at preoperative, first day after operation and 6 month after surgery. All data were statisticed by SPSS 22.0. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 24 months, with a mean of (17.5±5.3) months. The average operation time was(69.8±14.2) minutes. One patient had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which improved after supine rest. VAS scores of lower back pain were 6.36±1.27, 3.94±1.03, 1.62±0.87, 0.44±0.27, 0.37±0.29. VAS scores of leg pain were 8.28±1.74, 3.16±1.24, 2.83±1.13, 0.83±0.31, 0.46±0.31, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The ODI were (48.79±9.83)%, (36.51±11.24)%, (21.05±6.35)%, (9.83±4.62)% and (7.24±4.72)% 1 day before and 1 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the operation, respectively. One year after the operation, the modified Macnab evaluation system was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the patients, 19 patients got an excellent result, 3 good, 2 fair and 0 poor. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endoscopic pedicle anchoring technique for the treatment of high prolapse free lumbar disc herniation can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients, and has the advantages of less trauma, less bleeding, rapid recovery, complete removal of the nucleus pulposus, and less pain of patients, etc., its clinical efficacy is accurate, operability is strong, it is worth promoting in the clinical use.

Assessing the efficacy of a recombinant H9N2 avian influenza virus-inactivated vaccine.

The H9N2 avian influenza virus has been widely spread in poultry around the world. It is proved to the world that the avian influenza virus can directly infect human beings without any intermediate host adaptation in "1997 Hong Kong avian influenza case," which shows that the avian influenza virus not only causes significant losses to the poultry industry but also affects human health. In this study, we aimed to address the problem of low protection of avian H9N2 subtype influenza virus vaccine against H9N2 wild-type virus. We have rescued the H9.4.2.5 branched avian influenza virus isolated in South China by reverse genetics technology. We have recombined these virus (rHA/NA-GD37 and rHA/NA-GD38) which contain hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes from the H9N2 avian influenza virus (MN064850 or MN064851) and 6 internal genes from the avian influenza virus (KY785906). We compared the biological properties of the virus for example virus proliferation, virus elution, thermostability, and pH stability. Then, we evaluated the immune effects between rHA/NA-GD37 and GD37, which show that the recombinant avian influenza virus-inactivated vaccine can stimulate chickens to produce higher antibody titers and produce little inflammatory response after the challenge. It is noticeable that the recombinant virus-inactivated vaccine had better immune impact than the wild-type inactivated vaccine. Generally speaking, this study provides a new virus strain for the development of a H9N2 vaccine.

[Effects of RNA interference upon EGFR and its intracellular effective proteins in prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the growth of prostate cancer in vitro or in vivo by inhibiting the expression of EGFR and its intracellular effective proteins with small RNA interference ( SiRNA). METHODS: The hormone independence prostate cancer (HIPC) cell line PC-3 was transfected by EGFR SiRNA synthesized and cloned into a recombinant lentivirus vector. The growth rate of transfected PC-3 cell was measured by MTT. The expression of EGFR and the expression and phosphorylation of its intracellular proteins, such as Akt and MAPK, were detected by fluorescent Real-Time PCR and Western blot respectively. Meanwhile nude mice were transplanted with PC-3 cell to establish the tumor model and the tumor growth was observed. RESULTS: The transfection efficiency was stable over 75% in PC-3 cell transfected with the recombinant lentivirus vector carrying EGFR SiRNA and the survival rate of PC-3 cell was only 40%-50%. Such depressant effects might be obtained by inhibiting the expression of EGFR mRNA and protein to only 10% as compared with their untreated levels (P < 0.01); meanwhile, the expression level and phosphorylation of Akt and MAPK also obviously decreased to 76.49% and 47.15% respectively (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the proliferation activity of tumors in nude mice was inhibited significantly by 34.83% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lentivirus-mediated EGFR SiRNA can inhibit the growth of HIPC in vivo and in vitro by effectively suppressing the expression of EGFR and its intracellular proteins. The latter may be a potential candidate for future targeted therapy.

Insulin-like growth factor-1, metabolic abnormalities, and pathological complete remission rate in HER2-positive breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy.

Purpose: HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) achieving pathological complete remission (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) had a superior disease outcome. Dysmetabolism and stimulation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-axis would increase BC risk, but we are lacking data for their association with pCR in HER2-positive+ BC. We aim to evaluate the pCR predictive value of above factors in HER2-positive BC patients receiving NAT. Patients and methods: HER2-positive BC patients receiving NAT ± trastuzumab were retrospectively included between January 2013 and December 2016. Data were compared between baseline at biopsy and surgery. Median value of IGF-1 expression was used as cutoff value to classify patients into low or high group. pCR was defined as no residual invasive carcinoma in breast and axilla. Results: Overall, 101 patients were included. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 29 (28.71%) with an average of 1.71±1.51 metabolic disorders at baseline, significantly increased after NAT (2.12±1.54, P<0.001). Lipid metabolism factors, including triglycerides, TC, HDL-C and LDL-C significantly worsened after NAT (all P<0.05). Average post-NAT IGF-1 was 196.14±86.03 ng/mL (vs preNAT 186.41±75.03 ng/mL, P=0.182). pCR was achieved in 29 (28.71%) patients. pCR rate was 40.00% and 17.65% for those with low or high preIGF-1 level (P=0.013). Multivariate analysis found that low IGF-1 expression, but not any other metabolic variable, was significantly associated with higher pCR rate in whole population (OR: 3.83, 95%CI: 1.32-11.11, P=0.014) or in patients receiving NAT + trastuzumab (OR: 3.93, 95%CI: 1.13-13.63, P=0.031). With a median follow-up of 29.03 (range: 10.42-56.98) months, IGF-1 level was not associated with overall survival (P=0.328) or disease-free survival (P=0.288). Conclusion: Low IGF-1 level was related with higher pCR rate in HER2-positive BC patients receiving NAT, which deserves further clinical evaluation.

The cardiothoracic ratio: a neglected preoperative risk-stratified method for patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery.

OBJECTIVES: It is common for patients with rheumatic heart disease to have an enlarged heart. We investigated the prognostic value of cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery. METHODS: A total of 1772 patients were divided into 4 groups based on the quartiles of preoperative CTR: <0.56 (n = 349), 0.56-0.61 (n = 488), 0.61-0.66 (n = 449) and ≥0.66 (n = 486). The CTR was measured from postero-anterior chest radiographs. We then investigated the association between the CTR and adverse outcomes. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 4.0% (71/1772). Analyses of receiver operating characteristic curves showed that, at a cut-off of 0.6, the CTR exhibited 66.2% sensitivity and 64.0% specificity for detecting in-hospital death (area under curve 0.671, P < 0.001). The prevalence of in-hospital death was 7.1% in males with a CTR >0.6, which was significantly higher in males without a CTR. A similar result was observed in females (1.9 vs 5.1%, P = 0.004). Multivariable regression showed that a CTR >0.6 was an independent predictor of in-hospital (odds ratio 2.36, P = 0.005) and 1-year mortality (hazard ratio 2.06, P = 0.006). Kaplan-Meier curves, for the cumulative rate of 1-year mortality among groups, indicated that the risk of death was increased if the CTR >0.6 (log-rank 16.36, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CTR, as a simple and reproducible indicator, was identified as a prognostic factor for predicting poor outcomes in patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery.

HER2 and topoisomerase IIalpha: possible predictors of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Surrogate markers may be used to assess the response to neoadjuvant treatment. The association between HER2 overexpression and favorable response to specific therapy in breast cancer is controversial, and the mechanism unclear. The purpose of the study was to evaluate HER2 and topoisomerase IIalpha (Topo IIalpha) as candidates for predicting the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2006, seventy-six breast cancer patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were studied. Regimens including either CEF (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, 5-fluorouracil) or CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) were given in more than three cycles to this group of patients. Protein expression of HER2 and Topo IIalpha were determined by immunohistochemistry. The primary endpoint was pathological and clinical response. RESULTS: Of 76 primary breast cancer samples, 27 (35.5%) showed overexpression of either HER2 (25%) or Topo IIalpha protein (10.5%), whereas in 7 tumors (9.2%) both proteins were found to be overexpressed. Ten patients (13.2%) had a clinical complete response and 21 (27.6%) had a clinical partial response. Five women (6.6%) had a pathological complete response, 5 (6.6%) had microscopic residual disease, and 46 (60.5%) had macroscopic residual disease. HER2 and Topo IIalpha overexpression was significantly associated with a favorable response (P < 0.001 and P = 0.005 respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that HER2 and Topo IIalpha overexpression could be predictors of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in both the CEF and CMF arms.

[Clinical evaluation and radiological observation of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor-Fc fusion protein in treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor-Fc fusion protein (rh TNFR:Fc) in the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: 68 patients with active AS underwent subcutaneous injection of rh TNFR: Fc 25 mg twice a week for 24 weeks. The following indexes were observed: improvement of at least 20% of reported symptoms, based on the multicomponent Assessments in AS (ASAS) response criteria (ASAS 20) at weeks 2, 6, 12 and 24, ASAS 50 and ASAS 70 responses, and improved scores on individual components of ASAS, including Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI), acute phase reactants, and Bath AS metrology index (BASMI). And the X-ray images of patient's pelvis at weeks 0, 12, and 24 were graded based on BASRI. RESULTS: After treatment of rh TNFR:Fc the primary and secondary efficacy end points of the 68 patients were all improved compared with the baseline values. During the process of treatment, the number of patients with the efficacy achieving ASAS20 was gradually rising: 44 cases (64.7%) at week 12 and 58 (85.0%) at week 24. The efficacy of 41 cases (60.3% ) reached ASAS50 and that of 34 cases reached ASAS70 at week 24. Other efficacy end points also reflected the similar effect and were improved significantly compared with the baseline values at different time points ( all P < 0.01). BASRI showed that the radiological improvement of sacroiliac joint was not significant (P > 0.05) and that the radiological improvement of hip was not obvious at week 12 (P > 0.05) but significant at week 24 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: rh TNFR:Fc rapidly improves the signs and symptoms of active AS.

[Expressions of eNOS and connexin 43 in the penile tissue of rats with diabetic erectile dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and connexin 43 (Cx43) in the penile tissue of rats with diabetes mellitus induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) and their correlation with DMED. METHODS: SD rat models of DM were established by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan, and 8 weeks later, apomorphine was administered to induce ED in the DM models. The expressions of eNOS and Cx43 were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: Alloxan did not influence the expressions of eNOS mRNA and Cx43 mRNA in the penile tissue. Compared with the DM models, the expression of eNOS mRNA significantly decreased in the DMED group (0.155 +/- 0.157 vs 0.508 +/- 0.242, P < 0.01), while that of Cx43 mRNA markedly increased (0.993 +/- 0.157 vs 0.545 +/- 0.138, P < 0.01), with a negative correlation between the two expressions (r = -0.987). The same results were shown by immunohistochemistry in the penile smooth muscle cells of the DMED rats. CONCLUSION: The decrease of eNOS expression in the penile tissue might play a key role in the development of ED in diabetic patients, while the accompanying compensative elevation of the Cx43 level has yet to be further studied.

[All-trans retinoic acid enhances bystander effect of suicide-gene therapy against androgen-unresponsive prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the enhancing effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the bystander effect of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase(HSV-TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) against androgen unresponsive prostate cancer. METHODS: The bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay on PC-3 cells before and after ATRA treatment. The growth and the histopathology of transplant tumors were observed in 4 groups of nude mice with prostate cancer. RESULTS: ATRA augmented significantly the bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system by reducing TK positive PC-3 cells from 50% to 30% (P < 0.05). HSV-TK showed an inhibiting effect, while ATRA with the HSV-TK/GCV system produced significant effect on prostate cancer 1 week earlier than the former (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ATRA can argument the in vivo and in vitro bystander effect of the HSV-TK/GCV system in the treatment of androgen unresponsive prostate cancer.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, obesity, and breast cancer risk in Chinese population.

Breast cancer (BC), obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) shared a common mechanism of dysregulated metabolism and inflammatory response in disease initiation. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with adverse survival of BC patients. The aim of this study is to identify risk effect between NLR and BC in Chinese population with or without obesity and MetS. BC and age-matched breast benign disease (BBD) patients were retrospectively analyzed from Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Shanghai Ruijin Hospital. MetS was defined using AHA/NHLBI criteria. Individuals were classified into very low (0-1.30), low (1.31-1.67), intermediate (1.68-2.20), and high (>2.20) NLR subsets by each NLR quartile. In all, 1540 BC and 1540 BBD patients were included. Univariate and multivariate analysis found that NLR (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.16-1.39, P < .001) and obesity (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.00-1.42, P = .046) but not MetS (P = .060) were significantly associated with increased BC risk. Intermediate or high NLR substantially increased BC risk compared to very low NLR group (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.29-1.92, P < .001; OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.50-2.25, P < .001; respectively) in whole population. Subgroup analysis found that the impact of higher NLR on BC risk was more obvious in patients without obesity (intermediate NLR, OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.37-2.16, P < .001; high NLR, OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.53-2.41, P < .001) or without MetS (intermediate NLR, OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.35-2.14, P < .001; high NLR, OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.57-2.51, P < .001). Higher preoperative NLR was found in BC patients compared with BBD patients. Intermediate to high NLR level substantially increased BC risk, which was more relevant for those without obesity or MetS.