The Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Detection of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Malignant Melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the location and characterization value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in malignant melanoma. METHODS: SLNs and the lymph node network were tracked by subcutaneous injection of ultrasonic contrast agent around the tumor and preoperative localization, and qualitative analyses were performed. The SLNs were also detected by the intraoperative subcutaneous injection of carbon nanoparticles, and the findings were compared with lymph nodes located by CEUS. The accuracy of the preoperative lymph node identification was evaluated by the results of postoperative pathology, which served as the gold standard of detection. RESULTS: In 47 patients with malignant melanoma, the mean number of SLNs detected by CEUS was 1.72 ± 0.10, while that by carbon nanoparticle administration it was 1.79 ± 1.07 (P = .371 > .05). Seven cases of lymph node metastasis were detected by CEUS, with a sensitivity of 70.0%, specificity of 97.3%, positive predictive value of 87.5%, negative predictive value of 92.3%, and accuracy of 91.5%. There was high consistency between the findings of CEUS and pathology in differentiating benign and malignant lymph nodes (kappa = 0.726, χ2  = 25.243, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: CEUS can localize and differentiate SLNs in malignant melanoma, and thus, may potentially guide clinical treatment in the future.

Amlexanox attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inhibiting dendritic cell maturation and reprogramming effector and regulatory T cell responses.

BACKGROUND: Amlexanox (ALX), a TBK1 inhibitor, can modulate immune responses and has anti-inflammatory properties. To investigate its role in regulating the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we studied the effect of ALX on the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and the responses of effector and regulatory T cells (Tregs). METHODS: In vitro, bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were cultured and treated with ALX. Their proliferation, maturation, and their stimulatory function to induce T cells responses were detected. In vivo, the development of EAE from different groups was recorded. At the peak stage of disease, HE, LFB, and electronic microscope (EM) were used to evaluate inflammation and demyelination. Maturation of splenic DC and Th1/Th17/Treg response in the CNS and peripheral were also detected. To further explore the mechanism underlying the action of ALX in DC maturation, the activation of TBK1, IRF3, and AKT was analyzed. RESULTS: Our data indicated that ALX significantly inhibited the proliferation and maturation of BMDCs, characterized by the reduced MHCII, a co-stimulatory molecule, IL12, and IL-23 expression, along with morphological alterations. Co-culture of ALX-treated BMDCs inhibited allogeneic T cell proliferation and MOG-specific T cell response. In EAE mice, ALX significantly attenuated the EAE development by decreasing inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in the spinal cords, accompanied by reduced frequency of splenic pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells and increased Tregs. Moreover, ALX treatment decreased Th1 and Th17 cytokines, but increased Treg cytokines in the CNS and spleen. Notably, ALX treatment reduced the frequency and expression of CD80 and CD86 on splenic DCs and lowered IL-12 and IL-23 secretion, further supporting an impaired maturation of splenic DCs. In addition, ALX potently reduced the phosphorylation of IRF3 and AKT in BMDC and splenic DCs, both of which are substrates of TBK1 and associated with DC maturation. CONCLUSIONS: ALX, a TBK1 inhibitor, mitigated EAE development by inhibiting DC maturation and subsequent pathogenic Th1 and Th17 responses while increasing Treg responses through attenuating the TBK1/AKT and TBK1/IRF3 signaling.

Benzoylaconine induces mitochondrial biogenesis in mice via activating AMPK signaling cascade.

The traditional Chinese medicine "Fuzi" (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) and its three representative alkaloids, aconitine (AC), benzoylaconine (BAC), and aconine, have been shown to increase mitochondrial mass. Whether Fuzi has effect on mitochondrial biogenesis and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we focused on the effect of BAC on mitochondrial biogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that Fuzi extract and its three components AC, BAC, and aconine at a concentration of 50 µM significantly increased mitochondrial mass in HepG2 cells. BAC (25, 50, 75 µM) dose-dependently promoted mitochondrial mass, mtDNA copy number, cellular ATP production, and the expression of proteins related to the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complexes in HepG2 cells. Moreover, BAC dose-dependently increased the expression of proteins involved in AMPK signaling cascade; blocking AMPK signaling abolished BAC-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. We further revealed that BAC treatment increased the cell viability but not the cell proliferation in HepG2 cells. These in vitro results were verified in mice treated with BAC (10 mg/kg per day, ip) for 7 days. We showed that BAC administration increased oxygen consumption rate in mice, but had no significant effect on intrascapular temperature. Meanwhile, BAC administration increased mtDNA copy number and OXPHOS-related protein expression and activated AMPK signaling in the heart, liver, and muscle. These results suggest that BAC induces mitochondrial biogenesis in mice through activating AMPK signaling cascade. BAC may have the potential to be developed as a novel remedy for some diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.

[Effects of light intensity on growth and content of active components of Uncaria rhynchophyll].

The aim of this study was to study the effects of different light intensity on the growth,biomass accumulation and distribution,chlorophyll content and effective components of Uncaria rhynchophylla seedlings,and explore the suitable light intensity conditions for artificial cultivation of U. rhynchophylla seedlings. Three-year-old U. rhynchophylla seedlings were used as experimental materials. Four light intensity levels( 100%,70%-75%,30%-35%,5%-10%) were set up with different layers of black shading net. With the decrease of light intensity,the results showed that the plant height,basal diameter and biomass( root,stem,leaf and hook) of U.rhynchophylla seedlings exhibited the trend of " increase-decrease". Under 70%-75% light intensity,the plant height,basal diameter,biomass( root,stem,leaf,hook) of U. rhynchophylla seedlings were significantly higher than those of other treatments( P< 0. 05);under 5%-10% light intensity,the plant height,basal diameter and biomass( root,hook) of U. rhynchophylla seedlings were significantly lower than those of other treatments( P<0. 05). With the decrease of light intensity,the chlorophyll content of U. rhynchophylla seedlings increased gradually: under 100% light intensity,the chlorophyll content of U. rhynchophylla seedlings were the smallest,while under 100% light intensity,its chlorophyll content was the highest. With the decrease of light intensity,the contents of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline in different organs of U. rhynchophylla seedlings varied: under 30%-35% light intensity,the contents of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline in hooks and rhynchophylline content in stems were the highest; under 5%-10% light intensity,the contents of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline in leaves and stems of U. rhynchophylla were the highest. In conclusion,70%-75% light intensity is suitable for seedling growth and biomass accumulation,and 30%-35% light intensity is suitable for the accumulation of effective components in U. rhynchophylla seedlings.

[Clinical application of tidal breathing lung function test in 1-4 years old children with wheezing diseases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical significance of tidal breathing lung function test in 1-4 years old children with wheezing diseases. METHODS: A total of 141 1-4 years old children with wheezing diseases were enrolled as the observed groups (41 cases of asthma, 54 cases of asthmatic bronchitis, and 46 cases of bronchopneumonia). Thirty children without respiratory diseases were enrolled as the control group. All the recruits underwent tidal breathing lung function test. The observed groups underwent bronchial dilation test, and tidal breathing flow volume (TBFV) parameters were evaluated before and after bronchial dilation test. RESULTS: The observed groups showed obstructive ventilatory disorder (65%) according to the TBFV loop, and their ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow (TPTEF) to total expiratory time (TE) and ratio of volume to peak expiratory flow (VPEF) to total expiratory volume (VE) were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). The asthma subgroup had significantly improved TPTEF/TE and VPEF/VE after bronchial dilation test (P<0.05). Taking an improvement rate of ≥ 15% either for TPTEF/TE or for VPEF/VE as an indicator of positive bronchial dilation test, the bronchial dilation test had a sensitivity of 47% and a specificity of 84% in diagnosing asthma in 1-4 years old children. The positive rate was 28% among the children in the asthma subgroup with an TPTEF/TE ratio of ≥ 23% before bronchial dilation test, versus 65% in those with an TPTEF/TE ratio of <23%. CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive ventilatory disorder is the main impairment of tidal breathing lung function in 1-4 years old children with wheezing diseases. Tidal breathing bronchial dilation test can reflect a reversal of airway obstruction to a certain extent. The sensitivity of bronchial dilation test for the diagnosis of asthma is not satisfactory in 1-4 years old children with wheezing diseases, but this test has a relatively high diagnostic value in children with severe airway obstruction.

High-intensity ultrasound modified the functional properties of Neosalanx taihuensis myofibrillar protein and improved its emulsion stability.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity ultrasound treatment on the functional properties and emulsion stability of Neosalanx taihuensis myofibrillar protein (MP). The results showed that the carbonyl groups, emulsification properties, intrinsic fluorescence intensity, and surface hydrophobicity of the ultrasound treated MP solution were increased compared to the MP without ultrasound treatment. The results of secondary structure showed that the ultrasound treatment could cause a huge increase of ß-sheet and a decline of α-helix of MP, indicating that ultrasound induced molecular unfolding and stretching. Moreover, ultrasound reduced the content of total sulfhydryl and led to a certain degree of MP cross-linking. The microscopic morphology of MP emulsion indicated that the emulsion droplet decreased with the increase of ultrasound power. In addition, ultrasound could also increase the storage modulus of the MP emulsion. The results for the lipid oxidation products indicated that ultrasound significantly improved the oxidative stability of N. taihuensis MP emulsions. This study offers an important reference theoretically for the ultrasound modification of aquatic proteins and the future development of N. taihuensis deep-processed products represented by surimi.

A 10-year survey of compliance with recommended procedures for infection control by dentists in Beijing.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to survey changes in practices of infection control (IC) procedures by dentists in Beijing between 2000 and 2010. METHODS: Data were based on the feedback of 592 and 769 dentists surveyed in 2000 and 2010, respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson's chi-squared test. RESULTS: Response rates of 95% (2000) and 94% (2010) were achieved. The percentages of dentists who had received training in IC were 62.96% (2000) and 76.21% (2010). Improvements in practices in 2010 over those in 2000 included increases in: the percentage of vaccination for hepatitis B virus from 32.66% to 68.14%; the routine use of gloves from 73.31% to 99.73%; the use of face shields or eyewear as protection against splatter during dental treatment from 13.94% to 95.45%; the use of protective gowns from 14.51% to 54.23%; the use of high-volume suction from 11.19% to 74.34%; routine changing of gloves between patients from 63.25% to 99.22%; pressured steam sterilisation of dental handpieces between patients from 41.24% to 96.10%, and the flushing of dental unit waterlines after each treatment from 42.01% to 73.49%. CONCLUSIONS: Although compliance with recommended IC practices by dentists in Beijing improved between 2000 and 2010, not all dentists are properly familiar with IC procedures. Education in IC in dental schools and in continuing training in hospitals, and mandatory regulations are needed to improve IC practices in dental health care settings.

[Activating effect of citrus flavonoids on neuromedin U2 receptor and analysis on siRNA interference].

OBJECTIVE: To screen out active substances on Neuromedin U2 receptor (NMU2R) by using stable NMU2R cell lines and negative cell lines and analyzing siRNA interference. METHOD: NMU2R cells were used to observe the activating effect of nine nine citrus flavonoids on NMU2R cell. Afterwards, false-positive interference of citrus flavonoids that showed higher activating effect was eliminated by using negative cells and analyzing the efficiency of siRNA interference. RESULT: Hesperidin and nobiletin contained in citrus flavonoids were found to effectively activate NMU2R. The efficacy, EC50 and potency values of hesperidin were 4.688, 318.970 micromol x L(-1) and 200.933 micromol x L(-1), while the efficacy, EC50 and potency values of nobiletin were 4.758, 5.832 micromol x L(-1) and 3.124 micromol x L(-). CONCLUSION: Hesperidin and nobiletin contained in citrus flavonoids can activate NMU2R. Nobiletin shows such a low EC50 that it has medicinal value.

High-risk endometrial cancer may be benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy plus chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To present patterns of practice and outcomes in the adjuvant treatment of intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer. METHODS: Retrospective data on 224 women with intermediate-risk and high-risk endometrial cancer from 1999 to 2006 were reviewed. All patients underwent surgical staging. Patterns of adjuvant treatment, consisting of pelvic radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy plus chemotherapy, were assessed. The 3- and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The difference in 5-year DSS rate was statistically significant between adjuvant group and non-adjuvant group (80.65% vs. 63.80%, P=0.040). In 110 high-risk patients who underwent adjuvant treatment, both 5-year DSS rate and recurrent rate were significantly different in combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy group compared with radiotherapy alone and chemotherapy alone groups (DSS rate, P=0.049; recurrent rate, P=0.047). In 83 intermediate-risk women who underwent adjuvant treatment, there was no significant difference in 5-year DSS rate and recurrence rate among the combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, radiotherapy alone and chemotherapy alone groups (DSS rate, P=0.776; recurrent rate, P=0.937). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant radiotherapy plus chemotherapy is associated with a higher 5-year DSS rate and lower recurrence rate compared with radiotherapy alone and chemotherapy alone in high-risk endometrial cancer patients. Patients with intermediate-risk endometrial cancer may be not likely to benefit from adjuvant combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

A novel epigenetic signature to predict recurrence-free survival in patients with colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation plays an important role in the initiation and progression of colon cancer. The aim of the present study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression profiles in order to develop a signature to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) of colon cancer. METHODS: DNA methylation and mRNA expression data were obtained from TCGA database, and were analyzed using an R package MethylMix. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on statistically significant genes identified by MethylMix criteria. The epigenetic signature and nomogram associated with the RFS of colon cancer were established by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox model. Additionally, a joint survival analysis of gene expression and methylation was performed to identify potential prognostic factors for patients with colon cancer. RESULTS: A total of 179 differentially methylated genes were obtained using MethylMix algorithm. An epigenetic signature for RFS was developed using LASSO. Patients with high-risk had significantly worse RFS than those with low-risk. The signature is independent of clinicopathological variables and indicated better predictive power than other clinicopathological variables in patients with colon cancer. Moreover, joint survival analysis of gene expression and methylation revealed that seven methylated genes could be independent prognostic factors for RFS in colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our proposed epigenetic signature presents potential prognostic significance in assessing recurrence risk stratification for patients with colon cancer.

Coupling between NMDA receptor and acid-sensing ion channel contributes to ischemic neuronal death.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) composed of ASIC1a subunit exhibit a high Ca(2+) permeability and play important roles in synaptic plasticity and acid-induced cell death. Here, we show that ischemia enhances ASIC currents through the phosphorylation at Ser478 and Ser479 of ASIC1a, leading to exacerbated ischemic cell death. The phosphorylation is catalyzed by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity, as a result of activation of NR2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype of glutamate receptors (NMDARs) during ischemia. Furthermore, NR2B-specific antagonist, CaMKII inhibitor, or overexpression of mutated form of ASIC1a with Ser478 or Ser479 replaced by alanine (ASIC1a-S478A, ASIC1a-S479A) in cultured hippocampal neurons prevented ischemia-induced enhancement of ASIC currents, cytoplasmic Ca(2+) elevation, as well as neuronal death. Thus, NMDAR-CaMKII cascade is functionally coupled to ASICs and contributes to acidotoxicity during ischemia. Specific blockade of NMDAR/CaMKII-ASIC coupling may reduce neuronal death after ischemia and other pathological conditions involving excessive glutamate release and acidosis.

Neuroprotection of geniposide against hydrogen peroxide induced PC12 cells injury: involvement of PI3 kinase signal pathway.

AIM: Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenic cascade leading to neuronal degeneration in AD. Consequently, the induction of endogenous antioxidative proteins by antioxidants seems to be a very reasonable strategy for delaying the disease's progression. In previous work, we identified the neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of geniposide, which result from the activation of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R). In this study, we explore the role of PI3 kinase signaling pathway in the neuroprotection of geniposide in PC12 cells. METHODS: Cell viability was determined by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by Hoechst and PI double staining. The protein expression of Bcl-2 and phosphorylation of Akt308, Akt473, GSK-3beta, and PDK1 was measured by Western blot. RESULTS: Geniposide induced the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, which inhibited apoptosis in PC12 cells induced by H(2)O(2), and this effect could be inhibited by preincubation with LY294002, a selective inhibitor of PI3K. Furthermore, geniposide enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt308, Akt473, GSK-3beta and PDK1 under conditions of oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the PI3K signaling pathway is involved in the neuroprotection of geniposide in PC12 cells against the oxidative damage induced by H(2)O(2) in PC12 cells.

The Chinese version of ICIQ: a useful tool in clinical practice and research on urinary incontinence.

AIMS: In China, more and more research on the management of urinary incontinence (UI) is being conducted; a robust questionnaire to evaluate the symptoms and impact of UI will be very helpful. Thus, the Chinese version of The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) was developed. METHODS: Initial translation and back translation of the ICIQ-UI short form, the ICIQ-FLUTS, the ICIQ-FLUTS long form, the ICIQ-LUTSqol, and the ICIQ-FLUTSsex were completed by native Chinese and English speaker, respectively. Then, the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the five ICIQ modules, including the content/face validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were examined. RESULTS: The back translation of the questionnaires was consistent with the original English questionnaires. The Chinese version of the five ICIQ modules was easily completed, and the missing data were less than 2.5%. The Cornbach's alpha coefficient was 0.71-0.96. In the test-retest, the agreement rate of the two tests exceeded 95% and the kappa values were 0.72-0.93 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese version of the five ICIQ modules was easily understood, and had adequate internal consistency and reliability. It can be used in the study of Chinese-speaking groups around the world.

[Analysis of serum biomarkers of ovarian epithelial cancers based on 2-DE DIGE and MALDI TOF/TOF].

OBJECTIVE: To find new serum tumor markers for ovarian epithelial cancers by 2-DE DIGE and MALDI-TOF/TOF proteomic methods, in order to improve the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. METHODS: Serum samples from 103 cases of ovarian epithelial cancers, 60 cases of healthy women, 63 cases of benign ovarian tumors and 63 cases of benign pelvic diseases were collected. Sera of 20 cases of ovarian epithelial cancers (A), 20 cases of ovarian benign tumors (B), 20 cases of pelvic benign diseases (C) and 20 cases of health control (D) were matched by age and pooled, respectively. After depletion of high abundance serum albumin and IgG, the samples were assayed by 2-DE DIGE. The test was repeated three times. Analysis with DeCyder software revealed significant differential protein spots which were identified by MAIDI-TOF/TOF. Western blot and ELISA were used to validate the candidate serum markers. RESULTS: 1) There were 41 proteins having significant differences between the groups. MAIDI-TOF/TOF successfully identified 28 proteins. Haptoglobin (Hp) was the most significantly up-regulated protein, and transferrin (Tf) was the most significantly down-regulated protein. 2) Western blot and ELISA proved that there were significant differences in Hp and Tf between ovarian epithelial cancers and normal controls (P = 0.000), between ovarian epithelial cancers and ovarian benign tumors (P = 0.000), between ovarian epithelial cancers and benign pelvic disease sera (P = 0.000). 3) CA125 + Hp + Tf combined detection of ovarian cancer had higher sensitivity and specificity than CA125, Hp or Tf detection alone. CONCLUSION: Hp and Tf are differently expressed in the sera of patients with ovarian epitheliual cancers. They can be used as serum biomarkers for ovarian epithelial cancers. CA125 + Hp + Tf combined detection may improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis of ovarian epithelial cancers.

[Effect of total glucosides of paeony on nuclear factor-kappaB activation in rat peritoneal macrophages].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) on lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation in macrophages. METHOD: Rat peritoneal macrophages were pre-treated with TGP for 2 h and stimulated with LPS for 20 min or 0.5 h. Inhibitory kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha) protein in the cytoplasm and NF-kappaB p65 protein in the nuclear were analyzed by western blot. Further, DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB complex was detected. RESULT: TGP enhanced the amounts of IkappaBalpha protein in the cytoplasm and decreased the amounts of NF-kappaB p65 protein in the nuclear of LPS-induced macrophages. TGP also inhibited the LPS-mediated DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB complex in macrophages. CONCLUSION: TGP can inhibit LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation in macrophages through arresting IKBalpha protein degradation, NF-kappaB p65 protein nuclear translocation and DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB complex.

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography for differential diagnosis between mastitis and breast malignancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic performance of conventional ultrasound (US) and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) in the differential diagnosis between mastitis and breast malignancy. METHODS: Between January 2016 and March 2017, 105 patients with 105 pathologically proven breast lesions were enrolled. All the lesions were subject to conventional US and 2D SWE examinations. In 2D SWE, the qualitative parameter of stiff rim sign and quantitative parameter of maximal shear wave velocity (SWV) were obtained. The diagnosis performances of US and combination of US and 2D SWE were evaluated, including sensitivity, specificity and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The AUROC of US and the combined method were also evaluated in subgroups with different diameters. RESULTS: Pathologically, 26 breast lesions were confirmed to be mastitis and 79 were malignant. The cut-off value for maximal SWV was 6.75 m/sec. The AUROC of stiff rim sign and maximal SWV were 0.701 (95% CI: 0.587-0.815) and 0.753 (95% CI: 0.659-0.832) respectively. Compared with US, the specificity and AUROC of the combined method increased significantly (specificity: 11.5% vs. 96.1%, AUROC: 0.520 vs. 0.752; both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of US and 2D SWE improved the diagnostic performance in the differential diagnosis between mastitis and breast malignancy in comparison with the conventional US alone.

A Proposal to Stratify the Intermediate-Risk Thyroid Nodules According to the AACE/ACE/AME Guidelines with Ultrasound Features.

To propose a risk stratification system for intermediate-risk thyroid nodules (TNs) according to American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Endocrinology and Associazione Medici Endocrinologi Medical (AACE/ACE/AME) Guideline with ultrasound (US) features. 1000 patients with 1000 nodules (902 benign nodules and 98 malignant nodules) were included. All the nodules were confirmed with either fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and follow-up or histology results after surgery. Univariate analysis and binary multivariate logic regression analysis were applied to analyze the possible risk US features associated with malignancy. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were drew and compared. Univariate analysis and binary multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that indeterminate hyper-echoic spot (OR = 4.544), slightly ill-defined margin (OR = 2.559), slight hyper-echogenicity (OR = 1.992) and no macro-calcification (OR = 1.921) were risk factors for the intermediate-risk thyroid nodules (TNs). A predicting model was established based on the 4 risk factors. The risk rates of malignancy were 5.7% (26/455) in Stage I, 11.0% (49/445) in Stage II, 23.1% (21/91) in Stage III, 33.3% (3/9) in Stage IV. In conclusion, for the intermediate-risk TNs, special attention should be paid to the TNs with indeterminate hyper-echoic spot, slightly ill-defined margin, slight hyper-echogenicity, or no macro-calcification. The probability of malignancy increased with the number of risk factors increasing.

[Effects on performance of high-speed dental handpieces subjected to autoclaving].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects on performances of high-speed dental handpieces subjected to autoclaving. METHODS: The method of trial used to evaluate the effect of autoclaving included that ten chemical and ten biological indicators were arranged in each trial group being set by one sort of temperature and sterilization time. The range of temperature was from 100 degrees C to 134 degrees C and the sterilization time was from 1 to 45 minutes. The reliability of autoclaving was evaluated by the result of chemical indicator and the endospores of Bacillus stearothermophilus subjected to autoclaving. Ten newly imported and ten new domestic dental handpieces in two different brands were used to carry out this trial. The effects produced by autoclaving on performances of dental handpieces subjected to different type autoclaves were evaluated by some parameters. RESULTS: The eligible outcome in killing test of the 221 sterilized dental handpieces proved that the sterilization effect of autoclaving on dental handpieces was reliable. The chemical indicators showed that under the condition of 121 degrees C it needed 20 minutes to reach sterilization standard in the inner package and only 15 minutes on the outer package, and under the condition of 134 degrees C it took 4 minutes to reach sterilization standard in the inner package while only 2 minutes on the outer package. This outcome proved that material with package was more time-consuming than that without package during autoclaving. Autoclaving has positive effects on the performance of dental handpieces, while the autoclave with less-time full sterilization cycle has less effect on it. The performance of dental handpieces sterilized by the autoclave with 6-minute full sterilization cycle might be restorable within certain times of sterilization cycle. CONCLUSION: The sterilization effect of autoclaving is reliable. In order to reduce the influence on the performance of dental handpieces subjected to autoclaving, it should be reasonable to use the autoclave by which a full sterilization cycle might take less time and no use of package.

[The possibility of hepatitis B virus transmission through dental handpieces].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the possibility of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission through dental handpieces. METHODS: Investigation was carried on methods for disinfecting and sterilizing dental handpieces and the condition of HBsAg contamination on dental handpieces before and after disinfection and sterilization by randomly sampling all special stomatological hospitals and dental clinics in a same city and 10 dental departments from the third, second and first class hospitals. The possibility of HBV transmission through dental handpieces was probed by investigating whether ducks can be infected by bath liquid of dental handpieces contaminated by DHBV, while in such bath liquid, DHBV can not be detected by serum dot hybridization. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2004, in methods to disposing dental handpieces, the use of autoclave was remarkably increased while of the disinfectant wipe, immersion and other methods was remarkably decreased. The positive rate of HBsAg from dental handpieces in practice was 1.65%. It was evident that the bath liquid of dental handpieces contaminated by DHBV can conduct infection in vivo test of duck, while DHBV can not be detected in such bath liquid by serum dot hybridization, it is proved that the negative result of HBsAg in non-sterilized dental handpieces can not eliminate the possibility of HBV transmission through dental handpieces. CONCLUSION: There might exist the possibility of HBV transmission through dental handpieces however, the autoclaves might kill the virus contaminating on dental handpieces.

[Mechanistic study of radiosensitization by gemcitabine on human squamous carcinoma cell line of the cervix].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether gemcitabine (dFdC) at the non-cytotoxic concentration enhances the effect of irradiation on human squamous carcinoma cells of the uterine cervix (HeLa) in vitro, and to evaluate the mechanism by which dFdC at the non-cytotoxic concentration [24 h 10% inhibiting concentration (IC(10))] is able to enhance radiation-induced cytotoxicity to HeLa in vitro. METHODS: The non-cytotoxic concentration (24 h IC(10)) of dFdC was determined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). After exposure to the non-cytotoxic concentration (0.01 micro mol/L) for 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours followed by immediate irradiation (4, 6 and 8 Gy), the surviving fraction was counted and the radiation enhancement ratio (RER) was evaluated. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expressions of p53, bcl-2 and bax were studied by western blot. RESULTS: After exposure to non-cytotoxic concentration (0.01 micro mol/L) for 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours followed by immediate irradiation, the RER was 1.19, 1.35, 1.72 and 1.93, respectively. After exposed to dFdC, HeLa cells showed an S phase block. The proportion of S phase cells was elevated with the increase of exposure duration (P < 0.01). The S-phase proportion increased to 51.8% at 24 hours of exposure. Meanwhile, compared with the single-agent treatments, combination of dFdC and radiation did not additionally increase the number of apoptotic cells and expression of proteins related to apoptosis such as p53, bcl-2 and bax (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HeLa cells were radiosensitive at IC(10) concentration of dFdC. The radiosensitization effect depends on the exposure duration to dFdC. There appears a strong association between the radiosensitization and the progression of cells into S-phase after dFdC treatment. Combination of dFdC and radiation did not increase apoptosis of HeLa cells.