Pseudo-Meigs' syndrome secondary to breast cancer with ovarian metastasis: a case report and literature review.

Ovarian metastasis of breast cancer with pseudo-Meigs' syndrome (PMS) is extremely rare. Only four cases of PMS secondary to breast cancer with ovarian metastasis have been reported to date. In this report, we present the fifth case of PMS caused by ovarian metastasis of breast cancer. On the 2nd of July 2019, a 53-year-old woman presented to our hospital with complaints of abdominal distension, irregular vaginal bleeding, and chest distress. Color Doppler ultrasound examination revealed a mass approximately 109×89 mm in size in the right adnexal area, accompanied by multiple uterine fibroids and a large amount of pelvic and peritoneal effusions. The patient had no common symptoms and showed no signs of breast cancer. The main manifestations were a right ovarian mass, massive hydrothorax, and ascites. Lab workup and imaging revealed raised CA125 (cancer antigen 125) levels and multiple bone metastases. At first the patient was misdiagnosed with ovarian carcinoma. After the rapid disappearance of oophorectomy hydrothorax and ascites, and decreased CA125 levels, from 1,831.8u/ml to normal range. According to the pathology report, breast cancer was finally diagnosed. The patient underwent endocrine therapy (Fulvestrant) and azole treatment after oophorectomy. At the 40-month follow-up, the patient was still alive and doing well.

Handheld versus conventional ultrasound for assessing carotid artery in routine volunteers.

AIM: Carotid ultrasound is a key tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of cardio disease, and the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and hemodynamic parameters is of paramount importance for the imaging method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of handheld ultrasound devices for measuring carotid parameters. METHODS: We performed a carotid ultrasound on 25 participants using a handheld ultrasound device and a conventional ultrasound machine. For each participant, max and mean CIMT of common carotid artery (CCA) and peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) of CCA, bilateral external carotid artery (ECA), internal carotid artery (ICA) and the vertebral artery were measured. Agreement and repeatability were evaluated by linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: We found a good repeatability and consistent of handheld ultrasound device in measuring mean CIMT (r = 0.68, P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a moderate to good agreement between handheld and conventional ultrasound systems in measuring max IMT, mean IMT, PSV, EDV and RI of CCA (0.73, 0.79, 0.52, 0.58 and 0.84, respectively). CONCLUSION: Handheld ultrasound devices were able to provide carotid IMT and hemodynamic parameters measurements similar to those of conventional ultrasound. Such capabilities of handheld ultrasound devices might be useful for the primary assessment of carotid in clinical work.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound as a valuable imaging modality for characterizing testicular lesions.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new form of ultrasound (US) that can dynamically display microvessels in a highly sensitive manner. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of CEUS for characterizing testicular lesions in comparison with conventional US. Forty-seven patients with testicular lesions were enrolled. The histopathology results revealed that 31 cases were neoplastic (11 cases of seminomas, 8 nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, 8 lymphomas, 2 Leydig cell tumors, and 2 nonspecific tumors), and 16 cases were nonneoplastic (8 cases of infarctions, 3 epidermoid cysts, and 5 inflammation). The indicators of shallow lobulated morphology and cystic-solid echogenicity on conventional US were suggestive of germ cell tumors. More indicators on CEUS were found to be useful for characterizing testicular lesions. All the neoplastic lesions showed hyperenhancement on CEUS. Moreover, germ cell tumors presented with heterogeneous enhancement (73.7%, 14/19), a twisted blood vessel pattern, rapid wash-in and wash-out, and peripheral rim hyperenhancement signs. Lymphoma was characterized by nonbranching linear vessel patterns (87.5%, 7/8), rapid wash-in and slow wash-out. In nonneoplastic lesions, infarction and epidermoid cysts showed no enhancement, and abscesses were observed with marginal irregular enhancement. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CEUS for differentiating between neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions were 100%, 93.8%, and 97.9%, respectively, and these values were higher than those for conventional US (90.3%, 62.5%, and 80.9%, respectively). CEUS can sensitively reflect the microvascular perfusion in testicular lesions and offers high accuracy for characterizing them.

The Dynamics of Hepatic Fibrosis Related to Schistosomiasis and Its Risk Factors in a Cohort of China.

China has had a long history against schistosomiasis japonica. The most serious prognosis of chronic schistosome infection is hepatic fibrosis, which develops into advanced schistosomiasis if the process is not effectively controlled. After a more than seven decades endeavor, China has gained remarkable achievements in schistosomiasis control and achieved transmission control nationwide (infection rate of schistosomes in residents and domestic animals both less than 1%) by 2015. However, new advanced schistosomiasis cases emerge annually in China, even in areas where the transmission of schistosomiasis had been interrupted. In the present study, the residents (>5 years old) in a schistosomiasis endemic village were examined for schistosomiasis every year during 1995-2019 by the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method and/or miracidium hatching technique. Residents who were identified to have an active infection method were treated with praziquantel at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight. Ultrasonography was carried out to assess the liver morbidity related to schistosomiasis in 1995 and 2019, respectively. The prevalence of schistosomiasis among residents presented a downward trend annually, from 17.89% (175/978) in 1995 to 0 (0/475) in 2019. Among 292 residents who received ultrasound scan both in 1995 and 2019, 141 (48.29%) presented stable liver damage, while liver fibrosis was developed severely in 86 (29.45%) and reversed in 65 (22.26%) residents. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that anti-fibrosis treatment was the protective factor against schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis. Males, residents aged 38 and above, fishermen, and people who did not receive anti-fibrosis treatment were groups with higher risk of liver fibrosis development. Our results revealed that although the infection rate of schistosome dropped significantly in endemic areas, liver fibrosis was still developing among some residents, even though they had received deworming treatment. Liver protection/anti-fibrosis treatment should be administered in endemic regions and regions with historically uncontrolled transmission to slow down the deterioration of hepatic fibrosis among patients in schistosomiasis endemic areas.

Increased risk of cerebrovascular mortality in head and neck cancer survivors aged ≥ 65 years treated with definitive radiotherapy: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between radiotherapy (RT) and the risk of cerebrovascular mortality (CVM) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors aged ≥ 65 years. METHODS: Patients with HNC survivors aged ≥ 65 years diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log-rank tests, and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were performed for statistical analyses. RESULTS: We included 16,923 patients in this study. Of these patients, 7110 (42.0%) patients received surgery alone, 5041 (29.8%) patients underwent RT alone, and 4772 (28.2%) patients were treated with surgery and RT. With a median follow-up time of 87 months, 1005 patients died with cerebrovascular disease. The 10-years CVM were 13.3%, 10.8%, and 11.2% in those treated with RT alone, surgery alone, and surgery plus RT, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean time for CVM was shorter in RT alone compared to surgery alone and surgery plus RT (52 months vs. 56-60 months). After adjusting for covariates, patients receiving RT alone had a significantly higher risk of developing CVM compared to those receiving surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] 1.703, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.398-2.075, P < 0.001), while a comparable risk of CVM was found between those treated with surgery alone and surgery plus RT (HR 1.106, 95% CI 0.923-1.325, P = 0.274). Similar trends were found after stratification age at diagnosis, gender, tumor location, and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: Definitive RT but not postoperative RT can increase the risk of CVM among older HNC survivors. Long-term follow-up and regular screening for CVD are required for HNC patients who received definitive RT to decrease the risk of CVM.

Biopsy of cervical lymph node does not impact the survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The optimal practice regarding cervical lymph node biopsy (CLNB) remains to be defined to provide the best clinical management in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to investigate the effect of CLNB on the survival of NPC patients. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with NPC from 2004 to 2015 were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Multivariate logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier method, Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to determine the factors associated with CLNB and prognostic effect of CLNB of NPC. RESULTS: We included 1903 patients in this study. There were 321 (16.9%) and 1582 (83.1%) patients with and without CLNB, respectively. The percentage of CLNB was 19.4% in 2004 and was decreased to 8.6% in 2015 (p = 0.044). Patients diagnosed in later years (p = 0.008), older age (p < 0.001), Chinese (p = 0.002), advanced tumor stage (p < 0.001), and early nodal stage (p = 0.003) were less likely to receive additional CLNB. In patients who received additional CLNB, the 5-years NPC-specific survival (NPCSS) was 83.6%, which was similar to patients without CLNB (80.1%, p = 0.159). In addition, a similar 5-years NPCSS was found between those receiving biopsy or aspiration of regional lymph node and those receiving lymph node resection (p = 0.584). There were 187 pairs of patients who were completely matched using PSM, the multivariate prognostic analyses indicated that the receipt of CLNB was not associated with an inferior outcome in the PSM cohort (p = 0.349). Similar results were found after stratification by the year of diagnosis, race/ethnicity, and histology. CONCLUSION: Additional CLNB is not associated with an inferior survival outcome in NPC. Our study provides a reference for the clinical practice of NPC.

Impact of continuous low water stage on the breeding environment of Oncomelania hupensis: a case study of Poyang Lake area in China.

BACKGROUND: Oncomelania hupensis is the only intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum and plays a decisive role in its transmission. The variation of water level greatly affects the reproduction and growth of snails. Therefore, in this paper, we analyze the variations of water level in the Poyang Lake region from 1993 to 2016 combined with satellite imagery to elucidate the evolution of the snail breeding environment. METHODS: By employing remote sensing data from 1993 to 2016 (April-June and September-November), the vegetation area of Poyang Lake and the vegetation area at different elevations were extracted and calculated. Moreover, the average daily water level data from the four hydrological stations (Hukou station, Xingzi station, Tangyin station and Kangshan station) which represent the typical state of Poyang Lake were collected from 1993 to 2016. The variance of the monthly mean water level, inundation time and the average area were analyzed by variance to find a significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS: According to hydrological data before and after 2003, the average water level after 2003 is significantly lower than that before 2003 in Poyang Lake. After 2003, the time of inundateing the snail breeding period was later in April to June than that before 2003, while the time of wate-falling stage in September to November moved forward after 2003 than before 2003. Of them, the lowest water level affecting the breeding and growing period of O. hupensis in the northern part of Poyang Lake decreased from 11 m to 9 m. After 2003, the expansion of meadow area in the north part of Poyang Lake was mainly concentrated in the elevation of 9-11 m, and the newly increased infested-meadow in the lake area was mainly concentrated in the north part of Poyang Lake. CONCLUSIONS: By comparing the change of water level characteristics in different parts of the Poyang Lake area as well as changes in meadow area before and after 2003, it is found that the water level changes mainly affect the snail breeding area in the northern part of Poyang Lake. The results are helpful for improving scientific measures for snail control in Jiangxi Province. This approach could also be applicible to Dongting Lake area and other lake areas affected by water level changes and can bring significant guidance for snail control in lake areas.

CUDC-907 enhances TRAIL-induced apoptosis through upregulation of DR5 in breast cancer cells.

CUDC-907 is a novel dual-acting inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and histone deacetylase (HDAC). In this study, we aimed to explore the anticancer effects of CUDC-907 on human breast cancer cells. Our results showed that CUDC-907 effectively inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that CUDC-907 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The combined treatment of CUDC-907 and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resulted in a marked increase in apoptosis and cleavage of caspase-8, -9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in breast cancer cells. CUDC-907 enhanced expressions of death receptor 5 (DR5), reduced the levels of anti-apoptotic molecules XIAP, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Knockdown of DR5 abrogated apoptosis induced by the combination of CUDC-907 and TRAIL in breast cancer cells. CUDC-907 increased the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK. JNK inhibitor pretreatment attenuated CUDC-907-induced upregulation of DR5. In summary, CUDC-907 shows potent cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells and facilitates TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through DR5 upregulation. The combination of CUDC-907 and TRAIL may be a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of breast cancer.

Caudatin potentiates the anti-tumor effects of TRAIL against human breast cancer by upregulating DR5.

BACKGROUND: The ability of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to preferentially induce apoptosis in transformed cells while sparing most normal cells is well established. However, the intrinsic and acquired resistance of tumors to TRAIL-induced apoptosis limits its therapeutic applicability. PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of caudatin, a species of C-21 steroidal glycosides isolated from the roots of Cynanchum auriculatum, on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. METHODS: Cell growth inhibition was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay. The cell cycle distribution was assessed by propidium iodide flow cytometry. Apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining. Protein expression was detected by western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Caudatin enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. This sensitization was achieved by upregulating death receptor 5 (DR5). Knockdown of DR5 abolished the enhancing effect of caudatin on TRAIL responses. The caudatin-induced upregulation of DR5 was accompanied by increased expression of CHOP and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK. CHOP knockdown blocked caudatin-upregulated DR5 expression. Moreover, cotreatment of breast cancer cells with p38 MAPK and JNK inhibitors significantly counteracted the caudatin-induced expression of DR5. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that caudatin sensitized breast cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through activation of CHOP, p38 MAPK and JNK-mediated upregulation of DR5 expression. The combination of TRAIL and caudatin may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer.

Effect of integrated control intervention on soil-transmitted helminth infections in Jiangxi province in southeast China.

Soil transmitted helminths (STHs) burden was enormous in China several decades ago, however, rigorous control efforts have been successful with appreciable reduction in diseases burden. Here, we assessed provincial-level data derived from cross sectional surveys, executed in 1989, 2002 and 2014, on the prevalence of STHs among populations in Jiangxi province, China. This study, also, reported STHs integrated control intervention aimed at reducing STHs transmission and worm burden among population at county-level. The intervention strategies included mass drug administration (MDA), health education, improved water supply for drinking, improved sanitary facilities and environmental modification in Guixi municipality. The overall infection rate of STHs in Jiangxi province decreased from 77.7% (1989) to 6.3% (2014), while Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura decreased from 71.1%, 17.6% and 17.0% (1989) to 0.9%, 4.7% and 1.0% (2014), respectively. STHs infection rates in female population were higher than male in the three surveys. Reduction in STHs prevalence was observed in all age groups, but the decline was less in higher age group. STHs prevalence in Guixi intervention region indicated remarkable reduction from 31.8% (2006) to 6.1% (2009) (χ2＝255.22, P＜0.01). A. lumbricoides, hookworm and T. trichiura infection rates decreased from 10.4%, 17.0% and 7.1% (2006) to 0.1%, 4.1% and 2.2%, respectively (2009) (X2A.l = 110.23, P<0.01; X2hk = 103.57, P < 0.01; X2T.t = 32.0, P < 0.01). A. lumbricoides infection rate declined the most of all STHs. Following control efforts with integrated control intervention strategies, STHs prevalence in Jiangxi province experienced remarkable trend in decline between 1989 and 2014. Consolidating control efforts with sustained integrated control strategies is, therefore, important to achieving STHs elimination in China.

Distribution pattern of the snail intermediate host of schistosomiasis japonica in the Poyang Lake region of China.

BACKGROUND: With the closure of the Three Gorges Dam in 2003 the hydrology of Poyang Lake was altered dramatically leading to significant changes in the environment. In order to assess the impact on schistosomiasis this study assessed the spatial and temporal patterns of the snail intermediate host, Oncomelania hupensis in the Poyang Lake tributaries. The results of the study have important implications for future snail control strategies leading to disease elimination. METHODS: The marshland area surrounding Poyang Lake was divided randomly into 200 × 200 m vector grids using ArcGIS software, and the surveyed grids were randomly selected by the software. The snail survey was conducted in each selected grid using a survey frame of 50 × 50 m with one sideline of each grid serving as the starting line. No less than ten frames were used in each surveyed grid with Global Positioning System (GPS) recordings for each. All snails in each frame were collected to determine infection status by microscopy. Altitude data for all frames were extracted from a lake bottom topographic map in order to analyze the average altitude. All snail survey data were collected and statistically analyzed with SPSS 20.0 software in order to determine the difference of the percentage of frames with living snails and mean density of living snails in different regions of Poyang Lake. The altitude of the snail-infested marshlands and snail dens were subsequently identified. RESULTS: A total of 1159 potential snail sampling grids were surveyed, of which 15 231 frames (0.1 m2/frame) were investigated. 1241 frames had live Oncomelania snails corresponding to 8.15% of the total number of frames. The mean density of living snails was 0.463/0.1 m2 with a maximum of 57 snails per frame. The percent of frames with snails in the southern sector (8.13%) of Poyang Lake did not differ statistically from the north (8.21%). However, the mean density of live snails in the northern sector (0.164/0.1 m2) of the lake was statistically higher (F = 6.727; P = 0.010) than the south (0.141/0.1 m2). In the south of the lake, the elevation of snail-inhabited marshland ranged between 11 - 16 m, and could be further subdivided into two snail-concentrated belts at 12-13 m of elevation and 15-16 m of elevation respectively. In the north of the lake, the elevation of snail-inhabited marshland ranged between 9- 16 m with the elevation of 12-14 m being the snail-concentrated zone. CONCLUSIONS: The elevation of snail-infested marshlands in the Poyang Lake region ranged from 9 to 16 m. The snail distribution and habitat has moved north of the lake and to a lower altitude due to changes in the water level post dam closure. Based on the current geological features of the snail habitant focused mollusciciding should occur in snail dense northern regions with frequent bovine and human traffic. Targeting these identified 'hotspots' of transmission will assist in elimination efforts.

A Simple, Sensitive, and Reliable Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Multiple Antibiotics in Vegetables through SPE-HPLC-MS/MS.

Antibiotics, widely used in livestock breeding, enter the environment through animal manure because of incomplete absorption in animals, especially the farmland ecosystem. Therefore, antibiotics may be adsorbed by plants and even become hazardous to human health through the food chain. In this study, a simple, sensitive, and reliable method was developed for the simultaneous determination of eleven antibiotics, including four sulfonamides, two tetracyclines, three fluoroquinolones, tylosin, and chloramphenicol in different vegetable samples using SPE-HPLC-MS/MS. Vegetable samples were extracted by acetonitrile added with hydrochloric acid (125:4, v/v). The extracts were enriched by circumrotating evaporation, and then cleaned through SPE on a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridge. All compounds were determined on a C18 reverse phase column through HPLC-MS/MS. The mean recoveries of 11 antibiotics from spiked samples of vegetables ranged from 71.4% to 104.0%. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.06⁻1.88 µg/kg and 0.20⁻6.25 µg/kg, respectively. The applicability of this technique demonstrated its good selectivity, high efficiency, and convenience by the analysis of 35 vegetable samples available from a vegetable greenhouse. Antibiotic residues in vegetables have aroused wide concern from the public. Therefore, standards should be established for antibiotic residues in vegetables to ensure food safety and human health.

Ultrasound Assessment of Intima-media Thickness and Diameter of Carotid Arteries in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis or Renal Transplantation.

Renal transplant (RT) recipients have a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of renal transplantation on the development of arteriosclerosis have been controversial. The carotid intima-media thickness (СШТ) and diameter (CD) are important indicators of vascular remodeling and arteriosclerosis. In this study, 31 patients with hemodialysis (HD), 31 RT recipients and 84 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled. Their CIMT and CD were measured by ultrasonic radiofrequency tracking, and the linear regression models and Z test were used to identify the progression of arteriosclerosis and the risk factors. Compared with HD group, RT group had significantly lower CIMT and CD. CIMT was found to be associated with age, body weight, resistance index and diastolic velocity, while CD was associated significantly with age, body weight, pulsatility index, end diastolic velocity and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), respectively. The correlation curves between CIMT and age showed the slopes of curves were decreased successively in control, RT and HD groups, and the curves between CD and age showed the slopes were decreased in order of RT > control > HD groups. It was concluded that CIMT and CD were significantly correlated with age in RT and moderately with age in HD patients. RT could reduce the progress of arteriosclerosis in patients with end-stage renal disease.

HBXIP regulates etoposide-induced cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells.

Etoposide, an anticancer DNA topoisomerase II poison, plays an important role in the therapy for human cancers. Unfortunately, many cancers develop etoposide resistance and do not respond to chemotherapy, leading to difficulty in treatment and poor prognosis. In this study, we investigate the effects of HBXIP gene silencing on etoposide chemosensitivity in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. We find that etoposide increases HBXIP expression and promotes mobilization of HBXIP to the nucleus in MCF-7 cells. Knockdown of HBXIP alleviates etoposide-induced G2/M or S phase arrest. Upregulation of p53 and p21 upon etoposide treatment is attenuated in HBXIP knock-down cells. Moreover, HBXIP gene silencing sensitizes etoposide-induced cell apoptosis and cleavage of caspase-9 and PARP in MCF-7 cells. Knockdown of HBXIP expression by RNAi abrogates the etoposide-activated ERK and Akt. These results indicate that HBXIP can modulate the etoposide sensitivity of MCF-7 cell lines and further implicate HBXIP as a target for human breast cancer.

Evaluating arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes patients using ultrasonic radiofrequency.

Differences in arterial stiffness between the two sides of the carotid arteries were investigated using ultrasonic radiofrequency in 88 patients with type 2 diabetes and 70 controls. The compliance coefficient (CC), pulse wave velocity (PWV), intima-media thickness (CIMT) and diameter (CCAD) of the common carotid arteries (CCAs) were measured. The ratio of the left to right CCAs was calculated to provide four indexes: CC ratio, PWV ratio, CIMT ratio and CCAD ratio. In the diabetes group, the PWV on the left side was significantly higher than that on the right side, while the CC on the left side was significantly lower than that on the right side. The bilateral CIMT was thicker and CCAD was wider, the left PWV traveled faster, and the right CC was higher in the diabetes group than in the control group. The PWV ratio between the two groups was significantly different and correlated positively with duration of diabetes and systolic blood pressure (SBP). The differences between the two sides of CCAs in patients with diabetes suggested that disease duration and SBP were important risk factors for arterial stiffness. Identifying the difference could potentially lead to the much earlier diagnosis of arteriosclerosis.

[Study on immune status of patients with schistosomiasis japonica in Poyang Lake region III Humoral and cellular immune characteristics between Schistosoma japonicum high and low antibody responders].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the immune mechanism of negative results of immune tests of schistosomiasis japonica patients. METHODS: Totally 142 schistosomiasis patients (positive stool examinations) of Poyang Lake region were tested by ELISA method, and the ROC curve was applied to determine the high and low response of the patients. The levels of cellular immunity and cytokines of high and low responders were compared. RESULTS: Totally eight schistosomiasis patients were found as low responders. Besides SWAP-IgA (t = -1.588, P > 0.1), the levels of isotype antibodies were significantly lower in the low responders compared with those in the high responders (t = -14.517 to -2.866, all P < 0.05). In the low responders, the propor- tion of CD3⁺T was increased; and the proportions of CD4⁺T, CD8⁺T, CD4⁺CD25⁺Treg, and the ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ were all de- creased, but all of them were not significant (t = -1.72 to 0.974, all P > 0.05) compared with those in the high responders. The differences of IFN-γ and IL-10 between the high and low responders were both not significant (t = -2.426 to 0.216, all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant difference between the high and low responders only in the levels of isotype antibodies. One of the reasons of low response in the immune tests is the much lower antibody level after the antigen-antibody compound is completely formulated.

[Development and application of communication materials for participatory health education of schistosomiasis in fishermen and boatmen of Poyang Lake region].

OBJECTIVE: To design and develop new types of health education materials which are suitable for fishermen and boatmen in endemic areas of marshland and lake regions, and to observe their application effects. METHODS: A total of 292 adult fishmen and boatmen who lived in Houshan Village, Yugan County, the schistosomiasis endemic area of Poyang Lake Region, were selected randomly and investigated by questionnaires to understand the status of their knowledge, attitudes, practices on schistosomiasis control as well as the channels for getting information on schistosomiasis control and the materials that they were willing to accept. Then the information and materials suitable for the target population were developed together by the researchers and the volunteers of the villagers through focus group discussions, personal interviews and the Delphi method. RESULTS: A series of participatory health education materials of schistosomiasis control targeted to the fishmen and boatmen were developed, including 2 live posters, 2 picture puzzles, 2 short opusculums and one song about schistosomiasis control. The field application showed that 98.97%, 84.38%, 78.35% and 80.93% of the participants considered those materials had scientificity, intelligibility, interestingness and practicability, respectively. CONCLUSION: The participatory health education materials of schistosomiasis control is suitable for fishmen and boatmen, which can be used for reference by other endemic areas in marshland and lake regions.

Identification of carotid artery dissection by contrast enhanced ultrasonograph. A case report.

Carotid arterial dissection is an important cause of stroke in young and middle-aged patients. Ultrasound (and particularly contrast enhanced ultrasonography) is an important approach in patients with sudden onset of stroke combined with renal failure who are not suitable for angiography. In this report we describe the ultrasound features of carotid arterial dissection and discuss its utility.

Two half-sandwiched ruthenium (II) compounds containing 5-fluorouracil derivatives: synthesis and study of DNA intercalation.

Two novel coordination compounds of half-sandwiched ruthenium(II) containing 2-(5-fluorouracil)-yl-N-(pyridyl)-acetamide were synthesized, and their intercalation binding modes with calf thymus DNA were revealed by hyperchromism of ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy; the binding constants were determined according to a Langmuir adsorption equation that was deduced on the base of careful cyclic voltammetry measurements. The two compounds exhibited DNA intercalation binding activities with the binding constants of 1.13×106 M-1 and 5.35 ×105 M-1, respectively.

Gender Differences in Ventricular-vascular Coupling Following Exercise.

OBJECTIVE: To study the differences of cardiovascular system between men and women in response to exercise stress. METHODS: Forty healthy youth were tested according to Bruce protocol of exercise stress. They were detected by ultrasonography during the rest, peak exercise, and recovery stages, respectively. The left ventricular diastolic elastance (Ed), effective arterial elastance (Ea), left ventricular end-systolic elatance (Ees), ventricular-vascular coupling index (VVI), and total stiffness index (TSI) were measured and calculated according to the formulas. The results of all stages were compared according to genders. RESULTS: All stages, the Ed, TSI, and VVI of women were higher than those of men, but the Ees was lower than that of men (all P<0.05); there was no significant difference in Ea between men and women. The Ed, Ees, Ea, and TSI were closely related with left ventricular oxygen consumption and heart function, and women showed more closely. Before and after exercise, the changes were different in Ed, Ees, Ea, TSI, and VVI (all P<0.05), and VVI changed least. CONCLUSIONS: Before and after exercise, the ventricular stiffness matched well with arterial stiffness and maintained within a narrow range. For women, the tolerance of exercise was lower than that of men.