The causal effects of genetically predicted alcohol consumption on endometrial cancer risk from a Mendelian randomization study.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological tumor in females with an increasing incidence over the past few decades. Alcohol consumption has been linked to the occurrence of various cancers; However, epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent associations between alcohol consumption and EC risk. In order to avoid the influence of potential confounding factors and reverse causality in traditional epidemiological studies, we used a method based on genetic principles-Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to test whether there is a causal relationship between alcohol consumption and EC. MR analysis was conducted using publicly available summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Fifty-seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were extracted as instrumental variables for alcohol exposure from the GWAS and Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine GWAS summary data involving 941,287 participants of European ancestry. SNPs for EC were obtained from the Endometrial Cancer Association Consortium, the Endometrial Cancer Epidemiology Consortium, and the UK Biobank, involving 121,885 European participants. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary method to estimate the causal effect, and the MR-Egger regression and weighted median method were used as supplementary methods. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using the Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier global test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the impact of pleiotropy on causal estimates. An increase of 1 standard deviation of genetically predicted log-transformed alcoholic drinks per day was associated with a 43% reduction in EC risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41-0.79, P < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis of EC revealed that alcohol consumption was a protective factor for endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.83, P = 0.004) but not for non-endometrioid endometrial cancer (NEC) (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 0.40-4.66, P = 0.626). The MR-Egger regression and weighted median method yielded consistent causal effects with the IVW method. The consistent results of sensitivity analyses indicated the reliability of our causal estimates. Additionally, alcohol consumption was associated with decreased human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels. This MR study suggests that genetically predicted alcohol consumption is a protective factor for EC, particularly for EEC, and this protective effect may be mediated through the reduction of HCG and IGF1.

Study of height, sitting height, lower extremity length, and the prevalence of short stature among elementary school students in the Tianyuan District of Zhuzhou City.

In this study, the height, sitting height, lower extremity length, growth status, and body proportions of elementary school students aged 6 to 12 years in Tianyuan District of Zhuzhou City, China, were analyzed. A total of 41,156 children from 38 elementary schools in the Tianyuan District of Zhuzhou City were selected for height measurement, employing the cluster sampling method. After the cluster data were obtained, the height and sitting height information were extracted, and calculations were performed for lower extremity length, sitting height-to-lower extremity length ratio, and sitting height-to-height ratio. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 23.0 software. The height and sitting height measurements of boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years in Tianyuan District surpassed the 2005 national standard set for 9 cities, while the lower extremities of children within the 7 to 9 age range fell below the national standard. In alignment with the national average, the fitted curve representing height for both boys and girls aged 6 to 12 years in Tianyuan District exhibited an intersection point around 10 to 10.5 years. No discernible distinction was observed in the incidence of short stature, as analyzed through the P3 standard, between the fitted curve for Tianyuan District and the national standard. Moreover, tall children exhibited a significantly lower sitting height-to-height ratio compared to their shorter counterparts. The fitted height curve in Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou City, proves effective in discerning shorter-statured children within the region. Nevertheless, further research is warranted to elucidate the factors contributing to the comparatively shorter lower extremities observed in children from Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou City, in contrast to the national average.

A Case of Floating-Harbor Syndrome with "Growth and Language Development Delay" as Its Clinical Manifestation.

Background: Floating-Harbor syndrome (FHS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized primarily by short stature, delayed language development, and typical facial features. There are currently few case reports, diagnoses and treatments for these syndromes at home and abroad. Case Description: This study reports a case of a boy with "growth and language development delay" as the predominant clinical manifestation. FHS was clinically diagnosed based on his growth hormone (GH) deficiency, significant bone age delay, left testicular hydrocele, and the whole exon gene in peripheral blood, which indicated heterozygous mutation of SRCAP gene. Following the treatment with recombinant human GH (rhGH), the child exhibited height increase benefits, and his articulation improved after language therapy. Conclusion: Genetic testing facilitates early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of the FHS. Additionally, treatment with rhGH effectively increases the height of these children, and language rehabilitation is especially important for their language development.

A Case Report of Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome with MAP2K1 Pathogenic Variant.

Craniofacial dysmorphism, cardiac abnormalities, ectodermal abnormalities, psychomotor delay, intellectual disability, and short stature are all hallmarks of the extremely rare disorder known as cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFCS). Although CFCS is considered rare, approximately 300 cases have been documented in the literature. In this report, we discuss a patient diagnosed with CFCS without the typical heart malformations but with craniofacial features, skin abnormalities, intellectual disability, and short stature. Genetic testing revealed the presence of three potentially harmful variants: one in the MAP2K1 gene and two in the ATP2B3 and CDC42BPB genes, the significance of which is currently not yet found. Our findings in this case report suggest that the clinical symptoms of CFCS may be atypical, thereby expanding our understanding of the symptom spectrum of the disease. Simultaneously, the link between the clinical symptoms of the patient and the two unknown pathogenic variants has not been established. This case report supplements existing clinical reference material by providing valuable insights into the specific scenario.

Gender differences in the association between anxiety symptoms and thyroid hormones in young patients with first-episode and drug naïve major depressive disorder.

Objective: Gender differences are prevalent in major depressive disorder (MDD), but the gender differences in the relationship between comorbid anxiety and thyroid hormones in young first-episode and drug-naive (FEND) MDD patients are unknown. Methods: A total of 1,289 young outpatients with FEDN MDD were recruited. Demographic and clinical data were collected for each patient. The patient's blood glucose, blood pressure, thyroid hormone, and thyroid antibody levels were measured. The Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to assess patients' depression, anxiety, and positive symptoms, respectively. Results: The prevalence of comorbid anxiety disorders was 80.4 and 79.4% in male and female MDD patients, respectively. Patients with anxiety had higher HAMD and PANSS scores, higher serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-thyroglobulin antibody (A-TG), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (A-TPO) levels, higher blood glucose and blood pressure levels, and more patients with psychotic symptoms and suicide attempts. Male patients were younger and had a younger age of onset. Logistic regression analysis showed that HAMD score and comorbid suicide attempts were significant predictors of anxiety symptoms in both males and females, whereas A-TG predicted anxiety symptoms in female patients only. Limitations: No causal relationship could be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. Conclusion: This study showed gender differences in factors associated with anxiety symptoms in patients with MDD. Some factors were associated with anxiety symptoms in both male and female patients, while A-TG was only associated with anxiety symptoms in female patients.

Case Report: A Novel Homozygous Mutation of Cyclin O Gene Mutation in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia with Short Stature.

Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a group of autosomal recessive genetic diseases caused by abnormal ciliary ultrastructure and/or function, resulting in reduced ciliary clearance function or other dysfunctions. PCD is one of the causes of recurrent respiratory tract infections in children. At present, there is no gold standard for diagnosis. In patients clinically suspected with PCD, a variety of examination methods are available to assist in diagnosis, such as high-speed video microscopic imaging to analyze ciliary movement patterns, transmission electron microscopy to observe ciliary ultrastructure, genetic testing, and detection of nitric oxide content in nasal expiratory air. Case Description: We present a case summary of the clinical data and treatment process of a child with PCD and short stature induced by Novel exon 1 of CCNO mutation (NM-021147.5) at c.323del, and the proband father and mother were heterozygous mutators, who was diagnosed and treated in the Pediatric Healthcare Department of our hospital. We treated the child with recombinant human growth hormone to increase the height, and the patient was also advised to improve nutrition, prevent and control infections, and encouraged sputum expectoration. We also recommended regular follow-up visits to the outpatient department, and to seek other symptomatic and supportive treatments as necessary. Conclusion: The height and nutritional status of the child improved after treatment. We also reviewed relevant literature to help clinicians improve their understanding of this disease.

Variation characteristics of climatic potential yield and resources utilization efficiency of maize under the background of climate change in agro-pastoral transitional zone of Gansu, China.

To evaluate the effects of changes in radiation, accumulative temperature, precipitation and climate resources on climate resource utilization efficiency in the agro-pastoral transitional zone of Gansu Province, we analyzed the variations of climate potential yield loss rate, light, heat, precipitation and comprehensive utilization efficiency of climate resources in the agro-pastoral transitional zone of Gansu Province by the step-by-step correction and indexation method, with the 1971-2020 weather data from 45 meteorological sites and the maize phenology data. The results showed that solar radiation showed fluctuating downward trend at a rate of -22.03 MJ·m-2·(10 a)-1, the accumulative ≥11 ℃ temperature showed significant upward trend at a rate of 60.89 ℃·(10 a)-1, the precipitation showed slow upward trend at a rate of 2.05 mm·(10 a)-1 during the study period. The climate potential yield loss rate due to temperature and precipitation limitations was relatively high in Gannan and the northern part of Longzhong, while it was relatively low in the most areas of Longdong. Except for the central part of the study area and part of Longdong, the climate potential yield loss rate due to temperature and precipitation limitations in other regions of the study area showed decreased trend at the rate of -2.0%·(10 a)-1 and -0.6%·(10 a)-1. The low-value areas of light and heat utilization efficiency distributed in the northern and southern parts of Longzhong and part of Gannan, the low-value area of precipitation utilization efficiency distributed in Gannan, and the low value of comprehensive utilization efficiency distributed in Lanzhou and Baiyin which were 0.41 and 0.47, respectively. Longdong was the most suitable for maize planting, where the climate resources utilization efficiency of maize was highest, followed by Gannan and Longzhong. The average tendency rate of light, heat, precipitation and climate resources comprehensive utilization efficiency in the study area showed increased trend, which were 0.1%·(10 a)-1, 0.07 kg·hm-2·â„ƒ-1·d-1·(10 a)-1, 1.17 kg·hm-2·mm-1·(10 a)-1 and 0.05 ·(10 a)-1, respectively, showing a good potential to increase maize yield.

Serum Fat-Soluble Vitamin Levels of 6,082 Minors in Zhuzhou City.

Objective: To explore the nutritional status of serum fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and vitamin E of minors in the Zhuzhou area to provide a scientific basis for clinical guidance to supplement fat-soluble vitamins reasonably. Method: A total of 6,082 minors who underwent physical examination from January 2017 to February 2019 in the Children's Health Department of Zhuzhou Hospital affiliated with XiangYa School of Medicine of Central South University were selected as the subjects to measure the levels of serum fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E. Results: (1) Their average levels of serum vitamin A, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and vitamin E were (0.34 ± 0.08) mg/mL, (34.65 ± 10.24) ng/mL, and (10.11 ± 2.65) mg/mL, respectively. (2) Serum vitamin E showed a gender difference (P < 0.001). (3) The average levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vitamin E in infancy, early childhood, preschool age, school age, and adolescence decreased gradually (P < 0.05). In contrast, the average level of serum vitamin A ranged between 0.32 mg/mL and 0.37 mg/mL. (4) The age was negatively correlated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (r = -0.517, P < 0.001) and weakly negatively correlated with vitamin E (r = -0.366, P < 0.001), but weakly positively correlated with vitamin A (r = 0.269, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Minors from infancy to adolescence in Zhuzhou should strengthen their supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins.

CWI pathway participated in vegetative growth and pathogenicity through a downstream effector AflRlm1 in Aspergillus flavus.

The cell wall is an essential dynamic structure for shielding fungus from environmental stress, and its synthesizing and remodeling are regulated by the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway. Here, we explored the roles of a putative downstream effector AflRlm1 of CWI pathway in Aspergillus flavus. The results showed that AflRlm1 played a positive role in conidia production, sclerotium formation, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and pathogenicity. Furthermore, we provided evidence for the physical connection between AflRlm1 and AflSlt2 and determined the role of AflSlt2 in the phosphorylation of AflRlm1. Then, we discovered the importance of WSCs (cell wall integrity and stress response component) to the CWI signal and the process of AflRlm1 transferring to the nucleus after receiving the signal. Overall, this study clarified the transmission process of CWI signals and proves that the CWI pathway plays a key role in the development of A. flavus and the production of aflatoxin combined with transcriptome data analysis.

Gene Therapy and Photothermal Therapy of Layer-by-Layer Assembled AuNCs /PEI/miRNA/ HA Nanocomplexes.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNA (miRNA) therapy, which was widely considered to treat a series of cancer, has been confronted with numerous obstacles to being delivered into target cells because of its easy biodegradation and instability. METHODS: In this research, we successfully constructed 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid modified gold nanocages (AuNCs)/polyethyleneimine (PEI)/miRNA/hyaluronic acid (HA) complexes (abbreviated as AuNCs/PEI/miRNA/HA) using a layer-by-layer method for target-specific intracellular delivery of miRNA by HA receptor mediated endocytosis. RESULTS: The results of UV spectra, hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential analyses confirmed the formation of AuNCs/PEI/ miRNA/HA complex with its average particle size of ca. 153 nm and surface charge of ca. -9.43 mV. Next, we evaluated the antitumor effect of the nanocomplex mediated by the combination of gene therapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro. CONCLUSION: Our experimental results indicated that the AuNCs/PEI/miRNA/HA complex effectively delivered miRNA to the target cells and its antitumor effect was significantly enhanced by the combination of gene therapy and photothermal therapy. In addition, anti-miR-181b could promote Bel-7402 cell arrest in S phase and improve TIMP-3 mRNA expression. All these results suggested that AuNCs/PEI/miRNA/HA gene delivery system with combination of gene therapy and photothermal therapy might be exploited for HCC treatment.

[Inhibition of osthole for resorption of rats femur tissue in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate osthole effect on femoral tissue resorption activity of rat in vitro. METHODS: Six SD rats weighted (80 ± 5) g were used to isolate and culture femoral tissue (diaphyses and metaphysis) in vitro. The cultured tissue were devided into control group, estradiol group and osthole group. The femoral tissue was treated with final concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol culture in vitro at 48 hours after cultured. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (StrACP) activity, glucose and Lactic acid content, StrACP, MCSF (Macrophage colony stimulating factor) and CTSK (Cathepsin K) mRNA was detected by Real-Time RT-PCR were detected. RESULTS: Concetration of Alkaline phosphatase activity were 2226 and 2498 in 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol respectively. As compared with control group, the activity of StrACP of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol were inhibited at 6, 9, 12 days (P < 0.05); under treatment of in l x 10(-5) mol/L osthole, the content of Lactic acid were increased and the content of glucose were decreased at 3, 6, 9 days (P < 0.05); StrACP, MCSF and CTSK mRNA expression level were inhibited at 6, 9 days (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Osthole can inhibit bone resorption and raise the level of nutrition metabolism of femurs tissue.

[Effect of osthole on bone metabolism in rat femoral tissues in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of osthole on bone metabolism in rat femoral tissues in vitro. METHODS: The rat femoral tissues were isolated in vitro. The optimal concentrations of ostehole (1×10(-5) mol/L) and estradiol (1×10(-8) mol/L) (the positive control) were selected by alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP). The ALP and calcium levels were detected by commmerical regents, and the expressions of osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, runx-related gene 2, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 mRNA were determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULT: The osthole (1×10(-5) mol/L) significantly increased the activity of ALP, calcium level as well as the expressions of osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, runx-related gene-2 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 mRNA in rat femoral tissues in vitro. CONCLUSION: Osthole can improve calcium level and ALP activity and regulate the bone metabolism-related genes in rat femoral tissues.

[Comparison between icariin and genistein in osteogenic activity of marrow stromal cells].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of icariin and genistein in the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSC). METHOD: Rat marrow stromal cells were seperated in vitro, and the optimal concentration of genisten and icriin were screened. Genistein and icariin with the concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) were adopted to intereven rBMSCs cultured in vitro. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined at 3, 6, 9, 12,15 d after intervention; calcified nodule was detected with alizarin red staining at 12 d; OXS, Runx-2, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2) and Collagen-I mRNA expression were observed with Real-time RT-PCR at 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 h. RESULT: Genistein and icariin with the concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol x L(-1) could increase the activity of ALP and the content of Ca, regulate OXS, BMP-2, Runx-2 and Collagen-I mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Icariin showed a stronger effect in improving the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow stromal cells than genistein.

Systematic review on randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture therapy for neurovascular headache.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for neurovascular headache and to analyze the current situation related to acupuncture treatment. METHODS: PubMed database (1966-2010), EMBASE database (1986-2010), Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2010), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (1979-2010), China HowNet Knowledge Database (1979-2010), VIP Journals Database (1989-2010), and Wanfang database (1998-2010) were retrieved. Randomized or quasi-randomized controlled studies were included. The priority was given to high-quality randomized, controlled trials. Statistical outcome indicators were measured using RevMan 5.0.20 software. RESULTS: A total of 16 articles and 1 535 cases were included. Meta-analysis showed a significant difference between the acupuncture therapy and Western medicine therapy [combined RR (random efficacy model)=1.46, 95% CI (1.21, 1.75), Z=3.96, P<0.0001], indicating an obvious superior effect of the acupuncture therapy; significant difference also existed between the comprehensive acupuncture therapy and acupuncture therapy alone [combined RR (fixed efficacy model)=3.35, 95% CI (1.92, 5.82), Z=4.28, P<0.0001], indicating that acupuncture combined with other therapies, such as points injection, scalp acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, etc., were superior to the conventional body acupuncture therapy alone. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of limited clinical studies had verified the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of neurovascular headache. Although acupuncture or its combined therapies provides certain advantages, most clinical studies are of small sample sizes. Large sample size, randomized, controlled trials are needed in the future for more definitive results.

[Experimental study on anti-influenza virus infection with yinqiao-decoction by orthogonal design].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate composition principle of Yinqiao-decoction through experiment of anti-influenza. METHODS: The effects of different compositions of Yinqiao-decoction on the index of hemagglutinin titre of virus in the lung tissue of mice infected with virus from nose were investigated by orthogonal design. RESULTS: According to the hemagglutinin titre of virus in the lung tissue of mice, the necessary effective drugs of Yinqiao-decoction are forsythia suspense, flos lonicerae, fructus arctii, schizonepeta tenuifolia, folium phyllostach lophatheri, glycyrrhiza uralensis, platycodon grandiflorum and mentha haplocalyx, and semen sojae preparatum isn't necessary. There is interaction between forsythia suspense and flos lonicerae, forsythia suspense and fructus arctii, forsythia suspense and schizonepeta tenuifolia, fructus arctii and mentha haplocalyx, schizonepeta tenuifolia and platycodon grandiflorum. CONCLUSION: The optimal combination of Yinqiao-decoction is flos lonicerae, forsythia suspense, fructus arctii, folium phyllostach lophatheri, glycyrrhiza uralensis, mentha haplocalyx of the second level and schizonepeta tenuifolia, platycodon grandiflorum, semen sojae preparatum of the first level.

[Improvement of Phi bodies stain and its clinical significance].

The aim of this study was to improve the dyeing method of hydroperoxidase (HPO), to analyze the morphologic features of Phi bodies and to evaluate the clinical application of this method. 128 bone marrow or peripheral blood smears from patients with myeloid and lymphoid malignancies were stained by improved HPO staining. The Phi bodies were observed with detection rate of Phi bodies in different leukemias. 69 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) specimens were chosen randomly, the positive rate and the number of Phi bodies between the improved HPO and POX stain based on the same substrate of 3, 3'diaminobenzidine were compared. The results showed that the shape of bundle-like Phi bodies was variable, long or short. while the nubbly Phi bodies often presented oval and smooth. Club-like Phi bodies were found in M(3). The detection rates of bundle-like Phi bodies in AML M(1)-M(5) were 42.9% (6/14), 83.3% (15/18), 92.0% (23/25), 52.3% (11/21), 33.3% (5/15) respectively, and those of nubbly Phi bodies were 28.6% (4/14), 66.7% (12/18), 11.1% (3/25), 33.3% (7/21), 20.0% (3/15) respectively. The detection rate of bundle-like Phi bodies in M(3) was significantly higher than that in (M(1) + M(2)) or (M(4) + M(5)) groups. The detection rate of nubbly Phi bodies in (M(1) + M(2)) group was higher than that in M(3) group. In conclusion, after improvement of staining method, the HPO stain becomes simple, the detection rate of Phi bodies is higher than that by the previous method, the positive granules are more obvious, and the results become stable. This improved method plays an important role in differentiating AML from ALL, subtyping AML, and evaluating the therapeutic results.

[Expression and significance of GLUT-1 and DNA-PKcs in serous ovarian tumors].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Cancer cell growth is supported by glucose metabolism of glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT-1). In addition, the participation of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) in genome damage-repairing is important for oncogenesis prevention. This study was to evaluate the expression and biologic significance of GLUT-1 and DNA-PKcs in serous ovarian tumors. METHODS: The expression of GLUT-1 and DNA-PKcs in 20 specimens of normal ovarian tissues, 20 specimens of serous cystadenoma, 20 specimens of borderline serous cystadenoma, and 40 specimens of serous cystadenocarcinoma were detected by SP immunohistochemistry. The correlation of GLUT-1 and DNA-Pkcs expression to clinicopathologic characteristics of serous ovarian tumors was analyzed by Chi-square test. RESULTS: The positive rate of GLUT-1 was significantly higher in malignant and borderline serous ovarian carcinomas than in benign tumors and normal ovarian tissues (100% and 55% vs. 0% and 0%, P<0.01). The differences in the positive rate of DNA-PKcs were significant among normal ovarian tissues, benign, borderline, and malignant serous ovarian tumors (100%, 95%, 90%, and 60%, P<0.01). GLUT-1 expression was negatively correlated to DNA-PKcs expression (rs = -0.270, P<0.01). GLUT-1 expression in borderline and malignant serous ovarian tumors was related to intraperitoneal implants, ascites, lymph node metastasis, and FIGO stage, but DNA-PKcs was only related to FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The expression of GLUT-1 and the loss of DNA-PKcs may be closely related to the malignant transformation of serous ovarian tumors.

[Expression of GLUT-1, p63 and DNA-Pkcs in serous ovarian tumors and their significance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of GLUT1, p63 and DNA-Pkcs in serous ovarian tumors and their significance. METHODS: GTUL1, p63 and DNA-Pkcs expression at protein level was detected by immunohistochemistry in patients with serous ovarian tumors. Chi-square analysis was used to assess if their expression is associated with clinicopathologic characteristics of the tumors. RESULTS: Cells in the normal ovarian tissues were not stained with GTUL1 and p63 antiserum, but DNA-Pkcs was positively stained. The intensity of GTUT1 and p63 expression was stronger in malignant ovarian serous tumors compared with other subtypes (P < 0.01). There were significant differences of DNA-PKcs among normal ovaries (100.0%), benign (95.0%), borderline (90.0%) and malignant (60.0%) serious ovarian neoplasms (P < 0.01). The level of GLUT-1 expression was correlated with FIGO staging, intraperitoneal implantation, ascites and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). p63 expression was associated with clinicopathologic characteristics except ascites (P < 0.05). DNA-PKcs was only correlated with FIGO staging and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the abnormal expression of GTUT1, p63 and DNA-Pkcs may perhaps participate in serous ovarian tumor occurrence and development and may be considered as a marker reflecting tumor malignant behavior.

Octyl-functionalized hybrid silica monolithic column for reversed-phase capillary electrochromatography.

Hybrid silica monolithic stationary phase functionalized with octyl groups was synthesized by a two-step acid/base-catalyzed hydrolysis/co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and n-octyltriethoxysilane (C(8)-TEOS). The influences of determining factors in the sol-gel process such as the monomer ratio and water content on the monolith formation were systematically investigated. An increase in the TEOS/C(8)-TEOS ratio in the polymerization mixture shifted the pore size distribution towards smaller pore diameter with larger pore volume. The optimal TEOS/C(8)-TEOS volume ratio was found to be 90/50, under which condition the median pore diameter of the monolith was around 1.0 microm with pore volume of 3.25 cm(3)/g. The chromatographic characteristics of the monolithic column prepared with the optimized fabrication condition were studied. Some aromatic compounds including alkylbenzenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenols were successfully separated on the octyl-functionalized silica monolithic column with high column efficiency up to 180,000 plates/m.

[The application of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of restrictive strabismus in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects of botulinum toxin A in the treatment of restrictive strabismus in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). METHODS: Clinical data in 33 patients with restrictive strabismus in TAO treated with botulinum toxin A were analyzed retrospectively. Botulinum toxin A was injected into extraocular muscles guided by electromyography. Clinical data included the eye position, the eye movement and diplopia. RESULTS: There were 25 cases of vertical strabismus, 3 horizontal strabismus and 5 vertical combining horizontal strabismus in this group. The average degree of horizontal deviation was 35. 00+/-20. 53 (20 - 80 , M = 27. 59 ) , the average degree of vertical deviation was 29. 33+/-17. 27 ( 10 - 100 , M = 27. 5 ) . The average follow-up time was ( 17. 04+/-12. 77) months (5. 00+/-67. 73 months). Sixty one extraocular muscles were injected, including 31 inferior rectus, 16 medial rectus, 10 superior rectus and 4 lateral rectus. Each rectus was injected 6. 48+/-2. 12 times (4 -11times, M = 6). The interval between injections averaged (2.96+/-0. 70) months (0. 50 - 26. 00 months). The deviation degrees was decreased after injections, 15 cases were cured and did not require further surgery, 12 cases were improved and 6 cases showed poor response. The dosage for each injection averaged (8. 16+/-1. 43) U. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin A injection has a good effect in the treatment of restrictive strabismus in TAO. Better results were obtained when treated earlier. Compare with paralytic strabismus and comitant strabismus, the dosage of botulinum toxin A in each injection in TAO is higher, the mean changes of degree of deviation is slighter, the interval between injections and the duration of effect is shorter. Injection dosage should increase after repeated injections. Intolerable diplopia could be eliminated in some patients, therefore, a muscle surgery could be avoided.