[Mid-term analysis of prospective cohort study of rivaroxaban in preventing CRT in breast cancer].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of Rivaroxaban in preventing catheter related thrombosis (CRT) in patients with breast cancer who are undergoing central venous catheter chemotherapy, and provide basis for making standardized prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: In this research, a prospective cohort study was adopted, and breast cancer patients who received central venous catheter chemotherapy in Sanhuan Cancer Hospital during September 2020 to March 2022 were selected as a treatment group to take the rivaroxaban anticoagulation therapy with 10 mg.po.qd for one month. The control group got no preventive anticoagulation therapy. Vascular ultrasound examination was taken to confirm the occurrence of CRT, and a chi-square test was done for comparison the disparity between the groups. Logistic regression was applied to analyze the univariate and multivariate factors for the formation of CRT. Results: In the research, a total of 235 patients were selected, and there were a total of 19 035 days of catheterization with 81 days of catheterization on average. While in the control group, the incidence of CRT was 28.0% (33/118), the incidence of CRT in the treatment group was 20.5% (24/117), the difference was no significant (P=0.183). Subgroup analysis results showed that the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was performed in 165 cases with the CRT incidence of 18.2% (30/165) and thrombosis was mostly seen around axillary vein, accounting for 63.3%. Subclavian vein catheterization was performed in 63 cases with the CRT incidence of 39.7% (25/63), and thrombosis was mostly seen around subclavian vein, accounting for 88.0% (22/25). Implantable venous access port was implanted in 7 cases around subclavian vein and internal jugular vein with the CRT incidence of 28.6% (2/7). The patients who developed CRT within 30 days after catheterization accounted for 54.4% (31/57), 22.8% (13/57) in a period during 30 days and 60 days) and 22.8% (13/57) in a period during 60 days and 180 days). The diagnosed CRT patients had been treated with rivaroxaban 15 mg.bid.po for 3 months. During the 3 months, 100.0% of the thrombosis waned, 71.9% (41/57) of the thrombosis waned within 30 days, 19.3% (11/57) in a period during 30 and 60days and 8.8% (5/57) in a period during 60 days and 90 days. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that the risk of CRT in subclavian vein catheterization was higher than that in PICC, respectively (OR=2.898, 95% CI:1.386-6.056 P=0.005), and the type of catheterization was an independent factor for the formation of thrombosis. Safety analysis result showed that in the prevention of CRT, rivaroxaban treatment did not induce drug-related bleeding, liver function damage, bone marrow suppression or any other side effects. While CRT diagnosed patients were treated with anticoagulation, they kept the central venous catheter, and the infusion was smooth. These patients all finished the anti-tumor treatment as planned, and no abnormalities like new thrombosis or pulmonary embolism were observed. Conclusions: In the mid-term analysis, the proportion of Rivaroxaban in preventing anticoagulant CRT decreases, but it don't reach statistical significance. The sample size should be further increased for observation. Rivaroxaban is proved effective and very safe in the treatment of CRT, and does not affect the concurrent chemotherapy. Medical personnel should carry out the policy of "early prevention, early detection and early treatment" for CRT so as to improve the patients' quality of life.

[Association between abnormal oral glucose tolerance test patterns in the second trimester and large for gestational age newborns].

Objective: To investigate the impact of abnormal patterns of 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in the second trimester on the risk of large for gestational age (LGA) newborn deliveries. Methods: General clinical data and OGTT results of 66 290 pregnant women who received regular prenatal care and delivered in Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital from December 24, 2016 to July 26, 2022 were collected. According to the results of OGTT, the pregnant women were divided into 8 groups: normal blood glucose group (normal fasting blood glucose, 1-hour and 2-hour after oral glucose, 54 518 cases), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) 0 group (only abnormal fasting blood glucose, 1 430 cases), GDM 1 group (only abnormal blood glucose at 1-hour after oral glucose, 2 150 cases), GDM 2 group (only abnormal blood glucose at 2-hour after oral glucose, 3 736 cases), GDM 0+1 group (both fasting blood glucose and 1-hour after oral glucose were abnormal, 371 cases), GDM 0+2 group (both fasting blood glucose and 2-hour after oral glucose were abnormal, 280 cases), GDM 1+2 group (abnormal blood glucose at 1-hour and 2-hour after oral glucose, 2 981 cases) and GDM 0+1+2 group (abnormal fasting blood glucose, 1-hour and 2-hour after oral glucose, 824 cases). Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of different abnormal OGTT patterns on LGA. In addition, the blood glucose measurements at the three time points of OGTT were combined and used as continuous variables in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the predictive value of each blood glucose measurement mode for LGA and the area under the curve (AUC) was compared. Results: (1) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risks of LGA were significantly increased in GDM 0 group (OR=1.76, 95%CI: 1.50-2.08; P<0.001), GDM 0+1 group (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.72-3.04; P<0.001), and GDM 0+1+2 group (OR=1.98, 95%CI: 1.61-2.43; P<0.001). (2) ROC curve analysis showed that fasting blood glucose, 1-hour after oral glucose, 2-hour after oral glucose, fasting+1-hour after oral glucose, fasting+2-hour after oral glucose, 1-hour+2-hour after oral glucose, and fasting+1-hour+2-hour after oral glucose had certain predictive value for LGA (all P<0.001). The AUC of fasting blood glucose measurement was higher than that of 2-hour blood glucose measurement in predicting LGA, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the AUC between fasting blood glucose and other blood glucose measurement modes for predicting LGA (all P>0.05). Conclusions: In the abnormal OGTT patterns, pregnant women with abnormal fasting blood glucose, abnormal fasting+1-hour after oral glucose, and abnormal fasting+1-hour+2-hour after oral glucose have an increased risk of LGA. Fasting blood glucose measurement is of great significance for the prediction of LGA, and could be used as an optimal indicator to evaluate the risk of LGA in clinical practice.

[Effect and safety of Lasso suture hook in transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation].

To investigate the feasibility and safety of the Lasso suture hook in transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation, a total of 38 patients with vaginal vault prolapse at or above stage Ⅱ, and aged 46-75(62.7±12.5)years, who underwent transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. After complete exposure of the right sacrospinous ligament, the cervical/uterosacral ligament was sutured to the sacrospinous ligament using Lasso hook and polypropylene sutures. The completion rate of the operation, intraoperative complications, operation time, blood loss, and postoperative situations were observed, and the objective cure rate and subjective satisfaction were followed up. Transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation was successfully performed in all 38 patients using Lasso suture hooks. There were no bladder or rectum injuries during the operations, and no pelvic hematoma occurred. The operation time was 15-40 (24±9.5) min; the intraoperative bleeding was 20-60 (40±12.5) ml; the visual analogue scale(VAS)score was 3-5 (3.2±1.4) points on the first day of postoperative, and 2-4 (2.2±1.8) points on the third day of postoperative. No numbness or pain in buttocks and lower limbs after the operation. The 3-month follow-up results showed that the objective surgical success rate of the postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantitation (POP-Q) score was 100% (38/38). The 1-year follow-up results showed that the objective surgical cure rate of postoperative POP-Q score was 92.1% (35/38). The score of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 (PFDI-20)was 42-180(120.4±44.9)before operation and 8-75 (28.0±14.3) after operation(t=15.90, P<0.001); The score of Pelvic Floor Function Impact Questionnaire-Short Form7 (PFIQ-7) was 52-214(112.8±44.5)before operation and 5-29 (14.3±6.0) after operation (t=14.40, P<0.001), and the subjective satisfaction rate is 89.5% (34/38) conducted by Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation with Lasso suture hook is simple, safe, and feasible.

[Predictive performance for prognosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage with ventricular hemorrhage by imaging combined with clinical and laboratory quantitative index model].

Objective: To explore the predictive performance of image quantitative index model, clinical-laboratory index model and image-clinical multi-dimensional fusion model in predicting the prognosis of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Methods: A total of 349 patients with aSAH and IVH, including 122 males and 227 females, aged 22 to 85 (59±11) years underwent CT scan in the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from January 2010 to December 2019 were used as dataset 1 to construct a prognostic model. A prognostic model was constructed for data set 1, and the functional recovery of patients 12 months after discharge was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). According to the results, those patients were divided into two groups: good outcome group (n=267) and poor outcome group (n=82). In addition, 63 aSAH patients with IVH, including 27 males and 36 females, aged 32 to 87 (61±12) years who were admitted to the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from January 2020 to December 2021 were collected as dataset 2 for independent verification of the model, including 30 patients with poor prognosis. Clinical information (age and gender), laboratory indicators (blood routine and blood biochemistry), and imaging quantitative indicators (such as volume, density, shape of each ventricle hemorrhage area outlined and extracted on head CT scan etc.) were recorded for all patients (dataset 1 and 2). The clinical, laboratory and imaging quantitative indicators of dataset 1 were screened by using L1 regularization and multiple logistic regression method was used to construct the clinical-laboratory index model, image quantitative index model and image-clinical multi-dimensional fusion model, according to the weight coefficient of features in the clinical-laboratory index model and image quantitative index model, screen out the main features. The model was trained and internally validated by 5-fold cross-validation. The model was validated independently in dataset 2. Results: The AUC (area under the ROC curve) of clinical-laboratory index model, image quantitative index model and multidimensional fusion model constructed based on dataset 1 were 0.75 (95%CI: 0.69-0.81), 0.68 (95%CI: 0.61-0.74) and 0.86 (95%CI: 0.82-0.91). The Delong test showed that there were statistically significant differences between the performance of the multi-dimensional fusion model and the clinical-laboratory index model or image quantitative index model (all P<0.05). The AUC of clinical-laboratory index model, image quantitative index model and multidimensional fusion model of dataset 2 were 0.79 (95%CI: 0.68-0.91), 0.70 (95%CI: 0.57-0.83) and 0.81 (95%CI: 0.70-0.92). In addition, in the clinical-laboratory index model and imaging quantitative index model constructed based on data 1, age, Hunt-Hess grade on admission, Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (N/L) (the weight coefficients in the clinical-laboratory index model were 1.00, -0.59 and 0.44) and the standard deviation of third ventricle hemorrhage density, minimum hemorrhage density of the fourth ventricle, and left ventricle hemorrhage sphericity (the weight coefficients in the image quantitative index model were -1.00, 0.85 and -0.84) were the main features of the screening. Conclusions: Quantitative imaging indicators of ventricular hemorrhage (standard deviation of third ventricular hemorrhage density, minimum density of fourth ventricular hemorrhage, and left ventricular sphericity) are helpful to predict the poor prognosis of patients with aSAH with ventricular hemorrhage. Dimensional fusion model has greater value in predicting poor prognosis of patients.

[The suppressive effects of microRNA-139-5p on proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the role of microRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p) in the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and its effects on cell proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Seventy-five cases of ESCC tissues and paired normal tissues were obtained from thoracic surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2017 to March 2018. Experiment was divided into two group: ESCC (n=75) and normal esophageal tissues (n=75).GEO datasets and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of miR-139-5p in ESCC tissues and cells. miR-139-5p inhibitor, miR-139-5p mimic, negative control, control siRNA, T-box transcliption factor 1(TBX1) siRNA, pcDNA3.1 and pcDNA3.1-TBX1 were transfected into ESCC Eca109 and TE1 cells. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of miR-139-5p and TBX1 in transfected ESCC cells. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and Transwell chamber were employed to detect cell proliferation and invasion of ESCC cells, respectively. Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay was used to analyze the interaction between miR-139-5p with TBX1. qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were utilized to detect the expression of TBX1 in ESCC tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin after transfection. Results: The level of miR-139-5p in ESCC tissues was significantly lower than that in normal tissues (1.17±0.43 vs 5.16±3.62,P<0.001). Log-rank test showed that the survival rate of ESCC patients with high miR-139-5p level (n = 43) was significantly higher than that with low miR-139-5p level (n=32) (67.44% vs 25.00%, P = 0.005). The expression level of miR-139-5p in ESCC cells was significantly lower than that of normal esophageal epithelial cell Het-1A (all P<0.001). The proliferation and invasion ability of ECA109 and TE1 cells with high expression of miR-139-5p were significantly lower than those transfected with negative control (NC) (all P<0.05). Dual-Luciferase Reporter assay showed that miR-139-5p could bind to the 3'-untranslated region of TBX1. miR-139-5p mimic or inhibitor suppressed or promoted the expression of TBX1 protein in Eca109 and TE1 cells, respectively (all P<0.05). Downregulation of TBX1 significantly suppressed proliferation and invasion of ECA109 and TE1 cells, while overexpression of TBX1 significantly promoted proliferation and invasion of ECA109 and TE1 cells (all P<0.05). In addition, pcDNA3.1-TBX1 partially reversed the inhibition of miR-139-5p-mediated invasion ability (all P<0.05), while TBX1 siRNA partially reversed the enhancement of miR-139-5p inhibitor-mediated invasion ability (all P<0.05). Conclusion: miR-139-5p suppressed ESCC cell proliferation and invasion by targeting TBX1.

Depression and survival of glioma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There is currently a lack of a well-formed consensus regarding the effects of depression on the survival of glioma patients. A more thorough understanding of such effects may better highlight the importance of recognizing depressive symptoms in this patient population and guide treatment plans in the future. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this meta-analysis was to study the effect of depression on glioma patients' survival. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies that reported depression and survival among glioma patients through 11/06/2016. Both random-effects (RE) and fixed-effect (FE) models were used to compare survival outcomes in glioma patients with and without depression. RESULTS: Out of 619 identified articles, six were selected for the meta-analysis. Using RE model, the various measures for survival outcomes displayed worsened outcomes for both high and low-grade glioma patients with depression compared to those without depression. For binary survival outcomes, the overall pooled risk ratio for survival was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.47, 1.04; 6 studies; I2 = 54.9%, P-heterogeneity = 0.05) for high grade gliomas (HGG) and 0.28 (95% CI: 0.04, 1.78; I2 = 0%, P-heterogeneity = 1.00; one study) for low grade gliomas (LGG) was. A sub-group analysis in the HGG group by depression timing (pre- versus post-operative) revealed no differences between depression and survival outcomes (P-interaction = 0.47). For continuous survival outcomes, no statistically significant difference was found among the high and low-grade glioma groups (P-interaction = 0.31). The standardized mean difference (SMD) in survival outcomes was -0.56 months (95%CI: -1.13, 0.02; 4 studies, I2 = 89.4%, P-heterogeneity < 0.01) for HGG and -1.69 months (95%CI: -3.26, -0.13; one study; I2 = 0%, P-heterogeneity = 1.00) for LGG. In patients with HGG, the pooled HR of death also showed a borderline significant increased risk of death among depressive patients (HR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.01). Results using the FE model were not materially different. CONCLUSIONS: Depression was associated with significantly worsened survival regardless of time of diagnosis, especially among patients with high-grade glioma.

Different molecular subtypes of breast invasive ductal carcinoma.

This study aims to analyze the clinical characteristics of breast invasive ductal carcinoma (BIDC) in patients with different molecular subtypes and identify possible correlation to prognosis. miR- 10b expression level was detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Tissue sections were collected and stained using the immunohistochemical method. The samples were grouped into human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, (HER2) overexpression, Triple negative, Luminal A and Luminal B groups. Age, tumor size, breast cancer molecular subtype, clinical stage, miR-10b positive expression, positive expression of Ki-67 and survival rate of patients diagnosed with BIDC were analyzed. The expression of miR-10b was down-regulated in the breast carcinoma tissues. Age and clinical stage were distinctly different among patients with different molecular subtypes of BIDC (p less than 0.05). Tumor size was not remarkably different (p less than 0.05) among different subtypes. The positive expression rate of miR-10b was lowest in patients with Luminal B BIDC; the positive expression of Ki-67 was in different correlation with the expression of different receptors, and there was a remarkable difference (p less than 0.05); moreover, the survival rate of patients with Luminal A and B BIDC was significantly higher compared to patients with other molecular subtypes (p less than 0.05). Clinical characteristics and prognosis of BIDC vary among different molecular subtypes. This study provides valuable input on BIDC therapy.

[Effects of microRNA-373 on the proliferation and invasiveness of breast carcinoma and its mechanisms].

Objective: To explore the effects of microRNA (miR)-373 on proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells and its mechanisms. Methods: Breast carcinoma tissues and its corresponding normal tissues (80 cases) were obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2010 to 2014. Quantitative real-time (RT)-PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-373 of breast carcinoma tissues and its corresponding normal tissues. The cellula experiment was divided into three groups: the normal control group, the miR-373 mimic group and the miR-373 inhibitor group. The proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit.8 (CCK-8) method and the invasion and migration were detected by Transwell method. Effect of miR-373 on cell apoptosis was determined by Flow Cytometry. Results: Expression of miR-373 in breast cancer tissue was significant lower than the normal breast tissues (0.21±0.09 vs 0.98±0.23, P<0.001); expression of miR-373 contributed to the inhibition of Bcl-6 expression. The apoptosis rate in miR-373 was higher than normal control group (18.29%±0.29% vs 4.91%±0.31%), cell proliferation, cell invasion and cell migration were lower than normal control group [(0.69±0.11) vs (1.25±0.12) (the fifth day), (30.50±0.20) vs (66.50±0.42), (29.50±0.21) vs (48.50±0.31), all P<0.05]. Conclusion: miR-373 plays a suppressive role in proliferation and invasion of breast carcinoma, and the downregulation of miR-373 promotes the invasion of breast cancer which may mediate by the increased expression of Bcl-6.

Comparative measurements of mineral elements in milk powders with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.

Mineral elements contained in commercially available milk powders, including seven infant formulae and one adult milk, were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The purpose of this work was, through a direct comparison of the analytical results, to provide an assessment of the performance of LIBS, and especially of the procedure of calibration-free LIBS (CF-LIBS), to deal with organic compounds such as milk powders. In our experiments, the matrix effect was clearly observed affecting the analytical results each time laser ablation was employed for sampling. Such effect was in addition directly observed by determining the physical parameters of the plasmas induced on the different samples. The CF-LIBS procedure was implemented to deduce the concentrations of Mg and K with Ca as the internal reference element. Quantitative analytical results with CF-LIBS were validated with ICP-AES measurements and nominal concentrations specified for commercial milks. The obtained good results with the CF-LIBS procedure demonstrate its capacity to take into account the difference in physical parameters of the plasma in the calculation of the concentrations of mineral elements, which allows a significant reduction of the matrix effect related to laser ablation. We finally discuss the way to optimize the implementation of the CF-LIBS procedure for the analysis of mineral elements in organic materials.

Edge-localized modes explained as the amplification of scrape-off-layer current coupling.

It is shown that the edge-localized modes (ELMs) observed in tokamak H mode discharges can be explained as external magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) mode amplification due to coupling with scrape-off-layer current. The proposed model offers a new ELM mechanism that produces a sharp onset and initial fast growth of magnetic perturbations even when the underlying equilibrium is only marginally unstable for a MHD mode and also a quick quenching after the bursting peak. The theory also reproduces various other ELM features.

Resonance of static-error-field amplification in tokamak plasmas.

With explicit torque expression derived, it is found that the resonance of the static-error-field amplification (i.e., the maximum of the static-error-field-induced torque) in tokamak plasmas lies at the no-wall stability limit, instead of at the resistive wall mode stability limit as given by the existing theories. This brings theoretical predictions into qualitative conformity with experiments.

Localizations of intracellular calcium and Ca2+-ATPase in hamster spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa.

Calcium plays a predominant role regulating many functional processes of spermatogenesis and fertilization. The purpose of the present study is to define the exact location of calcium as well as examine the role it plays during spermatogenesis and sperm capacitation. Testes and epididymides were obtained from adult healthy male hamsters. Spermatozoa were incubated with modified Tyrode's medium up to 4 h at 37 degrees Celsius for sperm capacitation in vitro. Samples of the testes and sperm cells were analyzed by cytochemical techniques to determine the location of calcium and Ca(2+)-ATPase and the percentage of acrosome reactions under light and electron microscopy. The data showed that (1) Sertoli cells exhibited numerous calcium precipitates as large, round, electron-dense bodies distributed throughout the cytoplasm and the mitochondrial matrix. Fine calcium precipitates existed in fewer numbers in the intracellular storage sites of spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes, in sharp distinction to secondary spermatocyte and spermatids, which showed an abundance of large and round calcium precipitates, especially in the mitochondrial matrix of spermatids. More calcium deposits were distributed in the plasma membrane (PM), acrosome membrane, and matrices of the acrosome and mitochondria following capacitation; (2) Ca(2+)-ATPase was found in the endoplasmic reticulum system and PM of noncapacitated spermatozoa as well as Sertoli cells. Capacitated spermatozoa showed a weak signal. These results suggest that the presence of calcium in spermatogenic cells might play a role in cell growth and differentiation during spermatogenesis. The Ca(2+)-ATPase function may be inhibited during capacitation, leading to an increase in acrosomal calcium level and triggering of acrosomal exocytosis.

Rotational stabilization of resistive wall modes by the shear alfvén resonance.

It is found that resistive wall modes with a toroidal number n = 1 in tokamaks can be stabilized by plasma rotation at a low Mach number, with the rotation frequency being lower than the ion bounce frequency but larger than the ion and electron precession drift frequencies. The stabilization is the result of the shear-Alfvén resonance, since the thermal resonance effect is negligible in this rotation frequency range. This indicates that tokamaks can operate at normalized pressure values beyond the no-wall stability limit even for low values of plasma rotation, such as those expected in fusion reactor scale devices.

C-kit receptor and its possible function in human spermatozoa.

The presence and role of the c-kit proto-oncogene protein was investigated in the mature sperm of the human. A polyclonal antibody against the c-kit peptide was used to perform immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, electron microscopy (EM) studies, and Western blot analysis. The acrosomal region of fresh sperm specifically stained with the antibody. No acrosomal staining or staining limited to the equatorial region was noted in the acrosome-reacted (AR) sperm. EM studies demonstrated immunogold label on the plasma membrane (PM) of the acrosome, and confirmed the lack of binding following the acrosome reaction. A 150 kDa band was detected by Western blot analysis. This protein was released from the sperm surface during sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Antibody against the c-kit receptor significantly inhibited the acrosome reaction and increased sperm agglutination, but did not significantly inhibit sperm motility. These results suggest that the c-kit receptor protein is present in mature human sperm and is released during capacitation and/or the acrosome reaction. The assessment of the c-kit receptor may also be a useful assay for sperm function in male infertility.

[Determination of imperialine and imperialine-3 beta-D-glucoside in bulbs of Fritillaria pallidiflora by HPLC-ELSD].

AIM: To establish an HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography)-ELSD (evaporative light scattering detector) method for the quantification of chromophore-lacking imperialine (I) and imperialine-3 beta-D-glucoside (II) in bulbs of Fritillaria pallidiflora. METHODS: By optimizing the chromatographic conditions of HPLC and the parameters of ELSD to test the methodology. Column: Kromasil C-18 (5 microns, 200 mm x 4.6 mm), mobile phase: acetonitrile-water-triethylamine (71:29:0.03), flow rate: 1.0 mL.min-1, drift tube temperature: 88 degrees C, gas flow-rate: 2.38 L.min-1. RESULTS: The calibration curves were linear in the range of 60.72-161.92 micrograms.mL-1 for I and 48.72-194.88 micrograms.mL-1 for II. The precisions (RSD) of intra-day and inter-day were less than 1% for I and II. The recoveries of the amounts of 24.28, 30.35 and 36.42 micrograms for I were 97.1%, 96.6% and 96.8%, and 24.20, 30.24 and 36.29 micrograms for II were 95.8%, 96.9% and 96.0%. The minimal detectable concentrations of I and II were 2.43 and 1.53 micrograms.mL-1 respectively. CONCLUSION: The established method is simple, rapid, accurate and sensitive, and can be utilized to determine the contents of imperialine and imperialine-3 beta-D-glucoside in crude drug Yibeimu (derived from the bulbs of Fritillaria pallidiflora).

Migration and ultrastructural localization of the c-kit receptor protein in spermatogenic cells and spermatozoa of the mouse.

PURPOSE: The c-kit receptor is a proto-oncogene important in germ cell migration and maturation and has also been demonstrated on the acrosomal region of mature sperm. The purpose of the present study was to examine the ultrastructural location of the c-kit receptor in mouse testis and sperm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Testis and sperm from mature male mice were examined for the c-kit receptor utilizing electron microscopy and Western blot analysis techniques. Thin sections of mouse testis and sperm were stained with immunogold-labeled anti-c-kit antibodies. The protein from these testes and sperm was also utilized for Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The c-kit protein was localized within the mouse testes to the type A spermatogonia, the round spermatids, and the mature testicular spermatozoa. The c-kit receptor was noted to migrate from the lumen of the acrosomal vesicles in the early spermatids to the plasma membrane of the late spermatids. It was also noted in the acrosomal region of the testicular spermatozoa, as well as the sperm from the epididymis. Sperm undergoing the acrosome reaction demonstrated association of the c-kit receptor with the plasma membrane of the acrosome, but not on the acrosomal membrane itself. Western blot analysis demonstrated protein bands of 150 kDa in testis and intact sperm. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms the presence of the c-kit receptor in mouse testis and sperm. It also demonstrates that this receptor is localized to the region of the developing acrosome.

Decreased expression of the c-kit receptor is associated with increased apoptosis in subfertile human testes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of the c-kit receptor and its ligand, stem cell factor, and their possible relation with apoptosis in infertile men. DESIGN: Prospective laboratory study. SETTING: Urology laboratory in a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Men undergoing testicular biopsy during an investigation of subfertility. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Expression of the c-kit receptor protein, stem cell factor, and apoptosis in the testes. RESULT(S): The c-kit receptor was strongly present in Leydig cells and type A spermatogonia of normal testes, with decreased staining in Leydig cells and type A spermatogonia of testes with maturational arrest, and staining in only Leydig cells of Sertoli cell-only specimens. Stem cell factor was demonstrated in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells in all specimens. Western blotting demonstrated the 150-kd c-kit protein in the normal testes and the testes with maturational arrest, but not in the testes with the Sertoli cell-only pattern. Stem cell factor was expressed in all specimens, with a protein size of 45 kd. Increased apoptosis was demonstrated in type A spermatogonia and spermatocytes of tissue with maturational arrest compared with normal testicular tissue. CONCLUSION(S): C-kit receptor expression is decreased in subfertile testicular tissue compared with normal testicular tissue. Stem cell factor expression is present in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells. Increased apoptosis is seen in tissue with maturational arrest compared with normal tissue.

[Effects of different administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza and heparin on antithrombin IIIAg, antithrombin III: A and alpha 2-macroglobulin in patients with cor pulmonale].

The effects of different administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and heparin on ATIII and alpha 2-M in 102 patients with cor pulmonale were studied. The results showed that (1) the level of ATIII in patients was significantly lower than that in the controls (P less than 0.01). Heparin intravenous drip induced ATIII decreased; (2) the level of ATIII:A in patients with heparin vapour inhalation treatment was significantly higher than that with regular treatment and with heparin intravenous drip (P less than 0.05) and (P less than 0.005); (3) SM presents ATIII-like activity, after treatment with SM, the level of ATIII:A was significantly higher than that with heparin vapour inhalation, heparin intravenous drip and regular treatment (P less than 0.05-0.005), heparin may enhance the ATIII-like activity of SM; (4) the treatment combining SM intravenous drip with heparin vapour inhalation is an efficient therapy of anticoagulation on the patients with cor pulmonale. The level of alpha 2-M in each group did not reveal significant change.