Predictive value of endometrial receptivity evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound in ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound to detect ultrasound parameters related to the uterine artery and endometrium, evaluate endometrial receptivity, and investigate the predictive value of each parameter for ectopic pregnancy (EP) after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven cases of pregnancy following IVF-ET in our institution were collected and split into EP and intrauterine pregnancy (IP) groups based on the location of pregnancy, with 27 cases in EP and 30 cases in IP. Endometrial thickness, type, volume, endometrial blood flow parameters, and uterine artery blood flow parameters were all measured one day before transplantation in both groups, and the differences between the two groups were examined. RESULTS: There were differences in endometrial blood flow typing between the two groups, with type III endometrium accounting for the highest proportion in both; the uterine spiral artery pulsatility index PI was significantly higher in the EP group than in the IP group; there were no statistical differences in uterine volume, uterine artery resistance index mRI, or uterine artery resistance index S/D between the two groups; there were no statistical differences in uterine volume, or uterine artery. CONCLUSIONS: Intracavitary 3D ultrasound can assess endometrial tolerance and may predict pregnancy outcome after IVF-ET.

Piezoelectric modulation of broadband photoresponse of flexible tellurium nanomesh photodetectors.

Flexible photodetector shows great potential applications in intelligent wearable devices, health monitoring, and biological sensing. In this work, single crystal ß-tellurium nanowires were grown on flexible muscovite by molecular beam epitaxy, constructing high-density ordered nanomesh structure. The prepared photodetectors based on tellurium nanomesh exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility, fast response in a broad range from ultraviolet to near-infrared, and good photosensitivity. We found that the flexible photodetectors with Shottky contact drastically suppressed dark current, while the response speed was lowered in comparison to the devices with ohmic contact, as holes would take a long time to tunnel through the Shottky barrier between metal and p-type Te. Moreover, the photoresponse of flexible Shottky photodetectors can be modulated by piezoelectricity of tellurium, and pronounced photocurrent increase after bending many times. Under external stress, polarization charges could tune Shottky barrier height of the metal/tellurium, resulting in variation of photocurrent. This research not only explores the broadband photoresponse and piezoelectric effect of tellurium nanomesh, but also promotes the integration and development of broadband flexible optoelectronic devices.

[Study on the changes of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist in pinopodes].

Objective: To study the changes of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in pinopodes during luteal phase and to explore the possible mechanism of GnRH-a in luteal phase support of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: Totally 40 primary infertility women who were treated with ART due to male factors were enrolled, according to the order of the group they were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. On the 7th day after ovulation, the experimental group received a subcutaneous injection of 0.1 mg of GnRH-a, while the control group received a subcutaneous injection of placebo only (0.9% saline 2 ml), 3 days later they came to the clinic again. Serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured before and after treatment in each group. Pinopodes were collected for electron microscopic examination. Levels of ER and PR were detected by western blot. Results: (1) There was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in the estrogen level before and after the treatment (all P>0.05). The level of progesterone in the experimental group after treatment [(66.8±14.9) nmol/L] was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05); also significantly higher than the same period of the control group (P<0.05). (2) There was no significant difference in the expression of ER protein in the experimental group before and after treatment (P>0.05). The expression of PR in the experimental group after treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment (P<0.05); also lower than the same period of the control group (P<0.05). (3) Expression amount of pinopodes in the experimental group after treatment was significantly higher than that before treatment [65% (13/20) versus 25% (5/20), P<0.05], and the development trend was more mature [the percentage of maturation:75% (15/20) versus 35% (7/20), P<0.05]. Expression amount of pinopodes after treatment and the percentage of maturation in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the same period of control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: GnRH-a in luteal phase support may play a role through the corpus luteum, which may promote the secretion of progesterone, downregulation of PR expression, promote the growth of pinopodes, and improve the endometrial receptivity.

Expressions of survivin, P16(INK4a), COX-2, and Ki-67 in cervical cancer progression reveal the potential clinical application.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To explore the significance of survivin, P16(INK4a), COX-2, and Ki-67 expressions for prediction of cervical cancer progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 129 cases including 24 squamous carcinoma of the cervix (SCC), 70 cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (CIN), 15 cervical condyloma acuminatum (CCA), ten chronic cervicitis (CC), and ten normal cervix (NC). Protein expressions were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Survivin, P16(INK4a); COX-2, and Ki-67 were highly expressed in SCC and CIN compared with others. Their expression rates were gradually increased in CIN I, CIN II, CIN III, and SCC groups, showing 72.00%, 88.00%, 90.00%, and 95.83% for P16(INK4a), 68.00%, 84.00%, 95.00% and 100.00% for COX-2, 76.00%, 96.00%, 100.00%, and 100.00 for Ki-67, respectively. There were significant correlations between survivin and P16(INK4a), COX-2, Ki-67, as well as P16(INK4a) and Ki-67. CONCLUSION: Survivin, P16(INK4a), COX-2 and Ki-67 play critical roles for development and progression of cervical cancer.

Bortezomib-based treatment of acute antibody-mediated rejection: a case report.

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is an important factor affecting survival after renal transplantation. A highly selective proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, clears activated plasma cells from the body and has important therapeutic effect on AMR. We investigated the effects of bortezomib on AMR in a patient after a second renal transplant. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of mixed cellular rejection and AMR. Bortezomib was administered on day 1 (1.3 mg/m(2)), day 4 (1.0 mg/m(2)), and day 8 (1.0 mg/m(2)). On the same days, 250 mg methylprednisolone was administered once, and cyclosporine dose (5 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) was reduced by 50%. Oral mycophenolate mofetil and steroid were withdrawn on day 1 of bortezomib treatment. Intermittent double-filtration plasmapheresis was also performed. We monitored parameters, including T lymphocyte subsets, CD139 and CD19 expression, panel reactive antibody (PRA), and serum creatinine concentration. At follow-up 6 months after bortezomib treatment, we observed: 1) serum creatinine stabilized at 130 µM from a peak level of 337 µM; 2) PRA decreased from a maximum of 66.7 to 0%; 3) blood plasma cell percentage rebounded after significantly decreasing following the first dose of bortezomib; 4) in renal allograft biopsy, immunohistochemical staining for C4d shifted from strongly positive to negative, and cellular rejection shifted from type IIA to borderline; and 5) adverse effects such as platelet suppression, hypotension, and grade 3 peripheral neuropathy emerged. Bortezomib effectively treated antibody-mediated renal transplantation rejection in this case study, but clinical trials with large sample sizes are still needed to explore clinical safety and tolerability.

All-trans retinoic acid induces cell-cycle arrest in human cutaneous squamous carcinoma cells by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein 1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been tried for the treatment and prevention of a number of epithelial cancers. However, the precise mechanism by which ATRA inhibits the growth of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains elusive. AIMS: To determine the suppressive effects of ATRA on the human cSCC cell line SCL-1, and explore the possible mechanisms involved. METHODS: SCL-1 cells were treated with ATRA, then cell proliferation was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while apoptosis and cell cycle progression were analysed by flow cytometry. Protein levels of cell-cycle regulatory proteins and the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Jun kinase (JNK) were detected by western blotting analysis. Transcriptional activity of activator protein (AP)-1 was examined by luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: ATRA inhibited the proliferation of SCL-1 cells and had modest proapoptotic effects. ATRA also induced G1 cell-cycle arrest, inhibited the expression of cyclin D1/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4 and cyclinE/CDK2, and increased the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. In addition, ATRA significantly decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2, and inhibited AP-1 transcriptional activity. CONCLUSIONS: ATRA induces cell-cycle arrest in human cSCC cells by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-AP1 pathway, and could be effective in the prevention and chemotherapy of human cSCC.

Isolated skull cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent patient.

A 62-year-old immunocompetent rural woman who represents an isolated cryptococcal skull infection without systematic involvement is described. Diagnosis was based on positive India ink staining, positive histopathologic examination, and positive culture. Species identification was performed by growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar and CHROMagar medium and by sequencing of the intergenic and internal transcribed spacer regions of the rRNA genes. This case describes a rare presentation of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient. The lesions were significantly improved with treatment of daily oral itraconazole 400 mg. A maintenance therapy with a low-dose itraconazole was prescribed to warrant a clinical and mycological eradication. A two-year follow-up did not show any recurrence of infection.

Two novel mutations of the nicastrin gene in Chinese patients with acne inversa.

Acne inversa (AI, OMIM 142690), also called hidradenitis suppurativa, is a chronic, inflammatory, recurrent and debilitating skin follicular disease that usually presents after puberty with painful, deep-seated, inflamed lesions in the apocrine gland-bearing areas of the body, most commonly the axilla, inguinal and anogenital regions.(1) The prevalence of AI has been estimated at 1 in 100 to 1 in 600.(2) Of patients with AI, 35-40% have a positive family history.(3) The pattern of transmission is consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance.(4) In 2006, Gao et al.(5) mapped the AI gene at chromosome 1p21.1-1q25.3. In 2010, Wang et al.(6) were the first to identify mutations of γ-secretase genes responsible for AI among six Chinese families. γ-Secretase is a transmembrane protease composed of four essential protein subunits: one catalytic presenilin (PSEN1) subunit and three cofactor subunits [presenilin enhancer 2 (PSENEN), nicastrin (NCSTN) and anterior pharynx defective 1 (APH1)]. Two, one and three mutations were found in PSENEN, PSEN1 and NCSTN, respectively. Here, we report a heterozygous nonsense c.1695T>G mutation and a heterozygous missense c.632C>G mutation of the NCSTN gene in two Chinese AI families.

A rare complication of ear piercing: a case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Veronaea botryosa in China.

We present the third case of phaeohyphomycosis caused by Veronaea botryosa in China and the tenth case worldwide. A 16-year-old Chinese girl developed crusted, verrucous lesions, initially on the left ear and later on the left buttock, within 2-5 months of receiving an ear piercing. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens confirmed diagnosis of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis. Microscopic examination of the colonies recovered in culture from a portion of the biopsy specimen resulted in the identification of Veronaea botryosa based primarily on the presence of two-celled, brownish pigmented, cylindrical conidia produced sympodially from erect conidiogenous cells. The lesions significantly improved with daily oral treatment with itraconazole 400 mg and adjuvant thermotherapy for 6 months. A maintenance therapy with low dose itraconazole was prescribed in order to achieve clinical and mycological cure. A two-year follow-up didn't reveal any recurrence of infection. Our case is the first report of V. botryosa infection associated with a cosmetic procedure, which suggests that skin piercing could precipitate V. botryosa or other dematiaceous, as well as opportunistic fungal infections.

Does endothelial chimerism correlate with renal allograft rejection?

BACKGROUND: The blood vessels of a transplanted organ are an interface between the donor and the recipient. The endothelium is believed to be a major target for graft rejection. After transplantation endothelial cells of a transplanted organ may be of recipient origin. OBJECTIVES: In this study we sought to determine whether endothelial chimerism correlates with graft rejection. METHODS: Biopsy samples from 34 renal transplants of female recipients who received kidneys from male donors were studied for the presence of endothelial cells of recipient origin. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections of renal biopsy samples were examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for the presence of endothelial cells containing two X chromosomes, using a biotinylated Y-chromosome probe and digoxigenin-labeled X-chromosome probe. RESULTS: The FISH methods identified endothelial cells of recipient origin. Endothelial chimerism was common, irrespective of rejection. Its presence was focal with these elements, coexisting in the biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no correlation between the percentage of recipient endothelial cells among vascular elements and the type of graft rejection (P > .05).

[Coding region cDNA sequence cloning of rat neuroglobin gene, its polymorphism feature and tissue expression profile analysis].

The coding region cDNA sequence of rat neuroglobin (NGB) was obtained by RT-PCR technique using a degeneracy PCR primer pair based on previously reported cDNA sequence of human and mouse NGB gene. Result demonstrated that the coding region cDNA sequence of rat NGB gene is 456 bp in length, which could encode a protein of 151 amino acids. The rat NGB gene is highly homology with mouse (96%) and human (88%) NGB gene. However, several polymorphism sites were also detected in the rat NGB coding region: 113 t/c [L38P], 133 a/g [N45D], 388 a/g[R130G], 417 t/c. The cDNA sequence of rat NGB gene has been registered in GenBank under the accession number AF333245. Moreover, highly expression level of rat NGB in brain, liver, kidney, heart and skeletal muscle was detected by using multiple tissue RT-PCR technique, indicating the functional importance of this novel gene.

[Clinical observation on effect of Xianlong capsule in treating vascular dementia].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Xianlong Capsule (XLC) in treating vascular dementia (VD) and to explore its therapeutic mechanism. METHODS: The criteria of learning and memory related cholinergic nerve system, oxygen free radical and nitrogen monoxide (NO) in 35 patients with VD treated with XLC and 33 patients treated with hydergine were observed and compared with the normal control group. RESULTS: XLC could lower the acetylcholine esterase activity, increase the acetylcholine content in erythrocytes and plasma and decrease the NO content. No toxic adverse reaction was found in the observation period. CONCLUSION: XLC has definite effect in treating VD in aged patients, the therapeutic mechanism may be related with the actions in strengthening cholinergic nerve system, improving oxygen free radical metabolism, regulating NO and relieving its excitatory neurotoxicity.

[Effect of huancongdan capsule on lipoprotein, apolipoprotein and serum immunoglobulin in vascular dementia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the effect of Huancongdan capsule (HCDC) on the vascular dementia (VD) related factors, including lipoprotein, apolipoprotein (apo) and serum immunoglobulin. METHODS: Fifty-two patients of VD were divided into the HCDC group (27 patients, treated with HCDC) and the control group (25 patients, treated with Naofukang). Changes of related parameters were observed. RESULTS: The effects in lowering triglyceride and total cholesterol and elevating high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the HCDC group were superior to those in the control group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but the effect in lowering low density lipoprotein cholesterol was similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with data before treatment, in the HCDC group after treatment, the levels of serum apoA1 increased, and serum apoB100, IgA, IgG and circulating immune complex decreased significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but the change of apoE level was insignificant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Through adjusting lipid metabolism, HCDC could improve blood rheologic characteristics, promote cerebral blood flow, improve the oxygen carrying capacity of blood to prevent and treat VD. One of its mechanisms is increasing apoA1 and decreasing apoB100 levels, preventing and improving atherosclerosis and reducing damage of vascular endothelial cells, the another may be its action in improving immune function.

[Comparative study on antibody levels of vaccination group and control group after 4 years of immunized with type B inactivated vaccine against hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the antibody level of vaccine group and control group in a randomized, controlled trial of type B inactivated vaccine against hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome(HFRS) in Jiande County of Zhejiang Province and to find out if there is enhancement of subclinical infection about type B inactivated vaccine against HFRS. METHODS: The number of sera collected (July 1994-July 1998) in vaccine group immunized type B inactivated vaccine against HFRS and control group were 305 and 283 persons in Jiande County respectively, and indirect immunofluorescent antibody method(IFAT) was used for testing the titer of HFRS IgG in sera. The cut-off values were determined on IFA titer of the second sera in control group with positive and negative IFA before vaccine was given respectively, and the subclinical infection of positive and negative IFA of the first sera in vaccine group was evaluated. RESULTS: When taking different cut-off values of subclinical infection, there were no statistical differences in HFRS IFA positive rates between vaccine group and control group of positive IFA in the first sera. In vaccine group and control group of negative IFA before vaccine given, also the IFA positive rates were not statistically different in these groups. There were no statistical differences of IFA GMT and IFA sero-negative rate between vaccine group and control group. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation showed there was no statistical difference in antibody level between vaccine group and control group, so there could not be enhancement of subclinical infection of vaccine group receiving type B inactivated vaccine against HFRS.

[Photoautotrophic cultivation of Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 in photobioreactor].

The Photoautotrophic cultivation of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 in a 15 L-airlift photobioreactor was carried out. The changes of light intensity with cell density and optical length in the cultivation system were investigated. Based on experimental results, the light attenuation could be described by I = I0exp [-(-0.0239 + 0.0777 OD750).L]. The effects of the variations of light intensity, CO2 concentration in gas inlet and culture temperature on the growth of cells during the cultivation process have also been studied. The optimized condition was determined and a high dry cell density of 3.4 g/L was obtained. The volumetric productivity reached 0.57 g/(L.d) under the optimized condition.

A mild and efficient solid-support synthesis of novel oligonucleotide conjugates.

Conjugates of oligodeoxyribonucleotide phosphorothioate (ODN-PS) with folic acid, retinoic acid, arachidonic acid, and methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)propionic acid have been synthesized. The procedure involved the initial solid-phase preparation of 5'-amino-functionalized ODN-PS using N-pent-4-enoyl-derived (PNT) nucleoside phosphoramidites followed by conjugation of the oligonucleotide either to the ligand acids, using 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide as a coupling reagent, or to their corresponding succinimidyl derivatives. Subsequent exposure of the support to aqueous ammonium hydroxide (28%, 2 h, 55 degrees C) resulted in the release of the fully deprotected ODN conjugates, which were purified by reversed-phase HPLC or by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The identity of the oligonucleotide conjugates was confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectral analysis.

[Clinical study of effect of yizhi capsule on senile vascular dementia].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Yizhi capsule (YZC) in treating senile dementia. METHODS: Sixty-one vascular dementia (VaD) patients were randomly divided into YZC and control groups. There were 32 cases in YZC group, 4 capsules each time three times a day. In control group, there were 29 cases, 2 mg of hydergine were given each time three times a day, single-blind method was used and the treatment course was two months. RESULTS: YZC could remarkably increase mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS) marks of VaD patients. YZC had the effect of improving balance and gait ability of VaD patients. YZC could improve the abnormal blood velocity (BV), as well as improve cerebral blood flow, brain electrical activity monitoring (BEAM) and hemorheological indexes especially for the abnormal case. No side-effect or toxic-effect was observed in the administration period. CONCLUSION: YZC had certain effect on senile VaD, and it was safe in application.