Tunable self-imaging effect using hybrid optofluidic waveguides

Multimode interference (MMI) is a typical self-imaging phenomenon and has been widely exploited for optical devices like couplers and splitters. Usually, it utilizes solid waveguides only and thus has very limited tunability in self-imaging properties. This paper reports our original work on tunable MMI using a hybrid optofluidic waveguide. It is generated by the diffusion between miscible flows in a microchannel and consists of two parts: gradient-index liquid-liquid waveguide for light modulation and step-index liquid-solid waveguide for image formation. Simulation and experiments have shown successful realization of the real-time tuning of self-imaging properties. For detail, the image point (focal spot) width could be modulated from 7 μm to 16 μm, and the self-imaging period changes in the range of 500 μm by varying the fluid properties. It is foreseeable that such a hybrid optofluidic waveguide may find wider applications in lab-on-a-chip systems and optical devices.

Targeting exogenous GDNF gene to the bovine somatic cell beta-casein locus for the production of transgenic bovine animals

Considerable attention is currently being directed toward methods for producing recombinant human proteins in the mammary glands of genetically modified transgenic livestock. However, the expression of inserted genes in transgenic animals is variable and often very low because of the randomness of the site of transgene integration. One possible strategy to avoid the expression problem associated with random integration is to use site-specific integration by targeting integration to a high expression locus and, thereby, to improve expression of the transferred gene. In the present study, we focused on glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a novel type of neurotrophic factor first cloned in 1993. Research has shown that GDNF may have potential applications in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other diseases of the central nervous system since it acts as a protective factor for central dopaminergic neurons. Here, we constructed a gene targeting vector to knock-in the human GDNF gene at the bovine beta-casein gene locus as a first step to producing transgenic animals with a high level of expression of human GDNF protein in their mammary glands. Bovine fetal fibroblast cells were transfected with linearized pNRTCNbG by electroporation. Three cell clones were identified with successful targeting to the beta-casein locus; and were confirmed using both polymerase chain reaction analysis and sequencing. Gene-targeted cells were used as nuclear donors; a total of 161 embryos were reconstructed, 23 of which developed to the blastocyst stage. These blastocysts were transferred to 8 recipient cows, but no offspring were obtained.

DNA methyltransferase 3B -149C/T polymorphism and the risk of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a case-control study

A variety of molecular epidemiological studies have been conducted to examine the association between the DNMT3B -149C/T polymorphism and cancer susceptibility; however, there has been no study investigating the association between the DNMT3B -149C/T polymorphism and the risk of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) until now. To determine the role of the DNMT3B -149C/T polymorphism in LSCC, we genotyped 113 patients with LSCC and 110 controls from a Chinese population using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The chi-square test was used to examine differences in the distributions of genotypes studied between patients and controls. The association between the DNMT3B -149C/T polymorphism and the risk of LSCC was estimated using ORs and their 95%CIs. Genotypic frequencies in the patients with LSCC were not similar to those of the controls, with the differences being statistically significant (P = 0.001). When the DNMT3B -149 CC genotype was used as the reference group, the CT genotype was not associated with LSCC risk (adjusted OR, 2.12; 95%CI = 0.89-5.19; P = 0.07), but the TT genotype was associated with significantly increased risk for LSCC (adjusted OR = 3.27; 95%CI = 1.79-10.66; P = 0.009). Under the recessive model of inheritance, the TT genotype was associated with significantly increased risk for LSCC (adjusted OR = 1.98; 95%CI = 1.12-5.95; P = 0.012), compared with other genotypes. These results suggested that the DNMT3B -149C/T polymorphism is associated with a genetic susceptibility for developing LSCC in a Chinese population.

Achromatopsia caused by novel missense mutations in the CNGA3 gene

AIM

To identify the genetic defects in a Chinese family with achromatopsia.

METHODS

A 2.5-year-old boy, who displayed nystagmus, photophobia, and hyperopia since early infancy, was clinically evaluated. To further confirm and localize the causative mutations in this family, targeted region capture and next-generation sequencing of candidate genes, such as CNGA3, CNGB3, GNAT2, PDE6C, and PDE6H were performed using a custom-made capture array.

RESULTS

Slit-lamp examination showed no specific findings in the anterior segments. The optic discs and maculae were normal on fundoscopy. The unaffected family members reported no ocular complaints. Clinical signs and symptoms were consistent with a clinical impression of autosomal recessive achromatopsia. The results of sequence analysis revealed two novel missense mutations in CNGA3, c.633T>A (p.D211E) and c.1006G>T (p.V336F), with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.

CONCLUSION

Genetic analysis of a Chinese family confirmed the clinical diagnosis of achromatopsia. Two novel mutations were identified in CNGA3, which extended the mutation spectrum of this disorder.

ED 50 and ED 95 of intrathecal bupivacaine coadministered with sufentanil for cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural in severely preeclamptic patients

Background:

Spinal anesthesia was considered as a reasonable anesthetic option in severe preeclampsia when cesarean delivery is indicated, and there is no indwelling epidural catheter or contraindication to spinal anesthesia. However, the ideal dose of intrathecal bupivacaine has not been quantified for cesarean delivery for severe preeclamptic patients. This study aimed to determine the ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of intrathecal bupivacaine for severely preeclamptic patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery.

Methods:

Two hundred severely preeclamptic patients are undergoing elective cesarean delivery under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, dose-ranging study. Patients received 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg, or 10 mg intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine with 2.5 μg sufentanil. Successful spinal anesthesia was defined as a T6 sensory level achieved within 10 minutes after intrathecal drug administration and/or no epidural supplement was required during the cesarean section. The ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ were calculated with a logistic regression model.

Results:

ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of intrathecal bupivacaine for successful spinal anesthesia were 5.67 mg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.20–6.10 mg) and 8.82 mg (95% CI: 8.14–9.87 mg) respectively. The incidence of hypotension in Group 8 mg and Group 10 mg was higher than that in Group 4 mg and Group 6 mg (P < 0.05). The sensory block was significantly different among groups 10 minutes after intrathecal injection (P < 0.05). The use of lidocaine in Group 4 mg was higher than that in other groups (P < 0.05). The use of phenylephrine in Group 8 mg and Group 10 mg was higher than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The lowest systolic blood pressure before the infant delivery of Group 8 mg and Group 10 mg was lower than the other two groups (P < 0.05). The satisfaction of muscle relaxation in Group 4 mg was lower than other groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in patients’ satisfaction and the newborns’ Apgar score and the blood gas analysis of umbilical artery serum (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ of intrathecal bupivacaine for severely preeclamptic patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were 5.67 mg and 8.82 mg, respectively. In addition, decreasing the dose of intrathecal bupivacaine could reduce the incidence of maternal hypotension.

Rapamycin ameliorates experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis by inhibiting Th1/Th2/Th17 cells and upregulating CD4+CD25+ Foxp3 regulatory T cells

AIM

To determine the effects of rapamycin on experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) and investigate of role of rapamycin on T cell subsets in the disease.

METHODS

EAU was induced in rats using peptides 1169 to 1191 of the interphotoreceptor binding protein (IRBP). Rapamycin (0.2 mg/kg/d) was administrated by intraperitoneal injection for a consecutive 7d after immunization. Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, TGF-β1, and IL-6 produced by lymphocyteswere measured by ELISA, while Th17 cells and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) from rat spleen were detected by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Intraperitoneal treatment immediately after immunization dramatically ameliorated the clinical course of EAU. Clinical responses were associated with reduced retinal inflammatory cell infiltration and tissue destruction. Rapamycin induced suppression of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-17, IL-4, and IL-10 release from T lymphocytes of EAU rats, in vitro. Rapamycin also significantly increased TGF-β1 production but had no effect on IL-6 productionof T lymphocytes from EAU rats in vitro. Furthermore, rapamycin decreased the ratio of Th17 cells/CD4+T cells and upregulated Tregs in EAU, as detected by flow cytometry.

CONCLUSION

Rapamycin effectively interferes with T cell mediated autoimmune uveitis by inhibiting antigen-specific T cell functions and enhancing Tregs in EAU. Rapamycin is a promising new alternative as an adjunct corticosteroid-sparing agent for treating uveitis.

Plasmonic TM-like cavity modes and the hybridization in multilayer metal-dielectric nanoantenna

Plasmonic hybridized transverse magnetic like (TM-like) cavity modes in multi-layered metal-dielectric circular nanoantenna are systematically studied. The main purpose is to explore the symmetry features of the vertical modal profile and its impact on the in-plane interference of gap plasmonic waves that are responsible to the resonant mode. It is found that only vertically in-phase modes are excitable when illuminated by a plane wave under normal incidence and more could be selectively excited using a dipole source, within the wavelength range from 430 nm-1250 nm. More specifically, the excitation of localized cavity modes is shown to be highly sensitive to the dipole position which determines symmetry matching and the degree of field overlap between the dipole source and the cavity mode pattern. Furthermore, we show that the resonance frequencies can be approximately predicted by the dispersion relations of plasmonic wave in the corresponding two-dimensional multilayered structure. Our results would be helpful for the design of photonic nanoantennas with alternative metal and dielectric medium.

Synergistic effect of HMGB1 knockdown and cordycepin in the K562 human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line

The high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a DNA-binding nuclear protein, which is overexpressed in leukemia cells. Cordycepin is characterized by strong antileukemic properties and is regarded as an effective natural compound for leukemia therapy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of HMGB1 knockdown and cordycepin treatment on proliferation, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and adhesion of K562 human chronic myeloid leukemia cells. The Cell Counting kit‑8 assay was used to determine the proliferation of K562 cells. The cell cycle and apoptosis of K562 cells was determined using flow cytometric analysis. In addition, a cell adhesion assay was performed. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of cyclooxygenase 2, Bax, receptor for advanced glycation end-products and Bcl‑2. The data collected demonstrated that HMGB1 knockdown combined with cordycepin treatment had significant anti‑proliferative and pro‑apoptotic effects. In addition, it increased the ROS levels and reduced the adhesion of K562 cells. It was also identified that HMGB1 knockdown had synergistic effects with cordycepin, which aided in accelerating apoptosis, and inhibiting proliferation and adhesion in chronic myeloid leukemia cells. These results indicated that HMGB1 may be used as a potential therapeutic target, with cordycepin having potential as an auxiliary drug. Therefore, it is suggested that HMGB1 knockdown and corycepin treatement may present a promising therapeutic strategy for leukemia.

[Applying percutaneous placement of guide wire combined with true lateral view fluoroscopy proximal femoral nail anti-rotation fixation]

OBJECTIVE

To apply modified proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) fixation techniques performed by percutaneous placement of guide wire combined with true lateral view and to make the procedures simpler.

METHODS

A retrospective study was used to analyze the clinical data of femoral intertrochanteric fractures cases, which were treated with conventional PFNA fixation or modified PFNA fixation performed by percutaneous placement guide wire combined with true lateral view in our hospital, from March, 2011 to May, 2014. In the study, 60 cases were followed for average 13 months. The operation time, the amount of bleeding, the fluoroscopy time, postoperative radiographic measurements (tip apex distance, TAD) and hip function scores were analyzed.

RESULTS

In modified PFNA group, the amount of bleeding, the operation time and the fluoroscopy time were (34.9±6.1) mL, (70.5±12.5) min, (63.6±9.7) s respectively. In conventional PFNA group,they were (47.8±6.7) mL, (80.6±17.1) min, (68.5±8.7) s respectively. There were significant differences in the above respects between the two groups (P were 0.006, 0.013, and 0.022 respectively). There were no significant differences in TAD, fracture healing time, postoperative hip scores between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Fracture line is a natural entry point for some cases of femoral intertrochanteric fractures when we use proximal femoral nail anti-rotation to fix the fracture. Applying percutaneous insertion of the guide pin combined with true lateral view could reduce the operation time, amount of bleeding, and fluoroscopy time significantly, make the procedures simpler and acquire satisfactory results .

Molecular cloning and tissue distribution profiles of the chicken R-spondin1 gene

Rspo1 belongs to the Rspo family, which is composed of 4 members (Rspo1-4) that share 40 to 60% sequence homology and similar domain organizations, and regulate the WNT signaling pathway via a common mechanism. Rspo1 plays a key role in vertebrate development and is an effective mitogenic factor of gastrointestinal epithelial cells. We report the cloning of chicken Rspo1 and its gene expression distribution among tissues. It contained an open reading frame of 783 bp encoding a protein of 260 amino acids, and its molecular weight was predicted to be 28.80 kDa. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-based gene expression analysis indicated that chicken Rspo1 was highly expressed in the stomach muscle tissue, but was expressed at low levels in the lung, brain, jejunum, cecum, ileum, spleen, pancreas, kidney, and glandular stomach. These results suggest that Rspo1 plays a major role in muscular immune protection.

In vitro selection of HIV-1 CRF08_BC variants resistant to reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) circulating recombinant form 08_BC (CRF08_BC), carrying the recombinant reverse transcriptase (RT) gene from subtypes B and C, has recently become highly prevalent in Southern China. As the number of patients increases, it is important to characterize the drug resistance mutations of CRF08_BC, especially against widely used antiretrovirals. In this study, clinically isolated virus (2007CNGX-HK), confirmed to be CRF08_BC with its sequence deposited in GenBank (KF312642), was propagated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with increasing concentrations of nevirapine (NVP), efavirenz (EFV), or lamivudine (3TC). Three different resistance patterns led by initial mutations of Y181C, E138G, and Y188C were detected after the selection with NVP. Initial mutations, in combination with other previously reported substitutions (K20R, D67N, V90I, K101R/E, V106I/A, V108I, F116L, E138R, A139V, V189I, G190A, D218E, E203K, H221Y, F227L, N348I, and T369I) or novel mutations (V8I, S134N, C162Y, L228I, Y232H, E396G, and D404N), developed during NVP selection. EFV-associated variations contained two initial mutations (L100I and Y188C) and three other mutations (V106L, F116Y, and A139V). Phenotypic analyses showed that E138R, Y181C, and G190A contributed high-level resistance to NVP, while L100I and V106L significantly reduced virus susceptibility to EFV. Y188C was 20-fold less sensitive to both NVP and EFV. As expected, M184I alone, or with V90I or D67N, decreased 3TC susceptibility by over 1,000-fold. Although the mutation profile obtained in culture may be different from the patients, these results may still provide useful information to monitor and optimize the antiretroviral regimens.

A novel mutation, D404N, in the connection subdomain of reverse transcriptase of HIV-1 CRF08_BC subtype confers cross-resistance to NNRTIs

OBJECTIVES

Growing evidence suggests that mutations in the connection domain of the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) can contribute to viral resistance to RT inhibitors. This work was designed to determine the effects of a novel mutation, D404N, in the connection subdomain of RT of HIV-1 CRF08_BC subtype on drug resistance, viral replication capacity (RC) and RT activity.

METHODS

Mutation D404N, alone or together with the other reported mutations, was introduced into an HIV-1 CRF08_BC subtype infectious clone by site-directed mutagenesis. Viral susceptibility to nine RT inhibitors, viral RC and the DNA polymerase activity of viral RT of the constructed virus mutants were investigated. A modelling study using the server SWISS-MODEL was conducted to explore the possible structure-related drug resistance mechanism of the mutation D404N.

RESULTS

Single mutations D404N and H221Y conferred low-level resistance to nevirapine, efavirenz, rilpivirine and zidovudine. Double mutations Y181C/D404N and Y181C/H221Y significantly reduced susceptibility to NNRTIs. The most pronounced resistance to NNRTIs was observed with the triple mutation Y181C/D404N/H221Y. Virus containing D404N as the only mutation displayed ∼50% RC compared with the WT virus. The modelling study suggested that the D404N mutation might abolish the hydrogen bonds between residues 404 and K30 in p51 or K431 in p66, leading to impaired RT subunit structure and enhanced drug resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that D404N is a novel NNRTI-associated mutation in the HIV-1 subtype CRF08_BC and provides information valuable for the monitoring of clinical RTI resistance.

Lack of efficacy of Tai Chi in improving quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It is controversial whether Tai Chi (TC) benefits breast cancer survivors (BCS) on quality of life (QoL). We therefore undertook a meta-analysis to assess this question.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computerized search through electronic databases was performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was QoL, while secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and muscle strength.

RESULTS

Five RCTs involving 407 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled standardized mean differences were 0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.35-0.54) for physical well- being, 0.03 (95%CI: -0.18-0.25) for social/family well-being, 0.24 (95%CI: 0.02-0.45) for emotional well-being, 0.23 (95%CI: -0.03-0.49) for functional well-being, and 0.09 (95%CI: -0.19-0.36) for additional concerns. TC failed to improve BMI, BMD, and muscle strength.

CONCLUSIONS

There is currently lack of sufficient evidence to support TC improving QoL and other important clinical endpoints.

Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Four Novel HgII Complexes Based on Pyridine Acylamide Ligands

In this work we synthesised four new pyridine acylamide complexes [HgI2(L1)] (1) and (2), [HgI2(L2)2] (3), and [HgI2(L3)]n (4) (L1 = N,N′-bis(3-pyridylmethyl)benzene-1,4-dicarboxamide, L2 = N4,N4′-bis(pyridin-3-yl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-dicarboxamide, L3 = N1,N3-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)isophthalamide) by solvo(hydro)thermal reaction. Compounds 1 and 2 are supramolecular isomers prepared via variation of the reaction solvent, in which the HgII centres are bridged by L1 ligands to form one-dimensional (1D) helical chain or 1D meso-helical chain, respectively. Careful inspection of the structures reveal that formation of the isomers are mainly induced by the distinct configuration of L1 ligand and slight differences in coordination geometry of the HgII ions. Complex 3 shows a novel Z-shaped zero-dimensional structure with a L2–HgI2–L2–HgI2–L2 arrangement. In complex 4, flexible L3 ligands link HgI2 units to construct a 1D helical chain with an overall chiral structure, derived from spontaneous resolution. Luminescence properties of these four novel complexes were also explored.

The impact of LH, E2, and P level of HCG administration day on outcomes of in vitro fertilization in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration on outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH).

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective study, 129 infertile women undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments were included; these cycles were stratified according to LH levels of ≥ 1.12 IU/L or < 1.12 U/L and according to E2 levels of ≥ 1,005.89 pmol/L or < 1,005.89 pmol/L. The main outcome measure was the clinical pregnancy rate.

RESULTS

The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the group with LH ≥ 1.12 IU/L than in the group with LH < 1.12 U/L (43.28% vs. 30.65%, p < 0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate was also higher in the group with E2 ≥ 1,005.89 pmol/L than in the group with average E2 < 1,005.89 pmol/L (42.86% vs. 30.51%, p < 0.05). Among the LH, E2, and P levels on the day of HCG administration, LH level was the most important predictor of outcomes of IVF in COH. The present data showed an adverse effect of low serum LH level (LH < 1.12 IU/L) on the day of HCG administration on clinical pregnancy rate. E2 level can also predict the outcomes of IVF in COH.

CONCLUSIONS

Low serum LH level (LH < 1.12 IU/L) and low serum E2 level (average E2 < 1,005.89 pmol/L) on the day of HCG administration led to low clinical pregnancy rates, while the P level on the day of HCG administration may have had little effect on clinical pregnancy.

Two CoII Compounds Showing Interesting Magnetic Properties Modulated by Supramolecular Interactions

Two new CoII coordination compounds, namely Co[(cis-trans)-L](nip)·H2O (1) and Co[(cis-cis)-L](Hbtc)·2H2O (2) (L = N1,N4-di(pyridin-3-yl)terephthalamide, H2nip = 5-nitroisophthalic acid, H3btc = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), were synthesised hydrothermally and characterised by single crystal X-ray diffraction and direct current magnetic susceptibility measurement. Interestingly, the results disclose somewhat tuneable magnetic properties for compounds 1 and 2, mainly due to the distinct supramolecular interactions.

Analysis of immunity index and immunopathogenesis pattern of lupus nephritis patients

Joint detection of anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-U1RNP, anti-SM antibodies, anti-SSA antibodies, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies, anti-nucleosome antivodies (Anua), anti-histone antibodies (AHA) and antinuclear antibodies brings to the early diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and speculation of renal lesion degree of lupus nephritis patients in order to choose a specific therapeutic schedule. This paper analyzed the abnormal immunology features and connections of each pathological pattern of LN renal biopsy and probed into the essence in order to provide basis for diagnosis, treatment, pathological pattern speculation and forward assessment of LN. We chose 97 cases, treated them with renal biopsy and pathological pattern classification, analyzed pathological pattern distribution, different pathological patterns and the correlation of immunity index with anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti-U1RNP, anti-Sm antibodies, anti-SSA antibodies, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies, Anua, AHA and ANA of the first renal biopsy were taken as the experiment index. The results showed that the morbidity of the male was distinctly lower than the female and the age of onset was much lower (P < 0.05); pattern I, pattern II, pattern III, pattern IV, pattern V, and pattern VI accounted for 1.0%, 3.1%, 12.4%, 47.4%,16.5%, 15.5%, 4.1%, 0%,respectively; among all the LN patients, there were respectively 59, 43, 28, 52, 51, 48, 36 and 93 cases in which anti-dsDNA antibody, anti-U1RNP antibody, anti-Sm antibody, anti-SSA antibody, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies, Anua, AHA and ANA had increased and the positive rate was 60.8%, 44.3%, 28.9%, 53.6%, 52.6%, 49.5%, 37.1% and 95.9%, respectively. In conclusion, pattern IV is the most common of all pathological patterns of LN. Among the immunity index, anti- U1RNP antibodies and anti-SSA antibodies are positively correlated with anti-dsDNA antibodies; Anua is positively correlated with anti-dsDNA antibodies and AHA; anti-dsDNA antibodies, anti U1RNP antibodies, anti-Sm antibodies, anti SSA antibodies, AHA, anti-ribosomal P protein antibodies and ANA have no obvious correlation with LN renal lesions degree; Anua level of serum is positively correlated with LN renal lesions degree.

Cervical cancer screening and analysis of potential risk factors in 43,567 women in Zhongshan, China

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to establish a program model for use in wide-spread cervical cancer screening.

METHODS

Cervical cancer screening was conducted in Zhongshan city in Guangdong province, China through a coordinated network of multiple institutes and hospitals. A total of 43,567 women, 35 to 59 years of age, were screened during regular gynecological examinations using the liquid-based ThinPrep cytology test (TCT). Patients who tested positive were recalled for further treatment.

RESULTS

The TCT-positive rate was 3.17%, and 63.4% of these patients returned for follow-up. Pathology results were positive for 30.5% of the recalled women. Women who were younger than 50 years of age, urban dwelling, low-income, had a history of cervical disease, began having sex before 20 years of age, or had sex during menstruation, were at elevated risk for a positive TCT test. The recall rate was lower in women older than 50 years of age, urban dwelling, poorly educated, and who began having sex early. A higher recall rate was found in women 35 years of age and younger, urban dwelling, women who first had sex after 24 years of age, and women who had sex during menstruation. The positive pathology rate was higher in urban women 50 years of age and younger and women who tested positive for human papillomavirus.

CONCLUSION

An effective model for large-scale cervical cancer screening was successfully established. These results suggest that improvements are needed in basic education regarding cervical cancer screening for young and poorly educated women. Improved outreach for follow-up is also necessary to effectively control cervical cancer.

Supplementation dietary zinc levels on growth performance, carcass traits, and intramuscular fat deposition in weaned piglets

This study was conducted to estimate dietary zinc (Zn) levels on growth performance, carcass traits, and intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition in weaned piglets. Sixty piglets were randomly divided into five groups, as follows: control (basal diet), Zn250, Zn380, Zn570, and Zn760 with supplementation of 250, 380, 570, and 760 mg Zn/kg of the basal diet, respectively. The final weight, average daily gain (ADG), gain/feed (G/F), lean meat percentage, fat meat percentage, lean eye area, backfat thickness, and IMF content were dose-dependently increased in all groups of Zn treatment. The serum total triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) were significantly higher in all Zn treatments than in the control. The enzyme activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were markedly higher, while enzyme activities of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) were significantly lower in all Zn treatments than in the control. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), FAS, ACC, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), LPL, and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) were significantly higher, while the mRNA levels of CPT-1 and HSL were significantly lower in all Zn treatments compared with the control. These results indicated that high levels of Zn increased IMF accumulation by up-regulating intramuscular lipogenic and fatty acid transport gene expression and enzyme activities while down-regulating lipolytic gene expression and enzyme activities.