Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of MUC4 expression in cancers: evidence from meta-analysis.

Mucin4 (MUC4) is a secreted glycoprotein. Numerous studies had indicated that MUC4 was an attractive prognostic tumor biomarker. However, the results of different studies have been inconsistent.

Gestational thyroid reference intervals in antibody-negative Chinese women.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to establish gestation-specific reference intervals (GRIs) for thyroid function assays in pregnant Chinese women with ARCHITECT and compare them to other GRI studies.

Design And Method: Thyroid antibody negative pregnant Chinese women were enrolled and followed to establish GRIs for thyroid function by use of the Abbott ARCHITECT i2000SR analyzer (N=1409). Samples from 360 non-pregnant Chinese women served as controls.

Novel real-time PCR assay for rapid prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: a prospective study of 563 amniocytes.

Objective: To explore the possibilities of a novel real-time PCR assay for rapid prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome in clinical settings.

Design And Methods: This duplex real-time PCR assay is based on relative quantification of DSCR4 gene on chromosome 21 by using RABIF gene on chromosome 1 as a reference. For each sample, the differences in threshold cycles between DSCR4 and RABIF genes (Delta Ct, DeltaCt) were detected, and a calibrated DeltaCt value (DeltaDeltaCt, DeltaCt (sample)-DeltaCt (internal control)) was analyzed.

[Second trimester maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome in mainland China: a multi-center prospective study].

Objective: To evaluate the performance characteristics of the second trimester double-marker test for the detection of fetal Down's syndrome in mainland China.

Methods: This prospective national multi-centered study used alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (free beta-hCG) as the serum markers. From May 2004 to September 2006, 11 centers participated in the collection and analysis of maternal serum AFP and free beta-hCG between 14 and 20(+6) weeks of pregnancy.

[Second trimester maternal serum screening for Down's syndrome in women of advanced maternal age: a multi-center prospective study].

Objective: To evaluate the performance characteristics of the second trimester double test for the detection of fetal Down's syndrome (DS) in women of advanced maternal age (AMA).

Methods: We undertook a prospective nation-wide multi-centered study and chose alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (free beta-hCG) as the serum markers. Between May 2004 and September 2006, 12 centers participated in the collection and analysis of maternal serum AFP and free beta-hCG.

[Application of differential display-PCR technique in fluconazole-resistance gene expression of Candida].

Objective: To investigate the application of differential display-2PCR(DD-PCR) in research on gene expression of Candida.

Methods: Resistance to fluconazole was induced in a Candida albicans isolate 435 from vagina by culturing in YEPD broth with increasing fluconazole concentration in vitro, and the resistant isolate 435-2 (MIC=128 microg/ml ) was obtained after 80 days of incubation. Comparisons between 435 and 435-2 either in fluconazole-containing medium or in drug-free medium were performed with the modified DD-PCR including amplification with long primers, silver staining, reverse dot blot and non-radiographic labeling techniques.

[DNA and RNA random amplification polymorphism in 5-flurocytosine-resistant strains of Candida albicans from revul-vaginal candidasis].

Objective: To investigate the DNA genome and RNA expression in 5-flurocytosine-resistant strains of Candida albicans from vaginal candidasis.

Methods: Sixteen strains of Candida albicans were selected from clinically diagnosed revul-vaginal candidasis. Eight 5-flurocytosine-sensitive isolates and 8 resistant isolates were examined by France Media FUNGUS sensitive test.

[Study on experimental induction of fluconazole resistance in Candida albicans].

To investigate the phenotype and genotype variation between the Fluconazole resistant C. albicans isolates and the corresponding susceptible ones, our research established a resistance-induction mode in vitro. Comparisons were done on drug resistance maintainability, metabolic profile and the doubling time in the logarithmic growth phase.