Objective To study the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARA). Methods Clinical data from 682 patients with SARS were retrospectively analyzed. Results The patients ranged from 13 to 76 years old, 387 male and 295 female. A total of 356 patients (52.2) had a history of close contact with diagnosed SARS patients, and 113 (25.1%) had been to hospital ever. The most common symptom was fever (99.3%), followed by cough (44.4%), shortness of breath (12.2% ), diarrhea (8.9%). 596 patients (87.4%) had normal or decreased white blood cell counts. Serum ALT and CPK levels were elevated in 112 patients (16.4%)and 17 patients (2.5%) respectively. Infiltrates on chest radiography were seen in all patients, with 69.8% involved both lungs. Six patients (0.9%) died of SARS. Conclusion SARS is infectious. Hospital is an important place where SARS transmits. Fever, cough and infiltrative changes on chest radiography are mainly symptoms and signs.

AlM: To investigate the effect of endocapsular phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens (lOL) implantation with a 1. 8mm or 3. 0mm clear corneal incision on total root mean square ( RMS ) value of the cornea, corneal astigmatism, spherical aberration, coma, trefoil and tear film.
METHODS:ln a prospective study, 156 age- related patients ( 196 eyes ) were randomly distributed into two groups. 1. 8mm-group comprised 94 eyes that had a silicone lOL inserted through a 1. 8mm sutureless clear corneal incision, while, 3. 0mm- group comprised 102 eyes through a 3. 0mm clear corneal incision. Postoperatively, the changes in the total RMS value of the cornea, corneal astigmatism, spherical aberration, coma, trefoil and tear film at 1wk, 1 and 3mo were determined respectively.
RESULTS:ln both groups, postoperatively at 1wk,there were statistically significant differences ( P<0. 05 ) in the total RMS value of the cornea, corneal astigmatism, spherical aberration, coma, trefoil and tear film, while, there were statistically minimal differences ( P< 0. 05 ) between 1. 8mm-group and 3. 0mm-group at 1mo, but were not statistically significantly different ( P > 0. 05 ) between two groups at 3mo postoperative.
CONCLUSlON:This study confirms that incision size has strong impact on the corneal higher-order aberrations, especially, 3. 0mm incision caused significant differences in the total RMS value of cornea, corneal astigmatism, spherical aberration, coma, trefoil and tear film compared with 1. 8mm micro-incision, therefore, micro-incision is very beneficial for clinical use in phacoemulsification.

Objective To explore the relationship of height,weight and body mass index with fists size among adults,and to compare the regression coefficient of different models.Methods Adults aged 20 -80 years were selected by stratified cluster sampling methods.T -test and univariate analysis of variance were used to compare the height,weight and fists size stratified by gender and BMI group.Regression model for fists volume was established.The regression coefficients were compared through covariance interaction analysis.Results The height,weight,BMI and fists size of male were higher than that of female (P <0.01 ).The regression model for fists size(Y)of BMI(X)for male,female and total population were Y=1 67.603 +9.445X,Y =1 1 1 .1 83 +7.779X and Y =77.1 57 +1 1 .028X(R2 =0.324,0.322,0.271 ,P <0.05).Fists size of different BMI groups were related to their height (R2 =0.501 ,0.432,0.624,0.692,P <0.05),respectively, and their regression coefficients have no statistically differences (P =0.07).The fists sizes of different BMI groups were different(P <0.01 ).Fists size of overweight or obesity groups (365.641 ±68.51 4,365.641 ±68.51 4,respectively)were larger than that of the normal and slim groups(P <0.01 ),and fists size of normal body (31 4.261 ±59.590)was larger than that of slim body(261 .081 ±59.478).Conclusion The fists sizes of male were higher than that of female.Fists size was positively related to their BMI.The height had the some impact on fists size among people in different BMI groups.

OBJECTIVETo assess the effect of RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of plasma membrane-related Ca(2+)-ATPase-1 (PMR1) gene on the insulin secretion in islet beta cells NIT-1 in vitro.

METHODSA small interfering RNA duplex (siPMR1) corresponding to the nucleotides 337-357 of mouse PMR1 cDNA was introduced into NIT-1 cells via liposomes. The gene silencing effect was assessed by RT-PCR, and the total insulin level in the transfected cells was measured by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTSTransfection with siPMR1 resulted in obviously reduced PMR1 expression and increased insulin secretion in NIT-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONThe synthesized siPMR1 can significantly silence the expression of PMR1 and promote the secretion of insulin in the islet cells in vitro, which shed light on further studies of RNAi-based therapy of diabetes.

Animals ; Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; deficiency ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Insulin ; secretion ; Insulin-Secreting Cells ; metabolism ; secretion ; Mice ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To explored effective methods of care for outpatient with PICC intermittent treatment to reduce plugging risk of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC),and to ensure the patient comfort and safety in catheter use.Methods There were 436 cases with PICC between January and September in 2010 in the control group,which received the routine nursing.And 459 cases between January and September in 2011 as the study group,which received the nursing from Quality Control group.Quality Control (QC) group analyzed the causes in catheter blockage of the outpatients with PICC on intermittent treatment and then made some nursing interventions for study group.Then,the incidence of complication and plugging pipe were observed and compared between the two groups.Results One year later,the complications of outpatients relating with PICC in study group were obviously decreased than that in control group (14.81％ vs 20.41％,x2 =4.844,P ＜ 0.05).In all of complications,catheter blockage rate 2.40％ vs 5.05％,and catheter pulling rate (0.22％ vs 1.38％) in study group were lower than that in control group,and the differences were statistically significant (x2 =4.420,3.866,respectively; P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions QC care activities can notably reduce the complications of outpatients with PICC treatment on intermittent period,which will be an effective way to elevate the quality of care,and improve life quality of the patients.

Objective:To assess trend of clinical features,diagnosis,treatments and outcomes for in-hospital patients of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Hebei province from 2001 to 2011.Methods:Our research was based on the information of China PEACE retrospective acute myocardial infarction (AMI) study.We conducted an analysis from 8 hospitals in Hebei province including 1 third class hospital and 7 second class hospitals for STEMI patients who were diagnosed,treated and discharged in those hospitals in 2001,2006 and 2011.The clinical features,process of diagnosis and treatment and outcomes were summarized.Results:A total of 832 medical records were enrolled.During 2001 to 2011,the mean age for in-hospital STEMI patients was increased as 63.5 years in 2001,65.0 years in 2006 and 66.0 years in 2011,P=0.0097;female ratio was similar as 30.1％ in 2001,30.7％ in 2006 and 30.3％ in 2011,P=0.9846;the ratio for cardiovascular risk factors were elevated as 69.9％ in 2001,87.1％ in 2006 and 87.0％ in 2011,P＜0.0010.In patients without documented contraindications,reperfusion rate was similar,P=0.8990 and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) conduction rate was similar.The following drug therapies were increased:aspirin (P＜0.0001),clopidogrel (P＜0.0001),β-blockers (P=0.0172),statins (P＜0.0001) and ACEI/ARB (P=0.0008).In 2001,2006 and 2011,the 7-day in-hospital mortality,the ratio of death and gave-up treatment were similar,P=0.5854 and P=0.3516 respectively.Conclusion:During 2001 to 2011,the onset age and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors were increased in STEMI patients in Hebei province;drug therapy for secondary prevention of coronary artery disease was elevated by years while the reperfusion rate was similar and 7-day mortality was similar.

The study was aimed to explore the relationship between patterns of methylation or deletion and the development of acute leukemia, and further to clarify the possible mechanism in the development of adult acute leukemia. Nested methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (n-MSP) was adopted to analyze p16 gene methylation or deletion patterns in 82 adult acute leukemia patients with different subtypes and stages. The results indicated that rate of p16 gene methylation was 39.0% in 82 adult acute leukemia patients, among them, 41.4% in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and 33.3% in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It were found that 36.6% of de novo AL patients and 54.5% of relapsed AL patients developed the hypermethylation of p16 gene. Out of the 82 patients, 6 seemed to have deletion of p16 gene, including 1 AML (1.7%) and 5 ALL (20.8%). There were no hypermethylation or deletion of p16 gene in the 16 controls. It is concluded that methylation of p16 gene may play a more important role than homozygous deletion of p16 gene in the leukemogenesis and progression of adult acute leukemia.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Base Sequence ; CpG Islands ; genetics ; DNA Methylation ; DNA, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Female ; Genes, p16 ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma ; genetics

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of epigallocatechin-3-galate (EGCG) on acute monocytic leukemia cell line U937 and its relevant mechanism. The viability of U937 cells were assayed by SRB method. The cell cycle of U937 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of p16 gene were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Methylation level of U937 cells was analyzed by n-MSP. The mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNMT3A and DNMT3B genes were analyzed by RT-PCR. The results showed that EGCG could inhibit the growth of U937 cells significantly in dose-and time-dependent manners (r=0.71), and induce the G0/G1 arrest of U937 cells in dose-dependent manner. EGCG could up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of P16 gene in U937 cells in dose-dependent manner. EGCG could down-regulate the methylation level of p16 gene in U937 cells in dose-dependent manner. EGCG could down-regulate the mRNA expression of DNMT3A, DNMT3B genes, while did not influence the mRNA expression of DNMT1 gene. It is concluded that EGCG can up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of p16 gene by demethylation or/and by inhibiting DNMT3A and DNMT3B genes, leading, in turn, to G0/G1 arrest and growth inhibition of U937 cells.
Catechin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 ; DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases ; metabolism ; DNA Methylation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Genes, p16 ; Humans ; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute ; genetics ; U937 Cells

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence, molecular features and clinical significance of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (CEBPA) gene mutation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

METHODSMutation analysis of the entire coding region of CEBPA gene in 206 de novo AML patients was performed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequence analysis and fragment length analysis.

RESULTSOf 206 AML patients, 31 (15%) had CEBPA gene mutations, including 23 with double mutations (duCEBPA) and 8 with single mutation (siCEBPA). CEBPA gene mutations presented mainly in M2 subtype or intermediate risk patients. As compared with those with wild type CEBPA gene, patients with mutated CEBPA gene were of higher white blood cell counts [20.92(0.86-351.43)× 10(9)//L vs 8.17(0.47-295.2) × 10(9)/L, P=0.003], higher hemoglobin levels [97.5(51-128) g/L vs 80.5(13-153) g/L, P=0.015] and lower platelet counts [27.5(5-81)× 10(9)//L vs 44(3-548)× 10(9)/L, P=0.004]. Patients with CEBPA gene mutation had higher complete remission (CR) rate than those with wild type (P=0.009). While co-existing of NPM1 and siCEBPA mutations was observed in M5 subtype (2/8, 25%), NPM1 gene mutation was not present in any patients with duCEBPA mutation (0/23, 0%). Dynamic tracking analysis showed that CEBPA mutations disappeared at CR, and the same mutations re-appeared at relapse. When compared to sequence analysis, the coincidence rate of CEBPA mutations detected by fragment length analysis was 100% (54/54).

CONCLUSIONCEBPA gene mutation is a recurring genetic change in AML patients and has a certain correlation with clinical and laboratory features. It could be reliably used as a potential marker for minimal residual disease follow up. The prognostic significance of co-existing of siCEBPA with NPM1 mutations in patients with AML-M5 subtype needs further investigation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic ; Genotype ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; genetics ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Prognosis ; Young Adult

This study was aimed to investigate the efficiency of nested methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (nMS-PCR) for detecting the APC gene promoter methylation and to clarify the roles of methylation in genesis and development of hematologic malignancies, as well as to screen the hematologic malignant cell lines with hypermethylation of APC gene promoter to use as an ideal cell model for exploring the relationship between gen methylation and gene expression. The genome DNA of 10 cell lines modified with bisulfide was amplified and the methylation status of APC gene promoter was detected by using nMS-PCR. The results showed that the methylation of APC gene promoter was detected in Jurkat cells, while could not be detected in CA46, U266, Molt4, K562, HL-60, CEM, AKR, U937 and Raji cell lines. In conclusion, APC gene methylation in hematological malignant cell lines can be accurately detected by nMS-PCP method, which is simple method for detecting methylation status of various hematological malignant cell lines.
DNA Methylation ; Genes, APC ; HL-60 Cells ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Promoter Regions, Genetic