Objective To investigate the relationship between the promoter of IL-12B gene polymorphism and the susceptibility and clinical features of chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer with or without Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infection in children and adolescent.Methods Mucosal biopsies were obtained from 132 children and adolescent (patient group),including 100 children with chronic gastritis and 32 children with duodenal ulcer,undergoing an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for dyspeptic symptoms.Biopsy specimens were stained with hematoxilin and eosin (HE),and gastritis was graded according to the Sydney system.Serology,urease test and histology were taken to assess Hp status.Genomic DNA was obtained from peripheral blood or gastric biopsies of patients and 102 healthy children as normal control group.The promoter of IL-12B +1188A/G gene polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing.The genotype distributions and allele frequencies were compared between the study group and the normal control group,and the association of genotypes with clinicopathological features was studied.IL-12B mRNA level expressions in gastric mucosa were confirmed by reverse transcription PCR biopsy-based tests.Results The genotype distributions and allele frequencies of IL-12B +1188A/G gene polymorphisms were similar in gastric upper gastrointestinal diseases and healthy subjects.The IL-12B +1188A/G gene polymorphisms were not associated with Hp status.IL-12B+1188A/G gene polymorphisms did not affect IL-12B mRNA level expressions and were not associated with the degree of antrum chronic inflammation.Conclusions These data suggest that IL-12B+1188A/G gene polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer in children and adolescent.

OBJECTIVETo investigate relationship between methylation status of the APC and Bikunin CpG islands and clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinomas.

METHODSThe methylation status of APC and Bikunin CpG islands in 152 sporadic breast carcinoma samples were analyzed by methylation specific PCR.

RESULTS40.8% of breast carcinomas examined showed methylated signals for the APC. The methylation frequency of APC was significantly correlated to the tumor size (chi(2) = 4.041; P = 0.044), but not to patients' age, pathologic type of tumor, clinical stage, histological grade, lymph node metastasis and the status of estrogen or progestogen receptor. In addition, 24.6% of carcinoma samples examined revealed strong methylated signals for Bikunin. No significant correlation was found between the aberrant methylation of Bikunin and the clinicopathological characteristics of sporadic breast carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONThe aberrant methylations of APC and Bikunin are frequent events during breast carcinogenesis. APC methylation might play a role in the progression of breast cancer.

Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; CpG Islands ; DNA Methylation ; DNA, Neoplasm ; genetics ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo investigate the incidence and the gene mutation frequencies and patterns of β-thalassemia (β-Thal) in ethnic Han children in Chongqing city.

METHODA total of 1726 children were screened by using automatic hemocytic analyzer, cellulose acetate electrophoresis and fetal hemoglobin alkali denaturation test. Samples with mean corpuscular volume (MCV) < 80 fl, cell hemoglobin content (MCH) < 27 pg and hemoglobin A2 (HbA2) levels >3.3%, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) >2% for β-Thal screening indicators. The positive samples of screening indicators were detected and identified by PCR-reverse dot blot method for 18 common β-Thal mutations in Chinese populations, unknown mutations samples were subjected to DNA sequencing analysis of the β-globin gene.

RESULTTwenty-five cases of β-Thal carriers were observed from the 1726 samples, with 24 cases of β-Thal heterozygote and one case of double heterozygote. Therefore, the β-Thal carrier rate was 1.51%. After 1726 peripheral venous blood samples analyzed by hematological parameters, 164 positive cases of β-Thal screening indicators were found, with the positive rate being 9.50% (164/1726). A total of 6 different gene mutations were detected, the four most common mutations were as the following: CD41-42, IVS-II-654, CD17 and beta E. These four mutations as the major types in this area accounted for 88.00% of all the mutations. In addition, one rare mutation of 5 'UTR; + (43 -40) was found, and one case of the hemoglobin variant of Hb Zurich was reported in Chinese people for the first time.

CONCLUSIONChongqing is a high risk region of the β-Thal. Epidemiological Data from the research was useul for the genetic counseling and the prevention of β-Thal major.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Blood Chemical Analysis ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Counseling ; Hemoglobins ; analysis ; genetics ; Hemoglobins, Abnormal ; analysis ; genetics ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mutation ; genetics ; Prevalence ; beta-Globins ; genetics ; beta-Thalassemia ; epidemiology ; ethnology ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expressions of stathmin gene and its coding protein in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and to explore the relationship between stathmin gene and the biological behaviors of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma for understanding the tumorigenicity and development of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODSLaryngeal carcinoma tissues (studying group) in the tumors center and laryngeal normal tissues (control group) parted from 1.0 cm of the safe borderline of the tumors were took from 38 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma while they were in operation. Semiquantitative method of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression level of stathmin mRNA, and immunohistochemical staining (frozen section) was used to detect the expressions of stathmin protein, in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and laryngeal normal tissues of 38 cases, respectively.

RESULTSmRNA of stathmin gene was all positively expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and in laryngeal normal tissues of 38 cases by RT-PCR. However, stathmin mRNA was obviously overexpressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissues than that in laryngeal normal tissues (t = 9.655, P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed stathmin protein was positively expressed in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of 26 cases (26/38, 68.4%), and mild-positively expressed in laryngeal normal tissues in 13 cases (13/38, 34.2%). There was significant difference between the expression rate of stathmin protein in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and in laryngeal normal tissues (chi2 = 8.901, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression level of stathmin mRNA and the positive-expressed rate of stathmin protein in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of the advanced stage patients group (III stage and IV stage) were significantly higher than these in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of I and II stage patients group (t = 6.284, chi2 = 5.810, P < 0.05), and they were also significantly higher in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of the patients group with cervical lymph node metastasis than in laryngeal carcinoma tissues of the patients group without cervical lymph node metastasis (t = 9.350, chi2 = 6.923, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression levels of stathmin gene and protein were significantly higher in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma than these in laryngeal normal tissues, the levels are also significantly higher in advanced stage patients group (III stage and IV stage) than in the early stage patients group (I and II), and they are also related to the cervical lymph node metastasis of carcinoma. Stathmin gene may play an important role in the pathogenesis and development of laryngeal carcinoma and may be related to its prognosis.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Stathmin ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in the elderly and retired population.

METHODSA total of 1174 elderly and retired people underwent health screening physical examination in Guangzhou military region were included. The orthostatic blood pressure and heart rate were measured in supine position after resting for more than 5 minutes and at 0 and 2 min after standing. Subjects were divided into OH positive group and OH negative group. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as 20 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) or greater decrease in SBP and/or 10 mm Hg or greater decrease in DBP after standing.

RESULTSThe prevalence of OH in this cohort was 25.6% at either 0 or 2 min after standing (21.6% or 20.7% respectively). Incidence of hypertension, myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), ischemic stroke and diabetes was significantly higher in OH positive group than in OH negative group (all P < 0.05), however, antihypertensive medication was similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSOrthostatic hypotension is common in the elderly and retired population and is associated with increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Pressure ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypotension, Orthostatic ; epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Posture ; Prevalence ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To establish of a close loop blood information system forreal time monitoring in the entire process of clinical blood transfusion.Methods In accordance with files and laws in clinical blood transfusion and combining the work in blood transfusion department with the actual needs of clinical blood transfusion,the blood transfusion department in Shaanxi Provinical People's Hospital developed the close-loop blood information system with Skynet Software Co.Ltd.Results The close-loop blood information system was achieved informational management patternthat was detailed information from blood products arrival to departure and whole process of evaluation transfusion effect.The link of Hospital Information Manage System (HIS),Laboratory Information System (LIS) and blood information system was completed with the system.The system realized real-time and accurate data collection and monitoring.The system achieved a closed-loop management of the entire process of clinical blood transfusion.Conclusion By using theclose loop blood information system,the quality of medical services can be improved,the work productivity can be increased,and the clinical blood transfusion can be rationalized.

OBJECTIVETo investigate newly identified polyomavirus WUV and WUV and KIPyV are associated with acute respiratory infections in China, tests were developed to detect WUV and KIPyV gene fragments from nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from children with ARI fron Nov. 2006 to Oct. 2007.

METHODSA total of 318 clinical samples were tested for WUV and KIPyV using PCR method. The positive products were sequenced and compared with those in GenBank.

RESULTS14 of the 318 Samples were positive (WUV was 2.2%, KIPyV was 2.2%). All of children who were positive for WUV or KIPyV had respiratory illness.

CONCLUSIONPolyomavirus WU and KIPyV infection may be associated with upper and lower respiratory diseases.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Phylogeny ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polyomavirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; pathology ; virology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

BACKGROUNDThere are no data on more tolerable capecitabine doses in elderly patients in Chinese population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and safety of capecitabine combined with weekly docetaxel for the treatment of anthracycline-resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in older Chinese patients.

METHODSMBC patients aged > 65 years pretreated with 1 - 5 prior chemotherapy regimens, including an anthracycline, received oral capecitabine 825 mg/m(2) twice daily, days 1 - 14, plus docetaxel 30 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. All 41 enrolled patients received at least 1 dose of treatment and were evaluable for safety; 38 received at least 2 cycles (median 4, range 2 - 8) and were evaluable for efficacy.

RESULTSThe overall objective response rate was 47%, including complete responses in 8% of patients. Median time to progression was 8.9 months. Median overall survival was 17.6 months. The most common side effects were haematological and gastrointestinal toxicities and hand-foot syndrome. The only grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (12%), alopecia (7%), grade 3 nausea and vomiting (2%) and grade 3 nail toxicity (2%).

CONCLUSIONSCapecitabine 825 mg/m(2) twice daily plus weekly docetaxel is active with an acceptable safety profile in Chinese women > 65 years with anthracycline-resistant MBC. Efficacy and tolerability compare favourably with previously reported trials evaluating higher capecitabine doses in combination with 3-weekly or weekly docetaxel.

Aged ; Anthracyclines ; therapeutic use ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; therapeutic use ; Antineoplastic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Breast Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Capecitabine ; Deoxycytidine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Taxoids ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of microtubule-actin crosslinking factor 1 (MACF1) in the response of glioma cells to temozolomide (TMZ).

METHODSTMZ was applied to a human gliomablastoma cell line (U87) and changes in the protein expression and cellular localization were determined with Western blot, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence. The responses of the cells with MACF1 expression knockdown by RNA interference to TMZ were assessed. TMZ-induced effects on MACF1 expression were also assessed by immunohistochemistry in a nude mouse model bearing human glioblastoma xenografts.

RESULTSTMZ resulted in significantly increased MACF1 expression (by about 2 folds) and changes in its localization in the gliomablastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo (P<0.01). Knockdown of MACF1 reduced the proliferation (by 45%) of human glioma cell lines treated with TMZ (P<0.01). TMZ-induced changes in MACF1 expression was accompanied by cytoskeletal rearrangement.

CONCLUSIONMACF1 may be a potential therapeutic target for glioblastoma.

Objective To establish a management system to promote early rehabilitation for work injured patients. Methods The 2015 hospitalized patients were set as control group (n=16,635), and the 2016 hospitalized patients were set as observation group (n=15,372). The control group was hospitalized for injury data collection surveys and was not implemented systematic rehabilitation propaganda, rehabilita-tion assessment and rehabilitation guidance. However, the observation group hospitalized after establishment of the Work Injuries Rehabilita-tion Investigation System and accepted work injuries rehabilitation intervention, such as rehabilitation propaganda, rehabilitation assessment and rehabilitation guidance. The changes of hand trauma rehabilitation indicators were compared between two groups. Results The rate of work injuries rehabilitation intervention was 80.6%in the observation group. In the observation group, the proportion of the patients who re-ceived early rehabilitation treatment in the designated hospital (56.8%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (17.0%) (χ2=2603.683, P<0.001);the proportion of injured patients who were admitted to the designated work injuries rehabilitation institutions (9.4%) was higher than that of the control group (4.3%) (χ2=285.906, P<0.001). The proportion of patients evaluated as disability in the observation group (17.4%) was significantly less than that of the control group (26.3%) (χ2=235.327, P<0.001). The disability score was significantly lower in the observation group (6.23±1.29) than in the control group (8.26±1.16) (t=68.371, P<0.001). Conclusion The Work Injuries Reha-bilitation Investigation System can promote the early rehabilitation for the hand trauma patients in the designated hospital for work injuries, improve the proportion of hand trauma patients to enter the designated work injuries rehabilitation institutions to receive rehabilitation treat-ment, reduce the proportion of disabled persons, and reduce the degree of disability, effectively promote the overall recovery of patients with hand trauma.