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Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab (PD-1/PD-L inhibitor) and adjuvant chemotherapy to treat NSCLC and provide evidence-based reference for clinical use. Methods. By searching the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science, according to the inclusion criteria, literature selection, data extraction, and quality evaluation were carried out for the included literature. The I2 test was used to evaluate heterogeneity between studies, and the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software provided by Cochrane. Results. Finally, 14 relevant documents meeting the standards were included. It is a statistical difference in one-year survival rate [ OR = 1.50 , 95% CI (1.28, 1.76), P < 0.00001 , I 2 = 0 %, Z = 4.99 ]; overall response rate[OR =1.57, 95% CI (1.29, 1.90), P < 0.00001 , I 2 = 0 %, Z = 4.58 ]; progression-free survival [ OR = 2.99 , 95% CI (2.29, 3.91), P < 0.00001 , I 2 = 26 %, Z = 8.00 ]; and overall survival [ OR = 1.38 , 95% CI (1.07, 1.78), P = 0.01 , I 2 = 46 %, Z = 2.50 ] and reduces the incidence of adverse drug reactions [ OR = 2.54 , 95% CI (1.99, 3.25), P < 0.00001 , I 2 = 69 %, Z = 7.43 ]. Conclusion. Pembrolizumab adjuvant chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of advanced NSCLC, but attention should be paid to the occurrence of adverse reactions in clinical. Due to the limitations of the methodology included in the study, this conclusion required more validation of large-sample RCT.

Objectives To describe the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the electronics manufacturing industry and to investigate the relations between work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and work-related variables. Methods An interview-based questionnaire survey was carried out in thirty electronics manufacturing factories in China in 2018. The prevalence of WMSDs was estimated using the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the effects of risk factors on WMSDs on multiple body parts. Results The 12-month prevalence of WMSDs among participants was 40.6%, and the common body sites affected were the neck (26.8%), shoulder (22.8%), upper back (14.9%), and lower back (14.8%). The results of logistic regression showed that female adults, > 5 job tenure and work-related factors (including awkward posture, lifting or carrying weights, excessive repetition, prolonged sitting, monotonous work and working under conditions of cold or temperature variations) led to a higher risk of WMSDs on most body parts. Upper back, wrist/hand and elbow pain levels were significantly higher for workers with vibration. However, more frequently, physical exercise was a protective factor against WMSDs on most body parts except the upper back, leg and knee. Conclusions The study indicates a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among the electronics manufacturing industry in China. Different personal and work factors are related to the occurrence of WMSD on different body parts. Preventive measures should be implemented based on the characteristics of WMSD in the electronic manufacturing industry. Furthermore, the training and intervention guidance of ergonomic hazards in the workplace need to be strengthened by understanding the impact of bad posture, avoiding long-term sitting posture and increasing physical activities.

Human infection of orthohantavirus can cause potentially fatal diseases, such as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Hantaan virus (HTNV) in Eurasia. Exosomes are new carriers for information exchange between cells. Cumulative findings suggest that exosomes released from parental infected cells can block or promote viral infection in recipient cells, but the role of exosomes in hantavirus infection is poorly understood. In our study, we identified the exosomes derived from HTNV-infected human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) (Exo-HV) and found the antiviral properties of Exo-HV in the uninfected recipient cells. High-throughput sequencing revealed the distinctly expressed miRNAs transcriptomes in Exo-HV. MiR-145-5p, one of the abundant miRNAs packaged into Exo-HV, was found to be able to transferred to recipient cells and functioned by directly targeting M RNA of HTNV 76-118 and inducing type I interferon (IFN-I) response, thus, blocking the viral replication. Concluding, this study indicated that exosomes released by HTNV-infected HUVECs were able to transfer active molecules, miR-145-5p as a proving sample, to mediate novel anti-HTNV activity in the neighboring uninfected cells, which will help us to explore new strategies for the treatment of infectious disease utilizing exosomes with miRNA.

Influenza viruses (FLUV) cause high morbidity and mortality annually in the world and pose a serious threat to the public health. Wuhan, as an important transportation hub in China, has a dense population and suitable climate, which also lays a major hidden danger for the outbreak of influenza. To survey and characterize the seasonal FLUV in Wuhan during 2016–2019, we collected 44,738 throat swabs, among which 15.5% were influenza A (FLUAV) positive, 6.1% influenza B (FLUBV) and 0.3% co-infection. By monitoring FLUV in each month from June 2016 to May 2019, different with the previously seasonality pattern, only a single influenza peak was appeared in winter of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019, respectively. These data indicated that the complex circulation pattern of seasonal influenza in Wuhan. In addition, we found the age group was skewed towards 5–14 years group whose activity were mostly school based, which suggested school may be an important place for influenza outbreaks. Meanwhile, phylogenic analysis revealed that two subtypes (subclade 3C.2a2 and 3C.2a1b) of A(H3N2) were circulating in Wuhan and there was an obvious transition in 2018 because the two subclades were detected simultaneously. Furthermore, by estimating the vaccine effectiveness, we found that the vaccine strain of FLUAV didn’t seem to match very well the current epidemic strain, especially A(H3N2). Hence, more accurate prediction of seasonal outbreak is essential for vaccine design. Taken together, our results provided the current information about seasonal FLUV in Wuhan which form the basis for vaccine updating. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s12250-020-00225-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Cytokine secretion, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, and amphiregulin (Areg), by type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) is indispensable for homeostasis, remodeling/repairing tissue structure, inflammation, and tumor immunity. Often viewed as the innate cell surrogate of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, ILC2s not only secrete the same type 2 cytokines, but are also inextricably related to CD4

Hantaan virus (HTNV), a Hantavirus serotype that is prevalent in Asia, causes hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) with high mortality in human race. However, the pathogenesis of HTNV infection remains elusive. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a new type of non-coding RNAs, play a crucial role in various pathogenic processes. Nevertheless, circRNA expression profiles and their effects on pathogenesis of HTNV infection are still completely unknown. In the present study, RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the circRNA, microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA expression profiles in HTNV-infected and mock-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). A total of 70 circRNAs, 66 miRNAs, and 788 mRNAs were differently expressed. Several differentially expressed RNAs were validated by RT-qPCR. Moreover, we verified that some differentially expressed RNAs, such as circ_0000479, miR-149-5p, miR-330-5p, miR-411-3p, RIG-I, CMPK2, PARP10, and GBP1, promoted or inhibited HTNV replication. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis demonstrated that the host genes of differentially expressed circRNAs were principally involved in the innate immune response, the type I interferon (IFN) signaling pathway, and the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway. Additionally, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was integrally analyzed. The data showed that there were many circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions in HTNV infection. By dual-luciferase reporter assay, we confirmed that circ_0000479 indirectly regulated RIG-I expression by sponging miR-149-5p, hampering viral replication. This study for the first time presents a comprehensive overview of circRNAs induced by HTNV and reveals that a network of enriched circRNAs and circRNA-associated competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) is involved in the regulation of HTNV infection, thus offering new insight into the mechanisms underlying HTNV-host interaction.

BackgroundIncreasing number of hospitalized children with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is co-detected withMycoplasma pneumoniae(Mp). The clinical characteristics and impact ofMpco-detected with other bacterial and/or viral pathogens remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic and clinical features of CAP children withMpmono-detection andMpco-detection.MethodsA total of 4148 hospitalized children with CAP were recruited from January to December 2017 at the Children’s Hospital of Hebei Province, affiliated to Hebei Medical University. A variety of respiratory viruses, bacteria andMpwere detected using multiple modalities. The demographic and clinical features of CAP children withMpmono-detection andMpco-detection were recorded and analyzed.ResultsAmong the 110 CAP children withMppositive, 42 (38.18%) of them were co-detected with at least one other pathogen. Co-detection was more common among children aged ≤3 years. No significant differences were found in most clinical symptoms, complications, underlying conditions and disease severity parameters among various etiological groups, with the following exceptions. First, prolonged duration of fever, lack of appetite and runny nose were more prevalent among CAP children withMp-virus co-detection. Second,Mp-virus (excludingHRV) co-detected patients were more likely to present with prolonged duration of fever. Third, patients co-detected withMp-bacteria were more likely to have abnormal blood gases. Additionally, CAP children withMp-HRVco-detection were significantly more likely to report severe runny nose compared to those withMpmono-detection.ConclusionMpco-detection with viral and/or bacterial pathogens is common in clinical practice. However, there are no apparent differences betweenMpmono-detection andMpco-detections in terms of clinical features and disease severity.

Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) seriously reduces quality of life and is a major threat to the health of the middle-aged and elderly. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Miao crossbow needle therapy vs. acupuncture for KOA therapy. Methods This multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed at three hospitals between April 2016 and December 2016. The patients were randomized to receive crossbow needle (CN) or acupuncture (AT). All treatments were completed within 46 days. Evaluation of treatment was conducted on the 46th, 62nd, and 77th days. The primary endpoint was change of Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score on the 46th day. The secondary endpoints included WOMAC score, the Lysholm knee score, the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) knee score, visual analog scale (VAS), and the MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36), on the 46th, 62nd, and 77th day. Results Finally, data of 301 participants were analyzed for the efficacy of treatment. Compared with AT, there was a larger change of WOMAC score in the CN group after treatment [− 25.0 (95% CI − 27.0, − 23.0) vs. − 18.8 (95% CI − 20.8, − 16.9), P P = 0.008, P = 0.003, P P = 0.03) and JOA score (P = 0.013) were higher and the VAS score (P = 0.011) was lower on the 77th day. Conclusion Both Miao crossbow needle therapy and acupuncture reduced the WOMAC score. Miao crossbow needle therapy can be an alternative method for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis. Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR-INR-16008032. Registered on 12 March 2016.

Pinocembrin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (PCBG), pinocembrin (PCB), and 5-methoxy-pinocembrin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (MPG) are three flavonones isolated from Penthorum chinense Pursh (P. chinense). The effects of the three flavonones on hepatic steatosis and their molecular mechanisms in HepG2 cells were investigated in this study for the first time. A model of hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells was induced by free fatty acid (FFA), and co-treated with the three flavonones as mentioned. Intracellular lipid droplets were detected by Oil Red O staining. PCB, PCBG, and MPG suppressed oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were ameliorated. Moreover, these flavonones enhanced the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the expression of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and reduced the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP1c) and the downstream targets fatty acid synthase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1). Molecular docking was used to predict the interaction and combination patterns between the three flavonones and the enzymes above. The results revealed that the SIRT1/AMPK pathway is involved in the functions of the three flavonones, and the most effective flavonone against hepatic steatosis might be PCBG, followed by MPG and PCB. Therefore, the three flavonones from P. chinense were found to exert preventive effects against hepatic steatosis by regulating the SIRT1/AMPK pathway.

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a H2S donor, against hypoxia-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and also to look into the possible mechanisms by which H2S exerts this protective effect. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and scratch wound healing assay were chosen to measure the cell viability and migration-promoting effects. The fluorescent probe, DCFH-DA and 5,5',6,6'-Tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) were applied to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Furthermore, western blots were used to measure the expressions of the apoptosis-related proteins. Under hypoxic conditions, 300 μM and 600 μM of H2S could protect HUVECs against hypoxia-induced injury, as determined by MTT assay. Following the treatment of 60 µM NaHS for 18 h, scratch wound healing assays indicated that the scratch became much narrower than control group. After treatment with 60 µM, 120 µM, and 600 µM NaHS, and hypoxia for 30 min, flow cytometry demonstrated that the ROS concentrations decreased to 95.08% ± 5.52%, 73.14% ± 3.36%, and 73.51% ± 3.05%, respectively, compared with the control group. In addition, the JC-1 assay showed NaHS had a protective effect on mitochondria damage. Additionally, NaHS increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased the expression of Bax, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in a dose-dependent way. Our results suggest that H2S can protect endothelial cells and promote migration under hypoxic condition in HUVECs. These effects are partially associated with the preservation of mitochondrial function mediated by regulating the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway.

Piperine, piperlonguminine and pellitorine are three major amide alkaloids from Piper longum, showing a variety of pharmacological activities. In order to investigate the different metabolism pathways of these compounds in five species of liver microsomes in vitro, the data of full mass spectrum, and MS2, MS3 spectra of these three alkaloids were collected and analyzed by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a LTQ-orbitrap mass spectrometer (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS); gragment ion information was collected and combined with fragmentation regularities of mass spectra and accurate mass spectrometry data of metabolites, to compare the metabolism difference of three amide alkaloids in liver microsomes of human, rhesus monkey, Beagle dogs, rats and mice. 3 metabolites of piperine, 2 metabolites of piperlonguminine and 1 metabolite of pellitorine were identified quickly. The results showed that the major metabolic pathways of these amide alkaloids in liver microsomes were methylenedioxy group demethylation and oxidation reaction, and metabolic rates were different between species. This study provides basis for further research on in vivo metabolism of piperine analogues from Piper longum.

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins regulate many important eukaryotic cellular processes through reversible covalent conjugation to target proteins. In addition to its many well-known biological consequences, like subcellular translocation of protein, subnuclear structure formation, and modulation of transcriptional activity, we show here that SUMO-2 also plays a role in mRNA translation. SUMO-2 promoted formation of the active eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) complex by enhancing interaction between Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4E (eIF4E) and Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4G (eIF4G), and induced translation of a subset of proteins, such as cyclinD1 and c-myc, which essential for cell proliferation and apoptosis. As expected, overexpression of SUMO-2 can partially cancel out the disrupting effect of 4EGI-1, a small molecule inhibitor of eIF4E/eIF4G interaction, on formation of the eIF4F complex, translation of the cap-dependent protein, cell proliferation and apoptosis. On the other hand, SUMO-2 knockdown via shRNA partially impaired cap-dependent translation and cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. These results collectively suggest that SUMO-2 conjugation plays a crucial regulatory role in protein synthesis. Thus, this report might contribute to the basic understanding of mammalian protein translation and sheds some new light on the role of SUMO in this process.

To evaluate the benzene exposure level and cytopenia among the benzene exposed workers in Shanghai, China and to analyze the influential factors for the health of benzene-exposed workers.A total of 3314 benzene-exposed workers, who were from 85 benzene-related enterprises selected by stratified random sampling based on enterprise sizes and industries, were included in the study. The time-weighted average (TWA) concentration of benzene in each workshop was measured by individual sampling and fixed point sampling, and the benzene exposure level in workshop was evaluated accordingly. The occupational health examination results and health status of benzene-exposed workers were collected.The median of TW A concentrations of benzene was 0.3 mg/m3. The TWA concentrations measured at 7 ( 1.4%) of the 504 sampling points were above the safety limit. Of the 7 points, 3 were from large enterprises, 2 from medium enterprises, and 2 from small enterprises; 3 were from shipbuilding industry, 1 from chemical industry, and 3 from light industry. Of the 3314 benzene-exposed workers, 451 ( 13.6%) had cytopenia, including 339 males ( 339/2548, 13.3%) and 112 females ( 112/766, 14.6% ). There were significant differences in the incidence rates of leukopenia and neutropenia among the benzene-exposed workers of different sexes and ages (P0.05); there were significant differences in the incidence rate of cytopenia among the benzene-exposed workers of different ages and working years ( P0.05 ); there were significant differences in the incidence of neutropenia among the benzene exposed workers of different working years ( P0.05).Monitoring and intervention measures should be enhanced to protect the benzene-exposed workers in the large enterprises in shipbuilding industry and medium and private enterprises in chemical industry from occupational hazards.

To investigate the clinical outcomes of acromioclavicula (AC) joint dislocation treated with coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction and hook plate fixation/suture-anchor fixation.There were 105 patients with Rockwood type III or severer AC joint dislocations were randomly divided into two groups from February 2007 to April 2010. They were treated with CC ligament reconstruction using double bundle of Palmaris longus (hook plate fixation group, 54 cases), and subsequently fixed with hook plates or suture-anchors (suture-anchors group, 51 cases). Patients were followed up, and the AC distance and CC distance were measured on the postoperative X-ray films, and the outcomes were assessed according to Karlsson criteria and Constant-Murley shoulder score. Ranked data was analyzed with the use of χ(2) test and measurement data with two sample t test.Eighty-nine patients were followed up for 24-42 months, average 30 months. There were 46 cases in hook plate fixation group and 43 cases in suture-anchor fixation group, without significant difference in age, gender, injured side and Rockwood classification between both groups. Between the two groups, no statistical difference was detected in the AC and CC distance measured within 6 months after operation (P0.05). The AC and CC distances of hook plate fixation group measured in 24 months postoperatively were larger than those in suture-anchor fixation group, respectively (F = 1.904 and 1.854, P0.05). In hook plate fixation group, the AC and CC distances measured in 24 months postoperatively were larger than those measured in 6 month postoperatively, respectively (F = 1.863 and 1.842, P0.05). According to Constant-Murley shoulder score, the average score was 88.5 for hook plate fixation group and 92.7 for suture-anchor fixation group (F = 0.475, P = 0.017). According to Karlsson criteria, the excellent and good rate of the functional recovery was 95.4% in suture-anchor fixation group, better than hook plate fixation group (χ(2) = 4.564, P = 0.033).The clinical outcomes of AC joint dislocation treated with CC ligament reconstruction and suture-anchor fixation are better than those treated with CC ligament reconstruction and hook plate fixation. The AC and CC distances increase after the removal of hook plate, which may be associated with poor functional recovery.

Mcl-1 is an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that modulates apoptosis-related signaling pathways and promotes cell survival. We have previously demonstrated a reduction of Mcl-1 expression in aging cochleae. To investigate whether restoring Mcl-1 expression would reduce aging-related cochlear degeneration, we developed a rat model of Mcl-1 overexpression. A plasmid encoding human Mcl-1/enhanced green fluorescent protein was applied to the round window of the cochlea. This in vivo treatment transfected both the sensory and supporting cells of the cochlear sensory epithelium and enhanced Mcl-1 expression at both the mRNA and the protein level. The upregulation of Mcl-1 expression reduced the progression of age-related cochlear dysfunction and sensory cell death. Furthermore, the transfection of Mcl-1 exerted its protective effect by suppressing cochlear apoptosis at the mitochondrial level. This study demonstrates that the genetic modulation of Mcl-1 expression reduces the progression of age-related cochlear degeneration.

To develop the national neglect norms for urban primary school students in China.According to multi-stage stratified cluster sampling principle, 24 cities of 13 provinces (municipalities) in China were selected during December 1 to 31, 2008. A total of 1491 students in grade 1 - 3 and 2236 students in grade 4 - 6 were selected. Questionnaire was designed by authors and the final norms were determined through several statistical analysis methods, such as item analysis method, factor analysis method, reliability analysis method. The reliability analysis and validity analysis were used to test the stability and reliability of the norms. The evaluation criteria of the scale was determined by the percentile method, then the initial development of the norm was completed.The two questionnaires of grade 1 - 3 and grade 4 - 6 students consisted of 55 and 57 items, respectively, whose item loadings were ranged from 0.301 to 0.687 and 0.321 to 0.730, which met the statistical requirements. For grade 1 - 3 students, the scale's total Cronbach α coefficients was 0.914, the total split-half reliability coefficients was 0.896, the Cronbach α coefficients of four level was above 0.737 except medical and social neglect, split-half reliability was ranged from 0.461 to 0.757; for grade 4-6 students, the scale's total Cronbach α coefficients was 0.916, split-half reliability was 0.883, except social neglect, the Cronbach α coefficients of other level was ranged 0.457 to 0.856, split-half reliability was ranged from 0.500 to 0.798. The total neglect cut-off score of the two scales grade 1-3 and 4-6 were 125 and 155, respectively.The structure of two norms was reasonable. The scales have good stability and reliability.

Background This phase I study investigated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of ganetespib in patients with solid malignancies. Methods Patients were enrolled in cohorts of escalating ganetespib doses, given as 1 hour IV infusion, once weekly for 3 weeks, followed by a 1-week rest until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Endpoints included safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters and preliminary clinical activity. Results Fifty-three patients were treated at doses escalating from 7 to 259 mg/m2. The most common adverse events were Grade 1 and 2 diarrhea, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) observed were: one Grade 3 amylase elevation (150 mg/m2), one Grade 3 diarrhea and one Grade 3 and one Grade 4 asthenia (259 mg/m2). The MTD was 216 mg/m2 and the recommended phase 2 dose was established at 200 mg/m2 given IV at Days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks. There was a linear relationship between dose and exposure. Plasma HSP70 protein levels remained elevated for over a week post treatment. Disease control rate (objective response and stable disease at ≥ 16 weeks) was 24.4%. Conclusions Ganetespib is well tolerated as a weekly infusion for 3 of every 4 weeks cycle. The recommended phase II dose is 200 mg/m2, and is associated with an acceptable tolerability profile. Trial registration NCT00687934

This study was aimed to investigate the homeobox A9 (HOXA9) mRNA and protein expression in myeloid leukemia cell line HL-60 and effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA 1 µmol/L) or arsenic trioxide (As2O3 1 µmol/L) on its expression, and to explore the pathogenesis of leukemia mediated by HOXA9 at mRNA and protein levels. The expression of HOXA9 mRNA and protein were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (FQ-RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. HL-60 cells were divided into 3 group: normal control added with RPMI 1640 medium, ATRA group and As2O3 group. The results indicated that HOXA9 mRNA expression in each group showed a firstly increasing and then decreasing tendency, in which the expression of HOXA9 mRNA was observed at day 1, increased at day 2, and decreased at day 3; while HOXA9 protein expression in each group was observed at day 1, the expression of HOXA9 protein in control group and ATRA group showed firstly increase and then decrease. The expression of HOXA9 protein in As2O3 group showed a decreased tendency gradually. The expression of HOXA9 mRNA in ATRA groups at day 1-3 was higher than that in control group (P0.05). The differences of HOXA9 mRNA expression between As2O3 groups and the control group were not significant at day 1 and day 3, but was higher than that in control group at day 2 (P0.05). The expression of HOXA9 protein in ATRA group at day 1- day 3 was higher than that in control group (P0.05). Compared with control group, the expression of HOXA9 protein in As2O3 group was higher at day 1 (P0.05), lower at day 2 (P0.05), and no significant differences at day 3. It is concluded that HOXA9 mRNA and protein express in HL-60 cells. ATRA 1 µmol/L can up-regulate the expression of HOXA9 mRNA and protein in HL-60 cells. The mechanisms of treatment of leukemia by ATRA and As2O3 may be associated with the regulation of the HOXA9 mRNA or protein expression.

To evaluate the relationship between labeling index (LI) Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) with the clinical behavior of acoustic neuroma.Expression of Ki-67, PCNA and TGF-beta1 was detected by immunohistochemistry in 53 specimens of acoustic neuromas. The relationship among tumor proliferation, histological representation, size of tumor, clinical proliferation index of tumor and tumor proliferation activity were analyzed.In all 53 cases, the positive rate of Ki-67 was 77.4% (41/53) but the positive rate of PCNA was 84.9% (45/53). There was significant difference between the proliferate index, clinic growth rate and course of disease (t = 2.14, t = 2.70; P0.05). The positive rate of TGF-beta1 was 83.0% (44/53). The correlation of TGF-beta1 with LI (Ki-67) was significant difference (r = 0.36, P0.05). Cystic degeneration often occurred in large-size tumor (Z = 4.44, P0.05). There was no significant relationship between the expression of LI (Ki-67), LI (PCNA) and TGF-beta1 and the course of disease as well as between the cystic degeneration and the non-cystic degeneration. Although clinic growth rate of cystic degeneration was bigger than that of non-cystic degeneration, there was not statistically significant.Ki-67 and PCNA are reflected proliferation activities of tumor cells in acoustic neuromas. Cell proliferation-labeling index LI (PCNA) was related with clinical growth rates. TGF-beta1 might participate in the biological behavior of acoustic neuroma. Cystic degeneration was one of special pattern of acoustic neuroma, however, tumor enlargement might due to the volume of the cystic but unrelated to fast proliferation of parenchyma cell.

To evaluate the risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and the relationship of low ankle brachial index (ABI) to all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in Chinese male patients with hypertension.The data of 1606 male participants with hypertension from the eight hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai were analyzed. ABI was ascertained at baseline by measuring the systolic pressures on bilateral brachial and tibial arteries. ABIor = 0.9 was used as the diagnostic criteria for PAD identification. The follow-up survey was conducted from November 2005 to January 2006.Of 1606 male participants with hypertension at baseline, 406 (25.3% ) were in low-ABI group and 1200 (74.7%) were in normal-ABI group. Older age, TC, history of diabetes, history of smoking and 2-grade hypertension were associated with low ABI in male patients with hypertension. During the (12.87 +/- 2.94) months follow-up, there were 153 deaths. Of which, 62 were attributable to CVD. Low ABI was associated with adjusted all-cause and CVD mortality risk of 1.728 (1.223-2.441) and 2.388 (1.409-4.046) respectively in Cox regression models. Rate of survival for the low-ABI group was significantly worse than for the normal-ABI group. The risk of all-cause and CVD mortality was increased with the decline of ABI.Low ABI is independently associated with the high risks of all-cause and CVD mortality in Chinese male patients with hypertension. The utility of ABI as a tool for predicting mortality in the patients with hypertension should be popularized.

To investigate the pathogenic mechanism of vocal fold polyps and Reinke's edema.A reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique was adopted, mRNA levels of 9 proteins were measured in 12 vocal fold polyps, 2 Reinke's edema and 5 normal vocal folds (from total laryngectomy).The results showed that in the vocal fold polyps, mRNA levels of collagenase and fibromodulin descended and levels of fibronectin increased (P0.05). mRNA levels of lysyl oxidase and hyaluronic acid synthase 2 had no statistic difference between lesions and normal vocal folds (P0.05). mRNA express of tropoelastin exon, elastase and hyaluronidase was positive in part of lesion tissue and positive in all normal vocal folds. mRNA of procollagen I was negative in both groups. In the Reinke's edema, mRNA express of fibronectin was close to vocal fold polyps and mRNA express of fibromodulin was close to normal vocal folds.It was speculated phonation trauma and vocal fold restoring to trauma played an important role in pathogenic mechanism. Fibromodulin and fibronectin were two components involved in the disorders.

In studying genetic factors in hearing loss among Chinese hearing-impaired population, a Chinese family with deaf-mute that had been reversion inherited through five generations was found (named pedigree L021). X linked recessive inheritance was hypothesized to be the transmission in this family. A total of 64 members in this family were investigated. Of these, audiometric evaluation was performed on 31 members, including 8 males with deaf-mute. Most affected individuals showed deafness or profound sensorineural hearing loss. Blood samples were obtained from 31 consented individuals in this family. Pedigree analysis indicates a X-linked recessive inheritance pattern in pedigree L021. The pedigree described herein provides an excellent model for further study on the molecular mechanism of congenital deaf-mute.

To investigate if auditory neuropathy have inferior vestibular nerve (IVN) lesion and to explore the relation between AN and the IVN lesion by vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs).VEMPs were observed in 13 patients with auditory neuropathy. And the relation among the duration, hearing threshold of lower frequency and speech discrimination score with VEMPs were observed.Fifty-four percent patients in auditory neuropathy had abnormal VEMPs. They took the form of lower amplitude and no response. The statistical analysis showed that the abnormality of VEMPs had no correlation with lower frequency hearing loss, the duration and speech discrimination score.The IVN dysfunction may coexist with auditory neuropathy, having lesion in the IVN. However, there was no significant relation between the severity of AN and VEMPs, which meant that AN and inferior vestibular neuropathy had their independence to some extent.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) has been utilized in clinic to test the function of saccule. In the present study, 3 stimulus modes were applied to 21 normal adults and intended to draw in a clinical test protocol.The normal latency and amplitude of VEMPs of 21 normal subjects were recorded and the ratio of bilateral amplitudes and asymmetry were calculated.The response to binaural clicks were similar to the response of the monaural clicks. The interindividual variation in amplitude were large, but the latency varied little.VEMPs is a stable myogenic potentials. Monaural and binaural clicks stimulus can be used in clinical practice. The latter is appropriate for normal hearing subjects. Amplitude measurement is probable to evaluate the asymmetry of bilateral saccular function and may reveal saccule lesion.

Background Controversy still exists in the indication and timing of surgical treatment of pulmonary hamartoma (PH). The objective of this study is to summarize the experience and the outcome of the surgical treatment for pulmonary hamartomas, and to assess the effectiveness and necessity of surgical therapy administered in patients with pulmonary hamatoma as well as clinical and pathological features and long-term follow-up results. Methods This retrospective report has reviewed a 20-years clinical history of surgical treatment for 39 patients with PH from 1985 to 2006. These thirty-nine patients underwent 40 operations as follows: wedge resection (23), enucleation (10), segmentectomy (3), lobectomy (3), and pneumonectomy (1). Results The PH occurred most frequently (78.1%) in the patients aged 40 to 60 years and the sex ratio (male/female) was 2.25/1 in our series. No postoperative death was encountered. One patient with pleural effusion was cured after thoracentesis. All of these 39 patients were proved with pathologic diagnosis of PH and the popcorn calcification was found in 6 cases before operation. In 38 cases having the mean follow-up of 7.3 years, a patient was operated thrice for regional recurrence. Conclusion Fast frozen section in operation is critical for acquire accurate pathological diagnosis. Due to potential trend of recurrence or malignance, patients with hamartoma should be submitted to a complete evaluation and a regular follow-up.