The Impact of Senior Mobility Funding on Hearing Aid Acquisition and Compliance to Hearing Aid Use in a Singapore Hospital

Background and Objectives@#In 2013, the Singapore government reviewed and expanded the Senior Mobility Fund (SMF) to provide subsidy for assistive devices, including hearing aids (HA). While SMF has improved accessibility to HA, its impact on HA acquisition has not been determined. The study aims to elucidate the influence of SMF on HA acquisition and the relationship between financial funding and compliance to HA use. @*Subjects and Methods@#Retrospective review of 643 patients seen between January 2017 to January 2018 at the earnose and throat specialist outpatient clinic, who were referred for a hearing aid evaluation. Of the 643 patients, 109 patients with baseline hearing handicap (HH) scores recorded, and no formal diagnosis of cognitive impairment were included. The patients were grouped according to SMF eligibility and clinical data were obtained. @*Results@#The odds ratio for acquiring HA was significantly higher with SMF, regardless of HH scores. When looking at actual degree of hearing loss (DHL), HA uptake was significantly higher in the least severe of DHL categories. There is no relationship between SMF and compliance to HA use. However, HH score is positively correlated with data log in regression analyses. @*Conclusions@#SMF appears to influence HA acquisition. Especially in financially funded patients with low self-perceived HH, the benefits of HA may be underappreciated given the few hours of HA use. Further studies are warranted to investigate the impact of financial funding on outcomes of HA users to help policy planners and clinicians be prudent in the utilization of SMF.

Effect of Picroside Ⅱ on Expression of microRNA-1 in H2O2-induced H9c2 Cardiomyocytes Damage / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the effect of picroside Ⅱ on the expression of microRNA-1 (miR-1) in the H2O2-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes damage, in order to explore the mechanism of picroside Ⅱ in protecting H9c2 cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress. Method: H9c2 cardiomyocytes were divided into 6 groups:control group, model group (H2O2 200 μmol·L-1), picroside Ⅱ (50, 100, 200 μmol·L-1)+H2O2 (200 μmol·L-1) group and picroside Ⅱ (200 μmol·L-1) group. Picroside Ⅱ group was incubated with picroside Ⅱ for 6 h and then cultured with H2O2 for 2 h. At the end of drugs treatment, the cell viability and the cellular damage of cardiomyocytes were respectively assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) test were used to evaluate cell apoptosis. The mRNA expressions of Caspase-3,B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and miR-1 were measured by Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The protein expression of Bcl-2 was detected by Western blot. Result:Compared with the control group, H2O2 could significantly decrease the cell viability and increase the rate of apoptosis, up-regulate mRNA expression of Caspase-3 and miR-1, and down-regulate expression of Bcl-2 in H9c2 cells (PPPPPPPConclusion:Picroside Ⅱ has a protective effect on H9c2 cells from H2O2-induced cardiomyocyte injury by down-regulating mRNA-1 expression and up-regulating the expression of the downstream Bcl-2.

Expression of AXL enhances docetaxel-resistance of prostate cancer cells / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the effect of the AXL expression on the chemosensitivity of prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells to docetaxel and possible mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Using Western blot, we examined the expressions of the AXL protein, p-AXL and Gas6 in the docetaxel-resistant PC-3 (PC-3-DR) and DU145 (DU145-DR) cells stimulated with gradually increased concentrations of docetaxel. We transfected the PC-3 and DU145 cells with negative NC ShRNA and AXL-ShRNA, respectively, which were confirmed to be effective, detected the proliferation, apoptosis and cycle distribution of the cells by CCK8, MTT and flow cytometry after treated with the AXL-inhibitor MP470 and/or docetaxel, and determined the expression of the ABCB1 protein in the PC-3-DR and DU145-DR cells after intervention with the AXL-inhibitor R428 and/or docetaxel.@*RESULTS@#The expression of the AXL protein in the PC-3 and DU145 cells was significantly increased after docetaxel treatment (P <0.05). The expressions AXL and p-AXL were remarkably higher (P <0.05) while that of Gas6 markedly lower (P <0.05) in the PC-3 and DU145 than in the PC-3-DR and DU145-DR cells. The inhibitory effect of docetaxel on the proliferation and its enhancing effect on the apoptosis of the PC-3 and DU145 cells were significantly decreased at 48 hours after AXL transfection (P <0.05). MP470 obviously suppressed the growth and promoted the apoptosis of the PC-3-DR and DU145-DR cells, with a higher percentage of the cells in the G2/M phase when combined with docetaxel than used alone (P <0.05). R428 markedly reduced the expression of ABCB1 in the PC-3-DR and DU145-DR cells, even more significantly in combination with docetaxel than used alone (P <0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The elevated expression of AXL enhances the docetaxel-resistance of PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells and AXL intervention improves their chemosensitivity to docetaxel, which may be associated with the increased cell apoptosis in the G2/M phase and decreased expression of ABCB1.

Function of lncRNA TUG1 in Insulin Secretion from Pancreatic Beta Cells / 现代生物医学进展

Objective:To determine the role of lncRNA TUG1 in pancreatic β cells functioning both in vitro and in vivo.Methods:The lncRNA TUG1 expression in mice pancreas,brain,muscle and other different tissues was examined through qRT-PCR.MTT,flow cytometry,GSIS,ELISA and immunochemistry analyses were performed to detect the effect of lncRNA TUG1 on insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo.Results:lncRNA TUG1 was highly expressed in pancreatic tissue compared with other organ tissues.Knockdown of lncRNA TUG1 expression resulted in decreased insulin secretion in β cells both in vitro and in vivo.Immunochemistry analyses showed decreased relative islet area after treatment with lncRNA TUG1 siRNA.Conclusions:Downregulation of lncRNA TUG1 expression can affect insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells in vitro and in vivo,and lncRNA TUG1 may represent a factor that regulates the function of pancreatic β cells.

Effects of insulin-like peptide 6 on renal fibrosis and calcification in unilateral ureteral obstruction mice / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective·To investigate the effects of insulin-like peptide 6 (Insl6) on renal fibrosis and calcification in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. Methods·Twenty-four SPF male mice with genotypic background of C57BL/6 were divided into Sham (n=8), UUO+saline (n=8) and UUO+Insl6 (n=8) groups randomly. Mice were sacrificed 10 days after operation and renal tissues of surgical side were obtained. Sirus red staining, Masson staining and alizarin red S staining were used to verify the level of collagen and calcium deposition. TGF-β1 expression was determined by Western blotting. Realtime-PCR was used for determining TGF-β1, BMP2, Col1a1, and Col2a1 mRNA expression. Results·Compared with sham group, fibrotic area especially collagen Ⅰ , calcium deposition, TGF-β1 protein, and TGF-β1, BMP2, Col1a1, and Col2a1 mRNA expression in UUO+saline group significantly increased (all P<0.05). As compared with UUO+saline group, fibrotic area especially collagen Ⅰ, calcium deposition, TGF-β1 protein, and TGF-β1, BMP2, Col1a1, and Col2a1 mRNA expression in UUO+Insl6 group significantly decreased (all P<0.05). Conclusion·Insl6 inhibits UUO-induced renal fibrosis and calcification, which may be related to regulation of TGF-β1, collagen Ⅰ , BMP2 and collagen Ⅱ expression levels.

Effect of alpha1-blockers on stentless ureteroscopic lithotripsy

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the clinical efficiency of alpha1-adrenergic antagonists on stentless ureteroscopic lithotripsy treating uncomplicated lower ureteral stones. Materials and Methods From January 2007 to January 2013, 84 patients who have uncomplicated lower ureteral stones treated by ureteroscopic intracorporeal lithotripsy with the holmium laser were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups, group A (44 patients received indwelled double-J stents) and group B (40 patients were treated by alpha1-adrenergic antagonists without stents). All cases of group B were treated with alpha1 blocker for 1 week. Results The mean operative time of group A was significantly longer than group B. The incidences of hematuria, flank/abdominal pain, frequency/urgency after surgery were statistically different between both groups. The stone-free rate of each group was 100%. Conclusions The effect of alpha1-adrenergic antagonists is more significant than indwelling stent after ureteroscopic lithotripsy in treating uncomplicated lower ureteral stones.

Value of CT angiography in reducing the risk of hemorrhage associated with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the clinical value of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in reducing the risk of hemorrhage associated with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).Materials and Methods:A total of 158 patients with renal or ureter stones who had undergone mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy were retrospectively enrolled into this study from May of 2011 to April of 2014. Group 1 (65 patients) underwent computed tomography angiography, and Group 2 (93 patients) underwent non-contrast CT. The clinical characteristics of the patients and hemorrhagic complications were recorded. The hematologic complications (transfusion rate, and preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin values) were assessed.Results:There were no statistically significant differences in age, body mass index(BMI), stone diameter, operative time, stone-free rate, and hospital stay between the 2 groups. In group 2, 1 patient (1.1%) developed a renal arteriovenous fistula and was treated with embolus therapy. In addition, Group 2 showed significantly drop in hemoglobin (3.6 g/dL vs. 2.4 g/dL, respectively; P <0.001) and more transfusions (9.7% vs. 1.5%, respectively; P <0.05) compared with Group 1.Conclusion:The study showed that patients who underwent computed tomography angiography prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy had lower drop of hemoglobin and needed less transfusions. These findings may suggest that the use of computed tomography angiography may reduce the risk of bleeding during percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Ten significantly differentially expressed genes in prostate cancer: Screening and verification / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To screen and verify differentially expressed genes in prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using DNA microarray, we screened differentially expressed genes in prostate cancer tissue and its adjacent tissue followed by verification by PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1 444 genes were found to be differentially expressed (differentiation ≥ 1.5-fold; P≤ 0.05) in the prostate cancer tissue, of which 769 (53%) were up-regulated and 675 (47%) down-regulated. Fifty percent of the differentially expressed genes showed a 1.5- to 2-fold differentiation, including 396 up-regulated and 182 down-regulated ones. Additionally, 308 up-regulated and 334 down-regulated genes exhibited a >2- to 5-fold, 46 up-regulated and 78 down-regulated genes a > 5- to 10-fold, and 19 up-regulated and 81 down-regulated genes a > 10-fold differentiation. Verification by subjecting 15 most significantly up-regulated and another 15 most markedly down-regulated genes to quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that most of the genes had a transcriptional profile similar to that in the microarray data, with a Pearson correction coefficient of 0.83 between the microarray data and qRT-PCR results. Totally, 10 significantly differentially expressed genes were identified.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DNA microarray analysis provides reliable information on differentially expressed genes in prostate cancer and benign tissues. The 10 significantly differentially expressed genes verified by qRT-PCR could possibly become new bio-markers and specific molecules for tumor identification.</p>

Study of endorectal ultrasonography in the staging of rectal cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>There is no consensus regarding the performance for endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS) at every stage of rectal cancer. Thus, the purpose of our study was to further assess the value of ERUS in the preoperative staging of rectal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective study was performed with 44 consecutive patients (mean age: (63.3 ± 10.2) years) who underwent surgical treatment for endorectal carcinoma and were preoperatively evaluated using Biplane ERUS between September 2008 and December 2010. We compared the ERUS staging with the pathological findings based on surgical specimens.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ERUS staging agreed with the histologic staging in 39 of the 44 (88.6%) patients: the agreement on the depth of transmural invasion was good (κ = 0.73; 95%CI: 0.60 - 0.86, P = 0.000). The detection sensitivities of rectal cancer with ERUS were as follows: T1 85.7%, T2 87.5%, T3 88.9%, and T4 100.0% with specificity values of T1 97.3%, T2 92.9%, T3 96.2%, and T4 97.6%. ERUS correctly staged patients with T1 95.5%, T2 90.9%, T3 70.5%, and T4 97.7%. The positive predictive value of ERUS was lowest for T4 (75%), but highest for T3 (94.1%) followed by T2 (87.5%) and T1 (85.7%); the negative predictive values of ERUS from high to low were ordered as T4 (100%), T1 (97.3%), T2 (92.9%), and T3 (92.6%). The percentage of total over-staged cases was 4.5% and the under-staged cases was 6.8%. The extent of perirectal lymph node metastases was determined with a sensitivity of 68.4% (13/19), specificity of 80.0% (20/25), and diagnostic accuracy of 75.0% (33/44).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Biplane ERUS has a high diagnostic accuracy for tumoral invasion of the rectal wall at every T stage, but relatively low diagnostic accuracy for lymph node metastases.</p>

Effects of PPAR-gamma on the proliferation and glycolysis metabolism of prostate cancer cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of the expression of the PPAR-gamma gene on the proliferation and glycolysis metabolism of prostate cancer cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using RNAi, we constructed lowly--expressed shRNA-PPARgamma adenoviruses and transfected them to PC3 prostate cancer cells, with blank vectors as controls. Then we detected the proliferation and apoptosis of the cells, glycolysis metabolism related genes and lactate accumulation by CCK-8 kit, and compared the results between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the PPAR-gamma gene expression was obviously inhibited by RNAi in the PC3 cells, and its protein expression was reduced to (26.00 +/- 4.06)%. The proliferation inhibition rate was (39.5 +/- 4.92)% on the 2nd day, and the apoptosis rate was as high as (21.03 +/- 3.08)%. The glycolysis metabolism related gene products (Myc and Glut-1) were significantly decreased, and the lactate concentration was reduced to 69.71% of that of the controls on the 4th day. There were statistically significant differences in the above findings as compared with the control group (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PPAR-gamma gene knockdown is expected to be a new way to treat prostate cancer.</p>

Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene Fok I polymorphisms and benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated by histological prostatitis / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene Fok I polymorphisms and BPH complicated by histological prostatitis (BPH + HP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We detected Fok I polymorphisms in the peripheral blood of 79 patients with BPH + HP and 81 controls with BPH only using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and analyzed the frequency distribution of the genotypes and alleles of the two groups of patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Obvious differences were found in the distribution of genotypes and alleles between the BPH + HP patients (FF: 27% [21/79], Ff: 30% [24/79], ff: 43% [34/79]) and the controls (FF: 33% [27/81], Ff: 36% [29/81], ff: 31% [25/81]), with statistical significance in the distribution of the genotype ff (P < 0.05). The histological prostatitis group showed a significant difference from the controls in the frequency of the f allele (58% [196/338] vs 49% [153/312], P < 0.05), but not in that of the F allele (42% [142/338] vs 51% [159/312] , P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VDR Fok I polymorphisms may be correlated with BPH complicated by histological prostatitis.</p>

RUNX2 mutations in Taiwanese patients with cleidocranial dysplasia

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal dominant human skeletal disorder comprising hypoplastic clavicles, wide cranial sutures, supernumerary teeth, short stature, and other skeletal abnormalities. It is known that mutations in the human RUNX2 gene mapped at 6p21 are responsible for CCD. We analyzed the mutation patterns of the RUNX2 gene by direct sequencing in six Taiwanese index cases with typical CCD. One of the patients was a familial case and the others were sporadic cases. Sequencing identified four mutations. Three were caused by single nucleotide substitutions, which created a nonsense (p.R391X), two were missense mutations (p.R190W, p.R225Q), and the forth was a novel mutation (c.1119delC), a one-base deletion. Real time quantitative PCR adapted to determine copy numbers of the promoter, all exons and the 3'UTR region of the RUNX2 gene detected the deletion of a single allele in a sporadic case. The results extend the spectrum of RUNX2 mutations in CCD patients and indicate that complete deletions of the RUNX2 gene should be considered in those CCD patients lacking a point mutation detected by direct sequencing.

Clinical efficacy of Shengjing capsule on patients with oligoasthenospermia / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effect of the Chinese medicinal preparation Shengling Capsule on patients with oligoasthenospermia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 270 male patients with infertility induced by oligoasthenospermia were equally divided into a treatment and a control group, the former medicated with Shengling Capsule at the dose of 1.6 g tid, and the latter given Vit E at 50 mg tid, both for a course of 12 weeks. Then we analyzed the changes in the patients'seminal parameters and the pregnancy of their wives.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 12 weeks of medication, both the seminal parameters of the patients and pregnancy of their wives were remarkably improved, with extremely significant differences from pre-treatment and the control (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shengjing Capsule can improve sperm motility and vitality as well as sperm count. With few adverse effects, it can be used as a safe and effective therapeutic for male infertility induced by oligoasthenospermia.</p>

Construction and identification of infectious molecular clone of foot-and-mouth disease virus strain O/CHINA/99 / 病毒学报

Nine primers were designed for the full-length genome of O/CHINA/99 and each sequence fragment was obtained by RT-PCR, and cloned into pOK12 vecter, the full-length genome cDNA clone of O/CHINA/99 was identified by restriction enzymes digestion, PCR, and the whole genome sequencing. The results showed that the O/CHINA/99 whole genome was formed with the length of 8200 nt. The nucleotide sequence of the full-length cDNA shared 99.1% homology with its prototype. RNA synthesized in vitro by means of a bacteriophage T7 promter inserted in front of the cDNA led to the production of infectious particle upon transfection of BHK-21 cell using lipofectamine reagent, as shown by cytopathic effects. The rescued virus had high pathogenicity in mice by endermic infection too. All the results showed that an infectious molecular clone was successfully constructed and rescued virus could be obtained.

Disequilibrium and modulation of T cell-specific transcription factors T-bet/GATA-3 in CD4+T cells from ovalbumin-sensitized mice / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To identify the imbalance of T cell-specific transcription factors T-bet/GATA-3,and to explore the modulation with dexamethasone and imiquimod in CD4+T cells from ovalbumin (OVA)sensitized mice.Methods CD4+T cells were obtained fromsingled-cell suspension of spleen(after lysis of RBC).ELISA assay was used to detect the concentrations of IL-4,IL-5 and IFN-γin superna tants and cell pellets,and the expression of T-bet and GATA-3 was detected by Western blot.Resuits In the control group,tIle low levels of IFN-γ were detected in the supernatants during 24 h.In OVA treatment group,the concentrations of IL-4,IL-5 were increased significantly,and the concentrations of IFN-γ were always low in the supernatants.In the dexamethasone treatment group,the concentrations of IFN-γ,IL-4 and IL-5 were all low in the supernatants during 24 h.In the imiquimod treatment group,the concentrations of IFN-γ were increased significantly,and the concentrations of IL-4 and IL-5 were decreased in the super natants.It worked at 6 h,and achieved the peak at 12 h,lasted over 24 h.In the control group,the expres sions of T-bet and GATA-3 were detected in CD4+T cells during 24 h.In OVA treatment group,the expressions of T-bet were decreased,and that of GATA-3 were increased rapidly in CD4+T cells.In dexam ethasone treatment group,the expressions of T-bet were always low in CD4+T cells,and that ofGATA-3 were no change during 24 h.In imiquimod treatment group,the expressions of T-bet were increased,andthat of GATA-3 were decreased in CD4+T cells.The protein expressions worked at 6 h.and achieved the peak at 12 h,lasted over 24 h.Conclusion The imbalance T cell-specific transcription factors T-bet/GA-TA-3 contributes to both high expression of GATA-3 and low expression of T-bet in CD4+T cells from OVA sensitized mice.Dexamethasone treatment inhibits the expression of T-bet in CD4+T cells and has no func tion in GATA-3.Imiquimod treatment modulates key master switches GATA-3 and T-bet that results in com mitting T helper cell to a TH 1 phenotype and imiquimod may play a key role in the regulation of TH2 cytokine responses in asthma.

An examination of the self-reported scale of brief psychopathological symptoms to detect malingering in forensic psychiatric subjects / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the self-reported scale of brief psychopathological symptoms (SBPS) to detect malingering in forensic psychiatric cases.@*METHODS@#Two hundred and six cases with different types of psychiatric problems were tested by SBPS. All cases were separately evaluated by two experts.@*RESULTS@#About 34.5% cases (71/206) were classified as malingering by the cut-off 13 scores of SBPS. Compared with expert's evaluation, SBPS showed a false negative rate of 19.8% and a false positive rate of 1.7%, respectively, with a total accuracy rate of 90.8%. Cases involved in compensations including working injury and traffic accidence showed the highest rate of malingering (51%).@*CONCLUSION@#SBPS is useful for detecting malingering psychopathological symptoms.

Detection of pim-1 mRNA in prostate cancer diagnosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Pim-1 plays an important role in the apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation of cancer cells and progression of cancer. In this study we detected the expression of pim-1 mRNA in normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer (PCa) and explored its diagnostic value for PCa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The prostate tissues were collected from 23 patients with PCa, 37 patients with BPH, and 3 healthy volunteers. Pim-1 mRNA expression levels in these samples were determined by the quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). The differences of expression were calculated based on a standard curve.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ratio of pim-1 mRNA to beta-actin in the normal prostate, BPH, and PCa were 1.05 +/- 0.04, 2.57 +/- 0.74 and 4.45 +/-0.63, respectively. The differences among PCa, BPH and NT were significant (P < 0.05, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Detecting pim-1 mRNA expression by QRT-PCR provides a reliable metric for the diagnosis of PCa.</p>

Effect of recombinant adenovirus-p53 on growth and chemosensitivity of human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines / 中国肺癌杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>p53 gene is the most commonly mutated gene in lung cancer. p53 mutation results in insensitivity of cells when exposed to chemotherapy. It has been reported that adenovirus-mediated wild-type p53 gene transfection into lung cancer cells can enhance the cytotoxic effect of anti-cancer drugs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of domestic recombinant adenovirus-p53 (Ad-p53, Gendicine) on growth and chemosensitivity of human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines GLC-82 (including mutant p53) and A549 (including wild-type p53) were treated with Ad-p53, cisplatin (DDP) or Ad-p53+DDP respectively. p53 expression was detected by Western blot. The cell growth inhibition was assessed by MTT, and cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>High-level p53 expression was detected in Ad-p53 infected GLC-82 and A549 cells by Western blot. There was a dose-dependent and time-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation by Ad-p53. After combined treatment with Ad-p53 (100MOI) and DDP (0.5mg/L) for 72h, the growth inhibition rate of A549 cells was 43.13%±0.72%, which was significantly higher than that in Ad-p53 group ( 23.44%±0.54%, P < 0.001) and DDP group (14.17%±1.39%, P < 0.001); and the growth inhibition rate of GLC-82 cells was 63.73%±0.92%, which was significantly higher than that in Ad-p53 group ( 41.51%±0.59%, P < 0.001) and DDP group (56.11%±1.12%, P < 0.001). Combined administration of Ad-p53 and DDP remarkably arrested A549 and GLC-82 cells in G0-G1, and cells in S phase significantly decreased. Meanwhile the apoptotic rate of A549 cells was 28.99%±1.07% in Ad-p53+DDP group, which was significantly higher than that in Ad-p53 group (15.35%±1.31%, P < 0.001) and DDP group (1.74%±0.77%, P < 0.001). The apoptotic rate of GLC-82 cells was 62.98%±2.43% in Ad-p53+DDP group, which was significantly higher than that in Ad-p53 group (20.88%±0.71%, P < 0.001) and DDP group (6.91%±1.52%, P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ad-p53 (Gendicine) can inhibit the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines irrespective of the status of endogenous p53 gene. Its combination with DDP may significantly enhance the chemosensitivity of human lung adenocarcinoma cells to DDP.</p>

Survival and prognostic analysis of radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the survival of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and investigate the prognostic factors affecting overall survival, local recurrence-free survival and disease-free survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 192 HCC patients underwent RFA treatment in our department and were enrolled into this study. Among them, 151 patients were males and 41 were females (mean age, 59.2 years, range, 24 - 87 years old). The average tumor size was (3.9 +/- 1.3) cm (range, 1.2 - 8.0 cm). Of these 192 HCC patients, their Child-Pugh grade of A, B and C were 106, 77 and 9, respectively. According to UICC-TNM system, 57, 85, 44 and 6 patients were in stage I, II, III and IV respectively. Kaplan-Meier model and log-rank test were used in univariate analysis and COX regression model was used in multivariate analysis to identify prognostic factors for survival.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-year overall survival were 84.9%, 69.1%, 60.4% and 52.8%, respectively. Local recurrence-free survival were 75.1%, 53.8%, 43.9% and 40.8%, respectively. Disease-free survival were 64.3%, 43.2%, 37.1% and 25.0%, respectively. The following factors were identified as independent prognostic factors for survival by multivariate model: (1) Overall survival: Child-Pugh classification, standard treatment protocol and UICC-TNM staging. (2) Local recurrence-free survival: Child-Pugh classification and UICC-TNM staging. (3) Disease-free survival: UICC-TNM staging, Child-Pugh classification and daughter lesion. Among these, both Child-Pugh classification and UICC-TNM staging were independent prognostic factors for three kinds of survivals.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Degree of tumor progress (UICC-TNM stage, daughter lesion), treatment method (applying of standard treatment protocol) and patients' liver function are the most important factors for survival after RFA. So application of proper treatment strategy before, during and after RFA should be required to improve survival.</p>

cDNA macroarray for analysis of gene expression profiles in prostate cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Early diagnosis and timely treatment are important for improving therapeutic efficiency of prostate cancer. DNA array is a new bio-technology for disease diagnosis. This study was conducted to diagnose prostate cancer with cDNA macroarray and analysis gene expression profiles of some selective genes in prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total RNA was isolated from patients with prostate cancer and from normal people, and poly (A) RNA was further purified. Then it was analyzed for differentially expressed genes in prostate cancer and normal prostate by cDNA macroarray system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were different expressions in the nine prostate-associated specific genes in prostate cancer as compared with normal prostate, in which, 7 were significantly upregulated and 2 were down-regulated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As a diagnostic approach at molecular level, the cDNA macroarray is an effectively diagnostic method for prostate cancer.</p>