Environment control and healthy education are the most important methods for prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis / 中华预防医学杂志

The almost all guidelines of allergic rhinitis (AR) diagnosis and treatment in the world agree the strategy of "combination of prevention and treatment, four in one". There are more descriptions about anti-allergic medications and allergen immunotherapy (AIT), but less contents of environmental control and health education. It is necessary to emphasize again that clinicians must attach great importance to environmental control and strengthen health education in order to realize the three-level prevention of AR and reduce its harm.

Impact of empagliflozin on peak oxygen uptake in HFmrEF patients: a randomized controlled trial / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the impact of empagliflozin on peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, consecutive HFmrEF patients admitted to the Department of Cardiology of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from September 2019 to October 2020 were screened, and randomly assigned to empagliflozin group (EG) or conventional group (CG) using a random number table. The enrolled patients were treated according to the guidelines, and patients in the empagliflozin group received additional empagliflozin (10 mg, once a day, orally) on top of the conventional treatment. The primary end points were VO2peak at 6 months after treatment, and the secondary end points included other parameters of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), 6-minute walking distance, N-terminal B-type pro-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score. Results: A total of 112 patients were included (mean age 69 (57, 78) years, 84 male (75.0%)). There were 55 cases in CG group and 57 cases in EG group. There were no significant differences in baseline data including age, sex, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, estimated glomerular filtration rate, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin, NT-proBNP, daily dose of tolasemi, combined medication, CPET parameters, the proportion of New York Heart Association heart function Ⅲ/Ⅳ, history of coronary heart disease, history of hypertension, history of diabetes (all P>0.05). At 6 months after treatment, VO2peak was significantly higher in EG group than in CG group(P=0.023). VE/VCO2 slope was significantly lower in EG group than in CG group(P=0.034). Oxygen uptake efficiency slope was significantly higher in EG group than in CG group(P=0.038). The level of NT-proBNP was significantly lower in EG group than in CG group(P=0.020). Six-minute walking distance was significantly higher in EG group than in CG group(P=0.037). KCCQ score was significantly higher in EG group than in CG group(P=0.048). Exercise oscillatory ventilation decreased in both groups (1 case in each group, P>0.05). Conclusion: Empagliflozin can significantly improve VO2peak in patients with HFmrEF.

Sensitization characteristics of Juniperus chinensis pollen in Beijing area / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the sensitization characteristics of Juniperus chinensis pollen in patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma in Beijing area, and to explore the characteristics of Juniper chinensis pollen sensitized population. Methods: Patients with suspected allergic rhinitis and/or asthma from January 2017 to December 2019 in the outpatient department of Allergy Department of Beijing Shijitan Hospital were selected in this study. Skin prick test (SPT) was performed with Juniper chinensis pollen allergen reagent to compare different age and disease allergen distribution, and to observe the sensitization characteristics of its population. All of the analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4. Results: A total of 8 380 patients were enrolled in the end. The total positive rate of Juniper chinensis pollen SPT reached 49.92% (4 183/8 380). The positive rate of Juniper chinensis pollen SPT was highest in the 10-14 age group, reaching 60.99% (283/464). Compared with other age groups, there was a statistical difference (χ²=266.77, P<0.01). The SPT positive rate of patients aged less than 10 years increased with the increase of age, while the SPT positive rate of patients aged over 40 years decreased with the increase of age. Single Juniper chinensis pollen was less allergenic, accounting for about 25.05% (1 048/4 183), and the patients' age was (35.21±12.39) years. Regardless of single Juniper chinensis pollen or other pollen allergies, allergic rhinitis was the main disease. Among the patients with SPT positive Juniper chinensis pollen combined with other inhaled pollen allergens, willow pollen accounted for the first (74.99%). The positive rate of Juniper chinensis pollen was the highest in patients with single allergic rhinitis, accounting for 52.05% (3 797/7 295), and the rate in patients with single allergic asthma was the lowest, accounting for 17.49% (53/303), with statistically difference (χ²=138.99, P<0.01). Conclusions: Juniper chinensis pollen is highly sensitized in patients with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic asthma in Beijing . The positive rate of SPT is highest among 10-14 age group, most of which showed strong positive reaction, and allergic rhinitis is more common in Juniper chinensis pollen sensitization diseases.

Analysis of characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Inner Mongolian grassland region of China / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) as well as the distribution and sensitization characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen in Inner Mongolia grassland of northern China. Methods: From May 2015 to August 2015, using stratified, cluster and random sampling, a field interviewer-administered survey study and skin prick test (SPT) were conducted in six areas of Inner Mongolia grassland (Xilinhot, Erenhot, Duolun, Tongliao, Jarud, Kailu), and pollen monitoring was carried out in the above six areas from January 1 to December 31 of 2015. The clinical characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR, distribution and sensitization characteristics of Chenopodiaceae pollen in these regions were observed. SAS software 9.4 was used for data processing. Results: A total of 6 043 subjects completed the study. The prevalence of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR was 13.2% (795/6 043). The highest prevalence was found in the 18-39 age group. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of SAR than rural areas (61.2% vs 37.9%, P<0.001). There was significant regional difference in the prevalence rate of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR among the above six areas (Xilinhot 21.5%, Erenhot 17.8%, Duolun 8.9%, Tongliao 6.9%, Jarud 15.3%, Kailu 9.7%, P<0.001). The main clinical symptoms of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR were sneezing (96.5%) and nasal itching (92.2%). Eye itching was more obvious among the ocular symptoms (69.1%), while fatigue (32.1%) and drowsiness (31.5%) were more prominent among other related symptoms. Among comorbidities of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR, allergic conjunctivitis accounted for 71.4% (568/795), food allergy accounted for 86.7% (689/795) and asthma accounted for 16.7% (133/795). The peak of Chenopodiaceae pollen spread was in August. The prevalence of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR was positively correlated with the concentration of Chenopodiaceae pollen (R2=0.78, P=0.043). The SPT positive rate of Chenopodiaceae pollen was 21.2% (1 282/6 043), and Xilinhot had the highest rate in six regions (28.0%, 236/842). Conclusions: The prevalence of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR in Inner Mongolia grassland stays at a high level. Sneezing is the most obvious symptom of SAR. The peak of Chenopodiaceae pollen spread is in August and the prevalence of Chenopodiaceae pollen induced SAR is positively correlated with the pollen concentration.

Regulatory factor X5 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by transactivating tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein theta and suppressing apoptosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Our previous studies have shown that regulatory factor X5 (RFX5), a classical transcription regulator of MHCII genes, was obviously overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors. However, the role of RFX5 in the carcinogenesis and progress of HCC remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal its biological significance and the underlying mechanism in HCC.@*METHODS@#RFX5 mRNA expression level and copy number variation in HCC tumors and cell lines were determined by analyzing deposited data sets in the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus database. The biological significance of RFX5 in HCC was investigated by monitoring the colony formation and subcutaneous tumor growth capacity when RFX5 was silenced with lentiviral short hairpin RNA and CRISPR/Cas9 system in HCC cell lines. The downstream gene transcriptionally activated by RFX5 in HCC cells was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay. The involvement of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein theta (YWHAQ) in HCC development was further determined by performing colony formation rescue assay and subcutaneous tumor growth rescue experiment. The association of YWHAQ with recurrence-free survival of patients with HCC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Moreover, apoptosis level and the protein level of p53 pathway were determined to reveal the mechanism of RFX5 in driving HCC development.@*RESULTS@#RFX5 was amplified and highly overexpressed in HCC tumor tissues compared with the corresponding non-tumor tissues. The mRNA expression level of RFX5 was significantly correlated with its DNA copy number (r = 0.4, P < 0.001). Functional study demonstrated that RFX5 was required for both clonogenic forming in vitro and subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo of HCC cells. Further study identified YWHAQ, namely 14-3-3 tau, as a key downstream transcriptional target gene of RFX5, which was tightly regulated by RFX5 in HCC. Moreover, overexpression of YWHAQ largely rescued the clonogenic growth of HCC cells that was suppressed by RFX5 knockdown. In addition, overexpression of YWHAQ in primary tumor was linked to poor prognosis of patients with HCC. These results demonstrated that YWHAQ was a downstream effector of RFX5 in HCC. Notably, RFX5-YWHAQ pathway could protect cells from apoptosis by suppressing the p53 and Bax in HCC.@*CONCLUSION@#RFX5 is a putative HCC driver gene that plays an important role in the development and progression of HCC by transactivating YWHAQ and suppressing apoptosis.

Regulatory factor X5 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by transactivating tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein theta and suppressing apoptosis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Our previous studies have shown that regulatory factor X5 (RFX5), a classical transcription regulator of MHCII genes, was obviously overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors. However, the role of RFX5 in the carcinogenesis and progress of HCC remains unknown. This study aimed to reveal its biological significance and the underlying mechanism in HCC.@*Methods@#RFX5 mRNA expression level and copy number variation in HCC tumors and cell lines were determined by analyzing deposited data sets in the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus database. The biological significance of RFX5 in HCC was investigated by monitoring the colony formation and subcutaneous tumor growth capacity when RFX5 was silenced with lentiviral short hairpin RNA and CRISPR/Cas9 system in HCC cell lines. The downstream gene transcriptionally activated by RFX5 in HCC cells was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay. The involvement of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein theta (YWHAQ) in HCC development was further determined by performing colony formation rescue assay and subcutaneous tumor growth rescue experiment. The association of YWHAQ with recurrence-free survival of patients with HCC was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Moreover, apoptosis level and the protein level of p53 pathway were determined to reveal the mechanism of RFX5 in driving HCC development.@*Results@#RFX5 was amplified and highly overexpressed in HCC tumor tissues compared with the corresponding non-tumor tissues. The mRNA expression level of RFX5 was significantly correlated with its DNA copy number (r = 0.4, P < 0.001). Functional study demonstrated that RFX5 was required for both clonogenic forming in vitro and subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo of HCC cells. Further study identified YWHAQ, namely 14-3-3 tau, as a key downstream transcriptional target gene of RFX5, which was tightly regulated by RFX5 in HCC. Moreover, overexpression of YWHAQ largely rescued the clonogenic growth of HCC cells that was suppressed by RFX5 knockdown. In addition, overexpression of YWHAQ in primary tumor was linked to poor prognosis of patients with HCC. These results demonstrated that YWHAQ was a downstream effector of RFX5 in HCC. Notably, RFX5-YWHAQ pathway could protect cells from apoptosis by suppressing the p53 and Bax in HCC.@*Conclusion@#RFX5 is a putative HCC driver gene that plays an important role in the development and progression of HCC by transactivating YWHAQ and suppressing apoptosis.

Effect of Upregulated DNA Replication and Sister Chromatid Cohesion 1 Expression on Proliferation and Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#DNA replication and sister chromatid cohesion 1 (DSCC1) (also called DCC1) is a component of an alternative replication factor C complex that loads proliferating cell nuclear antigen onto DNA during S phase of the cell cycle. It is located at 8q24 and frequently amplified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of DSCC1 in the carcinogenesis and progress of HCC has not been fully investigated. Here, we aimed to assert the importance of DSCC1 in the HCC.@*Methods@#In this study, copy number variation data and RNA sequencing data were used to calculate the DNA copy number and mRNA expression of DSCC1 in HCC. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to determine the mRNA and protein level of DSCC1 in HCC. The Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to assess the association of DSCC1 with the overall survival (OS) of HCC patients. Moreover, lentiviral shRNA was used to knockdown DSCC1, and then, colony-forming assay, cell cycle assay, and cell proliferation assay were performed to evaluate the impact of DSCC1 silencing on HCC cell lines.@*Results@#We found that DSCC1 was amplified and highly expressed in HCC tumor tissues than in nontumor tissues. We then found that the overexpression of both mRNA and protein of DSCC1 was linked to the bad prognosis of HCC patients. Astonishingly, the protein level of DSCC1 was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.74; P = 0.007). Furthermore, the clonogenic capacity of DSCC1-amplified HCC cell lines (MHCC-97H, MHCC-97L, and Hep3B) was significantly inhibited by transduction of a lentiviral shRNA that targets DSCC1. We also showed that knockdown of DSCC1 induced G0-G1 cell cycle arrest (increased from 60% to more than 80%) and greatly inhibited the proliferation of HCC cell lines.@*Conclusion@#These results suggest that DSCC1 is a putative HCC driver gene that promotes proliferation and is associated with poor prognosis in HCC.

Effects and mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix on Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg in mice with asthma and Yin deficiency syndrome / 中国中药杂志

Angelicae Sinensis Radix, with nourishing Yin, promoting blood circulation, and moisturizing dryness functions, is commonly used in clinical medicine. In order to investigate the effects and mechanism of Angelica sinensis(AS) on Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg in mice with asthma and Yin deficiency syndrome, asthmatic and Yin deficiency syndrome Balb/c mice models were established by injecting and inhaling ovalbumin(OVA) and thyroxin. The models were treated with dexamethasone(DXM), AS extract and AS extract+DXM, respectively. Pathological examination of lung tissues was conducted by HE staining, and ELISA was used to detect the levels of IL-4, IL-17, IFN-γ, TGF-β as well as retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor (RORγt). Results showed that AS could significantly improve the situation of inflammation infiltration, increase ratios of IFN-γ/IL-4 and TGF-β/IL-17, decrease the levels of RORγt in lung tissues. The AS+DXM group showed a best treatment effect. The results indicated that AS played a therapeutic role for asthma with Yin deficiency syndrome and improved airway inflammation by inhibiting the expression of RORγt in lung tissues and regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg.

Retroperitoneal fibrosis: a retrospective clinical data analysis of 30 patients in a 10-year period / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is an uncommon disease that is characterized by development of fibrosclerotic tissues involving retroperitoneal structures. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of 30 patients with RPF in a single center in Beijing in a 10-year period.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We retrospectively analyzed clinical data on demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, radiological findings, modalities of treatments, outcomes and prognosis of 30 patients with RPF. Patients were treated in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital between January 2003 and December 2013.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean age of patients with RPF was 56.7 ± 14.4 years. Twenty-three patients were men and seven patients were women. Acute phase reactants were elevated in most patients. Rheumatic factor was positive in 4/25 (16.0%) patients, and antinuclear antibody was positive in 6/22 (27.3%) patients. Elevation of IgG4 was observed in 9/22 (40.9%) patients. The most common type was I + III (n = 13), followed by I + II + III (n = 12). Five patients undertook an 18 F-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography examination and increased uptake was detected in four patients. Eight patients received combination therapy with glucocorticoids and tamoxifen. Surgical intervention treatments included intraureteral double-J stent implantation (n = 26), percutaneous nephrostomy (n = 2), open ureterolysis and intraperitonealization of the ureters (n = 5) and laparoscopic ureterolysis and intraperitonealization of the ureters (n = 5). Three patients underwent hemodialysis because of renal failure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Clinical characteristics of RPF patients in our study are similar to those previously reported. Steroids and immunosuppressive therapy combined with ureterolysis could be a viable choice of treatment for RPF. More prospective, multi-center studies with a longer follow-up are warranted.</p>

Association between serum allergens and asthma in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the association between serum-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) allergens and asthma in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The serum sIgE allergens were determined using Western blot in 2239 children aged 1-14 years, consisting of 1415 children with asthma alone and 824 children with non-allergic diseases between December 2004 and April 2013. The case-control models of asthma alone and non-allergic diseases were established. The association between allergens and asthma was investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 2239 children, 1028 children (45.91%) were serum sIgE-positive, and the allergen with the highest positive rate was house-dust mite (15.68%), followed by house dust (14.29%) and moulds (13.40%). The results of the case-control analysis showed that house-dust mite, moulds, house dust, and cashew nut/peanut/soybean were significantly associated with the development of asthma. House dust was associated with the development of asthma in the 1-2 years old group (P<0.05). House dust and house-dust mite as allergens were identified as the risk factors for the development of asthma in the 3-14 years old group (P<0.05). In the 6-14 years old group, moulds as allergens were identified as the risk factors for the development of asthma (P<0.05). House dust and house-dust mite as allergens increased the risk of asthma in boys and girls, while moulds and cashew nuts/peanuts/soybeans as allergens increased the risk of asthma in boys.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>House-dust mite, house dust, and moulds are the most common allergens in children with asthma, and they are closely associated with the development of asthma.</p>

Effect of yupingfeng droppill in treatment of allergic rhinitis / 中国中药杂志

To evaluate the efficacy of Yupingfeng droppill and western medicine in treatment of allergic rhinitis, 76 patients from Beijing Shijitan hospital during April 2011 to May 2012 were selected and randomly divided into the treatment group (n = 44) and control group (n = 32). The treatment group was treated with Yupingfeng droppill and cetirizine tablets, the control group was treated with cetirizine tablets, the effect of the two groups was observed after 28 days, after treatment, the symptoms and inferior turbinate volume contrast of the two groups were better than before. The obvious effective rate and total effective rate were 84.09%, 95.45% and 46.87%, 56.25% in the treatment group and and control group. The differences in the obvious effective rate and total effective rate were statistically significant between two groups (P < 0.05), Yupingfeng droppill has the curative effect on allergic rhinitis, which is better than simple oral cetirizine tablets.

Clinical observation of complicated cataract after glaucoma surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

To observe the complicated cataract after glaucoma surgery, analyze the causes and summarize the treatments, in order to provide the basis for clinical treatment. ● METHODS: Forty - five patients ( 50 eyes ) with complicated cataract after glaucoma surgery treated in our hospital from October 2012 to September 2013 were selected. All patients were treated by 3. 2mm tunnel incision phacoemulsification cataract operation. The postoperative complications, intraocular pressure, and visual acuity were observed. ●RESULTS: After treatment, visual acuity of all patients were improved, without obvious complications, the intraocular pressure was normal. ●CONCLUSlON: 3. 2mm tunnel incision phacoemulsification cataract operation can effectively improve the intraocular pressure and promote the recovery of visual acuity.

Analysis of 89 amniotic samples using fluorescent in situ hybridization / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the value of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) for detecting common chromosome aneuploidies in interphase nuclei of amniotic fluid cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty two uncultured amniotic fluid samples and supernatants from 2 successfully and 5 unsuccessfully cultured amniotic fluid samples were analyzed with FISH. Results from standard cytogenetic analysis of 79 uncultured amniotic fluid samples and 2 successfully cultured amniotic fluid samples were compared with FISH results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All of the 89 samples were succeeded analyzed with FISH. Positive findings included 3 cases with trisomy 21, 1 case with 47, XYY and 1 case with 69, XXX, which were consistent with results of karyotype analysis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>FISH is a rapid and accurate method for prenatal diagnosis, and can also provide a remedy to failed amniotic fluid cells culture.</p>

Correlation between interleukin-28B genetic polymorphisms and primary hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-28B (IL-28B) gene and the susceptibility to primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 300 histologically confirmed HCC cases (from November 2001 to April 2010) and 310 healthy controls with no history of chronic hepatitis B or hepatocellular carcinoma (2009-2010) were selected from a hospital in Guilin and a hospital in Beijing for this case-control study.139 HCC patients in the case group had complete clinical tracking data. All the subjects were Han Chinese, with no age or gender restrictions.2 ml peripheral blood samples were drawn from each subject with informed consent. SNP of rs12972991, rs4803223, rs8099917 and rs12979860 four loci in IL-28B gene were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The frequencies of C allele at rs12972991, G allele at rs8099917 and G allele at rs4803223 were 6.7% (40/598), 7.9% (47/598) and 10.0% (59/588) respectively in case group; all higher than the corresponding frequencies in control group, separately 2.9% (18/618), 4.1% (25/616) and 3.6% (21/608). The differences were statistically significant (χ2=9.542, 7.858, 20.736, P values all<0.05). The above alleles could increase the risk of HCC, and the OR (95%CI) values were separately 1.67 (1.13-2.46), 1.49 (1.08-2.06) and 2.91 (1.79-4.72). The genotype frequencies of AC+CC at rs12972991, GT+GG at rs8099917, GA+GG at rs4803223 were 13.0% (39/299), 14.7% (44/299) and 19.0% (56/296) respectively in case group; while the frequencies were lower in control group, separately 5.8% (18/309), 8.1% (25/308) and 6.6% (20/304). The differences were statistically significant (χ2=9.319, 6.557, 20.948, P values all<0.05). These genotypes may increase the risk of HCC, and the adjusted OR (95%CI) values were 2.24 (1.31-3.83), 1.81 (1.14-2.88) and 2.90 (1.78-4.70), respectively. The stratified analysis of the clinical data indicated that the frequency of genotype GA+GG at rs4803223 was 50.0% (13/26) in patients of tumor thrombosis in portal vein (TTPV), higher than the frequency of genotype AA (21.1%, 23/109). The difference was statistically significant (χ2=8.965, P=0.003).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results suggested that IL-28B gene polymorphisms was correlated to the susceptibility to HCC in Chinese Han ethnic population. Among them, GA + GG genotype at rs4803223 could increase the risk of TTPV in HCC patients.</p>

The influence of ambient air pollutants on outpatient visits for allergic disease and pollinosis / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effects of ambient air pollutants on hospital outpatient visits for allergic disease and pollinosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The monitoring data of daily air pollution (SO(2), NO(2) and PM(10)) in 8 national monitoring and controlling sites of Beijing air quality, airborne pollen in 4 monitoring sites of Beijing, and daily meteorological data, along with the daily numbers of outpatients visits for allergic disease and pollinosis at the Allergy Department of Beijing Shijitan Hospital from April to September in 2004 were collected. Associations between the levels of air pollutants and outpatient visits for allergic disease and pollinosis were estimated by time serial analysis using a generalized addictive model (GAM), considering lag effect and the influence of multipollutants.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the study period, the average daily ambient concentrations of SO(2), NO(2) and PM(10) were (20.9 ± 12.9), (58.6 ± 13.6) and (126.8 ± 64.1) µg/m(3), respectively. The mean daily pollen count was (163.8 ± 209.0) grains/1000 mm(2), while the average daily numbers of doctor visits for allergic disease and pollinosis were (16.3 ± 5.3) and (3.5 ± 5.0), respectively. Time serial analysis showed that significant positive associations were found between levels of airborne pollen and doctor visits, with an excess risk (ER) of 2.44% (95%CI: 0.75% - 4.13%)for allergic disease and 6.58% (95%CI: 3.82% - 9.34%) for pollinosis per 100 grains/1000 mm(2) increase in pollen, in single-pollutant models. There were associations between ambient air pollutants (SO(2), NO(2), PM(10)) and doctor visits with lag effects. A 10 µg/m(3) increase in NO(2) was associated with a 3.14% (95%CI: 0.42% - 5.85%) increase in doctor visits for allergic disease at lag 6 d. For pollinosis, the highest ER was observed for 10 µg/m(3) increases in SO(2) at lag 1 d, NO(2) at lag 6 d, PM(10) at lag 3 d. However, this association was not statistically significant (RR (95%CI) were 1.0460 (0.9640 - 1.1280), 1.0325 (0.9633 - 1.1017), 1.0079 (0.9942 - 1.0217), respectively). The associations enhanced slightly in multi-pollutant models with an ER of 2.56% (95%CI: 0.80% - 4.31%) for allergic disease and 6.81% (95%CI: 3.91% - 9.71%) for pollinosis per 100 grains/1000 mm(2) of pollen.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results suggest that level of airborne pollen may have a stronger effect than ambient air pollutants on allergic disease and pollinosis.</p>

A prospective study of the relationship between serum hepatitis B virus DNA and the risk of primary liver cancer / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the relationship between the serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and the risk of primary liver cancer (PLC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Farmers aged 30 to 55 years in Long An county were recruited in this study Blood samples were collected and the sera were tested for HBsAg using Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), and the HBsAg-positive sera were further tested for viral DNA using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). The study subjects were divided into three groups. The first group was positive for both HBsAg and HBV DNA. The second group was positive for HBsAg but negative for HBV DNA. Age-, sex-, residence-matched HBsAg negative controls for group 1 and group 2 were enrolled in the third group. The cohort was followed up for four years.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of HBsAg in these farmers was 14.52% (3975/27,379), and the HBV DNA positive rate in HBsAg positive subjects was 40.35% (1604/3975). The total PLC incidence rate in Group 1 and 2 was 672.45 /100,000 person-years (PY), significantly higher than that in Group3 (17.19 /100,000 PY). The relative risk (RR) was 39.123, and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 9.018-159.146. The PLC incidence rate of Group 1 (984.03/100,000 PY) was significantly higher than that of Group2 (324.38 /100,000 PY). The RR was 3.034, and the 95% CI was 1.795-5.125. Multivariate analyses of Group1 and 2 with Cox model showed that sex, age, serum HBV DNA, and family history of PLC were independent risk factors of PLC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HBV DNA and HBsAg positive subjects have a higher chance to develop PLC than HBV DNA negative-, HBsAg positive subjects.</p>

Investigation of functional dyspepsia and functional gastrointestinal diseases in shift nurses / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the functional dyspepsia (FD) and functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGD) in shift nurses.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>139 shift nurses were investigated while 104 nurses on daytime duty served as control at the same time. Two groups accepted investigation including digestive system questionnaire and the psychological mood table format.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>78 shift nurses (56.12%) had FD and FGD and the incidence rate was higher than the control group (41 nurses 39.42%; chi2 = 6.633, P < 0.01). In its sub-model, FD, IBS and FD + FGD symptom were present in shift nurses while FD, FD + FGD symptom and IBS predominated in the control group (P > 0.05). The SDS total score, SAS total score, work pressure total score and work tiredness in group A were higher than the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shift nurses tend to have the functional dyspepsia and functional gastrointestinal diseases, which relates to passive mood work hard and nerve stress.</p>

The frequency, phenotypes and functions of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in hepatocellular carcinoma patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>(1) To evaluate the prevalence, phenotypes and suppressive function of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) among the in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tumor-infiltration lymphocytes (TILs) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and patients with chronic hepatitis B. (2) To investigate the correlation between the frequency of CD4+CD25+ Tregs and clinical characteristics of HCC patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PBMCs and TILs in 18 HCC patients, 10 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 15 healthy donors were evaluated for the phenotypes of CD4+CD25+ Tregs and the proportion of CD4+CD25+ Tregs as a percentage of the total CD4+ cells, by flow cytometric analysis with three or four color staining. The relationship between the frequency of CD4+CD25+ Tregs and tumor TNM stages was analyzed. The CD4+CD25+ Tregs and CD4+CD25- T cells were isolated from PBMC of HCC patients and donors. The suppressive function of CD4+CD25+ Tregs was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The percentages of CD4+CD25+ Tregs of the HCC patients (6.38% +/- 6.30%) and CHB patients (4.29% +/- 1.82%) were significantly higher than those of the healthy donors (1.58% +/- 0.55%, P less than 0.01). Among the TILs, the percentage of CD4+CD25+ Tregs was higher (t = 4.39, P < 0.01). There were significant differences in the prevalence of CD4+CD25+ Tregs in early and advanced stage HCCs (stage II vs. III, P less than 0.05; stage II vs. IV P < 0.01). The proliferative capacity of CD4+CD25- T cells was inhibited by the presence of CD4+CD25+ T cells in a dose-dependent manner where the level of suppression was correlated to the ratio of the two-cell populations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results suggest that the increase in frequency of CD4+CD25+ Tregs might play a role in the suppression of the immune response against HCC, which may contribute to the HCC cells that escaped from immunological surveillance.</p>

Core promoter mutations of HBV isolated from patients with chronic hepatitis B in Guangxi / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between HBV core promoter mutations and liver damage or HBeAg status.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used for amplification of HBV DNA core promoter in 59 sera from patients with chronic hepatitis B in Guangxi, then the HBV DNA positive products were sequenced by direct sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The HBV DNA positive rate of was 59.3%(35/59). All the patients were infected by mutants. The commonest mutation was the double mutation (A --> T at nt1762 and G --> A at nt1764), counting for 57.1% (20/35). The next was C --> G at nt1799, counting for 54.4% (19/35), but this was no function. A --> G at nt1752 (resulting in isoleucine to valine) was seen in 37.1% (13/35) of the HBV DNA positive patients, and T --> C at nt1753 was seen in 20% (7/35). The significant difference in the frequency of T1762A1764 mutant was found between HBeAg positive patients (31.3%) and negative patients (79.0%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HBV core promoter mutations are common among patients with chronic hepatitis B in Guangxi. T1762A1764 mutant is associated with HBeAg status and chronic hepatitis.</p>