MicroRNA-221 accelerates the proliferation of laryngeal cancer cell line Hep-2 by suppressing Apaf-1.

Laryngeal cancer is one of the most commonly occurring malignant cancers of the head and neck region. In the present study, we investigated the roles of miR-221 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, Hep-2. We examined the function and mechanism of miR-221 in Hep-2 cells using techniques of cell biology and molecular pathology, such as western blotting, quantitative PCR, immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry. Using a luciferase assay, the apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) mRNA 3'-UTR was shown to have complementary binding sites using bioinformatics prediction software including TargetScan, PicTar and miRanda. In conclusion, our results showed that miR-221 inhibition caused elevated expression levels of the Apaf-1 apoptotic pathway proteins caspase-3, -8 and -9. miR-221 may therefore be used as a novel therapeutic target for laryngeal cancer.

A retrospective study of anesthesia during rigid bronchoscopy for airway foreign body removal in children: propofol and sevoflurane with spontaneous ventilation.

BACKGROUND: Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. We analyzed our experience in management of aspirated foreign bodies, including methods of anesthesia used, over a 4-year period. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of tracheobronchial foreign body removal by rigid bronchoscopy with spontaneous ventilation in 435 children. All patients had received initial anesthesia with inhaled sevoflurane. One hundred and ninety-seven patients (Group PropRemi) then received intravenous propofol and remifentanyl for maintenance of anesthesia; the remaining 238 patients (Group PropSevo) received propofol and sevoflurane. RESULTS: Tracheobronchial foreign body was found in 405 children (93.1%) and successfully removed from 402 (99.3%) children. Among three patients who failed bronchoscopy, one child suffered cardiac arrest and died during the bronchoscopy, and two required subsequent tracheotomy for foreign body removal. Adverse effects (intraoperative coughing, breath holding, body movement, bronchospasm, and laryngospasm) were significantly more frequent in Group PropRemi than in Group PropSevo. No complications such as bleeding, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or the need for thoracotomy were encountered. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane induction followed by a combination of sevoflurane and continuous infusion of propofol resulted in fewer adverse events than sevoflurane induction followed by TIVA with propofol and remifentanyl during rigid bronchoscopy for airway foreign body removal in children with spontaneous ventilation.

Differentiation of branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms from serous cystadenomas of the pancreas using contrast-enhanced sonography.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether contrast-enhanced sonography can improve the ability to differentiate branch duct intraductal mucinous neoplasms from serous cystadenomas of the pancreas compared to conventional (unenhanced) sonography alone. METHODS: Between March 2008 and May 2012, there were 20 patients with branch duct intraductal mucinous neoplasms and 25 with serous cystadenomas in our institute, for whom preoperative conventional and contrast-enhanced sonographic results were available. The final diagnosis was obtained by histopathology. Various conventional and contrast-enhanced sonographic characteristics were retrospectively evaluated by 2 radiologists in consensus. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of conventional and contrast-enhanced sonography for discriminating between the two entities. RESULTS: Three conventional sonographic characteristics (microcysts, cysts with internal echoes, and main pancreatic duct dilatation) and 2 contrast-enhanced sonographic characteristics (communication between the lesion and main pancreatic duct and enhancement of mural nodules) significantly improved the ability to differentiate branch duct intraductal mucinous neoplasms from serous cystadenomas. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased from 0.691 with conventional sonography to 0.859 with combined contrast-enhanced and conventional ultrasonography (P = .043). CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients, the addition of contrast-enhanced sonography to conventional sonography improved the ability to differentiate branch duct intraductal mucinous neoplasms from serous cystadenomas.

[Clinical observation of integrated acupuncture and herbal medicine for constipation of excess fu syndrome due to phlegm heat in acute cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the optimal therapy for constipation of excess fu syndrome due to phlegm heat in acute cerebral infarction. METHODS: One hundred and sixty cases were randomized into acupuncture plus herbal medicine group, Chinese herbal medicine group, acupuncture group and Glycerine Enema group, 40 cases in each one. All the patients of 4 groups had received the conventional management in neurological internal medicine department and acupuncture according to the theory of SHI's regaining consciousness. Additionally, in acupuncture plus herbal medicine group, acupuncture and oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine were adopted. Acupuncture was applied to Shaoshang (LU 11), Shangyang (LI 1), Fenglong (ST 40), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhigou (TE 6), etc. Chinese herbal medicine was composed of Jinyinhua (Lonicera Japonica), Liangqiao (Fructus Forysthiae; Weeping Forsythia), Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae), Zhizi (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis; Cape Jasmine), Dannanxing (Rhizoma Arisaematis Cum Bile), Quangualou (Fructus Trichosanthis), etc. In acupuncture group, acupuncture was used simply. In Chinese herbal medicine group, only Chinese herbal medicine was administered orally. In Glycerine Enema group, Glycerine Enema was adopted. The interval time of defecation, stool quality, efficacy on constipation and nerve function score in 7 days and 21 days after treatment were compared among groups. RESULTS: After 7 days treatment of constipation, the total effective rate was 97.5% (39/40) in acupuncture plus herbal medicine group, which was superior apparently to 87.5% (35/40) in Chinese herbal medicine group, 82.5% (33/40) in acupuncture group and 80.0% (32/40) in Glycerine Enema group (all P < 0.05). After 21 days treatment, the total effective rate of constipation was 92.5% (37/40) in acupuncture plus herbal medicine group, which was superior apparently to 82.5% (33/40) in Chinese herbal medicine group. 80.5% (32/40) in acupuncture group and 67.5% (27/40) in Glycerine Enema group (all P < 0.01). The differences in the interval time of defection, stool quality and nerve function score after 7 days and 21 days treatment were significant statistically in comparison among 4 groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The results in acupuncture plus herbal medicine group were superior apparently to the other groups. CONCLUSION: The integrated acupuncture and herbal medicine is effective definitely on constipation in acute cerebral infarction. Additionally, this therapy may improve the clinical efficacy of cerebral infarction and suggest the coordination between acupuncture-moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine.

A study of the way in which dermatologists and photosensitive patients apply sunscreen in China.

OBJECTIVE: To study sunscreen product application by dermatologists and photosensitive patients in China for drawing up proper directions for most efficient use of sunscreen. METHODS: Thirty-nine dermatologists and 41 photosensitive patients were enrolled in this study. They were asked to apply the cream in the same way they apply sunscreen products. The mimicking cream contained dipyridamole, which is fluorescent under Wood's light (WL). Cream distribution on skin and applied amount were visually assessed under WL using a grading scale. RESULTS: Based on results from mimicking cream use, sunscreen application by both dermatologists and photosensitive patients was shown to be inadequate, i.e. wrongly done with the palm of the hand, unevenly distributed, an insufficient amount applied, and/or sensitive areas left uncovered. The ears, neck, and dorsum of the hands were most often left unprotected. CONCLUSION: Inadequate sunscreen application was found to be a common failing in both dermatologists and photosensitive patients. Suitable application was only provided on central, prominent areas, with a sharply decreasing gradient of product and low application toward lateral regions of the body as a result. Continuous education and further training programs are urgently needed to ensure the correct application of sunscreen and to provide effective sun protection.

[National surveillance of schistosomiasis in China from 2000 to 2004].

OBJECTIVE: To specify the trends of endemic situation among twenty one national surveillance sites for schistosomiasis from 2000 to 2004. METHODS: According to the national surveillance protocol, longitudinal surveillance on endemic situation of schistosomiasis was carried out at twenty-one sites since 2000. RESULTS: The infection rate of Schistosoma japonicum declined in six of the twenty-one surveillance sites. The density of living snails and of infected snails decreased in two sites but not well controlled in most other sites. The prevalence in cattle fluctuated yearly in most sites and maintained at a relatively high level. During the surveillance period, acute cases were found annually and the number of advanced patients did not increase significantly. No new case and infected snails were found in Jinshan, Shanghai, since 2000, where transmission of schistosomiasis was interrupted two decades ago. CONCLUSION: Routine control strategies such as selective chemotherapy combined with livestock chemotherapy, snail control in risk areas have a positive impact on the control of schistosomiasis. However, these strategies should be lasted for longer time and the surveillance on snails and cattle should be continued.