Value of long non-coding RNA Rpph1 in esophageal cancer and its effect on cancer cell sensitivity to radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is a common digestive tract tumor that is generally treated with radiotherapy. Poor responses to radiotherapy in most patients generally result in local radiotherapy failure, so it is essential to find new radiosensitizers that can enhance the response of cancer cells to radiotherapy and improve the survival of esophageal cancer patients with radiation resistance. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Rpph1 is highly expressed in human gastric cancer tissues, and represses breast cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, the expression of lncRNA Rpph1 in esophageal cancer and its relationship with radio-sensitivity has not been studied. AIM: To explore the value of lncRNA Rpph1 in esophageal cancer and its effect on cancer cell sensitivity to radiotherapy. METHODS: Eighty-three patients with esophageal cancer admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and 90 healthy participants who received physical examinations were collected as research participants. The expression of Rpph1 was determined by qRT-PCR. siRNA-NC and siRNA-Rpph1 were transfected into esophageal cancer cell lines, and cells without transfection were designated as the blank control group. Cell survival was tested by colony formation assays, and the levels of proteins related to apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions were determined by Western blot assays. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assays, cell apoptosis by flow cytometry, and cell migration by wound-healing assays. Changes in cell cycle distribution were monitored. RESULTS: Rpph1 was highly expressed in esophageal carcinoma, making it a promising marker for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Rpph1 could also be used to distinguish different short-term responses, T stages, N stages, and clinical stages of esophageal cancer patients. The results of 3-year overall survival favored patients with lower Rpph1 expression over patients with higher Rpph1 expression (P < 0.05). In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that silencing Rpph1 expression led to higher sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to radiotherapy, stronger apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells induced by radiotherapy, higher expression of Bax and caspase-3, and lower expression of Bcl-2 (Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2 are apoptosis-related proteins). Additionally, silencing Rpph1 attenuated radiation-induced G2/M phase arrest, and significantly inhibited the expression of proteins involved in cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulation in esophageal cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Rpph1 is highly expressed in esophageal cancer. Silencing Rpph1 expression can promote cell apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and increase radio-sensitivity.

[Study on internal and external quality control methods of Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisata based on QAMS and color recognition].

In order to effectively solve the over-processing problem of Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisata, which was commonly used as a hemostatic drug in clinical application, we used the quantitative analysis method of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) in this study, with quercetin as internal reference to simultaneously determine the content of six flavonoids which can be used to control the internal quality of Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisata. Based on the comparison of QAMS and external standard method(ESM) results, the limit standards of contents were established as follows: isoquercitroside ≥0.002 0%, quercitroside ≥0.050%, quercetin ≥0.030%, kaempferol and amentoflavone both ≥0.010%, hinokiflavone ≥0.050%. Based on the color detection of Platycladi Cacumen and Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisata with different processing degrees, the law of influence of different processing degrees on the color of Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisata was found. A new external quality standard of Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisata was established by fitting curve of color recognition for the external quality control, based on which the standard ranges of ΔL~*, Δb~* and ΔE were-50.00--44.00, 6.00-11.00 and 45.00-50.00 respectively. Effective combination of established internal and external quality control standards by this study can be used to evaluate the processing degree and quality of Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisata more comprehensively and objectively, which can guarantee its clinical efficacy. At the same time, this study also provides reference and basis for further improving the quality control standard of Platycladi Cacumen Carbonisata.

[Epidemiological analysis of 440 cases of respiratory adenovirus infections in children from the Suzhou area between 2006 and 2015].

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory adenovirus (ADV) infections in children from the Suzhou area, China. METHODS: The clinical data of ADV-positive children out of 35 529 children with respiratory tract infections who were hospitalized in the Children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: Of the 35 529 children with respiratory tract infections, 440 (1.24%) were ADV-positive. There was no significant difference in the rate of ADV infections between boys and girls (1.18% vs 1.34%). The ADV infection rates of children at the age of <1 year old, 1-3 years old, 3-7 years old and 7-14 years old were 0.39% (71/18 002), 1.12% (103/9 191), 3.14% (201/6 398), and 3.35%( 65/1 938) respectively and the rate increased with age (P<0.01). The ADV infection rates in spring [1.85%(60/8 658)] and summer [2.20%(189/8 606)] were significantly higher than in autumn [0.30%(27/8 952)] and winter [0.69%(64/9 313)] (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The ADV infection rate is increased with age in the children from the Suzhou area, but it is not associated with gender. ADV infections are more common in spring and summer.

Study on Transformation of Ginsenosides in Different Methods.

Ginseng is a traditional Chinese medicine and has the extensive pharmacological activity. Ginsenosides are the major constituent in ginseng and have the unique biological activity and medicinal value. Ginsenosides have the good effects on antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and inhibition of the cell apoptosis. Studies have showed that the major ginsenosides could be converted into rare ginsenosides, which played a significant role in exerting pharmacological activity. However, the contents of some rare ginsenosides are very little. So it is very important to find the effective way to translate the main ginsenosides to rare ginsenosides. In order to provide the theoretical foundation for the transformation of ginsenoside in vitro, in this paper, many methods of the transformation of ginsenoside were summarized, mainly including physical methods, chemical methods, and biotransformation methods.

[Prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in hospitalized children at a children's hospital and effects of climate change on the prevalence in Suzhou, China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in hospitalized children and the relationship between the prevalence and the climate change in Suzhou, China. METHODS: A total of 42 664 nasopharyngeal secretions from hospitalized children with acute respiratory infection at the Suzhou Children's Hospital were screened for RSV antigens using direct immunofluorescence. Monthly meteorological data (mean monthly air temperature, monthly relative humidity, monthly rainfall, total monthly sunshine duration, and mean monthly wind velocity) in Suzhou between 2001 and 2011 were collected. The correlations between RSV detection rate and climatic factors were evaluated using correlation and stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: The annual RSV infection rate in hospitalized children with respiratory infection in the Suzhou Children's Hospital varied between 11.85% and 27.30% from 2001 to 2011. In the 9 epidemic seasons, each spanning from November to April of the next year, from 2001 to 2010, the RSV detection rates were 40.75%, 22.72%, 39.93%, 27.37%, 42.71%, 21.28%, 38.57%, 19.86%, and 29.73%, respectively; there were significant differences in the detection rate between the epidemic seasons. The monthly RSV detection rate was negatively correlated with mean monthly air temperature, total monthly sunshine duration, monthly rainfall, monthly relative humidity, and mean monthly wind velocity (P<0.05). Stepwise regression analysis showed that mean monthly air temperature fitted into a linear model (R(2)=0.64, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: From 2001 to 2011, RSV infection in Suzhou was predominantly prevalent between November and April of the next year. As a whole, the infection rate of RSV reached a peak every other year. Air temperature played an important role in the epidemics of RSV infection in Suzhou.

[Identification and Comparison of Constituents of Different Processed Products of Ligubtrum lucidum Fruit by HPLC Fingerprint].

OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare the constituents in different processed products of Ligubtrum lucidum fruit by HPLC fingerprint, in order to study the changes of chemical constituents before and after processing. METHODS: HPLC analysis was carried outwith the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid in a gradient elution mode. The number of HPLC fingerprint chromatographic peaks and peak area changes in two processed products and the crude product under 240 nm and 280 nm were compared. Then the obtained fingerprint chromatographic peaks were confirmed according to the the standard references. RESULTS: 40 chromatographic peaks were detected from Ligustrum lucidum fruit, of which 18 chromatographic peaks were confirmed, including eleven iridoids, five phenethyl alcohols, one flavonoid and one aldehyde. 38 chromatographic peaks were detected from both steaming with wine product and the steamed product, of which 15 chromatographic peaks were confirmed, including seven iridoids, five phenethyl alcohols, one flavonoid, one aldehyde and one organic acid. There was a significant difference of fingerprint among crude Ligustrum lucidum fruit and its two processed products, but little difference between steaming with wine product and the steamed product. CONCLUSION: HPLC fingerprint of the steaming with wine product and the steamed product of Ligustrum lucidum fruit are similar while the changes on chemical composition and the content in steaming with wine product and steamed product of Ligustrum lucidum fruit are remarkable.

Etiology of acute bronchiolitis and the relationship with meteorological conditions in hospitalized infants in China.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of common viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) in hospitalized infants with acute bronchiolitis and study the relationship between bronchiolitis and meteorological conditions. METHODS: A 2-year prospective study was conducted on infants with a first episode of bronchiolitis admitted to Respiratory Department of Suzhou Children's Hospital. Demographic and clinical characteristics and meteorological conditions were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: Pathogens were identified in 59.6% of 998 cases analyzed. The most frequent pathogen identified was respiratory syncytial virus (28.7%), followed by human bocavirus (11.6%), MP (9.0%), human parainfluenza virus-3 (7.8%), human metapneumovirus (6.6%), influenza A (3.5%), adenovirus (1.0%), and human parainfluenza virus-1 (0.3%). The clinical scores in children with MP or human metapneumovirus single infections, based on the assessment of severity of acute bronchiolitis, were significantly lower than in children with respiratory syncytial virus single infections. Respiratory syncytial virus had the strongest inverse correlation with mean temperature, followed by influenza A and human metapneumovirus. In addition, MP and human parainfluenza virus-3 showed positive correlations with mean temperature. CONCLUSION: Although respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequent pathogen in patients in whom bronchiolitis was diagnosed, other pathogens, including newly identified viruses and MP, also play important roles in infants with bronchiolitis. Different respiratory pathogens have different traits in response to certain meteorological conditions.

[Comparation of gastrointestinal absorption studies of specnuezhenide with salidroside in rats].

The experiment was designed to study the mechanism of increasing efficiency of Ligustrum lucidum steamed with wine. Rats in vivo with gastrointestinal perfusion model were used. The contents of salidroside and specnuezhenide in the fluid of gastrointestinal perfusion of rats were measured by HPLC at different time points after dosing. Then the K(a) and absorption percentage were calculated. Specnuezhenide could be detected in the fluid of gastrointestinal perfusion of specnuezhenide. The K(a) of the specnuezhenide and salidroside in the fetal intestines are 0.055 3 and 0.144 2 h(-1) respectively and the total absorptivity are 24.46% and 60.14% respectively after 4 hours. The K(a) in the stomach are 5.70 and 8.26 h(-1) respectively and the total absorptivity are 34.21% and 47.23% respectively after 4 hours. The experiment proved that specnuezhenide can be metabolized into salidroside which is more beneficial for gastrointestinal absorption. The experiment proved that specnuezhenide can be metabolized into salidroside both in the rat's stomach and the fetal intestine and compared with the specnuezhenide salidroside is more conducive to gastrointestinal absorption. The results suggested that the increasing efficiency on liver and kidney of L. lucidum steamed with wine has business with the fact that Specnuezhe nide is more conducive to the body after it is changed into salidroside.

[Comparison of clinical features and co-infection between pneumonia caused by influenza virus A and pneumonia caused by influenza virus B among children].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical features and co-infection between pneumonia caused by influenza virus A (IVA) and pneumonia caused by influenza virus B (IVB) among children. METHODS: A total of 165 children with pneumonia caused by influenza virus (IV) were included in the study. These subjects were divided into IVA(n=71) and IVB pneumonia groups (n=94) according to the subtypes of IV. The IVA pneumonia group was further divided into simple infection (n=14) and co-infection subgroups (n=57), and the IVB pneumonia group was also further divided into simple infection (n=27) and co-infection subgroups (n=67). Co-infection rate and pathogen spectrum were analysed in children with IV pneumonia. RESULTS: The IVB pneumonia group had significantly increased mean age of onset and significantly prolonged mean duration of fever compared with the IVA pneumonia group (P<0.05). Co-infection rate among children with IV pneumonia was 75.2%, who were co-infected with bacteria (44.2%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP, 21.8%) and other viruses (45.5%). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was most common in children co-infected viruses (89% ). The rate of co-infection with RSV was significantly higher in the IVA pneumonia group than in the IVB pneumonia group. There were no significant differences in age, length of hospital stay, duration of fever, percentage of neutrophils, prealbumin, C-reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, and creatine kinase-MB between the simple infection and co-infection subgroups of each group. CONCLUSIONS: Children with IVB pneumonia have prolonged duration of fever and increased age of onset compared with those with IVA pneumonia. Co-infection rate is high among children with IV pneumonia, who may be co-infected with bacteria, viruses and MP. Co-infection with RSV is more common in children with IVA pneumonia. It is difficult to identify the presense of co-infection using clinical indices.

Temporal characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus infection in children and its correlation with climatic factors at a public pediatric hospital in Suzhou.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important viral pathogen in infants and children. It is important to analyze RSV epidemic patterns and related relevant factors in order to prevent further infections and related complications. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between RSV infection rate in hospitalized children from Suzhou area and climatic factors. STUDY DESIGN: 42,664 nasopharyngeal specimens from hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections were screened for RSV antigens using direct immunofluorescence. 472 RSV positive samples were randomly selected and performed real-time PCR to identify RSV subtype. Monthly meteorological data in Suzhou area was collected (average temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, total sunshine, and average wind speed) from 2001 to 2011. The relation between RSV infections and climatic factors was evaluated using correlation and stepwise regression analyses. RESULTS: The annual RSV infection rate in hospitalized children in Suzhou from 2001 to 2011 varied between 11.85% and 27.30%. The highest monthly infection rates occurred from November to April. The time interval from November to April was considered the infection season. Seasonal RSV infection rates from 2001 to 2010 were 40.75%, 22.72%, 39.93%, 27.37%, 42.71%, 21.28%, 38.57%, 19.86%, and 29.73%. The infection rate of any season was statistically different from the next season. There was no significant difference in RSV infection rates in the 2010-2011 and 2009-2010 epidemic seasons. Among the 472 randomly selected RSV positive samples, 412 were found to be RSV subtype A (RSV-A), while 60 subtype B (RSV-B). The monthly RSV infection rate was negatively correlated with monthly average temperature (r=-0.84), total sunshine (r=-0.47), precipitation (r=-0.31), relative humidity (r=-0.20), and average wind speed (r=-0.20), (P<0.05). Stepwise regression analysis showed monthly average temperature fit into a linear model (R(2)=0.64, P<0.01) with a regression coefficient of -1.52 (t=15.21, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: RSV infection in Suzhou occurred most frequently between November and April. The number of infections peaked every other year. Abnormally high infection rate in non-epidemic season only caused by RSV-A. Ambient temperature played an important role in the development of RSV infection.

[Monitoring of influenza virus B and clinical features of pediatric pneumonia caused by influenza virus B only].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiological features of influenza virus B (IVB) in the winter and the clinical features of pediatric pneumonia caused by IVB only. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on the clinical data of children with respiratory infection who received pathogen testing and therapy at Soochow University Affiliated Children's Hospital during the winters of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. RESULTS: The positive rates of influenza viruses A and B in the winters of 2008, 2009, and 2010 were 0.89%, 5.49%, and 6.24% respectively; the positive rate of influenza viruses A and B in the winter of 2011 was 8.72%, significantly higher than those in 2008-2010. The positive rates of IVB in the winters of 2008, 2009, and 2010 were 0%, 0%, and 0.21% respectively; the positive rate of IVB in the winter of 2011 was 5.36%, which was significantly higher than in the years 2008 to 2010. Pneumonia caused by IVB was confirmed in 94 children during the winter of 2011, including 27 cases of pneumonia caused by IVB only. Most of children with pneumonia caused by IVB only were aged over 6 months. The common symptoms in the 27 children caused by IVB only were fever (85%), runny nose (89%), and cough (100%). Wheezing (26%) and dyspnea (7%) were also seen in some cases. Among the 27 children, 19% showed abnormal white blood cell count, 30% showed increased C-reactive protein, 70% showed decreased prealbumin, and none showed visible organ dysfunction. No specific imaging findings were seen in the children with pneumonia caused by IVB only. However, many abnormal humoral and cellular immunological parameters were found in the majority of these children. The average length of hospital stay was approximately one week, there were no critical patients and the prognosis was good. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza viruses were at a peak level in inpatient children in the winter of 2011. IVB infection rate was gradually increasing. In children with pneumonia caused by IVB only, there are few critical patients, the symptoms are nonspecific and the prognosis is good.

[Characteristics and the prevalence of respiratory viruses and the correlation with climatic factors of hospitalized children in Suzhou children's hospital].

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory virus infection and its relations to climatic factors in Suzhou. METHODS: From 2006 to 2009, viral etiology surveillance was conducted among 6655 children hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs). Direct immunofluorescence method was used to test respiratory secretion samples for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses A and B (Inf-A, Inf-B), parainfluenza virus types I, II, and III (Pinf-I, Pinf-II, Pinf-III) and adenovirus. Samples were tested for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Samples from Jan 2006 to Dec 2009 were also tested for human bocavirus (HBoV). Climatic factors, including mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall amount, sum of sunshine and mean wind velocity were collected monthly. The relationship between activity of each virus and climatic factors were analyzed by linear regression and stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2009, in the total virus detection rate was 32.2% (2142/6655) in Suzhou. RSV was the most common virus and the average detection rate was 15.7% (1048/6655), followed by hMPV 8.9% (596/6655), HBoV 7.8% (148/1883), Pinf-III 2.7% (183/6655), Inf-A 2.4% (161/6655), ADV 1.3% (89/6655), Pinf-I 0.4% (29/6655), Inf-B 0.37% (25/6655) and Pinf-II 0.16% (11/6655). The positive rates of RSV, hMPV and ADV were significantly different in four years (χ(2) = 17.71, 33.23, 8.42, all P values < 0.05). Different virus has different epidemiological characteristics and distinct seasonality. The detection rate of RSV, hMPV, Inf-A were higher in Winter as 37.2%, 13.2%, 4.4%, respectively. ADV and Pinf-III were higher in summer as 2.3% and 4.6% respectively. The peak of HBoV existed in Autumn as 3.3%. The total virus detection rate showed significant inverse correlation with month average temperature (r = -0.732, P < 0.001) and a weak inverse correlation with average wind velocity was also found (r = -0.36, 0.01 < P < 0.05). The highest month total virus detection rate was from 47.6% to 84.4% when average temperature was from 3.2°C to 9.4°C and mean wind velocity was from 1.2 - 1.9 m/s. The associations of average temperature, sum of sunshine and wind velocity with RSV activity were statistical significant (r = -0.88, P < 0.001; r = -0.43, P < 0.01; r = -0.47, P < 0.01). The highest rate was from 24.3% to 58.2%, when mean temperature was from 5.3°C to 19.9°C, mean wind velocity was from 1.3 - 2.4 m/s and sum of sunshine was 61.0 to 153.4 hours. hMPV detection rate was inversely correlated with mean temperature and rain account (r = -0.43, P < 0.01; r = -0.29, P < 0.05). The rate was highest from 11.7% to 31.6% when mean temperature was from 5.3°C to 21.9°C and rain account was from 27.5 millimeter to 150.9 millimeter. Only mean temperature was positively correlated with Pinf-III (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). The rate was from 2.8% to 7.2% when mean temperature was between 11.9°C and 30.4°C. ADV detection rate was positively correlated with mean temperature and sum of sunshine, but negatively correlated with wind velocity (r = 0.35, P < 0.05; r = 0.30, P < 0.05; r = -0.32, P < 0.05). The rate was from 2.2% to 6.6% when mean temperature was between 15.9°C and 30.4°C, and sum of sunshine between 93 hours to 240.7 hours and mean wind velocity was from 1.1 - 2.8 m/s. Average temperature and relative humidity showed interactions on the detection rate of ADV (r = 0.36, P = 0.0093; r = -0.34, P = 0.016), but temperature showed higher effect on ADV detection rate. ADV detection rate was high at higher temperature (15.9 - 30.4°C) and low humidity (56% - 71%). CONCLUSION: RSV was one of the most common viruses among hospitalized children in Suzhou, and hMPV and HBoV also played an important role in respiratory tract infection of children. Different virus has different cycle and seasonality. Climatic factors, especially mean temperature, was the main factor affecting the virus prevalence.

Chest imaging findings in children with influenza A H1N1.

OBJECTIVE: To assess imaging findings at presentation in children diagnosed with influenza A (H1N1) infection. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at The Children's Hospital affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, China between September 2009 and March 2010. Nasopharyngeal swabs and bronchial aspirate samples from 81 children with acute respiratory infections were tested positive for influenza A (H1N1) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Chest imaging for these patients was analyzed retrospectively by 2 independent radiologists for the presence and distribution of abnormalities. RESULTS: Chest radiograph findings consisted of bilateral patchy areas of consolidation (n=48), diffuse areas of air-space consolidation (n=18), and lobar consolidation (n=7). Eight chest x-rays were normal. Abnormalities were observed more frequently in the lower lobes (bilateral [n=66], unilateral [n=7]). Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed in 18 cases with air-space consolidation and interstitial opacities. Cases with diffuse areas of air-space consolidation were followed-up after 3 months by high resolution CT imaging, which showed interstitial thickening. CONCLUSION: The predominant imaging findings in childhood influenza A (H1N1) were bilateral patchy areas of consolidation, followed by diffuse areas of air-space consolidation, normal radiographs, and lobar consolidation.

[Viral pathogens of acute respiratory infection in hospitalized children from Suzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the viral pathogens of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in hospitalized children from Suzhou of China. METHODS: The nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were obtained from 1,668 hospitalized children with ARI. Common respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3 and adenovirus, were detected using direct immunofluorescence. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) gene fragments were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Viral agents were identified in 597 cases (35.8%). RSV was the most frequent (17.6%). RSV infection is more common in children less than 1 year old. A highest detection rate of RSV was found during winter and spring. hMPV was detected in 10.6% of the cases, with a peak detection rate between March and May. Single viral infection was found in 561 cases (33.6%) and mixed viral infection in 36 cases (including 27 cases at age of less than 1 year). RSV and hMPV co-infection was common (n=22). CONCLUSIONS: RSV is common pathogen of ARI in children from Suzhou. RSV viral activity peaks during winter and spring. The children at age of less than 1 year are susceptible to RSV. hMPV is also an important pathogen of ARI, with a peak detection rate between March and May. Mixed viral infection is common in children less than 1 year old.

[An etiological study on acute respiratory infection among inpatient children in Suzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathogen of children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Suzhou and to provide some evidences for clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The nasopharyngeal secretion samples from 2492 inpatient children with ARI, during the period of November 2005 to May 2007, were investigated for respiratory syncycial virus (RSV), influenza virus A and B, parainfluenza virus type 1, 2, 3 and adenovirus by both the indirect immunofluorescence assay and virus isolation. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) were examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the same time. RESULTS: Of 2492 samples tested, 961 (38.6%) were positive. The total positive rate of virus pathogens in children with ARI was found related to age, season and respiratory disease. The detection rates by age were: 50.0% (412/824), 43.4% (190/438), 30.5% (207/679)and 27.6% (152/551), chi(2) = 96.5002, P < 0.01; the detection rates by season were : 46.7% (366/784), 13.8% (66/478), 13.8% (59/428) and 58.6% (470/802), chi(2) = 392.3279, P < 0.01; the detection rates by disease were (acute upper respiratory infection, acute laryngitis, throat-trachea-bronchitis, bronchial pneumonia, pneumonia genuine, bronchiolitis, bronchial asthma): 21.4% (30/140), 73.7% (14/19), 32.0% (8/25), 36.9% (598/1620), 13.1% (8/61), 66.1% (216/327) and 29.0% (87/300), chi(2) = 162.1276, P < 0.01. There was no association between the total positive rate and sex. The detection rates by sex were: 39.0% (588/1508) for male and 37.9% (373/984) for female, chi(2) = 0.2962, P > 0.05. The peak of RSV appeared from December to March. There was the highest RSV detection rate 50.2% (164/327) with bronchiolitis. The hMPV can be detected all year around. The peak of hMPV appeared in winter and the detection rate was 13.2% (106/802). CONCLUSION: RSV and hMPV are the main respiratory viral pathogens in Suzhou. Detection of viral pathogens in children with respiratory infection could give fast, accurate diagnostic evidence, and help avoid antibiotics abuse.

[Relationship between methimazole and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between methimazole (MMI) and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive vasculitis. METHODS: Thirty-three cases with Graves' disease were tested for serum ANCA before and after taking MMI. At the same time, clinicopathological data of two patients with Graves' disease who had antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis during treatment with MMI were analyzed. RESULTS: Two patients developed antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis during the medication with MMI for 5-6 years; their major clinical manifestations were hematuria and renal failure. Renal biology showed renal vasculitis and vascular necrosis. The disease was relieved after treatment with immunosuppressor. Serum ANCA in the 33 cases was negative before taking MMI. In 3 cases serum ANCA became positive after taking MMI for 2 months, 3 months and 2 years, respectively. The positive rate is 9% (3/33). The major finding was microscopic hematuria. ANCA positive rate was significantly higher after taking MMI than that before taking MMI (chi2) = 5.3, P < 0.05). Microscopic hematuria disappeared after general treatment. CONCLUSION: There may be a relationship between methimazole and development of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis. Renal impairment can occur. The signs and symptoms of the vasculitis can disappear after proper treatment.

[Epidemiological study on respiratory syncytial virus and its bronchopneumonia among children in Suzhou].

OBJECTIVE: To probe the epidemiological trend of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and cellular immunological change of RSV bronchopneumonia among children in Suzhou in the past five years. METHODS: 10,205 children with acute respiratory tract infection from January 2001 to December 2005 were enrolled into the study. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from the respiratory tract by aseptic vacuum aspiration. Direct immuno-fluorescence assay was employed to detect seven kinds of virus antigens including RSV antigen. CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16 and CD56 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 30 patients with RSV bronchopneumonia (1.5-24.0 months old group) were analyzed by flow cytometry analysis, and 15 normal infants (1.5-24.0 months old group) were enrolled as control group. RESULTS: The annual positive rate of RSV was 24.94%, 25.83%, 24.05%, 25.39% and 27.30% respectively from 2001 to 2005. It also found that the peak season for RSV infection was spring or winter (January to March or November to December). The positive rate of RSV was significantly higher in 1-12 months old group than that in > 12 months old group (chi2 = 97.320, P < 0.01), as well as the groups between 1-12 months old (chi2 = 7.804, P < 0.05, the highest positive rate was occurred at 3-6 months old group). The positive rate of RSV was significantly higher in boys than that in girls (chi2 = 9.693, P < 0.01). The percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and NK (CD16 + 56)+ cells were significantly lower in RSV bronchopneumonia than those in control group (t = 3.199, P < 0.01; t = 2.215, P < 0.05; t = 2.619, P < 0.05 and t = 5.240, P < 0.01, respectively). While the percentage of CD19+ cells was significantly elevated in RSV bronchopneumonia than that in control group (t = 2.875, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: RSV infection is of obvious seasonal changes. The younger the patient, the higher positive rates of RSV infection is, while and the cellular immunity function is lower. The effective measures for preventing RSV infection are important, especially for the infants. Further investigation is necessary to understand the causes of the variations for RSV infections between boys and girls.

[Clinical and laboratory studies on childhood acute leukemia with 11q23 abnormalities].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the interrelations among morphology, immunology, cytogenetics and clinical outcome in childhood acute leukemia with 11q23 abnormalities. METHODS: Eighteen patients with 11q23 abnormalities, from 320 childhood acute leukemia patients, were retrospectively analysed for cell morphology, flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, R-banding karyotype as well as clinical features and prognosis. Twenty cases of childhood AL with normal karyotype during the same period were used as control. RESULTS: The incidence of 11q23 abnormalities in our childhood acute leukemia patients was 5.63% including 14 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 4 acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Of 16 cases immunophenotypically tested, 13 expressed lymphoid antigens and 3 CD(34) and other myeloid antigens. Karyotype analysis disclosed the following abnormalities: t(4; 11)(q21; q23) in 6 cases, t(10; 11)(p13; q23) in 3, t(11; 19)(q23; p13) in one and del(11)(q23) in 6. The complete remission rate for these patients with 11q23 abnormalities was comparable to that of the control (72.2% vs 80.0%, P > 0.05), while the mortality rate in the former was significantly higher than that in the latter (61.1% vs 25.0%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 11q23 abnormalities were mainly seen in childhood ALL and acute monocytic leukemia with unique prognostic features.