miR-888 functions as an oncogene and predicts poor prognosis in colorectal cancer.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of tumor formation, progression and metastasis. The present study characterized a novel miRNA (miR)-888, as a potent oncomiR in human colorectal cancer (CRC). The clinicopathological investigation on 126 cases of CRC patients demonstrated that the expression level of miR-888 was significantly upregulated in tumors compared with adjacent healthy tissue, and was associated with tumor stage and histological differentiation.

Interleukin-18 genetic polymorphisms contribute differentially to the susceptibility to Crohn's disease.

Aim: To investigate the correlation between interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods: The PubMed, CISCOM, CINAHL, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CBM databases were searched without any language restrictions using combinations of keywords relating to CD and IL-18 for relevant articles published before November 1(st), 2013. Screening of the published studies retrieved from searches was based on our stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria and resulted in seven eligible studies for meta-analysis.

Prognostic impact of gastrointestinal bleeding and expression of PTEN and Ki-67 on primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Background: Prognostic indicators for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are under investigation. The latest risk classification criteria may still have room for improvement. This study aims to investigate prognostic factors for primary GISTs from three aspects, including clinicopathological parameters, immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of PTEN, and Ki-67 labeling index (LI), and attempts to find valuable predictors for the malignancy potential of primary GISTs.

Serum inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 is an early marker of diagnosis and prediction of severe acute pancreatitis.

Aim: To determine if serum inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is an early marker of the diagnosis and prediction of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) within 24 h of onset of pain, and to compare the sensitivity, specificity and prognostic value of this test with those of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Methods: Patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) were divided into two groups according to the Ranson's criteria: mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) group and SAP group. Serum ICAM-1, APACHE II and IL-6 levels were detected in all the patients.

Clinical observations on 46 cases of globus hystericus treated with modified Banxia Houpu decoction.

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of modified Banxia Houpu decoction on globus hystericus.

Methods: The 95 patients with globus hystericus were randomly divided into a treatment group of 46 cases treated with modified Banxia Houpu decoction and a control group of 49 cases treated with Manyanshuning (Granula for Clearing the Throat). In addition, a normal group of 24 healthy people was set up.

[Inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbatae D. Don on tumor angiogenesis and its mechanism].

Background & Objective: Various chemically synthetic anti-angiogenesis agents have serious side effects. The traditional Chinese medicine has attracted considerable attention because of its low toxicity. This study was to explore the inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbatae D.

Abnormal function of platelets and role of angelica sinensis in patients with ulcerative colitis.

Aim: To explore the abnormal function of platelets and the role of angelica sinensis injection (ASI) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods: In 39 patients with active UC, 25 patients with remissive UC and 30 healthy people, alpha-granule membrane protein (GMP-140) and thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) were detected by means of ELISA, 6-keto-PGF(1a) was detected by radioimmunoassay, platelet count (PC) and 1 min platelet aggregation rate (1 min PAR) were detected by blood automatic tester and platelet aggregation tester respectively, and von Willebrand factor related antigen (vWF:Ag) was detected by the means of monoclonal -ELISA. The 64 patients with UC were divided into two therapy groups.