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.

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.

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.

Enhanced magnifying endoscopy for differential diagnosis of superficial gastric lesions identified with white-light endoscopy.

Background: Various techniques using magnifying endoscopy (ME) and chromoendoscopy are being developed to enhance images of gastrointestinal tumor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ME enhanced by acetic acid-indigo carmine mixture (ME-AIM) and ME enhanced with narrow-band imaging (ME-NBI) for differential diagnosis of superficial gastric lesions identified with conventional white-light endoscopy (WLE).

Methods: Patients with superficial gastric lesions picked up with WLE were enrolled in the study.

[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.

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.

[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.