Abnormal miR-214/A20 expression might play a role in T cell activation in patients with aplastic anemia.

Aberrant T cell activation is a major cause of aplastic anemia (AA) pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs regulate T cell activation and are involved in AA. A previous study found that miR-214 was significantly up-regulated upon T cell activation in a CD28-dependent fashion by targeting PTEN.

Molecular alterations in the TCR signaling pathway in patients with aplastic anemia.

Background: A previous study has demonstrated a significantly increased CD3ζ gene expression level in aplastic anemia (AA). However, the mechanism underlying the upregulated CD3ζ mRNA expression level and that of T cell activation signaling molecules in AA patients remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the expression levels of the CD3ζ, CD28, CTLA-4, and Cbl-b genes, the SNP rs231775 in the CTLA-4 gene, and the distribution of the CD3ζ 3'-UTR splice variant in AA patients.

Downregulation of miR-129-2 by promoter hypermethylation regulates breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Aberrant expression of the miR-129 family has been found in several types of cancer, yet its expression and potential biologic role in breast cancer remain largely unknown. In the present study, we found that miR-129-2 was consistently downregulated in the breast cancer specimens and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-129-2-3p markedly suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation and induced its apoptosis.

The prevalence of leucocyte alloantibodies in blood donors from South China.

Background: Several studies had demonstrated that leucocyte antibodies including anti-human leucocyte antigen (anti-HLA) antibodies (class I and class II) and anti-human neutrophil antigen (anti-HNA) antibodies (HNA-1, -2 and -3) present in the blood products are responsible for transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Therefore, selection of blood products exclusive of anti-HLA and anti-HNA antibodies may lower the risk of TRALI reaction. However, the prevalence of leucocyte antibodies among blood donors in China is currently not known.

miR-148b functions as a tumor suppressor in non-small cell lung cancer by targeting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

Aberrant expression of miR-148b has been found in several types of cancer, but its expression and potential biologic role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are still largely unknown. Here, we found that miR-148b was commonly under-expressed in human non-small celllung cancer (NSCLC) specimens and cell lines. The overexpression of miR-148b dramatically suppressed NSCLC cell proliferation and migration.

[Audiological assessment value of click-evoked auditory brainstem response combined with single stimulation of the auditory steady-state evoked response on normal young people].

Objective: Analysis of normal young people multiple stimuli ASSR (m-ASSR), single stimuli ASSR (s-ASSR), C-ABR, PTA threshold, exploratory investigation of relevance of hearing test combination thresholds (C-ABR combines with 0.5, 1.0 kHz s-ASSR) predict behavioral thresholds, using a within-subjects design.

Effect on extrapulmonary sepsis-induced acute lung injury by hemoperfusion with neutral microporous resin column.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of neutral microporous resin hemoperfusion on oxygenation improvement, removal of inflammatory cytokines in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage, and mortality in acute lung injury induced by extrapulmonary sepsis. Forty-six patients with acute lung injury induced by extrapulmonary sepsis were randomized to HA type hemoperfusion treatment (N=25) or standard therapy (N=21). Those undergoing hemoperfusion treatment received HA330 hemoperfusion.

A novel allele: HLA-B*13:01:06, identified by sequence-based typing in a Chinese individual.

HLA-B*13:01:06 has one nucleotide acid change (G→A) at position 219, at codon 49 (GCG→GCA) in exon2 without amino acid change (Ala→Ala).

Dexmedetomidine versus midazolam for the sedation of patients with non-invasive ventilation failure.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of sedation with dexmedetomidine vs. midazolam for patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema and hypoxemia during the treatment of non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

Methods: The intensive care unit (ICU) patients treated in our hospital between March 2008 and August 2011 who had acute pulmonary edema and hyoxemia in NIV failure due to patient refusal to continue the NIV sessions (due to discomfort) were enrolled in this study.

Value of a skin island flap as a postoperative predictor of vascularized fibula graft viability in extensive diaphyseal bone defect reconstruction.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of free vascularized fibular graft with skin island flap for reconstruction of large diaphyseal bone defect.

Method: The clinical results of vascularized fibular graft and experiences related to the importance and reliability of a monitoring island flap for the reconstruction of various long-bone defects were reviewed in 87 patients.

Results: Bony reconstruction was achieved in 82 of the 87 patients.

Expression and clinical significance of hedgehog signaling pathway related components in colorectal cancer.

Aim: To investigate the expression of three components of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway (SHH, SMO and GLI1) in human colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and evaluate their association with clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients.

Methods: Fresh tumor tissues and matched tissues adjacent to the tumor were collected from 43 CRC patients undergoing surgery. Normal colorectal tissues from 20 non-CRC cases were also sampled as normal controls.

MicroRNA-148b enhances the radiosensitivity of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma cells by promoting radiation-induced apoptosis.

Growing evidence has demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating cellular radiosensitivity. This study aimed to explore the role of miRNAs in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) radiosensitivity. Microarray was employed to compare the miRNA expression profiles in B cell lymphoma cell line Raji before and after a 2-Gy dose of radiation.

[Effect of necrotic wound tissue decomposition products on serum inflammation factors in rabbits].

Objective: To observe the effect of the decomposition products of necrotic tissues from wounds on the serum levels of inflammation factors in comparison with endotoxin.

Methods: Thirty adult New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups and received injections of saline, necrotic tissue homogenate or endotoxin. From each rabbit, blood samples (2 ml) were collected from the central artery of the ears at 0, 2, 6, 12, 24, 30, 36, 48, and 60 h after the injection for measurement of serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6.

[Full sequence analysis for a null allele of MICA gene (MICA*063N)].

Objective: To analyze the full nucleotide sequence of a null allele of major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene (MICA).

Methods: A sequence-based typing method was used to determine the nucleotide sequence of the MICA gene. Potential alleles were identified with a computer program.

Effect of GnRHa on apoptosis and release of VEGF in endometrial cell cultures from patients with adenomyosis.

Aim: To investigate the effect of Gonadotropin-realeasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) on apoptosis and the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the in vitro eutopic endometrial cell of adenomyosis.

Methods: Biopsy specimens of eutopic endometrium obtained from 32 women with adenomyosis and 20 normal womenwere studied. Cells were cultured with GnRHa for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h in the concentration of 10-7 mol/L and 105 mol/L.

Detection of human erythrocytes influenced by iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia using atomic force microscopy.

Purpose: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia (THAL) are two types of microcytic anemia, and both of these conditions disturb the morphology and function of erythrocytes at the molecular level. The ability to distinguish between thalassemic and iron deficiency anemia microcytosis has important clinical implications. The purpose of this study was to show that pathophysiological changes to erythrocytes could be detected at the nanometer scale, which is important for the early diagnosis of anemia and for distinguishing between IDA and THAL.

Detection of erythrocytes in patient with iron deficiency anemia using atomic force microscopy.

Purpose: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) disturbs the morphology and function of erythrocytes at molecular level. The purpose of this study was to show that pathophysiological changes to erythrocytes could be detected at the nanometer scale, which is important for the early diagnosis and effective therapies of the anemia.

Methods: Blood samples were taken from six healthy volunteers and six patients with IDA before and after therapy.

[Effects of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on ERK1/2 activation in a rat model of ventilator-induced lung injury].

Objective: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride on inflammatory lung injury and phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein (ERK1/2) in a rat model of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).

Methods: Thirty-six adult male SD rats were randomized into 3 groups (n=12) to receive a 4-h standard ventilation (group C, with tidal volume of 8 ml/kg and respiratory rate of 90/min), high-tidal volume ventilation (group H, with tidal volume of 20 ml/kg and respiratory rate of 50 /min), and high-tidal volume ventilation plus 0.5 µg·kg(-1)·h(-1) dexmedetomidine infusion (group D), with the maintenance of a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 0 cmH(2)O.

Identification of a novel allele, MICA*063N, in a Chinese lung cancer patient.

MICA*063N has one nucleotide different from MICA*027 at position 184 (C→T) in codon 62 (CAG→TAG), resulting in a premature stop codon in exon 2.

A functional variant in microRNA-196a2 is associated with susceptibility of colorectal cancer in a Chinese population.

Background And Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNA) can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Polymorphisms present in pri-, pre- and mature miRNAs can potentially modulate the expression of hundreds of genes, broadly affecting miRNA function. Notably, the rs11614913 SNP in miR-196a2 has been implicated in carcinogenesis, but its association with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unexplored.

Removal of humoral mediators and the effect on the survival of septic patients by hemoperfusion with neutral microporous resin column.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of neutral microporous resin hemoperfusion on hemodynamic improvement, removal of inflammatory cytokines, and mortality in critical care patients with severe sepsis. Forty-four patients with severe sepsis or septic shock were randomized to HA type hemoperfusion treatment (N=24) or standard therapy (N=20). Those undergoing hemoperfusion treatment received HA330 hemoperfusion.

Low avidity and level of serum anti-Aβ antibodies in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related cerebral hemorrhage.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is characterized by the deposition of the beta-amyloid protein (Aβ) in small cerebral vessels, which is considered a common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (CAAH) in elderly people. Little is known about the properties of serum naturally occurring anti-Aβ antibodies in patients with CAAH. We investigated the avidity and levels of anti-Aβ antibodies in 20 patients and 20 age-matched healthy controls by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with thiocyanate elution.

Up-regulation of apoptosis by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist in cultures of endometrial cells from women with symptomatic myomas.

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), which is widely used in the medical treatment of symptomatic myomas, on the rate of endometrial cell apoptosis in cultures from women with symptomatic myomas.

Methods: The study included 36 women with symptomatic myomas without endometrial hyperplasia or endometrial carcinoma, and 22 controls. Endometrial biopsy specimens were obtained from all subjects.

Preparation, physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity in vitro of gemcitabine-loaded PEG-PDLLA nanovesicles.

Aim: To investigate the preparation, physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity in vitro of Gemcitabine-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(D,L-lactide) (PEG-PDLLA) nanovesicles.

Methods: The nanovesicle carriers were prepared from the amphiphilic block copolymer of PEG-PDLLA by a double emulsion technique, and gemcitabine was used as the model drug. The morphology of the nanovesicles was determined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and the drug content, drug entrapment and drug-release curve in vitro were detected by UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry.