Detection and diagnosis of automated breast ultrasound in patients with BI-RADS category 4 microcalcifications: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Automated Breast Ultrasound (AB US) has shown good application value and prospects in breast disease screening and diagnosis. The aim of the study was to explore the ability of AB US to detect and diagnose mammographically Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4 microcalcifications. METHODS: 575 pathologically confirmed mammographically BI-RADS category 4 microcalcifications from January 2017 to June 2021 were included. All patients also completed AB US examinations. Based on the final pathological results, analyzed and summarized the AB US image features, and compared the evaluation results with mammography, to explore the detection and diagnostic ability of AB US for these suspicious microcalcifications. RESULTS: 250 were finally confirmed as malignant and 325 were benign. Mammographic findings including microcalcifications morphology (61/80 with amorphous, coarse heterogeneous and fine pleomorphic, 13/14 with fine-linear or branching), calcification distribution (189/346 with grouped, 40/67 with linear and segmental), associated features (70/96 with asymmetric shadow), higher BI-RADS category with 4B (88/120) and 4 C (73/38) showed higher incidence in malignant lesions, and were the independent factors associated with malignant microcalcifications. 477 (477/575, 83.0%) microcalcifications were detected by AB US, including 223 malignant and 254 benign, with a significantly higher detection rate for malignant lesions (x2 = 12.20, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed microcalcifications with architectural distortion (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30, P = 0.014), with amorphous, coarse heterogeneous and fine pleomorphic morphology (OR = 3.15, P = 0.037), grouped (OR = 1.90, P = 0.017), liner and segmental distribution (OR = 8.93, P = 0.004) were the independent factors which could affect the detectability of AB US for microcalcifications. In AB US, malignant calcification was more frequent in a mass (104/154) or intraductal (20/32), and with ductal changes (30/41) or architectural distortion (58/68), especially with the both (12/12). BI-RADS category results also showed that AB US had higher sensitivity to malignant calcification than mammography (64.8% vs. 46.8%). CONCLUSIONS: AB US has good detectability for mammographically BI-RADS category 4 microcalcifications, especially for malignant lesions. Malignant calcification is more common in a mass and intraductal in AB US, and tend to associated with architectural distortion or duct changes. Also, AB US has higher sensitivity than mammography to malignant microcalcification, which is expected to become an effective supplementary examination method for breast microcalcifications, especially in dense breasts.

Rapid alkalinization factor: function, regulation, and potential applications in agriculture.

Rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) is widespread throughout the plant kingdom and controls many aspects of plant life. Current studies on the regulatory mechanism underlying RALF function mainly focus on Arabidopsis, but little is known about the role of RALF in crop plants. Here, we systematically and comprehensively analyzed the relation between RALF family genes from five important crops and those in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Simultaneously, we summarized the functions of RALFs in controlling growth and developmental behavior using conservative motifs as cues and predicted the regulatory role of RALFs in cereal crops. In conclusion, RALF has considerable application potential in improving crop yields and increasing economic benefits. Using gene editing technology or taking advantage of RALF as a hormone additive are effective way to amplify the role of RALF in crop plants.

Scaling-up and proteomic analysis reveals photosynthetic and metabolic insights toward prolonged H2 photoproduction in Chlamydomonas hpm91 mutant lacking proton gradient regulation 5 (PGR5).

Clean and sustainable H2 production is crucial to a carbon-neutral world. H2 generation by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an attractive approach for solar-H2 from H2O. However, it is currently not large-scalable because of lacking desirable strains with both optimal H2 productivity and sufficient knowledge of underlying molecular mechanism. We hereby carried out extensive and in-depth investigations of H2 photoproduction of hpm91 mutant lacking PGR5 (Proton Gradient Regulation 5) toward its up-scaling and fundamental mechanism issues. We show that hpm91 is at least 100-fold scalable (up to 10 L) with continuous H2 collection of 7287 ml H2/10L-HPBR in averagely 26 days under sulfur deprivation. Also, we show that hpm91 is robust and active during sustained H2 photoproduction, most likely due to decreased intracellular ROS relative to wild type. Moreover, we obtained quantitative proteomic profiles of wild type and hpm91 at four representing time points of H2 evolution, leading to 2229 and 1350 differentially expressed proteins, respectively. Compared to wild type, major proteome alterations of hpm91 include not only core subunits of photosystems and those related to anti-oxidative responses but also essential proteins in photosynthetic antenna, C/N metabolic balance, and sulfur assimilation toward both cysteine biosynthesis and sulfation of metabolites during sulfur-deprived H2 production. These results reveal not only new insights of cellular and molecular basis of enhanced H2 production in hpm91 but also provide additional candidate gene targets and modules for further genetic modifications and/or in artificial photosynthesis mimics toward basic and applied research aiming at advancing solar-H2 technology.

Danshen-Chuanxiongqin Injection attenuates cerebral ischemic stroke by inhibiting neuroinflammation via the TLR2/ TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB Pathway in tMCAO mice.

Danshen-Chuanxiongqin Injection (DCI) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke in China. However, its underlying mechanisms remain completely understood. The current study was designed to explore the protective mechanisms of DCI against cerebral ischemic stroke through integrating whole-transcriptome sequencing coupled with network pharmacology analysis. First, using a mouse model of cerebral ischemic stroke by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), we found that DCI (4.10 mL·kg-1) significantly alleviated cerebral ischemic infarction, neurological deficits, and the pathological injury of hippocampal and cortical neurons in mice. Next, the whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed on brain tissues. The cerebral ischemia disease (CID) network was constructed by integrating transcriptome sequencing data and cerebrovascular disease-related genes. The results showed CID network was imbalanced due to tMCAO, but a recovery regulation was observed after DCI treatment. Pathway analysis of the key genes with recovery efficiency showed that the neuroinflammation signaling pathway was highly enriched, while the TLR2/TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway was predicted to be affected. Consistently, the in vivo validation experiments confirmed that DCI exhibited protective effects against cerebral ischemic stroke by inhibiting neuroinflammation via the TLR2/TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway. More interestingly, DCI markedly suppressed the neutrophils infiltrated into the brain parenchyma via the choroid plexus route and showed anti-neuroinflammation effects. In conclusion, our results provide dependable evidence that inhibiting neuroinflammation via the TLR2/TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway is the main mechanism of DCI against cerebral ischemic stroke in mice.

Pre-harvest sprouting in cereals: genetic and biochemical mechanisms.

With the growth of the global population and the increasing frequency of natural disasters, crop yields must be steadily increased to enhance human adaptability to risks. Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), a term mainly used to describe the phenomenon in which grains germinate on the mother plant directly before harvest, is a serious global problem for agricultural production. After domestication, the dormancy level of cultivated crops was generally lower than that of their wild ancestors. Although the shortened dormancy period likely improved the industrial performance of cereals such as wheat, barley, rice, and maize, the excessive germination rate has caused frequent PHS in areas with higher rainfall, resulting in great economic losses. Here, we systematically review the causes of PHS and its consequences, the major indicators and methods for PHS assessment, and emphasize the biological significance of PHS in crop production. Wheat quantitative trait loci functioning in the control of PHS are also comprehensively summarized in a meta-analysis. Finally, we use Arabidopsis as a model plant to develop more complete PHS regulatory networks for wheat. The integration of this information is conducive to the development of custom-made cultivated lines suitable for different demands and regions, and is of great significance for improving crop yields and economic benefits.

Comparative understanding of metal hyperaccumulation in plants: a mini-review.

Hyperaccumulator plants are ideal models for investigating the regulatory mechanisms of plant metal homeostasis and environmental adaptation due to their notable traits of metal accumulation and tolerance. These traits may benefit either the biofortification of essential mineral nutrients or the phytoremediation of nonessential toxic metals. A common mechanism by which elevated expression of key genes involved in metal transport or chelation contributes to hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance was proposed mainly from studies examining two Brassicaceae hyperaccumulators, namely Arabidopsis halleri and Noccaea caerulescens (formerly Thlaspi caerulescens). Meanwhile, recent findings regarding systems outside the Brassicaceae hyperaccumulators indicated that functional enhancement of key genes might represent a strategy evolved by hyperaccumulator plants. This review provides a brief outline of metal hyperaccumulation in plants and highlights commonalities and differences among various hyperaccumulators.

[Effect of breastfeeding on the development of infection-related diseases during hospitalization in late preterm infants in 25 hospitals in Beijing, China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence rate of infectious diseases during hospitalization in late preterm infants in Beijing, China, as well as the risk factors for infectious diseases and the effect of breastfeeding on the development of infectious diseases. METHODS: Related data were collected from the late preterm infants who were hospitalized in the neonatal wards of 25 hospitals in Beijing, China, from October 23, 2015 to October 30, 2017. According to the feeding pattern, they were divided into a breastfeeding group and a formula feeding group. The two groups were compared in terms of general status and incidence rate of infectious diseases. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for infectious diseases. RESULTS: A total of 1 576 late preterm infants were enrolled, with 153 infants in the breastfeeding group and 1 423 in the formula feeding group. Of all infants, 484 (30.71%) experienced infectious diseases. The breastfeeding group had a significantly lower incidence rate of infectious diseases than the formula feeding group (22.88% vs 31.55%, P=0.033). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that breastfeeding was an independent protective factor against infectious diseases (OR=0.534, P=0.004), while male sex, premature rupture of membranes, gestational diabetes mellitus, and asphyxia were risk factors for infectious diseases (OR=1.328, 5.386, 1.535, and 2.353 respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding can significantly reduce the incidence of infectious diseases and is a protective factor against infectious diseases in late preterm infants. Breastfeeding should therefore be actively promoted for late preterm infants during hospitalization.

The role of single strand break repair pathways in cellular responses to camptothecin induced DNA damage.

Efficient DNA repair is critical for cell survival following exposure to DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) inhibitors camptothecin, a nature product from which the common chemotherapeutic drugs irinotecan and topotecan are derived. The camptothecin-derived agents exert their antitumor activities by specifically stabilizing the Top1-DNA covalent complexes (Top1cc) and blocking the DNA religation step. When exposed to these DNA damage agents, tumor cells quickly activate DNA damage response. This allows sufficient time to remove the Top1ccs and prevent tumor cells from apoptosis. Several repair pathways have been implicated in this process. One of the most relevant repair modes is DNA single strand break repair (SSBR) pathway. The expression level or mutagenesis of specific repair factors involved in SSBR pathway may play an indispensable role in individual's capacity of repairing camptothecin induced DNA damage. Therefore, understanding of the tolerance pathways counteracted to camptothecin cytotoxicity is crucial in alleviating chemotherapy resistance. This review focus on the SSBR pathway in repair camptothecin induced DNA damage, aiming to provide insights into the potential molecular determinants of camptothecin chemosensitivity.

Diagnostic Performance Using Automated Breast Ultrasound System for Breast Cancer in Chinese Women Aged 40 Years or Older: A Comparative Study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of the automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) compared with hand-held ultrasonography (HHUS) and mammography (MG) for breast cancer in women aged 40 y or older. A total of 594 breasts in 385 patients were enrolled in the study. HHUS, ABUS and MG exams were performed for these patients. Follow-up and pathologic findings were used as the reference standard. Based on the reference standard, 519 units were benign or normal and 75 were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and Youden index were 97.33%, 89.79%, 90.74% and 0.87 for HHUS; 90.67%, 92.49%, 92.26% and 0.83 for ABUS; 84.00%, 92.87%, 91.75% and 0.77 for MG, respectively. The specificity of ABUS was significantly superior to that of HHUS (p = 0.024). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.936 for HHUS, which was the highest, followed by 0.916 for ABUS and 0.884 for MG. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the diagnostic performance of ABUS for breast cancer was equivalent to HHUS and MG and potentially can be used as an alternative method for breast cancer diagnosis.

Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation: Insights into the mitochondria dysregulation.

NBIA (Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation) is a group of inherited neurologic disorders characterized by marked genetic heterogeneity, in which iron atypical accumulates in basal ganglia resulting in brain magnetic resonance imaging changes, histopathological abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric clinical symptoms. With the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing technologies, ten candidate genes have been identified, including PANK2, PLA2G6, C19orf12, WDR45, FA2H, ATP13A2, FTL, CP, C2orf37, and COASY. They are involved in seemingly unrelated cellular pathways, such as iron homeostasis (FTL, CP), lipid metabolism (PLA2G6, C19orf12, FA2H), Coenzyme A synthesis (PANK2, COASY), and autophagy (WDR45, ATP13A2). In particular, PANK2, COASY, PLA2G6, and C19orf12 are located on mitochondria, which associate with certain subtypes of NBIA showing mitochondria dysregulation. However, the relationships among those four genes are still unclear. Therefore, this review is specifically focused on dysregulation of mitochondria in NBIA and afore-mentioned four genes, with summaries of both pathological and clinical findings.

Diversity in the section Compressa of the genus Chaetoceros (Bacillariophyceae), with description of two new species from Chinese warm waters.

Monoclonal strains of Chaetoceros species were collected from Chinese warm waters. Vegetative cells and resting spores were examined using light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Combined morphological and DNA sequence data from the hypervariable D1-D3 region of the nuclear ribosomal large subunit showed the presence of two new species within the section Compressa, herein described as Chaetoceros bifurcatus sp. nov. and C. millipedarius sp. nov. Both species possessed features typical of the section Compressa, but C. bifurcatus was characterized by the heavy intercalary setae fusing and extending together for a distance before diverging. The heavy setae were not visually contorted, lacking poroids and spines, in contrast with how the section Compressa has been defined. Chaetoceros millipedarius was characterized by a horizontal stagger of ordinary intercalary setae when the chain was seen in broad girdle view, making the chain look like a millipede. The two new species were supported by molecular phylogenetic analyses with C. bifurcatus sister to C. contortus var. ornatus, while C. millipedarius was sister to C. contortus var. contortus. Based on the morphological features exhibited in C. bifurcatus, the diagnosis of the section Compressa was emended to exclude "contorted" heavy setae and compressed valve faces.

A pentacyclic triterpene derivative possessing polyhydroxyl ring A suppresses growth of HeLa cells by reactive oxygen species-dependent NF-κB pathway.

Pentacyclic triterpene derivatives possessing polyhydroxyl ring A exhibit many important pharmacological activities. (1ß, 2α, 3ß, 19ß, 23)-1,2,3,19,23-pentahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid (5), a new bioactive phytochemical with tetra-hydroxyl ring A isolated from Euphorbia sieboldiana in our laboratory, showed potential inhibition effects against several cancer cells previously. This study was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action for its antitumor activity. The results showed that compound 5 inhibited dose-/time-dependently cell growth with low toxicity to normal cells and induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. Also, compound 5 inhibited the growth and proliferation of HeLa cells and resulted in G1 phase arrest. Furthermore, exposure of cells to compound 5 caused inactivation of the TNF-α-TAK1-IKK-NF-κB axis and inhibition of TNF-α-stimulated NF-κB activity, followed by down-regulation of NF-κB target genes involved in cell apoptosis (Bcl-2) and in the cell cycle and growth (Cyclin D, c-Myc). Additionally, compound 5 significantly suppressed the migration of HeLa cells. In addition, exposure of HeLa cells to compound 5 decreased the activity of NF-κB through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, these results suggested that compound 5 exerted potent anticancer effects on HeLa cells in vitro through targeting the ROS-dependent NF-κB signaling cascade and this compound may be a promising anticancer agent for cancer treatment.

IL-1B rs1143623 and EEF1A1P11-RPL7P9 rs10783050 polymorphisms affect the glucose-lowing efficacy of metformin in Chinese overweight or obese Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

AIM: To investigate the potential genetic effect on metformin efficacy in overweight or obese Chinese Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. PATIENTS & METHODS: 768 SNPs in or close to 207 genes were genotyped in 84 patients treated with metformin + glibenclamide/Xiaoke Pill. Significant SNPs were then verified in 107 recent-onset overweight or obese T2DM patients treated with metformin alone. Genotyping was done by Illumina GoldenGate Assay. RESULTS: In the discovery stage, 22 SNPs were nominally significant. IL1B rs1143623 (p = 0.011) and EEF1A1P11-RPL7P9 rs10783050 (p = 0.021) were still significantly associated with the relative change of HbA1c in the replication stage. CONCLUSION: IL1B rs1143623 and EEF1A1P11-RPL7P9 rs10783050 polymorphisms may contribute to metformin's glucose-lowing efficacy in overweight or obese Chinese T2DM patients.

Genome-scale long noncoding RNA expression pattern in squamous cell lung cancer.

In this study, we aimed to explore the long noncoding RNA expression pattern in squamous cell lung cancer (SQCC) on a genome-wide scale. Total RNAs were extracted from 16 lung SQCC patients' normal and matched lung cancer tissues by Trizol reagent. The expression level of genome-wide scale lncRNA and mRNA was determined by microarray. qRT-PCR was used to validate the lncRNA expression level in 47 patients. Data analyses were performed using R and Bioconductor. A total of 2,748 up and 852 down regulated probes were identified to be significantly and differentially expressed in tumor tissues. The annotation result of their co-expressed mRNAs showed that the most significantly related category of GO analysis was development and differentiation, while the most significantly related pathway was cell cycle. Subgroup analysis identified that 46 and 18 probes were specifically differentially expressed in smoking and moderately differentiated tumors, respectively. Our study indicated that clusters of lncRNAs were significantly and differentially expressed in SQCC compared with normal tissues in the same subject. They may exert a significant role in lung cancer development and could be potential targets for future treatment of SQCC.

[Difference of potassium absorption characters and mechanism of tobacco in genotypes].

Tabacco (Nicotiana tabacum) has a relatively high requirement for potassium (K). The difference in root characteristics and ability to release K from minerals of flue-cured tobacco in four genotypes ND202, NC628, G28 and NC628 x ND202 were analyzed. The results showed that the more available K released from minerals by roots, the more K would be accumulated by plants. ND202, which was K-enriched genotype, had well developed root system and was easily influenced by K content in the environment. Compared with ND202, NC628 significantly enhanced the effectiveness of K in substrate by releasing K from minerals, though the ability to absorb K was weak. Moreover, the hybrid of NC628 x ND202 had a higher ability to release K and to tolerate low-level K than maternal parent. It was higher in dry matter accumulation and K enrichment than male parent. So hybridization had the utility value in high-K variety cultivation. These results provided evidence that parents should have the ability to enhance available K from soil besides the high combining ability for breeding the high-K variety.

[Analysis on medication principles for cough based on experience of Xu Di-hua, descendant of Meng He Medical School].

Based on the software of traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support system (TCMISS), this article aims to analyze the experience and composition rules for cough from the descendant of Meng He Medical School, Xu Di-hua. The cough cases treated by Xu Di-hua were collected, and recorded into TCMISS (V2.0). Data mining methods such as Apriori algorithm and complex system entropy cluster were used to analyze the medication principles of Xu Di-hua for cough from pathogenesis and therapeutie aspects, and dig out the frequency of the herbs in prescription, core medicine and new combinations. The experience of curing cough from Professor Xu Di-hua were well found in the research. He is good at choosing prescriptions accurately, and pays attention to simultaneous use of cold and moisture drugs with combination of tonification and purgation. He is skilled in adding or reducing materia medica flexibly, as well as regulating lung to relieve cough and eliminating phlegm by clearing heat.

Comprehensive analysis of the association of EGFR, CALM3 and SMARCD1 gene polymorphisms with BMD in Caucasian women.

SUMMARY: Three genes, including EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), CALM3 (calmodulin 3, calcium-modulated protein 3) and SMARCD1 (SWI/SNF-related matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily d member 1), play different roles in bone and/or fat metabolism in Caucasian women. In this population-based investigation of 870 unrelated postmenopausal Caucasian women, CALM3 polymorphisms were significantly associated with femoral neck bone mineral density (FNK BMD), hip BMD and spine BMD. Age and tobacco status also affected BMD levels and were therefore corrected for in our statistical analysis. INTRODUCTION: EGFR, CALM3 and SMARCD1 play roles in bone and/or fat metabolism. However, the correlations between the polymorphisms of these three genes and body composition levels, including BMD, remain to be determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based investigation of 870 white women was conducted. Forty-four SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in EGFR, CALM3 and SMARCD1 were chosen by the software, including those of potential functional importance. The candidate SNPs were genotyped by the KASPar assay for an association analysis with body composition levels. The correlation analysis was assessed by the Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient and Spearman rank-order correlation tests, and the family-wise error was corrected using the Wald test implemented in PLINK. RESULTS: The SNP rs12461917 in the 3'-flanking region of the CALM3 gene was significantly associated with FNK BMD (P = 0.001), hip BMD (P<0.001) and spine BMD (P = 0.001); rs11083838 in the 5'-flanking region of CALM3 gene was associated with spine BMD (P = 0.009). After adjusting for multiple comparisons, rs12461917 remained significant (P-adjusted = 0.033 for FNK BMD, P-adjusted = 0.006 for hip BMD and P-adjusted = 0.018 for spine BMD). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that polymorphisms of the CALM3 gene in Caucasian women may contribute to variations in the BMD of the hip, spine and femoral neck.

The prognostic value of altered eIF3a and its association with p27 in non-small cell lung cancers.

BACKGROUND: Over-expressed eukaryotic initiation factor 3a (eIF3a) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) contributed to cisplatin sensitivity. However, the role of eIF3a in oncogenesis was still controversial. This study was designed to investigate the prognostic impact of eIF3a and p27 in radically resected NSCLC patients. METHODS: The expression levels of subcellular eIF3a and p27 were evaluated immunohistochemically in 537 radically resected NSCLC samples, and another cohort of 210 stage II NSCLC patients. Disease specific survival (DSS) and disease free survival (DFS) were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. RESULTS: The subcellular expression of eIF3a was strongly correlated with status of p27 (Spearman rank coefficient correlation for cytoplasmic eIF3a and p27=0.653, for nuclear staining=0.716). Moreover, survival analysis revealed favorable prognostic impact of nuclear eIF3a, p27, and the combination high nuclear staining on NSCLC (Hazards Ratio=0.360, 95%CI=0.109-0.782, P=0.028). In addition, interaction research between biomarkers and chemotherapy status disclosed cisplatin-based regimen trend to prolong DSS of stage II NSCLC patients with high eIF3a-C (P=0.036)and low p27-N (P=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested altered eIF3a expression closely correlated with p27 status, and the association was of prognostic value for resected NSCLC. Altered expression of eIF3a and p27 predicted prognosis of NSCLC independently.

Association of nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) 894 G>T polymorphism with prognostic outcomes of anthracycline in Chinese patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) 894 G>T polymorphism on prognostic outcomes of anthracycline in Chinese patients with de novo intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and to examine the gene expression level in relation to genetic variation. In all, 225 Chinese patients with intermediate-risk AML (at the complete remission stage) treated with anthracycline were enrolled in the study. The 894 G>T polymorphism of the NOS3 gene was analysed by allele-specific matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight. Expression of NOS3 mRNA was tested in 72 patients of known genotype for NOS3 894 G>T. The clinical characteristics of these patients were obtained from medical records. Survival analysis showed that patients with AML (GG genotype) had a longer overall survival (OS; P = 0.006). After adjusting for age, gender, leucocyte count, haemoglobin level, platelet level, French, American and Britain (FAB) classification, lactate dehydrogenase levels, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status, nucleophosmin gene and fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 gene, multivariate survival analysis showed that the NOS3 894 G>T polymorphism appeared to be a predicting factor for OS (P = 0.014; hazard ratio = 1.856). However, no significant associations between the NOS3 894 G>T polymorphism and relapse-free survival and relapse in patients with AML were observed. Gene expression levels were significantly higher in patients with the GG genotype than in patients with the GT and TT genotypes (P = 0.033). The findings suggest that the NOS3 894 G>T variant may be a biomarker for the prediction of OS in Chinese patients with AML.