[Strolling through the glorious years of Alveolar Surgery, bravely stepping onto the path of practice and innovation].

This article summarizes and organizes relevant publications in journals, along with a review of medical history, systematically summarizing the development process of dental alveolar surgery in China. The initial establishment phase (1935-1952) marked the starting point of Chinese Alveolar Surgery. Despite the impact of wars, it laid the foundation for subsequent research and practice. During the early development phase (1953-1966), the "Chinese Journal of Stomatology" was founded, which promoted the development of Alveolar Surgery. Research focused on tooth extraction methods and complications. Tooth Transplantation and Preprosthetic Surgery gradually began to take off. The stagnant phase (1967-1977) occurred due to the interruption of international exchanges, leading to an almost complete halt in the development of Alveolar Surgery. Entering the rapid catch-up phase (1978-1985), Alveolar Surgery scholars in China began striving to overcome the stagnation of the previous decade. While some progress was made, no significant innovative achievements emerged. In the scientific development phase (1986-2010), clinical research, basic experiments, and paper writing in modern Chinese Alveolar Surgery began to adhere to scientific standards with the rise of experimental medicine. The exploration and innovation stage (2011-2023) is the current development phase, during which Chinese Aveolar Surgery has reached its peak, making substantial progress in technology, clinical practices, and basic research, gradually reaching or even surpassing international advanced levels. Looking back at the development history in China, we can find the wisdom and hard work of the older generation of Alveolar Surgery scholars. However, contemporary challenges and issues, such as standardizing technology, promoting clinical practices, and talent cultivation, need to be addressed by present-day Alveolar Surgery professionals as they forge ahead.

Structural stability, elasticity, thermodynamics, and electronic structures of L12-type Ni3X (X = Al, Ti, V, Nb) phases under external pressure condition.

In this paper, the effect of pressure on the structural stability, elasticity, thermodynamics, and associated electronic structure of L12-type Ni3X (X = Al, Ti, V, Nb) phases is investigated using a first-principles approach. It is shown that pressure leads to volume compression of the Ni3X phase and reduction of the lattice parameters. The increase of pressure promotes the increase of elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, and Young's modulus. And there is an extremely strong linear correlation between the pressure and the elastic constants. The calculated elastic constants indicate that the pressure leads to strong mechanical stability and ductility of the Ni3X phase. Mechanical anisotropy of the Ni3X phase also increases with increasing pressure. The electronic analysis shows that the increase in pressure leads to enhanced Ni-d-orbitals and X-d-orbitals hybridization and increased electron transfer. The order in terms of electron accumulation intensity is Ni3Ti > Ni3Nb > Ni3V > Ni3Al. It is more directly reflected in the charge density difference diagram. This is in agreement with the results of the enthalpy of formation (ΔH) and Debye temperature (ΘD) analysis.

[A study on the association between the infant anemia and the utilization of maternal and child health services in ethnic minorities gathering in poverty-stricken rural areas of two provinces in Western China].

In this study, 1 065 infants and young children aged 24 months below in ethnic minorities gathering in poor rural areas in poor rural areas of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province and Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province were investigated for their anemia status from October to November 2014, and the association between anemia and the utilization of maternal and child health services was analyzed. The prevalence of anemia in this area was 52.68%(561/1 065). After the adjustment of socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and infants, compared with infants aged 2-5 months, Han ethnic group, and infants whose mother was not anemic, the OR(95%CI) values of infant anemia for infants aged 6-12 months, 13-8 months, 19-24 months, ethnic minorities group, and infants whose mother was anemic were 11.65 (7.09-19.14), 9.91 (5.99-16.38), 5.87 (3.39-10.16), 1.55 (1.10-2.18) and 1.52 (1.14-2.04), respectively; Compared with infants whose child examination times not up to standard, and who were not only non-hospital delivered but also received inadequate number of inoculation, the OR (95%CI) values of infant anemia for infants whose child examination times up to standard, and who were not only hospital delivered but also received adequate number of inoculation were 0.60 (0.38-0.94) and 0.71 (0.52-0.98), respectively. The infants anemia is associated with the utilization of maternal and child health services.

Genetic association between the NLRP3 gene and acne vulgaris in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a common chronic skin disease. Inflammation is an important pathogenetic mechanism of acne, and NLRP3 polymorphisms have been reported to be involved in the mediation and occurrence of the inflammation. However, only a few studies on NLRP3 and acne have been reported, and the mechanism remains unclear. AIM: To investigate two SNPs in the NLRP3 gene in patients with acne vulgaris (AV) and healthy controls (HCs) in a Chinese population. METHODS: A case-control study was performed with 428 patients with AV and 384 (HCs). The SNPs rs10754558 and rs4612666 of the NLRP3 gene were genotyped using PCR with sequence-specific primers. A dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine whether the SNP rs10754558 might be responsible for the altered NLRP3 gene expression in AV by disrupting the interaction between micro-RNA (miR)-4273 and NLRP3 mRNA. Additionally, the mRNA level of NLRP3 was measured by PCR in the two groups. RESULTS: The frequencies of the G allele of rs10754558 were 0.54 in patients and 0.49 in HCs (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed for SNP rs4612666. Dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that luciferase activity was downregulated by about 40% when the G allele of rs10754558 coexisted with miRNA-4273, indicating that the G allele might interfere with miR-4273 function and alter NLRP3 expression. The level of NLRP3 mRNA in patients with AV was significantly higher than that in HCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the NLRP3 SNP rs10754558 is associated with the incidence of AV. The G allele might be a genetic risk factor for AV in the Chinese population.

[Classification of cardiac amyloidosis: an immunohistochemical analysis].

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the classification of cardiac amyloidosis on endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and heart allograft. Methods: Twenty cardiac tissues from 19 patients at Fuwai Hospital from January, 1990 to April, 2017 with histopathologic features of amyloidosis and Congo red staining positivity were included. IHC was performed with monoclonal antibodies against AA amyloid and polyclonal antibodies against transthyretin (ATTR), λ-light chain (AL-λ), κ-light chain (AL-κ), ApoAⅠ, ApoAⅡ, ApoA Ⅳ and ß(2)-microglobin. The extent of interstitial staining was evaluated by light microscopy, and three patterns were recognized; these included diffuse pericellular pattern, discrete pericellular pattern, and nodular pattern. Two patterns of vascular deposition were also noted, including arterial pattern and venous pattern. Endocardial involvement was also assessed and recorded. Results: Nineteen cases were divided into three groups according to the pattern of proteins expression in specimens. The first group (5 cases) only showed single protein expression on EMB. The second group (6 cases) showed more than one protein expression, but one of them was intensely stained or any staining of any protein together with ApoA Ⅳ co-staining. The third group (8 cases) also showed more than one protein expression and all of them had intense staining. Amyloid deposits were successfully subtyped as AL-λ, ATTR, AL-κ and ApoAⅠby IHC in the former two groups with the sensitivity of 11/19. In the third group, amyloid deposits could not be subtyped by immunohistochemistry due to their poor specificity. The pericellular pattern tended to favor AL over ATTR amyloidosis and vascular deposition tended to favor ATTR. Conclusions: Amyloid deposits can be reliably subtyped in diagnostic cardiac specimens using IHC. The co-deposition of chaperon proteins, the distribution of amyloid proteins and clinical features are also auxiliary to subtype cardiac amyloidosis.

Temporal and spatial expression of Smads and their correlation with YAP1 expression in sheep.

The temporal and spatial patterns of Smad and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression were investigated in skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius muscle and extensor digitorum longus) at different growth stages (2 days old, 2 and 6 months old) in Hu sheep. Smads were differentially expressed in sheep skeletal muscle, with high expression in the gastrocnemius muscle and lower expression in the extensor digitorum longus. Expression of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 at the 2-day-old stage was significantly higher than at other stages (P < 0.05). The expression of Smad7 in 2-day-old sheep was lower than in 6-month-old sheep, with the lowest levels at 2 months. Smad expression was higher in males than in females at the 2-day-old stage, and expression in 2- and 6-month-old males was lower than that in 2-day-old females. Smad3 expression was higher in the 2-day- and 2-month-old males than in the females. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.01) between YAP1 and Smad2 expression in gastrocnemius muscle at the 2-month-old stage. YAP1 and Smad4/7 expression were positively correlated (P < 0.01) in extensor digitorum longus at the 2-day-old stage. YAP1 expression was negatively correlated with Smad7 in the extensor digitorum longus at 6 months. A significant difference between Smad2 and Smad3 (P < 0.01) expression in muscle was observed, consistent with Smad3 and Smad4 expression, indicating that these inhibit transforming growth factor-ß signaling in the same way. There was a positive correlation (P < 0.01) between YAP1 and MSTN expression, suggesting that YAP1 participates in muscle growth in sheep.

[Surgical pathology analysis of the causes of failure of 48 bioprosthetic heart valves in 40 Chinese cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathological changes and related factors leading to failure of bioprosthetic valves. METHODS: The surgical explanted bioprosthetic valves in Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from January 2006 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Calcification, cusp tears, pannus and infectious endocarditis of bioprosthetic valves were evaluated by gross examination, X ray photography and histopathological analysis. Meanwhile, the age and the site at implantation, and the tissue type of bioprosthetic valves, the implantation duration were obtained by chart review and used to be analyzed with the modes of valve failure. U test, χ(2) test and Fisher exact test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Total 48 bioprosthetic valves were collected from 40 cases with 26 females. Their age at the time of implantation was 12 to 71 years (median 58 years). The tissue types of bioprosthesis included 24 bovine pericardial valves and 24 porcine aortic valves respectively. The implantation sites included mitral in 29 valves, aortic in 14 valves and tricuspid in 5 valves. The implantation duration ranged from 5 days to 27 years (mean (111±77) months). The study showed that the commonest mode of valve failure was structural valve deterioration (32 valves, 66.7%). The fewer modes of valve failure were infectious endocarditis (9 valves, 18.7%) and non-structural valve deterioration (7 valves, 14.6%). No thrombosis was found in this series. The degree of calcification was correlated positively with implantation duration (r=0.52, P=0.000). The implantation duration of bovine pericardial valves was longer than that of porcine aortic valves ((146±74) months vs. (77±68) months, Z=-3.24, P=0.001). Porcine aortic valves had a higher incidence of cusp tears than bovine pericardial valves (66.7% vs. 16.7%, χ(2)=12.34, P=0.000) despite they had a relatively lower incidence of calcification (41.7% vs. 75.0%, χ(2)=5.37, P=0.019). For the age at the time of implantation, the patients ≤60 years old had more calcification of bioprosthetic valves compared with those >60 years old (45.1% vs. 2/17, χ(2)=5.51, P=0.019) whereas the patients ≤60 years old had fewer cusp tears (12.9% vs. 58.8%, P=0.002). Infectious endocarditis was found more frequently in the valves failure within 5 years than those failure after 5 years (6/14 vs. 8.8%, P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Structural valve deterioration is the principle cause of bioprosthetic valve failure while infectious endocarditis mainly involves the valves failure in early and middle terms after surgery. The mode of valve failure in the patients ≤60 years old is different from that in the patients >60 years old at the time of implantation. More calcification would occur in bioprosthetic valve in the younger patients.

Candidate genes for the development of hair follicles in Hu sheep.

The aim of this study was to detect candidate genes for the development of hair follicles in the Hu sheep breed. Seven genes have been detected in large, medium, and small wave follicles of Hu sheep using gene chip technology. The histological features of the follicles of newborn Hu-lambs were combined with fluorescence quantitative PCR technology to detect the correlation between the expression of the seven genes and hair follicle development. Among the genes studied, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7), and sideroflexin 1 (SFXN1) showed a significantly different pattern of expression in large, medium, and small wave follicles (P < 0.05). The expression of MMP2 had a significant positive correlation with secondary follicles in large waves (P < 0.05), while the expression of BMP7 had a significant correlation with primary follicle diameter in small wave follicles, and a highly significant positive correlation with the number of secondary follicles in the small waves (P < 0.01). The expression of SFXN1 was significantly and positively correlated with the diameters of small wave primary follicles; it also showed a highly significant positive correlation with secondary follicle diameters. Although other genes are associated with hair follicles, their expression in large, medium, and small wave follicles was not significant. We propose that BMP7, MMP2, and SFXN1 genes could be important candidate genes for use in breeding Hu lambs with early coat development.

Development of expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat markers for genetic characterization and population structure analysis of Praxelis clematidea (Asteraceae).

Invasive plants tend to spread aggressively in new habitats and an understanding of their genetic diversity and population structure is useful for their management. In this study, expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers were developed for the invasive plant species Praxelis clematidea (Asteraceae) from 5548 Stevia rebaudiana (Asteraceae) expressed sequence tags (ESTs). A total of 133 microsatellite-containing ESTs (2.4%) were identified, of which 56 (42.1%) were hexanucleotide repeat motifs and 50 (37.6%) were trinucleotide repeat motifs. Of the 24 primer pairs designed from these 133 ESTs, 7 (29.2%) resulted in significant polymorphisms. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 9. The relatively high genetic diversity (H = 0.2667, I = 0.4212, and P = 100%) of P. clematidea was related to high gene flow (Nm = 1.4996) among populations. The coefficient of population differentiation (GST = 0.2500) indicated that most genetic variation occurred within populations. A Mantel test suggested that there was significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distribution (r = 0.3192, P = 0.012). These results further support the transferability of EST-SSR markers between closely related genera of the same family.

Analysis of the spatiotemporal expression of major genes in the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway and correlation analysis using Hu sheep muscle tissue.

The mRNA expression levels of key genes (Smads, MSTN, and MyoG) in the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway in Hu sheep at different growth stages (2 days, 2 months, and 6 months of age) and in different skeletal muscles (longissimus dorsi muscle and soleus muscle) and different genders were detected; and correlation of the Smad family (Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7), MSTN, MyoG expressions was analyzed in Hu sheep. The results showed that the expression of Smads was higher in the soleus muscle than in the longissimus dorsi muscle; the expressions of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 were significantly higher in 2-day-old sheep than in sheep belonging to the other age groups (P < 0.05); the expressions of Smad2, Smad4, and Smad7 were higher in rams than in 2-day-old ewes, but lower in rams than in 2-month-old and 6-month-old ewes; and the expression of Smad3 was higher in rams than in 2-day-old and 2-month-old ewes, but lower in rams than in 6-month-old ewes. In the 2 different muscle tissues, expression of Smad2 was significantly positively correlated (P < 0.01) with that of Smad3. The expression of Smad3 was significantly positively correlated (P < 0.01) with that of Smad4, which showed that the Smad family genes could have an inhibitory effect on the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway.

Sheep YAP1 temporal and spatial expression trend and its relation with MyHCs expression.

RT-PCR was used to study the temporal and spatial pattern of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression in four different skeletal muscles (i.e., longissimus dorsi muscle, soleus muscle, gastrocnemius muscle, and extensor digitorum longus) and three growth stages (i.e., 2 days old, 2 and 6 months old) of Hu Sheep. The results showed that YAP1 was differentially expressed in skeletal muscles of sheep, that expression increased gradually with age, and that there were high levels of expression in the gastrocnemius muscle and lower levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle. MyHCI was expressed at high levels in the soleus muscle and at lower levels in the longissimus dorsi muscle. In contrast, MyHCIIA and MyHCIIX were expressed at high levels in the extensor digitorum longus and at lower levels in the soleus muscle. The expression of MyHCI and MyHCIIA decreased with increasing age while that of MyHCIIX increased. YAP1 expression was negatively correlated with MyHCII (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with MyHCIIX (P < 0.01) across all growth stages and skeletal muscle types studied. We speculate that after birth, the thicker muscle fiber diameter is associated with the high expression of MyHCIIX. Therefore, we conclude that YAP1 expression affects sheep muscle fiber development after birth and provides important genetic information for the selection candidate genes for sheep muscle growth.

Acute pulmonary embolism caused by highly aggregated intravenous immunoglobulin.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Six patients died and one patient survived following infusion of a specific lot of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) within half an hour in May 2008. This study elucidated the underlying pathogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A variety of protein fractionation and identification approaches were employed to determine the abnormal components in IVIG products obtained from the hospital where the patients were treated. Animal studies using mice and monkeys were conducted to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms. In animal experiments, the effect and distribution of immunoglobulin was investigated using HE staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) separately, while platelets and fibrinogen depletion were utilized to determine a possible link between thromboembolism formation in animals and the lethal effect of the IVIG. The size and distribution of the protein aggregates were determined with Coulter Counter Multisizer-3 after the dilution of the IVIG with plasma, and the lethal effect of the protein aggregates was simulated with artificial microparticles. RESULTS: The IVIG retrieved from the hospital was found to have striking similarities to the heat-treated IVIG in terms of protein aggregation profiles and lethal effects. Post-mortem examination indicated that immunoglobulin aggregates were mainly found in the lung of the animals, while depletion of platelets and fibrinogen from the IVIG preparations failed to prevent the death of the animals. Similar amount of artificial microparticles caused animal death in similar fashion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the retrieved IVIG exerted its lethal effects by blocking the pulmonary circulation without markedly altering the coagulation cascade or immunological events.

Clinical characteristics of patients with non-small cell lung cancers harboring anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangements and primary lung adenocarcinoma harboring epidermal growth factor receptor mutations.

Echinoderm microtubule associated protein like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) gene rearrangements and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been intensively studied. The objective of this study was to determine the clinicopathological characteristics in genotype-specific subsets of patients with NSCLC to help ensure the optimal identification of patients whose tumors harbor these two driver mutations. The incidence of ALK rearrangements was investigated in 763 NSCLC specimens by immunohistochemistry using a D5F3 antibody, and EGFR mutations were assessed by amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) in 222 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Of these, 73 (9.6%) were detected as being ALK-positive; this designation was associated with young age, female gender, never-smokers, lymph node metastasis, and poor tumor differentiation, but not with histology. EGFR mutations were identified in 102 (45.9%) of 222 adenocarcinoma samples, and were more frequent in females and never-smokers. No difference in age was observed. Specifically, we identified several cases of complex EGFR mutations, and concomitant EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements. These results suggest that young women and never-smokers are at risk for ALK rearrangement. We also identified concomitant mutations of EGFR and rearrangements of ALK in this study.

Correlation between sheep YAP1 temporal and spatial expression trends and MSTN and MyoG gene expression.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) gene expression after birth on the development of muscle and the relationship between YAP1 and myostatin (MSTN) and myogenin (MyoG). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the trends in YAP1, MSTN, and MyoG temporal and spatial expression levels in various skeletal muscles (i.e., longissimus dorsi muscle, soleus muscle, gastrocnemius muscle, and extensor digitorum longus) and across 3 different growth stages (i.e., 2 days old, 2 and 6 months old) of Hu Sheep. The results showed that YAP1 expression was significantly different in the skeletal muscles of sheep; the expression level gradually increased with age; it was highly expressed in the gastrocnemius muscle and minimally expressed in the longissimus dorsi muscle. MSTN, a negative regulator of skeletal muscle development, was minimally expressed in the soleus muscle and might be related to the enlargement of muscle fiber diameter. MyoG, an important factor in regulating skeletal muscle development, was minimally expressed in the longissimus dorsi muscle and extensor digitorum longus, and highly expressed in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles; it might inhibit the enlargement of muscle fiber diameter after birth. YAP1 expression was significantly (P < 0.05) or extremely significantly (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with MSTN and MyoG at 2 days old, 2 and 6 months old. YAP1 expression was related to muscle fiber development after birth and might be a candidate gene for the regulation of muscle growth.

Association between DLK1 and IGF-I gene expression and meat quality in sheep.

The aim of the present study was to detect delta-like 1 ho-molog (DLK1) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) gene expression in the longissimus dorsi of Hu sheep at different growth stages and study the association between these genes and meat quality. The diameter and density of muscle fibers and tenderness of the longissimus dorsi were measured. Growth stage, but not sex, significantly affected DLK1 and IGF-I expression. DLK1 and IGF-I expression in the sheep longissimus dorsi gradually increased with growth, but also decreased during some periods. These results suggest that different growth stages significantly affect DLK1 and IGF-I gene expression in sheep muscle tissue. The ex-pression of DLK1 and IGF-I genes were positively and significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with muscle fiber diameter and muscle fiber shear stress, and negatively and significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with muscle fiber density. Muscle fiber diameter was positively and significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with muscle fiber shear stress, and negatively and significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with muscle fiber density. In addition, DLK-1 expression was significantly (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with IGF-I expression.

Folate intake and pancreatic cancer risk: an overall and dose-response meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Inconsistent findings of association between supplemental folate consumption and pancreatic cancer risk have been observed in the literature. This study aims to summarize the relationship between folate intake and risk of pancreatic cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Pertinent studies published before November 2011 were identified by searching PubMed and Embase and by reviewing the reference lists of retrieved articles. The summary relative risks were estimated by the random effects model. A linear regression analysis of the natural logarithm of the relative risk (RR) was carried out to assess a possible dose-response relationship between folate intake and pancreatic cancer risk. RESULTS: Ten studies on dietary and supplemental folate intake and pancreatic cancer (4 case-control and 6 cohort studies) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled RRs of pancreatic cancer for the highest vs lowest categories of dietary folate intake and supplemental folate intake were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.49-0.88) and 1.08 (95% CI, 0.82-1.41), respectively. The dose-response meta-analysis indicated that a 100 µg/day increment in dietary folate intake conferred a RR of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90-0.97). These findings support the hypothesis that dietary folate may play a protective role in carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer.

Anemia prevalence among pregnant women and birth weight in five areas in China.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the current prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in different areas of China and the association with birth weight and educational level. METHODS: A total of 6,413 women aged 24-37 in the third trimester of pregnancy from five areas were randomly selected from all gravidas who gave birth in the hospitals from 1999 to 2003. Blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) was measured by the cyanomethemoglobin method; Hb <110 g/l was considered as anemia. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anemia was 58.6%, ranging from 48.1 to 70.5% in the five areas. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of anemia between women who have mental jobs and those who have physical jobs (52.3 vs. 61.1%, p < 0.01). The prevalence of anemia depended on the level of education: with 52.9, 62.4 and 66.5%, for college, secondary school and primary education, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.005). Results showed that higher birth weight was associated with Hb concentrations ranging from 90 to 140 g/l, whereas lower birth weight occurred below 80 g/l and above 140 g/l Hb. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anemia in Chinese pregnant women was high both in rural areas and towns. Area of residence, education level and type of job influenced the prevalence of anemia. Low maternal Hb concentrations influenced birth weight.

Evaluation of a new recombinant BCG which contains mycobacterial antigen ag85B-mpt64(190-198)-mtb8.4 in C57/BL6 mice.

Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis continues to be one of the major public health problems in the world. The eventual control of this disease will require the development of a safe and effective vaccine. Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the only vaccine against TB, is not perfect for its limited ability to protect against the adult form of TB. Some improvements of TB vaccines relied to strengthening the immunogenicity and/or persistence of genetically modified recombinant BCG (rBCG) strain. Antigen 85B (Ag85B) and Mtb8.4 are importantly immunodominant antigens of M. tuberculosis, and both are very promising vaccine candidate molecules. MPT64(190-198), is presented to CD8(+) T cells during mycobacterial infections. In this study, we combined these above genes into one recombinant gene of ag85B-mpt64(190-198)-mtb8.4. Then we constructed the new rBCG containing this united gene. This rBCG can induce an increased Th1-type immune response in mice, characterized by an elevated level of interferon-gamma in antigen-stimulated splenocyte culture and a strong IgG2a antibody response. Also, it can elicit longer immune responses than BCG. The results show that this rBCG is a promising candidate for further study.

Complications after esophagectomy for cancer: 53-year experience with 20,796 patients.

The incidence of esophageal cancer in Hebei Province in China is the highest in the world. Our experience in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University with the management of postoperative complications following esophagectomy was determined. From September 1952 to December 2005, a total of 20,796 patients underwent an intended esophagectomy for cancer in our department. Data for the outcome of these procedures was sourced from reported articles in the Chinese-language literature. The data were collated to determine the incidence and outcomes of postoperative complications. The incidence of major complications declined over the period of study. The likelihood of anastomotic leakage decreased from 5.0% to 2.3%, and pulmonary complications declined from 3.2% to 1.6%. The surgical mortality rate decreased from 17.1% to 0.6%. The incidence of postoperative complications and deaths following esophagectomy for cancer in our unit has fallen steadily over the past five decades. Improvements in preoperative preparation and postoperative management have contributed to this decrease.

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

Increased cyclooxygenase-2 expression has been reported to be a poor prognostic indicator in a number of cancers. In this study we investigated the relationship between COX-2 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and tumor characteristics and patient survival. The study group consisted of 90 men and 48 women who underwent esophagectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus between October 1984 and May 1985. COX-2 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry in 138 primary cancers, 23 metastatic lymph nodes and 21 normal esophageal stumps. The relationship between the extent of staining for COX-2 and clinicopathological features and survival was determined. The extent of staining for COX-2 in both primary and metastatic cancers was higher than in normal squamous epithelia (P = 0.002 and P < 0.0001 respectively), and the grade of staining in the primary tumor correlated positively with the finding of lymph node metastases (P = 0.03). The 5-year survival rate in patients with less than 10% COX-2 positive cells was 47.5% compared to 23.2% in patients with more than 10% COX-2 positive cells (P = 0.0036). The relationship between survival and COX-2 staining was not due to COX-2 being a surrogate marker for TNM stage. Our results show that the expression of COX-2 is elevated in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus compared to normal epithelium and correlates with lymph node metastases. Survival was longer in those patients whose tumors expressed lower levels of COX-2.