Long non-coding RNA UCA1 can predict tumor lymph node metastasis.

Numerous studies suggested that long non-coding RNA UCA1 was highly expressed and played critical roles in the development and progression of various cancerous tissues and cells. However, little is known about the association between UCA1 and tumor lymph node metastasis. In our study, a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the association between UCA1 expression and tumor lymph node metastasis and explore whether UCA1 can be a potential molecular marker for predicting the multiple tumor lymph node metastasis. The meta-analysis result showed that the number of lymph node metastasis in different tumorous types of UCA1 high-expression group was significantly higher compared with UCA1 low-expression group (pooled odds ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.60-2.84, p < 0.05). To verify whether the above result was still valid in specific tumor type, we conducted a meta-analysis including four articles on colorectal cancer (pooled odds ratio = 2.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.28-3.34, p < 0.05). Based on the existing results, it can be explained that the long non-coding RNA UCA1 was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and both the results revealed that compared with UCA1 low-expression group, the lymph node metastasis rate of UCA1 high-expression group was statistically significantly elevated. Therefore, long non-coding RNA UCA1 has the potential of being a biological marker for predicting lymph node metastasis.

[The prevalence and risk factors of bronchiectasis in residents aged 40 years old and above in seven cities in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of bronchiectasis in urban city of China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 urban areas in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing cities, and Guangdong, Liaoning, Shanxi provinces. In this study, urban population-based cluster samples were randomly selected from each city/province. In the selected city communities, all residents at least 40 years old were recruited, interviewed with questionnaires and tested with spirometry. Each participant was asked whether he/she was ever diagnosed as bronchiectasis by physician, whether had symptoms of respiratory diseases and possible risk factors, etc. RESULT: Data of 10 811 participants was enrolled for analysis, with a response rate of 75.4% (10 811/14 337). The overall prevalence of physician-diagnosed bronchiectasis was 1.2% (135/10 811), with 1.5% (65/4382) in male and 1.1% (70/6429) in female, without statistical difference in gender (χ² = 3.289, P = 0.070). Prevalence of bronchiectasis increased with age (χ² = 31.029, P < 0.001). There were no statistical significances in crude prevalences of bronchiectasis among cities (χ² = 10.572, P = 0.103), while there was a significant difference among cities after adjustment with confounders (Wald value = 22.116, P = 0.001), by using logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed, bronchiectasis was significantly associated with elder ( ≥ 70 years vs 40-49 years; OR = 4.11, 95% CI 2.29-7.36), the family history of respiratory diseases (having two subjects with respiratory diseases in family vs no suffered relatives; OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.06-3.94), respiratory infection during childhood (suffering two kinds of respiratory diseases vs never; OR = 4.89, 95% CI 2.03-11.81), exposure to coal (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.17-4.52), chronic pharyngitis (OR = 3.96, 95% CI 1.38-11.40) and pulmonary tuberculosis (OR = 3.07, 95% CI 1.89-4.98), heart diseases (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.11-2.42) and lung cancer(OR = 18.61, 95% CI 7.67-45.18). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of bronchiectasis in population aged 40 years old and above in urban area in China is high and associated with multiple factors such as age, family history of respiratory diseases, respiratory infection during childhood, exposure to coal, chronic pharyngitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, heart diseases, lung cancer and so on.

Factors impacting on the excess arseniasis prevalence due to indoor combustion of high arsenic coal in a hyperendemic village.

BACKGROUND: A few villages in Southwest Guizhou, China represented a unique case of arseniasis due to indoor combustion of high arsenic-content coal. The present study is aimed to analyze the contribution of possible factors or of their combination to excess prevalence of arseniasis in the exposed population. METHODS: An epidemiological investigation was conducted in all the members of three large ethnic, patrilineal clans in one of the hyperendemic villages (702 residents in 178 families, including 408 Han and 294 Hmong) where farmers of different ethnic origin have been living together in the same village for generations. A multilevel model logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The arseniasis prevalence was found to associate with the duration of As indoor exposure (years of high As coal burning and of poorly ventilated traditional stove using) and is largely dependent on the subject's ethnicity and clan consanguinity, too. The prevalence of arseniasis in ethnic Han residents was significantly higher than that in their Hmong neighbors (35.0 vs 4.8% OR = 15.18, 95% CI = 3.45-67.35). Notable variances of arseniasis prevalence were observed not only between the ethnic Han clans (G1, G3, and B) and Hmong clan P, but also between different lineages (G1 and G2) inside the ethnic Han clan. Smokers suffered more frequently from arseniasis than non-smokers (47.3 vs 15.7% OR = 5.42, 95% CI = 2.25-12.93). CONCLUSIONS: Arseniasis prevalence in this unique exposure case was impacted by an array of multiple factors. Besides a long-term indoor exposure to As, the ethnicity or the clan consanguinity of exposed subjects may play an important role, too.

[Current status of prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rural area in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current status of prevalence, prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rural area in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of COPD was conducted in Beijing city, Shanghai city, Guangdong province, Liaoning province, Tianjin city, Chongqing province and Shanxi province. A population-based cluster sample was randomly selected from each rural area. In the selected community, all residents at least 40 years old were recruited, and interviewed with a modified standardized questionnaire from the international burden of obstructive lung diseases (BOLD) study. All participants were tested with spirometry. Those with airflow limitation were performed on post-bronchodilator spirometry. The post-bronchodilator a ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) less than 70% was defined as the diagnostic criteria of COPD. RESULTS: (1) Data of 9434 participants was valid for analysis, with a valid response rate of 83.6%; the prevalence of COPD in rural was 8.8% (830/9434), 12.8% in male and 5.4% in female. (2) The percentage of smoking and the exposure to biomass smoke in rural was 43.0% (4059/9434) and 83.1% (7835/9434) respectively; cigarettes cessation rate was 17.5%; only 12.4% (502/4059) of smokers had received advice to quit smoking. (3) Among COPD patients, only 30.0% (249/830) had ever been diagnosed as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma, 2.4% (20/830) had ever received spirometric tests, and 74.5% were current smokers; only 7.9% (50/634) COPD patients in stage two or over had received regular drug treatment. CONCLUSION: There was high prevalence and poor prevention and management for COPD in rural areas. Therefore, an enforced prevention and management for COPD are urgent.

[The quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and correlated factors].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and correlated factors. METHODS: Data of 20 245 patients with COPD were collected from the cross-sectional survey of COPD, which was conducted between 2002 and 2004 in urban and rural areas of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Liaoning, Tianjin, Chongqing and Shanxi for residents aged over 40 years old. The recruited populations were interviewed with questionnaire and tested for spirometry. The quality of life was assessed with 12-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-12). Those with less than 70% of post-bronchodilator FEV(1)/FVC were identified as having COPD. The differences between groups in SF-12 scores converted by rank were compared using general linear model. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were conducted to study the main determinants of QOL. RESULTS: Compared to subjects without COPD, those with COPD had impaired QOL (56 +/- 7 vs. 57 +/- 6 in mental component scores, F = 4.442, P < 0.05; 46 +/- 9 vs. 50 +/- 6 in physical component scores, F = 453.960, P < 0.05). Among COPD patients, the mental component score was associated with scores of dyspnea, BMI, comorbidities, sex and living areas, while the physical component score was associated with scores of dyspnea, severity of COPD, comorbidities, exposure to dusts/gases/fumes, sex, age, educational level and previous diagnosis of respiratory diseases (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The QOL in patients with COPD was impaired and associated with scores of dyspnea, severity of COPD, comorbidities and BMI. Improvement of dyspnea, nutritional support, prevention of comorbidities and keeping away from risk factors may improve the QOL in COPD patients.

[A study on the correlation of body mass index with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and quality of life].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), based on a cross-sectional COPD survey conducted in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Liaoning, Tianjin, Chongqing and Shaanxi of China between 2002-2004. METHODS: A multi-stage stratification cluster sampling strategy was used in this cross-sectional survey, and 20,245 subjects (8705 males and 11,540 females) aged 40 years or older were recruited, interviewed with a questionnaire, measured for height and weight, and tested with spirometry. 1668 subjects with post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC less than 70% were identified as having COPD after other known causes of airflow limitation were excluded. Analysis on relationship between COPD and BMI was performed in 1668 COPD and 18 577 non-COPD subjects. RESULTS: Compared with non-COPD subjects, BMI was significantly lower in COPD patients [(22.7+/-3.5) vs (24.1+/-3.4) kg/m2, F=158.31, P<0.01]; BMI was also significantly lower in smokers than in non-smokers [(23.6+/-3.4) vs (24.2+/-3.5) kg/m2, F=49.10, P<0.01]. And an addictive interaction to BMI between COPD and smoking was observed (F=6.03, P<0.05). BMI decreased with the increase of the stage of COPD (F=45.6, P<0.01), with a negative relationship (r=-0.08, P<0.01). Lower BMI was significantly associated with increased risk of COPD (chi2=102.68, P<0.01). Compared with subjects with normal BMI (BMI=24.0-27.9 kg/m2), those with lower BMI (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) were more likely to have COPD [adjusted OR=2.12 (95% CI 1.73-2.59)], while those with higher BMI (BMI=24.0-27.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI>or=28.0 kg/m2) were less likely to have COPD [adjusted OR=0.67 (95% CI 0.59-0.76); and 0.60 [(95% CI 0.49-0.73), respectively]. Moreover, there was an interaction to COPD between smoking and BMI (chi2=4.73, P<0.05). Compared with COPD patients with normal BMI, the quality of life in those with lower BMI was impaired (55+/-8 vs 57+/-6 in mental scores of SF-12, F=2.96, P<0.05; 42+/-10 vs 46+/-9 in physical scores of SF-12, F=4.21, P<0.01), and their dyspnea scores were higher (1.4+/-1.5 vs 1.1+/-1.3, chi2=14.32, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Lower BMI was strongly associated with COPD, possibly as a risk factor for COPD independent of smoking, and a potential predictor for COPD severity.

The early embryo loss caused by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin may be related to the accumulation of this compound in the uterus.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a reproductive and developmental toxicant that can alter endocrine status, leading to decreased fertility and altered embryonic development; however, there are limited reports on TCDD toxicity during early pregnancy. In the present study, pregnant and pseudopregnant NIH mice were exposed to TCDD orally (2, 50 and 100 ng/kg body weight) during early gestation (days 1-8), pre-implantation stages (days 1-3), and peri-implantation to early post-implantation stages (days 4-8). TCDD concentration in uterus, liver, kidney, brain and fat on day 9 of pregnancy was monitored by an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ah receptor, AhR)-mediated LacZ reporter system in yeast. Results showed that the number of implanted embryos was significantly reduced on day 9 of gestation by 50 and 100 ng/kg TCDD exposure. The number of implantation sites was lower for animals exposed to TCDD on days 1-3 versus those exposed during days 4-8. Decidualization in pseudopregnant mice was also inhibited by TCDD exposure. TCDD concentrations as low as 2 ng/kg significantly decreased serum progesterone levels but had no effect on serum estradiol. TCDD level in the uterus was equal to levels in the liver, but lower than the fat tissue. These results suggest that TCDD sensitivity might be attributed its local accumulation in the uterus.

Alterations of FHIT gene and P16 gene in nickel transformed human bronchial epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: To study the alterations of FHIT gene and P16 gene in malignant transformed human bronchial epithelial cells induced by crystalline nickel sulfide using an immortal human bronchial epithelial cell line, and to explore the molecular mechanism of nickel carcinogenesis. METHODS: 16HBE cells were treated 6 times with different concentrations of NiS in vitro, and the degree of malignant transformation was determined by assaying the anchorage-independent growth and tumorigenicity. Malignant transformed cells and tumorigenic cells were examined for alterations of FHIT gene and P16 gene using RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, silver staining PCR-SSCP and Western blotting. RESULTS: NiS-treated cells exhibited overlapping growth. Compared with that of negative control cells, soft agar colony formation efficiency of NiS-treated cells showed significant increases (P < 0.01) and dose-dependent effects. NiS-treated cells could form tumors in nude mice, and a squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by histopathological examination. No mutation of exon 2 and exons 2-3, no abnormal expression in p16 gene and mutation of FHIT exons 5-8 and exons 1-4 or exons 5-9 were observed in transformed cells and tumorigenic cells. However, aberrant transcripts or loss of expression of the FHIT gene and Fhit protein was observed in transformed cells and tumorigenic cells. One of the aberrant transcripts in the FHIT gene was confirmed to have a deletion of exon 6, exon 7, exon 8, and an insertion of a 36 bp sequence replacing exon 6-8. CONCLUSIONS: The FHIT gene rather than the P16 gene, plays a definite role in nickel carcinogenesis. Alterations of the FHIT gene induced by crystalline NiS may be a molecular event associated with carcinogen, chromosome fragile site instability and cell malignant transformation. FHIT may be an important target gene activated by nickel and other exotic carcinogens.

[The risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in females in Chinese rural areas].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in females in Chinese rural areas. METHODS: Based on a national multi-center, population-based and cross-sectional survey on prevalence of COPD in seven provinces/cities of China, an analysis on the risk factors for the rural females was conducted in six areas, e.g. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Liaoning, Tianjin and Shanxi. In the national survey, for each area, one rural and one urban cluster samples were randomly selected using a multi-stage strategy. Residents who were 40 years old or older were interviewed with questionnaires and tested with spirometry. The post-bronchodilators forced expired volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV(1)/FVC) x 100% < 70% was used as diagnostic criteria of COPD. RESULTS: The average prevalence of COPD in females in the six Chinese rural areas was 5.4%. The prevalence varied with risk factor exposure among different areas, and the prevalence in Guangdong province was the highest among all areas. Logistic regression model was conducted, and statistical association of COPD was found with a family history of respiratory diseases (OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.86 - 3.26), frequent coughing during childhood (frequent coughing vs never coughing: OR = 3.93, 95% CI = 2.02 - 7.63), lower body mass index (lower body mass index vs normal body mass index: OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.47 - 3.29), age (70 years or older vs 40 - 49 years: OR = 8.98, 95% CI = 5.90 - 13.67), smoking (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.20 - 2.35), exposure to occupational dusts (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.07 - 1.96), worse ventilation in kitchen room (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.06 - 2.03) and lower educational level (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.38 - 3.46). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of COPD in females in rural areas was associated with multiple factors and prevention of COPD for Chinese women in rural areas is warranted.

[Screening of aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene specific RNA interference fragment by quantitative competitive RT-PCR].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and screen the specific RNAi fragments which can effectively inhibit Aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR) gene mRNA expression in human bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE). METHODS: AHR mRNA of 16HBE cells transfected 4 different AHR gene interfere sites were determined quantitatively with the quantitative competitive RT-PCR by using self-prepared internal standard as competitive templates, and the RNA interfere effect wasevaluated. RESULTS: AHR mRNA average expression per 40ng total RNA of 16HBE cells transfected 4 different AHR gene interfere fragments were 5.65fg, 14.78fg, 3.14fg and 0.68fg respectively, the average rates of inhibition were 61.6%, -0.5%, 78.6% and 95.4% respectively. CONCLUSION: AHR gene specific effective RNA interfere sequence ware screened by quantitative competitive RT-PCR which could accurately quantify gene mRNA level, and offered condition for studying the gene function of AHR.

[Epidemiologic analysis of COPD in Guangdong province].

OBJECTIVE: To survey the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in urban and rural areas in Guangdong Province and relevant risk factors. METHODS: Using the same protocol including Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) questionnaire, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 3449 respondents, 1370 males and 1916 females, aged over 40 with an average age of 56.8, by random disproportional cluster sampling in Liwang District of Guangzhou City and Yunyan Town, Lechang City, northern Guangdong Province. Spirometry was performed in all subjects. Lung function indices were regarded as gold criteria of diagnosis of COPD. RESULTS: There were 3286 cases with full data and good quality spirometry test, 1370 males and 1916 females, aged 56.8. The total prevalence of COPD was 9.4%. The prevalence of COPD in the males was 15.9%, significantly higher than that in the females (4.8%, P < 0.01). The prevalence in the rural area was 12.0%, significantly higher than that in the urban area (7.4%, chi(2) = 20.3, P < 0.01). 67.7% of the patients with COPD presented symptoms such as cough, expectoration and/or dyspnoea. 58.7% of the COPD patients (78.9% of the male patients and 10.9% of the female patients) smoked. The odd ratio (OR) for COPD in the smokers was 2.59 (95% CI 1.87 - 3.59). Only 15.1% of the smokers (17.9% of the male smokers and 4.1% of the female smokers) developed COPD. No significant relationship was found between pack years of cigarette smoking and COPD prevalence. The risk of COPD was increased when biomass fuels were used in house cooking (OR = 1.54 95% CI 1.08 - 2.20). Furthermore, the combination of biomass fuels and cigarette smoking further increased the risk with the OR of 4.41 (95% CI 3.22 - 6.04), indicating a synergetic impact of smoking and biomass burning on the prevalence of COPD. The Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed COPD based on the clinical manifestation was significant lower than the actual prevalence (only 31.0%). CONCLUSIONS: COPD is a very common disease in Guangdong. The prevalence of COPD is higher in the rural area than in the urban area, which may be attributed to the synergic effect of smoking and biomass burning. Lung function test is of great importance in COPD diagnosis, especially in the earlier stage of COPD and those asymptomatic COPD patients.

[Identification of protein peroxiredoxin 2 related to crystalline NiS-induced neoplastic transformation].

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence for illustrating the molecular mechanism of nickel carcinogenesis, and to identify the differential expression of protein in crystalline NiS-induced neoplastic transformation of human bronchial epithelial cell by proteomics technology. METHODS: Two dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and the ImageMaster 3.10 software were used to analyze the differential expression of protein, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) combined with database search was applied to identify protein peroxiredoxin 2 (PDX2) related to malignant transformation. RESULTS: The good 2-DE pattern including resolution and reproducibility was obtained. Nearly 700 expressed proteins per 2-D gel were isolated with molecular weights (MW) ranging from 14,400 to 94,000 KD and pI 3 - 10. A protein PDX2 with MW 21,890 KD, pI 5.66, which was highly expressed in malignantly transformed cell, was identified using MALDI-TOF-MS. CONCLUSION: PDX2 was involved in malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cell induced by crystalline nickel sulfide.

[Study on lung carcinogenesis associated genes in human lung squamous cell carcinoma and malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by carcinogen].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate lung carcinogenesis associated genes in human lung squamous cell carcinoma and malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by chemical carcinogens with cDNA microarray. METHODS: The gene expression patterns were detected in all specimens by cDNA microarray which representing 4 096 different human genes. The differences in gene expression among 6 cases of human lung squamous cell carcinoma tissues and 6 normal lung tissues were analyzed. The different gene expression patterns between the normal human bronchial epithelial cell lines (16HBE) and the malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by Benzo(a)pyrene metabolite BPDE (anti-Benzo(a)pyrene diol-epoxide,BPDE) and crystalline nickel sulfide were also studied by that method. The similar changed genes among those gene expression patterns were identified as lung carcinogenesis associated genes. RESULTS: Among the 4096 genes of cDNA microarrays, there were 171 genes expressed differently among lung cancer tissues and normal lungs, 143 genes expressed differently between BPDE transformed cells and normal 16HBE cell lines, 151 genes differed between nickel sulfide transformed cells and normal 16HBE cell lines. By comparing the gene expression profiles, there were 89 similar changed genes which might be associated with human lung carcinogenesis, 39 of which were up regulated: 6 oncogenes, 4 cell cycle control genes, 6 cell proliferation genes, 8 metastasis genes, 3 neuroendocrine genes, 1 drug-resister gene, 1 anti-apoptosis gene, 1 oxidative gene and other 9 genes. 50 genes were down-regulated: 7 tumor suppression genes, 11 DNA repair genes, 1 antioxidant genes, 3 GST family genes, 3 cell framework genes, 2 apoptosis induced genes, 5 signal conduction genes, 5 cytokines and their receptor genes, 7 metabolization genes, 1 cell matrix genes, and other 5 genes. CONCLUSION: cDNA microarray can be applied to study gene expression profiles effectively and to screen human lung carcinogenesis associated genes.

[Effect on the activities of daily life of the patients with traumatic spinal cord injury treated by the paraplegia-triple-needling method].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in the efficacy on traumatic spinal cord injury(SCI) in the thoracic and lumbar vertebra between the paraplegia-triple-needling method and the conventional acupuncture therapy. METHODS: The perspectively randomized controlled trial was adopted. Forty-eight cases of traumatic SCI in the thoracic and lumbar vertebra were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 24 cases in each one. The conventional rehabilitation training was applied in both groups. In addition, the paraplegia-triple-needling method was used in the observation group. In the treatment, acupuncture was applied to the points of the Governor Vessel and the Back-shu which, located two segments above and below the spinal injury plane separately. Acupuncture with the electric pulsing stimulation was applied to the motor points of the key muscles of the lower extremities. In the control group, the conventional acupuncture was applied to Huantiao (GB 30), Zusanli (ST 36), Xuanzhong (GB 39) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In each group, the treatment was given once a day, one month treatment made 1 session. Totally, 3 sessions of treatment were required. Before and after treatment, as well as in 1-month follow-up visit after treatment, the modified Barthel index (MBI) and the function comprehensive assessment (FCA) were adopted to assess the activities of daily life (ADL) and the comprehensive function of the patients. The score of MBI and FCA were taken as the double response variables to imitate the multilevel model. The changing tendency of MBI and FCA along with the time was observed in two groups. RESULTS: In the follow-up visit, MBI and FCA score were all improved as compared with those before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in MBI and FCA score at any time point between two groups (all P > 0.05). In 4-month observation, there was a rising tendency with time in MBI and FAC scoe in both groups, which was roughly linear. As time went on, the increasing amplitude in the observation group was much bigger. It was explained that there was no difference in the short-term efficacy between two groups. However, the long-term efficacy in the observation group was much better. CONCLUSION: Both the paraplegia-triple-needling method and the conventional acupuncture therapy can improve the ADL and the comprehensive function of the patients with traumatic SCI of the thoracic and lumbar vertebra. Concerning the long-term efficacy, the paraplegia-triple-needling combined with the rehabilitation training achieves better result. This therapeutic program is safe and effective.

Asymptomatic patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a variable natural history and not all individuals follow the same course. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of asymptomatic COPD patients from a population-based survey in China. METHODS: A multistage cluster sampling strategy was used in a population from seven different provinces/cities. All residents (over 40 years old) were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire and spirometry. Post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1))/forced vital capacity (FVC) of less than 70% was defined as the diagnostic criterion of COPD. All COPD patients screened were divided into symptomatic group and asymptomatic group according to the presence or absence of chronic respiratory symptoms. Socio-demographic, personal and exposure variables were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 1668 patients who were diagnosed with COPD from the 25 627 sampling subjects, 589 (35.3%) were asymptomatic. The age, sex, body mass index (BMI), rural and urban distributions, smoking habit and education levels were similar in the two groups. A total of 64.7% of the asymptomatic patients had no comorbidities. Cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer were more common among symptomatic COPD patients than asymptomatic group. Asymptomatic COPD group were less likely to present with poor ventilation in the kitchen, a family history of respiratory disease and recurrent childhood cough. Asymptomatic COPD patients had significantly higher FEV(1) (73.1% vs. 61.0%), FVC (91.9% vs. 82.0%), and a higher ratio of FEV(1)/FVC (62.9% vs. 58.7%) (all P < 0.001) than symptomatic group. More asymptomatic patients were underdiagnosed (91.9% vs. 54.3%, P < 0.001) than symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: This large population-based survey confirmed a high prevalence of asymptomatic COPD patients in China. More use of spirometry screening test may be important to the early detection of COPD.

Risk factors for sporadic colorectal cancer in southern Chinese.

AIM: To investigate the role of smoking, alcohol drinking, family history of cancer, and body mass index (BMI) in sporadic colorectal cancer in southern Chinese. METHODS: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted from July 2002 to December 2008. There were 706 cases and 723 controls with their sex and age (within 5 years) matched. An unconditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between smoking, alcohol drinking, family history of cancer, BMI and sporadic colorectal cancer. RESULTS: No positive association was observed between smoking status and sporadic colorectal cancer risk. Compared with the non alcohol drinkers, the current and former alcohol drinkers had an increased risk of developing sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) (adjusted OR = 8.61 and 95% CI = 6.15-12.05; adjusted OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.27-4.17). Moreover, the increased risk of developing sporadic CRC was significant in those with a positive family history of cancer (adjusted OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.12-3.34) and in those with their BMI >or= 24.0 kg/m(2) (adjusted OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10-1.75). Stratification analysis showed that the risk of developing both colon and rectal cancers was increased in current alcohol drinkers (adjusted OR = 7.60 and 95% CI = 5.13-11.25; adjusted OR = 7.52 and 95% CI = 5.13-11.01) and in those with their BMI >or= 24.0 kg/m(2) (adjusted OR = 1.38 and 95% CI = 1.04-1.83; adjusted OR = 1.35 and 95% CI = 1.02-1.79). The risk of developing colon cancer, but not rectal cancer, was found in former alcohol drinkers and in those with a positive family history of cancer (adjusted OR = 2.51 and 95% CI = 1.24-5.07; adjusted OR = 1.82 and 95% CI = 1.17-2.82). CONCLUSION: Alcohol drinking, high BMI (>or= 24.0 kg/m(2)) and positive family history of cancer are the independent risk factors for colorectal cancer in southern Chinese.

[Study on the prevalence rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in northern part of Guangdong province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its risk factors in population over 40 years old in northern part of Guangdong province. METHODS: Using uniform scheme, procedures and questionnaire, a cluster-randomized-sampling survey for the population aged over 40 years in a rural area of Shaoguan in the northern part of Guangdong province was performed. Spirometry was performed for every participant, followed by a bronchodilatation test when bronchial obstruction was present. RESULTS: There were 1468 cases with complete data from 1498 people aged >or= 40 years including 640 males, 828 females with an average age of 54.3 years old. The total prevalence of COPD was 12.0%. The prevalence of COPD in males was significantly higher than that in females (18.3% vs. 7.1%, P < 0.01). Only 80.7% of the patients with COPD presented one or more symptoms as cough, phlegm, or dyspnoea. Underdiagnosis of COPD would be quite serious. Only 26.1% of the cases was previously diagnosed to have chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD. Smoking was an important risk factor to COPD and 78.4% of the patients with COPD were smokers. However, relation of biomass and COPD called for further investigation. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of COPD was much higher than expected in the northern part of Guangdong while smoking was an most important risk factor of COPD. Lung function test seemed to be of great importance to COPD diagnosis, especially in the earlier period of COPD.

[A study on the role of DNA repair gene O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase in the development of human lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (hMGMT) in the development of human lung cancer. METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was applied to measure hMGMT mRNA expression in 150 lung cancer specimens, 40 normal lung tissues, and in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells from 50 lung cancer cases and 50 normal controls. The protein expressions of p53, C-MYC and K-RAS were assessed by immuno-histochemistry. The effects of some exposure factors on the expression of hMGMT gene were analyzed. The relationships between hMGMT gene and cancer related genes p53, C-MYC and K-RAS were investigated. RESULTS: The mRNA of hMGMT was low or absent in 49 of 150 (32.7%) lung cancer specimens, whereas 2 of 40 (5%) normal lung tissues had reduced the levels of hMGMT mRNA. The low expression of hMGMT seemed to be a risk factor of lung cancer, with a OR of 9.22 (2.05-57.65). Reduced expression levels of hMGMT mRNA were observed in 10 of 50 (20%) lung cancer patients' peripheral mononuclear blood cells, and 2 of 50 (4%) blood cells among normal controls. When investigating the exposure factors which affecting the expression of hMGMT gene, we noticed that smoking was suppressing the expression of hMGMT gene. Interestingly, over-expression of K-RAS oncogene was significantly correlated with low expression of hMGMT (P < 0.05). However, the expressions of p53 and C-myc were not correlated with the status of hMGMT gene. CONCLUSION: hMGMT might play an important role in the development of human lung cancer. Low expression of hMGMT gene seemed to be a risk factor for lung cancer which could be used as a valuable biomarker on susceptibility of human lung cancers.