Insufficient Screening Knowledge in Chinese Interns: a Survey in Ten Leading Medical Schools

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22320996

Objective: This study aimed to investigate Chinese medical interns' cancer knowledge and associated factors, focusing on cancer screening. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted in ten leading Chinese medical schools from June to July in 2011. Medical interns were invited to fill the questionnaire. Results: Out of the 1350 copies sent, 1135 eligible responses were returned. Around 50% of interns had positive attitude toward oncology, but the knowledge score was low, particularly in screening. The percentages of scores were 44.8% (8.95/20) for overall and only 29.6% (2.07/7) for screening. The majority of internship length in oncology department was eight to fourteen days. Screening and prevention was ranked as third most taught, following diagnosis and treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that positive attitude to oncology correlated with positive self-evaluated overall (OR = 1.76, 95% CI (1.45, 2.12)) and screening (OR = 1.62, 95% CI (1.35, 1.95)) competence, but unexpectedly predicted lower screening score (OR = 0.77, 95% CI (0.61, 0.97)). Interns with positive self-evaluated screening competence were not found to possess higher cancer screening knowledge. Conclusion: Current medical education in Chinese medical schools fails to equip interns with optimal cancer knowledge, particularly in screening, even in interns who hold positive view to oncology. Interns' self-evaluated competence is not proportional to their knowledge scores.

[Erythropoietin and Neonatal Brain Injury]

Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi. Chinese Journal of Pediatrics. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321182

[Alteration of Anterior Chamber and Angle Structure in Eyes with Primary Angle Closure After Laser Peripheral Iridotomy]

[Zhonghua Yan Ke Za Zhi] Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology. Oct, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22321496

To quantitatively evaluate the long-term changes in anterior segment morphology by using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) after laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in eyes with primary angle closure (PAC).

Predictors of Sensitivity to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy of Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Tumori. Nov-Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22322837

Objectives. The purpose of the study was to identify predictive factors of tumor response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal adenocarcinoma. Methods. Ninety-eight patients with nonmetastatic rectal adenocarcinoma received preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and underwent mesorectal excision. After treatment, tumor response according to tumor regression grade were evaluated. The correlation of clinicopathologic factors to tumor response was analyzed. Results. The results from a univariate analysis indicated that pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level ≤3.0 ng/ml (P = 0.002), non-fixed tumor (P = 0.001), and tumor circumferential extent ≤50% (P = 0.001) were associated significantly with a good tumor response. They also indicated that pretreatment positive lymph nodes (P = 0.032) were associated significantly with a poor tumor response. In multivariate analysis, the results indicated that pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level (hazard ratio, 2.930; P = 0.003), tumor mobility (hazard ratio, 2.651; P = 0.002) and circumferential extent of tumor (hazard ratio, 2.394; P = 0.019) independently predicted a good pathologic response rate. Pretreatment positive lymph nodes were not significantly associated with a good response (hazard ratio, 0.361; P = 0.191).Conclusions. Pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen level, tumor mobility and circumferential extent of tumor may be helpful in predicting responsiveness in rectal adenocarcinoma to preoperative chemoradiotherapy, although the results should be confirmed in larger, more homogeneous studies.

[Effects of Oxidative Stress on Hematopoiesis of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells with Iron Overload]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333152

To establish a model of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with iron overload derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells and explore the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the hematopoiesis of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with iron overload.

[Prevalence of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Chinese Patients with Bronchial Asthma]

Zhonghua Jie He He Hu Xi Za Zhi = Zhonghua Jiehe He Huxi Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases. Dec, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333503

To evaluate the frequency of sensitization to Aspergillus antigens and the prevalence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in asthmatic patients.

[Regulation of Wild Type PTEN Gene on Survivin, Xiap and Smac in Chronic Leukemia Cells]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333553

To explore the effects of tumor-suppressing gene wild type PTEN on the cell proliferation, apoptosis and the possible regulations of apoptosis-related molecules Survivin, Xiap and Smac gene in human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and cell line K562 cells.

[On the Problem of Period Division in Western Medicine Education of Republic (1912 - 1949)]

Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi (Beijing, China : 1980). Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22335846

The development of higher medical education in the period of the Republic of China was closely related to political changes. Both the development law of education history and social changes should be taken into account in the historical stage of with the division of higher medical education during this period. The higher medical education during this period could be divided into three periods: the struggling embryonic period (1912 - 1926), the golden localization period (1927 - 1937) and the nadir period (1937 - 1949).

[In Vitro Effect of Iron Overload on Bone Marrow Cell Function by Inducing the Reactive Oxygen Species]

Zhonghua Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi = Zhonghua Xueyexue Zazhi. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22338154

To investigate the in vitro effect of iron overload on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and of bone marrow (BM) cell function.

Message from the Editor

The Journal of Nursing Research : JNR. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22333969

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Current Medical Research and Opinion. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22335251

Abstract Objectives: Chronic renal disease (CKD) is recognized as a worldwide public health problem. Traditional risk factors for CKD are also present in coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and characteristics of risk factors for CKD in the population with CAD. Methods: Renal function was evaluated in 527 patients with CAD in order to assess characteristics of the incidence, risk factors for CKD in the population with CAD. In the present study in order to concentrate on evaluation for eGFR of the patients with CAD proteinuria is not included in the definition of CKD. Results: Univariate analysis demonstrated that the major risk factors associated with CKD in the patients with CAD were age (P ≤ 0.001), smoking (P = 0.016), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.021), hypertension (P ≤ 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.004). The percentages of patients with both hypertension and diabetes mellitus were significantly greater in the CKD3-4 group (P < 0.001). The results of multivariable analysis showed that hypertension (OR 1.925, 95% CI 1.196-3.098, P = 0.007), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.744, 95% CI 1.044-2.914, P = 0.034) and serum uric acid (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.006-1.010, P ≤ 0.001) were independent risk factors for reduced eGFR. Conclusions: CKD is common and has a high prevalence in the population with CAD. Several risk factors are known to simultaneously affect heart and kidney. The patients with CAD may be considered as a high-risk population for CKD.

Development of Novel Microsatellite Markers in the Omei Treefrog (Rhacophorus Omeimontis)

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22312271

Eleven novel microsatellite markers were developed and characterized for the Omei treefrog (Rhacophorus omeimontis) using the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats method. Polymorphism of each locus was tested in 24 individuals from two wild populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 15, the average observed and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.250 to 0.839 and from 0.562 to 0.914, respectively. Two of the 11 microsatellite loci showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Two locus pairs showed significant linkage disequilibrium. Neither evidence of scoring error due to stuttering nor evidence of large allele dropout was found at all of the 11 loci, but evidence of null alleles was indicated at two loci because of general excess of homozygotes for most allele size classes. These polymorphic loci will be useful markers in studying mate choice of the Omei treefrog.

Anthocyanins and Their Variation in Red Wines I. Monomeric Anthocyanins and Their Color Expression

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22314380

Originating in the grapes, monomeric anthocyanins in young red wines contribute the majority of color and the supposed beneficial health effects related to their consumption, and as such they are recognized as one of the most important groups of phenolic metabolites in red wines. In recent years, our increasing knowledge of the chemical complexity of the monomeric anthocyanins, their stability, together with the phenomena such as self-association and copigmentation that can stabilize and enhance their color has helped to explain their color representation in red wine making and aging. A series of new enological practices were developed to improve the anthocyanin extraction, as well as their color expression and maintenance. This paper summarizes the most recent advances in the studies of the monomeric anthocyanins in red wines, emphasizing their origin, occurrence, color enhancing effects, their degradation and the effect of various enological practices on them.

Cytotoxic Triterpenoid Saponins from Ardisia Gigantifolia

Planta Medica. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22314414

Three new triterpenoid saponins, 1- 3, together with two known saponins, 4 and 5, were isolated from the rhizome of ARDISIA GIGANTIFOLIA. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies. Saponins 1, 2, 4, and 5 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines, namely, Hela human cervical carcinoma cells, EJ human bladder tumor cells, HepG-2 human hepatoma cells, and BCG human gastric carcinoma cells with IC (50) values in the range of 1.9-4.8 µM.

Selective Dehydration of Fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural Catalyzed by Mesoporous SBA-15-SO(3)H in Ionic Liquid BmimCl

Carbohydrate Research. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22316429

Mesoporous SBA-15 materials functionalized with propylsulfonic acid groups (SBA-15-SO(3)H) were synthesized through a conventional one-pot route. It was used as a catalyst for the selective synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from the dehydration of fructose using BmimCl as solvent. Reaction time, temperature and fructose concentration were investigated during the HMF synthesis procedure. The catalyst SBA-15-SO(3)H exhibits high fructose conversion (near 100%) and HMF selectivity (about 81%) with good stability in the HMF synthesis. It was a suitable catalyst to produce HMF from renewable carbohydrates in potential industrial process.

Clofibrate for Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia in Neonates: a Systematic Review

Indian Pediatrics. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22318100

To evaluate the effect of clofibrate for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonates.

TMPRSS6, but Not TF, TFR2, or BMP2 Variants Are Associated with Increased Risk of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Human Molecular Genetics. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22323359

A variety of conditions lead to anemia, which affects one-quarter of the world's population. Previous genome-wide association studies revealed a number of genetic polymorphisms significantly associated with plasma iron status. To evaluate the association of genetic variants in genes involved in iron delivery and hepcidin regulation pathways with the risk of iron deficiency anemia, the following single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 2139 unrelated elderly Chinese women: rs3811647 (TF), rs7385804 (TFR2), rs235756 (BMP2), and rs855791(V736A) and rs4820268 (TMPRSS6, encoding matriptase-2). We identified common variants in TMPRSS6 as being genetic risk factors for both iron deficiency (OR(rs855791) = 1.55, P = 4.96×10(-8)) and iron-deficiency anemia (OR(rs855791) = 1.78, P = 8.43×10(-9)). TMPRSS6 polymorphisms were also associated with lower serum iron and hemoglobin levels, consistent with their associations to increased iron deficiency and anemia risk. Variants rs3811647 in TF and rs7385804 in TFR2 were associated with reduced serum iron, serum transferrin, and transferrin saturation levels; however, these variants were not associated with iron deficiency or anemia risk. Our findings suggest that TF, TFR2, and TMPRSS6 polymorphisms are significantly associated with decreased iron status, but only variants in TMPRSS6 are genetic risk factors for iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia.

Expression Profiles of Seven Channel Catfish Antimicrobial Peptides in Response to Edwardsiella Ictaluri Infection

Journal of Fish Diseases. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22324346

Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR), the relative transcriptional levels of seven channel catfish antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes (NK-lysin type 1, NK-lysin type 2, NK-lysin type 3, bactericidal permeability-increasing protein, cathepsin D, hepcidin and liver-expressed AMP 2) in response to Edwardsiella ictaluri infection were determined. None of the AMP genes tested was significantly upregulated at 2 h post-infection. Hepcidin was the only one that was significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated at 4, 6 and 12 h post-infection. At 24 and 48 h post-infection, four AMPs (hepcidin, NK-lysin type 1, NK-lysin type 3 and cathepsin D) were significantly (P <0.05) upregulated. Among all the AMPs that were significantly upregulated at different time points, hepcidin at 4, 6 and 12 h post-infection was upregulated the most. When catfish were injected with different doses of E. ictaluri, all lethal doses were able to induce significant (P <0.05) upregulation of hepcidin in the posterior kidney, whereas sublethal doses failed to induce any significant upregulation of hepcidin. In vitro growth studies revealed that the presence of synthetic hepcidin peptide at a concentration of 16 μm or higher significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of E. ictaluri. Taken together, our results suggest that hepcidin might play an important role in the channel catfish defence against E. ictaluri infection.

Novel Splice-site and Frameshift ATP2A2 Mutations in Chinese Patients with Darier Disease

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22329366

5-(2-18F-Fluoroethoxy)-L-Tryptophan As a Substrate of System L Transport for Tumor Imaging by PET

Journal of Nuclear Medicine : Official Publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22331220

Large neutral l-amino acids are substrates of system L amino acid transporters. The level of one of these, LAT1, is increased in many tumors. Aromatic l-amino acids may also be substrates of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), the level of which is enhanced in endocrine tumors. Increased amino acid uptake and subsequent decarboxylation result in the intracellular accumulation of the amino acid and its decarboxylation product. (18)F- and (11)C-labeled neutral aromatic amino acids, such as l-3,4-dihydroxy-6-(18)F-fluorophenylalanine ((18)F-FDOPA) and 5-hydroxy-l-[β-(11)C]tryptophan, are thus successfully used in PET to image endocrine tumors. However, 5-hydroxy-l-[β-(11)C]tryptophan has a relatively short physical half-life (20 min). In this work, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of the (18)F-labeled tryptophan analog 5-(2-(18)F-fluoroethoxy)-l-tryptophan ((18)F-l-FEHTP) as a PET probe for tumor imaging. METHODS: (18)F-l-FEHTP was synthesized by no-carrier-added (18)F fluorination of 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan. In vitro cell uptake and efflux of (18)F-l-FEHTP and (18)F-FDOPA were studied with NCI-H69 endocrine small cell lung cancer cells, PC-3 pseudoendocrine prostate cancer cells, and MDA-MB-231 exocrine breast cancer cells. Small-animal PET was performed with the respective xenograft-bearing mice. Tissues were analyzed for potential metabolites. RESULTS: (18)F-l-FEHTP specific activity and radiochemical purity were 50-150 GBq/μmol and greater than 95%, respectively. In vitro cell uptake of (18)F-l-FEHTP was between 48% and 113% of added radioactivity per milligram of protein within 60 min at 37°C and was blocked by greater than 95% in all tested cell lines by the LAT1/2 inhibitor 2-amino-2-norboranecarboxylic acid. (18)F-FDOPA uptake ranged from 26% to 53%/mg. PET studies revealed similar xenograft-to-reference tissue ratios for (18)F-l-FEHTP and (18)F-FDOPA at 30-45 min after injection. In contrast to the (18)F-FDOPA PET results, pretreatment with the AADC inhibitor S-carbidopa did not affect the (18)F-l-FEHTP PET results. No decarboxylation products of (18)F-l-FEHTP were detected in the xenograft homogenates. CONCLUSION: (18)F-l-FEHTP accumulates in endocrine and nonendocrine tumor models via LAT1 transport but is not decarboxylated by AADC. (18)F-l-FEHTP may thus serve as a PET probe for tumor imaging and quantification of tumor LAT1 activity. These findings are of interest in view of the ongoing evaluation of LAT1 substrates and inhibitors for cancer therapy.