This study provides the most comprehensive data concerning CYP2D6 polymorphisms in the Chinese Han population to date and increases the number of known alleles; these findings may greatly contribute to the development of personalized medicine for the Chinese Han population.

To the best knowledge of the authors, the present study demonstrates for the first time that intensive periodontal intervention without any antihypertensive medication therapy may be an effective means to lower levels of BP and EMPs in patients with prehypertension with periodontitis.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common skin malignant tumors with an increasing incidence. Studies have shown that Yes-associated protein (YAP) participates in the development of a variety of tumors as an oncogene, but to our knowledge its role in cSCC has not been reported. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to show that YAP expression was elevated in cSCC samples of different stages versus in normal skin and that it was well correlated with the progression of the disease. Down-regulation of YAP in cSCC cell lines A431 and SCL-1 inhibited cell proliferation by inducing growth arrest during the G1/S phase transition, promoted apoptosis, and reduced invasion and migration abilities in vitro. Conversely, overexpression of YAP promoted cell proliferation and protected cells against basal and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. These oncogenic effects of YAP were associated with activation of the RAS protein and its downstream AKT and ERK. Using a mouse xenograft model, we further showed that YAP depletion inhibited cSCC tumor growth in vivo. Our results suggested that YAP is involved in the carcinogenesis and development of cSCC and that it may serve as a biomarker or therapeutic target of this disease.

Shandong Province is located in the east of China. The province is characterized by robust economic development, with a rural population accounting for 56% of the total population. However, no data are available regarding temporal changes in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among this population. Three independent cross-sectional surveys were performed in 1991 (n¼8359), 2002 (n¼18922) and 2007 (n¼20167) in the rural area population, aged 35-74 years. The sampling included a survey on blood pressure and associated risk factors. Although the rate of smoking and alcohol consumption decreased significantly from 1991 to 2007, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased, whereas that of high-strength physical activity decreased remarkably. In 1991, 2002 and 2007, the prevalence of prehypertension was 33.8, 61.5 and 54.6%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 20.4, 24.5 and 30.6%, respectively. Overall, the rate of hypertension awareness, treatment and control showed a steady increase over the 16-year period, although the control rate of hypertension is still far from being satisfactory. In conclusion, among the Chinese rural population, the prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension increased significantly from 1991 to 2007. Public health programs are required to improve this situation in Chinese rural populations.

This study provides important data on the pattern of CYP2C19 polymorphisms in Chinese Han subjects, using the largest group of individuals. Furthermore, the study also detects the largest number of novel alleles in one population. These findings are of potential benefit to the development of personalized medicine for the Chinese Han population.