Here we show that blocking the adhesive function of αvβ3 integrin with soluble RGD ligands, such as osteopontin or cilengitide, promoted association of Rab-coupling protein (RCP) with α5β1 integrin and drove RCP-dependent recycling of α5β1 to the plasma membrane and its mobilization to dynamic ruffling protrusions at the cell front. These RCP-driven changes in α5β1 trafficking led to acquisition of rapid/random movement on two-dimensional substrates and to a marked increase in fibronectin-dependent migration of tumor cells into three-dimensional matrices. Recycling of α5β1 integrin did not affect its regulation or ability to form adhesive bonds with substrate fibronectin. Instead, α5β1 controlled the association of EGFR1 with RCP to promote the coordinate recycling of these two receptors. This modified signaling downstream of EGFR1 to increase its autophosphorylation and activation of the proinvasive kinase PKB/Akt. We conclude that RCP provides a scaffold that promotes the physical association and coordinate trafficking of α5β1 and EGFR1 and that this drives migration of tumor cells into three-dimensional matrices.

Ciprofloxacin decreased urinary BKV reactivation after HSCT.

Exercise and relaxation decrease blood pressure. Qigong is a traditional Chinese exercise consisting of breathing and gentle movements. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to study the effect of Guolin qigong on blood pressure. In all, 88 patients with mild essential hypertension were recruited from the community and randomised to Goulin qigong or conventional exercise for 16 weeks. The main outcome measurements were blood pressure, health status (SF-36 scores), Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory scores. In the qigong group, blood pressure decreased significantly from 146.377.8/93.074.1 mmHg at baseline to 135.5710.0/ 87.177.7 mmHg at week 16. In the exercise group, blood pressure also decreased significantly from 140.9710.9/ 93.173.5 mmHg to 129.7711.1/86.077.0 mmHg. Heart rate, weight, BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, renin and 24 h urinary albumin excretion significantly decreased in both groups after 16 weeks. General health, bodily pain, social functioning and depression also improved in both groups. No significant differences between qigong and conventional exercise were found. In conclusion, Guolin qigong and conventional exercise have similar effects on blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension. While no additional benefits were identified, it is nevertheless an alternative to conventional exercise in the nondrug treatment of hypertension.

Key words: human papillomavirus infection; cervical cancer, epidemiology; ChinaThere is strong epidemiologic evidence indicating that human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a central role in the etiology of cervical cancer. [1][2][3][4] The women positive for HPV DNA have a risk of developing cervical cancer 15-50 times higher than those without HPV DNA. 1,2,4,5 Although HPV infection is common among young women, only a small minority go on to develop cervical cancer. This situation was reviewed by a group of researchers, who concluded that viral persistence of oncogenic HPV appears to be crucial for the development of cervical cancer. 6 Indeed, HPV-16, -18, -31 and -33 have been officially declared to be oncogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO). 7 The International Biological Study on Cervical Cancer (IBSCC) study group revealed that on average 92.9% of the tumors contained HPV DNA, with a range of 75-100%. 8 Although this international survey included 10 of the 18 regions of the world and provided the most extensive global view of HPV in cervical cancer, there were no data from China, 1 of the largest populations in the world. Furthermore, there are few published data from a well-designed study using a quality-controlled method on the prevalence of either HPV infection or HPV genotypes in cervical cancers in China.We conducted a multicenter study of HPV infection in cervical cancer by selecting 5 geographic regions of China: Shanghai (Eastern China), Guangzhou (Southern China), Sichuan (Western China), Beijing (Northern China) and Hong Kong (Specific Administration Region). MATERIAL AND METHODS PatientsCervical cancer specimens were collected from each of the 5 regions in China, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Sichuan, Beijing and Hong Kong. Each of the 5 settings (Tumor Hospital, Shanghai Medical University in Shanghai, Tumor Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences in Guangzhou, Second Hospital, West China Medical University in Sichuan, Tumor Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing, and Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong) was responsible for collecting 150 or more tumor specimens consecutively from the year 1997 to 1999. Patients from Hong Kong were prospectively recruited with informed consent, and all specimens were freshly frozen. Those specimens collected in other parts of China were paraffin-embedded and retrieved retrospectively from the pathology files in those reference centers. Ethical approvals were obtained from each of the ethical review boards of the respective institutes. Histology reviewAll histologic slides submitted were reviewed by 1 of the investigators (M.K.M.C.) to reestablish the histologic type and