[Comparative study of medical common data models for FAIR data sharing]

The common data model (CDM) is an important tool to facilitate the standardized integration of multi-source heterogeneous healthcare big data, enhance the consistency of data semantic understanding, and promote multi-party collaborative analysis. The data collections standardized by CDM can provide powerful support for observational studies, such as large-scale population cohort study. This paper provides an in-depth comparative analysis of the data storage structure, term mapping pattern, and auxiliary tools development of the three international typical CDMs, then analyzes the advantages and limitations of each CDM and summarizes the challenges and opportunities faced in the CDM application in China. It is expected that exploring the advanced technical concepts and practical patterns of foreign countries in data management and sharing will provide references for promoting FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) construction of healthcare big data in China and solving the current practical problems, such as the poor quality of data resources, the low degree of semantization, and the inabilities of data sharing and reuse.

A new copper(II) complex containing triclopyr: one-pot crystallization, structure, conformation and Hirshfeld surface analyses

A new copper(II) complex [Cu(3,5,6-tcpa)(2,2′-bipy)Cl] (1) has been obtained through the one-pot hydrothermal reaction of copper chloride dihydrate with triclopyr (systematic name 2-((3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-yl)oxy)acetic acid, abbreviation 3,5,6-Htcpa) and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) coligands. 1 has crystallized in triclinic crystal system, P 1 ‾ $\overline{1}$ space group. The central copper(II) ion displayed a distorted square–pyramidal geometry and was connected by one chlorido co-ligand (Clˉ), one 3,5,6-tcpa anionic chelator and one chelating 2,2’-bipy ligand to afford a mononuclear structure. 1 is further extended into a 3D network by the non-covalent interactions of H⋯Cl, H⋯O hydrogen bonds, aromatic π⋯π stacking together with Cl⋯Cl halogen bond interactions. The co-crystallization process, the crystal structure of 1 as well as the Hirshfeld surface analysis for 1 have been analyzed and described. In addition, the flexible conformation of phenoxy methylene group among 1, triclopyr acid and its previously reported co-crystallized compound also have been carefully compared and discussed.

Synthesis, crystal structures and fluorescence properties of two 1D Zn(II) homologous coordination polymers

A pair of zinc(II)-based one-dimensional (1D) homologous coordination polymers, [Zn(Hdba)2(bib)] n (1) and [Zn(Hdba)2(bmib)] n (2), where H2dba = 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, bib = 1,4-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene, and bmib = 1,4-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized through infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental and thermal analysis (EA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) analyses. The results revealed that 1 and 2 have the same zigzag infinite chain framework through the partially deprotonated Hdba– monodentate linkage and with μ 2-bib bridging the Zn(II) atoms in 1, and with μ 2-bmib bridges for the Zn(II) atoms in 2. For both 1 and 2, each zinc atom has a slightly twisted tetrahedral configuration with a N2O2 donor set. These chains of 1 and 2 are further connected into three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structures through O–H···O, C–H···O hydrogen bonds and π···π, C–H···π stacking interactions for 1, and O–H···O, C–H···O hydrogen bonds for 2. Topologically, the 3D hydrogen-bonded organic framework or the 2D π-stacking structure of 1 can be simplified as a 4-connected dia Diamond type with a Schläfli symbol {66}, or as a 4-connected sql type with a Schläfli symbol {44·62} and a Shubnikov tetragonal plane net. The thermal stability and the solid-state fluorescence properties of 1 and 2 were investigated.

Microbial community associated with ectomycorrhizal Russula symbiosis and dominated nature areas in southern China

Russula griseocarnosa is one of the uncultivable important mycorrhizal edible fungi. Currently, there is a limited insight into the dynamic composition of the microbial communities associated with Russula. Here, the microbiota in the root and mycorrhizosphere from Russula-Fagaceae nature areas of Fujian province were identified by Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing. First, we compared three types of fungal communities associated with Russula-Fagaceae root mycelia-running stage (stage-1), Russula sporocarping stage-2 (stage-2) and Russula-free Fagaceae root (stage-3). Fungal diversity negatively correlated with Russula. Russula, Tomentella and Lactarius were core EcM in Fagaceae roots. A total of eight genera, including Boletus, are likely a positive indicator of Russula sporocarp production in Russula-Fagaceae roots, while Tomentella and Elaphomyces for Russula symbiosis. Secondly, analysis of fungal and bacterial communities within rhizosphere soils from the three stages revealed six genera, including Dacryobolus and Acidocella, as possible indicator species associated with sporocarping in Russula. Elaphomyces, Tomentella, Sorangium, Acidicaldus, Acidobacterium and Haliangium occurred more frequently in the Russula rhizosphere. Furthermore, operational taxonomic unit (OTU) network analysis showed a positive correlation between Russula,Tomentella, Elaphomyces and Sorangium. Overall, our results revealed a relationship between micro-community and Russula, which may provide a new strategy for improving Russula symbiosis and sporocarp production.

[Clinicopathological features of de novo CD5-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the protein expression of C-MYC, bcl-2 and bcl-6 and the clinicopathological characteristics in patients with de novo CD5-positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma (CD5(+)DLBCL). Methods: Fifty seven cases of de novo CD5(+)DLBCL were collected at Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from February 2013 to September 2018. The hematoxylin-eosin stained slides were reviewed, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and FISH were used to analyze the relationship between C-MYC, bcl-2, bcl-6 expression and the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients. Results: Among these 57 cases, 27 were male and 30 were female. The age of onset was 35-99 years old. The IHC expression rates of C-MYC, bcl-2 and bcl-6 were 50.9% (29/57), 84.2% (48/57), and 75.4% (43/57) respectively; and co-expression rate of C-MYC and bcl-2 proteins was 40.4 (23/57). There was no significant correlation between protein expression and patients' genders, clinical stage, the level of serum LDH,β2 microglobulin, IPI,B symptoms, bone marrow involvement and central nervous system recurrence (P>0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the median OS of C-MYC negative patients was significantly longer than C-MYC positive patients (P<0.05); and the median OS of patients without double expression was significantly longer than that of patients with positive expression (P<0.05), and bcl-6 positive patients had longer median OS than bcl-6 negative patients (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between prognosis and bcl-2 protein expression (P>0.05) . Cox multivariate analysis showed C-MYC protein expression was an independent predictor of OS in de novo CD5(+)DLBCL (P<0.05). Conclusions: Bcl-2 protein expression has no effect on the prognosis in de novo CD5(+)DLBCL whereas bcl-6 expression is correlated with good prognosis. C-MYC protein expression could be used as an independent and effective index to predict the prognosis of patients with de novo CD5(+)DLBCL.However, the relationship between protein expression and gene rearrangement of C-MYC, bcl-2 and bcl-6 needs to be further explored.

A new 3D four-fold interpenetrated dia-like luminescent Zn(ii)-based metal–organic framework: the sensitive detection of Fe3+, Cr2O72−, and CrO42− in water, and nitrobenzene in ethanol

A four-fold interpenetrating Zn-MOF as a multi-responsive fluorescent sensor for Fe³⁺, Cr₂O₇²⁻, and CrO₄²⁻ ions in water, and NB in ethanol is reported.

Preparation of Expoxy-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Immobilization of Glycerol Dehydrogenase

Immobilization of glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH) from Serratia marcescens H30 onto epoxy functional magnetic nanoparticles by covalent attachment was carried out. The optimal immobilization conditions were obtained as follows: enzyme/support 6.08 mg/g, temperature 25 °C, pH 7.0 and time 8 h. Under these conditions, a high immobilization yield above 90% was obtained. The characterization of the immobilized GDH indicated that enhanced pH and thermal stability were achieved. Kinetic parameters Km of free and immobilized GDH were determined as 10.35 mM and 15.76 mM, respectively. The immobilized GDH retained about 85% initial activity after ten cycles. These results suggested that GDH immobilized onto magnetic nanoparticles is a simple and efficient way for preparation of stable enzyme. And the immobilized GDH has potential applications in the production of DHA.

Immunolocalization and Changes of Hydroxyproline-Rich Glycoproteins During Symbiotic Germination of Dendrobium officinale

Hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) are abundant cell wall components involved in mycorrhizal symbiosis, but little is known about their function in orchid mycorrhizal association. To gain further insight into the role of HRGPs in orchid symbiosis, the location and function of HRGPs were investigated during symbiotic germination of Dendrobium officinale. The presence of JIM11 epitope in developing protocorms was determined using immunodot blots and immunohistochemical staining procedures. Real-time PCR was also employed to verify the expression patterns of genes coding for extensin-like genes selected from the transcriptomic database. The importance of HRGPs in symbiotic germination was further investigated using 3,4-dehydro-L-proline (3,4-DHP), an inhibitor of HRGP biosynthesis. In symbiotic cultures, immunodot blots of JIM11 signals were moderate in mature seeds, and the signals became stronger in swollen embryos. After germination, signal intensities decreased in developing protocorms. In contrast, in asymbiotic cultures, JIM11 signals were much lower as compared with those stages in symbiotic cultures. Immunofluorescence staining enabled the visualization of JIM11 epitope in mature embryo and protocorm cells. Positive signals were initially localized in the larger cells near the basal (suspensor) end of uninfected embryos, marking the future colonization site of fungal hyphae. After 1 week of inoculation, the basal end of embryos had been colonized, and a strong signal was detected mostly at the mid- and basal regions of the enlarging protocorm. As protocorm development progressed, the signal was concentrated in the colonized cells at the basal end. In colonized cells, signals were present in the walls and intracellularly associated with hyphae and the pelotons. The precise localization of JIM11 epitope is further examined by immunogold labeling. In the colonized cells, gold particles were found mainly in the cell wall and the interfacial matrix near the fungal cell wall. Four extensin-like genes were verified to be highly up-regulated in symbiotically germinated protocorms as compared to asymbiotically germinated ones. The 3,4-DHP treatment inhibited the accumulation of HRGPs and symbiotic seed germination. In these protocorms, fungal hyphae could be found throughout the protocorms. Our results indicate that HRGPs play an important role in symbiotic germination. They can serve as markers for fungal colonization, establishing a symbiotic compartment and constraining fungal colonization inside the basal cells of protocorms.

[Efficacy of esophageal cancer screening in high risk population: results of 105 561 subjects in Sichuan province]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of endoscopic screening for esophageal cancer in high risk population from high risk areas in order to provide scientific basis for evaluation of the results of early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer. Methods: Ten high incidence cities and counties of esophageal cancer in Sichuan province were included in this study. Subjects aged 40-69 years were selected to participate in the endoscopic screening based on the cluster sampling, and the screening-positive subjects were further confirmed by pathological examination. Results: A total of 105 561 subjects were screened during 2006-2014 in 10 cities and counties in Sichuan Province. The detection rate of precancerous lesions was 5.53% (5 841/105 561), and the positive detection rate was 1.13% (1 193/105 561). The overall detection rates of low-grade hyperplasia, moderate hyperplasia, high-grade hyperplasia/carcinoma in situ, early esophageal cancer and invasive carcinoma were 3.87% (4 089/105 561), 1.66% (1 752/105 561), 0.77% (816/105 561), 0.08% (84/105 561) and 0.28% (293/105 561), respectively. The detection rates of all lesions in males were significantly higher than those in females (P<0.05), and were gradually increased with age (P<0.05). Conclusions: At these ten cities and counties in Sichuan Province with high incidence of esophageal cancer, the endoscopic screening has good effect. There are considerable numbers of patients aged 40-69 with precancerous lesions from the high risk areas. Improving the follow-up work of the population with precancerous lesions will achieve better results of early diagnosis and early treatment.

Interleukin-17 promotes prostate cancer via MMP7-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Chronic inflammation has been associated with a variety of human cancers including prostate cancer. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine, which has been demonstrated to promote development of prostate cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreas cancer. IL-17 promotes prostate adenocarcinoma with a concurrent increase of matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) expression in mouse prostate. Whether MMP7 mediates IL-17’s action and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We generated Mmp7 and Pten double knockout (Mmp7^−/− in abbreviation) mouse model and demonstrated that MMP7 promotes prostate adenocarcinoma through induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Pten-null mice. MMP7 disrupted E-cadherin/β-catenin complex to up-regulate EMT transcription factors in mouse prostate tumors. IL-17 receptor C and Pten double knockout mice recapitulated the weak EMT characteristics observed in Mmp7^−/− mice. IL-17 induced MMP7 and EMT in human prostate cancer LNCaP, C4-2B, and PC-3 cell lines, while siRNA knockdown of MMP7 inhibited IL-17-induced EMT. Compound III, a selective MMP7 inhibitor, decreased development of invasive prostate cancer in Pten single knockout mice. In human normal prostates and prostate tumors, IL-17 mRNA levels were positively correlated with MMP7 mRNA levels. These findings demonstrate that MMP7 mediates IL-17’s function in promoting prostate carcinogenesis through induction of EMT, indicating IL-17-MMP7-EMT axis as potential targets for developing new strategies in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.

Clinical observation on recombinant human endostatin combined with chemotherapy for advanced gastrointestinal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical efficacy and toxic and side effects of recombinant human endostatin (rh- endostatin/endostar) combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 70 patients with advanced gastrointestinal adenocarcioma confirmed by histopathology and/or cytological examination were divided into group A (37 patients) and group B (33 patients). Patients in group A were given intravenous drip of 15 mg endostar added into 500 mL normal saline, once every other day until the cessation of chemotherapy or patients' maximal tolerance to chemotherapy. Patients in group B received chemotherapy alone. Two groups selected the same chemotherapy regimens. FOLFIRI scheme: 90-min intravenous drip of 180 mg/m2 irinotecan, intravenous drip of 200 mg/m2 calcium folinate (CF) and 400 mg/m2 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) on d1, and continuous intravenous pumping of 2 400 mg/m2 5-Fu for 46 h. FOLFOX4 scheme: intravenous injection of 85 mg/m2 oxaliplatin (L-OHP), 200 mg/m2 calcium folinate (CF) and 400 mg/m2 5-FU on d1 for 2 h, and then continuous intravenous pumping of 2 400 mg/m2 5-Fu for 46 h. XELOX scheme: oral administration of 1 500 mg/m2 xeloda (or tegafur 50~60 mg) in twice during d1~14 and intravenous drip of 135 mg/m2 L-OHP on d1 for 2 h. The modified FOLFOX scheme: intravenous injection of 135 mg/m2 L-OHP on d1 for 2 h, 200 mg/m2 CF and 1.0 g tegafur during d1~5. Whereas, control Group B received chemotherapy regimens which were same as Group A, but no addition of endostar. Before chemotherapy, patients were given intravenous injection of 8 mg ondansetron, intramuscular injection of 10 mg metoclopramide and 20 mg diphenhydramine for prevention of vomiting, protection of liver and stomach as well as symptomatic supportive treatment. One cycle was 21 d, 4~6 cycles in total. The efficacy was evaluated every 2 cycles.

RESULTS

32 patients in Group A could be evaluated, and the response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 59.38% and 78.13%, respectively. 31 patients in Groups could be evaluated, and the RR and DCR were 32.26% and 54.84%, respectively. The differences between 2 groups were significant. The toxic effects include myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reaction, fatigue, cardiotoxicity and peripheral neurotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary observations show that endostar (once every other day) combined with chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of advanced gastrointestinal cancer, with low toxic effects, good tolerance, deserving further study.

Expression and activity analysis reveal that heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 is associated with blue egg formation

Biliverdin is responsible for the coloration of blue eggs and is secreted onto the eggshell by the shell gland. Previous studies confirmed that a significant difference exists in biliverdin content between blue eggs and brown eggs, although the reasons are still unknown. Because the pigment is derived from oxidative degradation of heme catalyzed by heme oxygenase (HO), this study compared heme oxygenase (decycling) 1 (HMOX1), the gene encoding HO expression and HO activity, in the shell glands of the Dongxiang blue-shelled chicken (n = 12) and the Dongxiang brown-shelled chicken (n = 12). Results showed that HMOX1 was highly expressed at the mRNA (1.58-fold; P < 0.05) and protein levels in blue-shelled chickens compared with brown-shelled chickens. At the functional level, blue-shelled chickens also showed 1.40-fold (P < 0.05) higher HO activity than brown-shelled chickens. To explore the reasons for the differential expression of HMOX1, an association study of 6 SNP capturing the majority of HMOX1 variants with the blue egg coloration was performed. Results showed no significant association between SNP and the blue egg coloration in HMOX1 (P > 0.05). Taken together, these results show that blue egg formation is associated with high expression of HMOX1 in the shell gland of Dongxiang blue-shelled chickens, and suggest that differential expression of HMOX1 in the 2 groups of chickens is most likely to arise from an alteration in the trans-acting factor.

[The impact of air temperature variation on the visits to emergency room in Shanghai]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between air temperature and emergency room visits among patients covered by medical care program from 'third-grade' hospitals in Shanghai.

METHODS

Generalized additive model (GAM) was used to analyze time series, and AR(P) was used to deal with auto correlation of time series. After controlling factors as both medium-term and long-term trends, day of the week, vocation, typical pneumonia and pollutants, the association between air temperature and emergency room visits in virtue of quadratic curve and differential coefficient principle were estimated.

RESULTS

When air temperature was below 14.71 degrees C, the increase of 95% confidence interval to relative risk in corresponding emergency room visits along with 1 degree C increase of air temperature, was less than 1. However, when air temperature was above 19.59 degrees C, the relative risk's 95% confidence interval was greater than 1. When air temperature varied at the range of 14.71 degrees C-19.59 degrees C, the 95% confidence interval of the relative risk would include 1. Hence, air temperature range between 14.71 degrees C-19.59 degrees C, was called the optimum temperature range.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that the current air temperature had an acute impact on the number of emergency room visits among patients covered by medical care program visiting those third grade hospitals in Shanghai.

Bis[4-(2-nitrobenzenesulfonamido)pyridinium] hexafluorosilicate

In the title compound, 2C₁₁H₁₀N₃O₄S⁺·SiF₆²⁻, the short C—N distance [1.386 (2) Å] is indicative of a slight conjugation of N with the π electrons of the pyridinium ring, and with those of the sulfonyl group. The dihedral angle between the benzene and pyridinium rings is 77.48 (7)°. The crystal structure is stabilized by N—H⋯F and C—H⋯F hydrogen bonds. The Si atom of the anion lies on a special position.

Isolation and identification of Sclerotinia stem rot causal pathogen in Arabidopsis thaliana

A new stem rot disease is found to occur naturally on Arabidopsis plants in greenhouses of Fuzhou, China. In order to identify its pathogen, we conducted a series of fungal isolation and purification, plant reinoculation, and ascus and ascospore induction from the sclerotia. The isolate caused typical water-soaked lesions after reinoculation and produced sclerotia both on Arabidopsis plants and culture medium plates, and the sclerotia could be induced to produce discal apothecia and 8 binucleate ascospores per ascus. These disease symptom and fungal morphology data revealed that the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary was the pathogen for Arabidopsis stem rot. To confirm this, we further amplified its large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and compared the sequence with the known LSU rDNA sequences in GenBank. The results show that the sequence shares the highest identities with the LSU rDNAs of different S. sclerotiorum strains. Taking all these data together, we concluded that the fungus that caused the Arabidopsis stem rot is S. sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. This is the first report that Arabidopsis is naturally infected by S. sclerotiorum.

Identification of defense-related genes in rice responding to challenge by Rhizoctonia solani

Rice sheath blight, caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the major diseases of rice. The pathogen infects rice plants directly through stomata or using lobate appressoria and hyphal masses called infection cushions. The infection structures were normally found at 36 h post-inoculation. During infection, the pathogenesis-related genes, PR1b and PBZ1 were induced in rice plants. To identify rice genes induced early in the defense response, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to generate a cDNA library enriched for transcripts differentially expressed during infection by R. solani. After differential screening by membrane-based hybridization and subsequent confirmation by reverse Northern blot analysis, selected clones were sequenced. Fifty unique cDNA clones were found and assigned to five different functional categories. Most of the genes were not previously identified as being induced in response to pathogens. We examined expression of 100 rice genes induced by infection with Magnaporthe grisea, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryze (Xoo) and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xooc). Twenty-five of them were found to be differentially expressed after the sheath blight infection, suggesting overlap of defense responses to different fungal and bacterial pathogens infection.

PGP9.5: a marker for cellular neurothekeoma

Neurothekeomas are benign, predominantly cutaneous neoplasms that are divided histologically into myxoid, intermediate, and cellular types. Although it is generally agreed that the myxoid type of neurothekeoma has a neural origin, the lack of consistent immunoreactivity to neural markers and insufficient ultrastructural evidence of neural differentiation in cellular neurothekeoma have brought the origin of cellular neurothekeoma into question. In this report the authors show that immunoreactivity to protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5)--a broad neural marker--is positive in 100% of cases of cellular neurothekeoma using microwave antigen retrieval, as well as in all cases of myxoid and intermediate neurothekeoma. In contrast, immunoreactivity to S-100 protein is only positive in 3 of 12 cases of cellular neurothekeoma. These results show that PGP9.5 is a useful marker for identifying cellular neurothekeoma, as well as other types of neurothekeomas using the antigen retrieval method. The results are consistent with the notion that cellular neurothekeoma has a neural differentiation.

Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the nasal cavity in a newborn: MR and CT findings

Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the nasal cavity in a newborn is rare, and the MR imaging appearance of this entity has not been reported. We present the MR and CT findings in such a case and review the differential diagnosis for intranasal masses in the neonate.

Interviews with psychiatric inpatients about professional intervention with regard to their children

A description of mentally ill parents' experience and points of view concerning professional intervention in relation to their young children is presented in this paper. The results are from an interview survey designed with the purpose of improving the basis for cooperation between mentally ill patients and professionals, when intervention in relation to these patients' children is needed. Fifty consecutively admitted psychiatric inpatients with children 0-10 years old were interviewed by child psychiatrists and their information constitutes the study material. Data concerning the family situations and children have been published previously. One quarter of the patients had experienced having children placed in institutions or with foster families. Forty per cent had never received professional help related to their children. One third of the patients expressed a need for support, which was not presently received. A large group of patients did not know where to go for help related to children or would not be comfortable doing so. When making a global assessment of the childrens' situation based on the study material the child psychiatrists found reason for concern in regard to approximately 80% of the children. In most cases their views were in accordance with those of the mentally ill parents. Clinical implications concerning planning of intervention in regard to children of mentally ill parents are discussed.

Interviews of psychiatric inpatients about their family situation and young children

In this study, the perception by mentally ill parents of their family situation and young children was explored with the purpose of improving the basis for cooperation between families and professionals, when intervention is needed. Fifty consecutively admitted psychiatric inpatients with children 0-10 years old were interviewed by child psychiatrists, and their information constitutes the study material. It was generally easy to approach the patients as parents. Most of them were already preoccupied with their children's situation and seemed relieved to talk about it when guaranteed anonymity. Half of the patients experienced and described having emotional difficulties in relation to their children. Half of the 64 children were reported to suffer from physical or mental health problems, and an unexpected accumulation of children with serious and relatively rare medical conditions was registered. Most of the children had parents who had been mentally ill all their life, and many had 2 parents with mental disorders. Family discord was frequent. Many women related the debut of mental symptoms to childbirth. Attention is drawn to special patterns concerning suicidal and addicted patients.

Epidemiology of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa in Bornholm County, Denmark, 1970-1989

In a retrospective study of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, potential cases were traced, studied, and diagnosed according to ICD-10. Forty-two cases were found in Bornholm County, comprising the island of Bornholm in Denmark, in a population of 47,000 from 1970 to 1989. Less than half of these cases (n = 16) were registered in Danish psychiatric case registers, and 35% (n = 14) could be found only by search in primary care. The incidence rates were stable during most of the study period, but a significant increase occurred during the last 5 years. The prevalence rates, determined by counting the number of cases in the population year by year, also increased during the late part of the study period. In 1989 the incidence rate of the high-risk group of females 10 to 24 years of age was 136 per 100,000 for anorexia nervosa and 45 per 100,000 for bulimia nervosa, and the prevalence rate was 222 per 100,000 for anorexia nervosa and 89 per 100,000 for bulimia nervosa.

[Study of Ag-NOR, SCE and micronucleus in peripheral blood lymphocyte of chromate producers]

Ag-NOR, SCE and micronucleus test of peripheral blood lymphocyte obtained from 31 chromate producers had been studied. We found that (1) in the workers who had been exposed over eight years, the frequency of Ag-NOR, Ag-AA and SCE were 6.905 +/- 1.100, 0.380 +/- 0.652 and 8.190 +/- 3.727, but in the control group, 6.512 +/- 1.595, 0.215 +/- 0.529 and 7.171 +/- 2.683, respectively. So there was considerably significant difference between the exposed and the unexposed (P less than 0.01); (2) the frequency of micronuclei was 3.71 +/- 1.419% in the exposed group; however, in the control group it was 0.333 +/- 0.479%. So there was also remarkably significant difference between them (P less than 0.001). The observations lead the authors to conclude that the genetic material of the workers who have been working over eight years may be damaged because of being exposed to chromate.