[The study on biological exposure index of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds]

Objective: To establish biological exposure index (BEI) of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds through occupational epidemiology and the regression analysis of internal and external exposure of workers. Methods: In November 2021, 125 workers with occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds and 49 office administrators in a non-ferrous metal smelter in Yunnan Province were selected as the exposure group and control group, respectively. Air samples from the workplace of the study subjects on weekdays were collected and arsenic concentrations were determined. Urine samples were collected in end-of-work weekend and high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) was used to detect the levels of trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAs(3+)) , pentavalent inorganic arsenic (iAs(5+)) , monomethyl arsenic (MMA) and dimethyl arsenic (DMA) in urine. The correlations between arsenic concentration in the workplace air and arsenic species in urine of workers were analyzed. Arsenic exposure concentration and the level of urinary arsenic (ΣiAs+MMA+DMA) of workers was analyzed by linear regression and the BEI of arsenic and its inorganic compounds in the workplace was proposed based on the results of micronucleus test. Results: The median of time-weighted average concentration (C(TWA)) of arsenic in the workplace air of the exposure group was 0.0116 mg/m(3), and the over-standard rate was 71.2% (89/125) . The concentrations of iAs(3+), iAs(5+), inorganic arsenic (iAs=ΣiAs(3+)+iAs(5+)) 、MMA、DMA and urinary arsenic in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group at the end of shift, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . The concentration of arsenic in the workplace air had the strongest correlation with the concentration of urinary arsenic at the end of the shift (r(s)=0.909, P<0.001) . The regression equation was lg (y) =7.662+2.968lg (x) (r=0.821, P<0.05) . According to the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of arsenic in China, the concentration of urinary arsenic in the end-of-work weekend was calculated to be 53.2 μg/L. Combined with the results of micronucleus test, the BEI of occupational exposure to arsenic and its inorganic compounds in the workplace was proposed to be 50 μg/L. Conclusion: The urinary arsenic in the end-of-work weekend can be used as a biomarker of occupational exposure to arsenic, and its BEI is recommended to be 50 μg/L.

[Correlation analysis of urinary arsenic species and health effect indicators of occupational arsenic exposure workers]

Objective: To explore the correlation between urinary arsenic and health effects through the determination and analysis of urinary arsenic levels in occupational arsenic exposed workers. Methods: In November 2021, 95 workers exposed to arsenic and its inorganic compounds and 31 administrative personnel from a non-ferrous metal smelter in Yunnan Province were selected as the contact group and control group, respectively. Urine forms of arsenic, blood tumor markers, liver function were detected, and micronucleus test was used to analyze the chromosome damage. The correlation between urine forms of arsenic and health effects were analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, the concentrations of urinary trivalent inorganic arsenic (iAs(3+)) , pentavalent inorganic arsenic (iAs(5+)) , inorganic arsenic (iAs=ΣiAs(3+)+iAs(5+)) , monomethyl arsenic (MMA) , dimethyl arsenic (DMA) and urinary arsenic (ΣiAs+MMA+DMA) at the end of class in contact group were higher (P<0.05) . There was no statistically significant difference in blood tumor markers and liver function indicators between the two groups (P>0.05) . Compared with the control group, the peripheral blood micronucleus rate and cell micronucleus rate in the contact group were significantly increased (P<0.05) . The urinary arsenic, iAs(5+), inorganic arsenic and DMA were positively correlated with peripheral blood micronucleus rate in contact group (r(s)=0.48, 0.34, 0.37, 0.23, P<0.05) , and the urinary arsenic, iAs(5+), DMA were positively correlated with peripheral blood micronucleus rate (r(s)=0.48, 0.34, 0.26, P<0.05) . Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between different valence states of arsenic in the urine and abnormal health effects of occupational arsenic exposed workers. It is necessary to strengthen the detection of arsenic species in the urine of occupational arsenic exposed workers to better protect their health.

[A multi-dimensional analysis of pollen broadcasting concerns in Chinese population: a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey]

Objective: To investigate the concern about pollen broadcasting in Chinese population from multiple dimensions and to understand the information about allergic rhinitis (AR) in China by analyzing related factors. Methods: From March 1 to September 30, 2022, a large-scale multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted based on the Questionnaire Star platform in 21 Chinese hospitals. A total of 7 056 subjects from 7 regions in China: Northeast, North, East, Central, South, Southwest, and Northwest China were included. Basic characteristics (including social demographic characteristics and disease characteristics of AR patients), concern about pollen broadcasting, the willingness of pollen-induced AR (PiAR) patients to receive pollen broadcasting, and the treatment satisfaction rate of AR patients were collected. The chi-square test, multivariate linear regression model, and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the concern about pollen broadcasting in the Chinese population and related factors from multiple dimensions. Results: Among 7 056 subjects, 23.02% were concerned about pollen broadcasting. Among 3 176 self-reported AR and 1 019 PiAR patients, 25.60% and 39.16% were concerned about pollen broadcasting, respectively, which was higher than that of non-AR or non-PiAR subjects (χ2 value was 21.74 and 175.11, respectively, both P<0.001). Among AR patients, the proportion of spring and autumn allergen-positive patients concerned about pollen broadcasting was higher than that in perennial allergen-positive patients (χ2 value was 20.90 and 19.51, respectively, both P<0.001). The proportion of AR patients with asthma, sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases was higher than those without complications (χ2 value was 50.83, 21.97, 56.78, 7.62, respectively, all P<0.05). The proportion of AR patients in North China who could find pollen broadcasting locally was 31.01%, significantly higher than those in other regions (all P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression model analysis showed that among PiAR patients, those with higher per capita household income and higher AR disease cognition levels had been concerned about pollen broadcasting in the past, and those complicated with allergic conjunctivitis had stronger intention to receive pollen broadcasting (B value was 0.24, 0.13, 0.66, 0.47, respectively, all P<0.05). The higher the disease cognition level of PiAR patients, the stronger their willingness to actively participate in treatment (R2=0.72, P<0.001). Only 18.89% of AR patients felt satisfied with the treatment effect. Logistic regression analysis showed that in AR patients, the treatment satisfaction rate was significantly higher among those concerned about pollen broadcasting compared to those who were not (OR=1.83, P<0.001). Conclusions: Currently, the dissemination of pollen broadcasting in China is hindered by various factors such as disease cognition level. The treatment satisfaction among AR patients remains unsatisfactory.

[In vitro activity of β-lactamase inhibitors avibanvctam and relebactam in combination with β-lactams against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and mutations of resistance genes]

Objective: To evaluate the activity of six β-lactams in combination with three β-lactamase inhibitors against mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) in vitro. Methods: A total of 105 multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) strains from different regions of Henan province from January to September 2020 were included in this study. Drug activity of six β-lactams (biapenem, meropenem, imipenem, doripenem, ertapenem and tebipenem) alone or in combination with β-lactamase inhibitors (clavulanic acid, avibactam and relebactam) was examined by minimum inhibitory concentration method (MICs) against 105 clinical isolates. Mutations of blaC, ldtmt1 and ldtmt2 were analyzed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Chi-square test was used to compare the antimicrobial activities of different β-lactam drugs. Results: Out of the β-lactams used herein, tebipenem was the most effective against MDR-TB and had an MIC50 value of 8 mg/L(χ2=123.70,P=0.001). Besides, after the addition of β-lactamase inhibitors, the MICs of most β-lactam drugs were reduced more evidently in the presence of avibactam and relebactam compared to clavulanic acid.Especially, relebactam decreased both the MIC50 and MIC90 of telbipenem by 16-fold, and diluted the MIC of 23 (21.90%) and 41 (39.04%) isolatesby 32-fold and 16-fold.In addition, a total of 13.33% (14/105) of isolates harbored mutations in the blaC gene, with three different nucleotide substitutions: AGT333AGG, AAC638ACC and ATC786ATT. For the strains with Ser111Arg and Asn213Thr substitution in BlaC, the MIC values of the meropenem-clavulanate combination were reduced compared with a synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) group. Conclusions: Both avibactam and relebactam had better synergistic effects on β-lactams than clavulanic acid. The combination of tebipenem and relebactam showed the most potent activity against MDR-TB isolates. In addition, the Ser111Arg and Asn213Thr substitution of BlaC may be associated with an increased susceptibility of MDR-TB isolates to meropenem in the presence of clavulanate.

Angell plot from the potential energy landscape perspective

Within the scenario of the potential energy landscape (PEL), a thermodynamic model has been developed to uncover the physics behind the Angell plot. In our model, by separating the barrier distribution in PELs into a Gaussian-like and a power-law form, we obtain a general relationship between the relaxation time and the temperature. The wide range of the experimental data in the Angell plot, as well as the molecular-dynamics data, can be excellently fitted by two characteristic parameters, the effective barrier (ω) and the effective width (σ) of a Gaussian-like distribution. More importantly, the fitted ω and σ^{2} for all glasses are found to have a simple linear relationship within a very narrow band, and fragile and strong glasses are well separated in the ω-σ^{2} plot, which indicates that glassy states appear only in a specific region of the PEL.

[Investigation of small airway function of occupational asthma at different stages]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of small airway dysfunction in patients with occupational asthma, and explore the significance of small airway function indicators in the evaluation of occupational asthma. Methods: A total of 53 patients with occupational asthma diagnosed in our hospital from December 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected in May 2020. 55 healthy people were included as the control group (NC group) and 58 bronchial asthma patients as BA group. The general information and baseline pulmonary function (FVC、FEV(1)、PEF) of the subjects were collected, the pulmonary function were reexamined and small airway function (FEF(25%)pred、FEF(50%)pred、FEF(75%)pred、MMEF(25-75%)pred) were tested at the time of diagnosis and remission. Results: There was no significant difference in pulmonary function and asthma control score (ACT) between OA group and BA group (P=0.356, 0.610, 0.364, 0.430, 0.533, 0.759, 0.426, 0.632) . The incidence of small airway dysfunction in OA group was 77.4%. The indexes of small airway function (FEF(25%)pred, FEF(50%)pred, FEF(75%)pred, MMEF(25-75%)pred) were lower than those in the NC group (P<0.001) . The small airway function indexes of mild and moderate OA patients in remission stage were improved (P=0.029, 0.182) , but the abnormal rate of small airway function was still 62.3%, and there was no significant difference compared with those at the time of diagnosis (P=0.091) . Small airway function (MMEF(25-75%)pred, FEF(50%)pred) was correlated with large airway function (FEV(1)% pred, PEF% pred) (P=0.001) . Conclusion: Small airway dysfunction often occurs and persists in patients with occupational asthma, and has a certain correlation with large airway function indexes.

Efficient world-line-based quantum Monte Carlo method without Hubbard-Stratonovich transformation

By precisely writing down the matrix element of the local Boltzmann operator (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$${\mathrm{e}}^{-\tau h}$$\end{document}e-τh, where \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$h$$\end{document}h is the Hermitian conjugate pairs of off-diagonal operators), we have proposed a new path integral formulation for quantum field theory and developed a corresponding Monte Carlo algorithm. With the current formula, the Hubbard–Stratonovich transformation is not necessary, accordingly the determinant calculation is not needed, which can improve the computational efficiency. The results show that, the simulation time has the square-law scaling with system sizes, which is comparable with the usual first-principles calculations. The current formula also improves the accuracy of the Suzuki–Trotter decomposition. As an example, we have studied the one-dimensional half-filled Hubbard model at finite temperature. The obtained results are in excellent agreement with the known solutions. The new formula and Monte Carlo algorithm could be applied to various studies in future.

[The role of renal tubular epithelial cells in cadmium-induced renal fibrosis]

Objective: To investigate the role of renal tubular epithelial cells in cadmium-induced renal fibrosis. Methods: Established a sub-chronic cadmium exposure mouse model and analyzed the progress of renal fibrosis induced by cadmium exposure through Masson staining and immunohistochemistry, and then a co-culture system of renal tubular epithelial cells and renal fibroblasts was established, the levels of proliferation and activation of renal fibroblasts were detected by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Results: Sub-chronic cadmium exposure led to weight loss in mice (P<0.05) , and the levels of β-microglobulin (β-MG) and N-acetyl β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in urine were increased in mice exposed to cadmium (P<0.05) ; pathological analysis revealed that sub-chronic cadmium exposure damaged renal tubular structure, causing infiltration of inflammatory cells and deposition of collagen fiber by Masson (P<0.05) , which in turn induced kidney fibrosis in mice; the results of in vitro co-culture experiments showed that cadmium-exposed renal tubular epithelial cells accelerated the synthesis of collagen in renal fibroblasts and promoted the proliferation and activation of renal fibroblasts (P<0.05) . Conclusion: In the progression of cadmium-induced renal fibrosis, a deleterious renal epithelial-fibroblast cross talk was formed, which may be one of the important mechanisms of cadmium-induced renal fibrosis.

[Study of cytokines in peripheral blood and lung of rats exposed to hard metal dust]

Objective: To study the dynamic changes of cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum of hard metal lung disease (HMLDR) rats. Methods: In March 2019, the rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, each group included 8 rats: control (C) group include 3 groups, hard metal (HM) group include 3 groups. 10 mg HM were administered in HM group by using the pulmonary endotracheal tube. After 4, 8 and 12 week, the BALF and serum were collected for the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) , tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) . Results: There was no abnormality in behavior, diet and fur of rats in C and HM group at each exposure time. There was no significant difference in body weight between the two groups of rats (P>0.05) . Compared with the C group, the expression of MMP-1 in BALF of rats in HM group were significantly higher in all stages (4, 8 and 12 weeks after exposure) (P<0.05) , the expression of TIMP-1 in BALF of rats in HM group were significantly higher in 8 and 12 weeks after exposure (P<0.05) . However, there was no significant difference in serum MMP-1 and TIMP-1 levels between the two groups in each stage (P>0.05) . There was no significant difference in TNF-α. level in BALF and serum between C and HM group in all stages (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in BALF have reference value in the HMLD auxiliary diagnosis.

[Development of the Core Occupational Stress Scale for occupational populations in China]

Objective: To develop the Core Occupational Stress Scale (COSS) for key occupational populations, and to assess the reliability and validity of COSS in China. Methods: According to the literature review, in-depth interview and expert evaluation, the item pool of COSS was established. A total of 20 981 employees (3 703 employees from 2018 and 17 178 employees from 2019) of manufacturing, medical, and traffic polices, etc. from Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Chongqing, Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong and Hubei were investigated using convenient sampling of those participating in general or occupational health examination of the day. Item differential test and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used to screen items from the item pool; confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test structure validity; criterion and convergent validity were tested by Pearson correlation. Cronbach's α coefficient was used to test the reliability of the scale. Results: The EFA suggested a four-factor structure for a 17-item version of COSS, which were social support, organization and reward, demand and effort, and control. It explained 62.06% of the total variance and factor loadings ranged from 0.447 to 0.918. The CFA confirmed the hypothesized four-factor model (GFI=0.904, CFI=0.912, RMSEA=0.079). The COSS scores were positively correlated with burnout, depressive symptoms, and effort-reward imbalance scores with r ranging from 0.357 to 0.567 (P<0.05). The total COSS and each dimension of Cronbach's α coefficients were 0.772-0.896. Conclusions: The COSS has good reliability and validity and can be used as an occupation stress assessment for occupational populations in China.

[Analysis of direct economic burden of occupational asthma]

Objective: To analyze the direct economic burden of occupational asthma patients and provide economic basis for the government to rationally allocate health resources. Methods: In September 2019, colleted the case data of 53 patients diagnosed with occupational asthma who were hospitalized in our hospital from December 2008 to December 2018, and analyze the impact of gender, age, diagnosis time, ducation level, allergen type to the length of stay, hospitalization cost, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, average daily hospitalization costs and other indicators. Results: The average length of hospitalization for occupational asthma patients was (38.7±8.1) days, and the average hospitalization cost was 14743 yuan, of which medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and comprehensive medical service costs accounted for the top three, 42.5% (331977/781369) , 32.0% (249942/781369) , 19.6% (153268/781369) respectively. Hospitalization days for occupational asthma patients has decreased significantly in 2014-2018 (P<0.05) . There were no significant differences in hospitalization costs, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and average daily hospitalization costs for occupational asthma patients caused by different allergens (isocyanates, persulfates and phthalic anhydrides) (P>0.05) . Hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and average daily hospitalization costs of patients with moderate occupational asthma were significantly higher than those of mild patients (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Early detection of occupational asthma patients and early intervention can reduce the economic burden on patients and society.

First-principles calculations of oxygen octahedral distortions in LaAlO3/SrTiO3(001) superlattices

The size, shape and connectivity of oxide octahedra are essential for understanding and controlling the emergent functional properties of ABO₃ perovskites. Using first-principles calculations, we systematically studied the oxygen octahedral rotation and deformation in LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃(001) superlattices. Superlattices with electron- or hole-doped interfaces, or both, are compared. The results showed that there are at least three different types of oxygen octahedral distortions in these superlattices, which is more than what had previously been reported in the literature. We demonstrate that interfacial oxygen octahedral coupling and hole-doping, in addition to epitaxial strain, are the key factors underlying the formation of multiple types of oxygen octahedral rotations in these systems. We confirm that oxygen octahedral rotations and deformations play an essential role in insulator-metal transitions. Furthermore, octahedral distortion leads to ferroelectricity like dipole formation with the polarization vector always pointing to the positively charged interfaces.

[Characteristics of auditory brainstom response and auditory steady state evoked responses in noise-induced hearing loss population]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of auditory steady state evoked responses (ASSR) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in noise-induced hearing loss population and the relationship between the response threshold of corresponding frequency and pure tone audiometry (PTA) . Methods: Noise-induced hearing loss patients who completed subjective and objective audiometry in our hospital from October 2014 to October 2018 were collected. The results of PTA, ABR, ASSR and the correlation between subjective and objective audiometry were discussed. Results: A total of 381 ears of 193 patients were enrolled. The difference of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kHz between ASSR threshold and PTA was 5.9, 6.9, 11.8 and 1.8 dB, respectively. The correlation coefficients were 0.638, 0.680, 0.657 and 0.608. The difference of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 kHz between ABR threshold and PTA was 44.2, 35.0, 19.0 and 2.0 dB. With the increase of frequency, the threshold difference between ABRt V wave and PTA decreased gradually. Conclusion: ASSR and ABR response thresholds are valuable in subjective assessment on noise-induced hearing loss. The thresholds of ASSR and ABR at 4 kHz are close to those of PTA.

[Evaluating the level of occupational stress and its influence factors among traffic police in a district in Shanghai]

Objective: To investigate the high occupational stress and its influencing factors in traffic police in Shanghai. Methods: 728 traffic police were selected as the study subjects, and the《Occupational Health Questionnaire》was used to investigate and evaluate their job demand-control (JDC) and effort-reward imbalance model (ERI) occupational stress situation respectively. The related influencing factors were analyzed. Results: The prevalence rates of high occupational stress in JDC and ERI models were 74.6% (543/728) and 51.5% (375/728) . The influencing factors of JDC were education, marriage, average weekly hours (χ(2)=16.82, 10.04, 18.71, P<0.05) , and The influencing factors of ERI were gender, age, marriage, real monthly income level, education, work experience, and average weekly hours (χ(2)=7.02, 26.18, 6.73, 50.42, 4.75, 26.61, 112.98, 6.19, P<0.05) . The JDC multivariate logistic analysis indicated that the risk of occupational stress of married police was 2.81 times as high as that of Unmarried ones. The risk of occupational stress of traffic police with more education was 1.92 times as high as that of low eduacation, average weekly working 41-50 hours and≥51 hours was 2.53, 3.12 times as high as that of ones with average working 40 hours, respectivly. Meanwhile, the ERI multivariate logistic analysis indicated that high income level is the protective factor of occupational stress. The traffic police with 15-<20 working years were more likely to occur higher occupational stress. The traffic police with the more average weekly hours had greater possibility of higher occupational stress. Conclusion: The main influencing factors of JDC and ERI are marriage, real monthly income level, education, work experience, and average weekly hours.

[Study on airway inflammation in patients with occupational pulmonary thesaurosis induced by iron]

Objective: To study the airway inflammation feature difference in the patients with occupational pulmonary thesaurosis induced by iron. Methods: Induced sputum samples were obtained from 20 healthy men, 20 patients with stable asthma, 25 patients with occupational pulmonary thesaurosis induced by iron. Differential cell counts in induced sputum were examined. The levels of supernatant IL-8 were measured by ELISA. Results: The pulmonary function result was normal in the patients with pulmonary thesaurosis., their FVC (4.1±1.2) L was similar to FVC (4.3±0.9) L in mal group; but their FEV(1.0) (2.9±0.9) L、FEV(1)/FVC (71.9%±5.4%) were lower than normal group's FEV(1.0) (3.2±0.7 L) 、FEV(1.0)/FVC (79.2%±9.9%) , and were hirher than asthma group's FEV(1) (2.5±0.8) L and FEV(1.0)/FVC (68.7%±6.1%) . In induced sputum, macrophages percentage in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis (54.3%±9.7%) was higher than asthma group and normal group (48.4±6.4, 51.9±7.3, P<0.05) , neutrophils percentage in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis group (43.9%±7.6%) was higher than asthma group and normal group (41.3%±7.1%, 39.8%±6.9%, P<0.05) , eosinophils percentage in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis group (0.3%±0.1%) was lower than asthma group (2.8±0.3, P<0.05) , lymphocytes percentage in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis group (2.0%±0.4%) was lower than asthma group (4.7±0.6, P<0.05) ; the sputum levels of IL-8 in patients with pulmonary thesaurosis group (914.7±24.3) pg/ml was higher than asthma group and normal group (747.9%±16.8 pg/ml, (405.4±13.7) pg/ml, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Macrophages and IL-8 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation after long-term inhalation of iron and its compounds, the airway function in patients of occupational pulmonary thesaurosis was found damaged.

[Human leukocyte antigen polymorphism of HIV infected persons without disease progress for long-term in Henan province, 2011-2016]

Objective: To understand the disease progression and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene polymorphism of HIV-infected persons without disease progress for long term, also known as long-term non-progressors (LTNPs), in Henan province. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 48 LTNPs with complete detection and follow-up information during 2011-2016 in Henan. Changes of CD(4)(+)T cells counts (CD(4)) and viral load (VL) during follow-up period were discussed. Polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe (PCR-SSOP) was used for the analyses of HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 alleles between LTNPs and healthy controls. Results: From 2011 to 2016, forty-eight LTNPs showed a decrease of the quartile (P(25)-P(75)) of CD(4) from 601.00 (488.50-708.72)/μl to 494.00 (367.00-672.00)/μl, and the difference was significant (P<0.05). The increase of the quartile (P(25)-P(75)) of log(10)VL from 3.40 (2.87-3.97) to 3.48 (2.60-4.37), but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). HLA polymorphism analysis revealed that HLA-B*13:02 and HLA-B*40:06 were more common in LTNPs (P<0.05), while HLA-B*46:01 and HLA-DRB1*09:01 were more common in healthy controls (P<0.05). Conclusions: The CD(4) of LTNPs in Henan showed a downward trend year by year. HLA-B*13:02 and B*40:06 might be associated with delayed disease progression for HIV infected persons in Henan.

Strain-induced indirect-to-direct bandgap transition in an np-type LaAlO3/SrTiO3(110) superlattice

By applying uniaxial in-plane strains, an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition occurs in the polar LaAlO₃/SrTiO₃ (110) superlattices.

[Electrophysiological and pathological features of peripheral nerve in rats exposed to 1-bromopropane]

Objective: To study the electrophysiological changes and pathological characteristics of peripheral nerve in rats exposed to 1-bromopropane through chronic inhalation. Methods: 40 male SD rats were randomed divided into 4 groups, and exposed to 1-bromopropane vapor at concentrations of 1 000 mg/m(3), 2 000 mg/m(3), 4 000 mg/m(3) and fresh air respectively, 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks. The changes of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) , electromyography (EMG) and pathology were observed. Results: After 4 weeks of exposure, the body weights of high dose group are lower than that of the control group. Compared with the control group, the high and medium dose group have a decline in MCV and CMAPs, while SCV and SNAPs descend in the high dose group (P<0.05) . The EMG examination showed that there are denervation changes in high dose group. Sciatic nerve biopsy observed by electron microscope showed that axonal degeneration and demyelination coexist in the rats exposed to high concentration. Conclusion: Chronic inhalation of 1-bromopropane at the concentration of 4 000 mg/m(3) can cause peripheral nerve injury, which is characterized by axonal degeneration and demyelination. Axonal degeneration is the main pathological change.

[Effect of nerve growth factor on chronic peripheral neuropathy in rats induced by 1-bromopropane]

Objective: To observe the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) and Mecobalamin on chronic peripheral neuropathy in rats induced by 1-bromopropane. Methods: 36 male SD rats were exposed to 1-bromopropane vapor at concentrations of 4 000 mg/m(3), 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks. The rats were randomed divided into 4 groups, and treated by Mecobalamin for 300 μg/kg qd, NGF for 40 μg/kg qd, Mecobalamin+NGF with the dose as mentioned above, respecively. The control group were fed in normal condition. The changes of Sciatic nerve conduction velocity (NCV) , electromyography (EMG) and pathology were observed 30 days later. Results: The nerve conduction velocity were decreased in all the rats. Compared with the control group, the motor nerve conduction velocity (MCV) was improved in group Mecobalamin and group Mecobalamin+NGF, The difference was statistically significant, as the sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) was improved only in group Mecobalamin+NGF. Sciatic nerve biopsy observed by electron microscope showed that myelinated nerve fibers were obvious swelling, lamellar separation, partial myelin vacuolization, and axonal degeneration. After treatment with exogenous nerve growth factor, the number and severity of damaged nerve fibers were restored. Conclusion: Exogenous nerve growth factor contributes to the recovery of peripheral nerve damage induced by 1-bromopropane.

[Comparison of whole blood indium and the serum indium of the population exposed to the indium]

Objective: The method was established for the detection of whole blood indium and serum indium. By comparing the results of two samples, it is possible to explore the significance of whole blood indium and serum indium in the population exposed to indium compounds. Methods: According to GBZ/T 295-2017 and GBZ 294-2017, the whole blood and serum samples were diluted 20 times by 0.5% nitric acid solution (including 0.05% Triton X-100) . Under the standard mode of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) , whole blood indium and serum indium of indirect exposure group, low exposure group and high exposure group in an indium mine were detected with 20 μg/L rhodium standard solution as internal standard. Results: This method has a working range of 0.00~5.00 μg/L and a correlation coefficien t>0.999. The detection limit and quantitative lower limit of whole blood indium were 0.076 μg/L and 0.26 μg/L respectively. Those of serum indium were 0.06 μg/L and 0.20 μg/L accordingly. The recovery rates of serum and whole blood samples were 88.5%~95.6% and 93.0%~101%. Intra batch precisions were 1.3%~4.4% and 1.9%~3.5% and inter batch precision were 2.4%~6.1% and 2.1%~4.6% in two samples. There were no significant differences between whole blood indium and serum indium in indirect exposure group. The serum indium level was lower than the detection limit in 3 cases, while their whole blood indium was only below the quantitative lower limit. However, in other groups whole blood indium level was significantly higher than serum indium level (P<0.05) and even was two-fold in the high exposure group. Conclusion: The detection of whole blood indium is more sensitive than that of serum indium, which can reflect the internal exposure level more accurately in exposure population. Therefore, the whole blood indium is of more important referential value to health examination and poisoning diagnosis in the population exposed to indium and its compounds.

[Occupational characteristics of 318 cases diagnosed as occupational asthma]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of occupational asthma and provide a basis for revising the diagnosis of occupational asthma in China. Methods: Taking "occupational asthma" , "occupational bronchial asthma" and "bronchial provocation test at work site" as key words, the case reports of occupational asthma in China were retrieved. The general data, latent period, allergen, clinical manifestation, and diagnostic methods were analyzed. Results: A total 318 cases from 14 published literatures were reported.The incidence of male and female is basically similar. The average age of onset is 38 years, and the latent period is from 2 months to 19 years. The top 3 allergens were isocyanates, penicillin and cephalosporins, formaldehyde. During the diagnosis process, 48.8% of the patients were diagnosed by bronchial provocation test, and 19 cases were diagnosed according to the specific IgE antibody. Only 1 case was diagnosed according to the specific skin test. Conclusion: The etiological diagnosis of occupational asthma is not easy. Nearly half of the patients in our country have been diagnosed as occupational asthma by bronchial provocation test at work site. How to identify the relationship between occupational exposure and the occurrence of asthma is one of the main problems we need to solve.

[Study on the risk of mortality and associated factors among HIV-exposed children in Henan province, 2002-2014]

Objective: To investigate the status of survival and related risk factors among HIV-exposed children in Henan province from 2002 to 2014. Methods: A follow-up program was set up when infants as 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 month olds. Data regarding the HIV-exposed children and their mothers were collected, including service of PMTCT, antiviral therapy, incidence of infectious disease and survival status of infants. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the risk factors. Results: A total number of 1 705 HIV-infected infants were reported from 2002 to 2014. Among them, 1 536 infants (90.09%) were still alive when they were at one and a half years old, with another 58 (3.40%) lost to follow up and 111 (6.51%) infants were dead. The cumulative mortality rates in HIV-exposed children, newborn, and HIV-exposed infants were 67.39‰, 23.07‰, and 57.01‰, respectively. No statistical significance was found on the decreasing tendency of mortality in different years. The leading cause of death was noticed as pneumonia, with a proportion of 32.43%, followed by suspected AIDS. Early diagnosis had not been made in infants. Low-birth weight (OR=4.97, 95%CI: 3.12-7.92) seemed to be a risk factor. Early detection in pregnancy (OR= 0.46, 95%CI: 0.26-0.80) and HARRT provided to children (OR=0.25, 95%CI: 0.15-0.42) were recognized as protective factors. Conclusions: The mortality of HIV-exposed children were high, which called for the development of programs on early infant diagnosis and HARRT. Measures should be taken to prevent pneumonia and other infectious diseases, together with nutrition support and monitor program on growth.

[Effectiveness of prevention of mother to child HIV transmission in Henan province, 2002-2013]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on preventing mother to child transmission of HIV and identify the influencing factors. Methods: The data regarding the pregnant women and their infants were collected, including demographic characteristics, pregnancy and delivery, access to antiviral therapy, HIV infection status at age 18 months and survival of infants between 2002 and 2013 through follow-up, Multivariate logistic regression model were used to identify the influencing factors. Results: By the end of 2013, a total of 8 621 554 pregnant women received HIV test, among them 2 264 were infected with HIV. The positive rate of HIV is 0.03%. The HIV positive rate decreased year by year (χ(2) =4.871, P=0.027). A total of 1 530 infants were born from 2002 to 2013, among them 1 384 survived and 92 died at age of 18 months, and 54 were lost for follow up. Sixty infants were tested to be HIV-positive, 1 324 infants were tested to be HIV-negative. The mother to child transmission rate was 4.34%, the corrective mother to child transmission rate was 6.33%. Receiving HIV prevention service in early pregnancy (OR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.77), standardized antiviral therapy (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.21-0.82), artificial feeding (OR=0.06, 95% CI: 0.02-0.21) might be the main protective factors, episiotomy on delivery (OR=3.91, 95% CI: 1.74-8.80) might be the risk factors. Conclusion: The HIV tested positive rate remained to be low and decreased year by year in pregnant women in Henan, but the mother to child HIV transmission rate was high. It is necessary to improve the prevention of mother to child HIV transmission.

[HIV transmission in newly reported HIV infected couples before diagnoses in five provinces, China, 2011-2014]

Objective: To understand the HIV transmission and associated factors in newly reported HIV infected couples before diagnosis. Methods: The information about newly reported HIV infected couples in Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan, Henan and Xinjiang provinces (autonomous region) were collected from National HIV/AIDS Information System from 2011 to 2014. The infection order of the sero-concordant couples were determined. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the HIV transmission between couples and identify the associated factors. Cochran-Armitage trend analysis was conducted to understand the annual sero-concordant couple proportion. Results: A total of 48 931 HIV cases in couples were included in this study, among whom 12 051(24.6%) were sero-concordant couples, indicating HIV transmissions occurred between them. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that those who were females (OR=1.98, 95%CI: 1.89-2.08), aged >45 years (45-59 yrs: OR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.23-1.42; >60 yrs: OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.58-1.86), had educational level of middle school education or below (illiteracy and primary school: OR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.23-1.44; middle school: OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.10-1.28), were farmers or migrate workers (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.17-1.30), were infected through injecting drug use or heterosexual intercourse (injecting drug use: OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.03-1.72; heterosexual intercourse: OR=3.65, 95% CI: 2.89-4.61), had CD₄⁺T cells of <500 cells/μl (<200 cells/μl: OR=5.05, 95%CI: 4.62-5.52; 200-349 cells/μl: OR=3.58, 95%CI: 3.26-3.93; 350-500 cells/μl: OR=2.14, 95%CI: 1.94-2.36), reported unprotected sexual behaviors (OR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.49-1.64), were more likely to infect their couples before diagnosis. The HIV transmission proportion between couples before diagnosis decreased significantly from 28.9% (2 631/9 102) in 2011 to 25.5% (3 009/11 787) in 2014 among those infected through heterosexual intercourse. Conclusion: The proportion of HIV transmission between couples before diagnosis varied among different populations. Behavior intervention and early HIV test promoting are needed to prevent HIV transmission between couples before diagnosis in populations at high risk for HIV infection. HIV infection cases should be included in the HIV care system after diagnosis as early as possible.

[Phonological assessment and voice analysis of thyroid surgery patients]

Objective:To investigate the changes of speech and voice acoustics in patients with thyroid disease before and after operation, get objective values, and conducive to guiding the clinical diagnosis and treatment and recurrent laryngeal nerve protection. Method:A total of 216 patients undergoing thyroid surgery from October 2015 to October 2016 were treated with TVQ and GRBAS at 1 day before surgery, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively to phonological assessment, and Praat software was used to collect and analyze the acoustic acoustics index for preoperative and postoperative comparative analysis. Result:All patients did not damage the recurrent laryngeal nerve, unilateral or bilateral thyroid subtotal resection (no exploration of recurrent laryngeal nerve) in patients with postoperative speech and voice index F0 was decreased at 1 week after surgery (P<0.05), the other indicators did not change significantly; difference was found out in single-sided total thyroidectomy+ipsilateral central area lymph node dissection, bilateral thyroidectomy+unilateral central area lymph node dissection (exploration of unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve) in patients with TVQ, GRBAS and F0, HNR after surgery 1 week compared with preoperative (P<0.05), However, there was no significant difference 3 months; TVQ, GRBAS and F0, HNR were significantly changed in patients with bilateral thyroidectomy+bilateral central lymph node dissection (revealed bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve) at 1 week after operation (P>0.05). F0 and HNR were lower than those before operation, and the patients were treated with Jitter and Shimmer. The patients were treated with TVQ, GRBAS, Jitter and Shimmer before operation, however, the majority of patients' TVQ, GRBAS, Jitter, Shimmer can be restored to preoperative level after surgery 3 months (P>0.05). Conclusion:The appearance of speech and voice problems in patients after thyroid surgery may increase with the expansion of the surgical range, the change in speech and voice after neck lymph node dissection is reversible.

[Diversity of HIV-1 subtypes and primary HIV-1 drug resistance among 302 newly confirmed HIV infections/AIDS in Henan province, China]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate HIV-1 subtype diversity and the frequency of primary drug resistance in newly confirmed HIV infections/AIDS, and the ratio of recently infected cases in Henan.

METHODS

Newly confirmed HIV infections/AIDS from June 2013 to October 2013 and from June 2014 to October 2014 in the municipal CDC and county CDC of six cities in Henan province (Nanyang, Luohe, Pingdingshan, Shangqiu, Xuchang and Zhengzhou) were included in this study. Information on demographics, route of infection and antiviral therapy regimen were obtained from report cards, and at follow-up visits. After collection of blood samples from 402 individuals for confirmatory diagnostic tests, 100 were excluded because of hemolysis or insufficient samples in 11 cases, and incomplete amplification results in 89 cases. Recent HIV infection was determined by the BED capture immunoassay. An in-house method were used for genotypic drug resistance tests and sequence analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 302 individuals included, the mean age was (44.0±15.5) years, and 160 (53.0%) and 142 (47.0%) cases were confirmed in 2013 and 2014, respectively. The ratio of recent infections was 29.5% (89 cases), inside, the ratio of recent infections were 31.3% (20/64), 40.5% (30/74), 21.3% (32/150), 3/8 and 4/6 in 01_AE, 07_BC, B, 01_B and other subtypes (B/C, C, 01_BC and 08_BC) (χ(2)=13.48, P=0.009). The frequency of the B subtype was higher in former infections, at 55.4% (118/213), than in recent infections, at 36% (32/89) (χ(2)=9.49, P=0.002). In contrast, the ratios of both 07_BC and other subtypes were lower in former infections (20.7% (44/213) and 1% (2/213), respectively) than recent infections (33.7% (30/89), χ(2)=5.78, P=0.016 and 5% (4/89), χ(2)=4.08; P=0.044, respectively). The frequency of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was 6.0% (18 cases) in 302 subjects. The frequency of resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) drugs was 2.7% (8 cases) and 3.6% (11 cases), respectively. Primary HIV-1 drug resistance was more frequent in subtypes B and 07_BC, at 8.7% (13 cases) and 5.4% (4 cases), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Newly confirmed HIV infections/AIDS in Henan province harbored certain proportion of none-B subtypes, the frequency of primary resistance tended to be high in HIV-1B infection. The molecular epidemiology of HIV and the development of primary drug resistance should be regularly monitored.

[Survival effect after antiretroviral treatment initiating at different times on AIDS patients in Henan province, 2002-2014]

OBJECTIVE

To study the survival effect of AIDS patients after the antiretroviral treatment that initiated at different times and to understand the factors associated with the survival time.

METHODS

Information on AIDS patients who started receiving the antiretroviral therapy during 2002-2014 was collected from the Chinese HIV/AIDS Integrated Control System in Henan province. According to the level of baseline immunology, all the participants were divided into earlier treatment group [Baseline CD4(+)T lymphocyte cell counts (CD4) between 350/μl and 500/μl] or conventional treatment group (Baseline CD4 cell counts≤350/μl). Data was analyzed with both Survival and Review methods.

RESULTS

A total number of 37 169 cases were selected, including 32 129 cases in the conventional treatment group and 5 040 cases in the earlier treatment group. Mortalities in the conventional treatment group and earlier treatment group were 4.3/100 person year and 1.8/100 person year, respectively. Data on the 11-year cumulative survival rate of both the conventional treatment group and earlier treatment group were 67.9% and 82.3%, respectively. By means of multi-variable analysis, we found that factors as gender, age, marital status, route of infection, number of symptoms, missed taking drugs in the past 7 days, degree of education at baseline of conventional treatment group etc. were associated with survival time of patients after the initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) (P<0.05) while factors as gender, age, marital status, ever missed taking drugs in the past 7 days at baseline etc. in the earlier treatment group were associated with the survival time of patients after the ART initiation (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Strategy including earlier initiation of antiretroviral treatment on AIDS patients who had met the treatment criteria and programs related to the improvement on adherence to medication, could prolong the survival time of AIDS patients, in Henan province.

[HCV infection status and related risk factors in drug users under HIV sentinel surveillance in Henan province, 2011-2015]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the hepatitis C virus infection status and related risk factors in drug users in Henan province during 2011-2015 and provide scientific evidence for the development of HCV infection prevention and control measures.

METHODS

Cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were conducted among the drug users and blood samples were taken from them for HCV antibody detection during HIV sentinel surveillance period in Henan province from April to June during 2011-2015.

RESULTS

The HCV infection rate in drug users increased from 3.70% in 2011 to 6.54% in 2015 (trend χ(2)=25.93, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis indicated that HCV infection related risk factors included age older (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.13-1.35, P=0.00), place of domicile (OR=3.45, 95%CI: 2.59-4.60, P=0.00), traditional drug user or mixed drug user (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.10-1.93, P=0.01; OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.18-2.81, P=0.01), injecting drug user (OR=2.88, 95%CI: 2.45-3.39, P=0.00), commercial sex behavior in recent one year (OR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.20-1.72, P=0.00) and drug user in compulsory drug rehabilitation or those receiving methadone maintenance treatment (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.28-2.50, P=0.00; OR=1.74, 95% CI: 1.17-2.58, P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

The HCV infection rate in drug users was higher in Henan and increased rapidly with years. In order to control HCV spread, it is necessary to strengthen the management of drug users and take effective intervention measures.

[Study on the establishment of HMLD model and the expression of KL-6/TGF-beta in rat]

Objective: To establish an animal model of hard metal lung disease (HMLD) in rats, and to screen the indications for diagnosis of HMLD. Methods: The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, each group included 8 rats: saline group, pure cobalt group, pure tungsten carbide group, silica group and hard metal (HM) group. 10 mg subjects were administered in each group by using the pulmonary endotracheal tube. After 8 week, the lung CT scan and lung tissue pathology were observed, the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected for KL-6, TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2. Results: The lung tissue structure of HM group was destroyed, a large number of nuclear giant cells and epithelial like cells appeared in the stroma, and uncommon CT scan images appeared in the lung. KL-6, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 expression in each group was not the same, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . The expression of KL-6 and TGF-beta1 in serum was not identical in all the groups, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . The expression of TGF-beta2 had no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Rats can be successfully established HMLD model, rats in vivo lung CT scan images appear abnormal, which are provided with assistant diagnostic value for HMLD. The expression of KL-6 and TGF-beta2 in serum and BALF on HMLD rats are not highly specific, and TGF-beta1 has reference value in the rat HMLD auxiliary diagnosis.

[The prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance in newly reported HIV infections in Henan]

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance in newly reported HIV infected individuals receiving no antiviral treatment in Henan.

METHODS

Network direct reporting information of newly reported HIV infection cases in six cities of Henan during January to June, 2013 and January to June, 2014 were collected, and blood samples were collected from the cases to conduct genotypic drug resistance test and sequence analysis.

RESULTS

Primary HIV-1 drug resistance was detected in 45 of 624 newly reported HIV infection cases, the prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was 7.21%, which was classified as moderate. Univariate analysis revealed that the prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was higher in females(χ(2)=11.463, P = 0.001), in age group <20 years(χ(2)=8.969, P=0.011), in illiterates(χ(2)=18.072, P=0.001)and in cases of HIV subtype B infection(χ(2)=9.897, P=0.019). Multi-univariate analysis revealed that the risk of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was high in females(OR=2.194, 95%CI: 1.111-4.331). Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor(NNRTI), Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor(NRTI)and Protease inhibitor(PI)resistance mutations were found in 4.97%, 3.53% and 1.12% of the cases, respectively. M184V/I(2.08%)and K103N/S(2.88%)were the most commonly emerged NRTI and NNRTI resistance mutation. Multiple NRTI resistance mutation was found in four cases. HIV subtype B infections accounted for largest proportion(51.76%, 323/624), followed by CRF07_BC cases(23.72%, 148/624)and CRF01_AE cases(19.71%, 123/624).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of primary HIV-1 drug resistance was moderate in the newly reported HIV infected individuals in Henan. The surveillance for HIV-1 drug resistance transmission should be strengthened and drug resistance test before the antiviral treatment should be given.

[Quality of life and its related factors among HIV/AIDS patients from HIV serodiscordant couples in Zhoukou of Henan province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the quality of life and its related factors among HIV/AIDS patients from HIV serodiscordant couples in Zhoukou city of Henan province.

METHODS

During January to May in 2015, by the convenience sample, World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire for Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) (Chinese version) and a self-edited questionnaire were used to investigate 1 251 HIV/AIDS patients who were confirmed with HIV positive by local CDC, registered in"HIV serodiscordant family" and agreed to participate in a face-to-face interview with above 18 year-old based on the local CDC , township hospitals and village clinics of 9 counties and 1 district of Zhoukou city, excluding the HIV/AIDS patients who were in divorce, death by one side, unknowing about his HIV status, with mental illness and disturbance of consciousness, incorrectly understanding the content of the questionnaire, and reluctant to participate in this study. The scores of quality of life of physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental domain were calculated. The related factors of the scores of different domains were analyzed by Multiple Two Classification Unconditioned Logistic Regression.

RESULTS

The scores of investigation objects in the physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental domain were 12.00± 2.02, 12.07 ± 2.07, 11.87 ± 1.99, and 11.09 ± 1.84, respectively. The multiple Unconditioned Logistic Regression analysis indicated that age <40 years, on ART and no other sickness in last two weeks were beneficial factors associated with physical domain with OR (95%CI): 0.61 (0.35-1.06), 0.52 (0.30-0.90), and 1.66 (1.09-2.52), respectively. The possibility of no poverty and no other sickness in last two weeks increased to 0.15(0.09-0.26) and 1.57(1.06-2.33) times of those who was in poverty and with other sickness in last two weeks in physical domain. The possibility of participants who were below 40 years old and with children increased to 0.58 (0.34-0.98) and 0.37 (0.23-0.57) times of who were above 40 years old and without children in psychological domain. The factors of with AIDS related symptoms, no children and with other sickness in last two week were found to be significantly associated with environmental domain with OR (95%CI): 0.65 (0.48-0.88), 0.66 (0.51-0.85), and 0.65 (0.51-0.84), respectively .

CONCLUSION

The scores of every domain of quality of life in HIV serodiscordant couples of Zhoukou city were good. Age, whether having AIDS related symptoms, whether to accept ART , children, status of poverty, and whether suffering from other diseases in last two weeks were the main factors associated with the quality of life.

[Characteristics of long-term non-progressors and HIV controllers among HIV-infections in Henan, China]

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence and characteristics of long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) and HIV controllers (HCs) among HIV-infections in Henan, China.

METHODS

Data in two databases (Information management system of HIV/AIDS prevention and control; HIV/AIDS testing application platform of Henan) were used to identify the LTNPs and HCs, investigation and verification, sample collection and correlation testing were carried out thereafter.

RESULTS

A total of 148 LTNPs/HCs were identified. Among them, 71 were followed up, including 58 LTNPs and 22 HCs, 12 cases were both LTNP and HC, 46 cases were LTNP but non-HC(LTNP+ HC-), 10 cases of HC but non-LTNP. Of the 71 individuals, 50 (70.4%) were males, 55 (77.5%) were older than 40 years of age, all belonged to Han nationality, 61 (85.9%) were farmers, 52 (73.2%) were infected through former plasma donation, 56 (78.9%) were-HCV positive. Median (interquartile range) of the CD4 counts was 538 (445-654) cell/μl and with virus load as 3.14 (2.03-3.82) log(10) copies/ml. The median viral load of HC was lower than that of LTNP + HC-(P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

The characteristic of LTNPs and HCs in Henan HIV-infections were remarkable, more accurate classification of these cases was helpful to further research.

Effects of stathmin 1 silencing by siRNA on sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells Eca-109 to paclitaxel

We investigated the effects of stathmin 1 (STMN1) silencing by small interfering (siRNA) on the sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells Eca-109 to paclitaxel. STMN1 siRNA was transiently transfected into Eca-109 cells. The effects of transfection were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The effects of STMN1 silencing by siRNA on the sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells Eca-109 to paclitaxel was tested by MTT and colony formation assays. Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining was used to investigate the differences in Eca-109 cell apoptosis induced by paclitaxel. STMN1 siRNA was successfully transfected and the expression of STMN1 was inhibited. The sensitivity of STMN1 siRNA-transfected Eca-109 cells to paclitaxel was significantly increased (P < 0.01). The apoptosis of Eca-109 cells significantly increased following treatment with paclitaxel (P < 0.01). STMN1 silencing by siRNA may enhance the sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells Eca-109 to paclitaxel and induce apoptosis.

Size-dependent melting behavior of iron nanoparticles by replica exchange molecular dynamics

Using the replica-exchange molecular dynamics method (REMD), we have investigated the size dependence of the melting behavior of iron nanoparticles. Comparing to conventional molecular dynamics (MD), the REMD method is found to be very efficient in determining the melting point by avoiding superheating and undercooling phenomena. With accurate determination of the melting point, we find that the melting temperature does not follow linearly with the inverse of size. By incorporating the size dependent thickness of surface liquid layer which is observed in our simulation, we propose a revised liquid skin melting model to describe the size dependent melting temperature.

Strain effect on the diffusion of interstitial Mn in GaAs

The influence of external strain on the diffusion barriers of interstitial Mn in GaAs is studied using the first-principles calculations within the density functional theory. The diffusion barrier changes with strain in different manners: linear on the tensile strain and nonlinear on compressive strain, in contrast to the linear behavior of the continuum elastic model. The discrepancy between the continuum elastic model and the results of the first-principles method is attributed to the energy-level crossing caused by strain. Moreover, we find that the external strain can not only effectively change the diffusion barrier (even to zero, at certain strain), but also the position of saddle points along the migration path. Our finding provides an alternative way to reduce the population of interstitial Mn in GaAs, thus correspondingly to increase the Curie temperature of this system.

Disorder trapping during crystallization of the B2-ordered NiAl compound

Using molecular dynamics simulations, disorder trapping associated with solidification is studied for the (100), (110), and (111) growth directions in the B2 NiAl ordered alloy compound. At the high interface velocities studied we observe pronounced disorder and defect trapping, i.e., the formation of antisite defects and vacancies in the crystal at higher than equilibrium concentrations upon rapid solidification. The vacancies are located primarily on the Ni sublattice and the majority of antisite defects are Ni atoms on the Al sublattice, while the concentration of Al on the Ni sublattice is negligibly small. The defect concentration is found to increase in an approximately linear relationship with increasing the interface velocity. Further there is no significant anisotropy in the defect concentrations for different interface orientations. Our results suggest that the currently available models of disorder trapping should be extended to include both antisite defects and vacancies.

An apoplastic mechanism for short-term effects of rare earth elements at lower concentrations

The short-term effects of rare earth elements on pollen germination and tube growth were tested. Concentrations of 2.5 approximately 20 micro m lanthanum(La3+) or cerium (Ce3+)increased pollen germination and pollen tube growth, whereas concentrations higher than 40 micro m La3+ and Ce3+ inhibited this process. The most effective concentration of La3+ needed for promotion shifted from 10 to 40 micro m, depending on the Ca2+ concentration in the medium. Calmodulin (CaM) antagonist W7-agarose and anti-CaM antibody depressed La3+-promoted pollen germination and tube growth in a dose-dependent manner. La3+-CaM complexes (La3+-CaM) increased pollen germination and tube growth more than CaM or La3+ alone. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibited La3+-promoted pollen germination and tube growth. Cholera toxin (CTX) partially recovered the inhibition of the above La3+-promoted process by the anti-CaM antibody. Concentrations of 10-7 approximately 10-9 m La3+-CaM increased GTPase activity inside plasma membrane vesicles of the pollen tube, but apo-CaM or La3+ alone had no positive effects. The results suggest that apoplastic CaM may be involved in the promotion effects of lower concentrations of La3+ on pollen germination and tube growth, and the heterotrimeric G-protein on the plasma membrane may transduce La3+-activated CaM signalling. The present studies provide an apoplastic mechanism for short-term effects of rare earth elements at lower concentrations in the pollen system.

A survey of Hong Kong dentists' attitudes towards advertising

OBJECTIVE

To determine the attitudes of dental practitioners in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the Peoples' Republic of China towards advertising of dental services by members of the profession, a practice that is currently not permitted by legislation.

DESIGN

Self-completion questionnaires were mailed to 400 members of the Hong Kong Dental Association. In addition to being presented with a number of closed questions, respondents were invited to expand on their answers in a more qualitative, open-ended manner.

RESULTS

271 replies were received, representing a response rate of 68%. Respondents were largely against a move towards any deregulation which would result in dentists being allowed to advertise their services in the SAR (57.9% against, 28.0% for), this despite a high proportion of respondents reporting that, in their opinion, the Hong Kong public do not know enough about the services provided by dentists in the SAR (69.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Opinions amongst Hong Kong dentists are divided with a majority feeling that a move to allow advertising would not benefit either the public or the profession. There is, however, a significant proportion of dentists who feel that there is a need for such deregulation.

[Efficacy of ablendazole emulsion in treatment of 212 patients with cystic echinococcosis]

OBJECTIVE

To verify the efficacy of abendazole emulsion, a new formulation of abendazole, in treatment of human cystic echinococcosis.

METHODS

212 patients with liver cystic echinococcosis were treated orally with albendazole emulsion at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg or 12.5 mg/kg for 3 to 12 months or over one year. The therapeutic efficacy was mainly evaluated by image feature examined with B ultrasound examination, a short-term efficacy at the completion of treatment and a long-term efficacy followed-up for 1-4 years.

RESULTS

In 212 patients treated with albendazole emulsion at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg and 12.5 mg/kg, the average cure rate, improved rate and the rate of no avail were 74.5%, 99.1% and 0.9% respectively after termination of the treatment, and the average long-term rates were 83.1%, 89.3% and 0.6% respectively. Recurrence occurred in 18 patients(10.2%). The results indicated that the best efficacy was seen in patients treated with albendazole 12.5 mg/kg daily for 9 months. Better response was also found when the recurrent patients were re-treated with albendazole.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of albendazole emulsion on patients with liver cystic echinococcosis is much better than that of albendazole tablet or capsule and mebendazole. Meanwhile, the efficacy of albendazole emulsion is stable with less adverse effects. The results suggest that albendazole emulsion could be the drug of choice for treatment of cystic hydatid disease.

Integrin-like proteins in the pollen tube: detection, localization and function

The distribution of integrin-like proteins in the pollen tube was examined by immunofluorescent labeling and western blotting techniques using antibodies against human placenta integrin vitronectin receptor (VnR), and alpha(v), beta3 and beta1 integrin subunits. Pseudocolor-coded confocal images showed intense immunostaining within 10 and 5 microm of the tip of the pollen tube in Lilium davidii and Nicotiana tabacum respectively. In both segments the site near the plasma membrane was labeled. Western blotting analyses revealed cross-reaction of anti-beta3, anti-alpha(v) and anti-VnR with the proteins in the plasma membrane preparation of L. davidii and Hemerocallis citrina pollen tube. These studies provide evidence for the first time that the integrin-like protein is present in pollen tubes, and it may be mainly composed of alpha(v) and beta3 subunits in lily pollen tubes. In a functional assay, neither anti-VnR antibody nor the Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser tetrapeptide inhibited pollen tube growth of N. tabacum in vitro, but both of them depressed tube growth on the stigma and in style under quasi in vivo culture conditions. The integrin-like proteins localized in the tip and periphery of the pollen tube appeared to play roles in growth of the pollen tube tip and interaction with the extracellular matrix of the style.

[The effect of integrin-like proteins on pollen germiantion and tube growth of Nicotiana tabacum]

The effects of antiserum against human VnR integrin and integrin antagonist GRGDSP peptides on Nicotiana tabacum pollen germination and tube growth both in in vitro and in semi-vivo conditions were studied. No obvious inhibitory effects on pollen germination and tube growth in vitro were observed when anti-VnR serum or GRGDSP peptides was added to BK culture medium, but the enhancement of pollen germination and tube growth in vitro promoted by calmodulin was depressed by adding anti-VnR serum or GRGDSP peptides to BK culture medium. In addition to that, pollen germination and tube growth on stigma, as well as tube growth in styles were also inhibited at some extent by treating stigma and microinjecting GRGDSP peptides or anti-VnR serum into styles. The role of integrin-like proteins in regulation of pollen germination and tube growth in situ was discussed.

[The effect of noise exposure on the expression of NOSmRNA in the cochlea]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of NO in noise-induced deafness.

METHOD

The effect of noise exposure on the expression of NOSmRNA in the guinea pig cochlea was observed with NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry staining, NOSmRNA hybridization in situ and Northern blotting analysis.

RESULT

NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry indicated that NOS mainly presents in the inner hair cells, outer hair cells of Corti's organ, spiral ganglion cells and the marginal cells of stria vascularis in the guinea pig cochlea; NOSmRNA hybridization in situ showed that there is positive signal in the inner hair cells, outer hair cells and spiral ganglion cells, but there is no positive signal in the stria marginal cells of vascularis; Northern blotting showed that the expression of noise exposure group is more intensive than that of the control group.

CONCLUSION

There is a Glu: NMDA receptor, NO: cGMP pathway in the cochlear afferent possibly; noise exposure induced overproduction of NO mediates the effect of neurotoxicity; the marginal cells of stria vascular produce and release NO to regulate the microcirculation of the cochlea.

Binding of the maize cytosolic Hsp70 to calmodulin, and identification of calmodulin-binding site in Hsp70

Using a gel-overlay technique of biotinylated calmodulin (CaM), we showed that maize cytosolic Hsp70 protein could bind to CaM in the presence of 1 mM CaCl2. The purified maize cytosolic Hsp70 inhibited the activity of CaM-dependent NADK in a concentration-dependent manner. A synthetic peptide, which possesses the 21 amino acid sequence, PRALRRLRTACERAKRTLSST, at positions 261-281 in maize cytosolic Hsp70, could associate with CaM in the presence of 1 mM calcium. The synthetic peptide inhibited CaM-dependent NADK activity and PDE activity. This indicates that the 21-amino acid sequence at positions 261-281 is the CaM-binding site. The binding of CaM to Hsp70 inhibited the ATPase activity of Hsp70. The possible regulator function of Hsp70 in cell signaling events in response to heat stress is discussed.

Does aluminum inhibit pollen germination via extracellular calmodulin?

The effect of aluminum (Al) on pollen germination and its mechanism of action were investigated. Pollen germination and pollen tube elongation were inhibited by Al at pH 4.5. This inhibitory effect was reversed by the addition of purified calmodulin (CaM), whereas neither the calcium binding-protein S-100 nor Al chelator citric acid at the same concentrations had any obvious effect on Al-inhibited pollen germination. The presence of either the membrane-impermeable CaM inhibitor anti-CaM antiserum or Ca2+ chelator EGTA completely suppressed the effect of exogenous CaM. These results indicate the involvement of extracellular calmodulin in the short-term effects of Al on pollen germination and pollen tube elongation.