Green one-step synthesis of N-doped carbon quantum dots for fluorescent detection of lemon yellow in soft drinks

A new fluorescent sensor for the determination of lemon yellow was developed based on nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs), which were prepared via a hydrothermal method with dried pomelo peel and L-tyrosine. The N-CQDs exhibited the blue fluorescence with a quantum yield of 28 %. The sensing principle of N-CQDs was quenched by lemon yellow via static quenching. The potential interfering substances showed no influence on the detection of lemon yellow. The limit of detection was 0.023 mg/L and lower than that of national standard. Furthermore, the synthesized N-CQDs have been successfully applied to the measurement of lemon yellow in real samples. Hence, the N-CQDs would be a promising sensor in food analysis.

[A single-center study on the distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens causing bloodstream infection in patients with hematological malignancies]

Objective: To study the incidence of bloodstream infections, pathogen distribution, and antibiotic resistance profile in patients with hematological malignancies. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2021, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics, pathogen distribution, and antibiotic resistance profiles of patients with malignant hematological diseases and bloodstream infections in the Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University. Results: A total of 582 incidences of bloodstream infections occurred in 22,717 inpatients. From 2018 to 2021, the incidence rates of bloodstream infections were 2.79%, 2.99%, 2.79%, and 2.02%, respectively. Five hundred ninety-nine types of bacteria were recovered from blood cultures, with 487 (81.3%) gram-negative bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Eighty-one (13.5%) were gram-positive bacteria, primarily Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecium, whereas the remaining 31 (5.2%) were fungi. Enterobacteriaceae resistance to carbapenems, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam, and tigecycline were 11.0%, 15.3%, 15.4%, and 3.3%, with a descending trend year on year. Non-fermenters tolerated piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam, and quinolones at 29.6%, 13.3%, and 21.7%, respectively. However, only two gram-positive bacteria isolates were shown to be resistant to glycopeptide antibiotics. Conclusions: Bloodstream pathogens in hematological malignancies were broadly dispersed, most of which were gram-negative bacteria. Antibiotic resistance rates vary greatly between species. Our research serves as a valuable resource for the selection of empirical antibiotics.

[Impact of interventional therapy on top of standard drug therapy on left ventricular structure and function in HFrEF patients complicating with middle aortic syndrome caused by Takayasu arteritis]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of interventional therapy on top of drug therapy on cardiac function and structure in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients complicating with middle aortic syndrome caused by Takayasu arteritis (TA-MAS). Methods: It was a retrospective longitudinal study. The data of patients with TA-MAS and HFrEF, who received interventional therapy on top of drug therapy in Fuwai Hospital from January 2010 to September 2020, were collected and analyzed. Baseline clinical data (including demographic data, basic treatment, etc.) were collected through the electronic medical record system. Changes of indexes such as New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) before and after therapy were analyzed. Results: A total of 10 patients were collected. There were 8 females in this patient cohort, age was (18.4±5.0) years and onset age was (15.3±5.0) years. All 10 patients received standard heart failure medication therapy in addition to hormone and/or immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory therapy, but cardiac function was not improved, so aortic balloon dilatation and/or aortic stenting were performed in these patients. The median follow-up was 3.3(1.3, 5.6) years. On the third day after interventional therapy, the clinical symptoms of the 10 patients were significantly improved, NYHA classfication was restored from preoperative Ⅲ/Ⅳ to Ⅱ at 6 months post intervention(P<0.05). Compared with preoperation, NT-proBNP (P=0.028), LVEDD (P=0.011) and LVMI (P=0.019) were significantly decreased, LVEF was significantly increased (P<0.001) at 6 months after operation. Compared with preoperation, NT-proBNP (P=0.016), LVEDD (P=0.023) and LVMI (P=0.043) remained decreased, LVEF remained increased (P<0.001) at 1 year after operation. Conclusion: Results from short and medium term follow-up show that interventional therapy on top of heart failure drug therpay can effectively improve left cardiac function and attenuate cardiac remodeling in patients with TA-MAS comorbid with HFrEF.

[A descriptive analysis of tea consumption in adult twins in China]

Objective: To describe the distribution characteristics of tea consumption in adult twins recruited in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) and provide clues to genetic and environmental influences on tea consumption. Methods: Enrolled in CNTR during 2010-2018, 25 264 twin pairs aged 18 years and above were included in subsequent analysis. Random effect models were used to estimate tea consumption in the population and regional distribution characteristics. The concordance rate of the behavior and difference in consumption volume of tea within pairs were also described. Results: The mean age of all subjects was (35.38±12.45) years old. The weekly tea consumers accounted for 17.0%, with an average tea consumption of (3.36±2.44) cups per day. The proportion of weekly tea consumers was higher among males, 50-59 years old, southern, urban, educated, and the first-born in the twin pair (P<0.05), and lower among unmarried individuals (P<0.001). Within-pair analysis showed that the concordance rate of tea consumption of monozygotic (MZ) twins was higher than that of dizygotic (DZ) twins and the overall heritability of tea consumption was 13.45% (11.38%-15.51%). Stratified by the characteristics mentioned above, only in males, the concordance rate of MZ showed a tendency to be greater than that of DZ (all P<0.05). The differences in consumption volume of tea within twin pairs were minor in MZ among males (P<0.05), while the differences were not significant in female twins. Conclusion: There were discrepancies in the distribution of tea consumption among twins of different demographic and regional characteristics. Tea consumption was mainly influenced by environmental factors and slightly influenced by genetic factors. The size of genetic factors varied with gender, age, and region, and gender was a potential modified factor.

[A descriptive analysis on coronary heart disease in adult twins in China]

Objective: To describe the distribution characteristics of coronary heart disease in adult twins recruited from Chinese Twin Registry (CNTR), and provide clues and evidence for the effect of genetic and environmental influences on coronary heart disease. Methods: By using the data of CNTR during 2010-2018, a total of 34 583 twin pairs aged ≥18 years who completed questionnaire survey and had related information were included in the current study to analyze the population and area distribution characteristics of coronary heart disease. Random effect models were used to compare the differences between groups. The concordane rate of coronary heart disease were calculated respectively in monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs to estimate the heritability. Results: The twin pairs included in this analysis were aged (34.2±12.4) years. The overall prevalence rate of coronary heart disease in twin pairs was 0.7%. Twin pairs who were women, older, obese and lived in northern China had higher prevalence of coronary heart disease (P<0.05). Intra-pair analysis in the same-sex twin pairs found that the concordane rate of coronary heart disease was higher in MZ twin pairs (25.3%) than in DZ twins (7.4%), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The overall heritability of coronary heart disease was 19.3% (95%CI: 11.8%-26.8%). Stratified by gender, age and area, the concordane rate was still higher in MZ twin pairs than in DZ pairs. Participants who were women, aged 18-30 years or ≥60 years and lived in northern China had a higher heritability of coronary heart disease. Conclusion: The distribution of coronary heart disease in twin pairs differed in populations and areas. The prevalence of coronary heart disease was affected by genetic factors, but the effect varied with age, gender and area.

[A descriptive analysis on type 2 diabetes in twins in China]

Objective: To describe the distribution characteristics of type 2 diabetes in twins in Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), provide clues and evidence for revealing the influence of genetic and environmental factors for type 2 diabetes. Methods: Of all twins registered in the CNTR during 2010-2018, a total 18 855 twin pairs aged ≥30 years with complete registration information were included in the analysis. The random effect model was used to describe the population and area distribution characteristics and concordance of type 2 diabetes in twin pairs. Results: The mean age of the subjects was (42.8±10.2) years, the study subjects included 10 339 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs and 8 516 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. The self-reported prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes was 2.2% in total population and there was no sighificant difference between MZ and DZ. Intra-twin pairs analysis showed that the concordance rate of type 2 diabetes was 38.2% in MZ twin pairs, and 16.0% in DZ twin pairs, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The concordance rate of type 2 diabetes in MZ twin parts was higher than that in DZ twin pairs in both men and women, in different age groups and in different areas (P<0.05). Further stratified analysis showed that in northern China, only MZ twin pairs less than 60 years old were found to have a higher concordance rate of type 2 diabetes compared with DZ twin pairs (P<0.05). In southern China, the co-prevalence rate in male MZ twin pairs aged ≥60 years was still higher than that in DZ twin pairs (P<0.05). Conclusion: The twin pairs in this study had a lower self-reported prevalence of type 2 diabetes than the general population. The study results suggested that genetic factors play a role in type 2 diabetes prevalence in both men and women, in different age groups and in different areas, however, the effect might vary.

[Levels of sgRNA as a Major Factor Affecting CRISPRi Knockdown Efficiency in K562 Cells]

To determine how nuclease deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) or single-guide RNA (sgRNA) expression levels affect the knockdown efficiency of CRISPRi, we created K562 cell clones expressing KRAB-dCas9 protein either with the inducible Tet-on system or with the constitutive SFFV promotor. Single clones were selected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for further study. Six genes with various expression levels were targeted using lentiviral sgRNA from two libraries in four cell clones with various KRAB-dCas9 expression levels. The expression level of dCas9 protein/sgRNA levels and the knockdown efficiency were determined by flow cytometry. The cell clone with the highest KRAB-dCas9 expression level achieved effective CRISPRi knockdown. The data describing this clone were statistically different from that on other clones, indicating the strong KRAB-dCas9 expression might be a prerequisite for CRISPRi. By adopting different multiplicity of infection (MOI) in lentiviral transduction of this clone, we modified the expression level of sgRNA and found that the knockdown efficiency was neither affected by the target gene expression level nor correlated with KRAB-dCas9 levels, which remained relatively constant across all knockdown experiments (coefficient of variation = 2.2%). As an example, the following levels of the knockdowns: 74.72, 72.28 and 39.08% for mmadhc, rpia and znf148 genes, respectively, were achieved. These knockdown efficiencies correlated well with the respective sgRNA expression levels. Linear regression models built using this data indicate that the knockdown efficiency may be significantly affected by the levels of both KRAB-dCas9 and sgRNA. Notably, the sgRNA levels have greater impact, being a major factor affecting CRISPRi efficiency.

[The effects of stelleta ganglion resection on heart failure in response to pressure overload]

Objective: To observe the impact and difference of resection of left stellate ganglion (LSG) or right stellate ganglion (RSG) on rats with heart failure. Methods: Thirty male SD rats were divided into 3 groups (n=10 each) by random number table method: control group, LSG group, RSG group. All three groups underwent TAC surgery to establish a pressure-overloaded heart failure model. Then, LSG and RSG were bluntly separated and removed in rats assigned to the LSG group or RSG group by surgery, while rats in the control group underwent sham operation. The changes in blood pressure and heart rate before operation, 30 minutes and 10 weeks after operation were recorded; echocardiography was performed before operation and 10 weeks after operation to detect the thickness of the ventricular septum, left ventricle posterior wall diameter, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, left ventricular end diastolic volume, and calculate the left ventricular fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction. HE staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the degree of myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis, and to judge the ventricular remodeling. Results: The heart rates of the three groups of rats were (352.4±4.3), (320.3±4.0) and (297.9±5.9) beats/min, and the blood pressure was (142.8±2.3), (123.4±2.7) and (129.6±2.9) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) at thirty minutes after surgery; the heart rates of the three groups of rats were (352.9±4.0), (321.6±3.4) and (301±4.1) beats/min, and the blood pressure was (145.6±1.9), (124.8±1.7) and (130.4±4.4) mmHg at 10 weeks after surgery. The heart rate and blood pressure in the LSG group and RSG group at 30 min and 10 weeks after surgery were significantly lower than those in the control group; at 10 weeks after surgery, the heart rate in the RSG group was significantly lower than that in the LSG group (P both<0.001). After 10 weeks, rats in the control group developed severe left ventricular dilatation. Degree of left ventricular hypertrophy was significantly reduced in the LSG group and RSG group than in the control group, the thickness of the ventricular septum was (3.2±0.3), (2.5±0.1) and (2.5±0.1) mm; the left ventricular end-diastolic diameters were (7.5±0.3), (5.5±0.3) and (5.7±0.2) mm; the left ventricular end-diastolic volume was (9.5±0.3), (4.5±0.2) and (4.8±0.2) ml; the left ventricular fractional shortening was (21.6±1.3)%, (49.1±3.9)% and (47.4±1.5)%; and the left ventricular ejection fraction was (50.9±2.5)%, (81.9±2.1)% and (80.0±2.3)%, respectively in the control group, LSG group and RSG group. Compared with the control group, the left ventricular posterior wall diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-diastolic volume were significantly lower and the left ventricular fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly higher in the LSG group and RSG group (all P<0.001). 10 weeks after operation, the values of type Ⅰ collagen in the control group, LSG group, and RSG group were (0.354±0.013), (0.211±0.012) and (0.243±0.013), respectively. Ratio of type Ⅰ/Ⅲ collagen was (1.109±0.065), (0.737±0.055) and (0.839±0.075), respectively. Compared with the control group, the ratio of type Ⅰcollagen and ratio of type Ⅰ/Ⅲ collagen were significantly lower in the LSG group and RSG group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Both left and right stellate ganglion resection can similarly reduce ventricular remodeling caused by pressure overload and delay the progression of heart failure in tis TAC rat model.

[Investigation of an epidemic cluster caused by COVID⁃19 cases in incubation period in Shanghai]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of a cluster of 5 confirmed COVID⁃19 cases related with the transmission in incubation period of initial case, and find out the infection source and transmission chain.. Methods: According to "The Prevention and Control Protocol for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Third Edition)" issued by the National Health Commission, a field epidemiological survey was conducted for the 5 cases in January 2020. Nasopharyngeal swabs and sputum samples were collected from them for the detection of 2019-nCoV by real time RT-PCR. Multi prevention and control measures were taken, such as tracking and screening close contacts, medical isolation observation, investigating the epidemiological link, analyzing transmission chain. Results: Case 1, who had common environmental exposure with other COVID⁃19 cases, got sick on 20 January, 2020 and was confirmed on 1 February. Case 2 became symptomatic on 22 January and was confirmed on 27 January. Case 3 got sick on 25 January and was confirmed on 30 January. Case 4 had illness onset on 20 January and was confirmed on 1 February. Case 5 got sick on 23 January and was confirmed on 31 January. Among the 5 cases, case 2 died and the illness of other cases were effectively controlled. After exclusion of other common exposure factors, case 1 had a 6-hour meeting with case 2 and case 3 on 19 January. Case 2 and case 3 might be infected by case 1 during the incubation period. It is the key point for epidemiological investigation. Conclusion: The epidemiological investigation indicates that the transmission might occur in the incubation period of COVID-19 case, close attention should be paid to it in future COVID-19 prevention and control.

[Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Gansu province]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases in different epidemic stages in Gansu province. Methods: Epidemiological investigation was conducted to collect the information of confirmed COVID-19 cases, including demographic, epidemiological and clinical information. Results: As of 25 February 2020, a total of 91 confirmed COVID-19 cases had been reported in Gansu. The epidemic of COVID-19 in Gansu can be divided as three different stages, i.e. imported case stage, imported-case plus indigenous case stage, and indigenous case stage. A total of 63 cases were clustered cases (69.23%), 3 cases were medical staff infected with non-occupational exposure. The initial symptoms included fever (54.95%, 50/91), cough (52.75%, 48/91), or fatigue (28.57%, 26/91), the proportion of each symptom showed a decreasing trend along with the three epidemic stages, but only the differences in proportions of fever (trend χ2=2.20, P<0.05) and fatigue (trend χ2=3.18, P<0.05) among the three epidemic stages were statistically significant. The cases with critical severe symptoms accounted for 42.85% (6/14), 23.73% (14/59) and 16.67% (3/18), respectively, in three epidemic stages, showed a decreasing trend (H=6.45, P<0.05). Also, the incubation period prolonged along with the epidemic stage (F=51.65, P<0.01), but the intervals between disease onset and hospital visit (F=5.32, P<0.01), disease onset and diagnosis (F=5.25, P<0.01) became shorter along with the epidemic stage. Additionally, the basic reproduction number (R0) had decreased from 2.61 in imported case stage to 0.66 in indigenous case stage. Conclusions: The COVID-19 epidemic in Gansu was caused by the imported cases, and about 2/3 cases were clustered ones. No medical worker was observed to be infected by occupational exposure. With the progression of COVID-19 epidemic in Gansu, the change in initial symptom and incubation period suggests, the early screening cannot only depend on body temperature monitoring.

A novel nest hybridization chain reaction based electrochemical assay for sensitive detection of circulating tumor DNA

As an ideal biomarker candidate, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) plays a vital role in noninvasive diagnosis of cancer. However, most traditional approaches for quantifying ctDNA are cumbersome and expensive. In the present work, a novel electrochemical biosensor based on nest hybridization chain reaction was proposed for the sensitive and specific detection of PIK3CA E545K ctDNA with a simple process. The nest hybridization chain reaction was initiated by the hybridization of two dumbbell-shaped DNA units which were assembled by two classes of well-designed DNA probes respectively, leading to the formation of a complex DNA structure. In the presence of target ctDNA, the amplified hybridization chain reaction products were captured by target ctDNA, resulting in a significant increase of electrochemical signal. Under the optimal conditions, the developed biosensor exhibited good analytical performance for the detection of target ctDNA with the linear range from 5 pM to 0.5 nM and the detection limit of 3 pM. Furthermore, this assay was successfully applied to the detection of ctDNA in spiked-in samples, pleural effusion and serum samples of malignant tumor patients. This simple and cost-effective sensing system holds great potentials for ctDNA detection and cancer diagnosis.

[Clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of aortic stenosis caused by Takayasu arteritis in pediatric patients]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and summarize the experience on the diagnosis and treatment of aortic stenosis caused by Takayasu arteritis in pediatric patients. Methods: This study was a retrospective study. Five pediatric patients diagnosed as aortic stenosis caused by Takayasu arteritis in Fuwai Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to August 2018 were included. The clinical features, methods of examination, treatment and outcome were analyzed. Results: There were 2 male and 3 female patients in this cohort. The age of onset ranged from 10 to 13 years. The main clinical symptoms were as follows: intermittent claudication and hypertension (5 patients), heart failure (3 patients). Three patients with heart failure were misdiagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in other hospitals. Except 1 patient died due to disease aggravation before operation, the other 4 patients received interventional therapy for severe heart failure or refractory hypertension on the basis of hormone anti-inflammatory treatment, including 2 patients treated with aortic balloon dilatation and 2 patients treated with aortic balloon dilatation and stent implantation. In post-operational follow-up, clinical symptoms and laboratory examination values of the 4 patients treated with interventional therapy were significantly improved. Conclusions: The clinical symptoms of pediatric patients with aortic stenosis caused by Takayasu arteritis mainly present with intermittent claudication, hypertension and heart failure. Aortic intervention strategy should be applied for pediatric patients with severe heart failure or refractory hypertension as early as possible.

[Epidemiological and spatial-temporal distribution of several natural focus diseases in Gansu province, 2014-2018]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological and spatial-temporal distribution of Brucellosis, epidemic encephalitis B and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Gansu province during 2014-2018 so as to provide evidence for the prevention and control of those diseases. Methods: A database was established in Gansu province from 2014 to 2018, using the geographical information system. A spatial distribution map was drawn, with trend analysis and space-time clustering used to study the 3-dimention of the diseases, by using both ArcGIS 10.5 and SaTScan 9.6 softwares. Results: Results from the trend surface analysis showed that the incidence of Brucellosis decreased gradually from north to south parts while the U type curve could reflect the distribution from the east to the west areas. Incidence of epidemic encephalitis B decreased significantly from south to north areas in the province, with incidence higher in the eastern than in the mid-west region. Difference on the incidence of HFRS was not significantly visible in the eastern and western regions, while the incidence was slightly higher in the southern than the northern parts of the province. Spatial and space-time clustering did exist among the 3 diseases in Gansu from 2014 to 2018. The areas with clusters of Brucellosis appeared in the eastern parts during 2014-2015, including 19 counties. The areas with secondary clusters of Brucellosis were seen in the Hexi district, including 4 counties, during 2017-2018. The areas with high incidence of epidemic encephalitis B were clustered in the middle and southeast areas, including 32 counties, during 2017-2018. Areas with most clusters of HFRS appeared in Min county of Dingxi city in 2018, with the areas of secondary clusters in 8 counties of the eastern areas in 2018. Conclusions: The overall incidence rates of the 3 natural focus diseases were in a upward trend and showing obvious characteristics on spatial clustering. According to the distributive characteristics, effective measures should be developed accordingly.

[Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the larynx: a case report]

Mucinous adenocarcinoma is most commonly found in the digestive tract,and the prognosis is poor.We present here a case of primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the larynx, which is an extremely rare entity and very few have been reported in the literature.A 72-year-old male complained of intermittent hoarseness for over 2 months of duration.Fiberoptic laryngoscope showed negative result for tumor.While CT scan showed laryngeal space occupying lesion,and thyroid cartilage damage was observed.The patient underwent total laryngectomy.Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry(IHC) analysis supported the diagnosis of mucinous adenocarcinoma.

[Multiple-factor analysis of serum allergen distribution of patients with allergic rhinitis and level of main allergen IgE in Shenyang area]

Objective:To discuss multiple-factor analysis of serum allergen distribution of patients with allergic rhinitis and level of main allergen IgE in Shenyang area, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention of allergic rhinitis in this area.Method:Serum IgE was detected in 749 cases［501 cases of male (66.8%), and 248 cases of female (33.2%)］, with allergic rhinitis.The age range was from 3 to 65 years old, and they were divided into 5 groups based on age. A questionnaire survey was conducted to analyze the distribution of serum allergens and to carry out a multiple-factor analysis of level of the main allergen IgE in patients.Result:The primary allergen was house dust mite/dust mite in each age group, and the differences in the positive rate of elm, mold, cat/dog fur scurf, cockroach and ragweed among different groups were statistically significant（P<0.01 or P<0.05）.The ingested allergen sequencing for all age groups: the distribution of 7-14 years old group and 15-35 years old group were consistent with that of the whole, among the under 6 years old group, mango and pineapple was ranked 1st,beef and mutton was ranked 2nd,the occurrence rate of shrimp and crab rose to the 3rd place, among the 36-60 years old group, mango, pineapple and milk was ranked 1st, egg was ranked 2nd, and beef and mutton ranked 3rd, the differences in positive rate of mango and pineapple, beef and mutton, crab and nut among all groups were statistically significant(P<0.01 or P<0.05).The IgE level of cockroach was impacted by the allergic history, home cultivation of flowers and plants and animal domestication. The IgE level of mold was impacted by sex, allergy history, home rearing of pet and furniture updates. The IgE level of wormwood was impacted by allergy history and asthma history. The IgE level of peanut was impacted by age and allergy history. The IgE level of egg was impacted by history of food and drink allergy, home cultivation of flowers and plants and home rearing of pet. The IgE level of crab was impacted by the allergy history and home rearing of pet.Conclusion: The primary inhaled allergen in all groups is house dust mite/dust mite, and the ingested allergen varies in each group, which has provided a reference basis for prevention of ingested allergy.The varying influence factors for IgE level of primary allergens could be used to prevent the patients from contacting the allergen,and each risk factor has become a focus of prevention and control for patients, offering a major help to the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis.

[Study on early warning threshold values for 7 common communicable diseases in Gansu province, 2016]

Objective: To optimize the warning threshold values of common communicable diseases in Gansu province, and improve the early warning effect. Method: An early warning model was set up for influenza, scarlet fever, other infectious diarrheal diseases, dysentery, typhoid and paratyphoid, viral hepatitis type E and hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) respectively in Gansu by using the moving percentile method and cumulative sum method. By calculating the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value of positive test, predictive value of negative test, Youden' index and receiver-operating characteristic curve, the optimum early warning threshold values for communicable diseases in Gansu were selected. Results: The optimum early warning boundary values of influenza, scarlet fever, other infectious diarrheal diseases, dysentery, typhoid and paratyphoid, and viral hepatitis type E were P(90), P(80), P(95), P(90), P(80) and P(90) respectively. The optimum early warning parameters of HFMD were k=1.2, H=5σ. Under the optimum early warning boundary values/parameters, the early warning sensitivities of influenza, scarlet fever, other infectious diarrheal diseases, dysentery, typhoid and paratyphoid, viral hepatitis type E and HFMD were 86.67%, 100.00%, 91.67%, 100.00%, 100.00%, 100.00% and 100.00%, the specificities were 86.49%, 62.22%, 75.00%, 100.00%, 97.92%, 89.13% and 74.47%. The predictive values of positive test were 72.22%, 29.17%, 52.38%, 100.00%, 80.00%, 54.55% and 29.41%, and the predictive values of negative test were 94.12%, 100.00%, 96.77%, 100.00%, 100.00%, 100.00% and 100.00%, and the Youden' indexes were 0.73, 0.62, 0.67, 1.00, 0.98,0.89 and 0.74. Receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that the values/parameters of this warning boundary were the points closest to the upper left of the coordinate diagram. Conclusion: The early warning thresholds of influenza, other infectious diarrheal diseases, dysentery and hepatitis E in Gansu may be raised appropriately and the early warning parameters of HFMD need to be adjusted to improve the effectiveness of early warning.

[Study on the incidence and characteristics of carotid canal dehiscence with high resolution CT]

Objective:To discuss the total incidence and characteristics of carotid canal dehiscence in Chinese adults with high resolution CT. At the same time, it provide basic data for otology clinical medical personnel to further understand the anatomical structure of ear and carry out auditory surgery.Method:Temporal bone HRCT images of 643 consecutive subjects who underwent CT scanner were analyzed retrospectively. The coronal, sagittal, and oblique sagittal plane were reconstructioned for some suspected subjects. Contrast the incidence of carotid canal dehiscence in different sex, bilateral and age groups.Result:In 643 patients, 43 cases found the carotid canal dehiscence, and the total incidence of carotid canal dehiscence was 6.7%.The incidence of carotid canal dehiscence for male and female were 5.9%(16/269)and 7.2%(27/374)(P > 0.05),and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of carotid canal dehiscence between sexes. The incidence of carotid canal dehiscence for age 40-59 was much higher than those of other age groups (P< 0.05),however, there was no significant difference between groups of age 20-39 and ≥60(P> 0.05).The location of the carotid canal dehiscence in 43 cases was located in the mesotympanum near the Eustachian tube orifice. Carotid artery tube ruptures are mostly small defects, but 11 cases with major defect.Conclusion:The toatal incidence of carotid canal dehiscence is 6.7% in Chinese adults (males: 5.9%,females: 7.2%), especially high incidence at group of age 40-59 (10.7%). Carotid canal dehiscence can be diagnosed accurately by HRCT and multiplanar reconstruction.

[Study on the classification of dominant pathogens related to febrile respiratory syndrome, based on the method of Bayes discriminant analysis]

Objective: To understand the dominant pathogens of febrile respiratory syndrome (FRS) patients in Gansu province and to establish the Bayes discriminant function in order to identify the patients infected with the dominant pathogens. Methods: FRS patients were collected in various sentinel hospitals of Gansu province from 2009 to 2015 and the dominant pathogens were determined by describing the composition of pathogenic profile. Significant clinical variables were selected by stepwise discriminant analysis to establish the Bayes discriminant function. Results: In the detection of pathogens for FRS, both influenza virus and rhinovirus showed higher positive rates than those caused by other viruses (13.79%, 8.63%), that accounting for 54.38%, 13.73% of total viral positive patients. Most frequently detected bacteria would include Streptococcus pneumoniae, and haemophilus influenza (44.41%, 18.07%) that accounting for 66.21% and 24.55% among the bacterial positive patients. The original-validated rate of discriminant function, established by 11 clinical variables, was 73.1%, with the cross-validated rate as 70.6%. Conclusion: Influenza virus, Rhinovirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were the dominant pathogens of FRS in Gansu province. Results from the Bayes discriminant analysis showed both higher accuracy in the classification of dominant pathogens, and applicative value for FRS.

[Correlation between the thresholds acquired with ASSR and sbjective thresholds in cochlear implants in prelingually deaf children]

Objective:To learn the relationship between the auditory steady state responses(ASSR)threshold and C-level and behavior T-level in cochlear implants in prelingually deaf children.Method:One hundred and twelve children with Nucleus CI24R(CA) cochlear implants were divided into residual hearing group and no residual hearing group on the basis of the results of ASSR before operation in this study.Compare the difference between the two groups in C-level and behavior T-level one year after operation. Result:There was difference in C-level and behavior T-level between residual hearing group and no residual hearing group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:According to the results of ASSR before operation,we can estimate the effect of cochlear implants,providing reference for the selection of choosing operating ears,and providing a reasonable expectation for physicians and parents of the patients.

[Clinical research about the consecutive pain and flubiprofen axetil analgesia following uvulopalatopharyngoplasty]

Objective:To evaluate the postoperative pain degree on OSAHS patients following UPPP, analyze the pain characteristic during seven consecutive days, and discuss the mechanism. To observe the analgesia effect by using flubiprofen axetil. Finally making a comprehensive understanding about UPPP perioperative period and providing more choices about analgesia treatment.Method:Fifty-five patients who underwent UPPP in the First Hospital of China Medical University were divided into analgesia group（n=30）and control group（n=25）.Normal saline 50 ml+ flubiprofen axetil 100 mg was used bid for pain relief in analgesia group during seven days following operation, and normal saline 50ml was used in control group.A visual analog scale(VAS) was used for measuring mean pain intensity each day during the period from operative day to the post-operative 7th day，scores were recorded. Continuous changes about pharynx pain were observed and VAS pain scores were compared betweenanalgesia groupand control group. Result:VAS pain scores were the highest on the operative day and the post-operative 1st day, median (interquartile range) was 7（5.5-8.25），7（6-8）respectively,then decreased gradually. The most significantly decrease happened on the post-operative 2nd and 5th day(P<0.01). Pain scores in analgesia group were most significantly lower than control group from the operative day to the post-operative 4th day(P<0.01), were lower during the post-operative 5th and 6th day(P<0.05),no difference on the post-operative 7th day. Conclusion:The most painful period following UPPP is from the operative day to the post-operative 1st day, then pain decreases gradually. The pain reduces significantly on the post-operative 2nd and 5,6th day.Surgical trauma, in flammatory reaction and suture pulling may be the reason of pain. Flubiprofen axetil effectively reduces pain and the suggested analgesia period is from the operative day to the post-operative 4th-6th day.

[Effect of stenting for the proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of stenting for proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis. Methods: A total of 204 proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis patients underwent stent implantation at Fuwai Hospital were enrolled consecutively between August 2007 and June 2014 prospectively. Medical records were collected and the clinical results were obtained through outpatient and telephone follow up. Results: (1) The patients were (64.1±7.9) years old, and 179 were male (87.7%). (2) Stent implantation was performed on 210 proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis lesions with 210 stents (156 on the left, 54 on the right), and 6 patients received both sides stent implantations. Technical success rate was 100%(210/210). The stenosis of the lesions was decreased from (85.1±6.4) % to (6.5±3.2) % after the stent implantation (P<0.01). (3) Three (1.5%) patients experienced transient ischemic attack during the procedure, and two (1.0%) patients suffered from minor posterior circulation ischemic strokes on the 2nd and 10th day after the procedure, respectively. (4)The median follow-up was 1.5 (0.8-2.5) years. Three(1.5%) patients died (two non-vacular deaths, and the other one due to sudden cardiac death). Three (1.5%) patients developed stroke (one case ipsilateral posterior circulation stroke, and two cases unrelated area stroke). Four (2.0%) patients experienced transient ischemic attack. One patient suffered nonfatal myocardial infraction. In-stent restenosis occurred in thirty nine (19.4%) patients, of which fourteen (35.9%) patients were totally occluded and four (10.3%) patients with symptomatic restenosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the primary patency rate of the vertebral artery were 85.6%, 78.6%, 72.2% and 64.4% at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years, respectively. Conclusions: Stenting for proximal atherosclerotic extracranial vertebral artery stenosis is safe and feasible, with a good middle to long-term patency rate. However, further trials are required to validate the effective results found in this patients cohort.

[The clinical and pathological features of laryngeal tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and pathological features of laryngeal tuberculosis.

METHODS

The clinical data of 75 patients with laryngeal tuberculosis from Jan 2010 to Jan 2013 in our hospital were studied retrospectively. There were 50 male and 25 female patients, aged from 18 to 91 years, with a median age of 44 years. The course of disease was 1 to 19 months.

RESULTS

The prominent presenting symptoms were hoarseness (n=59, 79%), and sore throat (n=48, 64%). Systemic symptoms included fatigue with weight loss (n=26, 35%) and fever (n=17, 23%). Primary laryngeal tuberculosis was found in 23 patients (31%) while secondary laryngeal tuberculosis together with pulmonary tuberculosis in 52 patients (69%). There were 2 or less lesions in the larynx in 44 patients, while multiple lesions were found in 31 patients. Vocal cords were the most common sites affected(n=51, 68%), followed by epiglottis(n=41, 55%). Proliferation was the main type of lesions (n=34, 45%). After pathologic diagnosis, all patients received systemic anti-tuberculosis therapy, and the prognosis was good.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe local symptoms of the larynx with slightly general symptoms are the clinical characteristics of laryngeal tuberculosis for the time being. Primary laryngeal tuberculosis often present with fewer (2 or less) lesions. Different morphology of laryngeal lesions can exist at the same time. The diagnosis of laryngeal tuberculosis depends on pathological biopsy. The treatment should be systemic anti-tuberculosis therapy.

[Application of objective audiological tests in bilateral tinnitus patients with normal hearing capability]

Objective:To analyze the relationship of tinnitus and early stage damage of cochlear, to explore the clinical applied value of distortion product otoacoustic emission(DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response(ABR) in the bilateral tinnitus patients with normal hearing capability. Method:There are 30 cases(60 ears) in the tinnitus group with bilateral tinnitus patients with normal hearing capability, and there are 30 cases(60 ears) in the control group without tinnitus of normal hearing capability. The two groups both test the DPOAE and ABR,and compare the results of the DPOAE and ABR. Result:The passing rate of DPOAE in all frequencies was 100% in the control group,42.67% in the tinnitus group. Significant differences existed between the two groups(P<0.05).The DPOAE could be checked out at all frequencies under 2 kHz except 0.75 kHz in the tinnitus group, and the passing rates of DPOAE were significantly lower than those in control group(P<0.05).There were 3 cases could not be checked out at 0.75 kHz frequency, but there were no significant difference(P>0.05).The DPOAE amplitudes at frequencies of 3 to 8 kHz in tinnitus ears were significantly lower than those in nontinnitus ears(the P value were 0.011,0.013,0.008,0.027 ).Wave Ⅰ,Ⅲ and Ⅴcould be detected in all ears tested at 80 dB nHL. The latencies of WaveⅠin tinnitus group were obviously prolonged.The latencies of Wave Ⅲ and Ⅴ in tinnitus group were also prolonged, but there was no significant difference(P>0.05).The interval between waves Ⅰand Ⅲ,waves Ⅲ and Ⅴand wavesⅠand Ⅴ showed no difference. Conclusion:The maybe cochlear early injury in fractional bilateral tinnitus patients with normal hearing capability, DPOAE and ABR can act as an objective method for diagnosing peripheral tinnitus.

[Site of prelingual cochlear stimulation and its effect on electrically evoked compound action potentials and refractory using the Nucleus 24 standard]

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the site of prelingual cochlear stimulation and its effect on electrically evoked compound action potentials. Method:Recordings of auditory nerve responses were conducted in 32 prelingual subjects to demonstrate the feasibility of ECAP recordings using the nerve response telemetry(NRT) feature of the Nucleus CI24R(CA) system software. These recordings were then analyzed based on the site of cochlear stimulation defined as basal, middle and apical to determine if the amplitude, threshold and slope of the amplitude growth function and the refractory time differs depending on the region of stimulation. Result:Findings of our prelingual children showed significant differences in the ECAP recordings depending on the stimulation site. Comparing the apical with the basal region, on average higher amplitudes, lower thresholds and steeper slopes of the amplitude growth function hadbeen observed. The refractory time showed an overall dependence on cochlear region; however post-hoc tests showed no significant effect between individual regions. Conclusion:Obtaining ECAP recordings is also possible in the most apical region of the cochlea. However, differences can be observed depending on the region of the cochlea stimulated. Specifically, significant higher ECAP amplitude, lower thresholds and steeper amplitude growth function slopes have been observed in the apical region. These differences between prelingual children and adults could be explained by the location of the stimulating electrode with respect to the neural tissue in the cochlea, a higher density, or an increased neural survival rate of neural tissue in the apex.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of atypical early stage malignant laryngeal tumor]

Objective:To observe the clinical characteristics of 22 cases of malignant laryngeal tumor manifested as smooth mass, and explore the diagnosis, pathological types and treatment of the disease.Method:Manifested as smooth mass, 22 cases diagnosed as malignant or borderline tumor by biopsy were collected to summarize the characteristics of pathology, treatment and prognosis. Result:The sex ratio was 13∶9. Eleven cases were diagnosed as malignant tumors of epithelial or mesenchymal origin, 7 cases of tumors of lymphoid hematopoietic system, 4 cases of borderline tumor.Thirteen patients received surgical treatment, and recurrence was not found in postoperative follow-up.Nine patients received radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, 7 of them were in remission while 2 cases presented progression and metastasis of cervical lymph nodes. Conclusion:Because of lacking typical clinical manifestations in early stage,smooth mass of larynx often easily lead to misdiagnosis.If found and operated early,the prognosis can be satisfied,but the treatment outcome of lymphoma is poor.

[Sunitinib induces autophagy via suppressing Akt/mTOR pathway in renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the mechanism of sunitinib-induced autophagy in renal cell carcinoma cells.

METHODS

MTS assay was applied to detect the cell viability alteration under the treatment of sunitinib (2, 8 μmol/L). The sunitinib-induced autophagy as well as cell apoptosis was measured and compared after knocking down autophagy-related protein Beclin1 and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 fusion protein (LC3) by RNA interference. The transmission electron microscope was used to observe the formation of autophagosomes in ACHN cells. The fluorescence microscope was used to monitor distribution and aggregation of endogenous LC3-II. The expressions of protein such as LC3-II, the autophagic regulation molecules protein kinase B/ mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) and the symbol of apoptosis poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) were capable to be detected by immunoblotting assay.

RESULTS

Sunitinib was able to significantly trigger cell viability loss in the renal carcinoma cell ACHN, which was both in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner (P<0.05). After reducing the autophagy by knocking down Beclin1 and LC3, the number of cleavage of PARP was increased remarkably, whereas there was nearly not any cleavage in the mock group. By the transmission electron microscope, there were more autophagic vacuoles in ACHN cells after being administrated with sunitininb compared with the control. And the nuclear-to-cytosol translocation as well as aggregation of LC3-II was presented after sunitinib treatment by the fluorescence microscope, which was the proof of the enhanced autophagy. According to the immunoblotting, sunitinib was able to increase the accumulation of LC3-II . At the same time, the result of sunitinib combined with chloroquine, a drug which blocked the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes, demonstrated that the increasing amount of LC3-II was due to the enhanced autophagy flux by sunitinib treatment in ACHN cells. However, phosphorylation of Akt as well as mTOR was decreased at the same time. The rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) or knocking down Akt subunits could change the sunitinib-induced LC3 -II accumulation, whereas overexpression of Akt subunits decreased the autophagic flux, indicating that Akt/mTOR was the target of sunitinib in autophagy.

CONCLUSION

Sunitinib induced autophagy via suppressing Akt/mTOR pathway, and the autophagy was involved in apopotosis.

[Impact of long-term continuous positive airway pressure treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the long-term efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

METHODS

This case control study was performed among 154 patients with moderate or severe OSAS between September 2009 and September 2014. Patients were divided into treatment group (n=66, 53 patients with hypertension) and control group (n=88, 67 patients with hypertension). The long-term efficacy of CPAP treatment on clinical events and blood pressure was evaluated.

RESULTS

The combined incidence of death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and stroke events was 1.5% (1/66) in treatment group and 11.4% (10/88) in control group (P<0.05). CPAP treatment also led to more significant reduction in systolic blood pressure ((12.24±18.06) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) to (4.24±16.63) mmHg, P<0.05) in the patients with hypertension in these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CPAP treatment could reduce the risk of cardiovascular and neurovascular events for patients with moderate or severe OSAS.

[Sunitinib induces autophagy via suppressing Akt/mTOR pathway in renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the mechanism of sunitinib-induced autophagy in renal cell carcinoma cells.

METHODS

MTS assay was applied to detect the cell viability alteration under the treatment of sunitinib (2, 8 μmol/L). The sunitinib-induced autophagy as well as cell apoptosis was measured and compared after knocking down autophagy-related protein Beclin1 and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 fusion protein (LC3) by RNA interference. The transmission electron microscope was used to observe the formation of autophagosomes in ACHN cells. The fluorescence microscope was used to monitor distribution and aggregation of endogenous LC3-II. The expressions of protein such as LC3-II, the autophagic regulation molecules protein kinase B/ mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) and the symbol of apoptosis poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) were capable to be detected by immunoblotting assay.

RESULTS

Sunitinib was able to significantly trigger cell viability loss in the renal carcinoma cell ACHN, which was both in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner (P<0.05). After reducing the autophagy by knocking down Beclin1 and LC3, the number of cleavage of PARP was increased remarkably, whereas there was nearly not any cleavage in the mock group. By the transmission electron microscope, there were more autophagic vacuoles in ACHN cells after being administrated with sunitininb compared with the control. And the nuclear-to-cytosol translocation as well as aggregation of LC3-II was presented after sunitinib treatment by the fluorescence microscope, which was the proof of the enhanced autophagy. According to the immunoblotting, sunitinib was able to increase the accumulation of LC3-II . At the same time, the result of sunitinib combined with chloroquine, a drug which blocked the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes, demonstrated that the increasing amount of LC3-II was due to the enhanced autophagy flux by sunitinib treatment in ACHN cells. However, phosphorylation of Akt as well as mTOR was decreased at the same time. The rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor) or knocking down Akt subunits could change the sunitinib-induced LC3 -II accumulation, whereas overexpression of Akt subunits decreased the autophagic flux, indicating that Akt/mTOR was the target of sunitinib in autophagy.

CONCLUSION

Sunitinib induced autophagy via suppressing Akt/mTOR pathway, and the autophagy was involved in apopotosis.

A dual functional probe for "turn-on" fluorescence response of Pb(2+) and colorimetric detection of Cu(2+) based on a rhodamine derivative in aqueous media

A dual functional probe L based on rhodamine was devised and synthesized. Probe L can sense Pb(2+) and Cu(2+) in aqueous solution through two approaches: a significant fluorescence enhancement caused by Pb(2+) and a visible color change from colorless to orchid induced by Cu(2+). Competitive experiments showed that probe L had high fluorescence sensitivity for Pb(2+) and excellent colorimetric selectivity for Cu(2+) over many environmentally relevant ions. The mechanisms of L for sensing Pb(2+) and Cu(2+) have been well demonstrated by ESI-MS, (1)H NMR titration, IR, the crystal structure of L-Pb(2+) and density functional theory calculation of L-Cu(2+). In addition, fluorescence image detection of Pb(2+) in living cells displayed an enhanced fluorescence effect.

A new fluorescent probe for Al(3+) based on rhodamine 6G and its application to bioimaging

A water-soluble rhodamine-based derivative (L) has been rationally designed for selective recognition of Al(3+) in aqueous medium with good sensitivity. The addition of Al(3+) to the aqueous solution of L induces a remarkable fluorescence enhancement along with obvious color change detected by the naked eye, due to the ring-opening mechanism of the rhodamine spirolactam, which has been proved by single crystal diffraction analyses directly. The recognizing behavior has been investigated both experimentally and computationally. Furthermore, the fluorescent probe can also be used as a bioimaging reagent for detection of Al(3+) in living cells.

Comparative study of clinical efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted radical gastrectomy versus open radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of laparoscopy-assisted radical gastrectomy (LARG) versus that of open radical gastrectomy (ORG). Clinical data of 355 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy (160 in the LARG group and 195 in the ORG group) were analyzed retrospectively. Efficacy indices were compared and analyzed between the two groups. The operating time of LARG was longer than that of ORG (228.43 ± 34.77 versus 207.59 ± 28.39 min). However, patients in the LARG group lost less blood than did those in the ORG group (169.46 ± 82.92 versus 193.86 ± 82.09 mL), and more lymph nodes were removed in the LARG group (19.84 ± 4.7 versus 18.04 ± 4.14 per case). The recovery of intestinal function was faster (3.72 ± 1.03 versus 4.41 ± 1.30 days) in the LARG group. Patients in the LARG group were administered a semi-fluid diet earlier (5.66 ± 2.27 versus 7.09 ± 2.33 days) and had a shorter hospital stay (9.44 ± 3.06 versus 11.07 ± 7.91 days) than did those in the ORG group, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the length of proximal and distal resection margin and the incidence of complications (P > 0.05) between the two groups. Thus, LARG is safe, feasible, and effective for treating advanced gastric cancer.

A highly sensitive C3-symmetric Schiff-base fluorescent probe for Cd2+

A new C3-symmetric Schiff-base fluorescent probe (L) based on 8-hydroxy-2-methylquinoline has been developed. As expected, the probe L can display high fluorescent selectivity for Cd(2+) over Zn(2+) and most other common ions in neutral ethanol aqueous medium. Moreover, the mechanism of the L-Cd(2+) complex has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography and density functional theory calculation results. More importantly, L could be used to image Cd(2+) within living cells.

Blood pressure control rate and associated risk factors in hospitals of different grades in Chongqing, China

OBJECTIVE

The present article aimed to provide accurate estimate of the control rate of hypertension and the influencing factors in hospitals of different grades in Chongqing.

METHODS

In this survey, hypertensive outpatients were recruited from 5 tertiary hospitals, 6 secondary hospitals and 5 primary hospitals in 9 districts of Chongqing from November 2011 to May 2012. Outpatients were investigated by clinical interview with BP measurement and questionnaire. Univariate analyses and logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of variables on control of hypertension.

RESULT

A total of 2742 hypertensives were studied, of which 820 were from primary hospitals, 901 from secondary hospitals and 1021 from tertiary hospitals. The total control rate for hypertensive outpatients in Chongqing was 46.0%. The control rate of the primary,secondary and tertiary hospitals were 38.7%、46.7%、51.1%. Multinomial Logistic Regression showed that the control rate was positively correlated with mastery of knowledge of hypertension, normal BMI;whereas it was positively correlated with peasantry,the dissatisfactory with doctor's manner and the distrust to doctor.

CONCLUSION

Blood pressure control rate of hypertensive outpatients in Chongqing was low.High BMI, peasantry, lack of knowledge of hypertension, doctors' manners, distrust to doctor were the key reasons for low BP control rate.

Two new isomerous fluorescent chemosensors for Al(3+) based on photoinduced electron transfer

Two new isomerous PET fluorescent chemosensors (L and L') for Al(3+) have been designed, synthesized and characterized. The two chemosensors exhibited fluorescence enhancement upon binding Al(3+) in CH3CN by PET inhibition processes from both the sulfur and the nitrogen donors to anthracene. The job's plot, Benesi-Hildebrand plot and (1)H NMR titration experiments indicate that both chemosensors form a 1:1 complex with Al(3+). The binding constants were calculated to be (1.432±0.186)×10(5) and (1.427±0.970)×10(5), respectively. Furthermore, the lowest detection limit for Al(3+) in CH3CN was determined to be 4.8×10(-7)M and 2.2×10(-7)M, respectively.

[The correlation study of HBV serological index in neonate's venus, cord blood and mother's venus blood]

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we discussed the consistency and correlation of HBV serological indexes between neonates' venous blood and cord blood whose mothers had chronical HBV infection, as well as the correlation of thoses indexes with the mothers'.

METHOD

Chronically HBV infected mothers who were postive of both HBsAg and HBeAg and also had a HBV DNA virus load above 10(5) copies/ ml and their infants were enrolled. The mothers' venous blood were collected before delivery. The neonates' cord blood were collected at birth after removal of contaminants and disinfected with alcohol on the cord's surface, and the venous blood were collected before hepatitis B virus immune globin(HBIG) and hepatitis B vaccine were given. The levels of HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg and anti-HBeAg were tested with Abbott microparticle chemiluminescence method (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Architac i2000). HBV DNA quantification were tested by COBAS TagMan real-time PCR Assay.

RESULTS

383 mothers and their infants were enrolled. The positive rates of HBsAg in cord blood and venous blood were 61.2% and 63.9%. The positive rates of HBeAg level in cord blood and venous blood were 83.2% and 83.5%. The positive rates of HBV DNA level in cord blood and venous blood were 56.0% and 59.4%. The state of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA in cord blood and venous blood were consistency, and significant correlation was observed in their levels with correlation coefficients of 0.766, 0.857, and 0.692, respectively (P < 0.000). Significant correlation of the HBeAg levels were observed between mothers' venous blood and neonates' venous blood, as well as neonates' cord blood with correlation coefficients of 0.362 and 0.352 (P < 0.000). However, there was no significant correlation of HBsAg levels between them (r = 0.023, P = 0.785; r = 0.04, P = 0.604).

CONCLUSIONS

The HBV serological index of neonate's cord blood could reflect the HBV serological indexes in venous blood because of the good correlation and consistency between them.

catena-Poly[[silver(I)-μ-4,4'-bipyridine-κ(2)N:N'] 4-[2-(4-carb-oxy-phen-yl)-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexa-fluoro-propan-2-yl]benzoate]

Assembly of the flexible dicarb-oxy-lic ligand 4-[2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-yl]benzoate and 4,4'-bipyridine as co-ligand with Ag(I) ions resulted in the formation of the polymeric title compound, {[Ag(C(10)H(8)N(2))](C(17)H(9)F(6)O(4))}(n), in which the metal atoms are bridged by the 4,4'-bipyridine ligands, generating cationic chains extending along [010]. The dihedral angles between the benzene rings in the anion and the pyridine rings in the cation are 72.42 (9) and 9.36 (10)°, respectively. The mol-ecular conformation of the anion is stabilized by intra-molecular C-H⋯F hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, the anions inter-act with the cationic chains via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to (001), in which weak π-π stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.975 (3)-4.047 (3) Å] involving the pyridine rings of adjacent 4,4'-bipyridine ligands are present. The planes are further assembled into a three-dimensional network by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

Freshwater toxic cyanobacteria induced DNA damage in apple (Malus pumila), rape (Brassica napus) and rice (Oryza sativa)

Cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystems can present a harmful effect on growth and development of plants through irrigation with contaminated water. In this study, the effects of microcystins (MCs)-containing cyanobacteria extract (CE) on DNA damage of apple, rape and rice were investigated to explore the phytotoxic mechanism of MCs through DNA fragmentation and RAPD analysis. Determination of DNA fragmentation by fluorescent dye DAPI showed that significant DNA damage was observed in rice seedlings after exposure to CE while DNA fragmentation in rape seedlings and apple cultures did not differ significantly between treatment and control groups. Qualitative characterization of genomic DNA fragmentation by agarose gel electrophoresis supported the quantitative determination using DAPI. The main changes in RAPD profiles of rape seedlings following exposure of lower doses of CE were variation in band intensity for the primers F03 and S01, while higher doses of CE caused loss of normal bands and appearance of new bands except band intensity changes. The data presented here demonstrate that DNA damage in plants occurs following exposure of microcystins, and the polymorphic RAPDs may be used as an investigation tool for environmental toxicology and as a useful biomarker for the detection of genotoxic effects of microcystins on plants.

Unconventional gap state of trapped exciton in lead sulfide quantum dots

Exciton states in lead selenide (PbSe) and lead sulfide (PbS) quantum dots have been studied extensively. However, relatively less attention has been paid to the states within the quantum dot bandgap. Our experimental results have revealed a single in-gap state which bears confinement dependence yet cannot be explained by dark exciton theory, nor is it a trap state related to quantum dot surface defects as previously observed. A detailed analysis of the temperature dependence of photoluminescence, Stokes shift, absorption and photoinduced absorption indicates the unconventional GS is a new state of a trapped exciton in a QD film. With appropriate design engineering, these trapped excitons might be harvested in solar cells and other optoelectronic devices.

Genetic diagnosis of Hailey-Hailey disease in two Chinese families: novel mutations in the ATP2C1 gene

Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD; OMIM 169600), is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder characterized by suprabasal cell separation of the epidermis. Mutations in ATP2C1, which encodes the human secretory pathway Ca(2+)/ Mn(2) +/- ATPase protein 1 (hSPCA1), have been identified as the pathogenic gene of HHD without evidence of genetic heterogeneity. In this study, the ATP2C1 gene was screened in two typical Chinese pedigrees with HHD, and two specific novel mutations of the ATP2CL gene were identified. Family 1 had a 16-base deletion mutation c.1068-1083del16 and family 2 had a substitution mutation c.1982T>G (p.Met661Arg). DNA sequencing of the three descendants of the probands revealed that they all had the normal genotype, indicating that there had been no transmission of the mutation.

Rosiglitazone attenuates allergic inflammation and inhibits expression of galectin-3 in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonists are involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses and recent studies suggest that PPAR-gamma ligands may have potential for the treatment of allergic airway disease. This study investigated the effect of the PPAR-gamma agonist, rosiglitazone, on nasal mucous allergic inflammation and galectin-3 gene expression in a murine model of allergic rhinitis (AR mice). Rosiglitazone resulted in a statistically significant attenuation of the increased numbers of inflammatory cells and Th2 cytokine levels in nasal cavity lavage fluid of AR mice. Furthermore, the expression of galectin-3 in the nasal mucosa of AR mice was statistically significantly increased. Overexpression of galectin-3 was markedly suppressed by rosiglitazone treatment. These data suggest that the PPAR-gamma agonist, rosiglitazone, may have potential in the development of therapies for allergic rhinitis.