[A survey on the current situation of serum vitamin A and vitamin D levels among children aged 2-<7 years of 20 cities in China]

Objective: To investigate serum vitamin A and vitamin D status in children aged 2-<7 years in 20 cities in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 2 924 healthy children aged 2-<7 years were recruited from September 2018 to September 2019 from 20 cities in China, categorized by age groups of 2-<3 years, 3-<5 years, and 5-<7 years. The demographic and economic characteristics and health-related information of the enrolled children were investigated. Body weight and height were measured by professional staff members. The serum vitamin A and vitamin D levels were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Chi-square test and Logistic regression were applied to analyze the association between vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as well as their underlying impact factors. Results: The age of the 2 924 enrolled children was 4.33 (3.42, 5.17) years. There were 1 726 males (59.03%) and 1 198 females (40.97%). The prevalences of vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency in enrolled children were 2.19% (64/2 924) and 3.52% (103/2 924), respectively, and the insufficiency rates were 29.27% (856/2 924) and 22.20% (649/2 924), respectively. Children with both vitamin A and vitamin D deficiencies or insufficiencies were found in 10.50% (307/2 924) of cases. Both vitamin A (χ2=7.91 and 8.06, both P=0.005) and vitamin D (χ2=71.35 and 115.10, both P<0.001) insufficiency rates were higher in children aged 3-<5 and 5-<7 years than those in children aged 2-<3 years. Vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation in the last 3 months was a protective factor for vitamin A and D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively (OR=0.68 and 0.22, 95%CI 0.49-0.95 and 0.13-0.40, both P<0.05). The rates of vitamin A and D insufficiency was higher in children with annual household incomes <60 000 RMB than in those with annual household incomes ≥60 000 RMB (χ2=34.11 and 10.43, both P<0.01). Northwest and Southwest had the highest rates of vitamin A and vitamin D insufficiency in children aged 2-<7 yeas, respectively (χ2=93.22 and 202.54, both P<0.001). Conclusions: Among 20 cities in China, children aged 2-<7 years experience high rates of vitamin A and vitamin D insufficiency, which are affected by age, family economic level, vitamin A and vitamin D supplementation, and regional economic level. The current results suggest that high level of attention should be paid to vitamin A and vitamin D nutritional status of preschool children.

Spatial distribution and influencing factors of thyroid cancer hospitalization rate among rural residents in Fujian Province, China from 2012 to 2016

This study aimed to explore the spatial distribution and influencing factors of thyroid cancer hospitalization rates in Fujian Province from 2012 to 2016. Hospitalization reimbursement records for thyroid cancer were obtained from 2025 hospitals in Fujian Province from 2012 to 2016. The Moran's I method was used for spatial autocorrelation analysis and to further draw a spatial cluster map in Fujian. Geographic detectors were used to explore the effect of risk factors on spatial heterogeneity of inpatient service utilization for thyroid cancer. The study showed that there was obvious temporal and spatial heterogeneity in the utilization rate of inpatient services for thyroid cancer in Fujian Province, which were mainly concentrated in Fuzhou, with Lianjiang County as the center, and the gathering area involves 26 counties and cities. Among a variety of environmental factors, air quality index (AQI) (q = 0.481), carbon sequestration (q = 0.161), and carbon emissions (q = 0.155) were the main factors affecting the hospitalization rates. AQI and carbon emissions were generally positively correlated with hospitalization rates, and carbon sequestration was negatively correlated. After the interaction of the two factors, the interpretation of the hospitalization rate was enhanced. The obvious spatial heterogeneity will help the relevant departments to adjust measures to local conditions and allocate medical resources rationally to ease the pressure of seeking medical attention in high-demand areas.

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Objective: To examine the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) decortication in patients presenting with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema. Methods: From August 2017 to July 2020, 158 patients of stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema underwent uniportal VATS decortication with partial rib resection and customized periosteal stripper in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. There were 127 males and 31 females, aged (M(IQR)) 32(28) years (range:14 to 78 years). Follow-up was performed in the outpatient clinic or via social communication applications, at monthly thereafter. If there was no air leak and chest tube drainage was less than 50 ml/day, a chest CT was performed. If the lung was fully re-expanded, chest tubes were removed. All patients received a follow-up chest CT 3 to 6 months following their initial operations which was compared to their preoperative imaging. Results: There was one conversion to open thoracotomy. The operative time was 2.75 (2.50) hours (range: 1.5 to 7.0 hours), and median blood loss was 100 (500) ml (range: 50 to 2 000 ml). There were no perioperative mortalities. There were no major complications except 1 case of redo-VATS for hemostasis due to excessive drainage and 1 case of incision infection, The incidence of prolonged air leaks (>5 days) was 80.3%(126/157). The postoperative hospital stay was 5.00 (2.25) days (range:2 to 15 days). All patients were discharged with 2 chest tubes, and the median duration drainage was 21.00 (22.50) days (range: 3 to 77 days). Follow-up was completed in all patients over a duration of 20 (14) months (range: 12 to 44 months). At follow-up, 149 patients(94.9%) recovered to grade Ⅰ level, 7 patients to grade Ⅱ level, and 1 patient to grade Ⅲ level. Conclusion: Uniportal VATS decortication involving partial rib resection and a customized periosteal stripper is safe and effective for patients with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema.

Successful removal of a trapped epidural catheter facilitated by using a nickel/titanium alloy (nitinol) suture as a guidewire

Epidural catheters are often used in the provision of surgical anaesthesia and analgesia. These catheters need to be removed after a certain period, but difficulties may be encountered during this process. We present a case of difficult epidural catheter removal in an elderly woman who had undergone surgery for reduction and internal fixation of a comminuted intertrochanteric fracture at the left femur under combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was satisfactory during the operation; however, initial attempts to remove the catheter at the end of the procedure was met with significant resistance. Normal saline (5 ml) was injected through the catheter without difficulty, suggesting that the catheter was likely trapped and compressed but not obstructed. A nickel/titanium memory alloy suture was used as a guidewire to remove the catheter without damaging it. This case was analysed subsequently, and the management of future problematic removals is discussed herein. This article aims to raise awareness of, and to explore techniques for managing difficult epidural catheter removal.

Sacituzumab govitecan, a Trop-2-directed antibody-drug conjugate, for patients with epithelial cancer: final safety and efficacy results from the phase I/II IMMU-132-01 basket trial

BACKGROUND

Sacituzumab govitecan (SG), a trophoblast cell surface antigen-2 (Trop-2)-directed antibody-drug conjugate, has demonstrated antitumor efficacy and acceptable tolerability in a phase I/II multicenter trial (NCT01631552) in patients with advanced epithelial cancers. This report summarizes the safety data from the overall safety population (OSP) and efficacy data, including additional disease cohorts not published previously.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with refractory metastatic epithelial cancers received intravenous SG (8, 10, 12, or 18 mg/kg) on days 1 and 8 of 21-day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Endpoints for the OSP included safety and pharmacokinetic parameters with investigator-evaluated objective response rate (ORR per RECIST 1.1), duration of response, clinical benefit rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival evaluated for cohorts (n > 10 patients) of small-cell lung, colorectal, esophageal, endometrial, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and castrate-resistant prostate cancer.

RESULTS

In the OSP (n = 495, median age 61 years, 68% female; UGT1A1∗28 homozygous, n = 46; 9.3%), 41 (8.3%) permanently discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AEs). Most common treatment-related AEs were nausea (62.6%), diarrhea (56.2%), fatigue (48.3%), alopecia (40.4%), and neutropenia (57.8%). Most common treatment-related serious AEs (n = 75; 15.2%) were febrile neutropenia (4.0%) and diarrhea (2.8%). Grade ≥3 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 42.4% and 5.3% of patients, respectively. Neutropenia (all grades) was numerically more frequent in UGT1A1∗28 homozygotes (28/46; 60.9%) than heterozygotes (69/180; 38.3%) or UGT1A1∗1 wild type (59/177; 33.3%). There was one treatment-related death due to an AE of aspiration pneumonia. Partial responses were seen in endometrial cancer (4/18, 22.2% ORR) and small-cell lung cancer (11/62, 17.7% ORR), and one castrate-resistant prostate cancer patient had a complete response (n = 1/11; 9.1% ORR).

CONCLUSIONS

SG demonstrated a toxicity profile consistent with previous published reports. Efficacy was seen in several cancer cohorts, which validates Trop-2 as a broad target in solid tumors.

Sacituzumab govitecan in previously treated hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer: final results from a phase I/II, single-arm, basket trial

BACKGROUND

Trophoblast cell-surface antigen-2 (Trop-2) is expressed in epithelial cancers, including hormone receptor-positive (HR+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Sacituzumab govitecan (SG; Trodelvy®) is an antibody-drug conjugate composed of a humanized anti-Trop-2 monoclonal antibody coupled to SN-38 at a high drug-to-antibody ratio via a unique hydrolyzable linker that delivers SN-38 intracellularly and in the tumor microenvironment. SG was granted accelerated FDA approval for metastatic triple-negative BC treatment in April 2020.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed a prespecified subpopulation of patients with HR+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) HR+/HER2- mBC from the phase I/II, single-arm trial (NCT01631552), who received intravenous SG (10 mg/kg) and whose disease progressed on endocrine-based therapy and at least one prior chemotherapy for mBC. End points included objective response rate (ORR; RECIST version 1.1) assessed locally, duration of response (DOR), clinical benefit rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

RESULTS

Fifty-four women were enrolled between 13 February 2015 and 1 June 2017. Median (range) age was 54 (33-79) years and all received at least two prior lines of therapy for mBC. At data cut-off (1 March 2019), 12 patients were still alive. Key grade ≥3 treatment-related toxicities included neutropenia (50.0%), anemia (11.1%), and diarrhea (7.4%). Two patients discontinued treatment due to treatment-related adverse events. No treatment-related deaths occurred. At a median follow-up of 11.5 months, the ORR was 31.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 19.5%-45.6%; 17 partial responses]; median DOR was 8.7 months (95% CI 3.7-12.7), median PFS was 5.5 months (95% CI 3.6-7.6), and median OS was 12 months (95% CI 9.0-18.2).

CONCLUSIONS

SG shows encouraging activity in patients with pretreated HR+/HER2- mBC and a predictable, manageable safety profile. Further evaluation in a randomized phase III trial (TROPiCS-02) is ongoing (NCT03901339).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01631552; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01631552.

Risk Prediction for Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on Biochemical and Dietary Variables in a Chinese Han Population

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease globally, but there are no optimal methods for its prediction or diagnosis. The present cross-sectional study proposes a non-invasive tool for NAFLD screening. The study included 2,446 individuals, of whom 574 were NAFLD patients. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for NAFLD and incorporate them in a risk prediction nomogram model; the variables included both clinical and lifestyle-related variables. Following stepwise regression, BMI, waist circumference, serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, presence of diabetes and hyperuricemia, tuber and fried food consumption were identified as significant risk factors and used in the model. The final nomogram was found to have good discrimination ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.843 [95% CI: 0.819-0.867]), and reasonable accuracy for the prediction of NAFLD risk. A cut-off score of <180 for the nomogram was found to have high sensitivity and predictivity for the exclusion of individuals from screening. The model can be used as a non-invasive tool for mass screening.

[The research on the application of uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in the digestive reconstruction after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and flexibility of uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). Methods: Between July 2016 to November 2016, 15 patients received totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy plus uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in the Sir Run Run Shaw hospital. Clinical data of those patients, including operative indexes, post-operative indexes and fellow-up data, were analyzed respectively. Results: A total of 15 patients were enrolled in this study, ten were corpus carcinoma and five were esophagogastric junction carcinoma. The total operative time and anastomosis time was (25.0±4.3) min and (25.0±4.3) min, the blood loss during operation was (133.3±121.2) ml. All the operations were performed successfully, and no one was transferred to open surgery. All the patients were encouraged to off-bed activity at first day after surgery. The first time to flatus, the first time to liquid food intake and the length of stay in hospital were (4.1±0.8) days, (5.1±0.9) days and (9.3±1.6) days, respectively. The pathological staging of these patients was stage Ⅰb in 1 case, stage Ⅱa in 3 cases, stageⅡb in 2 cases, stage Ⅲb in 3 cases, stage Ⅲc in 6 cases. The lymph node harvest was (36.0±12.3). Cutting margins in all patients were negative. Pulmonary infection occurred in one patient postoperatively and recovered after antibiotic treatment. No death and severe complication was found. Liver metastasis occurred in one patient eight months after operation. One patient was found recurrence in anastomotic site. No Roux-en-Y stasis syndrome was found. Conclusions: Uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy in TLTG is safe and flexible.

Screening of adjunct cultures and their application in ester formation in Camembert-type cheese

The ethanol content and esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activities are the limiting factors in the synthesis of ethyl esters in Camembert-type cheeses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of alcohol, esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activities on ethyl ester formation in Camembert-type cheeses. Five experimental cheeses were prepared with three adjunct cultures with different enzyme activities and two levels of ethanol content (400 or 800 μg/g). The cheeses were aged for 4 weeks and analysed weekly for basic physicochemical, textural, volatile and sensory properties. The results showed that both the enzyme activity and ethanol content were limiting factors in the synthesis of ethyl esters in the Camembert-type cheeses. Variation in the esterase synthesis activity was observed among lactic acid bacteria, and the starter culture Lactococcus lactis MA 14 LYO distinguished itself through its high acidifying and esterase hydrolysis abilities. The addition of CCFM 12, a lactic acid bacteria strain with high esterase and alcohol acyltransferase activity, along with 400 or 800 μg/g of ethanol, notably enhanced the generation of ethyl esters and the corresponding fruity flavour, without causing dramatic changes in the basic physicochemical indices and microbial profile. In addition, cohesiveness was influenced by the addition of 400 and 800 μg/g of ethanol, and more resilience with 800 μg/g of ethanol had been found. The results showed that the addition of CCFM12 with 400 and 800 μg/g of ethanol may be applied in the production of Camembert cheese to enhance its fruity flavour.

Degradation of methomyl by the combination of Aminobacter sp. MDW-2 and Afipia sp. MDW-3

Methomyl (S-methyl N-(methylcarbamoyloxy) thioacetimidate) is a kind of oxime carbamate insecticide. It is considered to be extremely toxic to nontarget organism. To date, no pure culture or consortium has been reported to have the ability to degrade methomyl completely. In this study, a methomyl-degrading enrichment E1 was obtained by using the sludge from the wastewater-treating system of a pesticide manufacturer as the original inoculant. Two bacterial strains named MDW-2 and MDW-3 were isolated from this enrichment, and they were preliminarily identified as Aminobacter sp. and Afipia sp. respectively. Strains MDW-2 and MDW-3 could coexist and degrade 50 mg l^-1 methomyl completely within 3 days by the cooperative metabolism. Methomyl was first converted to methomyl oxime and methylcarbamic acid by strain MDW-2, and the latter could be used as the carbon source for the growth of strain MDW-2. But methomyl oxime could not be sequentially degraded by strain MDW-2. However, it could be degraded and used as the carbon source by strain MDW-3.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study presents a bacterial combination of Aminobacter sp. MDW-2 and Afipia sp. MDW-3, which could degrade methomyl completely by biochemical cooperation. This study also proposes the biodegradation pathway of methomyl for the first time and highlights the application potential of a bacterial combination in the remediation of methomyl-contaminated environments.

[Application of lymph node labeling with carbon nanoparticles by preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy]

Objective: To evaluate the application value of carbon lymph node tracing technique by preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. Methods: From June 2013 to February 2015, seventy eight patients with gastric cancer were enrolled and randomly divided into trial group and control group. Subserosal injection of carbon nanoparticles around the tumor was performed by preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection one day before the operation in trial group, while the patients routinely underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy in control group. Results of harvested lymph nodes, postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Carbon nanoparticle-related side effect was also evaluated. Results: The average number of harvested lymph node in trial group was significantly higher than that in control group (35.5±8.5 vs 29.5±6.5, P<0.05). The rate of overall black-dyed harvested lymph node was 74.7% (1 035/1 386) in trial group, the black-dyed lymph node rate in D1 lymph node was 80.1%, which was significantly higher than that in D2 lymph node (69.8%, χ²=19.38, P<0.01). When comparing the lymph node with and without black-dyed in trial group, the rate of metastasis lymph node was significantly higher in lymph node with black-dyed (17.3% vs 4.0%, χ²=38.67, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications rate between two group (trial group 10.2%; control group 12.8%, χ²=0.00, P>0.05), and no carbon nanoparticle-related side effect was observed. Conclusion: Given a higher harvested lymph node number and a similar rate of complications, preoperative endoscopic subserosal injection of carbon nanoparticles was safe and feasible.

The parthenogenetic development of porcine in vitro matured oocytes vitrified before or after electric activation

　　BACKGROUND: The highly efficient production of parthenogenetic embryos from vitrified porcine in vitro matured oocytes has become essential for biotechnology and biomedicine research.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the survival and parthenogenetic development of oocytes vitrified before or after electric activation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The vitrified oocytes were parthenogenetically activated at 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h post warming (h.p.w.), and fresh oocytes were vitrified at 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h post electric activation (h.p.a.).

RESULTS

In comparison with non-vitrified oocytes, the rates of survival and activation of oocytes vitrified at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h.p.a. were similar, but the parameters in other vitrified groups significantly decreased. Parthenogenetic development in vitrified 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 h.p.a. groups was also significantly higher than that in other vitrified groups. Moreover, the total cell numbers of blastocysts were similar among all groups.

CONCLUSION

Porcine oocytes vitrified at 0.5-4 h h.p.a. showed acceptable survival and pronuclear formation, and a higher blastocyst yield could be obtained from these oocytes.

Nodal ratio of positive to excised nodes, but not number of positive lymph nodes is better to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive T1-T2 breast cancer patients

AIM OF STUDY

To identify whether nodal ratio (NR) of positive to excised nodes is superior to number of positive lymph nodes to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive, T1-T2 breast cancer patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postmenopausal estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, lymph node-positive patients who received endocrine therapy (n = 173) with complete baseline data in our hospital between 2000 and 2006 were included. The disease-free survival (DFS) was compared. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the prognostic value of chemotherapy with different NR for DFS. P--values less than 0.05 were regarded as significant.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 72 months. Three of 13 variables analyzed remained significantly prognostic for survival in the Cox proportional hazards model. These included age (hazard ratio (HR) =1.642, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.154-2.337, P = 0.006); histological grade (HR = 2.463,95% CI = 1.389-4.367, P = 0.002); and NR (HR = 2.280, 95% CI = 1.113-4.671, P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis by NR status showed that in patients with NR ≥ 0.20, chemotherapy significantly improves DFS (HR = 0.360, 95% CI = 0.195-0.663, P = 0.001); while in patients with NR < 0.20, chemotherapy did not significantly affect DFS (HR = 0.677, 95% CI = 0.227-2.107, P = 0.493). Radiotherapy is an important factor that improves DFS in lymph node-positive patients, so it is considered in all analysis.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis demonstrates that NR of positive to excised nodes, but not number of positive lymph nodes is better to predict group to avoid chemotherapy among postmenopausal ER-positive, lymph node-positive T1-T2 breast cancer patients.

Study on female breast cancer imaging screening consultation network in Guangdong Province, China

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to construct breast cancer image screening consultation network (BISCN) that connects all levels of medical institutions in Guangdong Province.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen hospitals in different cities and counties (districts) of Guang-dong were selected for breast cancer screening with imaging (breast X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI). "Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS)" was taken as reference to build up image data base of breast cancer screening and BISCN that is an internet-based network platform. BISCN quality control was performed to improve the diagnostic accuracy and collaboration of members. In 2011, the BISCN members underwent breast imaging diagnosis training and conducted a questionnaire survey.

RESULTS

BISCN allowed quick, synchronous, and accurate communication and feedback of diagnostic imaging in breast cancer among all levels of medical institutions and improved the ability of breast cancer screening in the province, as well as the detection rate of early breast cancer throughout the province, especially in the grassroot units. The survey results showed that the trainees' understanding situation of the training contents before training was 2.02 ± 1.75 points. Through the study, the participants considered that the teaching contents could solve the daily diagnose problems (2.91 ± 0.70 points), the post-training scores were improved (2.88 ± 1.23 points), and highly satisfactory with the teaching contents (2.81 ± 0.53 points). All students passed the examination and were qualified for the future.

CONCLUSIONS

BISCN is of good feasibility in construction and applicability in management by raising diagnosis level of breast cancer in Guangdong Province.

Association of MeCP2 (rs2075596, rs2239464) genetic polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

Objective

Limited studies have shown an association between the methyl-CpG-binding protein2 ( MeCp2) genetic polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in different populations, but the results are inconclusive. In order to get a precise and systematic estimation, a meta-analysis was performed.

Methods

A systematic literature search using English and Chinese databases (PubMed/Medline, Web of Knowledge, Wanfang Data (Chinese), etc.) for the eligible studies was performed. Based on heterogeneity among studies, random- or fixed-effects models were selected to analyze the risk of SLE associated with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of MeCP2 genetic polymorphisms.

Results

A significant increased risk of both SNPs of MeCP2 genetic variances associated with SLE was found. Analysis using a fixed-effects model found an increased risk of SLE with the A allele of rs2075596 (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.49, p < 0.001), and the random-effects model also identified a risk factor of A allele of rs2239464 (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.49, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis suggested that the major source of between-study heterogeneity stemmed from the difference between diverse ethnic groups. After omitting the smallest study, no publication bias was found, which further confirmed the reliability and stability of the meta-analysis.

Conclusions

Mutations of SNPs ( rs2075596, rs2239464) of MeCP2 showed increased risk of developing SLE. Large-scale multicenter epidemiological studies in selected populations with other risk factors are urgently required.

Ferulic acid induces heme oxygenase-1 via activation of ERK and Nrf2

This study investigated the effect of ferulic acid (FA) on the up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in lymphocytes and the molecular mechanisms involved. Lymphocytes were treated with FA (0.001-0.1 μM) for certain times. Cell viability, the activity and level of expression of HO-1, and signal pathways were analyzed. FA significantly upregulated HO-1 expression both at the level of mRNA and protein in lymphocytes. Moreover, FA induced NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity, which is upstream of FA induced HO-1 expression. In addition, lymphocytes treated with FA exhibited activation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and treatments with U0126 (an ERK kinase inhibitor) attenuated the FA induced activation of Nrf2, resulting in a decrease in HO-1 expression. Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP, a HO-1 inhibitor) markedly suppressed cytoprotection from radiation-induced cell damage by FA. Results suggested that the ERK signaling pathway controlled the anti-oxidation of FA by regulating the expression of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1.

Development of FPV140 antigen-specific ELISA differentiating fowlpox virus isolates from all other viral pathogens of avian origin

The FPV140 gene encodes an envelope protein of fowlpox virus (FPV). In this study, the FPV140 gene of FPV Chinese isolate HH2008 was cloned and the comparison of its sequence with other FPV isolates showed it to be highly conserved across all FPV isolates. A recombinant plasmid pET-FPV140 carrying FPV140 gene was constructed and transformed into Escherichia coli. The optimal expression condition for the FPV140 gene was developed and purified FPV140 recombinant protein was used to produce rabbit polyclonal antibody. An indirect ELISA using this anti-FPV140 polyclonal antibody was capable of distinguishing avian FPV isolates from other common avian pathogens such as mycoplasma gallisepticum, infectious laryngotracheitis virus, avian influenza virus, infectious bursal disease virus, and avian infectious bronchitis virus. This ELISA will serve as a useful diagnostic tool for the detection of FPV in clinical samples.

Stress failure plays a major role in the development of high-altitude pulmonary oedema in rats

Hypoxia and exertion are considered as the two main factors in the development of high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE), however its pathophysiology remains unclear. Therefore, we established a model in which 32 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to normoxic rest, hypoxic rest, normoxic exercise and hypoxic exercise. An altitude of 4,700 m was simulated using hypobaric hypoxia, while exercise consisted 48 h walk with 15-20 min breaks every 4 h. Arterial blood gas, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), lung wet-to-dry weight (W/D) ratio and histological measurements were conducted on each animal. In rats exercising in hypoxia, BAL protein and lung W/D ratio were significantly increased but no changes in BAL leukotriene B(4) and immunoglobulin M were observed. In the same group, lung histology showed typical haemorrhagic lung oedema and disruption of both alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium while hypoxia or exertion alone only induced slight endothelium and epithelium swelling/disruption. Our study established a direct link between histological and physiological evidence of HAPE-like symptoms and we demonstrated that hypoxia and exertion can synergistically induce HAPE-like symptoms in Sprague-Dawley rats without inducing lung inflammation. We therefore propose that alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium stress failure play a major role in the development of HAPE.

Synthesizing two-fingered grippers for positioning and identifying objects

Most industrial grippers now in use are two-fingered. Among them the parallel-jaw gripper is the simplest. It can partially remove the pose uncertainty of an object through grasping, such as the orientation uncertainty. This paper addresses a new type of grippers with the finger configuration of four circles instead of two parallel lines. It has a number of important advantages. Especially, it achieves form-closure and confines the object to a locally unique pose, so as to remove the pose uncertainty completely. It allows the gripped object to reach this pose freely without loss of required friction in the direction perpendicular to the grasping plane. More information can be acquired for identifying the object and its grasp mode. As a result the identification can be performed at one grasp. The key parameter of a symmetric four-pin gripper is the distance (span) between two pin centers on each finger, which depends upon the object shape and impacts the closure property, Based on a new approach to the grasp geometry, selection and limitations of the span are illustrated.

Essential role of Ca2+ release channels in angiotensin II-induced Ca2+ oscillations and mesangial cell contraction

The increased resistance of the glomerulus as a result of contractile dysfunction of mesangial cells (MCs) is associated with reduction of glomerular filtration rate and development of glomerulosclerosis. Evidences show MCs contraction changes with intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Here, we explore the mechanism of angiotensin II (AngII)-induced Ca(2+) oscillations and MCs contraction. Primary MCs from 3-month-old and 28-month-old rats were used for detection of Ca(2+) oscillations and MC planar area with confocal microscopy. AngII could induce typical Ca(2+) oscillations and contraction of MCs. This process was abolished by thapsigargin, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, or 1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine, and partially inhibited by ryanodine, but could not be inhibited in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptors displayed a strong colocalization, which may contribute to the amplification of Ca(2+) response. MLC(20) phosphorylation and MC planar area were associated with AngII-induced Ca(2+) oscillations. The frequency of Ca(2+) oscillations was dependent on the AngII concentration and correlated with the MCs' contractive extent, which could be attenuated by KN-93. The amplitude reduction of oscillations correlated with the decrease in aging-related contraction. In conclusion, [Ca(2+)](i) response of MCs to AngII is characterized by repetitive spikes through the following repetitive cycles: Ca(2+) release by phospholipase C -InsP(3) pathway, Ca(2+) amplification by Ca(2+)-activated RyRs and Ca(2+) reuptake by the endoplasmic reticulum. MCs contraction can be modulated by oscillations not only in an AngII-induced frequency-dependent mode but also in an aging-related, amplitude-dependent mode.

A Kinetic Model of the Formation of Organic Monolayers on Hydrogen-Terminated Silicon by Hydrosilation of Alkenes

We have analyzed a kinetic model for the formation of organic monolayers based on a previously suggested free radical chain mechanism for the reaction of unsaturated molecules with hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces (Linford, M. R.; Fenter, P. M.; Chidsey, C. E. D. J. Am. Chem. Soc 1995, 117, 3145). A direct consequence of this mechanism is the nonexponential growth of the monolayer, and this has been observed spectroscopically. In the model, the initiation of silyl radicals on the surface is pseudo first order with rate constant, ki, and the rate of propagation is determined by the concentration of radicals and unreacted Si-H nearest neighbor sites with a rate constant, kp. This propagation step determines the rate at which the monolayer forms by addition of alkene molecules to form a track of molecules that constitute a self-avoiding random walk on the surface. The initiation step describes how frequently new random walks commence. A termination step by which the radicals are destroyed is also included. The solution of the kinetic equations yields the fraction of alkylated surface sites and the mean length of the random walks as a function of time. In mean-field approximation we show that (1) the average length of the random walk is proportional to (kp/ki)1/2, (2) the monolayer surface coverage grows exponentially only after an induction period, (3) the effective first-order rate constant describing the growth of the monolayer and the induction period (kt) is k = (2ki kp)1/2, (4) at long times the effective first-order rate constant drops to ki, and (5) the overall activation energy for the growth kinetics is the mean of the activation energies for the initiation and propagation steps. Monte Carlo simulations of the mechanism produce qualitatively similar kinetic plots, but the mean random walk length (and effective rate constant) is overestimated by the mean field approximation and when kp >> ki, we find k approximately ki0.7kp0.3 and Ea = (0.7Ei+ 0.3Ep). However the most striking prediction of the Monte Carlo simulations is that at long times, t >> 1/k, the effective first-order rate constant decreases to ki even in the absence of a chemical termination step. Experimental kinetic data for the reaction of undec-1-ene with hydrogen-terminated porous silicon under thermal reflux in toluene and ethylbenzene gave a value of k = 0.06 min(-1) and an activation energy of 107 kJ mol(-1). The activation energy is in reasonable agreement with density functional calculations of the transition state energies for the initiation and propagation steps.

Amphipols: polymeric surfactants for membrane biology research

Membrane proteins classically are handled in aqueous solutions as complexes with detergents. The dissociating character of detergents, combined with the need to maintain an excess of them, frequently results in more or less rapid inactivation of the protein under study. Over the past few years, we have endeavored to develop a novel family of surfactants, dubbed amphipols (APs). APs are amphiphilic polymers that bind to the transmembrane surface of the protein in a noncovalent but, in the absence of a competing surfactant, quasi-irreversible manner. Membrane proteins complexed by APs are in their native state, stable, and they remain water-soluble in the absence of detergent or free APs. An update is presented of the current knowledge about these compounds and their demonstrated or putative uses in membrane biology.

Assembly of pore proteins on gold electrodes

Protein-protein interactions at the cell surface are important in the activity of bacterial toxins such as colicins. We have developed methods to study these events using tethered lipid bilayers, which can be probed by impedance spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance. Recently we have attached the receptor proteins directly to gold electrodes and this offers new possibilities for measuring protein-protein interactions on solid supports.

Simultaneous analysis of the di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate metabolites 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid and 2-ethyl-3-oxohexanoic acid in urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method was developed for the quantitative analysis of the three Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) metabolites, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid and 2-ethyl-3-oxohexanoic acid in urine. After oximation with O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine hydrochloride and sample clean-up with Chromosorb P filled glass tubes, all three organic acids were converted to their tert.-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives. Quantitation was done with trans-cinnamic acid as internal standard and GC-MS analysis in the selected ion monitoring mode (SIM). Calibration curves for all three acids in the range from 20 to 1,000 microg/l showed correlation coefficients from 0.9972 to 0.9986. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values determined in the observed concentration range were between 1.3 and 8.9% for all three acids. Here we report for the first time the identification of 2-ethyl-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid and 2-ethyl-3-oxohexanoic acid in human urine next to the known DEHP metabolite 2-ethylhexanoic acid. In 28 urine samples from healthy persons we found all three acids with mean concentrations of 56.1 +/- 13.5 microg/l for 2-ethylhexanoic acid, 104.8 +/- 80.6 microg/l for 2-ethyl-3-hydroxyhexanoic acid and 482.2 +/- 389.5 microg/l for 2-ethyl-3-oxohexanoic acid.

The TolA-recognition site of colicin N. ITC, SPR and stopped-flow fluorescence define a crucial 27-residue segment

Colicins translocate across the Escherichia coli outer membrane and periplasm by interacting with several receptors. After first binding to the outer membrane surface receptors via their central region, they interact with TolA or TonB proteins via their N-terminal region. Colicin N residues critical to TolA binding have been discovered, but the full extent of any colicin TolA site is unknown. We present, for the first time, a fully mapped TolA binding site for a colicin. It was determined through the use of alanine-scanning mutants, glutathione S-transferase fusion peptides and Biacore/fluorescence binding studies. The minimal TolA binding region is 27 residues and of similar size to the TolA binding region of bacteriophage g3p-D1 protein. Stopped-flow kinetic studies show that the binding to TolA follows slow association kinetics. The role of other E. coli Tol proteins in colicin translocation was also investigated. Isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) and in vivo studies conclusively show that colicin N translocation does not require the presence of TolB. ITC also demonstrated colicin A interaction with TolB, and that colicin A in its native state does not interact with TolAII-III. Colicin N does not bind TolR-II. The TolA protein is shown to be unsuitable for direct immobilisation in Biacore analysis.

[Geographic information systems spatial analysis on transmission of schistosomiasis in China]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the epidemiologic status and geographical distribution of schistosomiasis in China.

METHODS

Relevant detabases were set up after collection of data from two National Sampling Surveys on Schistosomiasis, in 1989 and 1995. Spatial analysis was undertaken after the database linked to the GIS software which was supported by Arc View 3.0a. Correlation analysis was performed to understand the relationship between rates of human infection and cattle infection.

RESULTS

The epidemic areas of schistosomiasis with high risk are mainly distributed in the marshland along the Yangtze River and can be identified as five spatial distribution regions based on the results of spatial analysis. Both epidemic areas and positive rates of stool examination in cattle and water buffalo are much wider and higher than that in humans. The positive correlation was seen between infection rate in human and in cattle from data of both sampling surveys.

CONCLUSION

The relevant strategy for schistosomiasis control in different spatial regions should be performed accordingly and the measures of control for cattle and water buffalo should be strengthened in the endemic areas.

[A simple biostatistical method for meta analysis of the data on 2 x 2 table]

Meta-analysis is a method in common use for data analysis in evidence-based medicine. In this paper, based on the Mantel-Haenszel and Peto methods used for Meta-analysis of the data on 2 x 2 table, we put forward a simple calculating method for clinicians. It is useful for Meta-analysis and can be easily applied to analysis of the data from multi-studies in evidence-based medicine.

Ultrasonically enhanced leaching: removal and destruction of cyanide and other ions from used carbon cathodes

The used carbon cathodes ('Spent Pot Lining', SPL) from aluminium smelting are typically contaminated with F-, CN- and Na+ which must be removed before disposal to produce material which satisfies environmental guidelines in respect of maximum rates of ion release. Leaching of powdered and crushed carbon samples in aqueous solution were studied in the presence and absence of ultrasound. First, it was demonstrated that the total leaching of F-, CN- and Na+ from the carbon powder could be accomplished after approximately 20 min of sonication using ultrasound. Second, carbon particles (< 5 mm) showed leaching characteristics under ultrasound which were in good quantitative agreement with the National River Authority (NRA) test under silent conditions; the former being a much more rapid (approximately 1 h compared to 24 h for the NRA test) but equivalent method to the latter standard test. Third, the removed CN- ions were found to be destroyed in the presence of ultrasound, possibly via the oxidative action of hydrogen peroxide generated by the sonication of water.

Sonoelectrochemical and sonochemical effects of cavitation: correlation with interfacial cavitation induced by 20 kHz ultrasound

Sonoelectrochemical measurements at macro-electrodes under extreme conditions with a very short distance between ultrasonic horn tip and electrode and different ultrasound intensity levels are shown to result in violent cavitation detected in form of current peaks superimposed on the average limiting current. Analysis of the current data obtained for the oxidation of ferrocene in dimethylformamide (0.1 M NBu4PF6) at a 4 mm diameter Pt disc electrode and for the reduction of Ru(NH3)6(3+) in aqueous 0.1 M KCl at a 6 mm diameter Pt disc electrode consistently indicate a change of the physicochemical nature of sonoelectrochemical processes under extreme conditions. The sonoelectrochemical measurement of the rate constant for the carbon bromide bond cleavage of a 3-bromobenzophenone radical anion electrogenerated at a glassy carbon electrode in dimethylformamide solution in the presence of power ultrasound is shown to yield evidence for a breakdown of the conventional mass transport model of a planar diffusion layer under extreme conditions. The change can be correlated to the number of current data points deviating more than 10% from the mean of the current due to violent cavitation processes superimposed onto the average limiting current. Further, a study of the sonochemical destruction of aqueous dilute cyanide solution (in 0.1 M NaOH) demonstrates a correlation between the electrochemically detected cavitation violence and the sonochemical activity. Factors that govern the violence of interfacial cavitation appear to be directly proportional to the factors that make cavitation in the bulk solution chemically efficient.

[Analysis for spatial distribution of Oncomelania snail in mainland China by geographic information system(GIS) database]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze spatial distribution of Oncomelania snail populations in mainland China by geographic information system (GIS) database.

METHODS

Genetic variation experiment data and experimental data of susceptibility of 34 snail populations were collected from nine provinces in China, to set up a database. A world digital map was linked with the database in a software ArcView Release 3.0 a to be used to divide zones with ArcView spatial analyze function and GIS overlaying function. AVHRR NDVI satellite images were collected to form a new one for prevalent season, which were overlaid with distribution maps of heterozygous indices of snail populations, polymorphic locus percentage and infection rates of snail population with schistosome for classifying the images.

RESULTS

Spatial analysis showed that distribution maps of genetic heterozygous indices of snail, percentage of polymophic loci and infection rate of snail can be divided into two large zones, i.e., east zone and west zone, both with varied pictures. Analysis for overlaying three-stratum distribution map with AVHRR NDVI satellite image showed four distinctly different spatial zones, including west Sichuan zone, west Yunnan zone, middle zone of river, lake and marshland, and southeast coastal zone.

CONCLUSION

It is the first time using GIS to analyze data of Oncomelania population genetics and confirmed the population structure of Oncomelania snails presented discrete sub-population model, which supports the theory of sub-species of Oncomelania spp. Exited in mainland China.

[Health-related quality of life in hypertensive patients]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for hypertensive patients (HBP) and to provide reasonable evidence for evaluating the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy in clinical practice.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was used to survey 106 patients with HBP and 127 nomotensives using SF-36 short form of quality of life in the community. The cutoff point score of HRQOL was decided by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) Curve analysis. There were 60 patients with BP > or = 160/95 mm Hg who had been treated by antihypertensive drugs for 6 months. Before and after the treatment, their HRQOL was measured and evaluated, and the relationship between the change of HRQOL and antihypertensive effect was evaluated.

RESULTS

Apart from physical function and pain, other 7 domains were significantly lower in the hypertensive group than in the normotensive group, which included social function, role limitations attributed to both physical and emotional problems, mental health, activity or fatigue and overall evaluation of health (P < 0.05-0.001). A cutoff point of HRQOL was decided using ROC analysis in which the 290 score was the best one for diagnostic HRQOL with the sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 70%. The target rate of the antihypertensive care and the improved rate of HRQOL for 60 patients with HBP were 63% and 75% separately for a 6-month treatment.

CONCLUSION

The HRQOL of these hypertensives was significantly lower than that in the normotensives in the study. The measurement of HRQOL was more useful to evaluate the antihypertensive effectiveness in clinical practice.

[Effects of humic acid on lipid peroxidation in arsenosis prevalent areas]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the causes of blackfoot disease in Taiwan.

METHODS

Experiments to induce lipid peroxidation by arsenic and humic acid were made in vitro. Arsenic was determined for the water sampled from the arsenosis prevalent areas in Inner Mongolia and blackfoot disease prevalent areas in Taiwan and humic acid determined for the extracts of the coal rich in arsenic sampled from Guizhou Province in China by MDA-TBA colorimetry.

RESULTS

Experiments found that humic acid could induce lipid peroxidation caused by sodium salt of unsaturated fatty acids in vitro in a weak and unstable manner, which could be promoted by 0.05 mmol/L of Fe(+ +) and not by 1 mmol/L As(2)O(3). The extent of lipid peroxidation caused depended on the sources, constituents and structure of humic acid samples, those from Inner Mongolia ranked the highest, those from Guizhou and Taiwan the medium and the commercial humic acid (Aldrich Co. in the US) the lowest. The experiments also found that lipid peroxidation caused by commercial humic acid presented a dynamic process in the existence of trace amount of iron, and humic acid could decompose the products of lipid peroxidation.

CONCLUSION

The experiments suggested the relations of humic acid and arsenic to iron and other transition elements in the blackfoot disease prevalent areas and areas with an environment rich in arsenic and humic acid.

[Advances in chromatography and related techniques in China--status report in 1996-1997]

An overview of the use of chromatography and related techniques in China is given in 1996-1997. This review includes five parts, the statistical results of the scientific papers published in 15 domestic and a few foreign periodicals which are closely related to chromatography and presented on 1997 Beijing Conference and Exhibition on Instrumental Analysis and the 11th National Symposium of Chromatography, about chromatographic theory, GC, LC and CE. One hundred thirty seven references are cited.