Application of Copper-Sulfur Compound Electrode Materials in Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors (SCs) are a novel type of energy storage device that exhibit features such as a short charging time, a long service life, excellent temperature characteristics, energy saving, and environmental protection. The capacitance of SCs depends on the electrode materials. Currently, carbon-based materials, transition metal oxides/hydroxides, and conductive polymers are widely used as electrode materials. However, the low specific capacitance of carbon-based materials, high cost of transition metal oxides/hydroxides, and poor cycling performance of conductive polymers as electrodes limit their applications. Copper-sulfur compounds used as electrode materials exhibit excellent electrical conductivity, a wide voltage range, high specific capacitance, diverse structures, and abundant copper reserves, and have been widely studied in catalysis, sensors, supercapacitors, solar cells, and other fields. This review summarizes the application of copper-sulfur compounds in SCs, details the research directions and development strategies of copper-sulfur compounds in SCs, and analyses and summarizes the research hotspots and outlook, so as to provide a reference and guidance for the use of copper-sulfur compounds.

Advances in the research of carbon electrodes for perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) were first proposed in 2009. They have the advantages of low cost, a simple manufacturing process and excellent photoelectric performance. PSC electrodes are mainly made from precious metals such as gold and silver. Still, the cost of precious metals is high and they react with the other components of the PSCs, resulting in the poor stability of the photovoltaic device. Using carbon as an electrode material can both reduce the cost and significantly improve the stability of the photovoltaic device. However, the poor interface contact between the carbon electrode and perovskite and carbon electrode resistance results in poor photovoltaic device photoelectric performance. Finding a way to successfully utilize carbon as an alternative electrode material is a key step toward moving PSCs from the laboratory to industrialization. This paper reviews the application of carbon black, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and composite carbon electrode in PSCs, focusing on progress in the research of doping, structure, interface modification and the production process.

Cost-Effectiveness of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis Prevention Based on Its Predicted Incidence within the Datong Coal Mine Group in China.

We aimed to estimate the economic losses currently caused by coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) and, on the basis of these measurements, confirm the economic benefit of preventive measures. Our cohort study included 1,847 patients with CWP and 43,742 coal workers without CWP who were registered in the employment records of the Datong Coal Mine Group. We calculated the cumulative incidence rate of pneumoconiosis using the life-table method. We used the dose-response relationship between cumulative incidence density and cumulative dust exposure to predict the future trend in the incidence of CWP. We calculate the economic loss caused by CWP and economic effectiveness of CWP prevention by a step-wise model. The cumulative incidence rates of CWP in the tunneling, mining, combining, and helping cohorts were 58.7%, 28.1%, 21.7%, and 4.0%, respectively. The cumulative incidence rates increased gradually with increasing cumulative dust exposure (CDE). We predicted 4,300 new CWP cases, assuming the dust concentrations remained at the levels of 2011. If advanced dustproof equipment was adopted, 537 fewer people would be diagnosed with CWP. In all, losses of 1.207 billion Renminbi (RMB, official currency of China) would be prevented and 4,698.8 healthy life years would be gained. Investments in advanced dustproof equipment would be total 843 million RMB, according to our study; the ratio of investment to restored economic losses was 1:1.43. Controlling workplace dust concentrations is critical to reduce the onset of pneumoconiosis and to achieve economic benefits.

Association between polymorphisms of interleukin-17A and interleukin-17F genes and silicosis susceptibility in Chinese Han people.

BACKGROUND: To explore the relationship between polymorphisms of interleukin17 (IL-17) gene(A-832G 7488A/G) and the susceptibility to silicosis, a risk factor for lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 113 silicosis patients and 116 workers without silicosis were enrolled in the case-control study. IL-17A A-832G and IL-17F 7488A/G polymorphisms were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The frequencies of AA,GG and AG of IL-17A A-832G locus in the case and control groups were 46.9%, 8.0%, 45.1%, and 49.2%, 7.6%, 43.2%, respectively, with no significant differences (p>0.05).The GG genotype in the IL-17F (7488A/G) locus was not found. The frequencies of AA and GA of IL-17F 7488A/G locus in the case and control groups were 84.1%, 15.9% and 66.4%, 33.6%, respectively (p<0.05). Analysis of combined effects showed that the individuals with GG+AG genotype of IL-17A and GG+GA genotype of IL-17F are protected against silicosis (OR=0.469). CONCLUSIONS: IL-17F 7488A/G is associated with susceptibility to silicosis, and G allele may have a protective effect. No relationship was found between IL-17A gene polymorphisms at A-832G and silicosis.

[Relationship between genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -3 and susceptibility to silicosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the genetic polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) (-735) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) (-1171) and the susceptibility to silicosis. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in 113 patients diagnosed with stage I silicosis (case group) and 115 dust-exposed workers without silicosis (control group); the two groups had the same sex, ethnic group, and type of dust and similar age and cumulative exposure time. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the genotypes of MMP-2 (-735) and MMP-3 (-1171). RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in age, cumulative exposure time, or smoking rate between cases and controls (P > 0.05). The frequencies of genotypes C/C, C/T, and T/T at MMP-2 C-735T in the case group were 57.5% (65/113), 31.0% (35/113), and 11.5% (13/113), respectively, which were significantly different from those of the control group (69.6% (80/115), 26.9% (31/115), and 3.5% (4/115)), χ² = 6.542, P < 0.05). The frequencies of T allele in cases and controls were 27.0% and 17.0%, respectively, which were significantly different from each other χ² = 6.704, P < 0.05). Carriage of T allele at MMP-2 C-735T increased the risk of silicosis (OR = 1.811, 95% CI: 1.151-2.847). The frequencies of genotypes 6A/6A, 5A/6A, and 5A/5A at MMP-3 A-1171A were 67.2% (76/113), 24.8% (28/113), and 8.0% (9/113), respectively, in the case group, versus 59.1% (68/115), 37.4% (43/115), and 3.5% (4/115) in the control group (χ² = 5.519, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Genetic polymorphism at MMP-2 C-735T is significantly associated with the development of silicosis. Carriage of T allele increases the risk of silicosis among workers exposed to dust. No significant association was found between MMP-3 A-1171A polymorphism and silicosis in this study.

[The relationship between polymorphisms of epidermal growth factor gene and silicosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene polymorphisms at G-61A, R431K, and D784V and susceptibility to silicosis. METHODS: In a case-control study, 116 patients diagnosed with stage I silicosis were included in the case group, and 149 workers without silicosis of the same gender and nationality, exposed to the same nature of dust, and with similar age and cumulative time of dust exposure were included in the control group. Peripheral venous blood was collected, DNA was extracted by salting out, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to identify the genotypes at three polymorphic loci of EGF and the allele frequencies, and their distributions in the case group and control group were analyzed. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of G-61A GG, GA, and AA in the case group were 50.9%, 34.5%, and 14.7%, respectively, and significant differences were found when comparing the data with those in the control group (35.6%,44.3%, and 20.1%), (χ(2) = 6.283, P = 0.048). The distribution frequencies of allele A in the case group and control group were 31.9%and 42.3%, respectively, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.554, P = 0.018). The risk of silicosis in workers carrying allele G at G-61A was increased by 1.564 times (OR = 1.564, 95%CI: 1.092∼2.024). The genotype frequencies of D784V AA, AT, and TT in the case group were 58.6%, 34.5%, and 6.9%, respectively, versus 65.1%, 31.5%, and 3.4% in the control group, and the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (χ(2) = 2.278, P = 0.320). The genotype frequencies of R431K GG, GA, and AA in the case group were 56.9%, 39.7%, and 3.4%, respectively, versus 55.0%, 39.6%, and 5.4% in the control group, and the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (χ(2) = 0.572, P = 0.751). CONCLUSION: The EGF gene polymorphism at G-61A is associated with susceptibility to silicosis, and the risk of silicosis in dust-exposed workers carrying GG genotype is relatively high. No relationship between EGF gene polymorphisms at D784V and R431K and silicosis is found.

Risk identification and prediction of coal workers' pneumoconiosis in Kailuan Colliery Group in China: a historical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Prior to 1970, coal mining technology and prevention measures in China were poor. Mechanized coal mining equipment and advanced protection measures were continuously installed in the mines after 1970. All these improvements may have resulted in a change in the incidence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). Therefore, it is important to identify the characteristics of CWP today and trends for the incidence of CWP in the future. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A total of 17,023 coal workers from the Kailuan Colliery Group were studied. A life-table method was used to calculate the cumulative incidence rate of CWP and predict the number of new CWP patients in the future. The probability of developing CWP was estimated by a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network for each coal worker without CWP. The results showed that the cumulative incidence rates of CWP for tunneling, mining, combining, and helping workers were 31.8%, 27.5%, 24.2%, and 2.6%, respectively, during the same observation period of 40 years. It was estimated that there would be 844 new CWP cases among 16,185 coal workers without CWP within their life expectancy. There would be 273.1, 273.1, 227.6, and 69.9 new CWP patients in the next <10, 10-, 20-, and 30- years respectively in the study cohort within their life expectancy. It was identified that coal workers whose risk probabilities were over 0.2 were at high risk for CWP, and whose risk probabilities were under 0.1 were at low risk. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The present and future incidence trends of CWP remain high among coal workers. We suggest that coal workers at high risk of CWP undergo a physical examination for pneumoconiosis every year, and the coal workers at low risk of CWP be examined every 5 years.

[Autophagy in lung tissue of rats exposed to silica dust].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the autophagy of effector cells in lung tissue at different time points when rats were exposed to free SiO2 dust. METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats (220∼230 g) were selected and allocated to experimental group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). In the experimental group, a rat silicosis model was established by infusing SiO2 suspension into the trachea of rats. Six rats in each group were sacrificed on days 1, 7, 14, 21, or 28 of dust exposure. Lung tissue samples were collected to prepare lung tissue sections. The pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis were observed by HE staining. The proautophagosome, autophagosome, and autophagolysosome in lung tissue sections were observed under a transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: On day 1 of dust exposure, many proautophagosomes and autophagosomes were seen in both experimental group and control group. On day 7 of dust exposure, the experimental group had more autophagosomes in lung tissue than the control group. On day 14 of dust exposure, the experimental group had fewer autophagosomes than the control group. On days 21 and 28, autophagolysosomes were seen in macrophage plasma in both experimental group and control group; the autophagolysosomes in experimental group showed cloudy swelling and expansion, and some were vacuolated, and these changes were more significant on day 28. CONCLUSION: Free SiO2 dust can induce autophagy in the lung tissue of rats, with varying degrees at different time points of dust exposure.

[Investigation about prevention behavior for dust workers in machinery, ceramic, and metallurgy industry].

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this thesis were to study the behavior about workers exposed to dust and provide scientific basis for health promotion. METHODS: We designed a questionnaire and carry it on the 746 dust workers in the 3 representative corporations of Machinery, Ceramic, and Metallurgy Industry. All data were input into computer. And a database was established with Excel. SPSS11.5 statistical analysis software was used to analyze the influence on protecting behavioral between the application of qualifications, different jobs, training or protection, and other aspects etc. RESULTS: The rates were 94.4% and 75.3% about the regular physical examination and requirements for protective equipment. The rate of choosing an effective way of protection was generally low (15.4%). There was significant difference for among different educational background workers (P < 0.01). The rates of choosing an effective way of protection (20.3%), the regular physical examination (98.3%) and requirements for protective equipment (86.4%) in the dust workers who participated in the training of dust protection were superior than those who did not participated in the training. There was the significant difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was the significant difference for the rate of effective way of protection, regular physical examination, and requirements for protective equipment among the different corporations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dust workers' using rate about the choosing an effective way of protection was generally low in Machinery, Ceramic, and Metallurgy Industry. Those who were not educated had a lower using rate about the protection behavior, regular physical examination, and requirements for protective equipment than those educated.

[Case-control study of relationship between polymorphisms of interleukin-4 gene and susceptibility of silicosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between polymorphisms of interleukin-4 (IL-4) gene (-33, +45, VNTR, +429, +448) and the susceptibility of silicosis. METHODS: In a case-control study, the case group consisted of 101 patients with silicosis, and was matched with the control group (121 workers without silicosis), according to the age, sex, nationality, working place, exposure to dust. The polymorphisms of IL-4 (five locus) detected by the method of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniques. RESULTS: There was no difference of age, exposure and smoking between case group and control group (P > 0.05). The two groups had good comparability. Only the GA genotype in the IL-4 (+429) locus was found, the genotypes of AA and GG were not found. The CC genotype in the IL-4 (+448) locus was found, the genotypes of CG and GG were not found. The frequencies of AA, GG and AG of IL-4 (+45) locus in the case and control groups were 55.4%, 10.9%, 33.7% and 62.0%, 11.6%, 26.4%, respectively, there was no the significant difference between case and control groups (P > 0.05). The frequencies of B1B1, B2B2 and B1B2 of IL-4 (VNTR) locus in the case and control groups were 73.3%, 1.0%, 25.7% and 68.6%, 1.7%, 29.8%, respectively, there was no the significant difference between case and control groups (P > 0.05). The frequencies of TT, CC and CT in IL-4 -33 locus in the case group were 55.4%, 11.9% and 32.7%, which were significantly higher than those (69.4%, 4.1%, 26.4%) in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no relationship between IL-4 (+45, VNTR) genotypes and prevalence of silicosis in this study. The polymorphisms of IL-4 (+448) site were not found which may be related to the race. The relationship between genetic polymorphism of IL-4 (-33) locus and silicosis development was found, Workers with IL-4 (-33) allele C are susceptible to the silica.

[Macrophage apoptosis and the levels of interleukin-1 and interleukin-8 in the rats exposed to silica].

OBJECTIVE: To study the roles of macrophage apoptosis, IL-1, and IL-8 in the pathogenesis of rat pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica. METHODS: Forty eight male Wistar rats were divided into the 4 control groups (24 rats) and 4 experimental groups (24 rats). Rats in the control groups were treated with 1 ml normal saline by trachea instillation, whereas the rats in experimental groups were exposed 1 ml silica suspension (100 mg/ml) by trachea instillation for 1, 7, 14 and 28 days, respectively. Six rats of each group were sacrificed, then the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues were collected, respectively. Pulmonary inflammation, fibrosis and other pathological changes were detected with H.E. staining. Morphological changes of the early stage apoptosis in macrophages were detected with transmission electron microscope (TEM). The early apoptosis rates of macrophages in BALF were also assessed using Annexin V-FITC/PI kit. The IL-1 and IL-8 levels of serum were measured with the ELISA. RESULTS: The apoptotic rates (11.48% +/- 0.24%, 16.03% +/- 0.68%, 15.53% +/- 1.07%, 18.92% +/- 2.70%, respectively) of macrophage in the experimental groups increased obviously with time, as compared to the controls (5.47% +/- 2.06%, 6.39% +/- 0.215, 9.07% +/- 0.61% and 8.54% +/- 0.16%, Respectively) (P < 0.05). The IL-1 levels of serum in the experimental groups were 23.64 +/- 0.84, 23.38 +/- 1.10, 22.21 +/- 0.86 and 24.29 +/- 1.31 pg/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than those (18.52 +/- 1.23, 18.40 +/- 1.6, 17.92 +/- 2.21 and 18.53 +/- 2.64 pg/ml, respectively) in the control groups (P < 0.05) without time-effect relationship. The serum IL-8 levels on the 1st, 7th and 14th days in the experimental groups were 21.32 +/- 1.44, 21.90 +/- 2.08 and 22.00 +/- 2.80 pg/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than those (17.69 +/- 1.09, 16.98 +/- 2.09 and 17.54 +/- 1.62 pg/ml, respectively) in the control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The early macrophage apoptosis and changes of IL-1 and IL-8 may in lungs may play an important role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica.

[Relationship between gene polymorphism of fibronectin and pneumoconiosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the genetic polymorphism of fibronectin (FN) (4 genetic locus) and pneumoconiosis. METHODS: 128 male I-period pneumoconiosis were selected as cases who were examined with radiography and diagnosed by the Pneumoconiosis Diagnosis Expert Panel, based on the Chinese National Diagnosis Criteria of Pneumoconiosis (GBZ 70 - 2002). According to 1:1 paired matching method, 128 dust exposure workers were selected as control who were exposed to same dust as cases. The difference of age and cumulative length of service between case and control was not over five years and two years, respectively. 5 ml peripheral venous blood was drawn and anticoagulated with 2% EDTA. The polymorphisms of FN (MspI, TaqIb, HindIII, HaeIIIb) were detected, using the method of polymerase chain restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniques and PCR. RESULTS: The frequencies of FN Msp I (CC) in cases and control groups were 10.9% and 3.9%, respectively. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). The frequencies of FN (MspI) C allele were 41.8% and 31.2% in case and control, and the difference between cases and controls was significant (P < 0.05). The frequencies of FN HaeIIIb (AA) genotype in cases (24.2%) was higher than that in control groups (17.9%), OR = 5.0 (95% CI: 4.840 approximately 24.210). The frequencies of FN (HaeIIIb) A allele were 51.9% and 42.2% in case and control, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The difference of TaqIb and HindIII genotype between cases and controls were not significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The risk of suffering from pneumoconiosis increases in workers carrying FN (MspICC or HaeIIIb AA) genotype after exposure to dust. Workers both carrying FN (HaeIIIb AA) and (MspICC) genotypes are more susceptible to pneumoconiosis. The relationship between genetic polymorphism of FN (TaqIIb, HindIII) and pneumoconiosis has not been found.

[Effect of occupational stress on menses and sex hormones of female knitting workers].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of occupational stress on menses and sex hormones. METHODS: 415 female knitting workers were investigated using the generic job stress questionnaire. Their venous blood were collected and the six sex hormones were detected by using radio-immune method. The different rate of abnormal menses and sex hormones level between different stress degree groups were analyzed. RESULTS: The abnormal rate of menses, menstrual blood volume, menstrual cycle, menstrual period was 36.24%, 19.80%, 14.43%, 11.41% respectively. The prevalence rate of dysmenorrheal and premenstrual syndrome was 1.01% and 29.19% respectively. The more depression, the higher menses disorders in non-intrauterine device (IUD) group. The more job demands, the higher daily stress in IUD group while the longer work time, the more abnormal menstrual period in two groups. More physical symptoms and deeper depression in non-IUD group were related to higher abnormal rate of menstrual blood volume. The level of blood E2 was lower in the group of prolonged work-time than that of in normal work-time group. The increasing FSH level and decreasing T level was associated with higher job demands. Multiple factor analysis showed that physical symptom, control of resource and negative life affairs were the risk factors of menses disorder; The physical symptom was the risk factor of menstrual blood volume; More physical symptoms, less positive feeling and shift were the risk factors of premenstrual syndrome; Less positive feeling was the risk factor of menstrual cycle; Prolonged daily work-time was the risk factor of menstrual period. CONCLUSION: Higher stress degree can lead to higher FSH and E2 and lower T level,and induce menses disorder.

[Decrease of cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein and their related factors induced by quartz in human embryonic lung fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression level of cyclin D1-CDK4 protein in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) induced by quartz, and to study whether the expression level of cyclin D1-CDK4 protein mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)/(AP-1) signaling pathways. METHODS: Cells were harvested after stimulation 2 h for the detection of cytokines. Cyclin D1 and CDK4 (cyclin dependent kinase 4) proteins was measured by immunocytochemistry (IC) and Western blot (WB). RESULTS: The exposure of HELF to crystalline quartz for 2 hours could cause the decrease of cyclin D1 and cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) protein expression level, (7.91 +/- 0.29) x 10(3) and (5.17 +/- 0.28) x 10(4) respectively, which was lower than that of the HELF group (P < 0.05). AG126 (chemical inhibitor of the extracellular signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway) and the dominant negative mutant of ERK2 (molecular inhibitor of ERK2), prevented the decrease of cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein expression level. The chemical inhibitor of c-Jun NH2-terminal amino kinase (JNK), SP600125, could prevent both cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein expression level decrease. But SB203580, the chemical inhibitor of p38, prevented neither cyclin D1 nor CDK4 protein expression level decrease. Curcumin could prevent CDK4 protein expression level decrease but not cyclin D1 protein. CONCLUSION: ERKs and JNKs, but not p38, are responsible for the decrease of cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein expression level in HELF induced by quartz. AP-1 is responsible for the decrease of CDK4 expression level but not that of cyclin D1.

Downregulation of cyclin D1-CDK4 protein in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) induced by silica is mediated through the ERK and JNK pathway.

Silica is a factor in the induction of acute injury and chronic pulmonary fibrosis. In 1996, silica was also listed as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, the molecular mechanisms involved in its pathologic effects are not well understood. We found that exposure of human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) to crystalline silica for 2h decreased cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) expression levels. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERKs), c-Jun NH2-terminal amino kinase (JNKs), and p38 kinase, as well as their downstream transcription factor, AP-1, had different effects on the regulation of expression levels of cyclin D1 and CDK4 alterations induced by silica. Silica activates multiple signal transduction pathways involved in coordinating cellular responses to stress. We established the requirements for ERK and JNK, members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, in mediating G1 phase arrest of HELF induced by silica. Silica treatment activated ERK in a dose-dependent manner. AG126 (a chemical inhibitor of the ERK signaling pathway) and the dominant negative mutant of ERK2 (a molecular inhibitor of ERK2) prevented decreases in cyclin D1 and CDK4 expression levels. A chemical inhibitor of JNK, SP600125, prevented the decreased expression of both cyclin D1 and CDK4, whereas SB203580, a chemical inhibitor of p38, did not. Interestingly, curcumin prevented the decrease in DK4 expression, but not in cyclin D1. These results demonstrate that ERKs and JNKs are responsible for the decrease of cyclin D1 and CDK4 expression levels in HELF induced by silica. Activator protein-1 (AP-1) was responsible for the decrease of CDK4 expression level, but not that of cyclin D1. The findings help to explain the mechanisms of diseases induced by silica.

[Investigation on job stress of pediatricians and nurses working in pediatric department].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occupational stressors and modifiers of pediatricians and nurses in order to find the measurements for control of the job stress. METHODS: 427 pediatricians and nurses working in five hospitals of a city served as subjects. Of them, the staff in section of pharmacy and toll offices in each hospital mentioned above served as control group. The General Job Stress Questionnaire was used to investigate the job stress by self-assessment. RESULTS: The scores of job demand, job risk, drug using, daily job stress, positive feelings, patient A behavior, physical environment and feeling balance in pediatricians and nurses were higher than those of control group, but the scores of job-person conflict, environmental control, technology utility, mental health, responsibility on things were lower than those of control group (P<0.05). The points of job future, job locus of control, self-esteem, job satisfaction, job load variance, depression in nurses were higher than those of pediatricians, and non-work activities, job risk and daily life stress were lower than those of doctors (P<0.05). The main affecting factors on job strain of pediatric staff included job monotony, higher job demand, more non-work job, lower job control, more job risk, job future ambiguous, poorer social support, lower job locus control and lower self-esteem. CONCLUSION: The stress degree of pediatric staff is higher than that of controls. The pediatricians have more job stress than that of nurses. The main stressors of pediatric staff are job monotony, higher job demand, more non-worker activity, lower job control, higher job risk and ambiguous job future. The main modifiers are good social support, external job locus of control and higher self-esteem.

[Relationship between gene polymorphism of transforming growth factor-beta and pneumoconiosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between genetic polymorphisms of TGF-beta (TGF-beta) and susceptibility to pneumoconiosis. METHODS: One hundred and seventeen patients with pneumoconiosis were selected as case. The control group was workers exposed to dust but without pneumoconiosis who had the same sex, nationality, and workshop or work site as case. The differences in the age and cumulative exposure time between the case and control group were not move than five years and two years, respectively. The case matched with the control according to 1:1. Polymerase chains reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine the frequencies of TGF-beta genes in the two groups. RESULTS: The frequencies of this TGF-beta (-509) genotypes were CC (22.2%), CT (43.6%) and TT (34.2%) in cases, which was significantly different from the control group, respectively (OR = 1.390, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference for frequency of TGF-beta+869 genotypes and allelic between case and control (P > 0.05). The frequencies of the TGF-beta (+915) genotypes in case [GG (70.9%), GC (29.1%)] were significantly different from the control group (OR = 1.455, P < 0.05). The frequency of TGF-beta (+915) * C allele in the case and control was 14.5% and 8.5%, respectively (P < 0.05). The frequencies of carrying TGF-beta (-509) CC and (+915) GG genotypes were 12.8% and 29.9% in case and control. The frequencies of carrying TGF-beta (-509) * T and (+915) * C alleles were 9.8% and 5.1% in pneumoconiosis and control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta (-509)CC genotype may be the protective factor for the pneumoconiosis. TGF-beta (+915)GC genotype may be a susceptible factor for the pneumoconiosis. The workers of carrying TGF-beta (-509) * T and (+915) * C alleles are more susceptible to pneumoconiosis.

[The activation of MAPK/cyclin D1-CDK4 signaling pathway caused by quartz].

OBJECTIVES: To study the phosphorylation level of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF), and the expression level of cyclin D1-CDK4 protein in S-HELF and whether the expression level of cyclin D1-CDK4 protein mediated by MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway in S-HELF. METHODS: Two kinds of treatment: (1) Cells were harvested after stimulation 2 h for the detection of cytokines. (2) Cells were stimulated by quartz for a long time (2 months) for transformation characters (S-HELF). The MAP kinase was detected by western blot. Cyclin D1 and CDK4 (cyclin dependent kinase 4) proteins was measured by immunocytochemistry. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the alternation of cell cycle. RESULTS: Crystalline quartz could cause the phosphorylation level of ERKs, p38K, and JNKs in HELF increase. However, activated levels of ERKs and p46 of JNKs increased in S-HELF, and p38K activation decreased, and no effect on activation of p54 of JNKs, as compared with those in parental HELF. Cyclin D1 and CDK4 protein expression levels increased in S-HELF as compared with parental HELF. Inhibition of ERKs activation by AG126, AP-1 by curcumin, and JNKs by SP600125 could reduced the induction of cyclin D1 and CDK4, whereas inhibition of p38K by SB203580 did not show any inhibitory effects on S-HELF. CONCLUSIONS: The phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38 increased in HELF exposed to quartz. The phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and JNK1 increased, but the phosphorylation level of p38 decreased in S-HELF. The expression level of cyclin D1-CDK4 protein increased in S-HELF. Overexpression of cyclin D1-CDK4 is due to the activation of ERKs, JNKs/AP-1 signaling pathway in S-HELF.