Dimethylglyoxime Clathrate as Ligand Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon-Supported Nano-Metal Particles as Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Nitrogen-doped carbon-supported metal nano-particles show great promise as high-performance catalysts for novel energies, organic synthesis, environmental protection, and other fields. The synergistic effect between nitrogen-doped carbon and metal nano-particles enhances the catalytic properties. Thus, how to effectively combine nitrogen-doped carbon with metal nano-particles is a crucial factor for the synthesis of novel catalysts. In this paper, we report on a facile method to prepare nitrogen-doped carbon-supported metal nano-particles by using dimethylgly-oxime as ligand. The nano-particles of Pd, Ni, Cu, and Fe were successfully prepared by the pyrolysis of the corresponding clathrate of ions and dimethylglyoxime. The ligand of dimethylglyoxime is adopted as the source for the nitrogen-doped carbon. The nano-structure of the prepared Pd, Ni, Cu, and Fe particles are confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and trans-mission electron microscopy tests. The catalytic performances of the obtained metal nano-particles for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are investigated by cyclic voltammetry, Tafel, linear sweeping voltammetry, rotating disc electrode, rotating ring disc electrode, and other technologies. Results show that the nitrogen-doped carbon-supported metal nano-particles can be highly efficient catalysts for ORR. The results of the paper exhibit a facile methodology to prepare nitrogen-doped carbon-supported metal nano-particles.

Human distribution and spatial-temporal clustering analysis of human brucellosis in China from 2012 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is a major public health issue in China, while its temporal and spatial distribution have not been studied in depth. This study aims to better understand the epidemiology of brucellosis in the mainland of China, by investigating the human, temporal and spatial distribution and clustering characteristics of the disease. METHODS: Human brucellosis data from the mainland of China between 2012 and 2016 were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The spatial autocorrelation analysis of ArcGIS10.6 and the spatial-temporal scanning analysis of SaTScan software were used to identify potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in the mainland of China during the study period. RESULTS: A total of 244 348 human brucellosis cases were reported during the study period of 2012-2016. The average incidence of human brucellosis was higher in the 40-65 age group. The temporal clustering analysis showed that the high incidence of brucellosis occurred between March and July. The spatial clustering analysis showed that the location of brucellosis clustering in the mainland of China remained relatively fixed, mainly concentrated in most parts of northern China. The results of the spatial-temporal clustering analysis showed that Heilongjiang represents a primary clustering area, and the Tibet, Shanxi and Hubei provinces represent three secondary clustering areas. CONCLUSIONS: Human brucellosis remains a widespread challenge, particularly in northern China. The clustering analysis highlights potential high-risk human groups, time frames and areas, which may require special plans and resources to monitor and control the disease.

The spatiotemporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China from 2007-2016.

BACKGROUND: Despite the considerable efforts made to address the issue of brucellosis worldwide, its prevalence in dairy products continues to be difficult to estimate and represents a key public health issue around the world today. The aim of the present study was to better understand the epidemiology of this disease in mainland China. We set out to investigate the yearly spatial distribution and possible hotspots of the disease. METHODS: Human brucellosis data from mainland China between 2007 and 2016 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. A geographic information system ArcGIS10.3 (ESRI, Redlands) was used to identify potential changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of human brucellosis in mainland China during the study period. These distributions were evaluated using three-dimensional trend analysis and spatial autocorrelation analyse. A gravity-center was used to analyse the migration track of human brucellosis. RESULTS: A total of 399,578 cases of human brucellosis were reported during the 10-year study period. The monthly incidence of brucellosis in China demonstrates clear seasonality. Spring and summer are the peak seasons, while May is the peak month for brucellosis. Three-dimensional trend analysis suggests that brucellosis is on the rise from south to north, and that the epidemic situation in northern China is more severe. Between 2007 and 2016, the overall migration distance of the brucellosis incidence gravity-center was 906.43 km, and the direction was southwest. However, the overall gravity center of brucellosis was still in the northern part of China. In the global autocorrelation analysis, brucellosis in China demonstrated a non-random distribution between 2013 and 2014, with spatial autocorrelation (Z > 1.96, P < 0.05) and a clustering trend, while no clustering trend was found from 2007 to 2012 or from 2015 to 2016. In the local autocorrelation analysis, a Low-Low cluster phenomenon was found in the south of China in 2013 and 2014. CONCLUSION: Human brucellosis remains a widespread challenge, particularly in northern China. The hotspots highlight potential high-risk areas which may require special plans and resources for monitoring and controlling the disease.

Clinical characteristics and managements of severe hand, foot and mouth disease caused by enterovirus A71 and coxsackievirus A16 in Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a transmissible infectious disease caused by human enteroviruses (EV). Here, we described features of children with severe HFMD caused by EV-A71 or coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) in Shanghai, China. METHODS: Severe EV-A71 or CV-A16 caused HFMD children admitted to the Xinhua Hospital from January 2014 and December 2016, were recruited retrospectively to the study. Symptoms and findings at the time of hospitalization, laboratory tests, treatments, length of stay and residual findings at discharge were systematically recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Of 19,995 children visited clinic service with probable HFMD, 574 children (2.87%) were admitted, 234 children (40.76%) were confirmed with EV-A71 (90/574) or CV-A16 (144/574) disease. Most (91.02%) of the patients were under 5 years. Initial clinical symptoms of EV-A71 and CV-A16 cases were: fever > 39 °C in 81 (90%) and 119 (82.63%), vomiting in 31 (34.44%) and 28 (19.44%), myoclonic twitching in 19 (21.11%) and 11(7.64%), startle in 21 (23.33%) and 20 (13.69%), respectively. Serum levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly upregulated in severe HFMD subjects. Forty-seven children (20.08%) treated with intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) showed decreased duration of illness episodes. All children were discharged without complications. CONCLUSIONS: EV-A71 and CV-A16 accounted 40.76% of admitted HFMD during 2014 to 2016 in Xinhua Hospital. IVIG appeared to be beneficial in shortening the duration of illness episodes of severe HFMD.

Clinical characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of pneumococcal isolates of pediatric invasive pneumococcal disease in China.

PURPOSE: Streptococcus pneumoniae causes serious infections globally, including invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We analyze clinical features of pediatric IPD cases identified in China and antibiotic susceptibility of isolated pneumococcal strains. METHODS: Confirmed pediatric IPD patients were prospectively recruited to the study. Symptoms at the time of hospitalization, laboratory tests, antimicrobial susceptibility of pneumococcal isolates, treatments, hospital stay, and residual findings at discharge were analyzed systematically. RESULTS: From January 2008 to December 2017, a total of 123 hospitalized children diagnosed with IPD were enrolled: 68 from pediatric departments of Xinhua Hospital, and 55 from Lanzhou University Second Hospital. Of these pediatric IPD patients, 81 (65.86%) were male, and 98 (79.67%) <5 years old. Most cases (96, 78.05%) were diagnosed during the cold season between September and February. Sepsis was observed in 82 (66.67%) patients, 48 (39.02%) children were diagnosed with meningitis, 41 (33.33%) with pneumonia, 30 (24.39%) with pleurisy, and 4 (3.25%) with osteomyelitis. Underlying diseases were noted in 35 (28.45%) patients and concurrent infections in 45 (36.58%). The overall mortality rate was 2.44%. IPD children who developed sepsis and necrotizing pneumonia showed higher proportions of intensive care-unit admission, intravenous γ-globulin, glucocorticoid use, hemofiltration and ventilator, and longer duration of fever, hospital stay, and antibiotic use than nonsepsis and pneumonia subjects. Antimicrobial resistance of S. pneumoniae showed a highly unsusceptible rate for erythromycin (96.75%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (79.67%), and tetracycline (77.23%). All isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, and levofloxacin. CONCLUSION: Clinical symptoms were severe in the majority of pediatric IPD patients. More intensive treatments were demanded for IPD children with sepsis and necrotizing pneumonia. High resistance rates for erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline were found.

[Association between SLC22A12 rs1529909 and rs7929627 polymorphism and hyperuricemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between SLC22A12 gene rs1529909 and rs7929627 polymorphism and hyperuricemia of residents in Yinchuan, Ningxia province. METHODS: Through retrospective analysis in healthy subjects from April to November in 2014, 365 patients with hyperuricemia were selected. 1∶ 1 matched casecontrol study was carried out, matched with age( ± 5 years old), gender, race, and selected 365 people with normal serum uric acid levels as the control group. All subjects were investigated by questionnaire, had a physical examination, and collected fastingvenous blood for biochemical markers and gene polymorphism detection. Paired t test was used to compare the mean of two samples, and the influencing factors were analyzed by conditional logistic regression. The interaction of two sites on hyperuricemia was analyzed by MDR software. RESULTS: The body mass index, blood uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol and triglyceride in the case group were higher than those in the control group, the difference was statistically significant( P < 0. 05). There was a significant differences between male cases and control group in the allele frequency of rs1529909( χ~2= 4. 887, P = 0. 027). There had a significant difference in the frequency of rs7929627 between the Hui case and control group( χ~2= 14. 906, P = 0. 002), also a significant difference between the male case and control group( χ~2= 9. 749, P = 0. 021). Additionally, theresult of interaction analysis showed that the distribution of high risk and low risk genotype had a statistically significant difference( χ~2= 8. 338, P = 0. 004). The risk of hyperuricemia with high genotype was 1. 536 times of those who had low-risk genotypes( OR = 1. 536, 95% CI1. 147-2. 057). CONCLUSION: rs1529909 and rs7929627 were associated with hyperuricemia among men. rs7929627 was related to it in the Hui. There may be a strong antagonistic effect on hyperuricemia between rs1529909 and rs7929627.

Respiratory syncytial virus-associated intensive care unit admission in children in Southern China.

BACKGROUND: There are incomplete data on the global burden of viral lower respiratory tract infection, in particular the role of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, in children requiring health services. FINDINGS: In this study set in a large urban area of southern China from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2010, children 1 month to 14 years of age with RSV-associated "severe" or "very severe pneumonia" according to World Health Organization definitions, and meeting local criteria for admission to the pediatric intensive care unit, were followed for the course of their admission. The median age was 3 months and 79% (135/171) of children with RSV were under six months of age. All children needed supplemental oxygen, and 22% required mechanical ventilatory support. The mortality rate was 3.5%. In multivariate analysis, congenital heart disease and Trisomy 21 were associated with death. CONCLUSIONS: Children admitted to an intensive care unit with RSV-associated severe/very pneumonia in a large urban setting in southern China were most commonly ≤ six months old and almost one quarter of these had respiratory failure. The overall mortality rate was 3.5%. RSV vaccine strategies that would protect children from early infancy are urgently needed.

A 4 year prospective study to determine risk factors for severe community acquired pneumonia in children in southern China.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is the major cause of death under 5 years. With high CAP numbers in China and growing access to PICUs, factors associated with severe CAP need to be determined to optimize care. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively determine PICU CAP admission features and outcomes. METHODS: A 4 year prospective study of CAP aged 1 month to <14 years admitted to PICU, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, China. All were managed in a standard manner. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings were collected systematically. All received antibiotics. RESULTS: Eight hundred ten (7%) of 10,836 CAP hospital admissions needed PICU. Seven hundred seven (87%) were enrolled. PICU CAP children were young (76% ≤ 12 months) and 33% had co-morbid conditions; 21% congenital heart disease.21% required mechanical ventilation. The average length of PICU stay was 5 days (range, 3-27). The case fatality rate was 5.8%. Viruses were detected in 38%, RSV 24%; bacteria in 23%, Streptococcus pneumoniae 7%, Haemophilus influenza b 4%, Mycoplasma 11%. On single factor analysis, PICU admission respiratory rate >70/min, grunting/groaning, head nodding, cyanosis, and anemia were associated with respiratory failure and with fatality. On multivariate analysis only presence of congenital heart disease, Trisomy 21 and immunodeficiency correlated with fatality; not microbe nor PICU findings. CONCLUSIONS: Young age and underlying congenital heart disease were associated factors for PICU support in CAP in China. Early referral if altered sensorium, high respiratory rate, head nodding, grunting and anemia, and universal access to conjugated vaccines may decrease morbidity and mortality.

A five-year review of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in children hospitalized at a single center in southern China.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia is uncommon. It is mostly seen with impaired immune defenses and is most often nosocomially acquired, but it does occasionally occur in the previously healthy. Empiric antibiotics not effective against P. aeruginosa can result in poor outcomes. To determine the risk factors for P. aeruginosa bacteremia, all pediatric cases of P. aeruginosa bacteremia hospitalized at a single center over a 5-year period were reviewed. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study (2006-2010) of P. aeruginosa bacteremia in children under 14 years of age assessing demographics, the presence of underlying diseases, whether nosocomially acquired, clinical and laboratory findings, P. aeruginosa antibiotic susceptibility, antibiotic therapy, and clinical outcomes was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-one children, mean age 46 months, had P. aeruginosa bacteremia (2.6% positive blood cultures); 18 cases were nosocomial, none were multi-resistant, and 13 (42%) had P. aeruginosa isolated from a site other than blood. Ten cases occurred in previously healthy children, all of which were community-acquired, and these children were more likely to present with seizures and gastrointestinal findings than those with underlying conditions. The overall case fatality rate was 52% (16/31); 6/16 were previously healthy. Fatal cases had more leukopenia, elevated aspartate aminotransferase, and lower prealbumin A. Fewer fatal cases (6/16 vs. 14/15) had initial antibiotic coverage effective for P. aeruginosa (p=0.002). No difference in case fatality rate (p>0.05) or antibiotic sensitivity (p>0.05) was found between community-acquired and nosocomial cases. CONCLUSIONS: P. aeruginosa bacteremia in children is rare but often fatal if initial antibiotics do not cover P. aeruginosa. Factors indicative of P. aeruginosa bacteremia remain elusive, especially in previously healthy young children. However, P. aeruginosa bacteremia should be considered if children present with a grave illness, seizures, serious gastrointestinal findings, hypotension, and leukopenia.

Risk factors and outcomes for pandemic H1N1 influenza compared with seasonal influenza in hospitalized children in China.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical features and outcomes of children hospitalized in China with pandemic (p)H1N1 between 2009 and 2010 versus seasonal influenza A between 2008 and 2009. METHODS: Systematic review of laboratory-confirmed admissions to the Children's Hospital, Soochow University (Suzhou, China). RESULTS: Seventy-five children younger than 14 years of age were admitted with pH1N1, 70 with H3N2 and three with seasonal H1N1. With pH1N1, the mean age was older (36 months versus seven months), the length of stay was longer (nine days versus seven days), underlying conditions were more common (29% versus 15%), anemia was more common (11% versus 0%) (P<0.05), with trends toward more secondary bacterial pneumonia and intensive care unit care, compared with seasonal influenza. Two of the 75 children with pH1N1 died versus no deaths in children with seasonal influenza. None of the children had received pH1N1, seasonal influenza, conjugated pneumococal or Haemophilus influenzae b vaccines. CONCLUSION: In China, children hospitalized with pH1N1 influenza differed from case series in Canada, Argentina and the United States, suggesting that locale, background and health care system influenced the presentation and outcomes of pandemic and seasonal influenza.

OBJECTIF: Comparer les caractéristiques cliniques et les issues d'enfants hospitalisés en Chine en raison de la pandémie de grippe (p)H1N1 entre 2009 et 2010 à ceux hospitalisés à cause de l'influenza A saisonnière entre 2008 et 2009. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Analyse systématique des hospitalisations confirmées en laboratoire à l'hôpital universitaire pour enfants de Suzhou, en Chine. RÉSULTATS: Soixante-quinze enfants de moins de 14 ans ont été hospitalisés en raison de la grippe pH1N1, 70, en raison de la grippe H3N2 et trois, de l'influenza saisonnière H1N1. En cas de grippe pH1N1, les patients avaient un âge moyen plus élevé (36 mois par rapport à sept), étaient hospitalisés plus longtemps (neuf jours plutôt que sept), étaient plus souvent atteints de maladies sous-jacentes (29 % par rapport à 15 %) ou d'anémie (11 % plutôt que 0 %) (P<0,05) et présentaient une tendance vers un plus grand nombre de pneumonies bactériennes secondaires et de séjours à l'unité de soins intensifs que ceux ayant une influenza saisonnière. Deux des 75 enfants sont décédés de la grippe pH1N1, mais aucun de l'influenza saisonnière. Aucun des enfants n'avait reçu le vaccin contre la grippe pH1N1, contre l'influenza saisonnière ou contre l'Haemophilus influenzae de type b ou le vaccin conjugué contre le pneumocoque. CONCLUSION: En Chine, les enfants hospitalisés en raison de la grippe pH1N1 étaient différents de la série de cas du Canada, de l'Argentine et des États-Unis, ce qui laisse croire que le lieu, l'historique et le système de santé influent sur la présentation et les issues de la grippe pandémique et de l'influenza saisonnière.

Distribution of toenail selenium levels in young adult Caucasians and African Americans in the United States: the CARDIA Trace Element Study.

BACKGROUND: Data on selenium (Se) levels in American young adults, especially in African Americans, are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study presented toenail Se distributions in American young adults of both genders, including both Caucasians and African Americans; and explored potential predictors of toenail Se levels. DATA AND METHODS: Data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study among 4252 American young adults, aged 20-32 in 1987 was used to examine toenail Se levels by instrumental neutron-activation analysis. The distribution of Se levels was described and multivariable linear regression was used to examine potential modifiers of toenail Se concentration within ethnicity-gender subgroups. RESULTS: The geometric mean of toenail Se in this cohort was 0.844 µg/g (95% CI, 0.840-0.849 µg/g) and the median was 0.837 µg/g (95% CI, 0.833-0.844 µg/g). Median levels from lowest to highest quintile were 0.691, 0.774, 0.838, 0.913 and 1.037 µg/g. Se levels varied geographically, and were generally in accordance with its concentrations in local soil. Males, African Americans, current smokers, heavy drinkers and less educated participants were more likely to have low Se levels. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that toenail Se levels vary geographically depending on soil Se concentrations. In addition to gender, ethnicity and education level, smoking status and alcohol consumption are two important indicators of Se status since they are modifiable lifestyle factors. Findings from this study might aid public health professionals in identifying people at relatively high or low Se levels, so that chronic disease prevention efforts can be directed toward these subgroups.

Vaccine preventable community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized children in Northwest China.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity in industrialized countries and morbidity/mortality in developing countries. In China, comprehensive studies of the etiology of CAP in children aged between 2 months and 14 years who are serious enough to require hospitalization are lacking. Previous studies have been limited in child age range, focused on fatal cases, and/or limited in etiologies sought. An understanding of the etiologies is needed for development of best prevention and management practices. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to prospectively determine during a 12-month period the etiology of CAP in hospitalized children in a center in Northwest China. DESIGN/METHODS: A prospective 12-month study (2004-2005) of CAP cases in children who were 2 months to 14 years of age admitted to the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, China. Testing included admission and 1-month postdischarge serum for viral and bacterial serologic analyses (respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and B, paraflu 1-3, adenovirus; Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza B, Mycoplasma, and Moraxella. catarrhalis), blood culture, a nasopharyngeal aspirate for viral antigen testing, and a chest radiograph on admission and 1 month postdischarge. The study was funded by Lanzhou University. The study was performed in compliance with the guidelines of the institutional review board of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University. RESULTS: CAP was the admitting diagnosis for 29% of all admissions during the 12-month study. Of the 884 CAP cases, 821 (93%) were enrolled and completed the study. The age range was 2 months to 14 years; mean age was 2.3 years; 40% were <1 year. The average length of stay was 9.2 days (range, 6-20) but varied by age and etiology. Fourteen percent had received antibiotics before admission and 14% had underlying illnesses; 12% required intensive care unit treatment and 5 died. A microbial etiology for CAP was identified in 547 (67%); viral 535 (43%), bacterial 228 (27%), mixed viral bacterial 107 (13%), mixed viral in 1%, and mixed bacterial in 1%. The etiology varied by age; respiratory syncytial virus was most common in <1 year, S. pneumoniae and Hib 1-3 years, and Mycoplasma 5 years. Three potentially vaccine preventable etiologies accounted for 35% of the cases: influenza 9%, Hib 12%, and S. pneumonia 14%. CONCLUSIONS: CAP is a major cause of childhood admission in China. Given the etiologic findings in this study, potentially 25% to 35% of cases could be prevented if seasonal influenza vaccine and conjugated H. influenza b and conjugated pneumococcal vaccines were introduced into routine practice.

[A case-control study on risk factors for tuberculosis in Yinchuan city].

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk factors of tuberculosis in Yinchuan city and lay a basis for its prevention and control. METHODS: A matched case-control (119:179) study for the risk factors was carried out. Data were analyzed with single-variable analysis and multiple factor logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Single-variable analysis showed that the education background (chi2 = 2.363, P = 0.018), family economic income (chi2 = 3.040, P = 0.002), smoking (chi2 = 2.500, P = 0.012), physical activities (chi2 = 2.330, P = 0.020), bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination history (chi2 = 22.151, P = 0.000), history of exposure to tuberculosis (chi2 = 15.740, P = 0.000) and so on had significant effects on tuberculosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that family monthly income, smoking, physical activity, BCG vaccination history, history of exposure to tuberculosis entered the final regression model (chi2 = 5.880, 7.368, 3.891, 21.127, 14.536; OR = 0.529, 1.571, 0.774, 0.264, 3.978; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: History of exposure to tuberculosis and smoking should be the risk factors of tuberculosis in Yinchuan. Having much income, physical activities, and BCG vaccination history should be the preventive factors.