[Prevalence and associated factors for malnutrition among children under 6 years of age in Hunan province].

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and associated factors of malnutrition among children under 6 years of age in Hunan province. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study. A combination of multistage stratified cluster sampling and systematic sampling approach was used to recruit 10 442 children aged 0-71 months from 144 communities (villages) across 48 streets(towns) in 24 districts(counties) from Hunan province between August and November 2019. Data concerning the children and their mothers, caregivers, and family conditions was collected using unified questionnaire, with the lengths/heights and weights of the children being measured using unified instruments. The length/height for age, weight for age, weight for length/height, and body mass index for age Z scores were calculated and used to evaluate the prevalence of children's stunting, underweight, and wasting. The chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of malnutrition among children with different characteristics. The multivariate Logistic regression model was used to conduct multivariate analysis for childrens' malnutrition. Results: The prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) among children under 6 years of age was 6.8% (710/10 442), and the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting were 3.1% (328/10 442), 2.7% (280/10 442), and 3.3% (343/10 442), respectively. Rural areas (OR=1.60), older age of children (compared with children of 0-11 months, the OR for 12-23, 24-35, 36-47, 48-59, and 60-71 months were 1.42, 1.75, 1.55, 1.70, and 1.88, respectively), low birth weight (OR=2.72), caregivers of minority ethnicity (OR=1.95), and large family size (OR=1.25) were risk factors for children's PEM. Rural areas and low birth weight were risk factors for stunting in children (OR=2.13 and 3.28). Rural areas, low birth weight, caregivers of minority ethnicity, and large family size were risk factors for underweight in children (OR=2.57, 3.34, 1.86, and 1.32). Rural areas (OR=1.43), older age of children (compared with children of 0-11 months, the OR for 24-35, 36-47, 48-59, and 60-71 months were 1.63, 1.80, 1.84 and 2.17, respectively), low birth weight (OR=2.36), caregivers of minority ethnicity (OR=2.88), and large family size (OR=1.42) were risk factors for children's wasting. Higher education level of caregivers was a common protective factor for PEM, stunting, and underweight (OR=0.85, 0.76, and 0.82). Conclusions: The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting among children under 6 years of age in Hunan province were all at a low level. Nevertheless, the urban-rural differences still existed, with these prevalence being affected by children age, birth weight, ethnicity of caregivers, education level, and family size.

[Studies of the norm of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale(KPCS)among parents of infants in urban areas of China].

Objective: To establish the norm of the Chinese version of Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPCS) in urban areas of China. Methods: From August to December 2017, the parents of 2 216 children (<36 months old) were selected from 15 cities (Beijing, Lianyungang, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Changsha, Jinan, Guiyang, Ningbo, Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Maanshan, Chongqing and Wuhan) in 14 provinces by stratified random sampling. The general demographic characteristics and parents' parenting confidence were collected by a self-made questionnaire and KPCS Chinese version. The percentile norm was established. P3, P10 and P25 were used as the criteria to define the degree of lack of parenting confidence. Results: The age of mothers was (30.67±4.29). The age of the father was (32.50±4.99) years old. There were 726 (32.76%), 759 (34.25%) and 731 (32.99%) infants in 6-12, 12-23 and 24-35 months old groups. The total scores of P50, P25, P10 and P3 of KPCS (Chinese version) of infant parents in urban areas in China were 41, 38, 33, and 29 respectively. When the scores of parents were 34-37, 30-33, and ≤ 29, they were judged as mild, moderate, and severe lack of parenting confidence. There was no significant difference in the Chinese version of KPCS between parents of different age groups and parents of different gender (χ²=3.53, P=0.171; χ²=1.41, P=0.236). Each factor score≤P3 is defined as the boundary score, and the corresponding boundary scores of "parenting" "support" and "competence" were 13, 9, and 5 respectively. Conclusion: The Chinese version of KPCS can be used to assess the parenting confidence of infants in urban areas of China. It can used as one of the bases for scientific and objective evaluation of the parenting status of families.

[Prevalence and associated risk factors on preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age among HIV-infected pregnant women in Hunan province, 2011-2017].

Objective: To describe the prevalence of preterm birth (PB), low birth weight (LBW), and small for gestational age (SGA) among HIV-infected pregnant women and to identify associated risk factors in Hunan province. Methods: This study appeared a retrospective one on HIV-infected pregnant women retrieved from Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV management in Hunan province, between January 2011 and December 2017. Information regarding demographic characteristics, pregnancy, antiretroviral therapy (ART), husbands/partners' relevant situation and pregnancy outcomes, among these HIV-infected pregnant women were collected and analyzed. The incidence rates on PB, LBW and SGA were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the associated risk factors. Results: A total of 780 HIV-infected pregnant women were enrolled. The prevalence rates on PB, LBW and SGA in HIV- infected pregnant women appeared as 7.9% (62/780), 9.9% (77/780) and 21.3% (166/780), respectively. Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors as pregnancy related diseases as moderate/severe anemia, hypertensive, initial time of ART <14 gestational weeks (compared to those women without ART during pregnancy) and husbands/partners' age >35 years old (compared to husbands/partners' age 26-30 years old) etc., were associated with an increased risk of PB with adjusted OR as 4.59 (95%CI: 1.51-13.95), 4.90 (95%CI: 1.56-15.46), 2.40 (95%CI: 1.26- 4.56) and 2.29 (95%CI: 1.21-4.36). For LBW, pregnancy moderate/severe anemia, pregnancy HBV infection and initial time of ART <14 gestational weeks were associated with an increased risk of LBW, with adjusted OR as 3.28 (95%CI: 1.13-9.54), 4.37 (95%CI: 1.42-13.44) and 2.68 (95%CI: 1.51-4.76), respectively. For SGA, pregnancy HBV infection and initial time of ART <14 gestational weeks were risk factors for SGA, with adjusted OR as 4.41 (95%CI: 1.43-13.63) and 2.67 (95%CI: 1.51-4.73), respectively. Conclusion: Preterm birth, LBW and SGA were common adverse pregnancy outcomes for HIV-infected pregnant women and were associated with factors as pregnancy complications, ART and husbands/partners' age.

[Clinical study of nasopharyngeal masses with suspicion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in adult patients].

Objective: To improve the accuracy of diagnosis and to reduce the misdiagnosis rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by analyzing the characteristics of such masses. Methods: Clinical data from 55 patients with suspicion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosed and treated between March 2016 and September 2017 were analyzed. All patients were followed up regularly. Results: With following-up of 12 to 25 months, 6 (10.9%) of 55 cases were identified as nasopharyngeal malignant tumors, including 4 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 2 cases of lymphoma, and 49 cases (89.1%) were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal benign masses, including 29 (59.2%) cases for nasopharyngeal lymphoid proliferation, 15 (30.6%) for adenoid hypertrophy, 2 (4.1%) for nasopharyngeal cyst, 1 (2.0%) for polyp, 1 for papilloma and 1 for nasopharyngeal pharyngeal cyst. Small nasopharyngeal malignant tumor and masses with benign hyperplasia showed the overlap of images on the enhanced MRI/CT and Fibro-nasopharyngoscopy, but all 6 patients with nasopharyngeal malignant tumors presented with moderately enhanced multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Conclusions: Fibro-nasopharyngoscopy and enhanced MRI/CT have some value on evaluation of nasopharyngeal masses, but biopsy is a golden standard for diagnosis. Follow-up is necessary for the patients with negative biopsy and benign nasopharyngeal hyperplasia indicated by fibro-nasopharyngoscopy and enhanced MRI/CT.

[Factors associated with malnutrition among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas in Hunan Province, China].

Objective: To describe the situation and identify factors associated with malnutrition among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas in Hunan Province in 2015. Methods: 8 735 rural infants and young children aged 6-23 months in 30 poor counties of Wuling Mountains and Luoxiao Mountains in Hu'nan province were selected by township-level probability proportional to size sampling (PPS) in August 2015, infants' body length and weight were measured, and questionnaires were used to collect infants' information on personal and family, and feeding status in the past 24 h. The prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were calculated according to the Growth Standards of Child Aged Under 7 in China which was established in 2009 by Community Health Department of National Health and Family Planning Commission, China (formerly Chinese MOH), and the prevalence of malnutrition was calculated according to the classification of children with anthropometric failure. Multi non-conditional logistic regression model were used to analyze factors associated with malnutrition among infants and young children aged 6-23 months. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition among infants and young children aged 6-23 months was 13.7% (1 198/8 735), the prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting among infants and young children aged 6-23 months were 4.8% (419/8 735), 9.7% (849/8 735) and 6.1% (531/8 735) respectively. Compared with male group, the OR value of malnutrition for the female group was 1.16; Compared with Han ethnic group, the OR value of malnutrition for the Miao and Tujia ethnic group were 0.83 and 0.66, respectively; Compared with mother with an education level of primary school or below, the OR value of malnutrition for the mother with junior high school, senior high school and university or above education were 0.65, 0.61 and 0.56, respectively; Compared with father with an education level of primary school or below, the OR value of malnutrition for the father with senior high school and university or above education were 0.71 and 0.61 respectively; Compared with normal birth weight group, the OR value of malnutrition for the low birth weight group and high birth weight group were 2.85 and 0.27 respectively; Compared with normal delivery group, the OR value of malnutrition for the premature delivery group was 1.37; all P values<0.05. Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition among infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas in Hunan province in 2015 was high; Infants and young children who were female, Han ethnic, parents with low education, low birth weight and premature delivery had higher risk of malnutrition.

Integrative analyses of transcriptome sequencing identify novel functional lncRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a critical role in cancer initiation and progression, and thus may mediate oncogenic or tumor suppressing effects, as well as be a new class of cancer therapeutic targets. We performed high-throughput sequencing of RNA (RNA-seq) to investigate the expression level of lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in 30 esophageal samples, comprised of 15 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) samples and their 15 paired non-tumor tissues. We further developed an integrative bioinformatics method, denoted URW-LPE, to identify key functional lncRNAs that regulate expression of downstream protein-coding genes in ESCC. A number of known onco-lncRNA and many putative novel ones were effectively identified by URW-LPE. Importantly, we identified lncRNA625 as a novel regulator of ESCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. ESCC patients with high lncRNA625 expression had significantly shorter survival time than those with low expression. LncRNA625 also showed specific prognostic value for patients with metastatic ESCC. Finally, we identified E1A-binding protein p300 (EP300) as a downstream executor of lncRNA625-induced transcriptional responses. These findings establish a catalog of novel cancer-associated functional lncRNAs, which will promote our understanding of lncRNA-mediated regulation in this malignancy.

[Status of, and factors associated with, complementary feeding among infants and young children aged 6- 23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province, China].

Objective: To describe the status of, and to identify the factors associated with, complementary feeding among infants and young children aged 6- 23 months in poor rural areas of Hunan Province, China. Methods: A total of 8 735 infants and young children aged 6- 23 months from 30 poor rural counties in the Wuling and Luoxiao Mountains in Hunan Province were selected by township-level probability-proportional-to-size sampling in August 2015. Questionnaires were used to collect information on the feeding status of the infants in the previous 24 hours, along with personal/family information. The qualified rate of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), the minimum meal frequency (MMF) and the minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were calculated according to the WHO indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices. Multi non-conditional logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with complementary feeding among infants and young children aged 6- 23 months. Results: The findings indicated that 73.9% (6 452/8 735) of infants and young children aged 6-23 months received the minimum dietary diversity, 81.6% (7 124/8 735) of infants and young children aged 6- 23 months received the minimum meal frequency and 49.0% (4 276/8 735) of infants and young children aged 6- 23 months received an acceptable diet. Compared with the boys, the OR for the MMF and MAD for the girls were 1.15 and 1.11, respectively. Compared with the 6-11 month group, the OR for the MDD for the 12-17 month and 18-23 month groups were 0.41 and 0.38, respectively; the OR for the MMF for the 12-17 month and 18-23 month groups were 1.53 and 2.46, respectively; and the OR for the MAD for the 12-17 month and 18-23 month groups were 0.60 and 0.60, respectively. Compared with the Han ethnic group, the OR for the MDD, MMF and MAD for the Miao ethnic group were 1.43, 1.72 and 1.56, respectively; for the Tujia ethnic group were 2.21, 2.02 and 2.11, respectively; and for the Dong ethnic group were 0.62, 0.61 and 0.64, respectively. When analyzing data related to the children's mothers, compared with women who gestated at the age of 25- 29, the OR for the MMF for women who gestated at less than 20 years of age was 1.59 and at greater than or equal to 35 years of age was 1.33. Compared with women with primary school education or below, the OR for the MDD, MMF and MAD for women with junior high school education were 0.77, 0.74 and 0.80, respectively; for women with senior high school education were 0.67, 0.65 and 0.68, respectively; and for women educated to university level or above were 0.66, 0.47 and 0.60, respectively. Compared with the normal birth weight group, the OR for the MMF for the low birth weight group was 0.71, and for the high birth weight group was 1.30. Compared with the caregivers who provided qualified feeding knowledge, the OR for the MDD, MMF and MAD for the caregivers who provided unqualified feeding knowledge were 1.45, 1.30 and 1.40, respectively. Compared with the breastfed group, the OR for the MDD and the MMF for the non-breastfed group were 0.53 and 0.36, respectively. All P values were <0.05. Conclusion: Most infants and young children aged 6-23 months in poor rural areas of China met the MDD and MMF requirements, but fewer met the MAD requirements. The risk factors in infants and young children for complementary feeding included being of female gender, lower in age (months), of Miao or Tujia ethnicity, being born to a mother who gestated at less than 20 or ≥35 years of age, being born to a mother of low education, having a high birth weight, having a caregiver who provided unqualified feeding knowledge and being breastfed.

[Inactivation of PMS2 gene by promoter methylation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the inactivation of PMS2 gene mediated by promoter methylation and its regulatory mechanism in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: Fifty-four NPC tissues, 16 normal nasopharyngeal epithelia (NNE), 5 NPC cell lines (CNE1, CNE2, TWO3, HNE1 and HONE1) and 1 normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line (NP69) were collected.Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was used to detect the PMS2 promoter methylation, semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to determine its mRNA expression, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the protein expression of PMS2. The expressions of PMS2 mRNA in CNE1 and CNE2 cells before and after treated with methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The impact of methylation and demethylation on the mRNA expression of PMS2, and the association of mRNA and protein expression of PMS2 with clinicopathological features of nasopharyngeal cancer were analyzed. Results: Methylation of PMS2 gene was detected in all of the five NPC cell lines, but not in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial NP69 cells. The methylation rate of PMS2 gene in NPC tissues was 63% (34/54), significantly higher than that of the normal nasopharyngeal epithelia (0/16, P<0.001). The expression levels of PMS2 mRNA and protein were significantly down-regulated in the 54 NPC tissues when compared with those in the 16 NNE tissues (P<0.001), and were also significantly lower in the 34 methylated NPC tissues than those in the 20 unmethylated NPC tissues (P<0.001). After treatment with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine, the expression of PMS2 mRNA was restored in the CNE1 and CNE2 cells.However, the expressions of PMS2 mRNA and protein were not significantly correlated with patients' age, gender, TNM stage, histopathologic type or lymph node metastasis (P>0.05 for all). Conclusions: Promoter methylation-mediated inactivation of PMS2 gene participates in carcinogenesis and development of NPC. PMS2 may be a candidate tumor suppressor in the treatment for patients with inactivation of PMS2 promoter methylation.

Chloroplast DNA polymorphism and evolutional relationships between Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and its wild relatives (O. rufipogon).

We analyzed chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) polymorphism and phylogenic relationships between 6 typical indica rice, 4 japonica rice, 8 javanica rice, and 12 Asian common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) strains collected from different latitudes in China by comparing polymorphism at 9 highly variable regions. One hundred and forty-four polymorphic bases were detected. The O. rufipogon samples had 117 polymorphic bases, showing rich genetic diversity. One hundred and thirty-one bases at 13 sites were identified with indica/japonica characteristics; they showed differences between the indica and japonica subspecies at these sites. The javanica strains and japonica shared similar bases at these 131 polymorphic sites, suggesting that javanica is closely related to japonica. On the basis of length analyses of the open reading frame (ORF)100 and (ORF)29-tRNA-Cys(GCA) (TrnC(GCA)) fragments, the O. rufipogon strains were classified into indica/japonica subgroups, which was consistent with the results of the phylogenic tree assay based on concatenated datasets. These results indicated that differences in indica and japonica also exist in the cpDNA genome of the O. rufipogon strains. However, these differences demonstrated a certain degree of primitiveness and incompleteness, as an O. rufipogon line may show different indica/ japonica attributes at different sites. Consequently, O. rufipogon cannot be simply classified into the indica/japonica types as O. sativa. Our data support the hypothesis that Asian cultivated rice, O. indica and O. japonica, separately evolved from Asian common wild rice (O. rufipogon) strains, which have different indica-japonica differentiation trends.

Expression of claudin 10 protein in hepatocellular carcinoma: impact on survival.

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression of claudin 10 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the impact on angiogenesis and the postoperative survival of HCC patients. METHODS: The expression of claudin 10 protein was analyzed on samples from 99 HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy with immunohistochemistry and 31 fresh specimens with Western blotting. We examined the relationship between claudin 10 expression with clinicopathological factors, microvessel density (MVD), and postoperative survival. RESULTS: Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining showed that claudin 10 protein was highly expressed in HCC, compared with paraneoplastic liver tissue and normal liver tissue (P < 0.01). Claudin 10 protein expression levels were significantly higher in HCC specimens with microscopic venous invasion (P < 0.01). MVD in HCC increased with enhanced claudin 10 expression (P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that HCC patients with high claudin 10 expression had significantly shorter overall survival (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that claudin 10 expression was an independent prognostic indicator for postoperative overall survival of HCC patients (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Claudin 10 protein is highly expressed in HCC tissue and is closely related to angiogenesis. Claudin 10 protein could be a useful marker to predict poor prognosis of HCC patients after hepatectomy.

Primary myxoid liposarcoma of the thyroid gland.

Primary myxoid liposarcoma of the thyroid gland is extremely rare. This report describes such a case. A 59-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of a 6 x 6 x 5 cm nodule in the left lobe of the thyroid gland. Left thyroid lobectomy was performed without any postoperative treatment except for follow-up. Osseous and pulmonary metastasis developed 1 year later and the patient died 15 months after the surgery. The clinical course and treatment choice are discussed.

Genomic analysis reveals RhoC as a potential marker in hepatocellular carcinoma with poor prognosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant human tumours because of its high incidence of metastasis. The mechanisms underlying the metastasis of HCC, however, remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed cDNA microarray analysis to profile gene expression patterns in two subtypes of HCC, solitary large HCC (SLHCC) and nodular HCC (NHCC), which differ significantly in the incidence of metastasis. Among 668 genes that were differentially expressed, we focused on RhoC, whose expression was significantly decreased in SLHCC compared to NHCC. The expression of RhoC in HCC and pericarcinomatous liver tissues (PCLT) was analysed at both the mRNA and protein levels by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. In addition, immunohistochemistry was also performed on 94 cases of HCC with follow-up information. Collectively, our data indicate that the expression of RhoC significantly increased in HCC compared to PCLT; extrahepatic metastatic lesions expressed significantly higher levels of RhoC than the corresponding intrahepatic HCC tissues. There is a highly significant correlation of the RhoC expression levels with tumour vein invasion, number of tumour nodes and the status of differentiation. Significantly, the HCC patients with RhoC-positive expression had shorter survival than those with RhoC-negative expression. Together, our findings suggest a strong correlation between the expression of RhoC and HCC metastasis, implicating RhoC as a potential prognosis marker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Expression of p16, nm23-H1, E-cadherin, and CD44 gene products and their significance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to determine whether p16/MTS1, nm23-H1, E-cadherin, and CD44 proteins were expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and whether those expressions were pathologically significant in the progress of NPC. METHOD: We examined non-cancerous nasopharyngeal mucosa (20 cases) and NPC (80 cases) using immunohistochemistry with six different types of monoclonal antibodies against p16, nm23-H1, E-cadherin, CD44H, CD44v3, and CD44v6 proteins. RESULTS: The results showed that 1) the rates of positive p16 protein expression and of preserved E-cadherin protein expression in NPC were significantly lower than those in non-cancerous tissue (P <.01); 2) no significant difference in the rate of positive expression of nm23-H1, CD44H, CD44v3, and CD44v6 proteins were observed between non-cancerous nasopharyngeal mucosa and NPC; 3) no significant difference in the expression of those proteins were found by respective correlation analyses of sex, stage, and size of primary tumor in NPC; and 4) no significant difference in the rates of positive expression of CD44H, CD44v3, and CD44v6 proteins were observed in NPC between with and without lymph node metastasis, indicating that those gene products did not correlate with lymph node metastasis in NPC. However, there were inverse correlations between the expression of p16, nm23-H1, or E-cadherin protein and lymph node metastasis (P <.05), indicating that the expression of p16, nm23-H1, and E-cadherin gene were related to the carcinogenesis and tumor progression of NPC. CONCLUSION: Detecting the expressions of those gene products may provide clinically valuable information for therapeutic strategy and for predicting the prognosis of patients with NPC.

Hematological studies on DIC-like findings observed in patients with snakebite in south China.

To clarify the characteristics of the hematological disturbances evoked by snakebite, we measured the antithrombin III (AT-III) activity, alpha2-plasmin inhibitor (alpha2-PI) activity, fibrinogen concentration (Fg) and level of fibrin degradation products (FDP) in 21 patients envenomed by several snakes in south China between August 1998 and October 1999. The hematological changes observed were as follows: the mean activities of AT-III were decreased in patients bitten by Ophiophagus hannah (Oh.), Bungarus fasciatus (Bf.), Hydrophis cyanocinctus (Hc.), Rhabdophis subminiatus (Rs.), and Trimeresurus stejnegeri (Ts.), while those of alpha2-PI were decreased in all patients in the present study; Fg was not detectable in the case of Rs. bite, and the Fg concentration after Ts., Oh., Hc. and Bf. bites also decreased markedly thereby increasing the mean levels of FDP in all patients. It thus appeared that DIC-like syndrome was caused in patients envenomed by snakebite. In the present study, we found that patients who were bitten by Rs., which is still being classified as a non-venomous snake, exhibited complete defibrinogenation and severe hemorrhage without any evidence of severe multiple organ damage. We also found that patients with Ts. bite showed marked hemostatic disturbance without severe multiple organ damage. It is considered that such a discrepancy between the hematological findings and clinical symptoms could be a characteristic phenomenon of the DIC-like syndrome induced by snakebite, especially by Rs. and Ts. bites.

Hemostatic disturbances observed in patients with snakebite in south China.

To investigate the hematological disorders after snakebite, we measured the maximum platelet aggregation rate (MAR), antithrombin III (AT-III) activity, alpha(2)-plasmin inhibitor (alpha(2)-PI) activity, concentration of fibrinogen (Fg) and fibrin degradation products (FDP) in 25 samples from 17 patients with snakebite in south China. The results obtained in the patients before application of antivenom and patients with Ophiophagus hannah (Oh.) bite were as follows: (1) the mean MAR values were significantly decreased in the case of the snakebites from Vipera russellii (Vr.) and Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus (Tm.); (2) the mean activities of AT-III were decreased in all patients in the present study; 3) the mean activities of alpha(2)-PI were significantly decreased in patients bitten by Deinagkistrodon acutus (Da.), Agkistrodon halys (Ah.), Vr., Trimeresurus stejnegeri (Ts.), Tm. and Naja naja atra (Nn.); (4) the mean concentrations of Fg were markedly decreased in patients bitten by Da., Ah., Vr., Ts. and Tm.; and (5) the mean levels of FDP were significantly increased in cases of Da., Vr. and Ts. bite, but not in Ah., Tm., Nn. and Oh. bite. The results of the present study indicate that disorders of platelet aggregation and the coagulation-fibrinolysis system are liable to occur in patients with snakebite from Da., Ah., Vr., Ts., Tm. and Nn. Furthermore, it appeared that disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was evoked in some patients. Specific antivenom was found to be useful for improving the hemostatic disturbances after snakebite from Ah. and Nn.

[The determination of activated partial thromboplastin time, coagulate time and thrombin time in patients with epistaxis of indeterminate cause].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the coagulation mechanism of indeterminate epistaxis. METHOD: 36 cases with epistaxis of indeterminate cause were studies by mean of detecting activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), coagulate time (CT) and thrombin time. The results of first APTT, APTT after 8 min and CT were observed. RESULT: 1. The first APTT in epistaxis and normal group didn't show statistical difference (P > 0.05). But the APTT after 8 min in epistaxis were significantly different compared with the first APTT and that in normal group (P < 0.01). 2. The CT prolonged in 33.3% patients with epistaxis, which was higher significantly than that in the normal group (P < 0.01). (3) The epistaxis thrombin time (TT) was longer than that in normal group. CONCLUSION: The result suggest that during blood coagulation in indeterminate epistaxis, the activated factors in internal coagulating system may decompose more quickly than that in normal group. Antiagglutinating factors increase in blood.

Platelet aggregation in head and neck tumors in China.

We measured the maximum aggregation rate (MAR) of platelets in 770 patients with malignant head and neck tumors, 55 patients with benign tumors of the head and neck, and 164 healthy people as a control group. The results were as follows: 1. the mean MAR value of patients with malignant tumors was significantly higher than the control group mean value; 2. prior to treatment, the mean MAR value increased with advancing tumor stage; 3. both MAR values of relapsed or metastasized patients and of nonsurvivors in stage III and IV increased significantly compared with survivors or patients recovering from malignant tumors. The results of the present study suggest that MAR values of patients with malignant tumors of the head and neck may serve as indicators in evaluating therapeutic procedures and prognosis.

The concentration of u-PA and PAI-1 antigen in tissue extracts of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

We measured the antigen levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in tissue extracts from nasopharyngeal carcinomas. An increase in u-PA antigen was observed with the advanced stages of disease. However, the levels of PAI-1 antigen decreased with each advanced stage. These results suggest that local administration of antiplasminic agents may be effective in suppressing tumor invasion.

Plasminogen activators in tissue extract of aural cholesteatoma.

Using a biochemical technique, the authors characterized and identified the plasminogen activator (PA) derived from tissue extracts of six aural cholesteatomas. The results of fibrin zymography indicated that the tissue extracts of two cholesteatomas demonstrated two lytic zones on fibrin-agarose plates. One of the lytic zones was at about 72 kd, while the other zone was at about 64 kd. Using various goat immunoglobulin G (IgG)-containing antibodies (anti-human uterine tissue type PA (t-PA), anti-human low-molecular-weight (LMW) urokinase, and nonspecific goat IgG) and plasminogen-free fibrin-agarose plates, we confirmed that the cholesteatoma tissue extracts contained 72 kd t-PA and 64 kd urokinase type PA (u-PA). Furthermore, we measured the t-PA and u-PA activities in the tissue extracts selectively by parabolic rate assay. In order to estimate the PA activity, we developed optimal conditions for this assay. The specific t-PA activity ranged from 0.03 to 0.43 mIU/micrograms-protein and the specific u-PA activity ranged from 0 to 0.35 mIU/microgram-protein. The highest percentage of u-PA with respect to the total PA activity was 44.9%. However, in four of the six cases, we failed to detect u-PA activity. In the present study, we thus clarified the presence of PAs in tissue extracts of aural cholesteatomas. Furthermore, we confirmed that measureable u-PA occurred in some tissue extracts. We anticipate that the u-PA in inflammatory tissues plays an important role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix via the formation of plasmin and collagenases.

[Chronic toxic effects of aluminum on nervous system in rabbits].

Twenty-one male rabbits were administered with alum (aluminum potassium sulfate) for 32 weeks to study the accumulative toxic effects of aluminum in food additives on central nervous system. Results showed aluminum levels in blood and brain tissue of the animals increased significantly with intake of alum (P < 0.01). Blood zinc levels, and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) correlated negatively with aluminum levels in blood and brain, and SOD activity correlated negatively to accumulative aluminum deposit and positively to lipid oxide level in brain. Pathological examinations showed lesions in gyrus centralis anterior, gyrus hippocampi and spinal cord of the animals got more severely and extensively with aluminum intake and brain aluminum content, with disarrangement of neurofilaments and neurotubule, and deformation of synaptic structures.