[Effects of heat exposure and vitamin C intervention on oxidative stress and blood pressure changes in treadmill rats].

Objective: To investigate the effect of oxidative stress caused by heat exposure on the blood pressure increase of treadmill rats and the intervention of antioxidants. Methods: In June 2021, Twenty-four healthy SD male rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal temperature feeding, normal temperature treadmill, high temperature treadmill and high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C groups, 6 rats in each group. The rats run on the platform in normal temperature or heat exposure environment for 30 min in the morning and in the afternoon daily, 6 days per week. The daily vitamin C supplement dose of high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C group was 10 mg/kg. BP recordings were done at the end of the week. The rat vascular lipofuscin (LF) was detected by ELISA, the rat serum nitric oxide (NO) was detected by nitrate reductase method, the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected by thibabituric acid method, the serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected by chemiluminescence method, and the serum catalase (CAT) was detected by ammonium molybdate method. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of serum was measured by iron reduction/antioxidant capacity method, and the content of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in vascular tissue was measured by Western blot. The intra-group mean was compared by repeated measurement analysis of variance, and the inter-group mean was compared by single-factor analysis of variance and post-event LSD-t test. Results: Compared with the previous time point, the systolic BP and diastolic BP of the high temperature treadmill group were significantly increased at 7, 14 and 21 d, and decreased at 28 d which were higher than the initial level (P<0.05), and the systolic BP and diastolic BP values at each experimental time point were significantly higher than those of normal temperature treadmill group (P<0.001). The changes of thickening of the artery wall, no smoothing of the endodermis and irregular arrangement of muscle cells in high temperature treadmill group were observed. Compared with the normal temperature treadmill group, the content of MDA in serum, and LF in vascular tissue were significantly increased, the activities of SOD, CAT, T-AOC, the content of NO in serum, and the expression of Nrf2 in vascular tissue were significantly decreased in high temperature treadmill group (P<0.05). Compared with the high temperature treadmill group, the systolic BP and diastolic BP values at 7, 14, 21 and 28 d, the content of serum MDA and LF in vascular tissue were significantly decreased, the activities of CAT and T-AOC, and the expression of Nrf2 in vascular tissue significantly increased (P<0.05), the histopathological changes of the artery wall improved in high temperature treadmill supplementation with vitamin C group. Conclusion: Heat exposure has effect on oxidative stress, which may be related to the increase of BP. Vitamin C as an anti-oxidative enhancer can prevent those negative effects, which could alleviate the pathological changes of vessel intima in heat-exposed rats. And the Nrf2 may be a regulated factor to vascular protection.

Re-evaluating diagnostic thresholds for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: case-control and cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal total serum bile acid (TSBA) threshold and sampling time for accurate intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) diagnosis. DESIGN: Case-control, retrospective cohort studies. SETTING: Antenatal clinics, clinical research facilities. POPULATION: Women with ICP or uncomplicated pregnancies. METHODS: Serial TSBA measurements were performed pre-/postprandially in 42 women with ICP or uncomplicated pregnancy. Third-trimester non-fasting TSBA reference ranges were calculated from 561 women of black, south Asian and white ethnicity. Rates of adverse perinatal outcomes for women with ICP but peak non-fasting TSBA below the upper reference range limit were compared with those in healthy populations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity and specificity of common TSBA thresholds for ICP diagnosis, using fasting and postprandial TSBA. Calculation of normal reference ranges of non-fasting TSBA. RESULTS: Concentrations of TSBA increased markedly postprandially in all groups, with overlap between healthy pregnancy and mild ICP (TSBA <40 µmol/l). The specificity of ICP diagnosis was higher when fasting, but corresponded to <30% sensitivity for diagnosis of mild disease. Using TSBA ≥40 µmol/l to define severe ICP, fasting measurements identified 9% (1/11), whereas non-fasting measurements detected over 91% with severe ICP. The highest upper limit of the non-fasting TSBA reference range was 18.3 µmol/l (95% confidence interval: 15.0-35.6 µmol/l). A re-evaluation of published ICP meta-analysis data demonstrated no increase in spontaneous preterm birth or stillbirth in women with TSBA <19 µmol/l. CONCLUSIONS: Postprandial TSBA levels are required to identify high-risk ICP pregnancies (TSBA ≥40 µmol/l). The postprandial rise in TSBA in normal pregnancy indicates that a non-fasting threshold of ≥19 µmol/l would improve diagnostic accuracy. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Non-fasting bile acids improve the diagnostic accuracy of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy diagnosis.

Myocardial motion-corrected phase-sensitive inversion recovery late gadolinium enhancement in free breathing paediatric patients: a comparison with single-shot coherent gradient echo ("TrueFISP") phase-sensitive inversion recovery.

AIM: To investigate the value of motion-corrected (MOCO) phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) compared with single-shot balanced steady-state gradient echo ("TrueFISP", Siemens) PSIR in free breathing paediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 238 paediatric patients underwent clinical contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). Both the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR and MOCO PSIR sequences were performed on each child. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Two radiologists rated the quality of the images on a scale of 1-5 (1 = poor, 5 = very good). Bland-Altman, linear regression, and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to compared the extent of LGE of the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR and MOCO PSIR. Imaging artefacts were described and compared. RESULTS: Children ranged in age from 60 days to 17 years with an average age of 8.1 ± 3.8 years. MOCO PSIR had higher SNR and CNR than the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR (p<0.001). Mean quality ratings for short-axis imaging were 4 (interquartile range, 3-4) for single-shot TrueFISP PSIR and 4 (interquartile range, 4-5) for MOCO PSIR (p<0.001). The scan time was faster for single-shot TrueFISP PSIR than for MOCO PSIR. The myocardial LGE results were similar with high agreement between the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR and MOCO PSIR (ICC = 0.955-0.986). CONCLUSION: The MOCO PSIR sequence is feasible in children. MOCO PSIR is robust at high heart rates and can be performed without breath-holding with higher image-quality ratings than the single-shot TrueFISP PSIR.

[Establishment of rat model of cardiorenal syndrome by transabdominal subtotal nephrectomy].

Objective: To evaluate the changes of rat renal function and cardiac function after transabdominal subtotal nephrectomy (STNx) and provide an ideal animal model for the study of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Methods: The SD rats (male, 5-6 weeks) were randomly divided into Sham group (n=10) and STNx group (n=10). The rats from Sham group underwent sham surgery, and the right nephrectomy plus the 2/3 left kidney artery ligation through abdominal incision were performed in the rats from STNx group. Twelve weeks after operation, the rat serum creatinine and renal pathology were examined, the size and fibrosis of cardiac cells were also observed, after the changes of cardiac function being detected by echocardiography. Results: Twelve weeks after the operation, STNx group rats were generally in poor condition, with a emaciated body, absorption of the renal infarct tissue, uneven surface, and residual renal tissue compensatory hypertrophy. The serum creatinine in Sham group and STNx group was (22.10±1.64) µmol/L and (52.80±3.34) µmol/L, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). Compared with Sham group, the echocardiography results demonstrated that the thickness of left ventricular wall of rats from STNx group increased, the left ventricular volume decreased, and the diastolic and systolic function of left ventricular descended. The HE staining showed that the glomerulus, tubules and interstitial renal morphology were normal in Sham group, and glomerular sclerosis was observed in STNx group. And the Masson staining declared that the renal fibrous tissue distribution was normal in Sham group, and severe renal interstitial fibrosis was observed in STNx group. The wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining of myocardial tissue showed that myocardial cells in STNx group were larger than those in Sham group (1.293±0.060 vs 1.000±0.059, P<0.001). Moreover, the HE staining showed that there was partial myocardial tissue necrosis and fibrosis in STNx group, and severe myocardial fibrosis was observed in STNx group by Masson staining. Conclusion: Similar pathophysiological changes in human CKD were observed in the rats CKD model by transabdominal STNx, and the cardiac effects of this model make it an ideal choice to study CRS.

[HBsAg loss with Pegylated-interferon alfa-2a in hepatitis B patients with partial response to nucleos(t)-ide analog: new switch study].

Objective: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is seldom achieved with nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients but may be enhanced by switching to finite pegylated-interferon (Peg-IFN) alfa-2a. We assessed HBsAg loss with 48- and 96-week Peg-IFN alfa-2a in chronic hepatitis B patients with partial response to a previous NA. Methods: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients who achieved HBeAg loss and hepatitis B virus DNA < 200 IU/mL with previous adefovir, lamivudine or entecavir treatment were randomized 1:1 to receive Peg-IFN alfa-2a for 48 (n = 153) or 96 weeks (n = 150). The primary endpoint of this study was HBsAg loss at end of treatment. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT01464281. Results: At the end of 48 and 96 weeks' treatment, 14.4% (22/153) and 20.7% (31/150) of patients, respectively, who switched from NA to Peg-IFN alfa-2a cleared HBsAg. Rates were similar irrespective of prior NA or baseline HBeAg seroconversion. Among those who cleared HBsAg by the end of 48 and 96 weeks' treatment, 77.8% (14/18) and 71.4% (20/28), respectively, sustained HBsAg loss for a further 48 weeks. Baseline HBsAg < 1 500 IU/mL and week 24 HBsAg < 200 IU/mL were associated with the highest rates of HBsAg loss at the end of both 48- and 96-week treatment (51.4% and 58.7%, respectively). Importantly, extending treatment from 48 to 96 weeks enabled 48.3% (14/29) more patients to achieve HBsAg loss. Conclusion: Patients on long-term NA who are unlikely to meet therapeutic goals can achieve high rates of HBsAg loss by switching to Peg-IFN alfa-2a. HBsAg loss rates may be improved for some patients by extending treatment from 48 to 96 weeks, although the differences in our study cohort were not statistically significant. Baseline and on-treatment HBsAg may predict HBsAg loss with Peg-IFN alfa-2a.

MicroRNA screening and functional study of obliterative bronchiolitis in a rat model simulating lung transplantation.

The aim of this study was to provide the experimental basis for effective prevention and treatment of obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) by studying the changes on the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile after an orthotopic tracheal transplantation (OTT) simulating lung transplantation (LT). The OTT was performed on inbred rats to establish an OB animal model simulating LT, which was confirmed successful through pathological examination after 4 weeks. A miRNA microarray was used to screen for the most significantly differentially expressed miRNA in the OB tissues of donor transplanted trachea and real-time quantitative PCR was then used to validate the reliability of the microarray results. The microarray detection obtained 29 OB-related miRNAs, composed of 15 and 14 significantly up- and down-regulated miRNAs, respectively, among which miR-146a, miR-155, and miR-451, whose function is involved in the immune and inflammatory reactions, were subjected to relative quantitation research. The LT-simulated OTT-induced OB showed significantly differential expressions of multiple miRNAs, among which miR-146a and miR-155 were highly expressed, while miR-451 was lowly expressed, suggesting that these miRNAs may play an important regulatory role in the OB pathological process after LT.

Bioinformatic analysis of microarray data reveals several key genes related to heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: Heart failure is a major public health problem worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. This study aims to discover differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between non-ischemic or ischemic heart failure samples and healthy control, which may be used for diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gene expression profile GSE9128 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, including 3 normal samples, 4 non-ischemic heart failure samples and 4 ischemic samples. Data processing and differential analysis were carried out with packages of R. Cluster analysis was also performed for all the samples to globally observe the difference among the three groups of samples. Interactors of the DEGs were retrieved with Osprey and then networks were constructed. The overlapping part of the network was selected out using Cytoscape, for which functional enrichment analysis was applied with DAVID tools. RESULTS: A total of 293 and 133 DEGs were obtained for non-ischemic and ischemic heart failure, respectively. Two networks were established and then functional enrichment analysis revealed that "regulation of programmed cell death" was most significantly over-represented in common DEGs. CONCLUSIONS: Genes differentially expressed in non-ischemic and ischemic heart failure can be biomarkers to distinguish the two types of heart failure. Besides, these genes can be targets to develop treatments.

Ferromagnetism in dilute magnetic semiconductors through defect engineering: Li-doped ZnO.

We demonstrate, both theoretically and experimentally, that cation vacancy can be the origin of ferromagnetism in intrinsic dilute magnetic semiconductors. The vacancies can be controlled to tune the ferromagnetism. Using Li-doped ZnO as an example, we found that while Li itself is nonmagnetic, it generates holes in ZnO, and its presence reduces the formation energy of Zn vacancy, and thereby stabilizes the zinc vacancy. Room temperature ferromagnetism with p type conduction was observed in pulsed laser deposited ZnO:Li films with certain doping concentration and oxygen partial pressure.

[A case-control study on effect of occupational factor exposures on carotid atherosclerosis in steel workers].

Objective: To investigate the effect of occupational factor exposures on carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in steel workers. Methods: A frequency matched case-control study was conducted by age and factory proportion. A total of 1 033 workers with carotid atherosclerosis diagnosed by ultrasonography examination from February to June 2017 were selected as case group, and 1 033 workers without carotid atherosclerosis indicated by physical examination at the same time were selected as control group. The basic information of the workers, such as diet pattern, lifestyle, serum biochemical index and occupation history, were collected. The effects of occupational hazards on carotid atherosclerosis were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The combined effects of various occupational hazards on carotid atherosclerosis were evaluated by environmental risk score (ERS). Results: High temperature, noise, occupational stress and night shift days increased the risk of CAS. With the increase of cumulative high temperature and noise exposure, occupational stress and night shift days, the risk of CAS increased (trend text: χ(2)=37.53, P<0.01; χ(2)=16.98, P<0.01; χ(2)=13.93, P<0.01; χ(2)=5.59, P<0.05). After adjustment of covariates, compared with P(20) group, the risk of carotid artery in P(40), P(60), P(80) and P(100) groups were as follows: high temperature 1.61 (1.19-2.18), 1.69 (1.25-2.30), 1.84 (1.36-2.49), 2.43 (1.77-3.34); noise 1.70 (1.15-2.52), 1.68 (1.20-2.35), 1.80 (1.34-2.42), 2.23 (1.53-3.26); occupational stress 1.39 (1.04- 1.86), 1.41 (1.06-1.89), 1.45(1.09-1.95), 1.48 (1.10-1.98); night shift days 1.58 (1.08-2.33), 1.66 (1.12-2.47), 1.55 (1.04-2.31), 1.76 (1.17-2.64). The results of the environmental risk score showed that the risk of carotid atherosclerosis increased with the increase of ERS (ERS trend text χ(2)=51.61, P<0.01); RCS results showed that there was a linear relationship between ERS and CAS in steel workers(P<0.01). Linear dose-response relationship existed between ERS and CAS (nonlinear test P>0.05). Conclusions: High temperature, noise, occupational stress and night shift days were related to carotid atherosclerosis. Linear dose-response relationship existed between ERS and CAS in steel workers.

[Effect of occupational factors on pre-diabetes mellitus among iron and steel workers].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of pre-diabetes mellitus (PDM) and the impact of occupation-related factors on PDM, among workers from a steel company in Tangshan city, Hebei province. Methods: Clustering sampling method was used to select a steel company and to carry out occupational health-related physical checkup programs for eligible workers who had working in this company for longer than one year. The study began in February and ended up in June, 2017. Workers who were with FPG level as ≤6.9 mmol/L, and free from diabetes, were selected as the subjects for this study. Questionnaires were used and physical examinations and FPG testing conducted. Results: The total number of subjects in this study was 4 173, of which 2 648 appeared as pre-diabetic, with the prevalence rate as 63.4%. Increase of the PDM prevalence was in parallel with the length of service, among the workers. The risk for the pre-diabetes in those who worked more than 8 hours per day was 1.696 times higher than those who worked less than or equal to 8 h/d (95%CI:1.517-1.937). Compared with those workers without exposures to heat, noise or carbon monoxides, the proportion of pre-diabetes appeared higher in workers exposed to heat, noise or CO with OR=1.782 (95%CI: 1.205-2.636), 1.815 (95%CI: 1.209-2.794) and 1.653 (95%CI: 1.158-2.361), respectively. Risks for those who were exposed to heat or noise were higher than those who were free from exposure to any occupational hazards (OR=2.098, 95%CI: 1.296-3.397). Prevalence rates of pre-diabetes in those who were exposed to heat, noise or CO, were higher than that those who were not. Conclusion: Working hours and exposures to heat, noise or CO appeared as influential factors on PDM.

An effective surface-enhanced Raman scattering template based on a Ag nanocluster-ZnO nanowire array.

An effective surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) template based on a 3D hybrid Ag nanocluster (NC)-decorated ZnO nanowire array was fabricated through a simple process of depositing Ag NCs on ZnO nanowire arrays. The effects of particle size and excitation energy on the Raman scattering in these hybrid systems have been investigated using rhodamine 6G as a standard analyte. The results indicate that the hybrid nanosystem with 150 nm Ag NCs produces a larger SERS enhancement factor of 3.2 x 10(8), which is much higher than that of 10 nm Ag NCs (6.0 x 10(6)) under 532 nm excitation energy. The hybrid nanowire arrays were further applied to obtain SERS spectra of the two-photon absorption (TPA) chromophore T7. Finite-difference time-domain simulations reveal the presence of an enhanced field associated with inter-wire plasmon coupling of the 150 nm Ag NCs on adjacent ZnO nanowires; such a field was absent in the case of the 10 nm Ag NC-coated ZnO nanowire. Such hybrid nanosystems could be used as SERS substrates more effectively than assembled Ag NC film due to the enhanced light-scattering local field and the inter-wire plasmon-enhanced electromagnetic field.

Identification of miRNAs as atherosclerosis biomarkers and functional role of miR-126 in atherosclerosis progression through MAPK signalling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Mounting evidence suggests the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating inflammatory responses in various vascular diseases. Inflammation is the key mechanism leading to atherosclerosis (AS) and various miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in response to AS pathophysiology. However, there are very limited studies that serve to elucidate the role of specific miRNA in in vivo or in vitro AS models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microarray analysis of blood plasma of apolipoprotein deficient (apoE-/-) mice was performed followed by the confirmation using qPCR. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs), plasma, and vessel tissue were obtained from apoE-/- mice that were induced with miR-126 mimic or inhibitor. Ox-LDL-induced THP-1 macrophages served as in vitro AS model. The release of inflammatory cytokines was detected using ELISA. The regulatory effect of miR-126 on MAP3K10 was confirmed by luciferase reporter activity and immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: The results showed that the miR-126 exhibited a greater fold change of expression in AS mice. Further, the functional role of miR-126 in atherosclerosis pathophysiology was demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro. miR-126 reduced the cytokine release and also decreased the AS progression. miR-126 was also found to be involved in mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. MAP3K10 was identified to be a direct target. CONCLUSIONS: miR-126 might serve as a biomarker of AS and its over-expression might prevent the AS progression and development.

[Relationship between shift work and overweight/obesity in male steel workers].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between shift work and overweight/obesity in male steel workers. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among the male steel workers selected during health examination in Tangshan Steel Company from March 2015 to March 2016. The relationship between shift work and overweight/obesity in the male steel workers were analyzed by using logistic regression model and restricted cubic splinemodel. Results: A total of 7 262 male steel workers were surveyed, the overall prevalence of overweight/obesitywas 64.5% (4 686/7 262), the overweight rate was 34.3% and the obesity rate was 30.2%, respectively. After adjusting for age, educational level and average family income level per month by multivariable logistic regression analysis, shift work was associated with overweight/obesity and obesity in the male steel workers. The OR was 1.19(95% CI: 1.05-1.35) and 1.15(95% CI: 1.00-1.32). Restricted cubic spline model analysis showed that the relationship between shift work years and overweight/obesity in the male steel workers was a nonlinear dose response one (nonlinear test χ2=7.43, P<0.05). Restricted cubic spline model analysis showed that the relationship between shift work years and obesity in the male steel workers was a nonlinear dose response one (nonlinear test χ2=10.48, P<0.05). Conclusion: Shift work was associated with overweight and obesity in the male steel workers, and shift work years and overweight/obesity had a nonlinear relationship.

Menstrual blood loss, haemoglobin and ferritin concentration of Beijing women wearing steel ring, VCu 200, and TCu 220c IUDs.

Menstrual blood loss (MBL), serum ferritin and whole blood cyanmethemoglobin were measured at pre- and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24th postinsertion cycles in 60 women wearing the Steel Ring, the Copper V (VCu 200) or the Copper T (TCu 220c). The MBL, incidence of menorrhagia and iron deficiency anemia were lower among users of the Steel Ring than among users of the Copper V and T. Anemia occurred later and the duration of menstruation was shorter with the Steel Ring than with the Copper T. There were no statistically significant differences between the Copper V and T.

PIP: The effects of the Steel Ring, the Copper V (VCu 200), and the Copper T (TCu 220c) were compared in terms of menstrual blood loss, serum ferritin, the incidence of menorrhagia, and anemia before and after insertion to evaluate the safety of these IUDs and to determine if any of them are appropriate for longterm use in Chinese women. 60 healthy women, 20-39 years, with regular menstrual periods, normal pelvic examination, who had used no oral contraceptives (OCs) for more than 1 year were recruited. Those who previously had used an IUD or had an abortion or parturition were admitted after at least 3 normal menses. Each subject was instructed in the method for complete collection of menstrual blood for 1 entire menstrual period. Menstrual blood loss was measured by alkaline hematin photometry and a Stomacher Lab-blender was used for extraction. The insertions of the IUDs were uneventful. After insertion, the mean blood loss for each group at all intervals was significantly higher than that of preinsertion, especially in the 1st postinsertion cycle. Thereafter, blood loss remained high or gradually decreased, but it did not return to the preinsertion levels even at the 24th postinsertion cycle. The differences were still significant, especially for the T group. The mean increase 25.4 ml (55.8%) for the Ring group, 32.3 ml (56.8%) for the V group, and 39.9 ml (82.2%) for the T group. The highest blood loss for the Ring group was 154 ml, for the V group 290.9 ml, and for the T group 211 ml. The incidence of menorrhagia of all IUDs was significantly increased in the 1st postinsertion cycle. Except for the Ring group, the differences were still significant even in the 24th postinsertion cycle. The mean value of serum ferritin for the Ring group was significantly decreased at the 18 and 24th postinsertion cycles. For the V group, the mean value decreased significantly at the 6, 12, and 18th postinsertion cycles and was below the normal level (16 ng/ml). For the T group, the mean value decreased significantly at the 12th and 18th postinsertion cycles, but the difference was not significant at the 24th postinsertion cycle as compared with preinsertion in either the V or T groups. After insertion, the mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were still above 12 gm/dl in each cycle, but the incidence of Hb less than 12 gm/dl, which was zero before insertion in all groups, for the Ring group was 12.5% and 6.2% at the 12 and 24th postinsertion cycles and for the V group, 10% at the 1st postinsertion cycle, then gradually increased to 21.1% at the 24th postinsertion cycle. Menstrual flow was significantly prolonged only in the T group. This study indicated that blood loss, incidence of menorrhagia, and iron deficiency anemia were lower among Steel Ring users than among VCu 200 and TCu 220c users.

A randomized comparative clinical evaluation of the Steel Ring, the VCu200 and the TCu220c IUDs.

A randomized comparative clinical study of the Steel Ring, VCu200 and TCu220c IUDs was carried out in Beijing. Six-hundred subjects were recruited and each group of 200 was inserted with one of the three devices. The TCu220c and the VCu200 had statistically significantly lower pregnancy and expulsion rates at one and two years of use than the Steel Ring. However, the Steel Ring consistently had the lowest rate of removal for pain and/or bleeding. At two years, the early differences of use-related discontinuation and continuation between the higher rates of the Steel Ring and the lower rates of the VCu200 and TCu220c were significantly reduced. There were no statistically significant differences of net event rates between VCu200 and TCu220c.

PIP: This comparative study evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of 3 IUDs--the Steel Ring, the V-shaped Copper 200 (VCu200), and the T-shaped Copper 200c (TCu200c)--in parous Chinese women. 200 healthy women 20-39 years of age were randomly allocated to each of the 3 treatment groups. All subjects had had at least 1 full-term pregnancy. The TCu200c and VCu200 performed significantly better than the Steel Ring in terms of pregnancy and expulsion rates, at both the 1 and 2-year follow up; however, the latter device had significantly lower rates of removal for pain and bleeding. At 2 years, there had been 14 pregnancies in women using the Steel Ring, 6 in VCu200 users, and 2 in users of the TCu200c device; expulsions totalled 25, 3, and 7, respectively. Total use-related discontinuations at 2 years were 42, 28, and 34, respectively, among users of these 3 IUDs. Further evaluation will be conducted after 5 years of continuous use.

Pregnancy interruption with RU 486 in combination with dl-15-methyl-prostaglandin-F2 alpha-methyl ester: the Chinese experience.

In a multicenter study taking place in four centers in Beijing (People's Republic of China), pregnancies up to 49 days of amenorrhea (DA) were interrupted with RU 486 (RU 38486, mifepristone, 600 mg orally once), followed 36-60 hours later by administration of dl-15-methyl-PGF 2 alpha-methyl ester (PG05, 1 mg vaginal suppository). One-hundred-and-sixty women were included in the study, three of whom being excluded from efficacy assessment because of non-compliance to the protocol. Complete pregnancy interruption without additional surgical procedure (success) was obtained in 136 women (86.6%, 95% confidence interval: 81.3-91.9%). The success rate was significantly (P = 0.013) higher for pregnancies below (91.3%), than for pregnancies above 42 days of amenorrhea (DA) (76.6%). The time elapsed between RU 486 intake and complete expulsion was 2.8 +/- 1.5 (sd) days (range: 1-12 days). Expulsion took place at the latest 4 days after RU 486 in 125 women (94.7%), and in 107 of these women, it occurred 3.1 +/- 1.7 (sd) hours after PG05 administration. Uterine bleeding occurred in all women after RU 486 intake whatever the outcome of treatment and lasted 11.5 +/- 4.8 (sd) days (range: 3-36 days). It was judged more or much more abundant than usual periods in 6.15% of the women. It led to a slight but significant decrease in hemoglobin as measured eight and 14 days after RU 486 intake. In five women, hemoglobin decreased by 4 g/dl or more, but no patient required a blood transfusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

PIP: In a multicenter study taking place across 4 centers in Beijing, People's Republic of China, pregnancies of up to 49 days of amenorrhea (DA) were interrupted with RU486 (RU 38486, mifepristone, 600 mg, orally once), followed 36-60 hours later by administration of dl-15-methyl-PGF2alpha-methyl ester (PGO5, 1 mg vaginal suppository). 166 women were included in this study; however, 3 were excluded from efficacy assessment because of noncompliance to the protocol. Complete pregnancy interruption without additional surgical procedure (success) was obtained in 136 women (86.6%, 95% confidence interval; 81.3-91.9%). The success rate was significantly (P=0.013) higher for pregnancies below 91.3%), than for pregnancies greater than 42 DA (76.6%). The time elapsed between RU486 intake and complete expulsion was 2.8 +or- 1.5 SD days (range 1-12 days). Expulsion took place at the latest 4 days after RU486 in 125 women (94.7%), and in 107 of these women, it occurred 3.1 +or- 1.7 SD hours after PGO5 administration. Uterine bleeding occurred in all women after RU486 intake, whatever the outcome of treatment, and latest 11.5 +or- 4.8 SD days (range 3-36 days). It was considered that 6.15% of the women had more or much more abundant bleeding. It led to a slight but significant decrease in hemoglobin as measured both 8 and 14 days after RU486 intake. In 5 women, hemoglobin decreased by 4 g/dl or more, but no patient required a blood transfusion. The clinical and biological tolerance of the treatment was otherwise very satisfactory--mild to moderate pain was reported in approximately 80% of the women after PGO5 administration, and in approximately 20% of the patients, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were observed. These were usually moderate, although in 1 case, severe vomiting occurred after RU486 intake and necessitated vacuum aspiration before PGO5 administration. A moderate and transient increase in SGPT (to less than 1.5 times the upper normal limit) was noted in 3 women after RU486 and before PGO5, and in 5 women after both.

Menstrual blood loss and hematologic indices in healthy Chinese women.

Menstrual blood loss, cyanmethemoglobin and serum ferritin were determined in 421 healthy, noncontracepting Chinese women. The range of menstrual blood loss (MBL) was 4.1-273.6 mL, the mean value was 54.2 mL, and the median was 42.9 mL. The range of hemoglobin was 8.3-16.7 g/dL, and the mean value was 13.2 g/dL. The range of ferritin was 1.2-180.0 ng/mL, the mean value was 22.8 ng/mL, and the geometric mean was 17.1 ng/mL. The upper normal limit of MBL in Chinese women was set at 80 mL.

Microsurgical recanalization of fallopian tubes after tubosterilization and its related factors. Report of 278 cases.

Microsurgical tubocanalization was done in 412 patients. 278 women had the operation before the end of December 1987 and were followed up. The overall intrauterine pregnancy rate was 81.3% (92.86% for isthmus-isthmus anastomosis and 87.5% for ampulla-ampulla anastomosis). Two patients had ectopic pregnancy which was followed by term pregnancy subsequently. The factors affecting operative results were analyzed.

Familial breast cancer in southern Taiwan.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether there are pathobiologic differences and differences in overall rates survival between familial and non-familial breast cancer patients in Taiwan. A retrospective study was performed evaluating 76 familial breast cancer patients in 69 families, which included two BRCA1 related cases and six BRCA2 related cases. Patients were compared with 425 non-familial sporadic cases. Familial breast cancer patients had similar ages and stages as non-familial patients (mean, 46.6 years vs 48.9 years, p = 0.306). However, the familial breast cancer patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 related cases presented at lower stages (p = 0.034) and younger ages than non-familial patients (mean, 45.1 years vs 48.9 years P = 0.042). The occurrence of infiltrating ductal carcinoma and lobular carcinoma in situ was not significantly different in the two groups. Mucinous carcinoma was represented with 6.7% (4/76) and 1.3% (1/76) medullary carcinoma. The overall grade of familial breast cancer, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 related cases in 8 infiltrating ductal carcinoma, was significantly higher than that of controls. The mean follow up was 4.5 years for familial breast cancers. Five- and 10-year overall survival rates were 69% and 61% for those with a family history, compared with 86% and 64% for those in the control group (p = 0.644). There were no statistically significant differences in disease-free survival rates between the two groups at 5 or 10 years (69% vs 78% in 5 years; 48% vs 58% in 10 years) (p = 0.862). Despite the younger ages and earlier stages at presentation in familial breast cancer patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 related cases, the familial breast cancer patients had higher grade patholobiologic characteristics, but similar prognoses when compared with sporadic breast cancer patients. Owing to the limited number of familial cases in this study, more cases and longer follow up are needed.

α-Fe2O3 nanotubes-reduced graphene oxide composites as synergistic electrochemical capacitor materials.

We present a facile approach for the fabrication of a nanocomposite comprising α-Fe(2)O(3) nanotubes (NTs) anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for electrochemical capacitors (ECs). The hollow tubular structure of the α-Fe(2)O(3) NTs presents a high surface area for reaction, while the incorporation of rGO provides an efficient two-dimensional conductive pathway to allow fast, reversible redox reaction. As a result, the nanocomposite materials exhibit a specific capacitance which is remarkably higher (~7 times) than α-Fe(2)O(3) NTs alone. In addition, the nanocomposites show excellent cycling life and large negative potential window. These findings suggest that such nanocomposites are a promising candidate as negative electrodes in asymmetrical capacitors with neutral electrolytes.