[The risk prediction value of paraquat poisoning dose, urine protein and myocardial enzymes].

Objective: To explore the value of paraquat (PQ) intake, urine protein and myocardial enzyme indexes in judging the prognosis of patients with acute PQ poisoning. Methods: From September to December 2021, all 201 patients with acute PQ poisoning admitted to Guangzhou Twelfth People's Hospital from January 2010 to December 2019 were selected as the research objects. Based on follow-up results 60 days after poisoning, the research objects were divided into survival group (n=78) and death group (n=123) . The differences in information about poisoning, treatment plan, PQ intake, urine protein, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase between the two groups of patients were compared and analyzed. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to analyze the correlation between poisoning outcome and PQ intake, urine protein and myocardial enzymes. ROC curve and principal component analysis were used to explore high-efficiency indicators for predicting the outcome of acute PQ poisoning. Results: The PQ intake[50 (20, 100) ml], urine protein (total rank 15570.50) , creatine kinase[ (336.36±261.96) U/L], creatine kinase isoenzyme[ (43.91±43.74) U/L], lactate dehydrogenase [ (346.01±196.50) U/L], α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase content[ (271.23±11.92) U/L] of patients in the death group were all higher than the survival group[15 (10, 20) ml, 4730.50, (187.78±178.06) U/L, (18.88±15.50) U/L, (190.92±60.50) U/L, (152.60±48.34) U/L, respectively] (P<0.05) . The outcome of acute PQ poisoning was positively correlated with PQ intake, urine protein, creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (P<0.05) . Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase was positively correlated with the prognosis of patients with acute PQ poisoning (P<0.05) . ROC curve analysis and principal component analysis showed that the combined indexes of PQ intake, urine protein and myocardial enzymes had the highest efficacy and weight in judging the prognosis of patients (AUC=0.91, weight coefficient=0.19, sensitivity=0.76, specificity=0.89) . When the combined score was ≥4, the probability of accurately predicting the death of patients was as high as 91% (positive predictive value=0.91) . Conclusion: PQ intake, urine protein combined with creatine kinase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase has high value in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute PQ poisoning.

[Investigation of a carbon monoxide poisoning accident with a hidden source].

In June 2022, a carbon monoxide poisoning accident with hidden source occurred in a bonded gold/silver wire manufacturing enterprise in Guangzhou, causing 10 people to be poisoned, of which 1 was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning and 9 by carbon monoxide contact reaction. The symptoms were dizziness, fatigue and vomiting. After 5 to 7 h, the saturation of carboxyhemoglobin in finger pulse was 4% to 10%, and the saturation of carboxyhemoglobin in blood gas biochemical analysis was 1.9% to 5.8%. The concentration of carbon monoxide detected in the carbon borne purification plant of the enterprise was 34.46-37.26 mg/m(3). It was judged that the accident was carbon monoxide poisoning caused by carbon monoxide gas being transported to the work post along the gas transmission pipeline due to abnormal operation of the carbon borne purification plant. By investigating the source and cause of poison, this paper provides a warning for the similar process to prevent similar events, and provides a new idea for the identification of chemical poisoning risk. At the same time, it is warned that similar enterprises should fully consider the risk of poisoning under specific circumstances, strengthen equipment maintenance and repair, and prevent the occurrence of similar incidents.

[Effects of electric welding on hearing loss and respiratory damage].

Objective: To investigate the occupational health status of electric welding workers and explore the effects of electric welding on hearing loss and respiratory damage. Methods: From August to December 2021, the cluster sampling method was used to select workers from an automobile manufacturer in Guangzhou City as research subjects: 636 welding workers in the welding workshop as the welding group, 757 assembly workers in the engine workshop and the final assembly workshop exposed to pure noise as the assembly group. Occupational disease hazard factors were detected for welding positions and assembly positions, and occupational health examination was carried out for research subjects. The occupational health status, the trends of hearing loss and respiratory abnormalities with working age were compared and analyzed between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the association between hearing loss and respiratory abnormalities in welding workers. Results: The excess rates of welding fumes, manganese and its compounds in the welding position were both 9.68% (3/31). Its noise exposure intensity [ (85.36±2.68) dB (A) ] and excess rate [48.39% (15/31) ] were not significantly different from those in the assembly position [ (84.86±3.28) dB (A) and 43.24% (16/37) ] (P>0.05). The results of the occupational health examination showed that the detection rates of hearing loss, digital radiography (DR) chest X-ray abnormality, alanine aminotransferase abnormality, deazelaic aminotransferase abnormality and white blood cell count abnormality of workers in the welding group were higher than those in the assembly group (P<0.05). The detection rates of hearing loss, DR chest X-ray abnormality, pulmonary ventilation abnormality in the welding group and the detection rate of hearing loss in the assembly group increased with the working age of the workers (P<0.05). The hearing loss detection rate and DR chest X-ray abnormality detection rate of the workers with ≥9 years working age in the welding group were both higher than those in the assembly group workers with same working age (P<0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that abnormal pulmonary ventilation and abnormal DR chest X-ray were the risk factors for hearing loss in welding workers (OR=10.83, 95%CI: 7.31-16.06; OR=16.59, 95%CI: 5.72-48.10; P<0.05) . Conclusion: Hearing loss and respiratory damage are prominent problems among welding workers, and the detection rates of abnormality increase with the working age of the workers. Hearing loss in welding workers is associated with abnormal pulmonary ventilation and abnormal DR chest X-ray.

[An investigation and analysis of an acute occupational methyl acetate poisoning].

This article investigated an occupational chemical poisoning incident that occurred in a certain place in Guangdong Province in September 2020, detected the air at the scene, and analyzed the clinical data of the poisoned patients. The peripheral blood methanol concentrations of the three patients were 307.76 mg/L, 354.80 mg/L and 454.14 mg/L when they were admitted to the hospital. The raw and auxiliary materials were analyzed for volatile organic components. Methyl acetate was detected in the finished glue, synthetic resin and compound machine post glue in the glue room, and the relative percentages were 23.05%, 32.79% and 31.68%, respectively. Through comprehensive analysis, it was judged that this incident was an acute occupational methyl acetate poisoning incident, and 3 workers were poisoned.

[Application of the superior thyroid artery peak systolic velocity in differentiating Graves' disease from autoimmune thyroiditis].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of the superior thyroid artery peak systolic velocity (STA-PSV) for the differential diagnosis of autoimmune thyrotoxicosis. Methods: A total of 301 patients with newly diagnosed thyrotoxicosis and without any anti-thyroid drug intervention were collected from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital from Jan. 2015 to Oct. 2018. Among them, 241 patients were with Graves' disease (GD) and 60 patients were with autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). STA-PSV, thyroid function and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) were determined. A multiple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with STA-PSV. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the discriminating ability of STA-PSV to GD. Results: STA-PSV leves in GD group were significantly higher than those in AIT group [61.00 (41.00, 86.50) cm/s vs. 34.50 (25.25, 46.00) cm/s, P<0.001]. The ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC was 0.790 (95%CI 0.734-0.845), and 49.5cm/s was the optimal cutoff point for the diagnosis of GD, in which the sensitivity was 64.3% and the specificity was 83.3%. In all patients with thyrotoxicosis, multiple linear regression analyses showed free thyroxine (FT(4)) (ß=0.371, 95%CI 0.005-0.010, P<0.001) and TRAb (ß=0.138, 95%CI 0.001-0.014, P=0.035) were positively associated with STA-PSV. Conclusions: The STA-PSV is positively associated with FT(4) and TRAb levels, and it is a helpful marker in differential diagnosis between GD and AIT.

Association of meteorological factors with seasonal activity of influenza A subtypes and B lineages in subtropical western China.

The seasonality of individual influenza subtypes/lineages and the association of influenza epidemics with meteorological factors in the tropics/subtropics have not been well understood. The impact of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic on the prevalence of seasonal influenza virus remains to be explored. Using wavelet analysis, the periodicities of A/H3N2, seasonal A/H1N1, A/H1N1pdm09, Victoria and Yamagata were identified, respectively, in Panzhihua during 2006-2015. As a subtropical city in southwestern China, Panzhihua is the first industrial city in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. The relationship between influenza epidemics and local climatic variables was examined based on regression models. The temporal distribution of influenza subtypes/lineages during the pre-pandemic (2006-2009), pandemic (2009) and post-pandemic (2010-2015) years was described and compared. A total of 6892 respiratory specimens were collected and 737 influenza viruses were isolated. A/H3N2 showed an annual cycle with a peak in summer-autumn, while A/H1N1pdm09, Victoria and Yamagata exhibited an annual cycle with a peak in winter-spring. Regression analyses demonstrated that relative humidity was positively associated with A/H3N2 activity while negatively associated with Victoria activity. Higher prevalence of A/H1N1pdm09 and Yamagata was driven by lower absolute humidity. The role of weather conditions in regulating influenza epidemics could be complicated since the diverse viral transmission modes and mechanism. Differences in seasonality and different associations with meteorological factors by influenza subtypes/lineages should be considered in epidemiological studies in the tropics/subtropics. The development of subtype- and lineage-specific prevention and control measures is of significant importance.

Influenza a virus and Streptococcus pneumonia coinfection potentially promotes bacterial colonization and enhances B lymphocyte depression and reduction.

Influenza has frequently been epidemic in recent years. However, the mechanisms of severe pneumonia with postinfluenza Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) secondary infection have not been fully understood. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of pneumonia in postinfluenza A virus (IAV) infection via a mouse model. Mice were intranasally inoculated with SP three days after IAV inoculation. We then collected samples at three time points to dynamically observe the pathological progression. In IAV infection alone, lymphocyte infiltration and widened alveolar intervals were observed. In the blood, levels of the CD19+, CD19+CD21+ and CD19+CD79ß+B lymphocyte subpopulations were reduced, and IFN-γ and IL-10 were elevated. Slight atrophy was seen in the spleen, which was due to splenic B lymphocyteinitiated apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. When SP infection occurred after IAV infection, the pulmonary inflammation was significantly aggravated; a fair number of lymphocytes and neutrophils infiltrated simultaneously with exfoliated bronchial epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, widened alveolar septum and hemorrhaging. Increasing edema fluid and bacteria accumulated in the alveolar cavity. Decreased CD19+, CD19+CD21+ and CD19+CD79ß+B lymphocyte subpopulations and increased interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or interleukin 10 (IL-10) were more prominent compared to those with viral infection alone. Spleen atrophy resulting from coinfection was more obvious because of massive splenic B lymphocyte apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway compared to viral infection alone. This study shows that although inflammation caused by SP infection alone was temporary, preceding IAV infection provided favorable conditions for SP colonization and multiplication by destroying lung structure and suppressing humoral immunity. Synergistic IAV-SP coinfection is likely to facilitate more SP colonization and promote B lymphocyte-suppression and reduction. Eventually, the pneumonia worsened.

Calpain-activated mTORC2/Akt pathway mediates airway smooth muscle remodelling in asthma.

BACKGROUND: Allergic asthma is characterized by inflammation and airway remodelling. Airway remodelling with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and larger smooth muscle mass are correlated with increased airway responsiveness and asthma severity. Calpain is a family of calcium-dependent endopeptidases, which plays an important role in ECM remodelling. However, the role of calpain in airway smooth muscle remodelling remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of calpain in asthmatic airway remodelling as well as the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The mouse asthma model was made by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. Calpain conditional knockout mice were studied in the model. Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) were isolated from smooth muscle bundles in airway of rats. Cytokines IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, and TGF-ß1, and serum from patients with asthma were selected to treated ASMCs. Collagen-I synthesis, cell proliferation, and phosphorylation of Akt in ASMCs were analysed. RESULTS: Inhibition of calpain using calpain knockout mice attenuated airway smooth muscle remodelling in mouse asthma models. Cytokines IL-4, IL-5, TNF-α, and TGF-ß1, and serum from patients with asthma increased collagen-I synthesis, cell proliferation, and phosphorylation of Akt in ASMCs, which were blocked by the calpain inhibitor MDL28170. Moreover, MDL28170 reduced cytokine-induced increases in Rictor protein, which is the most important component of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2). Blockage of the mTORC2 signal pathway prevented cytokine-induced phosphorylation of Akt, collagen-I synthesis, and cell proliferation of ASMCs and attenuated airway smooth muscle remodelling in mouse asthma models. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that calpain mediates cytokine-induced collagen-I synthesis and proliferation of ASMCs via the mTORC2/Akt signalling pathway, thereby regulating airway smooth muscle remodelling in asthma.

Prenatal, perinatal and neonatal risk factors for perinatal arterial ischaemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis of published data to determine the significance of clinical factors and exposures to the risk of perinatal arterial ischaemic stroke (PAIS) and provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases for relevant observational studies (cohort/case-control) from March 1984 to March 2016 was undertaken. Two review authors independently examined the full text records to determine which studies met the inclusion criteria and evaluated risk factors for PAIS. Risk ratios, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. A total of 11 studies were included in the analyses. Intrapartum fever >38°C, pre-eclampsia, oligohydramnios, primiparity, forceps delivery, vacuum delivery, fetal heart rate abnormalities, abnormal cardiotocography tracing, cord abnormalities, birth asphyxia, emergency caesarean section, tight nuchal cord, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, umbilical arterial pH <7.10, Apgar score at 5 min <7, resuscitation at birth, hypoglycaemia, male gender and small for gestational age were identified as risk factors for PAIS. This systemic review and meta-analysis provides a preliminary evidence-based assessment of the risk factors for PAIS. Patients with any of the risk factors identified in this analysis should be given careful consideration to ensure the prevention of PAIS. Future studies focusing on the combined effects of multiple prenatal, perinatal and neonatal risk factors for PAIS are warranted.

Establishment of heterotopic ossification via sharp instrument injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To establish an animal model for heterotopic ossification (HO) induced by sharp instrument injury in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat and to investigate its possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 male SD rats were divided into 3 groups (n=16). In sham group, incision and suture were performed only in the left leg. Partial tenotomy was performed in the left Achilles tendons in the PAT group. In Achilles' tenotomy (AT) group, tenotomy was performed in the left Achilles tendons to establish animal model of EO. X-ray and histological examinations were made at 6 and 10 weeks after operation. RESULTS: No HO occurred in the sham and PAT groups. In AT group, X-ray results on 4 rats showed cartilage and bone formation while the remaining 4 rats showed chondrification in histological examination at 6 weeks after operation. At 10 weeks all rats showed bone formation with trabecular bone. This kind of HO usually develops through a process of endochondral ossification. CONCLUSION: Tenotomy is a simple, effective and feasible method to induce HO.

Effects of Piper sarmentosum extract on the growth performance, antioxidant capability and immune response in weaned piglets.

The biological properties of Piper sarmentosum render it a potential substitute for antibiotics in livestock feed. This study evaluated the effects of P. sarmentosum extract (PSE) on the growth performance, antioxidant capability and immune response of weaned piglets. Eighty 21-d-old weaned piglets were selected and randomly allocated to one of four dietary treatments with five replicates of four pigs each. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet supplemented with 0 (T0), 50 (T50), 100 (T100) or 200 (T200) mg/kg PSE. The feeding trial lasted 4 weeks. The results revealed that the T50 group had the highest average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) throughout the feeding trial (p < 0.05). Additionally, the T50 group had higher (p < 0.05) serum glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) and lower (p < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than the T0 group at 4 weeks post-weaning (p < 0.05). Serum levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased, while serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) increased by PSE supplementation at 4 weeks post-weaning (p < 0.05). PSE supplementation upregulated the mRNA expression of IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-ß and downregulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the ileal mucosal layer of piglets (p < 0.05). In summary, our study findings revealed that PSE supplementation improved the antioxidant capability, and reduced inflammation, which may be beneficial to weaned piglet health.

[Clinical diagnosis and management of cervical spondylotic amyotrophy].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic amyotrophy. Methods: Thirteen patients(13 man) with proximal (10) and distal(3) cervical spondylotic amyotrophy between November 2014 and September 2016 were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 55 (range, 47-66) years. The sex, age, clinical course, type of amyotrophy, lesion segment and postdecompression improvement in muscle power were reviewed. Results: Of 13 cervical spondylotic amyotrophy patients, 9 were performed on with cervical disectomy, 2 were performed on with cervical posterior operation, 2 remainding patients received nonoperative treatment. Cervical spondylotic amyotrophy patients were followed up 6-22 (average 10.6) months, muscle power of 4 patients (all proximal-type)were improved completely (the average recovery time were 4.4 months), muscle power of 6 patients were improved uncompletely, 1 patients failed to improve, the 2 remainding patients received nonoperative treatment had no change. Conclusion: Cervical spondylotic amyotrophy as a rare type of cervical spondylotic disorder, It should distinguish cervical spondylotic amyotrophy from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, especially in the early stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A surgical treatment is recommended as the first line of proximal-type CSA, especially those with serious compression. It is important that clinicians should be aware that distal-type CSA had a poor results, resulting in a lower lower satisfaction, especially those with no, or insignificant, sensory disturbance.

[Clinical, pathologic and radiologic analysis of paragonimiasis in children].

Objective: To analyze the clinical, pathological and radiological characteristics of paragonimiasis in children for accurate diagnosis and therapy. Methods: A total of 31 patients with paragonimiasis treated from 2002 to 2016 were selected, including 17 cases from migrant areas and 14 cases from Wenzhou area. Results: In migrant children group, the serum IgE was significantly higher than that in Wenzhou area group [(2 379±944) IU/mL∶(1 552±1 121) IU/mL, t=-2.23, P<0.05], and the duration of therapy was remarkable longer [(13.8±6.5) days∶(9.9±3.4) days, t=-2.15, P<0.05]. Among all cases, 10 showed polyserositis including pleural effusion, ascites and pericardial effusion at different degrees on chest CT scans. Five cases with cerebral paragonimiasis were confirmed by MR imaging. Most of the lesions were located in the parietal lobe with slight low signal on T1WI but high signal on T2WI surrounded by disproportionate edema. Annular enhancement was prominent by Gd-DTPA. Paragonimiasis serum antibody was positive in all cases by ELISA. Pathologic features included formation of irregular lacunae or sinus tracts, presence of paragonimus bodies, and eosinophilic infiltration in the adjacent tissues. Conclusions: Clinical manifestations of paragonimiasis are complex and non-specific in children.In migrant children group, clinical manifestations are diverse, more serious with more complications and difficulties in treatment, while patients in Wenzhou area group have favorable prognosis and less complicated treatment. The early diagnosis and timely treatment should be determined by patient's detailed history, eosinophilic count, radiologic findings and immunological test to avoid serious complications.

Effects of oncostatin M on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in C3H10T1/2.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of protein factor Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) family on cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Basal nutrient solutions of different concentrations of OSM (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 ng/ml) were used. In order to divide embryonic origin between mesenchymal stem cells C3H10T1/2 of in vitro cultured mice, and the effects of in vitro proliferation efficiencies of C3H10T1/2 cells of different concentrations of OSM, the C3H10T1/2 cells were divided into four groups: (1) Basal nutrient solution group (negative control); (2) Osteogenesis induced liquid group (positive control); (3) OSM (20 ng/ml) group; (4) Experimental group (osteogenesis induced liquid + OSM (20 ng/ml)). The expressions levels of relevant osteogenesis and mineralization genes were detected. RESULTS: OSM had several effects on promoting the proliferation of embryonic origin mesenchymal stem cells C3H10T1/2 with respect to time of exposure as well as concentrations. In the present study, it has been shown that when the concentration of OSM is 20 ng/ml, the effects of promoting proliferation are most obvious. OSM can induce osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2, make the process of osteogenic differentiation in advance, and promote the formation of end-stage calcium deposits and mineralized nodule, and osteogenic differentiation of C3H10T1/2 is finally achieved. CONCLUSION: OSM can promote the proliferation of C3H10T1/2, and induce its osteogenic differentiation and end-stage mineralization.

[Hospital costs and related influencing factors in patients with acute poisoning].

Objective: To investigate the hospital costs and related influencing factors in patients with acute poisoning. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for the general status and hospital costs of 373 patients with acute poisoning who were admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College from January 2009 to March 2015. The questionnaires were completed, the data were entered into Excel forms, and SPSS 18.0 was used to perform statistical analysis. Results: Among the 373 patients, 44.8% committed suicide and 31.1% were poisoned by accidental contact; 42.6% were poisoned by pesticides, and 32.7% were poisoned by drugs. After treatment, 64.1% achieved improvements, whereas 1.3% died. The highest hospital cost reached 62 710.26 RMB, and the lowest was 64.64 RMB (median 4 328 RMB) . The patients with an older age and a longer length of hospital stay tended to have higher hospital costs; the patients who underwent catharsis, mechanical ventilation, and blood purification and were admitted to the intensive care unit had relatively high hospital costs. Conclusion: The patients with acute poisoning have high hospital costs. Poisoning caused by pesticides and drugs should be prevented and treated with priority, so as to reduce the heavy economic burden caused by acute poisoning.

[Blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier damage of rats induced by lead acetate or nano-lead exposure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the damage of blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) of rats induced by lead and nano-lead exposure in order to provide the basis for mechanism study of lead neurotoxicity. METHODS: 39 male rats were randomly divided into control group, lead acetate exposed group and nano-lead exposed group. Rats in lead acetate exposed group and nano-lead exposed group were given 20 mg/kg lead acetate or nano-lead by oral gavage and rats in control groups were given the same amount saline for 9 weeks.Morris maze was used to test the learning function, serum albumin and CSF albumin were determined by ELISA. Confocal laser scanning microscope was applied to detect ZO-1 and Occludin protein expression in choroid plexus, real time-PCR was used to test the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin mRNA expression. Pathological changes of choroid plexus cells were observed by the electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the escape latency of rats in lead acetate or nano-lead exposure group were longer and times of across platform were less. The levels of CSF albumin and the CSF albumin index in lead acetate or nano-lead exposed rats were obviously higher, and the fluorescence intensity of ZO-1, Occludin as well as mRNA expressions were lower than those in control group(P<0.05). Compared with lead acetate exposed group, the levels of CSF albumin and the CSF albumin index in nano-lead exposure group were higher. The fluorescence intensity and mRNA expressions of ZO-1, Occludin in nano-lead exposure group were than those in lead acetate group(P<0.05). Electron microscopy revealed that lead acetate or nano-lead exposure could induce shorter microvillus of choroid plexus epithelial cells, mitochondrion destruction and partial disconnection in intracellular junctions between two adjacent epithelial cells. CONCLUSION: Lead acetate and nano-lead exposed can result in the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier damage, which may involve in the process of lead induced neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, nano-lead exposure can induced in more worse damage in terms of blood-results in blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier function.

ORMDL3 variants associated with bronchiolitis susceptibility in a Chinese population.

Recent studies revealed common genetic risks for both viral bronchiolitis and asthma. Genome-wide association studies revealed that rs7216389 in the ORMDL3 gene is associated with childhood asthma. We conducted a case-control study examining the associations between ORMDL3 polymorphisms (rs7216389, rs12603332, and rs11650680) and bronchiolitis susceptibility/viral findings among 247 infant bronchiolitis cases and 190 healthy controls. We genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and detected respiratory viruses with multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Only the genotype and allele frequencies of rs7216389 significantly differed between bronchiolitis and controls. The frequencies of the TT homozygote and the T allele of rs7216389 were significantly higher in the bronchiolitis patients (P = 0.0325; P = 0.0089, respectively). Polymorphisms were not associated with bronchiolitis severity. Cases were further stratified by viral infection, but no significant differences in the ORMDL3 genotype between the virus-detected group (e.g., respiratory syncytial virus alone, respiratory virus alone, virus detected) and no-virus-detected group were observed. Bronchiolitis is associated with the ORMDL3 gene in Chinese children, and there were no significant associations between genetic variations and disease severity or respiratory viruses. The TT homozygote and the T allele of rs7216389 in ORMDL3 increased bronchiolitis risk. The rs7216389 polymorphism may be a predictor for identifying infants with predisposition to virus-induced wheezing to persistent asthma.

Environmental risk factors for women with polycystic ovary syndrome in china: a population-based case-control study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrinology disease with heterogeneous phenotype. Environmental factors are thought to be involved in the development of PCOS. The present study aimed to explore the potential environmental risk factors of PCOS. A cross-sectional study and stratified population-based case-control study were carried out. Pre-designed questionnaires were prepared, including questions about medication history, contact history of endocrine disruptors (EDs), environment and habituation. Fasting blood was collected for measurement of sex hormone, glucose and insulin. Matched logistic regression analysis was used to find the potential independent risk factor of PCOS. One thousand eight hundred fifty-four participants (aged 12-44 years) were analyzed in the cross-sectional investigation. One hundred sixty-nine PCOS patients and 338 matched controls were compared. PCOS patients were more frequent than controls in eating plastic-packaged food (p=0.001), contacting pesticide (p=0.021), eating fruit with pericarp (p=0.001), living beside a garbage heap (p=0.001), working at an acid plant (p=0.028), taking Chinese patent drugs (p=0.001), smoking (p=0.028) and drinking alcohol (p=0.001). However, PCOS patients were less likely to use kitchen ventilators (p=0.002), eat canned food (p=0.049), contact decorated materials, use skin care products (p=0.01) and cosmetics (p=0.027). No difference was found in taking antiepileptic drugs (p=0.93). Eating plastic-packaged food (p=0.001, OR=44.449), eating fruit with pericarp (p=0.03, OR=5.7) and drinking alcohol (p=0.001, OR=29.632) were found to be the independent risk factors for PCOS. The existence of an association between EDs and PCOS was proved. Plastic-packaged food, fruit with pericarp and drinking alcohol should be avoided as possible as we can. However, the causal relationships among these factors and PCOS should be proved by further research.

Effect and mechanism of different ways of transplanting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats.

The effect and mechanism of different ways of transplanting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were explored for treating cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rat model. Rats were divided into the cardiopulmonary resuscitation group (Group Con), the stereotactic lateral ventricle transplantation group (Group LV), the internal carotid artery transplantation group (Group A), and the femoral vein transplantation group (Group V). MSCs were transplanted in Groups LV, A, and V. The MSC transplantation groups had a significantly higher neurological score than Group Con on days 3 and 7 after recovery (P < 0.05), and the Group LV score was the highest in all groups (P < 0.05). On day 3 after recovery, the MSC count of Group LV was significantly higher than those of Groups A and V (P < 0.01). On day 7 after recovery, the MSC count in the hippocampus of Group LV was significantly higher than those of Groups A and V (P < 0.05). On day 3 after recovery, the S100B level of Group LV was significantly lower than those of Groups A and V (P < 0.05). On day 7 after recovery, the S100B level was not significantly different between the MSC transplantation groups (P > 0.05). The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor did increased significantly in the MSC transplantation groups on day 7 after recovery, particularly Group LV. Therefore, MSC therapy could significantly improve nerve function after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and stereotactic lateral ventricle injection transplantation is an optimal method.