A natural butter glyceride as a plasticizer for improving thermal, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of poly(lactide acid).

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biobased and biodegradable thermoplastic polyester with great potential to replace petroleum-based plastics. However, its poor toughness and slow biodegradation rate affect broad applications of PLA in many areas. In this study, a glycerol triester existing in natural butter, glycerol tributyrate, was creatively explored and compared with previously investigated triacetin and tributyl citrate, as potential plasticizers of PLA for achieving improved mechanical and biodegradation performances. The compatibilities of these agents with PLA were assessed quantitively via the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) and measured by using different testing methods. The incorporation of these compounds with varied contents ranging from 1 to 30 % in PLA altered thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties consistently, and the relationship and impacts of chemical structures and properties of these agents were systematically investigated. The results demonstrated that glycerol tributyrate is a novel excellent plasticizer for PLA and the addition of this triester not only effectively reduced the glass transition, cold crystallization, and melting temperatures and Young's modulus, but also led to a significant improvement in the enzymatic degradation rate of the plasticized PLA. This study paves a way for the development of sustainable and eco-friendly food grade plasticized PLA products.

Boosting with an aerosolized Ad5-nCoV elicited robust immune responses in inactivated COVID-19 vaccines recipients.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant and exhibits immune escape to current COVID-19 vaccines, the further boosting strategies are required. Methods: We have conducted a non-randomized, open-label and parallel-controlled phase 4 trial to evaluate the magnitude and longevity of immune responses to booster vaccination with intramuscular adenovirus vectored vaccine (Ad5-nCoV), aerosolized Ad5-nCoV, a recombinant protein subunit vaccine (ZF2001) or homologous inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac) in those who received two doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. Results: The aerosolized Ad5-nCoV induced the most robust and long-lasting neutralizing activity against Omicron variant and IFNg T-cell response among all the boosters, with a distinct mucosal immune response. SARS-CoV-2-specific mucosal IgA response was substantially generated in subjects boosted with the aerosolized Ad5-nCoV at day 14 post-vaccination. At month 6, participants boosted with the aerosolized Ad5-nCoV had remarkably higher median titer and seroconversion of the Omicron BA.4/5-specific neutralizing antibody than those who received other boosters. Discussion: Our findings suggest that aerosolized Ad5-nCoV may provide an efficient alternative in response to the spread of the Omicron BA.4/5 variant. Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=152729, identifier ChiCTR2200057278.

Selective determination of cuprous ion in copper dissolving solution based on bathocuproine-modified expanded graphite electrode.

The presence of cuprous ions in the copper-dissolving solution significantly affects the microstructure of copper plated surface. Fewer quantitative analyses of cuprous ions in the copper foil productive process had rarely been involved so far. In the present work, a novel electrochemical sensor of the bathocuproine (BCP) modified expanded graphite (EG) electrode was developed for the selective determination of cuprous ions. EG has a large surface area, good adsorption, and excellent electrochemical performance which remarkably promoted analytical sensitivity. Meanwhile, the selective determination of the BCP-EG electrode for cuprous ions in the coexistence of ten thousand times of copper ions have been achieved on the benefit of the special coordination of BCP to cuprous ions. In the coexistence of 50 g/L copper ions, the analytical performance of the BCP-EG electrode for the determination of cuprous ions had been examined. The results represented a wide detection range of cuprous ions in the range of 1.0 µg/L-5.0 mg/L, with a low detection limit of 0.18 µg/L (S/N = 3) and the BCP-EG electrode has great selectivity to cuprous ions in presence of various interferences. The analytical selectively for cuprous ions supported by the proposed electrode would be a potential analytical tool for quality improvement in electrolytic copper foil manufacturing.

Comparison of Color Development Kinetics of Tanning Reactions of Dihydroxyacetone with Free and Protected Basic Amino Acids.

Sunless tanning has become incredibly prevalent due to the increasing fashionable demand and the awareness of photodamage risks. The brown pigments are induced by dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and amino groups in the stratum corneum (SC) of skin via the Maillard reaction. While most studies concerning sunless tanning reactions have focused on free amino acids (AAs), little information is available on the impact of the side chain of AAs or proteins on this important reaction in cosmetic chemistry. To explore the reactivity and color development kinetics of different types of amino groups, three basic free AAs (Arg, His, and Lys) and three Nα-protected AAs (Boc-Arg-OH, Boc-His-OH, and Boc-Lys-OH) were used to react with DHA using a simplified model system at different reaction times, pH, and temperatures. Full factorial experiments were employed to design and analyze the effects of these three factors. The browning intensity and color characteristics were quantitatively evaluated. The factorial experiments showed that temperature had the most significant influence on the browning intensity and played a dominant role in the interactions with the reaction time and pH. It was found, for the first time, that Arg and His reacted with DHA more rapidly than Boc-Arg-OH and Boc-His-OH, while Boc-Lys-OH developed a stronger color than Lys under the same conditions, suggesting that ε-NH2 of a lysine residue in peptides or proteins of SC may play a crucial role in the color development of DHA tanning. This study not only clearly illustrates the capability of the side chain of AAs to produce colored compounds but also provides a deeper understanding of DHA tanning.

An Efficient CS-Based Spectral Peak Search Method.

Spectral peak search is an essential part of the frequency domain parametric method. In this paper, a spectral peak search algorithm employing the principle of compressed sensing (CS) is proposed to rapidly estimate the spectral peaks. The algorithm adopts fast Fourier transform (FFT) with a few points to obtain the coarsely estimated spectral peak positions, and then only three small-scale inner products are iteratively calculated by increasing the input sequence length to rapidly refine the estimated positions. Compared with the conventional methods, this algorithm can directly capture the exact locations of spectral peaks without acquiring the entire spectrum. In addition, the proposed algorithm can be easily integrated into the existing frequency domain interpolation methods to accurately determine the spectral peak positions, and if so, only 30% of inner product operations of the original algorithms are required. Theoretical analysis and numerical results show that this algorithm yields accurate results with low complexity for analyzing both one-dimensional and two-dimensional signals.

Phenotypes, Functions, and Clinical Relevance of Regulatory B Cells in Cancer.

In immune system, B cells are classically positive modulators that regulate inflammation and immune responses. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are a subset of B cells which play crucial roles in various conditions, including infection, allergies, autoimmune diseases, transplantation, and tumors. Until now, unequivocal surface markers for Bregs still lack consensus, although numerous Breg subsets have been identified. Generally, Bregs exert their immunoregulatory functions mainly through cytokine secretion and intercellular contact. In the tumor microenvironment, Bregs suppress effector T cells, induce regulatory T cells and target other tumor-infiltrating immune cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, natural killer cells and macrophages, to hamper anti-tumor immunity. Meanwhile, the cross-regulations between Bregs and tumor cells often result in tumor escape from immunosurveillance. In addition, accumulating evidence suggests that Bregs are closely associated with many clinicopathological factors of cancer patients and might be potential biomarkers for accessing patient survival. Thus, Bregs are potential therapeutic targets for future immunotherapy in cancer patients. In this review, we will discuss the phenotypes, functions, and clinical relevance of Bregs in cancer.

Glycopatterns and Glycoproteins Changes in MCN and SCN: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background. Advances in imaging improve the detection of malignant pancreatic cystic including mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and mucinous cystic adenocarcinoma (MCA), but the distinction between benign and malignant lesions remains a problem. In an effort to establish glycopatterns as potential biomarkers for differential diagnosis between MCN and SCN, we systematically investigated the alterations of glycopatterns in cystic fluids for both SCN and MCN. Methods. Among the 75 patients enrolled, 37 were diagnosed as MCN and 38 as SCN based on histology. Lectin microarray analysis was performed on each sample, and the fluorescence intensity was used to obtain the fold-change. Then, mixed cyst fluids of MCN group and SCN group were cross bonded with magnetic particles coupled by Lectin STL and WGA, respectively. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) enrichment was performed, liquid chromatography (LC)/mass spectrometry (MS) analysis and bioinformatical analysis was conducted to find the differential glycoproteins between MCNs and SCNs. Results. Through analysis of lectin microarray between MCNs and SCNs, stronger lectin signal patterns were assigned to Lectin WFA, DBA, STL, WGA, and BPL; and weaker signal patterns were assigned to Lectin PTL-I, Con A, ACA, and MAL-I. The glycoproteins were enriched by STL or WGA-coupled magnetic particles. Furthermore, the 10 identified correspondding genes were found to be significantly elevated in the mucinous cystadenoma: CLU, A2M, FGA, FGB, FGG, PLG, SERPINA1, SERPING1, C5, C8A, and C9. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the above genes may activate the KEGG pathway: immune complement system. Conclusion. This study shows changes in glycopatterns and glycoproteins are associated with MCNs and SCNs.

Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas in Male Patients.

Objective To analyze the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)findings of solid pseudopapillary tumor(SPT)of the pancreas in male patients. Methods Clinical and MRI features of 51 patients with pathologically-proved SPT were retrospectively analyzed.The following MRI features of the lesions were analyzed:location,maximal diameter,shape,margin,capsule,solid and cystic components,signal intensity characteristics,and enhancement patterns.Results The average maximal diameter of the SPT in male patients was significantly smaller [(3.9±1.6)cm vs.(6.3±3.9)cm,P=0.035]than that of SPT in female patients.Pure solid tumors were signiciantly more common in male patients(8/14)than in female patients(9/37)(P=0.037).T1-weighted images of SPT showed mainly homogenous hypo-intensity in male patients(11/14)and heterogeneous hypo-intensity in female patients(23/37)(P=0.001).Hemorrhage was more prevalent in female patients(22/37)than in male patients(2/14)(P=0.005).There were no significant differences between male and female patients regarding clinical features and other magnetic resonance features(P>0.05).Conclusions On MRI,SPT in male patients is small and shows mainly pure solid component with rare hemorrhage.The clinical and other MRI features of SPT are not different between males and females.

Incidents and adverse events of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for pancreatic cystic lesions.

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value and safety mainly regarding incidents of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). METHODS: A total of 150 consecutive patients with suspected PCLs were prospectively enrolled from April 2015 to November 2016. We finally enrolled 140 patients undergoing EUS-FNA. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA and pathological diagnosis, which is regarded as the gold standard, for PCLs. Patients undergoing EUS-FNA at least 1 wk preoperatively were monitored for incidents and adverse events to evaluate its safety. RESULTS: There were 88 (62.9%) women and 52 (37.1%) men among 140 patients, with a mean age of 50.1 (± 15.4) years. There were 67 cysts located in the head/uncinate of the pancreas and 67 in the body/tail, and 6 patients had at least 1 cyst in the pancreas. There were 75 patients undergoing surgery and 55 undergoing EUS-FNA with interval at least 1 wk before other operations, with 3 patients undergoing the procedure twice. The accuracy of EUS-FNA in differentiating benign and malignant lesions was 97.3% (73/75), while the accuracy of characterizing PCL subtype was 84.0% (63/75). The incident rate was 37.9% (22/58), whereas only 1 AE was observed in 58 cases. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA is effective and safe for diagnosis of PCLs, however procedure-related incidents are common. Caution should be taken in patients undergoing EUS-FNA.

In situ forming hydrogels with long-lasting miR-21 enhances the therapeutic potential of MSC by sustaining stimulation of target gene.

Regulating stem cells by microRNA (miRNA) is promising in regenerative medicine. However, non-viral transfection is usually transient while stably lentiviral transfection is accompanied with oncogenic risk. In the study, we explored the feasibility to retain the microRNAs within biopolymer hydrogels for their long-lasting working and sustaining stimulation of target gene. miRNA-21 (MiR-21), a reported microRNA enhancing the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was used. We demonstrated that miR-21 could be efficiently retained within collagen hydrogel after forming complex with cationic polymer polyethylenimine (PEI). Due to the electronic interaction with positively charged PEI, the release of miR-21 was largely prevented during 2 week incubation (<20%), while free miR-21 encapsulated in hydrogels was largely released (>50%). When MSCs were cultivated in the PEI/miR-21-incorporated hydrogels, the sustained activation of targeted gene HIF-1α was observed, resulting in the sustaining up-regulation of several downstream therapeutic cytokines. Then, the hydrogels encapsulating miR-21/PEI were coated onto tissue plate for MSC cultivation, which further confirmed the long-lasting retention and efficacy of miR-21 on the plate surface. In addition, under H2O2-simulated stress condition, we also demonstrated that the anti-apoptotic capacity of MSCs was significantly improved when growing on miR-21-retained hydrogels. Our study provided a safe and promising method for long-lasting stem cell regulation with miRNAs.

A prospective study on the safety and effectiveness of using lauromacrogol for ablation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms with the aid of EUS.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: With the development of imaging techniques, the detection rate of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) has increased. The surgical morbidity and mortality rates of PCNs are quite high. This study is intended to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a minimally invasive treatment, EUS-guided PCN ablation with lauromacrogol. METHODS: From April 2015 to May 2016, 120 patients with PCNs were enrolled to undergo EUS. We prospectively studied 29 of the 120 patients who underwent EUS-guided ablation with lauromacrogol. The follow-up contrast-enhanced CT or magnetic resonance image was conducted at 3 months and then 6 months after ablation. We determined the effectiveness of ablation by the changes in the volume of the cysts. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the study, and 7 of them underwent a second ablation; therefore, there were 36 treatments. The mean tumor diameter was 28.6 ± 14.5 mm preoperation, whereas the diameter postoperation was 13.4 ± 10.5 mm. Mild pancreatitis occurred in 2 patients and moderate fever in 1; they occurred in the cysts located in the head/uncinate. Among the 29 treatments with complete follow-up of 9 months (range, 3-15), 11 had complete response and 9 had partial response. The resolution rate was 37.9% (11/29) with 36.4% (8/22) in the cysts of the head/uncinate and 42.9% (3/7) in the body/tail (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided PCN ablation with lauromacrogol is safe and efficient. Adverse event rates seem to be higher in the head/uncinate than in the body/tail, but their resolution rates are similar. Further studies involving larger populations and longer follow-ups are warranted.

Establishing a predictive model for aspirin resistance in elderly Chinese patients with chronic cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to anti-platelet therapy is detrimental to patients. Our aim was to establish a predictive model for aspirin resistance to identify high-risk patients and to propose appropriate intervention. METHODS: Elderly patients (n = 1130) with stable chronic coronary heart disease who were taking aspirin (75 mg) for > 2 months were included. Details of their basic characteristics, laboratory test results, and medications were collected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a predictive model for aspirin resistance. Risk score was finally established according to coefficient B and type of variables in logistic regression. The Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to respectively test the calibration and discrimination of the model. RESULTS: Seven risk factors were included in our risk score. They were serum creatinine (> 110 µmol/L, score of 1); fasting blood glucose (> 7.0 mmol/L, score of 1); hyperlipidemia (score of 1); number of coronary arteries (2 branches, score of 2; ≥ 3 branches, score of 4); body mass index (20-25 kg/m(2), score of 2; > 25 kg/m(2), score of 4); percutaneous coronary intervention (score of 2); and smoking (score of 3). The HL test showed P ≥ 0.05 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ≥ 0.70. CONCLUSIONS: We explored and quantified the risk factors for aspirin resistance. Our predictive model showed good calibration and discriminative power and therefore a good foundation for the further study of patients undergoing anti-platelet therapy.

[The experimental study of simvastatin on improving aspirin resistance in diabetic rats].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of the combination of aspirin, simvastatin in diabetic rat on platelet function. METHODS: Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were selected and randomly divided into diabetic group (n=48) and normal control group (n=48). Diabetic rats were injected with 1% STZ (65mg/kg, dissolved in 0.l mmol/L, pH 4.5 citrate buffer) to induce diabetic model and the rats in normal control group were injected with the same dose of citrate buffer. A rat with blood glucose greater than 16.8 mmol/L and along with diabetic symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria and weight loss was considered the successful model of diabetes. Diabetic rats and normal Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and given aspirin(10 mg/kg), simvastatin(2 mg/kg), combination of aspirin(10mg/kg) and simvastatin(2 mg/kg), PBS for 8 weeks, respectively. The platelet function and the expression of CD62P were evaluated. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET), thromboxane B2(TXB2), prostacyclin (PGI2), adiponectin (APN), TXB2 were detected in the serum. The expressions of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1), HO-2, endothelial nitric oxide synthase(e-NOS), p-eNOS, B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) in thoracic aorta were evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with control rats, diabetic rats had high platelet aggregation and activation (P<0.05), which treated aspirin also showed lower aspirin sensitivity (P<0.05). The combination of drugs upregulated the expression of HO-1, eNOS, p-eNOS, BCL-2, APN levels and decreased the expression of COX-2, and had a greater inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and activation. The combination of drugs improved endothelial function, adjusted TXA2/PGI2 levels and increased NO levels, which resulted in a great potential antiplatelet effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that simvastatin may improvethe effect of aspirin on anti-platelet function in diabetic rats.

[Correlation of food intolerance with hyperlipidemia: a cross-sectional survey in healthcare population].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation of food intolerance and hyperlipidemia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2008 to June 2009. It recruited a total of 11 434 adults from Health Sciences Center at our hospital. Non-conditional Logistic regression model was utilized for determining odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidencer interval (CI). And statistic analysis was performed with SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: Among them 6 897 participants were food intolerance positive and 4 537 food intolerance negative. The prevalence of food intolerance was 60.32%. Age, gender, smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were significantly different between positive and negative ones (all P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that food intolerance was significantly correlated with age, gender, body mass index, but negatively with hyperlipidemia. Compared with age group ≤ 40 years, the OR (95%CI) of age groups 41-50, 51-60 and >60 years were 1.125(1.021-1.238), 1.350(1.207-1.510) and 1.564(1.279-1.912) respectively. Compared with males, the OR (95%CI) of females was 1.528(1.382-1.689). Compared with normal weighters, the OR (95%CI) of low weighters was 1.720 (1.147-2.580). Compared with normal blood lipids, the OR (95%CI) of hyperlipidemia was 0.879 (0.810-0.955). CONCLUSION: Food intolerance may be negatively correlated with hyperlipidemia in healthcare population.

[A cross sectional survey on the prevalence of food intolerance and its determinants through physical checkup programs in the elderly].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of food intolerance and its determinants in healthcare elderly in China. METHODS: A cross sectional survey was carried out from August 1(st), 2008 to June 30(th), 2009, that including 736 60-year-olds from a Health Management Research Institute, Chinese PLA General Hospital. Data was double entried in computer and organized by EpiData 3.0. Non conditional logistic regression model was used for odd ratio (OR) and 95% CI, with the use of SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: The three leading foodstuff on intolerance were crab, egg and shrimp, with the prevalence rates as 35.9% , 28.8% and 15.1% respectively. Results from the multiple regression analysis showed that the crab intolerance was associated with Helicobacter pylori infections (P < 0.05). The OR(95%CI) of Helicobacter pylori infections (DOB≥4) was 1.544 (1.139-2.091). CONCLUSION: The three leading intolerance foods were egg, crab and shrimp. Crab intolerance was associated with Helicobacter pylori infections. To reduce the risk of crab intolerance, it was necessary to control the infection caused by Helicobacter pylori.

MiR-490-3p modulates the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by ox-LDL through targeting PAPP-A.

AIMS: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) can induce vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and differentiation, which is the important mechanism of the pro-atherogenic effects of ox-LDL. Although miRNAs are crucial regulators of the ox-LDL effects on VSMC, the detailed mechanisms are not fully elucidated. So, we investigated the miRNAs changes in the proliferation of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (hCASMCs) induced by ox-LDL and the functional significance of some miRNAs, which were regulated significantly. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using miRNA microarray, real-time PCR, and luciferase reporter assay, our study showed that miR-490-3p and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) expression were down-regulated, whereas pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and IGF2 expression were up-regulated significantly in hCASMC treated by ox-LDL and/or in human atherosclerotic plaque. Further studies indicated PAPP-A was the target gene of miR-490-3p. The miR-490-3p mimic could inhibit the up-regulation of PAPP-A induced by ox-LDL in hCASMC, which resulted in the suppression of the metalloprotease effect of PAPP-A on IGF-binding protein-4 (IGFBP-4). All these effects led to the inhibition of the proliferation of hCASMC induced by ox-LDL. CONCLUSION: Ox-LDL could inhibit the expression of miR-490-3p and IGF1, whereas increase IGF2 expression. The inhibition of miR0-490-3p up-regulated its target gene PAPP-A and then increased the proteolysis of IGFBP-4. The increased expression of IGF2 and proteolysis of IGFBP-4 might activate pathways independent or dependent on IGF axis by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms and resulted in the VSMC proliferation. Our results could help us to understand the mechanisms of the pro-atherogenic effects of ox-LDL and the effects of PAPP-A on atherosclerosis development.

[Correlation of coronary heart disease with multiple genes, gene polymorphisms and multiple risk factors in old Chinese Han patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the related risk factors and genetic susceptibility of coronary heart disease (CHD) in old Chinese Han patients. METHODS: In a case-control study, we enrolled 246 patients with CHD for cases, 185 cases without CHD for control. Correlation of CHD with 15 risk factors, including sex, age, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, homocysteine (HCY), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), antithrombin III (ATII), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were analyzed by a logistic regression analysis. Meanwhile, facilitated by USA Sequenom high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotyping systems, 10-Plex Genes, 11 SNPs were investigated. RESULTS: Aging, hypertension, lower ATIII were major risk factors for CHD (P < 0.05). Platelet glycoprotein GP1BA rs2243093 (-5T/C), angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE rs4332 (547C/T) and ATIII rs2227589 (893C/T) were associated with CHD in old Han Chinese patients. Mutant genotype CC of rs2243093 (-5T/C) compared with T + AT, P was 0.029 (OR = 3.41, CI: 1.19-9.75). Heterozygous TC of rs4332 (547C/T) was compared with CC + TT, P is 0.003 (OR = 0.56, CI: 0.38-0.82). T-allele carrier CT + CT of rs2227589 (893C/T) was compared with wild genotype CC, P = 0.003 (OR = 1.79, CI: 1.22-2.63). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that aging, hypertension, lower ATIII were the major risk factors of CHD. Three mechanisms associated with platelets, anti-coagulation system, the renin-angiotensin system were involved in coronary heart disease in the elderly.

On-axis Gaussian beam scattering by a chiral cylinder.

An analytic solution to the scattering by an infinite chiral cylinder, for oblique incidence of an on-axis Gaussian beam, is constructed by expanding the incident Gaussian beam scattered fields as well as internal fields in terms of appropriate cylindrical vector wave functions. The unknown expansion coefficients are determined by a system of linear equations derived from the boundary conditions. For a localized beam model, the scattering characteristics that are different from the case of an infinite dielectric cylinder are described in detail and discussed concisely.

[A cross-sectional survey of crab intolerance positive rate and its determinants in healthy medical examination population in Beijing].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the positive rate of crab intolerance and its related factors in a healthy physical examination population in Beijing, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out from August 1, 2008 to July 30, 2009. It recruited a total of 12 765 adults with crab intolerance at Health Sciences Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital. The epidemiological data were entered into computer by two persons and organized by Epidata3.0. Non-conditional Logistic regression model was used to calculate the values of odd ratio (OR) and 95%CI. Statistic analysis was performed by SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: The incidence rate of crab intolerance was 24.5% (3128/12 765) and increased with age. Grades of crab intolerance were associated with age and gender and there was a linear correlation tendency (P < 0.05). Incidence rate of crab intolerance in females (27.5%, 1077/3912) was higher than that of males (23.2%, 2051/8853). Multiple regression analysis showed that crab intolerance was correlated with age, gender, body mass index and helicobacter infections(all P < 0.05). In comparison with age group < 40 years old, the values of OR (95%CI) of age groups 41 - 50, 51 - 60 and > 60 years old were 1.224 (1.095 - 1.368), 1.616 (1.431 - 1.827) and 2.177 (1.799 - 2.634) respectively. In comparison with males, the OR (95%CI) of females was 1.286 (1.174 - 1.408). The OR (95%CI) of Helicobacter pylori infections was 1.303(1.201 - 1.413). In comparison with normal weighters, the OR (95%CI) of obese subjects was 1.154 (1.026 - 1.298). CONCLUSIONS: Crab intolerance may be correlated with age, gender, Helicobacter pylori infections and body mass index. Health education should be targeted at its characteristics.