[Investigation of serum surface active protein D and clara cell protein levels in workers exposed to silica dust in ferrous metal foundry].

Objective: To investigate the levels of serum surface active protein D (SP-D) and clara cell protein (CCl6) in workers exposed to black silica dust, and analyze its influencing factors. Methods: From July to September 2021, 174 workers in 37 positions exposed to silica dust in 5 ferrous metal foundry were investigated by cross-sectional research method. The exposure concentration of silica dust workers was obtained through occupational health field investigation and detection, and the general situation of the study subjects was obtained through questionnaire survey and peripheral blood was collected. Double antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentrations of SP-D and CC16 in serum of workers. The mean values were compared by one-way ANOVA, and the influencing factors of SP-D and CC16 concentrations in serum were analyzed by ordered multiple logistic regression. Results: The time-weighted average concentration (C-TWA) of 174 workers exposed to silica dust (respirable dust) ranged from 0.09 mg/m(3)~3.58 mg/m(3), and the C-TWA overstandard rate of dust exposed workers was 32.18% (56/174) , with differences among workers in different positions (χ(2)=28.85, P<0.001) . The highest concentration of silica dust was (0.82±0.11) mg/m(3). Using C-TWA<50% OEL occupational exposure limit (OEL) as reference, serum SP-D concentration in workers with ≥50% OEL was increased (OR=4.95, 95%CI: 1.86~13.17, P=0.001) , while CC16 concentration was decreased (OR=0.15, 95%CI: 0.05~0.40, P<0.001) ; Serum CC16 concentration decreased in workers exposed to silica dust C-TWA≥OEL (OR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.28~0.98, P=0.043) . Compared with those with low occupational health literacy, the serum SP-D concentration of workers with high occupational health literacy decreased (OR=0.48, 95%CI: 0.25~0.92, P=0.027) and CC16 concentration increased (OR=2.09, 95%CI: 1.10-3.97, P=0.024) . Conclusion: When no abnormality was found in the physical examination of workers, the serum SP-D and CC16 concentration levels changed, and the change was related to the concentration of workers exposed to silica dust.

[Radiographic diagnosis of distal fibula avulsion fractures: Comparison of ankle X-ray and three-dimensional reconstruction of CT].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the difference in sensitivity between X-ray and three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography (3D-CT) for the diagnosis of distal fibular avulsion fracture, and the radiographic presentation of the ossicle. METHODS: From January to October 2018, 92 patients with distal fibular avulsion fracture were visited for surgical treatment in Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, and 60 cases were finally enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Intraoperative detection was regarded as the gold standard, and the diagnostic sensitivity of preoperative ankle X-ray and 3D-CT for the distal fibular avulsion fractures was statistically determined. The ossicle maximum diameter as well as the degree of its displacement were also measured. On 3D-CT, the distance from the ossicle center point to the anterior fibular tuberosity (a), the distance to the fibular tip (b), and the a/b value was used to present the ossicle displacement. RESULTS: Among the 60 patients, 36 and the 52 patients were correctly detected by X-ray and 3D-CT, respectively, and the sensitivities was 60.0% and 86.7%, respectively (P=0.004). The mean diameter of the ossicle on X-ray and 3D-CT was (9.2±3.9) mm and (10.5±3.2) mm, respectively. The mean distance from the ossicle center to the anterior fibular tuberosity (a) was (17.5±3.6) mm and the mean distance to the fibular tip (b) was (17.4±4.8) mm, with mean a/b values of 1.1±0.7. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for each measurement ranged from 0.891-0.998 with a high degree of consistency. CONCLUSION: Compared with X-ray, 3D-CT has higher sensitivity in diagnosing distal fibular avulsion fractures, can help clinicians evaluate ossicle's location and choose surgical methods, and is recommended to be performed in patients with suspected distal fibula avulsion fractures in clinical practice.

[Analysis of dust hazard characteristics in 59 ferrous metal foundry enterprises in Ningbo City].

Objective: To analyze the post distribution of dust concentration in ferrous metal foundry enterprises and evaluate the occupational health risks, and provide basis for policies of the formulation of pneumoconiosis prevention and control. Methods: From August to September in 2020, the basic information, dust hazard information and occupational health management information of 59 ferrous metal casting enterprises were investigated, the dust concentration distribution was analyzed, and the risk assessment was carried out by using the quantitative assignment model. The dust concentration is tested by LSD method after logarithmic treatment. The 3 times time weighted average allowable exposure concentration of dust is taken as the peak concentration limit of dust; The time weighted average allowable exposure concentration of dust converted by exposure time is taken as the time weighted average exposure concentration limit of dust, and whether the time weighted average exposure concentration and peak concentration of dust at the same post exceed the limit is taken as the basis for exceeding the limit of dust post concentration to calculate the post exceeding the limit rate. Results: The dust hazards were mainly distributed in the posts of sand treatment, molding, sand falling, sand cleaning and cutting and grinding. Dust exposure time weighted average concentration was 0.44 (0.03, 5.11) mg/m(3), peak exposure concentration was 1.30 (0.18, 10.94) mg/m(3), and the over standard rate of Posts was 38.92% (79/203) . Weighted average exposure concentration of other dust (total dust) in the cutting and grinding post is 1.50 (0.15, 7.40) mg/m(3), peak exposure concentration is 0.90 (0.07, 12.48) mg/m(3), and the post exceedance rate is 4.88% (2/41) . Weighted average exposure concentration of silica dust (exhaling dust) in dust operation posts of investment casting enterprises is 0.43 (0.05, 6.35) mg/m(3), peak exposure concentration is 0.90 (0.12, 8.28) mg/m(3), and the post over standard rate is 35.77% (49/137) ; Weighted average exposure concentration of other dust (total dust) at the cutting and grinding post is 2.00 (11.00, 21.00) mg/m(3), and the post exceedance rate is 2.50% (2/80) . There was no significant difference in the concentration of respirable dust between sand casting and investment casting (P>0.05) . The concentration of respirable dust in sand casting was higher than that in sand treatment, molding and sand cleaning posts (P<0.05) . The concentration of silica dust in investment casting was higher than that in sand treatment and molding posts, and that in sand cleaning posts was higher than that in sand treatment posts (P<0.05) . 98.48% (454/461) of the dust operation posts have an occupational health risk value greater than or equal to 400, and 1.52% (7/461) of the dust operation posts have an occupational health risk value of 200~399. Conclusion: there is a high rate of exceeding the standard in the dust work posts in the ferrous metal foundry enterprises in Ningbo, and the workers have a high occupational health risk of pneumoconiosis or metal and its compound pneumoconiosis. Targeted measures should be taken to reduce the occupational health risk.

[Epidemiological characteristics of a local cluster epidemic caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Ningbo, 2021].

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a local clustered epidemic caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Ningbo and provide reference for the improvement of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control. Methods: Case finding was conducted based on case definitions, and field epidemiological investigation of COVID-19 cases was carried out. In which Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs of the cases were collected for pathogen testing, and the results were analyzed with descriptive epidemiological methods. Results: A total of 74 COVID-19 cases were reported in this epidemic, and the cases were mainly mild ones, accounting for 87.84% (65/74), and there were no severe or critical cases. The epidemic curve showed a human-to-human transmission mode, indicating that a transmission for at least six generations had occurred. The age of the COVID-19 patients ranged from 2 years to 80 years, and 27.03% (20/74) of the cases were older than 60 years. The cases were mainly workers (55.41%, 41/74) and housework/the unemployed (27.03%, 20/74). The COVID-19 epidemic was limited, and no further spread to other areas occurred. The transmission chain among the cases was clear, and the gene sequencing results confirmed that the current epidemic was caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant, which was highly homologous to the strains from other province. Conclusion: The local COVID-19 epidemic in Ningbo was caused by imported cases of COVID-19 from other province, and local community spread occurred through daily contacts between cases and contacts.

[Transmission chains of local epidemic of COVID-19 caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Zhenhai district, Ningbo].

Objective: To investigate the local epidemic of COVID-19 caused by 2019-nCoV Delta variant in Zhenhai district of Ningbo, identify the transmission chain and provide reference for the prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: The incidence data of COVID-19 in Zhenhai from 6 to 18 December, 2021 were collected in field investigation. Field epidemiological investigation was conducted to understand the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 cases and analyze the transmission chains. Results: The first case might be infected with 2019-nCoV through direct or indirect exposure when passing through a medium-risk area, then a family cluster was caused, and the epidemic spread through close contacts of family members with others such as work, daily life, and moxibustion. The epidemic lasted for 14 days, and 74 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported. The median incubation period was 4.0(3.0,5.8)d. All the cases were in a chain of transmission for more than 6 generations, and the intergenerational interval was 3.5(2.0,5.3)d. The gene sequencing result indicated that the pathogen was Delta AY.4 variant of 2019-nCoV. Both the epidemiological investigation and the gene sequencing results supported that the local COVID-19 epidemic in Zhenhai was associated with the COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai. Conclusions: The transmission chain of this epidemic was clear. Delta AY.4 variant has obvious characteristic to cause case clusters in families, places with poor ventilation, and residential communities. It is suggested to strengthen the health management in key areas and key populations, and increase the frequency of nucleic acid testing.

[Analysis of incidence characteristics and trend of pneumoconiosis in Ningbo City from 1967 to 2019].

Objective: To understand the incidence of pneumoconiosis in Ningbo city from 1967 to 2019, and to analyze the distribution characteristics and change trend of pneumoconiosis. Methods: In February 2021, the data of pneumoconiosis patients in Ningbo city from 1967 to 2019 were sorted out. The data from 1967 to 1987 were from historical case files of Zhejiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the data from 1988 to 2005 were from the historical case files of Ningbo Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the data from 2006 to 2019 were from the pneumoconiosis report card in China Disease Prevention and Control Information System; Followed up and supplement relevant information, including basic information, basic information of employers and information related to pneumoconiosis diagnosis, and comprehensively analyze the composition and development trend, population characteristics and industry characteristics of pneumoconiosis. Results: From 1967 to 2019, a total of 1715 cases of pneumoconiosis were reported in Ningbo City, including 1254 cases of stageⅠpneumoconiosis, 258 cases of stageⅡpneumoconiosis, 172 cases of stage Ⅲpneumoconiosis. 1202 cases of silicosis (70.09%) , 296 cases of asbestosis (17.26%) , 40 cases of welder's pneumoconiosis (2.33%) , 32 cases of graphite pneumoconiosis (1.87%) were reported. There were 1296 male cases (75.57%) and 419 female cases (24.43%) were reported. Silicosis (91.15%, 1102/1209) and welder's pneumoconiosis (100.00%, 40/40) were the most common pneumoconiosis in males, while asbestosis (90.24%, 268/297) and graphite pneumoconiosis (87.50%, 28/32) were the most common pneumoconiosis in females. The average age was (49.71±10.90) years old and the average length of service was (10.98±6.96) years. The top three reported pneumoconiosis cases were construction industry (336 cases, 19.59%) , ferrous metal smelting and rolling industry (317 cases, 18.48%) and non-metallic mineral products industry (315 cases, 18.37%) . The top three reported pneumoconiosis cases were 414 cases (24.14%) in Ninghai County, 294 cases (17.14%) in Yuyao City and 272 cases (15.86%) in Yinzhou District. Conclusion: With the development of industries in Ningbo City, government departments should strengthen supervision and management of enterprises involving silica dust and welding fume to curb the high incidence of pneumoconiosis.

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

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

Long noncoding RNA LUCAT1 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by upregulating MTA1.

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Long noncoding RNA LUCAT1 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by upregulating MTA1, by A.-H. Wang, J.-M. Zhao, J. Du, Q.-X. Pang, M.-Q. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (16): 6824-6829-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201908_18721-PMID: 31486481" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/18721.

[Study on transmission dynamic of 15 clusters of COVID-2019 cases in Ningbo].

Objective: To describe the basic characteristics of clusters of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and evaluate the generation time (Tg) and basic reproduction number (R(0)) of COVID-19. Methods: The basic information and onset times of the clusters of COVID-19 cases in Ningbo were investigated, the inter-generational interval of the cases were fitted by using gamma distribution, and the R(0) was calculated based on the SEIR model. Results: In the 15 clusters of COVID-19 cases, a total of 52 confirmed cases, 5 cases of nucleic acid-positive asymptomatic cases. The cases occurred from January 23 to February 4, the cases were mainly women. The incubation period was (6.11±3.38) days, and the median was 5 days. The Tg was (6.93±3.70) days. There were no significant differences in Tg between age group<60 years and age group 60 years and above, and between men and women (P=0.551). According to the Tg calculated in this paper, the R(0) of COVID-19 in Ningbo was 3.06 (95%CI: 2.64- 3.51); according to the reported case transmission interval of 7.5 days in the literature, the R(0) was 3.32 (95%CI: 2.51-9.38). Conclusion: There is no age and gender specific differences in the Tg of clusters of COVID-19 cases in Ningbo, and COVID-19 has high infectivity and spreading power in early phase.

[Epidemiological characteristics of infection in COVID-19 close contacts in Ningbo city].

Objective: To estimate the infection rate of close contacts of COVID-19 cases, and to evaluate the risk of COVID-19 under different exposure conditions. Methods: A prospective study was used to conduct continuous quarantine medical observations of close contacts of people infected with COVID-19, collect epidemiological, clinical manifestations, and laboratory test data to estimate the infection rate of close contacts under different exposures. Results: The epidemiological curve of COVID-19 in Ningbo showed persistent human-to-human characteristics. A total of 2 147 close contacts were tracked and investigated. The total infection rate was 6.15%. The infection rates of confirmed cases and positive contacts were 6.30% and 4.11%, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Among close contacts of different relationships, friends/pilgrims (22.31%), family members (18.01%), and relatives (4.73%) have a higher infection rate, and close contacts of medical staff were not infected. Differences in infection rates among the close contacts were statistically significant (P<0.005). Living with the case (13.26%), taking the same transportation (11.91%), and dining together (7.18%) are high risk factors for infection. Cross-infection in the hospital should not be ignored (1.94%). The median of incubation period is 5 days. Conclusion: The infection rate of close contacts of COVID-19 cases is high, and isolation medical observation measures should be implemented in strict accordance with the close contact management plan.

LncRNA PCAT-1 regulated cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis in colorectal cancer through targeting miR-149-5p.

OBJECTIVE: Emerging studies suggested that lncRNA plays an important role in cell progression of multiple cancers. In CRC, the function of some lncRNAs has been verified to be related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, providing a crucial theoretical basis for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Due to the complexity of the regulation mechanism of cell growth, the regulation mechanism related to lncRNA still needs to be further studied in CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The qRT-PCR assay was used to carry out the expression of prostate cancer-associated ncRNA transcripts 1 (PCAT-1) and miR-149-5p. The Western blots were used to measure the protein expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1, MMP-2, MMP-9, Bcl-2, Bax and ß-actin. Additionally, flow cytometry and MTT assay were used to assess cell apoptosis and cell proliferation, respectively. Moreover, transwell assay was applied to measure the ability of cells migrated and invasion in CRC. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect luciferase activities. RESULTS: In this study, lncRNA PCAT-1 expression was significantly upregulated in CRC cells and tissues. More than that, knockdown of lncRNA PCAT-1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion while promoted cell apoptosis in CRC cells. Of note, lncRNA PCAT-1 directly targeted miR-149-5p and miR-149-5p expression was significantly downregulated in CRC cells and tissues. Moreover, miR-149-3p reversed the suppressive effects of PCAT-1 on the cell growth of CRC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that LncRNA PCAT-1 regulated cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis in colorectal cancer through targeting miR-149-5p and provided a new regulatory mechanism of CRC.

Long noncoding RNA LUCAT1 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation and invasion by upregulating MTA1.

OBJECTIVE: Recent researches have revealed the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of tumors. In this study, lncRNA LUCAT1 was explored to identify how it affected the progression of cervical cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect LUCAT1 expression in both cervical cancer cells and tissue samples. Moreover, the associations between LUCAT1 expression level and patients' overall survival rate were explored, respectively. In addition, cell proliferation assay and transwell assay were conducted. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism was explored via performing qRT-PCR and Western blot assay. RESULTS: By comparing with the expression level in corresponding ones, the LUCAT1 expression level in cervical cancer samples was significantly higher. Moreover, expression level of LUCAT1 was negatively correlated with patients' overall survival time. In addition, after LUCAT1 was overexpressed, cell proliferation, cell invasion and migration capacities were promoted in vitro. In addition, the mRNA and protein expressions of MTA1 were upregulated after LUCAT1 was overexpressed. Furthermore, it was found that the expression level of MTA1 was positively related to LUCAT1 expression level in cervical cancer tissues. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that LUCAT1 could enhance proliferation, invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells through upregulating MTA1, which might offer a potential therapeutic choice for patients with cervical cancer.

[Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Low Concentrations Benzene Toluene and Xylenes].

Objective: To Assess occupational health risks of exposuring to low concentrations (lower than occupational exposure limit, OEL) benzene, toluene and Xylenes. Methods: Qualitative evaluation, semi-quantitative evaluation and quantitative evaluation from guidelines for occupational health risk assessment of chemicals in the workplace were conducted to assess occupational health risks exposure to benzene compounds in different workplaces of 5 manufacturing enterprises, respectively. Results: Concentrations of benzene, toluene and Xylenes in all workplaces were lower than OEL. Qualitative evaluation showed that occupational health risk level was 4 exposure to benzene and Xylenes in all workpalces, while 2 exposure to toluene. Semi-quantitative evaluation showed low level (2 of 5) risks in all workplaces exposured to benzene compounds excepted 4 workpalces exposured to benzene, the latter was moderate (3 of 5) . Quantitative evaluation gave unacceptable carcinogenic risk (higher than 10(-4)) of benzene in the wood toy manufactory, and the highest risk was (1.48~5.26) ×10(-4). The occupational health risks of benzene and Xylenes were all unacceptable (HQ>1) in 9 workplaces. Conclusion: There still need more attention to occupational health risks exposure to benzene, toluene and Xylenes lower than OEL.

[Analysis on occupational health surveillance to workers exposed to toxic environment in Ningbo].

Objective: To analyze the occupational health surveillance data of toxic and harmful workers in Ningbo, and provide scientific basis for making protective measures. Methods: To export the occupational health surveillance data of toxic and harmful workers reported by occupational health examination institutions in Ningbo during the January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017 from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and analyze the trend of the suspected occupational disease and occupational contraindication detection rate, and compare the the health status of workers in different industry nature, economic type, enterprise scale and occupational hazards. Results: From 2011 to 2017, the number of occupational health surveillance of toxic and harmful workers in Ningbo was increasing year by year. The detection rates of suspected occupational diseases and occupational contraindications generally showed a downward trend (P<0.05) . In 2017, the distribution of occupational health care for toxic and harmful workers in Ningbo was mainly based on manufacturing (187 681/220 895, 84.96%) , private economic enterprises (103 960/220 895, 47.06%) and small enterprises (100 357/220 895, 45.43%) , Workers exposed to chemical poisons had the largest number of physical examinations (101 813/220 895, 46.09%) . The highest detection rates of suspected occupational diseases were mining industry (2/1225, 0.16%) , collective economic enterprises (4/2622, 0.15%) and small enterprises (88/100 357, 0.09%) . The highest detection rates of occupational contraindications were rental and business services (16/1 320, 1.21%) , private economic enterprises (1 190/103 960, 1.14%) and small enterprises (995/100 357, 0.99%) . In addition, workers exposed to dust had the highest detection rate of suspected occupational diseases (57/46 740, 0.12%) and workers exposed to physical factors had the highest detection rate of occupational contraindications (1207/69 567, 1.74%) . There were significant differences between the detection rate of suspected occupational disease and occupational contraindication in different industries, economic types, enterprise scale and occupational hazards (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The occupational health surveillance of toxic and harmful workers in Ningbo has been strengthened year by year, attention should be paid to small, private enterprises, and strengthen the supervision of occupational health and further standardize the work of occupational health examination so as to effectively protect the health of the occupational population.

Preliminary results indicate resveratrol affects proliferation and apoptosis of leukemia cells by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

OBJECTIVE: PTEN-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is widely involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and invasion. Resveratrol (Resv) is a natural botanical ingredient involved in several biological activities. It is still unclear in terms of whether Resv may exert anti-leukemia effects by regulating the PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway. This study investigated the effect of Resv on leukemia cell proliferation and apoptosis by regulating PTEN-PI3K/AKT pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Human normal peripheral blood PBMC cells, and human acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line NB-4 and HL-60 cells were cultured in vitro. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) mRNA expression. Western blot was adopted to test PTEN protein expression. HL-60 and NB-4 cells were treated with 0, 5, 10, and 20 µM Resv, respectively. Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit8 (CCK-8) assay. The level of caspase-3 was measured by Western blot. HL-60 cells were divided into control group, 20 µM Resv treatment group, and Resv+PTEN inhibitor SF1670 group. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was assessed by EdU staining. RESULTS: Compared with peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), PTEN mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased in NB-4 and HL-60 cells. Resv significantly inhibited the proliferation activity in HL-60 and NB-4 cells, and increased the activity of caspase-3. Resv treatment up-regulated the expression of PTEN and reduced the expression of p-AKT protein in HL-60 cells. However, Resv treatment markedly suppressed the proliferation of HL-60 and induced apoptosis. SF1670 treatment in the presence of Resv significantly antagonized the down-regulation of p-AKT protein expression induced by Resv, resulting in decreased apoptosis and enhanced cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Resv can up-regulate PTEN expression and inhibit the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway to play an anti-leukemia effect through suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis.

The effect of intestinal flora on the neural development of severe hyperbilirubinemia neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intestinal flora on the neural development of severe hyperbilirubinemia neonates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 108 severe hyperbilirubinemia neonates admitted to the Dezhou People's Hospital from January 2015 through January 2018 were analyzed, and all newborns had a serum total bilirubin level > 342 µmol/L. Based on whether they suffered from neural development abnormalities, the neonatal patients were divided into the neural abnormality group (n=52) and the non-neural abnormality group (n=56). The unconjugated bilirubin levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the composition of intestinal flora were compared. RESULTS: Among 108 neonates, there were 55 cases with developmental abnormalities, in which 52 (48.13%) cases had neural developmental abnormalities, mainly epileptic patients. The serum and CSF unconjugated bilirubin levels of the neonatal patients in the neural abnormality group were (466.25±97.64) µmol/L and (9.64±2.98) µmol/L, respectively, which were higher than those in neonatal patients of the non-neural abnormality group [(357.89±72.53) µmol/L and (6.73±3.11) µmol/L], with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The abundance of intestinal flora genus in the neonates in the neural abnormality group was lower than that in the non-neural abnormality group, and the comparisons of Fusobacterium, Catabacter, Succinivibrio, Clostridium and Bacteroides between the two groups showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: The intestinal micro-ecological environment of newborns was vulnerable and easily affected by many factors such as methods of delivery, feeding ways and eating habits of their mothers. This study investigated the effects of intestinal flora on the neural development of neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia. The results showed that, due to decreased intestinal flora diversity, the serum and cerebrospinal fluid bilirubin levels were elevated, and the abnormal rate of neural development was increased. CONCLUSIONS: Severe hyperbilirubinemia neonates with neural abnormalities have decreased diversity of intestinal flora genus and relatively high serum and CSF bilirubin levels, probably because the decrease in the diversity of intestinal flora genus leads to the change of the blood-CSF barrier permeability, leading to raised levels of bilirubin in serum and CSF, thus affecting the neural development of neonatal patients.

[Observation on clinical effects of recombinant human growth hormone on the treatment of children with severe burn].

Objective: To observe the clinical effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on children with severe burn. Methods: Clinical data of 94 children with severe burn, hospitalized in our burn unit from April 2012 to December 2016, conforming to the study criteria, were retrospectively analyzed. According to the use of rhGH, children were divided into rhGH group (n=50) and control group (n=44). Children in control group received conventional treatment, while children in rhGH group received both conventional and rhGH treatment. The rhGH treatment was started 3 to 5 days post injury in dosage of 0.2-0.4 U·kg(-1)·d(-1,) by way of subcutaneous injection, and the course of treatment was (11±5) d. The plasma albumin and prealbumin levels, heart rate, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and serum creatinine level in 2 weeks post injury, times of skin grafting operation, hospitalization time, total hospitalization treatment cost, and sepsis and death of children were compared between the 2 groups. Data were processed with independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher's exact test. Results: (1) In 2 weeks post injury, the plasma albumin level [(36±4) g/L] and prealbumin level [(94±34) g/L] of children in rhGH group were significantly higher than those in control group [(33±4) and (73±20) g/L, t=3.666, 3.401, P<0.05]. (2) In 2 weeks post injury, the heart rate of children in rhGH group was (123±11) times per minute, which was slower than (130±14) times per minute of children in control group (t=2.839, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ALT level of children between the 2 groups (Z=0.868, P>0.05). The blood creatinine levels of children in the 2 groups were within normal range. (3) The times of skin grafting operation of children in rhGH group was 0.3±0.5, which was significantly less than 0.5±0.6 in control group (Z=2.234, P<0.05). The hospitalization time of children in rhGH group was (22±8) days, which was shorter than (28±10) days in control group (t=2.837, P<0.05). The total hospitalization treatment cost of children in rhGH group was (41±15) thousand yuan, which was significantly less than (53±25) thousand yuan in control group (t=2.878, P<0.05). (4) There were 2 cases of sepsis in control group and 1 case of sepsis in rhGH group, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). No children died in the 2 groups. Conclusions: rhGH treatment of children with severe burn can correct post-injury hypoproteinemia, improve cardiac function, reduce the times of skin grafting operation and hospitalization treatment cost, shorten hospitalization time, with no significant effect on kidney and liver function, sepsis, and death.

[Analysis of acute pesticide poisoning in Ningbo city from 2011 to 2016].

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of acute pesticide poisoning in Ningbo, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control strategy. Methods: In February 2017, the pesticide poisoning report card of Ningbo from 2011 to 2016 was drawn from the China Disease Control and prevention information system. The data of the report card was organized by Excel and analyzed by SPSS19.0 software. Results: 2593 cases of acute pesticide poisoning were reported in Ningbo from 2011 to 2016, 125 deaths, and the case fatality rate was 4.82%. The productive pesticide poisoning and unproductive pesticide poisoning were 299 and 2294, respectively, the ratio was 1: 7.67. The case fatality rate were 0.33% and 5.41%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=14.83, P<0.01). The productive Pesticide poisoning mainly occurred from July to September (55.85%) , the unproductive pesticides mainly occurred from April to June (30.64%) and July to September (30.34%). The seasonal distribution of the pesticide poisoning in the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=82.21, P<0.01). The productive pesticide poisoning in male (80.27%) was significantly higher than the proportion of unproductive pesticide poisoning (52.09%) , the differences in gender composition between the two types of pesticide poisoning was significant (χ2=84.97, P<0.01). The productive pesticide poisoning from 55 to 65 years old group was in the largest number (35.45%) , and the distribution of unproductive pesticide poisoning was uniform in each age group including 25 years old and above, the difference in age composition between two types of pesticide poisoning was statistically significant (χ2=177.84, P<0.01). All of the 10 counties of Ningbo had reports of pesticide poisoning. The counties with more reports were Ninghai county (18.28%) , Fenghua district (14.69%) and Yuyao (12.42%). The acute pesticide poisoning was mainly caused by pesticides and herbicides, mainly in organophosphorus (45.74%) and paraquat (16.81%) . Conclusions: At present, the pesticide poisoning in Ningbo is given priority to unproductive pesticide poisoning currently, seasonal distribution characteristics was obvious, and occurred both in different sex and age groups, suggesting that the relevant departments should carry out targeted health education, and strengthen the management of high toxic and highly toxic pesticides.

[A cross-sectional study on the status of tobacco use among junior middle school students in Shaanxi province].

Objective: To understand the rate on tobacco use and associated factors in junior middle school students in Shaanxi province. Methods: We used a multi-stage stratified random sampling method to select students from 30 junior middle schools in 10 areas of Shaanxi province in 2013. All the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 4 633 questionnaires were dispatched and 4 298 were qualified for further analysis. The current smoking rate of junior middle school students in Shaanxi was 6.5%, with rate in male (11.1%) higher than that of female students (1.7%). The current smoking rate of students in grade three (9.3%) was higher than those of students in grade one (3.5%) or in grade two (7.0%). The smoking rate of students with pocket money more than 31 Yuan per week was (10.0%) higher than those of students with pocket money less than 10 Yuan (4.6%) or 10-30 Yuan (6.3%) per week. Results from the logistic regression analysis showed that factors as: male, school located in the city, older age, with more pocket money, having smokers in the family and exposure to second hand smoking were high risk factors for current smoking. Conclusion: Rate on current smoking was high in junior middle schools students in Shaanxi, suggesting that comprehensive intervention programs be developed to reduce the rate of tobacco use in junior middle school students.