Boosting the oxygen reduction activity of non-metallic catalysts via geometric and electronic engineering through nitrogen and chlorine dual-doping.

The development of heteroatom dual-doped porous carbon frameworks with uniform doping is highly desirable for achieving highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity, due to their tunable chemical and electronic structures. Herein, porous covalent triazine-based frameworks (CTFs) incorporating nitrogen/chorine dual-doped porous carbon networks were fabricated by selecting 1,3-bis(4-cyanophenyl) imidazolium chloride as a building block, in a facile and controllable way via a bottom-up strategy. The resulting nitrogen/chorine dual-doped catalyst CCTF-700 exhibits excellent ORR performance with a more positive onset and half-wave potential (0.85 V vs. RHE), higher diffusion-limited current density and significantly improved stability in comparison with the benchmark commercial 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst. It is worth mentioning that CCTF-700 shows one of the best ORR performances among all the reported metal-free electrocatalysts under alkaline conditions. This work paves the way for a controllable and reliable strategy to craft highly efficient heteroatom dual-doped carbon catalysts for energy conversion.

SLPA-Net: A Real-Time Recognition Network for Intelligent Stomata Localization and Phenotypic Analysis.

Plant stomatal phenotype traits play an important role in improving crop water use efficiency, stress resistance and yield. However, at present, the acquisition of phenotype traits mainly relies on manual measurement, which is time-consuming and laborious. In order to obtain high-throughput stomatal phenotype traits, we proposed a real-time recognition network SLPA-Net for stomata localization and phenotypic analysis. After locating and identifying stomatal density data, ellipse fitting is used to automatically obtain phenotype data such as apertures. Aiming at the problems of small stomata and high similarity to background, we introduced ECANet to improve the accuracy of stoma and aperture location. In order to effectively alleviate the unbalance problem in bounding box regression, we replaced the Loss function with a more effective Focal EIoU Loss. The experimental results show that SLPA-Net has excellent performance in the migration generalization and robustness of stomata and apertures detection and identification, as well as the correlation between stomata phenotype data obtained and artificial data.

Effect and Safety of Herbal Medicine Foot Baths in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Multicenter Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of foot baths with Tangbi Waixi Decoction (TW) in treating patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). METHODS: It is a multicenter double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants with DPN were recruited between November 18, 2016 and May 30, 2018 from 8 hospitals in China. All patients received basic treatments for glycemic management. Patients received foot baths with TW herbal granules either 66.9 g (intervention group) or 6.69 g (control group) for 30 min once a day for 2 weeks and followed by a 2-week rest, as a therapeutic course. If the Toronto Clinical Scoring System total score (TCSS-TS) ⩾6 points, the patients received a total of 3 therapeutic courses (for 12 weeks) and were followed up for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in TCSS-TS score at 12 and 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in bilateral motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) of the median and common peroneal nerve. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: Totally 632 patients were enrolled, and 317 and 315 were randomized to the intervention and control groups, respectively. After the 12-week intervention, patients in both groups showed significant declines in TCSSTS scores, and significant increases in MNCV and SNCV of the median and common peroneal nerves compared with pre-treatment (P<0.05). The reduction of TCSS-TS score at 12 weeks and the increase of SNCV of median nerve at 24 weeks in the control group were greater than those in the intervention group (P<0.05). The number of adverse events did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05), and no serious adverse event was related with treatment. CONCLUSION: Treatment of TW foot baths was safe and significantly benefitted patients with DPN. A low dose of TW appeared to be more effective than a high dose. (Registry No. ChiCTR-IOR-16009331).

Baicalin Antagonizes Prostate Cancer Stemness via Inhibiting Notch1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of baicalin on prostate cancer (PCa) progression both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: The in situ PCa stem cells (PCSCs)-injected xenograft tumor models were established in BALB/c nude mice. Tumor volume and weight were respectively checked after baicalin (100 mg/kg) treatment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the growth arrest and cell necrosis. mRNA expression levels of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), CD44, CD133 and Notch1 were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression levels of ALDH1, CD44, CD133, Notch1, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) P65 and NF-κB p-P65 were detected by Western blot. Expression and subcellular location of ALDH1, CD44, CD133, Notch1 and NF-κB p65 were detected by immunofluorescence analysis. In vitro, cell cycle distribution and cell apoptosis of PC3 PCSCs was assessed by flow cytometry after baicalin (125 µmol/L) treatment. The migration and invasion abilities of PCSCs were assessed using Transwell assays. Transmission electron microscopy scanning was utilized to observe the structure and autophagosome formation of baicalin-treated PCSCs. In addition, PCSCs were infected with lentiviruses expressing human Notch1. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the tumor volume and weight were notably reduced in mice treated with 100 mg/kg baicalin (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Histopathological analysis showed that baicalin treatment significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, baicalin treatment reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of CD44, CD133, ALDH1, and Notch1 as well as the protein expression of NF-κB p-P65 in the xenograft tumor (P<0.01). In vitro, the cell proliferation of PCSCs was significantly attenuated after treatment with 125 µmol/L baicalin for 72 h (P<0.01). The cell migration and invasion rates were decreased following treatment with baicalin for 48 and 72 h (P<0.01). Baicalin notably induced cell apoptosis and seriously damaged the structure of PCSCs. The mRNA and protein expressions of CD133, CD44, ALDH1 and Notch1 in PCSCs were significantly downregulated following baicalin treatment (P<0.01). Importantly, the inhibitory effects of baicalin on PCa progression and stemness were reversed by Notch1 overexpression (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Mechanistically, baicalin exhibited a potential therapeutic effect on PCa via inhibiting the Notch1/NF-κB signaling pathway and its mediated cancer stemness.

Analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on bone cancer pain in rat model: the role of peripheral P2X3 receptor.

Upregulation of P2X3 receptor (P2X3R) has been strongly implicated in nociceptive signaling including bone cancer pain (BCP). The present study, using rat bone cancer model, aimed to explore the role of P2X3R in regulating rat pain behavior under the intervention of electroacupuncture (EA). The BCP model was successfully established by injection with MRMT-1 breast cancer cell into the medullary cavity of left tibia for 3 × 104 cells/3 µL PBS in rats as revealed by obvious bone destruction, decreased paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs), and reduced paw withdrawal latencies (PWLs). Western blot analyses showed that P2X3R expression was significantly upregulated in ipsilateral lumbar 4-6 (L4-6) dorsal root ganglia (DRG), but the difference not seen in spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH). With the in-depth study of P2X3R activation, we observed that intrathecal injection of P2X3R agonist α,ß-meATP aggravated MRMT-1 induced BCP, while injection of P2X3R inhibitor A-317491 alleviated pain. Subsequently, we demonstrated that BCP induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were attenuated after EA treatment. Under EA treatment, total P2X3R protein expression in ipsilateral DRGs was decreased, and it is worth mentioning that decreased expression of P2X3R membrane protein, which indicated that both the expression and membrane trafficking of P2X3R were inhibited by EA. The immunofluorescence assay showed that EA stimulation exerted functions by reducing the expression of P2X3R-positive cells in ipsilateral DRGs of BCP rats. Ca2+ imaging analysis revealed that the EA stimulation decreased the percentage of α,ß-meATP responsive neurons in DRGs and inhibited calcium influx. Notably, the inhibitory effect of EA on mechanical allodynia and nociceptive flinches was abolished by intrathecal injection of α,ß-meATP. These findings demonstrated EA stimulation ameliorated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rat model of MRMT-1-induced BCP. EA exerts analgesic effect on BCP by reducing the overexpression and functional activity of P2X3R in ipsilateral DRGs of BCP rats. Our work first demonstrates the critical and overall role of P2X3R in EA's analgesia against peripheral sensitization of MRMT-1-induced BCP and further supports EA as a potential therapeutic option for cancer pain in clinic.

Seasonal Variation of Hypolithic Microbiomes in the Gobi Desert : Seasonal Variation of Hypolithic Microbiomes in the Gobi Desert.

Understanding how microbial communities adapt to environmental stresses is critical for interpreting ecological patterns and microbial diversity. In the case of the Gobi Desert, little is known on the environmental factors that explain hypolithic colonization under quartz stones. By analyzing nine hypolithic communities across an arid gradient and the effects of the season of the year in the Hexi Corridor of this desert, we found a significant decrease in hypolithic colonization rates (from 47.24 to 15.73%) with the increasing drought gradient and found two distinct communities in Hot and Cold samples, which survived or proliferated after a hot or a cold period. While Cold communities showed a greater species diversity and a predominance of Cyanobacteria, Hot communities showed a predominance of members of the Proteobacteria and the Firmicutes. In comparison, Cold communities also possessed stronger functions in the photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Based on the findings of this study, we proposed that the hypolithic communities of the Hexi Corridor of the Gobi Desert might follow a seasonal developmental cycle in which temperature play an important role. Thus after a critical thermal threshold is crossed, heterotrophic microorganisms predominate in the hot period, while Cyanobacteria predominate in the cold period.

Soil microbial distribution and assembly are related to vegetation biomass in the alpine permafrost regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

It is generally believed that there is a vegetation succession sequence from alpine marsh meadow to desert in the alpine ecosystem of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, we still have a limited understanding about distribution patterns and community assemblies of microorganisms' response to such vegetation changes. Hence, across a gradient represented by three types of alpine vegetation from swamp meadow to meadow to steppe, the soil bacterial, fungal and archaeal diversity was evaluated and then associated with their assembly processes, and glacier foreland vegetation was also surveyed as a case out of this gradient. Vegetation biomass was found to decrease significantly along the vegetation gradient. In contrast to irregular shifts in alpha diversity, bacterial and fungal beta diversities that were dominated by species replacement components (71.07-79.08%) significantly increased with the decreasing gradient in vegetation biomass (P < 0.05). These trends of increase were also found in the extent of stochastic bacterial and fungal assembly. Moreover, an increase in microbial beta diversity but a decrease in beta nearest taxon index were observed along with increased discrepancy in vegetation biomass (P < 0.001). Stepwise regression analyses and structural equation models suggested that vegetation biomass was the major variable that was related to microbial distribution and community assembly, and there might be associations between the dominance of species replacements and stochastic assembly. These findings enhanced our recognition of the relationship between vegetation and soil microorganisms and would facilitate the development of vegetation-microbe feedback models in alpine ecosystems.

[Design and application of auxiliary isolation device of cupping therapy for cross-infection prevention].

An auxiliary isolation device of cupping therapy for cross-infection prevention is designed to reduce the disinfection steps and be against cross transmission. This device is composed of a disposable isolation unit made of fire proof plastic material and a disposable cup-mouth fixator made of elastic material. The disposable isolation unit includes two parts, the cup neck isolation unit and the inner isolation unit of fire cup. These two parts connect with the disposable cup-mouth fixator. All of those three sections of the device are center-connected ring-like structure. This device can well prevent the direct contact of fire cup with the patient's skin surface, characterized as safety protection, simple operation and saving time and manpower.

Reduced microbial stability in the active layer is associated with carbon loss under alpine permafrost degradation.

Permafrost degradation may induce soil carbon (C) loss, critical for global C cycling, and be mediated by microbes. Despite larger C stored within the active layer of permafrost regions, which are more affected by warming, and the critical roles of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in C cycling, most previous studies focused on the permafrost layer and in high-latitude areas. We demonstrate in situ that permafrost degradation alters the diversity and potentially decreases the stability of active layer microbial communities. These changes are associated with soil C loss and potentially a positive C feedback. This study provides insights into microbial-mediated mechanisms responsible for C loss within the active layer in degraded permafrost, aiding in the modeling of C emission under future scenarios.

Influence of cluster positions in the canopy and row orientation on the flavonoid and volatile compound profiles in Vitis vinifera L. Cabernet franc and Chardonnay berries.

Sunlight conditions around grape clusters vary with their positions, and can have a significant effect on grape berry compounds. This study investigated the influence of cluster positions in the canopy (interior and two exterior canopy sides) and vineyard row orientation (north-south and east-west) on flavonoid and volatile compound profiles of Vitis vinifera L. cvs 'Cabernet franc' (CF) and 'Chardonnay' (CH) berries in two consecutive years. The experimental vineyard was located in Jiaodong Peninsula of China, which is characterized by a temperate monsoon-type climate and relatively short sunlight duration. Clusters located in the interior of the canopy received less sunlight irradiation than the exterior positions, and the average temperature around clusters located in different positions differed slightly. The results showed that over two years, the positions of clusters in the canopy had no consistent impact on cluster weight, berry weight, juice total soluble solids or titratable acidity for either cultivar. For both cultivars, the interior clusters had lower total flavonol concentrations than the exterior clusters, while the position of clusters in the canopy had no major impacts on the composition of anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols. The volatile compounds were somewhat influenced by the positions of clusters in the canopy, while some bound norisoprenoids and terpenoids had lower levels in interior clusters than in exterior clusters. These results will help winegrowers make decisions regarding harvest strategies.

Effects of gibberellic acid (GA3 ) application before anthesis on rachis elongation and berry quality and aroma and flavour compounds in Vitis vinifera L. 'Cabernet Franc' and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' grapes.

BACKGROUND: Gibberellic acid (GA3 ), a plant-growth regulator, is often used to obtain enlarged table grape berries and induce seedlessness in them. However, the effects of GA3 on rachis elongation and bunch compactness have seldom been reported in wine-grape production. We assessed the effects of GA3 spraying on wine-grape inflorescences and bunches and their practical implications for viticulture in the Jiaodong Peninsula, China. RESULTS: Various GA3 concentrations were sprayed on field-grown Vitis vinifera L. 'Cabernet Franc' (CF) and 'Cabernet Sauvignon' (CS) grapevines before anthesis in the Jiaodong Peninsula, China, in 2015 and 2016. Inflorescence length during berry development was measured, and flavonoids and aroma compounds in the fruit were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. For both cultivars, 50 and 100 mg L-1 GA3 caused significant elongation of the rachis, whereas there was no significant effect on inflorescence growth and berry seed number. Anthocyanin, flavonol, and flavan-3-ol levels in mature berries were not significantly influenced by GA3 spraying, whereas C13 -norisoprenoids were modified. CONCLUSION: The application of 50-100 mg L-1 GA3 prior to grapevine anthesis caused elongation of inflorescences and bunches, and eased cluster compactness in CF and CS, and no negative effects were observed on the yield and seed numbers. The concentration and composition of flavonoids and most aroma compounds were not influenced, except that the norisoprenoids were increased by 50 mg L-1 GA3 applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Detection of trace tetracycline in fish via synchronous fluorescence quenching with carbon quantum dots coated with molecularly imprinted silica.

A novel fluorescence-based sensor combining synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) with molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was fabricated with reverse microemulsion method. Tetracycline (TC), (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and carbon quantum dots (CDs) were used as template, functional monomer, cross-linker and signal sources respectively in the probe preparation. A synchronous fluorescence emission (λem) at 355nm was observed for the prepared MIP-coated CDs (MIP@CDs) particles when the wavelength interval (Δλ) was set as 70nm, and the synchronous fluorescence intensity could be rapidly and efficiently quenched by TC based on inner filter effect (IFE). The quenching efficiencies of synchronous fluorescence intensity was linearly fitted with tetracycline (TC) concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 50µmolL-1 with a detection limit (DL) of 9nmolL-1 (3σ, n=9). The MIP@CDs was used as a probe to detect TC in fish samples with the recoveries ranging from 98.4% to 103.1% and the relative standard deviation less than 6.0%. The results illustrated that the as-prepared MIP@CDs could be applied to the detection of trace TC in fish samples with rapidity, high sensitivity and accuracy.

A Population-based Study of Invasive Cervical Cancer Patients in Beijing: 1993-2008.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of cervical cancer has been rising, particularly in young adults, as the second most common gynecological cancer in China. The aim of this study was to explore the incidence change and the epidemiological characteristics of cervical cancer in Beijing over the past 16 years. METHODS: All the cases of the study were limited to Beijing residents diagnosed with cervical cancer and registered in Beijing from January 1, 1993, to December 31, 2008. A total of 4100 patients with cervical cancer were obtained from the Statistics Database of Beijing Cancer Registry (BJCaR). According to the registered data, we retrospectively reviewed all original cases which we can acquired in reported hospital. Cervical situ cancer, cervical metastatic cancer, non-Beijing residents and repeatedly registered cases were excluded. Totally, 3641 registered cases were verified correctly. Meanwhile, we also collected the following data: Age, occupation, detected methods, histological type, and staging. The trends of incidence and mortality were analyzed by Joinpoint Regression Program 4.1.1.1 produced by National Cancer Institute (NCI, USA). The annual percent change (APC) was calculated using the Joinpoint regression model. RESULTS: The crude rates of incidence and mortality were 10.4 and 1.0 per 100,000 women, respectively during 1993 to 2008. The average WHO age-standardized incidence rates were 11.5 per 100,000 women. There was a decrease in incidence annually by 8.0% (P = 0.3) during 1993-1996 and a rapid increase annually by 18.9% after 1999 (P < 0.01). The median age was 67 years in 1993, but the median age decreased to 45 years in 2008. The peak of the age-specific incidence curve was at 40 years in the most recent period (2005-2008), which was 25-30 years earlier than that in previous periods (1993-1996). In the 2224 cases, the numbers of patients with stage I, II, III and IV were 910 (40.9%), 601 (27%), 542 (24.4%), 171 (7.7%), respectively. The percentage of patients with stage I was 7.6% (13/171) in 1993-1996, but the percentage increased to 51.6% (643/1247) in 2005-2008 (P < 0.01). Otherwise the percentage of advanced stage (stage III-IV) during the same period was dropped down significantly from 52.0% (89/171) to 22.5% (280/1247) (P < 0.01). Unemployed and housewife ranked first accounting for 27.3% of the total (607/2224). Urban low-income people such as worker ranked the second accounting for 17.0% (377/2224), the third place was farmer accounting for 14.0% (312/2224). Only 381 (17.1%, 381/2224) women in 2224 were first detected cervical cancer by routine screenings. Company staff (36.5%, 139/381), professional and technical personnel (22.6%, 86/381), national official (22.0%, 84/381) occupied the top three (total 81.1%) in the 381 patients detected cervical cancer by screening. CONCLUSIONS: The cervical cancer incidence has showed a continuous rise in Beijing since 1999. Government-led mass screening should target the low socioeconomic population primarily. Meanwhile the government should enhance public health education of cancer screening to increase the rate of screening.

Inhibitory effects of emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine on hefA gene: treatment of Helicobacter pylori-induced multidrug resistance.

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effects of emodin, baicalin, etc. on the hefA gene of multidrug resistance (MDR) in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). METHODS: The double dilution method was used to screen MDR H. pylori strains and determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of emodin, baicalin, schizandrin, berberine, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin and levofloxacin against H. pylori strains. After the screened MDR stains were treated with emodin, baicalin, schizandrin or berberine at a 1/2 MIC concentration for 48 h, changes in MICs of amoxicillin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, metronidazole and clarithromycin were determined. MDR strains with reduced MICs of amoxicillin were selected to detect the hefA mRNA expression by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: A total of four MDR H. pylori strains were screened. Treatment with emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine significantly decreased the MICs of amoxicillin and tetracycline against some strains, decreased by 1 to 2 times, but did not significantly change the MICs of clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole against MDR strains. In the majority of strains with reduced MICs of amoxicillin, hefA mRNA expression was decreased; one-way ANOVA (SPSS 12.0) used for comparative analysis, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Emodin, baicalin, schizandrin and berberine significantly decreased the MICs of amoxicillin and tetracycline against some H. pylori strains, possibly by mechanisms associated with decreasing hefA mRNA expression.

[Gestational weight gain and its relationship with the birthweight of offspring].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the appropriate weight gain during pregnancy and its relationship with the birthweight of offspring. METHODS: A total of 16 460 healthy pregnant women who delivered in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital and Haidian Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in 2010 were recruited. All are singleton pregnancies. Conditions of babies and mothers were recorded, including maternal age, height, prepregnant weight, pregnant weight, gestational weeks on delivery, delivery mode and newborn birthweight. All the pregnant women were divided into underweight, normal weight and overweight group according to their prepregnant body mass index and the criteria of overweight and obesity for Chinese adults.Birthweight between 2500 g and 4000 g was defined as normal birthweight, and 2900 g to 3499 g was defined as appropriate birthweight.Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to explore the recommended gestational weight gain (GWG). RESULTS: (1) The average GWG of the 16 460 women was (17.1 ± 4.9) kg, and the average birthweight of the babies was (3406 ± 400) g. Prevalence of low birthweight and macrosomia was 0.92% (152/16 460) and 7.55% (1 242/16 460), respectively.GWG of underweight (n = 3089), normal weight (n = 11 478) and overweight group (n = 1893) was (17.4 ± 4.6) kg, (17.3 ± 4.8) kg and (15.6 ± 5.3) kg, respectively. And GWG was positively related with the birthweight of offspring (P < 0.01).The differences of GWG, neonatal birthweight and macrosomia prevalence among the three groups are statistically significant (P < 0.01). (2) There are 8449 appropriate birthweight babies in the three groups.For their mothers in the underweight, normal weight and overweight group, the recommended range of GWG were 14.0-19.5 kg, 13.5-19.5 kg and 11.0-18.0 kg, respectively.The recommended GWG for all women was 16.0 kg. (3) According to the recommended GWG, low GWG will increase the risk of low birthweight (OR = 1.589, 95% CI: 1.085-2.326) and reduce the risk of macrosomia (OR = 0.500, 95% CI: 0.401-0.624). Excessive GWG will increase the risk of macrosomia (OR = 2.031, 95% CI:1.789-2.306), but will not lower the risk of low birthweight (OR = 1.168, 95% CI:0.774-1.764). (4) For the underweight, normal weight and overweight group, the range of GWG obtained by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were 16.3-16.7 kg, 15.6-17.8 kg and 14.6-15.1 kg.For all the three groups, the range was 15.6-16.7 kg.The ranges obtained by the ROC curve analysis were all within the recommended range. CONCLUSION: The GWG was positively associated with the birthweight of offspring, and the appropriate GWG was around 16.0 kg.

Effect of L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure in pregnant women: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the effect of L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in pregnancy. METHODS: Trials were searched in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. A total of five trials were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: L-arginine supplementation exhibited a mean decrease of 3.07 mmHg (p = 0.004) for diastolic blood pressure and a mean increase of 1.23 weeks (p = 0.002) for gestation age at delivery in pregnancy, but did not reduce systolic BP (p = 0.19) as compared to placebo. CONCLUSION: L-arginine supplementation had a significant effect of lowering diastolic blood pressure and prolonging gestation age in pregnancy.

[Study on subtype of human papillomavirus infection among aged 25 - 54 reproductive women in Beijing from 2006 to 2008].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate subtype of HPV infection among women at age of 25 to 54 years in Beijing. METHODS: From Sept. 2006 to Dec. 2008, 5552 reproductive women at age of 25 to 54 years classified into each 5-year as group were screened. Each participant completed a questionnaire and a sample of exfoliated cervical cells for liquid-based cytology and HPV subtype gene testing was performed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HPV was 6.68% (371/5552). High-risk HPV and Low-risk HPV prevalence were 5.76% (320/5552) and 2.00% (111/5552), respectively. The most common HPV types were HPV16 (2.61%, 145/5552), HPV58 (0.97%, 54/5552), HPV33 (0.85%, 47/5552), HPV43 (0.74%, 41/5552) and HPV56 (0.70%, 39/5552). There were two peaks of HPV prevalence: groups of 30 - 34 years and 40 - 44 years. CONCLUSION: The most common HPV subtypes in Beijing were HPV 16, 58, 33 and 43 and HPV prevalence showed a bi-modal age-specific curve.

[Present epidemiological status and clinical characteristics of cervical cancer in Beijing: a report of 1399 patients].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with cervical cancer over the last two decades in Beijing so as to provide scientific rationales for the management of cervical cancer. METHODS: Stratified cluster sampling was employed to analyze a total of 1399 invasive cervical cancer cases from different class hospitals in Beijing during the period of 1990 - 2009. RESULTS: (1) The number of cervical cancer cases had been rising over the last 2 decades. (2) The age of onset ranged from 17 to 88 years old; the number of patients with stages I, II, III and IV was 772 (57.1%), 380 (28.1%), 182 (13.5%) and 18 (1.3%) respectively; 1135 (83.1%) patients were of squamous cell carcinoma while 182 (13.3%) adenocarcinoma. The last two decades was divided into 4 groups of 5 years each. The average age gradually decreased from 58.2 to 46.0 years old (P < 0.01). The proportion of patients with stages I and II also increased from 69.6% (16/23) to 89.4% (530/856); There was no significant change in histopathologic type of cervical cancer. And squamous cell carcinoma of cervix remained the predominant type (P > 0.05). (3) About 26.0% (364/1399) of cases received no vagino-recto-abdominal examination while 3.4% (48/1399) of cases were not staged. CONCLUSION: Over the last two decades, the number of newly diagnosed cervical cancer cases has showed a rising trend in Beijing. And the proportions of young patients and patients with early disease have both increased. Some irregularities still exist in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. So we should pay more attention to the screening program and standardize the diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of cervical cancer.