[On-site epidemiological investigation of a carbon monoxide poisoning incident].

Nighteen people at a restaurant experienced dizziness headaches and other discomforts in six days. According to the description method, the time and location distribution were found to be concentrated. A second Investigation was conducted at the same time as the onset of the case, the test found that the carbon monoxide concentration of second floor up to 539 mg/m(3). The on-site testing found that when 2 steam generator in snack room on the first floor turned on, the carbon monoxide concentration on the top of elevator on the second floor was 1225.0 mg/m(3). After the accident, the restaurant replaced a steam generator, the carbon monoxide concentration on the top of the new and old steam generator were 350 mg/m(3) and >1 000 mg/m(3), respectively. After the steam generators were fitted with exhaust smoke pipe and exhasust hood, the carbon monoxide concentrations of on the top of the vegetable transfer elevator and the room on the second floor were both 0.4 mg/m(3), and there were no cases of recurrence. It was determined that this was a carbon monoxide poisoning incident caused by a high concentration of carbon monoxide emitted by the steam generators, which spread to the second floor of the private room through the vegetable transfer elevator.

[An endoscopic-assisted technique for the enlarged middle cranial fossa approach to the petroclival region: an anatomic study].

Objective:Through the observation and measurement of the adjacent anatomical structures exposed by the pure microscope and endoscopic-assisted technique for the enlarged middle cranial fossa approach to the petroclival region, quantitative compare the advantages of endoscopic-assisted technique and the pure microscope exposure. Method:The enlarged middle cranial fossa approach was performed on 10 cases (20 sides) fresh adult cadaveric head specimens in which the vessels were injected with colored silicone. At the end of every enlarged middle cranial fossa approachs, endoscope assisted technique was applied. The effective working areas were measured under pure microscope and endoscopic-assisted technique. Result:The distance between the trigeminal nerve root entering the pons and the upper limit of exposure to the middle of the ventral brainstem under the microscope was（15.95±0.48）mm；the distance from the initial point of the acoustic-facial bundle to the lower bound of exposure to the middle of the ventral brainstem under the microscope was（10.79±0.51）mm；The distance between the trigeminal nerve root entering the pons and the upper limit of exposure to the middle of the ventral brainstem under endoscopy was（18.88±0.36）mm；the distance from the initial point of the acoustic-facial bundle to the lower bound of exposure to the middle of the ventral brainstem under endoscopy was（14.56±0.64）mm. Conclusion:In the anatomic study of the enlarged middle cranial fossa approach to the petroclival region, the endoscopic assistance has a larger effective exposure space and flexible perspective compared with the operation under the microscope, which is helpful to accurately locate the position and size of the lesion during surgery, accurately identify the important nerves and blood vessels surrounding the lesion, so as to improve the resection rate and reduce the recurrence rate.

[The role of zinc finger protein A20 in airway allergic diseases].

Summary Zinc finger protein A20 is a key negative regulator of NF-κB, which plays an important role in regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Recent studies have shown that A20 is involved in the development of airway allergic diseases.This article aims to review the structure, biological functions of A20 and its main pathways for inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, and the role of A20 in airway allergic diseases. Further studies will provide new strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

[Efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy with dermatophagoides farinae drops in children with allergic rhinitis and the change of TGF-ß and IL-13 mRNA level].

Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with standardized dermatophagoides farinae drops and to examine the change of TGF-ß and IL-13 mRNA level after 12 months SLIT in children with allergic rhinitis (AR). Method:Ninety-two children with AR were collected and randomly divided into two groups: SLIT group (n=62) and control group (n=30). Before and after SLIT for 6 months and 12 months, total nasal symptoms score (TNSS) and total medication score (TMS) were evaluated. In addition, the mRNA expression of TGF-ß and IL-13 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AR children after immunotherapy were examined by qRT-PCR. Result:There were significant differences (P<0.01) in symptom and medication scores between the two groups after 12 months treatment. The patients in SLIT group had fewer symptoms and lower intake of medication.The rates for well controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled children were 45.2%, 32.3% and 22.6%, respectively. Five children (5.4%) experienced local adverse events and 1 children (1.1%) experienced mild systemic adverse events. No severe adverse events happened during the treatment. Accordingly, comparing with the baseline value, the mRNA levels of TGF-ß increased significantly, and IL-10 mRNA level decreased significantly in well controlled children after 12 months treatment. Conclusion:SLIT with dermatophagoides farinae drops is efficient and safe treatment for children with HDM induced AR. The change of TGF-ß and IL-13 mRNA level may be considered as an indicator for evaluating the clinical efficacy of SLIT.

Targeting histone-acetyltransferase Tat-interactive protein 60 inhibits intestinal allergy.

BACKGROUND: The overproduction of IgE plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergy; the mechanism is unclear. Histone-acetyltransferase (HAT) activities are required in gene transcription of a large number of molecules in the immune system of the body. OBJECTIVES: This study tests a hypothesis that HAT Tat-interactive protein 60 (Tip60) plays an important role in the initiation of IgE-mediated allergy. METHODS: The effects of Tip60 on regulating IgE expression were assessed with B cells. An intestinal allergy mouse model was developed to assess the role of Tip60 in the induction of IgE-mediated allergic inflammation. RESULTS: High levels of Tip60 were observed in the peripheral B cells of patients with FA. Tat-interactive protein 60 (Tip60) was required in the expression of IgE and IgG1 in B cells by inducing the chromatin remolding at the gene locus, in which histone acetylation, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), and nuclear factor-κB at the locus of Iε promoter were markedly increased. Blocking Tip60 significantly attenuated the allergic inflammation in the mouse intestinal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Tat-interactive protein 60 (Tip60) plays an important role in the induction of IgE in B cells. Blocking Tip60 inhibits the allergic inflammation in the intestine, suggesting Tip60 inhibitor may be a potential anti-allergy drug.

Long-term effects: Galectin-1 and specific immunotherapy for allergic responses in the intestine.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mast cell activation interferes with the effects of allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT). Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is capable of regulating immune cells' functions. This study tests the hypothesis that administration of Gal-1 promotes and prolongs the efficacy of SIT via suppressing mast cell activation. METHODS: An intestinal allergy mouse model was developed. The coadministration of SIT and Gal-1 on suppression of the allergic responses, prevention of mast cell activation, and generation of antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Treg) in the intestine was observed in sensitized mice. RESULTS: The coadministration of Gal-1 and SIT markedly suppressed the allergic responses in the mouse intestine vs the use of either SIT alone or Gal-1 alone. The Gal-1 binds to the IgE/FcɛRI complexes on the surface of mast cells to prevent mast cell activation during SIT. Gal-1 promoted the SIT-generated allergen-specific Tregs in the intestine of sensitized mice. Coadministration of Gal-1 and SIT significantly enhanced the efficacy of immunotherapy in suppressing allergic responses in the intestine, which lasted for at least for 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term effects of specific immunotherapy on intestinal allergy can be achieved with Gal-1/SIT therapy by inhibiting mast cell activation and facilitating Treg development.

The expression and function of long noncoding RNA lncRNA-ATB in papillary thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the expression and clinical significances of long noncoding RNA-ATB (lncRNA-ATB) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and to explore the roles of lncRNA-ATB in PTC cell proliferation and migration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of lncRNA-ATB in 64 PTC tissues and paired adjacent noncancerous thyroid tissues was measured. The association between lncRNA-ATB expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed by Pearson X2. The diagnostic value of lncRNA-ATB was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses. The effects of lncRNA-ATB on PTC cell proliferation were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assays and Ethynyl deoxyuridine incorporation assays. The effects of lncRNA-ATB on PTC cell migration were evaluated by transwell assays. RESULTS: LncRNA-ATB is upregulated in PTC tissues compared with noncancerous tissues. LncRNA-ATB is also increased in PTC cell lines compared with normal thyroid follicular epithelial cell line. High-expression of lncRNA-ATB is associated with large tumor size and lymph node metastasis. ROC analyses revealed that lncRNA-ATB could sensitively discriminate PTCs from noncancerous tissues, as well as discriminating PTCs with lymph node metastasis from those without lymph node metastasis. Functional experiments showed that depletion of lncRNA-ATB significantly inhibits PTC cell proliferation and migration. CONCLUSIONS: LncRNA-ATB is upregulated and functions as an oncogene in PTC. Furthermore, lncRNA-ATB may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PTC.

Vitamin D regulates immunoglobulin mucin domain molecule-4 expression in dendritic cells.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cell (DC)-derived immunoglobulin domain molecule (TIM)4 plays a critical role in the initiation of T helper (Th)2 polarization. Vitamin D (VitD) involves the regulation of a number of immune responses. OBJECTIVES: This study tests a hypothesis that VitD regulates TIM4 expression in DCs. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and healthy subjects. DCs were isolated from the samples and analyzed for the expression of TIM4. RESULTS: We observed that the levels of calcitriol, the active form of VitD3, in the sera of AR patients were lower than that in healthy subjects. The peripheral DC expressed higher levels of TIM4 and lower levels of VDR. A negative correlation was identified between the data of serum calcitriol and TIM4 in DCs. Exposure DCs to calcitriol in the culture increased the expression of VDR. We also found that VDR bound to the TIM4 promoter locus in DCs to repress the TIM4 gene transcription and expression. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VitD deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of AR by increasing the TIM4 expression. The results suggest that to regulate the serum calcitriol levels and the expression of VDR in DCs may be necessary to be taken into account in the treatment of AR.

Circulating levels of autoantibodies against L1-cell adhesion molecule as a potential diagnostic biomarker in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant disease worldwide, especially in China. We aimed to determine the level of autoantibodies against L1CAM in patients with ESCC. METHODS: Levels of circulating autoantibodies against L1CAM antigens were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in cohort 1 (191 patients with ESCC and 94 normal controls) and validated in cohort 2 (47 patients with ESCC and 47 normal controls). Receiver-operating characteristics were employed to calculate diagnostic accuracy. Cumulative survival time was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed by the log-rank test. RESULTS: In cohorts 1 and 2, levels of autoantibodies against L1CAM were all significantly higher in sera of patients with ESCC compared to normal controls (P < 0.05). Detection of autoantibodies against L1CAM provided a sensitivity of 26.2%, a specificity of 90.4%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.603 (95% CI 0.535-0.672) in diagnosing ESCC in cohort 1, and a sensitivity of 27.7%, a specificity of 91.5%, and an AUC of 0.628 (95% CI 0.516-0.741). Similar results were observed in the diagnosis of early stage ESCC (25.2% sensitivity, 90.4% specificity, and an AUC of 0.611 (95% CI 0.533-0.689) in cohort 1, and 33.3% sensitivity, 91.5% specificity, and an AUC of 0.636 (95% CI 0.439-0.832) in cohort 2). Moreover, positive rates of autoantibodies against L1CAM had no statistical correlation with clinical outcome of ESCC (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that circulating autoantibodies against L1CAM is a potential biomarker for the early detection of ESCC.

[An analysis of the mutation in GJB2，GJB3，SLC26A4 and mtDNA12SrRNA in new born].

Objective:To analyze deafness gene mutation in GJB2，GJB3，SLC26A4 and mtDNA12SrRNA in newborn and to explore the significance of genetic test and potential correlations between the genotype and clinical phenotype.Method:Blood samples were collected with a standard protocol and DNA templates are extracted from 501 newborn in Longgang of Shenzhen.MALDI-TOF-MS Technology was used to detect the coding region twenty mutations sites of GJB2，GJB3，SLC26A4 AND mtDNA12SrRNA，includingSLC26A4(1226G>A,1229C>T,281C>T,589G>A,IVS7-2A>T,1174A>T,IVS15+5G>A,1975G>C,2027T>A,2162C>T,2168A>G),GJB2(176-191del16,35delG,167delT,235 delC,299-300 delAT),GJB3(547G>A,538C>T),mtDNA12SrRNA(1555A>G,1494C>T).While two-step hearing screening was carried by using AABR（automatedauditory brainstem response）and DPOAE. Result:In the 501 newborns,26 cases were found have one or two allele mutations of deafness-susceptibility genes.GJB2 gene mutation(n=9,1.796%) all were 235 delC single heterozygosity mutation.GJB3 gene mutation(n=3,0.599%). SLC26A4 gene mutation(n=12,2.395%) included IVS7-2A>G heterozygosity mutation(n=5). MtDNA 12Rrna gene mutation was found in 3 child(n=3,0.599%). Finally one of 26 infants was diagnosed enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome. The infant was detected 2168A>G heterozygosity mutation. Conclusion:235delC is the main mutation form of GJB2 gene,while it is the hottest mutation in People. But SLC26A4 gene mutations are the main type in newborn. MtDNA 12Rrna gene mutation was found in 3 child.This genetic epidemiological study demonstrated that genetic screening is helpful for determining high risk individuals and early discovering possible late-onset hearing loss. Moreover pationts and family member can acquire more effective genetic counseling.

Vitamin D contributes to mast cell stabilization.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mast cells are the major effector cells in allergic disorders and many other informatory disorders. The mechanism of mast cell stabilization is not fully understood. Cumulative reports indicate that vitamin D (VitD) contributes to the homeostasis in the body. This study tests a hypothesis that VitD is required in the maintenance of the stability of mast cells. METHODS: The stability of mast cell lines, HMC1 cells, RBL-2H3 cells, p815 cells, and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) was tested in the presence or absence of VitD3. RESULTS: Mast cells activated automatically in a VitD-deficient environment. Exposure to calcitriol in the culture increased the expression of VitD receptor (VDR) in mast cells. VDR formed complexes with Lyn in mast cells to inhibit the binding of Lyn to the ß chain of FcεRI and MyD88, which decreased the phosphorylation of Syk, decreased the levels of MAPK and NF-κB. VDR bound to the promoter of TNF-α to decrease the acetylation of histone H3/H4, RNA polymerase II and OCT1 (a transcription factor of TNF-α) at the promoter locus and repressed the expression of TNF-α in mast cells. CONCLUSIONS: The data demonstrate that VitD is required to maintain the stability of mast cells. The deficiency of VitD results in mast cell activation.

[The phase â ¡ clinical trial of Yanhouqing buccal tablets in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of external wind heat type].

Objective:The aim of this study is to preliminary evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yanhouqing buccal tablets in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of external wind heat type and explore the safe and effective dose. Method:Design of multi-center clinical trial with randomized, double-blind, single-analog, placebo-controlled, dose exploration. 288 patients were divided into three groups: low dose group, high dose group and placebo group. The effectiveness evaluation indexes was analysis of pharyngalgia or odynophagia, throat burning, TCM syndrome and pharyngeal signs, and the safety was evaluated by vital sign, lab examination indexes and adverse events. Result:The results showed that there was the statistically significant difference between high/low dose group and placebo group(P <0.01), and no significant difference between high and low dose groups(P >0.01) among the effectiveness evaluation indexes. There were no serious adverse events. The adverse events and adverse reactions in the three groups has no statistical significance(P >0.05). Conclusion:Yanhouqing buccal tablets is safe and effective in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of external wind heat type. We recommend 8 tablets per day and treat for 5 days in phase Ⅲ clinical trials.

Delimitation of the rice wide compatibility gene S5 ( n ) to a 40-kb DNA fragment.

Wide compatibility varieties (WCVs) are a special class of rice (Oryza sativa L.) germplasm that produces hybrids with normal pollen and spikelet fertility when crossed with both indica and japonica subspecies. The wide compatibility gene S5 ( n ) has been used extensively in inter-subspecific hybrid breeding programs. We previously mapped the S5 locus to a 2.2-cM genomic region between RM253 and R2349 on chromosome 6, using a population of 356 F(1) plants derived from the three-way cross 02428/Nanjing11//Balilla. In this study, a chromosome walking strategy was employed to construct a physical map covering this genomic region using these two closest markers as the starting points. A physical map consisting of six overlapping BAC clones was formed, spanning a genomic region of 540-kb in length. By analyzing recombination events from a population of 8,000 F(1) plants derived from a three-way cross based on near isogenic lines of the S5 locus, the S5 locus was localized to a DNA fragment of 40-kb in length, flanked by two shotgun subclones, 7B1 and 15D2. Sequence analysis of this fragment predicted five open reading frames, encoding xyloglucan fucosyltransferases, dnak-type molecular chaperone BiP, a putative eukaryotic aspartyl protease, and a hypothetical protein. This result will be very useful in molecular cloning of the S5 ( n ) allele and marker-assisted transferring of the wide compatibility gene in rice breeding programs.

Genetic dissection of embryo sac fertility, pollen fertility, and their contributions to spikelet fertility of intersubspecific hybrids in rice.

The partial sterility of hybrids has been a major barrier for utilization of the strong heterosis expressed in hybrids between Oryza sativa ssp. indica and O. sativa ssp. japonica. Wide-compatibility varieties, comprising a special class of germplasm, are able to produce fertile hybrids when crossed to both indica and japonica varieties. However, all the work on wide compatibility and majority of studies on indica/japonica hybrid sterility reported so far were based only on spikelet fertility; thus, it is not known to what extent male and female gamete abortions influence hybrid sterility. In this study, we investigated pollen fertility, embryo sac fertility, and spikelet fertility in an F1 population of 202 true hybrid plants derived from a three-way cross ('02428'/'Nanjing 11'//'Balilla'). A partial regression analysis showed that the pollen and embryo sac fertility contributed almost equally to spikelet fertility. QTL analysis based on a linkage map of 191 polymorphic marker loci identified two QTLs for pollen fertility, one QTL for embryo sac fertility, and three QTLs for spikelet fertility. The S5 locus, previously identified as a locus for wide compatibility by spikelet fertility analysis, is a major locus for embryo sac fertility, and a QTL on chromosome 5 had a major effect on pollen fertility. These two loci coincided with the two major QTLs for spikelet fertility. The study also detected a QTL on chromosome 8, showing a large effect on spikelet fertility but no effect on either pollen or embryo sac fertility. Very little interaction among the QTLs was detected. The implications of the findings in rice breeding programs are discussed.

Structure-function analysis of the integrin beta 7 subunit: identification of domains involved in adhesion to MAdCAM-1.

Beta 7 integrins serve special roles in mucosal immunity. Alpha 4 beta 7-mediated adhesion to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) directs lymphocyte homing to the gut, and alpha E beta 7 mediates binding of lymphocytes to E-cadherin on epithelial cells. Since alpha 4 beta 7 mediates adhesion to MAdCAM-1 but alpha 4 beta 1 does not, we used beta 7/beta 1 chimeras to directly assess the importance of specific regions of beta 7 in MAdCAM-1 binding. We found a region of beta 7 (residues 46-386) that accounts for specificity of alpha 4 beta 7 binding to MAdCAM-1. We also used human/mouse and human/rat chimeric beta 7 subunits to map epitopes recognized by fifteen anti-beta 7 mAbs. Six of seven Abs that block adhesion to MAdCAM-1 and E-cadherin (Fib 21, 22, 27, 30, 504; Act-1) mapped to amino acid residues 176-250. Residues 176-250 lie within the region of beta 7 that specifies MAdCAM-1 binding and also within a region that has a predicted structure homologous to the metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) domains of the integrin subunits alpha L and alpha M. Three new Abs that recognize beta 7 in the presence of Mn2+, but not Ca2+, and promote adhesion to MAdCAM-1, mapped to amino acids 46-149. One blocking and five other Abs mapped to other regions (amino acids 387-725). We conclude that a MIDAS-like domain serves a critical role in beta 7 integrin-mediated adhesion.

Initial hepatic removal of chylomicron remnants is unaffected but endocytosis is delayed in mice lacking the low density lipoprotein receptor.

Two endocytic receptors, the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) and the LDLR-related protein (LRP), are thought to act in concert in the hepatic uptake of partially metabolized dietary lipoproteins, the chylomicron remnants. We have evaluated the role of these two receptors in the hepatic metabolism of chylomicron remnants in normal mice and in LDLR-deficient [LDLR (-/-)] mice. The rate of chylomicron remnant removal by the liver was normal up to 30 min after intravenous injection of chylomicrons into LDLR (-/-) mice and was unaffected by receptor-associated protein (RAP), a potent inhibitor of ligand binding to LRP. In contrast, endocytosis of the remnants by the hepatocytes, measured by their accumulation in the endosomal fraction and by the rate of hydrolysis of component cholesteryl esters, was dramatically reduced in the absence of the LDLR. Coadministration of RAP prevented the continuing hepatic removal of chylomicron remnants in LDL (-/-) mice after 30 min, consistent with blockade of the slow endocytosis by a RAP-sensitive process. Taken together with previous studies, our results are consistent with a model in which the initial hepatic removal of chylomicron remnants is primarily mediated by mechanisms that do not include LDLR or LRP, possibly involving glycosaminoglycan-bound hepatic lipase and apolipoprotein E. After the remnants bind to these alternative sites on the hepatocyte surface, endocytosis is predominantly mediated by the LDLR and also by a slower and less efficient backup process that is RAP sensitive and therefore most likely involves LRP.

[Immunodiagnosis of tuberculous meningitis].

The detection of special anti-mycobacterial antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were evaluated. Among all the common coated antigens, it was found that PPD was the most potential one. Seven detecting methods were compared. It is shown that the classic ELISA technique is worth recommending. The results of the experiments, revealed that absorbance method was better than titration method, IgG antibody was more sensitive than IgM antibody and the sensitivity rate of IgM was not related with the course of the disease. The factors which influenced the levels of IgG antibody to mycobacterial antigens include focal signs and abnormal CT findings. False positive results were found in detecting anti-mycobacterial antibodies in a few cases. Immunodiagnosis was an useful method in diagnosing tuberculous meningitis and this study has provided ample theoretical basis for popularizing this technique.

Lipoprotein (a) blood levels in unstable angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, and after thrombolytic therapy.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] appears to be involved in atherogenesis and in vitro studies have suggested that it may interfere with thrombolysis. In this study, Lp(a) serum levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in 124 patients with ischemic heart disease. Of these, 47 had acute myocardial infarction, 13 had unstable angina, and 64 were age-matched patients with stable angina. Of the 60 patients with acute coronary artery disease, 34 received thrombolysis and 26 did not. In addition to Lp(a), serum plasminogen, alpha 2 antiplasmin, fibrinogen, and D-dimer (cross-linked fibrin degradation products) levels were measured. These tests were repeated after 6 hours in patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina. No significant difference was found for admission Lp(a) levels among patients with myocardial infarction (0.324 +/- 0.047 g/liter), unstable angina (0.435 +/- 0.123 g/liter) and stable angina (0.431 +/- 0.023 g/liter), between patients with myocardial infarction with or without thrombolytic treatment, nor between late and early measurements in patients with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction. Plasminogen, alpha 2 antiplasmin and fibrinogen values decreased significantly after thrombolytic treatment. The size of this decrease correlated positively with higher Lp(a) blood levels (p less than 0.05). Patients with Lp(a) greater than 0.25 g/liter had a 66% decrease in fibrinogen and a 53% decrease in anti-plasmin, compared with 35 and 32%, respectively, in patients with Lp(a) level less than or equal to 0.25 g/liter (p less than 0.05). Plasminogen levels revealed a similar trend, with a 61% decrease for the higher values and a 45% decrease for the lower values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)