The associations between urinary metals and metal mixtures and kidney function in Chinese community-dwelling older adults with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found associations between single toxic metals, such as arsenic and cadmium, and kidney function in adults with diabetes. However, studies with regards to other metals and metal mixtures are still limited. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to investigate the associations between urinary concentrations of 5 selected metals and metal mixtures and kidney function using a sample of older adults with diabetes mellitus in Chinese communities. METHODS: In a sample of older adults (n = 5186), 592 eligible subjects were included in this study. Urinary concentrations of 5 metals, i.e., arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), and thallium (Tl), were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated and dichotomized into indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Logistic analysis and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to explore the associations between single metals and metal mixtures and CKD, respectively. RESULTS: Urinary levels of As and V were positively correlated with CKD (OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.31-4.30 for As; OR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.25-4.03 for V), when compared the 4th quartile with the 1st quartile. After adjustment for potential confounders, the significant association between As and CKD still existed (OR=2.73, 95% CI: 1.23-6.07). BKMR analyses showed strong linear positive associations between As and V and CKD. Higher urinary levels of the mixture were significantly associated with higher odds of CKD in a dose-response pattern. As and V showed the highest posterior inclusion probabilities. CONCLUSION: Urine As and V were positively associated with CKD in older adults with diabetes mellitus, separately and in a mixture. The metals mixture showed a linear dose-response association with the odds of CKD. The analyses of mixtures, rather than of single metals, may provide a real-world perspective on the relationship between metals and kidney function.

Levels and determinants of urinary phthalate metabolites in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Biomonitoring studies have demonstrated extensive exposure of infants, children, and pregnant women to phthalates, but data on phthalate exposure and their determinants in Chinese older adults remain insufficient. This study aims to assess urinary phthalate metabolite levels, individual and cumulative exposure risk, and their determinants in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A total of 987 individuals aged 60 years or over were included in this study. The urinary levels of seven phthalate metabolites were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) of phthalates were calculated based on urinary metabolite levels. The associations between phthalate metabolite levels and potential determinants were examined using multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: Detection rates of seven phthalate metabolites from the study population ranged from 63.83% to 99.39%. The highest median concentration was 43.64 µg/L (42.59 µg/g creatinine) for mono-butyl phthalate (MBP). The highest median EDI was 1.55 µg/kg-bw/day for diethyl phthalate (DBP). Nearly 5% of participants had high HI values exceeding 1, mainly attributed to DBP and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Furthermore, we found that females, higher body mass index (BMI), smoking, having two or more chronic diseases, and vegetable-based diets were significantly associated with higher levels of parts of phthalate metabolites. More interestingly, higher urine levels of high-molecular-weight (HMW) phthalate metabolites and lower urine levels of low-molecular-weight (LMW) phthalate metabolites were found in rural older adults than in urban older adults. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese community-dwelling older adults are extensively exposed to phthalates, especially to DBP and DEHP. More attention should be paid to urban-rural differences in exposure to HMW and LMW phthalates and to phthalate exposure among older adults with overweight/obesity, females, and individuals who are current heavy smokers, have two or more chronic diseases, and consume vegetable-based diets.

The association of marital status with cognitive function and the role of gender in Chinese community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence of the association between marital status and cognitive function in Chinese older adults is limited. AIMS: To examine the relationship between marital status and cognitive function and to explore the role of gender amongst older adults from three Chinese communities. METHODS: A total of 1376 participants aged 60 years or over were included in this cross-sectional study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Chinese version of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Marital status and other variables were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine associations between marital statuses and cognitive function amongst the target population. The moderating role of gender in these potential associations has also been explored. RESULTS: In univariate linear regression models, compared to being married, both being widowed (ß [95% CI]: -1.46[-2.78 to - 0.13]) and being single (ß [95% CI]: - 4.88[-6.43 to - 3.38]) were associated with lower MMSE scores. After adjustment for confounding factors, the significant association of being widowed with MMSE scores disappeared (ß [95% CI: - 0.08[- 1.04 to 0.86]), but the association of being single with MMSE scores still existed (ß [95% CI]: - 1.87[- 3.17 to - 0.58]). Furthermore, the association of being single with MMSE scores was statistically significant in men (ß [95% CI]: - 5.25[- 7.17 to - 3.33]) but not in women (ß [95% CI: 0.88[- 0.87 to 2.64]). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Being single was associated with poorer cognitive function compared with their married counterparts in older Chinese men but not in women. More preventive measurements should be implemented for single men to reduce or delay cognitive decline. This is particularly important in the context of an aging population in China.

[Clinical features of invasive candidiasis and risk factors for Candida bloodstream infection in children: a multicenter study in Urumqi, China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features of invasive candidiasis in children and the risk factors for Candida bloodstream infection. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 134 children with invasive candidiasis and hospitalized in 5 tertiary hospitals in Urumqi, China, between January 2010 and December 2015. The Candida species distribution was investigated. The clinical data were compared between the patients with and without Candida bloodstream infection. The risk factors for Candida bloodstream infection were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 134 Candida strains were isolated from 134 children with invasive candidiasis, and non-albicans Candida (NAC) accounted for 53.0%. The incidence of invasive candidiasis in the PICU and other pediatric wards were 41.8% and 48.5% respectively. Sixty-eight patients (50.7%) had Candida bloodstream infection, and 45 patients (33.6%) had Candida urinary tract infection. There were significant differences in age, rate of use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and incidence rates of chronic renal insufficiency, heart failure, urinary catheterization, and NAC infection between the patients with and without Candida bloodstream infection (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that younger age (1-24 months) (OR=6.027) and NAC infection (OR=1.020) were the independent risk factors for Candida bloodstream infection. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of invasive candidiasis is similar between the PICU and other pediatric wards. NAC is the most common species of invasive candidiasis. Candida bloodstream infection is the most common invasive infection. Younger age (1-24 months) and NAC infection are the risk factors for Candida bloodstream infection.

[Leptin gene C2549A polymorphism in minority Hui and Uygur children with obesity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of leptin gene polymorphism with obesity in ethnic minority Hui and Uygur children in China. METHODS: Sixty-eight ethnic minority (35 Hui and 33 Uygur) children with obesity and 69 age-matched minority (36 Hui and 33 Uygur) children without obesity were recruited from six primary schools in the sub-urban areas of Urumqi. Venous blood was sampled from all subjects after fasting for 12 hours. Leptin gene C2549A polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Blood concentrations of lipids, leptin and insulin were measured with biochemical methods and radioimmunoassys, respectively. RESULTS: In the 137 children tested, the prevalence of AA, AC and CC genotype was 9.5%, 33.6% and 56.9%, respectively. A allele frequency was significantly different between the two ethnic (i.e. Hui and Uygur) groups (P<0.05). A allele frequency and AA+ AC genotype frequency were not significantly different between obese and non-obese children in both ethnic groups (P>0.05). Blood leptin levels were not significantly different between obese and non-obese children with an AA+AC or CC genotype in both ethnic groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Leptin gene polymorphisms exist in Hui and Uygur children. The C2549A polymorphism is not significantly associated with the prevalence of obesity in both Hui and Uygur children.

[Epidemiological characteristics of metabolic syndrome among Kazakh children aged from 6 to 13 in Xinjiang, China].

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the epidemiology and clinical characteristics on metabolic syndrome (MetS) among overweight and obese children aged from 6 to 13 years old in Kazakh ethnic populations. METHODS: Based on the data including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and blood pressure measured from the 'Kazakh ethnic child Health examination study in Yili', 5360 Kazakh children aged 6 - 13 were screened for overweight and obesity in Xinjiang, using the Chinese BMI cutoffs for schoolchildren (7 - 18 years) and WHO growth reference for school-aged children and adolescents (6 year). Simultaneously a group of children with normal BMI were selected as the control group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin (FINS), serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were examined. HOMA-IR index was calculated to estimate the individual insulin resistance. Children under study were older than or equal to 10 years and met the criteria according to the definition of metabolic syndrome, prophylaxis and treatment on Chinese children and adolescents, proposed by the Society of Pediatrics in China or NCEP-ATPIII definition as MetS. Risk factors related to cardiovascular diseases were analyzed according to the criteria by the Society of Pediatrics among those aged from 6 to 10 years old children. Connection between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and biochemical indexes was explored. RESULTS: Prevalence rates of MetS according to the criteria from Society of Pediatrics in China were: 0%, 9.57%, 19.64% in the normal weight, overweight and obese children, respectively. The rates diagnosed by NCEP-ATPIII definition were 0.64%, 2.61%, 16.07% respectively. The detective rates of individual MetS component among obese children were: 78.95% for abdominal obesity, 29.82% for elevated BPs, 26.32% for high TG, 22.81% for low HDL-C, 0.88% for FPG. High TG (31.15%), abdominal obesity (23.77%) and low HDL-C (22.95%) appeared as the leading three abnormal indices among the overweight children. With increased BMI, the clustering of MetS components were also remarkably increasing. The detective rates of cardiovascular-related risk factors among overweight or obesity children from 6 to 10 years old were:abdominal obesity or obesity, low HDL-C, high TG, impaired FPG, elevated BPs. Differences were seen between overweight or obesity children and normal weight children on the detective rates of high TG, low HDL-C, abdominal obesity or obesity. WHtR was related with FINS, HOMA-IR index and LDL-C. CONCLUSION: MetS seemed epidemic among obese Hazakh children. Abdominal obesity, elevated BPs and high TG were the leading three abnormal factors among obese children. Compare to NCEP-ATPIII, abnormal biochemical indices on overweight Kazakh children seemed to be more sensitive, proposed by the Society of Pediatrics in China.

Characterization of erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates causing invasive diseases in Chinese children.

BACKGROUND: Erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates that causing invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) in Chinese children remain uncharacterized. This study aims to identify the resistance genes associated with erythromycin resistance and to determine the genetic relationships of IPD isolates in Chinese children. METHODS: A total of 171 S. pneumoniae strains were isolated from 11 medical centers in China from 2006 to 2008. All the isolates were characterized via serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility determination. The erythromycin-resistant isolates were further characterized via ermB and mefA gene detection, multi-locus sequence typing analysis, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: A total of 164 (95.9%) isolates showed resistance to erythromycin, of which 162 strains with high high-level resistance (MIC ≥ 256 µg/ml). A total of 104 (63.4%) isolates carry the ermB gene alone, whereas 59 (36.0%) harbor both ermB and mefA genes. Of the 59 strains, 54 were of serotypes 19A and 19F and were identified as highly clonal and related to the Taiwan(19F)-14 clone. CONCLUSIONS: The erythromycin resistance rate in IPD isolates is significantly high and is predominantly mediated by the ermB gene. Isolates that carry both ermB and mefA genes are predominantly of serotypes 19A and 19F.

[Correlation between obesity index and blood pressure in Kazak childhood from Yili, Xinjiang].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlations between obesity index such as waist circumference, hip circumference, skin-fold thickness, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, waist to height ratio etc, and blood pressure among Kazak children living in Yili of Xinjiang. METHODS: In May-June 2009, 2438 Kazak children aged 7 to 14 at primary schools in Yili of Xinjiang, were investigated. Waist circumference, hip circumference, skin-fold thickness, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured to calculate the body mass index, waist to hip ratio and waist to height ratio. Analysis on the differences in age and gender, blood pressure (BP) between hypertensive or normal BP group under the standard set for children. SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical analysis on its correlation. RESULTS: The total prevalence of hypertension was 5.7% in Kazak ethnic school-age children in Yili, with 4.4% in the boys and 7.0% in girls. Data from waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-height-ratio, waist-hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed gender and age differences (P = 0.000). Average systolic blood pressure was correlated to waist circumference, hip circumference, skin-fold thickness, body mass index and waist to hip ratio (P = 0.000), with hip circumference the most (man: r = 0.618, female: r = 0.655). The average diastolic blood pressure was correlated to waist circumference, hip circumference, skin-fold thickness, body mass index and waist to hip ratio (P = 0.000), with hip having the strongest relation (r = 0.489 for male and r = 0.548 for females). Significant differences were seen between Hypertension group and normal blood pressure group on waist circumference, hip circumference, skin-fold thickness, body mass index and waist-hip ratio (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In Yili of Xinjiang, the prevalence of hypertension was at the low level in Kazak ethnic school-aged children when comparing to data from national and foreign standards. Indicators related to obesity as waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index and waist to hip ratio were positively correlated with blood pressure, with hip in particular.

[Childhood benign acanthosis nigricans and metabolic abnormality].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the relationship of childhood benign acanthosis nigricans to anthropometric and metabolic indexes, with the aim of studying the association between childhood benign acanthosis nigricans and metabolic diseases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 29 children who presented with benign acanthosis nigricans between February 2007 and October 2011. Thirty-two age, sex- and ethnic-matched normal children were selected as control group. The two groups were compared according to obesity (body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat content and body fat percentage) and metabolic indexes (blood glucose, insulin level and blood lipids). RESULTS: Body mass index, body fat content, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting blood glucose, insulin level and triglyceride in the 29 patients with benign acanthosis nigricans were higher than in the control group (P<0.05), but the level of high-density lipoprotein in the 29 patients was lower than in the control group (P<0.05). Of the 29 patients, 16 had impaired glucose tolerance and 3 were diagnosed with diabetes (1 case with type 1, two cases with type 2). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood benign acanthosis nigricans is closely associated with obesity, insulin resistance and dyslipidemia.

[Blood pressure levels of 2438 Hasakh children in the Yili region of Xinjiang Province].

OBJECTIVE: To study blood pressure levels, the prevalence of hypertension and factors associated with the development of hypertension in Hasakh children in the Yili region of Xinjiang Province. METHODS: A total of 2438 Hasakh school children from the Yili region of Xinjiang Province were sampled by stratified random cluster sampling method between May and June 2009. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, skinfold thickness and blood pressure were measured. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. RESULTS: Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were 94±13 mm Hg and 60±9 mm Hg respectively in the 2438 children, and both averages were lower than in the Han children. Hypertension was noted in 138 children (5.66%). The prevalence of hypertension in girls (6.97%, 84/1206) was higher than in boys (4.38%, 54/1232) (P<0.05). The prevalence of hypertension and blood pressone were positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, skinfold thickness circumference, gender and age. CONCLUSIONS: Average blood pressure levels in Hasakh children in the Yili region of Xinjiang Province are lower than in domestic age-matched Han children. The prevalence of hypertension in girls is higher than in boys. Obesity is highly correlated with the development of hypertension.

[Evaluation of efficacy and safety of loratadine in the treatment of childhood asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of loratadine, a new generation of antihistaminics, in the treatment of childhood asthma. METHODS: The papers related to loratadine treatment for childhood asthma were searched in the database of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrance, CNKI and CBMdisc (January 1990 to December 2010) electronically and manually. According to the Cochrane reviewer's handbook, the quality of the enrolled papers was assessed and a systematic review was performed. RESULTS: A total of 179 papers were obtained. Eleven randomized controlled trials met the criteria and were included in this study. The 11 trials included 317 children with asthma: 159 cases in the loratadine treatment group and 158 cases in the control group. All included studies belonged to the B class according to the quality evaluation criteria. Meta analysis showed that the clinical symptoms were improved more, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 4 and 8 weeks posttreatment and the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) 8 weeks posttreatment were higher in the loratadine treatment group than in the control group. The treatment-related adverse effects, fatigue, tachycardia and palpitation, occurred less in the loratadine treatment group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Loratadine is safe and effective for the treatment of childhood asthma.

[Obesity, overweight and related factors of Kazakh children aged from 6 to 13 in Yili, Xinjiang].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate obesity, overweight and related factors of Kazakh children aged from 6 to 13 years old in Yili, Xinjiang. METHODS: With stratified cluster sampling method, 2438 Kazakh children aged 6 - 13 from eight elementary schools were recruited from the Yili Kazakh autonomy region from May to June in 2009. Height, weight, blood pressure, waist circumference and hip circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI) value was used to determine overweight or obesity. The overweight and obesity distribution pattern of gender, age (6 - 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 - 14 years old group) and region (city, county and countryside) was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of overweight or obesity. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in Yili Kazakh autonomy region was 1.64% (40/2438) (male: 1.62% (20/1232), female 1.66% (20/1206) (χ(2) = 0.69, P = 0.41)), and 5.13% (25/2438) (male: 4.79% (59/1232), female 5.47% (66/1206) (χ(2) = 0.59, P = 0.44)), respectively. The obesity prevalence of 6 - 7 year-old children was 3.72% (8/215), 2.30% (10/435) for 12 year-old group and 2.19% (6/274) for 13 - 14 year-old group. The difference of obesity and overweight prevalence among different age groups was significant (χ(2) = 14.29, P = 0.04). The prevalence of overweight was 8.77% (35/399), 6.92% (74/1069), 1.65% (16/970) (χ(2) = 42.09, P = 0.00) in city, county and countryside. And the prevalence of obesity was 2.75% (11/399), 2.43% (27/1069), 0.30% (3/970) (χ(2) = 18.13, P = 0.00) in city, county and countryside. Logistic regression analysis showed that children with family obesity history (OR = 2.73, 95%CI: 1.42 - 5.22) and culture level of fathers (OR = 1.65, 95%CI: 0.29 - 9.25) were independent risk factors of obesity. There was a correlation between blood pressure and waist-to-hip rate (r = 0.10, P = 0.00). Moreover, the correlation existed between systolic pressure (r = 0.47, P = 0.00), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.37, P = 0.00) and BMI. Correlation existed between waist circumference (r = 0.81, P = 0.00), hip circumference (r = 0.78, P = 0.00) and BMI. CONCLUSION: There is no sex difference of overweight and obesity prevalence in Kazakh children aged from 6 to 13 year-old. Both family history of obesity and culture level of the fathers are factors of obesity and overweight to Kazakh children.

[Investigation of sleep patterns and sleep disorders in Uigur and Hui children in Xinjiang].

OBJECTIVE: To study the sleep quality and quantity and their influencing factors in Uigur and Hui children in Xinjiang Province. METHODS: From March to December of 2007, 912 Uigur and 1019 Hui school children (6 to 14 years) were randomly sampled from 6 cities of Xinjing Province. The questionnaire on children's sleep states and sleep environments was filled in by children's parents. RESULTS: The mean sleep time of Uigur and Hui children was 10.1±1.4 hrs. The sleep time in Uigur children was significantly less than that in Hui children (9.7±1.2 hrs vs 10.4±1.5 hrs; P<0.05). The mean incidence of sleep disorders was 23.56%. The Uigur children had a lower incidence of sleep disorders compared with the Hui children (18.42% vs 28.16%; P<0.001). Ethnic group, sleep latency, use of a swing bed, family history of snore, watching TV before sleeping, hypertrophy of tonsils, eating before sleeping, feeding patterns and recurrent upper respiratory tract infection were the factors associated with the sleep quality and quantity. CONCLUSIONS: The influencing factors of sleep quality and quantity are multifactorial in Uigur and Hui children in Xinjiang Province. Pediatrician, child health care doctors and parents should pay more attention to children's sleep. The incidence of sleep disorders is different between Uigur and Hui children, suggesting that more research for the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders should be performed in different ethic groups.

The role of ß-catenin signaling pathway on proliferation of rats neural stem cells after hyperbaric oxygen therapy in vitro.

ß-catenin, a protein that functions in both cell adhesion and Wnt signaling, plays a key role in mammalian neural development. To investigate the role of ß-catenin in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO)-induced neurogenesis after hypoxic ischemic brain damage (HIBD), we transfected ß-catenin siRNA and negative control siRNA into neural stem cells (NSCs) after HIBD. We found that HBO promoted NSCs differentiate into neurons or oligodendrocytes, and inhibited NSCs differentiate into astrocytes; HIBD brain tissue extract conditioned cultures promoted NSCs differentiate into neurons; ß-Catenin siRNA decreased the NSE-positive neurons and increased GFAP-positive astrocytes in the NSCs in vitro. Furthermore, the expression of Ngn1 protein and mRNA in NSCs was increased when HBO promoted NSCs differentiate into neurons after HIBD, and the expression of BMP-4 protein and mRNA was decreased when HBO depressed NSCs differentiate into astrocytes after HIBD. These results showed that ß-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation functions in the decision of NSCs to proliferate neurogenesis during HBO-induced after HIBD, and suggested that HBO therapy promotes the proliferation of neural stem cells in vitro, an effect that may be correlated with ß-catenin protein and HBO therapy could promote neurogenesis by ß-catenin-induced activated Ngn1 gene and repress astrocytogenesis by ß-catenin-induced down-regulated BMP-4 gene.

[Prevalence of upper respiratory tract group A Streptococcus carriage in school-age children from Tulufan City and Buerjin County of Xinjiang Province].

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence rate of upper respiratory tract group A Streptococcus (GAS) carriage in school-age children from Xinjiang Province. METHODS: A total of 478 children at age of 9-12 years from Tulufan City and Buerjin County of Xinjiang Province were enrolled by random cluster sampling. Throat swab cultures were performed once each season for the determination of presence of GAS. RESULTS: In the 1 827 samples, 196 GAS strains were isolated, with a GAS carrier rate of 10.7%. The prevalence rate of GAS carrier in Tulufan City ranged from 3.7%-16.5% compared with 4.7%-21.4% in Buerjin County (P < 0.05). The prevalence rate of GAS carrier in winter is the highest, followed by in autumn, spring and summer in both regions. There were significant differences in the GAS carriage rate in autumn between the two regions. There were no significant differences in the GAS carriage rate between boys and girls. Of the 196 GAS strains, 133 from Han, 22 from Uygur and 41 from Hazakh children. There were significant differences in the prevalence rate of GAS carriage among children with different ethic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of GAS carriage is high in school-age children from Tulufan and Buerjin of Xinjiang Province. The GAS carrier rate is associated with the season and ethic group. The children from Buerjin County present a higher GAS carrier rate than those from Tulufan City.

[The research of association between gene rs9930506 polymorphism and Hazakh children with overweight or obesity in Xinjiang].

OBJECTIVE: To study the association of fat mass and obesity associated gene rs9930506 polymorphism with overweight and obesity in the Hazakh Children. METHODS: PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine rs9930506 polymorphism in 118 patients with overweight or obesity and 141 controls. Serum lipid level including total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, plasma glucose levels, and plasma insulin were monitored by using enzymatic method (Hitachi automatic clinical analyzer) and radioimmunoassay kit respectively. RESULTS: The genotype distributions of the control group and overweight or obesity group were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequencies of AA, AG and GG were 0.458, 0.492 and 0.050 in the overweight or obesity group and 0.582, 0.397 and 0.021 in the controls respectively. There was no significant difference in frequencies of AA, AG and GG genotypes between control group and overweight or obesity group (χ(2) = 4.795, P = 0.091), but the frequency of GG + AG genotype in overweight or obesity group (0.542) was higher than that in the controls (0.418) giving significant difference (χ(2) = 3.957, P = 0.047). The frequencies of A allele were 0.703 in the overweight or obesity group and 0.780 in the controls respectively. There was significant difference in frequencies of A allele frequency between controls and overweight or obesity group (χ(2) = 3.986, P = 0.046). In the overweight or obesity group, the plasma glucose levels, BMI and hip circumference were (4.93 ± 0.52) mol/L, (79.70 ± 11.73) and (21.61 ± 2.72) cm in the persons with GG + AG genotype and (4.69 ± 0.56) mol/L, (75.28 ± 11.52) and (19.92 ± 1.98) cm in those of AA genotypes respectively. The plasma glucose levels, BMI and hip circumference of the persons with GG + AG genotype were higher than those of AA genotypes and the statistical significance was also observed (t = 2.430, P = 0.017; t = 2.053, P = 0.042; t = 3.891, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that rs9930506 polymorphism on chromosome 16q12.2 may be associated with the development of overweight or obesity in the Hazakh Children, and the polymorphism may have some influence on serum glucose levels, BMI and hip circumference in this population.

[Comparison of immunomagnetic beads and hespan precipitation for isolation of mononuclear cells from umbilical cord blood].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of immunomagnetic beads and hespan precipitation for isolation of mononuclear cells (MNCs) from umbilical cord blood and try to find a better isolation method for MNCs. METHODS: Fifteen umbilical cord blood samples from healthy parturiens were collected between December 2007 and March 2008. MNCs were isolated using hespan precipitation and CD133 immunomagnetic beads, respectively. MNCs were identified using the surface marker CD34 by flow cytometry on the 30th of primary culture. Growth conditions and morphologic changes of primary cells were observed by an inverted microscope. RESULTS: The number of MNCs from umbilical cord blood isolated by hespan precipitation (15.23 +/- 4.30 x 10(6)/mL) was significantly greater than that by CD133 immunomagnetic beads (0.066 +/- 0.027 x 10(6)/mL) (p<0.05). The MNCs isolated by hespan precipitation suspended at the culture medium and their growth was slow after passage. The growth of MNCs isolated by CD133 immunomagnetic beads was kept in a good condition. The CD34 positive rate of MNCs isolated by hespan precipitation and immunomagnetic beads was 10.1% and 0.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The hespan precipitation is an effective method for MNCs isolation from human umbilical cord blood, but with a cell growth condition below the mark. The MNCs isolated by CD133 immunomagnetic beads are in a high purity quotient.

[Diagnostic values of serum orexin-A levels in children with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: Currently people regard polysomnography (PSG) monitoring as the golden standard for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in children. However, due to the high cost, time and manpower consuming, PSG is not applicable to epidemiological investigation and clinical screening, especially not suitable for child patients and remote hospitals in Xinjiang. Therefore, it is of important clinical significance to find out a simple method (e.g. a kind of serum index) to primarily screen out suspicious patients for early diagnosis and treatment. The present study was conducted to assess the clinical usefulness of the measurement of orexin-A concentration in serum as a diagnostic predictor to screen patients with OSAHS in children. METHODS: Serum orexin-A concentration was measured with enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit in 60 patient with snoring before performing polysomnography (PSG). Subsequently all the subjects underwent PSG test. Forty subjects were diagnosed as having OSAHS, and twenty subjects had no OSAHS. These 20 non-OSAHS subjects served as controls. Compared with the PSG results the clinical usefulness of the measurement of orexin-A concentration in serum was assessed as a diagnostic predictor to screen patients with OSAHS. Correlation between orexin-A levels and apnea hypoventilation index (AHI), micro-arousal index (MAI) and lowest SaO2 (LSaO2) were analyzed. RESULTS: The serum orexin-A levels in the OSAHS group [(0.49 +/- 0.10) microg/L] was significantly higher than that of the control group [(0.28 +/- 0.11) microg/L, P < 0.01]. If a patient's level of orexin-A was higher than 0.36 microg/L, the patient more likely to have OSAHS. The sensitivity rate was 85.0% and the specificity was 80.0%. Serum orexin-A levels in children with OSAHS correlated positively with the AHI (r = 0.427, P < 0.05) and MAI (r = 0.468, P < 0.05), but correlated negatively with the LSaO2 (r = -0.527, P < 0.01) and the mean oxygen saturation (MSaO2) (r = -0.541, P < 0.01), not correlated significantly with the BMI (r = -0.212, P > 0.05). The serum orexin-A levels in the OSAHS children after who under went tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy significantly decreased (P < 0.05) 3 months after surgery as compared with pre-operation level. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the serum level of orexin-A could be used as a predictor in screening for OSAHS children and a biological marker of the severity of OSAHS children.

[Sleep disorders and their influencing factors in primary school children from Urumqi].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence of sleep disorders and their influencing factors in primary school children from Urumqi. METHODS: A total of 2034 children at the ages of 6-14 years were randomly sampled in 3 districts of Urumqi. The children's sleep states and their family and social environments were investigated through questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of sleep disorders in the subjects was 55%. The prevalence of sleep inquietude was the highest (14.7%), followed by sleep talking (4.8%), sleep walking (1.5%), nocturnal enuresis (1.5%), sleep teeth grinding (5.7%), habitual snoring (12.9%), sleep apnea (0.5%), and waking up by choke (1.9%). Taking drugs to stimulate or inhibit the central nervous system, frequent colds, confined housing area, family history, and sleeping with parents were risk factors for the development of sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sleep disorders within primary school children in Urumqi is higher than the reported data. The development of sleep disorders is multifactorial.

[Protection of azithromycin against pulmonary II epithelial cell injuries induced by cigarette smoke extract and relevant mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) can induce injuries of pulmonary II epithelial cells, activate nuclear factor-kappaB and increase tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-alpha) secretion. This study aimed to investigate whether azithromycin can protect pulmonary II epithelial cells from injuries induced by CSE and relevant mechanisms. METHODS: Pulmonary II epithelial cells (A549 cells) were cultured in vitro. After 48 hrs of culture the cells were randomly treated with serum-free DMEM only (blank control group), azithromycin + serum-free DMEM, CSE+ serum-free DMEM or CSE+azithromycin. Eight hours later the morphology of A549 cells, the activity of NF-kappaB and the levels of TNF-alpha were measured by inverted microscope, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. RESULTS: The morphology and structure of A549 cells were changed, NF-kappaB activity increased (dark brown staining ) and TNF-alpha levels (0.307 +/- 0.036 pg/mL vs 0.234 +/- 0.028 pg/mL)increased in the CSE+ serum-free DMEM group compared with the blank control group (P < 0.01). CSE together with azithromycin treatment recovered partly the morphological injuries of A549 cells. It also attenuated NF-kappaB staining and decreased TNF-alpha levels from 0.307 +/- 0.036 pg/mL (CSE+serum-free DMEM group) to 0.269 +/- 0.009 pg/mL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Azithromycin may inhibit NF-kappaB activity, decrease TNF-alpha secretion and thus lessen cytotoxicity of CSE to A549 cells.