Study on the correlation between red cell distribution width, homocysteine, lipoprotein(a), and left atrial diameter in newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the correlations between red cell distribution width (RDW), homocysteine (Hcy), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and left atrial diameter (LAD) measured by echocardiography in newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) (referred to as "new-onset AF") patients and their predictive value for new-onset AF. The findings of this study provide a basis for early clinical identification of the risk of new-onset AF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine newly diagnosed NVAF patients (46 males and 43 females) admitted to the Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, from January 2017 to January 2023 were included in the new-onset AF group. Over the same time, 88 sinus rhythm patients (44 males and 44 females) were included in the control group. Data, including demographic information, routine blood test parameters, biochemical indicators, and relevant values from cardiac color Doppler ultrasound, were recorded for all study subjects. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the clinical characteristics of the indicators mentioned above in patients with new-onset AF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to assess the predictive ability of these indicators for new-onset AF. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of biochemical indicators revealed differences between the two groups (p<0.05) in RDW, Hcy, and Lp(a). The univariate analysis also revealed differences (p<0.05) in RDW, Lp(a), Hcy, left atrial diameter (LAD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), interventricular septal thickness (IVST), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified RDW (OR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.65-3.67), Hcy (OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.37-1.86), and Lp(a) (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01) as independent risk factors for the new-onset AF. In the subgroup analysis dichotomizing patients around the LAD cutoff value, the high-LAD group had higher RDW, Hcy, and Lp(a) (13.4 vs. 12.7, 15.0 vs. 10.9, 144.0 vs. 101.3, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RDW, Hcy, and Lp(a) are elevated in patients with new-onset AF. They are positively correlated with LAD in these patients, indicating their role as risk factors for new-onset AF.

[Research progress of anti-fibrotic drugs that inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary fibrosis].

Pulmonary fibrosis is the end-stage pathological change of lung diseases, which seriously affects the respiratory function of human body. A large number of studies at home and abroad have confirmed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important intermediate stage in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibition of multiple pathways upstream and downstream of EMT, such as the classical Smads pathway and non-Smads pathway of TGF-1 can effectively inhibit the process of EMT and alleviate pulmonary fibrosis. This article will review the main conclusions of the mechanism of action of EMT as a target to improve the pathology of pulmonary fibrosis so far, and provide a theoretical basis and research direction for further research and development of anti-pulmonary fibrosis drugs.

[Formaldehyde and xylene levels and protective effects in the pathology department of a hospital].

Objective: To investigate the status of exposure to xylene and Formaldehyde of medical and technical personnel in Pathology Department of a hospital, and to provide references for prevention of occupational hazards. Methods: From July to October in 2019, 52 medical workers and working places in Pathology Department of a third-class hospital in Jiangxi Province were selected as survey objects, the distribution of occupational hazards, protective measures and personal protective equipment were investigated, and the control wind speed of Formaldehyde, xylene and ventilation facilities were detected and analyzed statistically. Results: It showed that the detection rate of xylene and formaldehyde was 82.1% (23/28) , and the detection rate of xylene C(STEL) in the two sampling posts was 14.3% (2/14) , the local suction device on each side and the control wind speed of the fume hood do not meet the national standards. Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen the prevention and control of the occupational hazards in the Department of Pathology to prevent the occurrence of occupational diseases.

A Hemodynamic Mechanism Correlating with the Initiation of MCA Bifurcation Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies have reported that MCA bifurcation aneurysms usually emerge on inclined bifurcations; however, the reason is unclear. We designed this study to explore hemodynamic mechanisms that correlate with the initiation of MCA bifurcation aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with unilateral MCA bifurcation aneurysms and 54 control patients were enrolled in this study after propensity score matching, and their clinical and CTA data were collected. We extracted the morphologic features of aneurysmal MCA bifurcations to build a simplified MCA bifurcation model and performed a computational fluid dynamics analysis. RESULTS: The presence of MCA aneurysms correlated with smaller parent-daughter angles of MCA bifurcations (P < .001). Aneurysmal MCA bifurcations usually presented with inclined shapes. The computational fluid dynamics analysis demonstrated that when arterial bifurcations became inclined, the high-pressure regions and low wall shear stress regions shifted from the apexes of the arterial bifurcations to the inclined daughter arteries, while the initial sites of MCA bifurcation aneurysms often overlapped with the shifted high-pressure regions and low wall shear stress regions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the initiation of MCA bifurcation aneurysms may correlate with shifts of high-pressure regions and low wall shear stress regions that occur on inclined MCA bifurcations.

[Application of risk assessment of dust occupational hazards during subway construction].

Objective: To identify the process nodes and types of dust existing during subway construction, evaluate the occupational health risk assessment, analyze the key control points, and provide technical basis for occupational health management. Methods: From August 2017 to December 2018, the field occupational health survey method was used to investigate the whole construction period of subway, and the occupational health risk assessment method was used to assess the degree of dust hazard, and the consistency of the assessment results of ICMM, UQ and MLSP methods were compared. Results: The dust in the operation site exists in multiple nodes of the construction cycle, and the operators were exposed to a variety of dust at the same time. Concrete workers and other jobs were key control posts. The risk level assessed by ICMM method was relatively higher than that by UQ method and MLSP method, the latter two results were relatively close. Conclusion: The three occupational health risk assessment methods are all suitable for the site risk assessment without occupational monitoring data, and UQ method has better applicability to the construction industry.

[A study of social assistance for patients with occupational diseases].

Since the reform and opening up, a large number of migrant workers to enter into the mining enterprises of the town, due to poor working conditions and lack of awareness of labor protection, a large number of workers at that time were diagnosed with occupational diseases such as pneumoconiosis, the lack of effective treatment and compensation mechanisms, it faces many difficulties of life, health care, employment and marriage, becoming more vulnerable, need access to national and social support and assistance. Currently, the patient's occupation of social assistance there are some flaws, and for the growing demand for professional rescue patients, China is still not established specifically for the social assistance system of the patient career, but also lack of systematic research. The paper combing through social assistance in the form and content of the existing occupation for patients and found deficiencies and problems of the current social assistance vocational patient exists, and proposed a framework for the establishment of vocational social assistance system of the patient, specific measures and means.

LncRNA RGMB-AS1 is activated by E2F1 and promotes cell proliferation and invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) RGMB-AS1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to investigate its influences on PTC cell biological behaviors and its relevant molecular mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression levels of lncRNA RGMB-AS1 in human PTC tissues, corresponding normal tissues, normal thyroid epithelial cells Nthyori3-1, human PTC cells TPC-1, BCPAP and K1 were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Si-RGMB-AS1 and control sequence were transfected into TPC-1 and K1 cells. Changes in cell proliferation were detected via cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, and changes in cell migration and invasion capacities were detected by transwell assay. Bioinformatics software was used to predict that the transcription of lncRNA RGMB-AS1 was regulated by the transcription factor E2F1, and changes in lncRNA RGMB-AS1 expression were detected by qRT-PCR after interference in E2F1 expression. Moreover, changes in cell biological functions were detected by CCK8 and transwell assays. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assay was used to detect whether E2F1 bound to lncRNA RGMB-AS1 promoter region. RESULTS: Results of qRT-PCR showed that the lncRNA RGMB-AS1 expression was up-regulated in 38 out of 48 cases of PTC tissues, and it was also up-regulated in PTC cells. Results of CCK8 assay showed that the proliferation capacity of PTC cells was decreased after interference in the expression of lncRNA RGMB-AS1, and results of transwell assay revealed that cell invasion and migration capacities were inhibited. qRT-PCR showed that after interference in E2F1, the expression of lncRNA RGMB-AS1 was down-regulated. Besides, CCK8 and transwell assays showed that proliferation, migration, and invasion capacities of PTC cells were decreased after interference in E2F1. Results of CHIP assay showed that E2F1 bound to lncRNA RGMB-AS1 promoter region. CONCLUSIONS: E2F1 promotes the transcription of lncRNA RGMB-AS1 in PTC. Highly-expressed lncRNA RGMB-AS1 promotes the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PTC.

Down-regulation of lncRNA MIR31HG correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features and unfavorable prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Long non-coding RNA MIR31HG (MIR31HG) has been shown to affect numerous tumorigenesis. However, the function of MIR31HG in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the levels of MIR31HG could be served as a prognostic factor in patients with ESCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MIR31HG expression was detected in 185 samples of surgically resected ESCC and matched normal tumor-adjacent tissues by qRT-PCR. The association between MIR31HG expression levels in tissue and characteristics was examined. Overall survival (OS) curves were conducted to compare MIR31HG level and clinical characteristics. Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine the prognostic value of MIR31HG. RESULTS: The levels of MIR31HG were decreased in the ESCC tissues from patients with ESCC compared with the control (p < 0.01). In malignant cases, lower expression MIR31HG levels were significantly associated with poor differentiation (p < 0.001), advanced lymph node metastasis (p = 0.006), positive distant metastasis (p = 0.005) and TNM stage (p = 0.004). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients presenting with reduced MIR31HG expression exhibited poorer OS (p = 0.0002). Univariate and multivariate analysis suggested that MIR31HG expression was an independent prognostic marker for survival in patients with ESCC. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that down-regulated MIR31HG in ESCC patients was associated with malignant clinical characteristics. MIR31HG might be considered as a potential prognostic indicator and a potential target for therapeutic targets in ESCC.

Methamphetamine abuse impairs motor cortical plasticity and function.

Exposure to addictive drugs triggers synaptic plasticity in reward-related brain regions, such as the midbrain, nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. Effects of chronic drug exposure on other brain areas have not been fully investigated. Here, we characterize synaptic plasticity in motor cortex after methamphetamine self-administration in rats. We show that this causes a loss of corticostriatal plasticity in rat brain slices and impaired motor learning in the rotarod task. These findings are paralleled by the observation of a lack of transcranial magnetic stimulation-induced potentiation or depression of motor evoked potentials in human patients with addiction, along with poor performance in rotary pursuit task. Taken together, our results suggest that chronic methamphetamine use can affect behavioral performance via drug-evoked synaptic plasticity occluding physiological motor learning.

GSTP1 Ile105Val and XRCC1 Arg399Gln gene polymorphisms contribute to the clinical outcome of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) and X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) genetic variations may in-fluence the efficacy of chemotherapy in various cancers. We investi-gated the possible roles of GSTP1 Ile105Val and XRCC1 Arg194Trp, and Arg399Gln gene polymorphisms in the prognosis of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Between January 2010 and December 2012, this study consecutively recruited 141 patients with advanced NSCLC from the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province. Logistic regression analy-sis showed that individuals carrying the GG genotype were associated with a better response to chemotherapy than those with the wide-type genotype, with an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) of 4.07 (1.06-25.06). Moreover, we observed that the AA genotype of XRCC1 Arg399Gln was correlated with a greater complete response + partial response to chemotherapy than that with the GG genotype (odds ratio = 2.71, 95%CI = 1.13-10.08). Based on the Cox hazard proportional model, the GG genotype of GSTP1 Ile105Val was found to be associated with a lower risk of death from all causes as compared to that with the AA genotype (hazard ratio = 0.07, 95%CI = 0.01-0.34). In summary, we suggest that GSTP1 Ile105Val and XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms could influence the response to chemotherapy and sur-vival of advanced NSCLC.

Anomalous electron collimation in HgTe quantum wells with inverted band structure.

We investigate the electron collimation behavior in HgTe quantum wells (QWs) with a magnetic-electric barrier induced by a ferromagnetic metal stripe. We find that electrons can transmit perfectly through the magnetic-electric barrier at some specific incidence angles. These angles can be controlled by the tuning gate voltage, local magnetic field and Fermi energy of incident electrons in QWs with appropriate barrier length. This collimation feature can be used to construct momentum filters in HgTe QWs and has potential application in nanodevices.

Urodynamic study of bladder function for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated by surgical decompression.

Lumbar spinal stenosis usually leads to different degrees of nerve damage, presenting with back and leg pain, and/or neurogenic bladder symptoms. To determine whether lumbar decompression improved urological function, bladder dysfunction was evaluated in this retrospective study of 26 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who had undergone lumbar decompression surgery. Urodynamic study procedures were performed pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score rating system and Oswestry Disability Index were employed for clinical evaluation. Following surgery, post-voiding residual urine, maximum cystometric capacity and maximum flow rate improved significantly. There was no statistically significant improvement in voided volume, bladder compliance, maximum detrusor pressure or upper urinary tract damage. Urodynamic study was important in the diagnosis of neurogenic bladder dysfunction, prevention of renal deterioration and assessment of post-operative effects after surgical decompression for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

The effect of glucagon-like peptide 2 injection on performance, small intestinal morphology, and nutrient transporter expression of stressed broiler chickens.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of injecting glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) on the small intestinal weight, morphology, and nutrient transporter expression in pharmacologically stressed broiler chickens. A total of 144 seven-day-old birds were fed either a basal diet (CTRL) or a basal diet plus 30 mg of corticosterone (CORT)/kg of diet for a total of 14 d. Half of the birds from each group were injected daily with GLP-2 (6.7 nmol/kg of BW) or saline for 14 d. The average final BW, ADG, ADFI, and the ratio of feed intake to weight gain (F:G) was recorded over 21 d for the 4 groups of 36 birds, namely CTRL + saline, CTRL + GLP-2, CORT + saline, and CORT + GLP-2. In addition, the absolute and relative small intestinal weight, villus height (VH), and crypt depth (CD) of the duodenum and jejunum, as well as the abundance of sodium and glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT-1), vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein-28,000 molecular weight (CaBP-D28k), and peptide transporter 1 (PepT-1) mRNA in the duodenum and of liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) mRNA in the jejunum. The total DNA, RNA, and protein content in small intestinal mucosa were also determined. The results showed that CORT administration significantly lowered average final BW, ADG, ADFI, absolute small intestinal weight, VH, and CD of duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05) while increasing the relative small intestinal weight, F:G, relative abundance of SGLT-1, CaBP-D28k, PepT-1, and L-FABP mRNA (P < 0.05). Glucagon-like peptide 2 injection increased the average final BW, ADG, VH, and CD in duodenum and jejunum and relative abundance of SGLT-1, CaBP-28k, PepT1, and PepT1 mRNA of broiler chickens, respectively (P < 0.05), and decreased F:G (P < 0.05). In chickens fed basal diet plus CORT, injecting GLP-2 decreased F:G (P < 0.05); increased VH and CD of duodenum and CD of jejunum; and increased relative abundance of SGLT-1, CaBP-D28k, PepT-1, and L-FABP mRNA, RNA, and total protein content in small intestine compared with the injection of saline (P < 0.05). In birds fed the basal diet, GLP-2 injection decreased F:G (P < 0.05) and increased final BW, ADG, small bowel weight, CD of jejunum, and relative abundance of CaBP-D28k and PepT-1 mRNA compared with injecting saline (P < 0.05). In conclusion, GLP-2 injection reversed the negative effect of stress on the weight and morphology and the absorptive function of small bowel of broiler chickens. Glucagon-like peptide 2 injection also had a positive effect on the growth performance of healthy broiler chickens.

Safety and radiation-enhancing effect of sodium glycididazole in locoregionally advanced laryngeal cancers previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy regimens: A preliminary report.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and radiation-enhancing effect of sodium glycididazole in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (stage T3-4,N0-3,M0) with conventional radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with locoregional advanced laryngeal cancer (stage T3-4,N0-3,M0) were included: group 1(control, n=30)were not administered of sodium glycididazole; group 2 (test, n=30) received sodium glycididazole at a dose of 700 mg/m(2) intravenous infusion 30 minutes before radiotherapy three times a week. Surrogate end-points of efficacy were tumor and nodal size. Safety parameters were vomiting, nausea, mucositis, laryngeal edema, esophagus and skin reaction, dysphagia, dyspnea, neurological deficit. Patients were evaluated weekly during treatment for 7 weeks and thereafter monthly for 3 months. RESULTS: In the test, the overall response rate was 88.89% (95%CI, 71.00-97.00%) at 7 weeks and 92.59% (95%CI, 76.00 to 99.00%) at 1 month of follow-up. In the control, the overall response rate was 62.5% (95%CI, 41.00 to 81.00%) at 7 weeks and 58.33% (95%CI, 37.00 to 78.00%) at 1 month of follow-up. The short-term locoregional response rate was better in the test group at 7 weeks (p=0.027) and at 1 month (p=0.005) of follow-up. The test group had significantly more nausea and vomiting in weeks 1 (p=0.047), 2 (p=0.007), and 3 (p=0.01) of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates sodium glycididazole is an effective radiation-enhancing agent that improves short-term locoregional control and is well tolerated in patients with locoregionally advanced laryngeal cancer.

Effects of liquid DL-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoic acid on growth performance and immune responses in broiler chickens.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different doses of liquid dl-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoic acid (LMA) on growth performance and immune response in broiler chickens. In an arrangement with 4 graded levels of LMA to meet 80, 100, 120, and 140% of methionine requirements of broilers recommended by Chinese feeding standards for chickens, 256 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chickens were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 8 replicates of 8 birds each. Growth performance, cellular immunity, and humoral immunity were determined. Results from increasing LMA levels were as follows. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in body weight gain and feed intake among the treatments, but the ratio of feed to gain was linearly decreased and significantly greatest (P < 0.05) in the group fed at 80% of methionine requirement. Serum globulin levels on d 21 and 42 were linearly increased significantly (P < 0.05); phagocytosis of neutral red of peripheral blood lymphocyte was quadratic and was lowest in the deficient group (P < 0.05). The proliferation of peripheral blood lymphocytes in response to lipopolysaccharide was quadratically influenced, and that of the 120% group on d 21 and the 100% group on d 42 was significantly greater than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Antibody titers to Newcastle disease virus on d 4 after the first inoculation of the vaccine were quadratically increased, anti-bovine serum albumin antibody production on d 13 after the second immunization was quadratic, and antibody titers were greatest in the groups fed at 100 or 120% of methionine requirement. In conclusion, methionine deficiency resulted in decreased feed utilization and decreased humoral and nonspecific immuno-competence of broiler chickens. The use of LMA to correct a methionine deficiency corrected these problems.

Phylogeny and quaternary history of the European montane/alpine endemic Soldanella (Primulaceae) based on ITS and AFLP variation.

Soldanella contains 16 species of herbaceous perennials that are endemic to the central and south European high mountains. The genus is ecogeographically subdivided into forest/montane and alpine species. Evolutionary relationships and large-scale biogeographic patterns were inferred from parsimony analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA, and genetic distance analyses based on amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The ITS region proved useful for examining subgeneric relationships and testing hypotheses on genus-wide divergence times, whereas the AFLP markers were suitable for studying relationships among closely related taxa and biogeographic patterns of divergence. Neither ITS nor AFLP data supported sectional delimitations, particularly those related to the grouping of S. alpina (sect. Soldanella) with S. pusilla (sect. Tubiflores), which may be the result of hybridization. Additional results and conclusions drawn are (1) Soldanella is derived from an ancestor of Asian origin with a montane ecology; (2) estimates of divergence times suggest a late Quaternary origin of the genus; (3) alpine species of sect. Tubiflores diverged from within a paraphyletic sect. Soldanella of mainly montane species; (4) alpine and montane species of Soldanella experienced different cycles of range expansion and contraction during late Quaternary climatic changes, resulting in differential patterns of geographic distribution; and (5) AFLP divergence among montane species from eastern Europe was lower than between alpine species; we hypothesize that the latter differentiated in allopatric regions of expansion during glacials, while the former experienced secondary contact at lower elevations in more southern refugia.

[Nucelotide sequence of an ECHO virus isolated from a meningiti].

BACKGROUND: To determine the nucleotide sequences of W strain (Zhaoyuan/W/87) isolated from a meningitis patient, and compare them with the sequences of relational enteroviruses. METHODS: Virion RNA was transcribed into cDNA by reverse transcriptase, cDNA was amplified by PCR, the products of PCR were purified. Then RNA sequence analysis was performed by the dideoxynucleotide chain termination method using synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide primers. RESULTS: The partial nucleotide sequences of 5 UTR, region 2C and 3D of W strain (Zhaoyuan/W/87) were respectively 244, 275 and 353 nucleotides long. The complete nucleotide sequences of region VP1 were 876 nucleotides long coding 292 amino acids. In comparison with the VP1 sequence of two ECHO29 strains in Genbank through internet, the homogeneity of nucleotide sequence were 82.1% and 81.7%, that of amino sequence were 95.1% and 94.4%. CONCLUSIONS: W strain Zhaoyuna/W/87) was a mutation strain of ECHO29.

Molecular evolution of a type 1 wild-vaccine poliovirus recombinant during widespread circulation in China.

Type 1 wild-vaccine recombinant polioviruses were isolated from poliomyelitis patients in China from 1991 to 1993. We compared the sequences of 34 recombinant isolates over the 1,353-nucleotide (nt) genomic interval (nt 2480 to 3832) encoding the major capsid protein, VP1, and the protease, 2A. All recombinants had a 367-nt block of sequence (nt 3271 to 3637) derived from the Sabin 1 oral poliovirus vaccine strain spanning the 3'-terminal sequences of VP1 (115 nt) and the 5' half of 2A (252 nt). The remaining VP1 sequences were closely (up to 99.5%) related to those of a major genotype of wild type 1 poliovirus endemic to China up to 1994. In contrast, the non-vaccine-derived sequences at the 3' half of 2A were more distantly related (<90% nucleotide sequence match) to those of other contemporary wild polioviruses from China. The vaccine-derived sequences of the earliest (April 1991) isolates completely matched those of Sabin 1. Later isolates diverged from the early isolates primarily by accumulation of synonymous base substitutions (at a rate of approximately 3.7 x 10(-2) substitutions per synonymous site per year) over the entire VP1-2A interval. Distinct evolutionary lineages were found in different Chinese provinces. From the combined epidemiologic and evolutionary analyses, we propose that the recombinant virus arose during mixed infection of a single individual in northern China in early 1991 and that its progeny spread by multiple independent chains of transmission into some of the most populous areas of China within a year of the initiating infection.

[Detection of Coxsackie B virus IgM antibody in myocarditis patients by Mac ELISA].

OBJECTIVE: To detect Coxsackie B virus type 1-6 IgM antibodies from 193 clinically diagnosed myocarditis cases. METHODS: The capture IgM ELISA (Mac ELISA) test was used. RESULTS: The total positive rate of Coxsackie virus B 1-6 IgM antibody in myocarditis patients was 69.6% (135 cases), among which Cox B3 type was as high as 40% (54 cases) of the total positive patients. The others were 29.6% (40 cases), 18.5% (25 cases), 7.4%(10 cases), 3.0% (4 cases), 1.5% (2 cases) of Cox B2, Cox B4, Cox B1, Cox B5 and Cox B6 respectively. Meanwhile only 20.4% (37 cases) Cox B IgM positive cases could be detected in 181 non-myocarditis patients of same ages. The results showed that the positive rate of Cox B virus IgM antibody in clinically diagnosed myocarditis was significantly higher than that in control group (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The Cox B viruses may be the main agents causing viral myocarditis in Beijing cases. Mac ELISA is an easy, rapid, specific and sensitive method to detect Cox B virus IgM antibody for early and rapid diagnosis of myocarditis.

Status of the eradication of indigenous wild poliomyelitis in the People's Republic of China.

A large nationwide outbreak occurred in 1989-1990 in China, in which nearly 10,000 poliomyelitis cases were reported. After two rounds of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) supplemental activity in nearly every province in the 1992-1993 winter season, no wild poliovirus was detected in 1993 in 22 provinces in the middle of China that contained 86% of the population. During the first national immunization days (NIDs) conducted in December 1993 and January 1994, 83 million children 0-47 months of age were immunized. In 1994, wild poliovirus was identified in only 6 of 2397 children with stool specimens tested. After a second NID in December 1994 and January 1995, no wild poliovirus was detected in 1995 despite a very high level of virus surveillance. In summary, double-round mass supplemental OPV immunizations in children 0-3 years old in two consecutive winters eliminated wild poliovirus from 23% of the world's population (1.2 billion people).