Effects of smoking on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory symptoms / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of smoking on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and respiratory symptoms. Methods A multi-stage, stratified cluster sampling strategy was used to select participants aged 40 or older in 5 surveillance points of Anhui Province. Questionnaires, body measurements and spirometry were used to collect data. Based on complex sampling design, Logistic regression model was conducted to analyze the effects of smoking on COPD and respiratory symptoms. Results The smokers who had smoked for ≥30 pack-years accounted for 13.9% (95% CI:10.3%-17.5%, P＜0.001) of the total population. And the smokers who had smoked for ≥40 years accounted for 8.5% (95% CI:6.7%-10.3%, P＜0.001) of the total population. On average, one smoker had smoked for 32.4 years (95% CI:31.2-33.5). Average daily cigarette consumption of daily smokers was 21.1 cigarettes (95% CI:19.6-22.7). As shown by multiple-variables Logistic regression analyses, the risk of COPD and respiratory symptoms increased with the increment of smoking pack-years and duration (all Ptrend <0.001). Conclusions Smoking was associated with COPD and respiratory symptoms. The risk of developing COPD and respiratory symptoms was greater with the increment of smoking pack-years and duration.

Sophoral flavones inhibit proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts via regulating the expression of prohibitin / 药学学报

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Sophoral flavones on proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFb) induced by high glucose and its underlying mechanism. Cardiac fibroblasts were exposed to different concentration of D-glucose (15, 25 and 35 mmol·L-1) at different time point (24, 48 and 72 h) in order to determine cell proliferation, and the model group was established by culturing CFb with 25 mmol·L-1D-glucose for 48 h. Sophoral flavones (12.5, 25 and 50 mg·L-1) were employed for intervention. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ were measured by ELISA. In addition, flow cytometry was employed to detect the cell cycle; while the protein expression of prohibitin (PHB) was observed via immunocytochemistry and Western blot. This animal experiment had been approved by Jilin Medical University Experiment Animal Ethics Review Committee. The results showed that 25 mmol·L-1 glucose could promote the proliferation of CFb; and the contents of TGF-β1, MMP-2, collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ in the model group were higher than that of control (P<0.05). The number of cells in S and G2 phase increased under high glucose condition. In the model group, PHB translocation occurred at 6 h and protein expression decreased at 48 h (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, 12.5-50 mg·L-1 Sophoral flavones reduced the contents of TGF-β1, MMP-2, collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ, increased the number of G1 phase cells, and increased the expression of PHB protein at 48 h (P<0.05), with no effect on the nuclear translocation of PHB. These results indicated that Sophoral flavones could prevent the proliferation of CFb induced by high glucose, the mechanism of which may be related to increasing the expression of PHB protein.

Determination of forbidden and restricted pesticides in Angelicae Sinensis Radix / 中国中药杂志

The present study is to establish a method for simultaneous determination of 50 kinds of pesticides in Angelicae Sinensis Radix by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The forbidden,restricted and customary pesticides were picked out as detecting indexes according to the principals of risk management. The factors affecting the extraction,purification,and detection were optimized,and the final condition was established as follows: the samples were extracted with acetonitrile. The separation of target compounds were performed by liquid column,and quantitative analysis was carried out by LC-MS/MS with MRM model. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 1-100 μg·L~(-1) with correction coefficients of greater than 0. 990. The recoveries of more than 93. 9%pesticides were ranged from 60% to 140% at three spiked levels. The detecting indexes in the method cover most forbidden and restricted pesticides,which is meaningful for the safety supervision of the Angelicae Sinensis Radix. With the advantage of rapidness and accuracy,this method can be used for routine determination of multi-pesticides in Angelicae Sinensis Radix.

Prevalence of low back pain among soldiers at an army base / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Low back pain (LBP) is a major medical and social problem among working populations and is associated with high medical expense, loss of productivity, and disability. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of LBP among soldiers and evaluate the possible causative factors in military training. The results may provide an insight into changes needed in military training that will reduce the occurrence of LBP among soldiers.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a group of young soldiers in China to estimate the prevalence of LBP and evaluate possible causative factors in military training.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The survey was distributed to 1659 soldiers, of whom 1624 responded. LBP was reported by 425 of the 1624 (26.2%) soldiers. The prevalence of LBP was higher in the armored force (51.3%) than in the artillery (27.5%) or infantry (11.9%). A multivariate logical regression analysis identified night training, 5 km cross-country race, and grenade-throwing training as military training risk factors for LBP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The relatively high incidence of LBP among soldiers was related to night training, 5 km racing, and grenade throwing. Modifications in these training methods should enhance the health of recruits and lower the incidence of LBP.</p>

Comparative study on bacterial species in conjunctival sac between the Tibetan minority and Han nationality / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Epidemiological surveys showed that the types of bacteria are different in the conjunvical sac from different nationalities,which possibly is associated with living environment.To characterize the types of conjunctival bacteria involved is important for the prevention and treatment of infectious eye diseases.Objective The present survey was to obtain data about bacterial species in the conjunctival sac in the Tibetan minority population aged over 40 years old and compared with the matched Han nationality population.Methods The standardized training and protocol were performed before this survey.A total of 290 eyes of 145 individuals from the Tibetan minority and 346 eyes of 173 subjects from the Han nationality were enrolled in this study in Ganzi Autonomous Prefecture,who had received questionnaire surveys and ophthalmological examinations.The secretion of the inferior palpebral conjunctival sac was embrocated and inoculated and grown on blood plates for 48-72 hours.The bacteria were isolated and identified.This study was approved by the Medical Ethic Committee of the Sichuan People Hospital.Oral informed consent was obtained from the subjects.Results No significant differences were seen in the constituent ratio of the gender as well as the age between the Tibetan minority and Han nationality in this study (x2 =0.987,P=0.3202;t=1.142,P=0.254).There was a significant difference in the proportions of farmers and herdsmen between the two groups(x2 =8.557,P =0.000).The positive rate of bacterial cultivation in Tibetan individuals was 50.74％,showing a statistically significant decrease in comparison with the Han people(60.4％)(x2=6.042,P=0.014).There was no statistical difference in the multiple bacterial species between the two groups (11.0％ in Tibetan,11.6％ in Han people)(x2 =0.0271,P =0.869).The rate of staphylococcus epidemics was 26.6％ in the Tibetan minority and that of Han population was 33.2％,without a significant difference between them (x2 =3.350,P=0.060).No significant difference was seen in the ratio of corynbacterium infection between the two population(15.9％ vs.17.3％)(x2 =0.248,P =0.618).Conclusions The ratio of bacterial cultivation in Tibetans is statistically lower than that of the Han people.The types and distribution of bacteria are similar in the Tibetan and Han nationality.

Comparative study on bacterial species in conjunctival sac between Qiang minority and Han nationality / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Qiang minority is minority groups of China with the special habits and customs and living condition. So whether the spectrum of disease and bacteria spectrum in conjunctiva are similar with Han nationality is worth paying attention. Objective Present survey was to obtain the data about bacterial species in conjunctival sac in Qiang minority population with the age 40 years old and more and the compare with matched Han nationality population. Methods This survey study was performed as the standardized training and protocol. A total of 212 eyes of 106 individuals from Qiang minority in Beichuan county and 640 eyes of 320 subjects from Han nationality in Mianyang city received questionnaire survey and ophthalmological examination. The secretion of the inferior palpebral conjunctival sac was embrocated and inoculated on blood plate for 48-72 hours. The bacteria was separated and identified. This study was approved by the Ethic Committee of Sichuan Provicial People' s Hospital. Orally informed consent was obtained before the medical procedure. Results All the examinee finished the survey and examination with a good compliance. No significant difference was found in the demography between these two groups of population. The multiple bacterial positive rate in conjunctival sac was 59. 4% in Qiang minority and that of Han people was 66. 3% with a considerably difference between them (χ2 = 2. 27,P = 0. 13). The multiple bacterial species were simultaneously detected in 26.2% in Qiang minority population and 11.88% Han people, showing evidently difference (χ2 = 106. 40, P = 0. 00 ) . The positive rate of corynbaccterium in conjunctival sac of Qiang minority was statistically lower than that of Han people (20. 7% versus 45. 0% ,χ2 =31. 75 ,P = 0. 00) ,but there was no statistical difference in the positive rate of staphylococcus epidemics between two groups (χ2 = 1. 89 ,P = 0. 17). Conclusion The bacteria positive rate in conjunctiva sac is resemble in the population over 40 years in both the Qiang minority and Han nationality. The simple bacterial species is found in majority people in two groups of subjects. The positive rate of multiple bacterial strains coexistence is more in the Qiang minority. The bacterial strains is different between Qiang minority and Han nationality.

Clinical and genetic analysis of a pedigree of myotonic dystrophy disease / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical manifestations and to make genetic analysis in a pedigree with myotonic dystrophy disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The proband and available family members were identified by neurological examination. The clinical manifestation of 8 patients (including the proband) was analyzed; the electromyographic data of 5 patients were compared with 6 other family members. Blood samples were obtained from the 7 patients of the family (excepting II6). DM(1) and DM(2) gene were amplified by PCR, tested by agarose electrophoresis, then analyzed by genetic analyzer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Myotonia and muscle weakness were the main manifestations associated with heart block (7/8) and cataract(6/7). Electromyologram showed myopathic abnormalities not only in patients but also in other members of the family (5/6). The CTG repeats in DM1 and CCTG repeats in DM2 were all in normal range.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There likely to be new mutants in this DM pedigree and further study is needed.</p>

Mutation analysis of keratin 9 gene in a pedigree with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify mutations of keratin 9 (KRT9) gene in a big Chinese family with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma(EPPK) combined with knuckle-pad-like lesions and nail lesions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Genomic DNA from peripheral blood of all available members in this family and 50 unrelated healthy individuals was used for amplification of the whole coding sequence and the intron-exon boundaries of KRT9 gene by PCR; The mutation was detected by direct sequence analysis and identified by restriction endonuclease Dde I.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A mutation of AAT>AGT at codon 160 (N160S) was found in all patients but not in unaffected family members and 50 controls.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mutation of AAT>AGT at codon 160 (N160S) is the disease-causing mutation in this Chinese pedigree with EPPK.</p>

Insulin resistance in epileptic patients during treatment of valproic acid / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the possible role of valproic acid therapy in the development of the weight gain and hyperinsulinemia of epileptic patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The weight and fasting insulin levels were measured in 43 epileptic patients treated with valproic acid (VPA) alone and 39 patients with carbamazepine (CBZ) alone for at last 2 years. The body mass index (BMI) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index were studied in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>BMI was higher in the VPA-treated group (23.47+/-1.45) than that in the CBZ-treated group (22.27+/-2.10, P<0.05). Fasting insulin level and HOMA index in the VPA group were also higher [(6.64+/-0.79)mU/L and 1.33+/-0.21] than those in the CBZ group [(5.52+/- 0.52)mU/L, P<0.01; 1.15+/-0.12, P<0.01]. While BMI in the VPA group showed no significant correlation with plasma concentration and dose of valproate.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VPA therapy is associated with significantly greater weight gain and hyperinsulinemia, suggesting development of insulin resistance.</p>

Activation of microglia and pathological changes in chronically hypoperfused brain of rats / 第三军医大学学报

Objective　To study the pattern of activities of microglia, the patholgical changes of chronically hypoperfused brain of rats and the interrelationship between them. Methods　Model of chronically hypoperfused brain was established in rat by the ligation of both common carotid arteries, and the histopathological changes of brain were observed with light microscope. The activity of microglia of the brain were also observed with immunohistochemistry method and the number of microglia was measured with image analyzer. Results　Extensive activation of microglia was observed after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and the activation was increased with the elapse of time of hypoperfusion. There were obvious pathological change in the brain after the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, such as myelinic degeneration and formation of glial nodule in white matter. After treated with cyclosporin A, the number of microglia was obviously reduced, but the pathological change was evidently decreased. Conclusion　The activation of microglia resulted from chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is relates to the pathological changes of the brain. However, cyclosporin A can decrease the pathological change and inhibit the activation of microglia.

Activation of microglia and pathological changes in chronically hypoperfused brain of rats / 第三军医大学学报

Objective　To study the pattern of activities of microglia, the patholgical changes of chronically hypoperfused brain of rats and the interrelationship between them. Methods　Model of chronically hypoperfused brain was established in rat by the ligation of both common carotid arteries, and the histopathological changes of brain were observed with light microscope. The activity of microglia of the brain were also observed with immunohistochemistry method and the number of microglia was measured with image analyzer. Results　Extensive activation of microglia was observed after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and the activation was increased with the elapse of time of hypoperfusion. There were obvious pathological change in the brain after the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, such as myelinic degeneration and formation of glial nodule in white matter. After treated with cyclosporin A, the number of microglia was obviously reduced, but the pathological change was evidently decreased. Conclusion　The activation of microglia resulted from chronic cerebral hypoperfusion is relates to the pathological changes of the brain. However, cyclosporin A can decrease the pathological change and inhibit the activation of microglia.