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Objective::To explore the efficacy of modified Jingui Shenqitang in the treatment of renal hypertension with spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome and its effect on blood lipids, renal function and vascular endothelial function. Method::Totally 110 patients were randomly divided into control group and observation group by random number table method, with 55 cases in each group. Control group was given levamlodipine (2.5-5 mg every time, once/day) and enalapril maleate (10 mg every time, once/day), and observation group was given modified Jingui Shenqitang in addition to the therapy of control group (1 dose/day). They were treated for 12 weeks. Blood pressure monitoring was performed, the systolic blood pressure (SBD) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were compared before and after treatment, and the blood pressure compliance was calculated. The 24 h urinary protein quantification (24 hUpr), serum creatinine (SCr), albumin (ALB) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected before and after treatment, the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated, and the triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HLD-C) and low-density lipoprotein( LDL-C) were detected before and after treatment. The spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndromes were scored before and after treatment. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), plasma endothelin (ET) and angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ) were detected before and after treatment. Result::The blood pressure efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=1.905, P<0.05). The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndromes in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=2.416, P<0.01). The compliance rate of causal blood pressure in observation group was higher than that in control group (88.89% vs 71.25%) (χ2=7.861, P<0.01). SBP and DBP in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). TC and LDL-C in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.01). The 24 hUpr, BUN and SCr in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05), while the eGFR was higher than that in control group (P<0.05). The levels of ET-1 and Ang Ⅱ in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05), whereas the NO level was higher than that in control group (P<0.01). Conclusion::In addition to the routine intervention with western medicine, modified Jingui Shenqitang for patients with spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome can further control blood pressure level, improve blood pressure compliance rate, regulate lipid metabolism, protect kidney function, and regulate vascular endothelial function, with a better clinical efficacy than pure western medicine.
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Background@#Nickel-induced allergic contact dermatitis (Ni-ACD) is a global health problem. More detailed knowledge on the skin uptake of haptens is required. This study aimed to investigate the penetration process and distribution of nickel in skin tissues with late phase and early phase of Ni-ACD to understand the mechanisms of metal allergy.@*Methods@#Forty Hartley guinea pigs were divided into four groups according to the NiSO4 sensitizing concentration and the NiSO4 challenged concentration: the 5% NiSO4-group, 5% to 10% (sensitization-challenge; late phase group); 10% NiSO4-group, 10% to 10% (sensitization-challenge; early-phase group); and the positive and negative controls. Pathological biopsies were performed on each group. The depth profile of nickel element concentration in the skin of guinea pigs was detected by synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-μ-XRF) and micro X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (μ-XANES).@*Results@#In each section, the nickel element concentration in both the 5% NiSO4-group and 10% NiSO4-group was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. In the upper 300-μm section of skin for the early phase group, the nickel element concentration was significantly higher than that in the lower section of skin. In deeper sections (<200 μm) of skin, the concentration of nickel in the early phase group was approximately equal to that in the late phase group. The curve of the late phase group was flat, which means that the nickel element concentration was distributed uniformly by SR-μ-XRF. According to the XANES data for the 10% NiSO4 metal salt solution, structural changes occurred in the skin model sample, indicating that nickel was not present in the Ni2+ aqueous ionic state but in the nickel-binding protein.@*Conclusions@#This study showed that the distribution of the nickel element concentration in ACD skin tissue was different between the early phase and late phase groups. The nickel element was not present in the Ni2+ aqueous ionic state but bound with certain proteins to form a complex in the stratum corneum in ACD model tissue.
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BACKGROUND@#Nickel-induced allergic contact dermatitis (Ni-ACD) is a global health problem. More detailed knowledge on the skin uptake of haptens is required. This study aimed to investigate the penetration process and distribution of nickel in skin tissues with late phase and early phase of Ni-ACD to understand the mechanisms of metal allergy.@*METHODS@#Forty Hartley guinea pigs were divided into four groups according to the NiSO4 sensitizing concentration and the NiSO4 challenged concentration: the 5% NiSO4-group, 5% to 10% (sensitization-challenge; late phase group); 10% NiSO4-group, 10% to 10% (sensitization-challenge; early-phase group); and the positive and negative controls. Pathological biopsies were performed on each group. The depth profile of nickel element concentration in the skin of guinea pigs was detected by synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-μ-XRF) and micro X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (μ-XANES).@*RESULTS@#In each section, the nickel element concentration in both the 5% NiSO4-group and 10% NiSO4-group was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. In the upper 300-μm section of skin for the early phase group, the nickel element concentration was significantly higher than that in the lower section of skin. In deeper sections (>200 μm) of skin, the concentration of nickel in the early phase group was approximately equal to that in the late phase group. The curve of the late phase group was flat, which means that the nickel element concentration was distributed uniformly by SR-μ-XRF. According to the XANES data for the 10% NiSO4 metal salt solution, structural changes occurred in the skin model sample, indicating that nickel was not present in the Ni aqueous ionic state but in the nickel-binding protein.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study showed that the distribution of the nickel element concentration in ACD skin tissue was different between the early phase and late phase groups. The nickel element was not present in the Ni aqueous ionic state but bound with certain proteins to form a complex in the stratum corneum in ACD model tissue.
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This project is to investigate lignans from the seed of Hydnocarpus anthelminthica. Thirteen lignans were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the seed of H. anthelminthica, by polyamide resin, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated as(+)-syringaresinol(1), lirioresinol A(2),(+)-medioresinol(3),(7R,8R,8'R)-4'-guaiacylglyceryl-evofolin B(4), leptolepisol C(5),(-)-(7R,7'R,7″R,8S,8'S,8″S)-4',4″-dihydroxy-3,3',3″,5,5',5″-hexamethoxy-7,9':7',9-diepoxy-4,8″-oxy-8,8'-sesquineolignan-7″,9″-diol(6),(-)-(7R,7'R,7″R,8S,8'S,8″S)-4',4″-dihydroxy-3,3',3″,5,5'-pentamethoxy-7,9':7',9-diepoxy-4,8″-oxy-8,8'ses-quineolignan-7″,9″-diol(7), ceplignan(8), hydnocarpusol(9), isohydnocarpin(10),(-)-hydnocarpin(11), hydnocarpin(12), and hydnocarpin-D(13) by spectroscopic data analysis. Compounds 1-8 were obtained from the genus Hydnocarpus for the first time.
Subject(s)
Lignans , Magnoliopsida , Chemistry , Molecular Structure , Phytochemicals , Plant Extracts , Seeds , ChemistryABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the changes of content or activity of Nrf2 and anti-oxidative stress-related factors in rat models of traumatic brain injury,and explore the mechanisms of protective effect of curcumin on brain damage and oxidative stress in rats. Methods Twenty healthy SPF male SD rats were divided into 4 groups: the control group, brain injury model group(TBI group),brain injury and solvent-treated group(TBI+S group),brain injury and curcumin-treated group(TBI+C group),5 rats ineach group. The control group received only saline and anesthesia. The TBI,TBI+S and TBI+C groups were given free falling body brain injury modeling device to establish the models and then received curcumin(5 mg/kg), an equal amount of DMSO solvent(0.05%)and an equal amount of physiological saline, respectively. The rats were sacrificed at the next day and the RNA and proteins of brain tissues were extracted. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2. Chemocolorimetry was used to detect the content or activity of MDA, GSH, CAT and SOD in the brain tissues of rats. ELISA was used to detect the contents of iNOS and HO-1. Results Compared with the control group,the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, the content of MDA,the activity of HO-1 and iNOS were significantly increased,the content of GSH, the activity of SOD and CAT were significantly decreased in the TBI group and TBI+S group,with a significant difference(P< 0.05). Compared with the TBI and TBI+S groups,the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2,the content of MDA,the activities of HO-1 and iNOS were significantly decreased,the content of GSH,the activity of SOD and CAT were significantly increased in the TBI+C group,showing a sigfnificant difference(P< 0.05),but there were no significant differences between the TBI group and TBI+S group(P< 0.05). Conclusions Curcumin has an anti-oxidative stress effect on rats with brain injury. It can reduce the expression of Nrf2,change the anti-oxidant stress-related indicators,therefore to protect the TBI-impaired brain tissues.
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Molecular imprinting technology is widely used in the separation and analysis of compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols, due to its high selectivity and specific recognition and so on. However, no much of attention has been paid to the terpenoids. This paper is aimed to not only review the effects of common synthetic elements such as functional monomers, cross-linking agents and porogens on the polymer properties, but also highlight the application of terpene molecular imprinting in solid phase extraction, sensor, membrane separation and chromatographic separation by means of statistical analysis of literature. Furthermore, the shortcomings and improvement directions are discussed.We believed that this paper could provide references for better applications of molecular imprinting techniques to the analysis of terpenoid compounds.
Subject(s)
Chromatography , Molecular Imprinting , Polymers , Chemistry , Solid Phase Extraction , Terpenes , ChemistryABSTRACT
Scorpion toxin BmK AngM1 has been reported to have a strong analgesic effect. However, its anti-inflammatory activity was unknown. In this study, the recombinant BmK AngM1 (rBmK AngM1) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 trxB (DE3). The purified rBmK AngM1 was obtained efficiently through the IMPACTTM-TWIN system. The anti-inflammatory activity of the recombinant protein was investigated. In order to improve the anti-inflammatory activity of rBmK AngM1, the potential active sites (Y5, Y42, R58) were substituted with different amino acids. The results showed that rBmK AngM1 and its mutants all have significant anti-inflammatory activity. The activities were significantly increased in the single mutant R58N and mutants Y5F/R58N, Y42F/R58N over the wild type protein. The data suggest that position 58 in BmK AngM1 plays a functional role in the anti-inflammatory activity. This study lays a foundation for the protein engineering design of BmK AngM1 to improve its pharmacological activity.
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BmK AngM1 is a long-chain scorpion toxin purified from the venom of Buthus martensii Karsch. It has been reported to exhibit evident analgesic effect and low toxicity, and has the potential to be a novel analgesic drug. The BmKAngM1 gene was transformed into Pichiapastoris GS115. Mut+ and Mut(s) recombinant strains were screened by phenotype and Mut+ recombinant strains were used to detect BmK AngMl gene copy number in the real-time PCR. Expression of BmK AngM1 in the Mut+ recombinant strain was compared with that of the Mut(s) recombinant strain with the same single copy of BmK AngM1 gene under the same condition. The results indicated that the transcription level of BmK AngM1 gene in the Mut(s) recombinant strain was 2.7 fold of that in the Mut recombinant strain in the real-time PCR, and the expression of BmK AngM 1 in the Mut(s) recombinant strain was 1.5 fold of that in the Mut+ recombinant strain. Therefore, Mut(s) recombinant strain showed better ability to express BmK AngM1 than Mut+ recombinant strain.
ABSTRACT
BmK AngM1 is a long-chain scorpion toxin purified from the venom of Buthus martensii Karsch. It has been reported to exhibit evident analgesic effect and low toxicity, and has the potential to be a novel analgesic drug. The BmKAngM1 gene was transformed into Pichiapastoris GS115. Mut+ and Mut(s) recombinant strains were screened by phenotype and Mut+ recombinant strains were used to detect BmK AngMl gene copy number in the real-time PCR. Expression of BmK AngM1 in the Mut+ recombinant strain was compared with that of the Mut(s) recombinant strain with the same single copy of BmK AngM1 gene under the same condition. The results indicated that the transcription level of BmK AngM1 gene in the Mut(s) recombinant strain was 2.7 fold of that in the Mut recombinant strain in the real-time PCR, and the expression of BmK AngM 1 in the Mut(s) recombinant strain was 1.5 fold of that in the Mut+ recombinant strain. Therefore, Mut(s) recombinant strain showed better ability to express BmK AngM1 than Mut+ recombinant strain.
Subject(s)
Animals , Arthropod Proteins , Gene Dosage , Pichia , Metabolism , Recombinant Proteins , Scorpion Venoms , ChemistryABSTRACT
This study was aimed to investigate the correlation between HLA gene distribution and allele frequency of the patients with leukemia. PCR-SSP technique was used to detect the HLA genotype of 2994 umbilical cord blood units from healthy newborns (as control), the detecting result of which was compared with HLA genotypes of 1246 patients with leukemia searched in our cord blood bank. The differences between two groups were compared and analyzed. The results indicated that as compared with the control group, the allele frequencies of HLA-B*56 (0.56%), B*70 (0.24%) obviously increased (RR = 2.2546, 6.2598, χ(2) = 5, 5.98, P < 0.05), while the allele frequencies of HLA-A*03 (3.45%), A*30 (4.86%), B*13 (8.75%), B44* (3.25%), B61* (5.70%), DRB1*07 (8.23%), DRB1*15 (14.21%) obviously decreased in patients with leukemia (RR = 0.5889, 0.7187, 0.7359, 0.5713, 0.7127, 0.6242, 0.7976, χ(2) = 19.23, 9.82, 14.33, 20.48, 11.99, 33.21, 11.56, P < 0.01). It is concluded that HLA-B*56, B*70 alleles seem to be characterized by the genetic susceptibility to leukemia and may be served as risk markers for leukemia occurrence, while the HLA-A*03, A*30, B*13, B*44, B*61, DRB1*07, DRB1*15 can be considered as genetic indicators for resistance of leukemia.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Alleles , Case-Control Studies , Fetal Blood , Gene Frequency , Genotype , HLA-A Antigens , Genetics , HLA-B Antigens , Genetics , HLA-DRB1 Chains , Genetics , Leukemia , GeneticsABSTRACT
This study was purposed to investigate the frequencies of HLA-Cw* loci in China Northern Han population at gene level and to analyze the population genetic characteristics of HLA-Cw* alleles and distribution difference of gene frequency in regions. The high resolution genotyping for HLA-Cw* loci of 420 cases in China Northern Han population was performed by using PCR-SSP typing technique and their distribution regularity was analyzed statistically. The results showed that 30 HLA-Cw* alleles were detected, among which the frequency of Cw* 0102 (0.1776), 0702 (0.1217), 0602 (0.1150) were highest; other alleles with higher frequency were as follow in proper order: Cw* 0304, 0801, 0303, 0302, 0401, 1402. The rare observed HLA-Cw* 0506, 0810, 1510, 1601 and 1701 were detected firstly in this population. The statistical analysis indicated that the genotype distribution of HLA-Cw* loci coincides with the Hardy-Weinberg test. In conclusion, application of high resolution allele typing can accurately understand the distribution regularity and characteristics of HLA-Cw* alleles in China Northern Han population which provides the basis for research related with HLA-Cw* loci.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Alleles , Asian People , Genetics , China , Gene Frequency , Genotype , HLA-A Antigens , Genetics , HLA-B Antigens , Genetics , HLA-C Antigens , Genetics , Haplotypes , Polymorphism, GeneticABSTRACT
This study was aimed to investigate a quality control method for ABO typing of neonatal umbilical cord blood(UCB). The routine serology method was used to identify the ABO type of UCB samples. These samples with questions were further detected by sequence specific primer PCR (PCR-SSP). The results showed that among total of 76120 UCB samples identified by positive ABO typing, there were 78 samples (1 per thousand) which could not be determined. Of these 78 samples, 30 (56.92%) samples with a weak agglutination reaction were excluded by reverse ABO typing. Out of 260 samples in reverse ABO typing, 148 samples were consistent with positive ABO typing, 112 samples (43.08%) were inconsistent with the positive ABO typing. 58 undetermined samples were detected by PCR-SSP. Out of them the genotyping results of 45 samples confirmed the serological typing, the phenotyping results in 3 cases were inconsistent to that of genotyping. 10 cases showed the unconformity between positive and reverse typing, but the genotyping results were fully consistent with the positive typing. In conclusion, positive typing for red cell antigens combined with PCR-SSP is efficient and sensitive for quality control of ABO typing for neonatal UCB.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant, Newborn , ABO Blood-Group System , Genetics , Blood Grouping and Crossmatching , Methods , Fetal Blood , Genotype , Quality ControlABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to investigate the factors which affect HLA typing in 311 umbilical cord blood (UCB) samples. The HLA low resolution typing of UCB samples with misinterpreted HLA types from 311 UCB samples analyzed by PCR-SSO and PCR-SSP was performed. 7 samples difficult to determine their HLA genotype were sequenced directly and the reason leading to misinterpret HLA typing was analyzed. The results indicated that 99.4% of misinterpreted samples resulted from the restriction of HLA typing method itself and 0.6% of misinterpreted samples were suspected to be contaminated with maternal blood in UCB. It is concluded that HLA typing is mainly affected by the shortcomings of oligonucleotide probe design for PCR-SSO and lack of allele specific primers of PCR-SSP.
Subject(s)
Humans , Alleles , Base Sequence , DNA Primers , Fetal Blood , Allergy and Immunology , Genotype , HLA Antigens , Genetics , Histocompatibility Testing , Methods , Oligonucleotide Probes , Polymerase Chain Reaction , MethodsABSTRACT
To unravel the relation of HLA-DRB1*15 with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 162 childhood patients with ALL were selected for this investigation. 1 000 normal umbilical cord blood samples were used as control.HLA-DRB1*15 and HLA-DRB5* were typed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The relation of HLA-DRB1*15 with childhood ALL was studied by calculating the chi-square test and relative risk. The results showed that the antigen frequencies and allele frequencies of HLA-DRB1*15 in childhood patients with ALL were 40.12% and 22.62% respectively, while the antigen frequencies and allele frequencies of HLA-DRB1*15 in control were 30.80% and 16.81% respectively, there were significant difference between them (chi(2) = 5.560, p = 0.018, RR = 1.506). In conclusion, the antigen frequencies and allele frequencies of HLA-DRB1*15 in childhood patients with ALL were higher than those in control, so the HLA-DRB1*15 gene is one of the genetic risk factors for childhood ALL. These preliminary data may be useful for further study on the pathogenesis of childhood ALL.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Case-Control Studies , Gene Frequency , HLA-DR Antigens , Genetics , HLA-DRB1 Chains , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma , GeneticsABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the value of the thumper cardiopulmonary resuscitator in the emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR).Methods Fifty cardiac mspiratory sudden stop patients with thumper cardiopulmonary resuscitator from January 2004 to December 2007 were recruited into treatment group,and 80 cardiac respiratory sudden stop patients with barehanded CPR from May 2000 to December 2003 were recruited into control group.The SBP and blood oxygen saturation 5 to 10 minutes after the resuscitation was compared.The rate of restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC),hospitalization and the complication in the two groups was compared.Results The treatment group was better than the control group in improving the SBP and blood oxygen saturation(P＜0.05).The rates of ROSC and hospitalization in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group(44%,40%and 25%,21%).P＜0.05.The rate of complications had no significant difference between the two groups.Conclusions Thumper cardiopulmonary resuscitator Can surmount the factors of medical staff or patients.It can make the CPR more standard andmore effective.MeanwhileitCan raisethe SBP,strokevolume and blood supplv to the heart and brain,and then mcrease the successful rate of CPR.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Gas-containing encephalo-meningitis is very rare. There have only been a few cases reported in the literature. The majority of neonatal cases reported in literature died. We report a case of a 5-day-old neonate who developed diffuse pneumocephalus from Enterobacter cloacae septicemia and intracranial infection.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>This neonate was initially treated with penicillin and mezlocillin. He also received phototherapy, intravenous infusion, correction of acidosis and other supportive therapy. Complete blood count, C-Reactive protein, cranial CT scan, blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid culture and biochemistry were tested repeatedly.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>This neonate's condition deteriorated after admission. He developed respiratory distress, increased muscle tone and decreased level of consciousness. His WBC and C-reactive protein were elevated, while blood gas, electrolytes, liver enzymes and renal function were within normal range initially. Cranial CT scan was done which demonstrated diffuse pneumocephalus. He was transferred to a higher level hospital for further management at the request of the family. Blood culture done in our hospital subsequently showed growth of Enterobacter cloacae. The infant developed seizures and further deterioration in level of consciousness after transfer. Antibiotics were switched to penicillin and ceftizoxime. Cranial CT scan repeated 2 days after transfer showed hydrocephalus and some resolution of pneumocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was aspirated from the lateral ventricles two weeks after admission. CSF culture also showed growth of Enterobacter cloacae. Antibiotic was switched to imipenem according to antibiotic sensitivity. His general condition was improved. Blood and CSF cultures were negative 1 month after admission. His head circumference at discharge was 34.6 cm. Repeat cranial CT scan at 4 month of age demonstrated severe hydrocephalus, diffuse leukomalacia and calcification. This infant suffered significant neurodevelopmental deficit. Muscle tone was diffusely increased. Head circumference at 9 month of age was 48.4 cm.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This case suggests the importance of Enterobacter cloacae infection in the newborns. Our analysis of 34 cases of Enterobacter cloacae infection showed that 93.75% - 100% were sensitive to quinolones, 94.12% were sensitive to imipenem, 73.33% were sensitive to gentamicin, 50% were sensitive to piperacillin-tazobactam. Enterobacter cloacae is generally not sensitive to penicillin, first and second generation cephalosporins (0 - 21.4%). Enterobacter cloacae septicemia and intracranial infection in neonates have a high mortality rate and can result in severe neurodevelopmental deficit in survivors.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Enterobacter cloacae , Enterobacteriaceae Infections , Pathology , Meningitis , Microbiology , Pneumocephalus , MicrobiologyABSTRACT
To investigate the correlation between the HLA genes and pathogenesis of aplastic anemia (AA), polymerase chain reaction with specific sequence primers (PCR-SSP) method was used to HLA typing in 82 patients with AA and 400 normal healthy individuals as control. The results showed that A*2301 (1.84%), B*5501 (4.36%) and DRB1*0901 (23.48%) gene frequency in AA patients were significantly higher than those in controls (relative risk: RR=5.0253, 3.3645, 2.1269, chi2=4.6634, 6.3120, 9.1511 respectively) (p<0.01). In contrast, DRB1*1301 (1.23%) gene frequency was significantly lower in AA than that in controls, RR=0.2257, chi2=6.6629 (p<0.01). It is concluded that A*2301, B*5501 and DRB1*0901 genes may be considered as the risk markers while DRB1*1301 gene as a protective marker of AA.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Alleles , Anemia, Aplastic , Genetics , Allergy and Immunology , Biomarkers , HLA-A Antigens , Genetics , HLA-B Antigens , Genetics , HLA-DR Antigens , Genetics , HLA-DRB1 ChainsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the level of language understanding and expression of healthy children aged from 8 to 16 months in urban Beijing and to investigate the children's physical and psychological development conditions and social and economic status of children's family as to identifying the related factors to children's language development and providing a basis for instructing parents child-rearing and promoting early children language development.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A quantitative Cross-sectional Study was made. The parents or care givers of 636 healthy young children, randomly stratified and selected in two districts in Beijing were interviewed. T-test was used to compare the scores of language understanding and expression between boys and girls in the same age. Single and multiple factors analysis were used so as to find out the related factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For boys, the average scores of language were respectively 115.0 for 8 months, 243.0 for 12 months and 410.6 for 16 months; for girls the average scores were respectively 109.9 for 8 months, 286.4 for 12 months and 456.2 for 16 months. The average score of language understanding of boys was higher than that of girls only in the 11 month group. The average scores of language expression of girls were higher than those of boys in 11, 12, 14, 15 month groups. Multiple factors analysis showed that parent-child book reading, parent-child tape listening, higher education level of grandmothers, children' extroversion personality, child being able to speak one word and children's age were positively related to the children' language score.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Providing rich language environment should be helpful to early children's language development.</p>
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Infant , Male , China , Cross-Sectional Studies , Language Development , Reading , Speech , Surveys and Questionnaires , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Many researchers have conducted studies on child language development and relevant risk factors, but most of these studies were about English-speaking children and few of them were on Chinese-speaking children, and less reports of studies on language development of infants or toddlers are available as compared to those on children above 3 years of age. The objective of this study was to assess the level of vocabulary development of healthy toddlers in urban Beijing and to investigate toddlers' physical and psychological development and socioeconomic status of toddlers' family so as to identify factors related to toddlers' language development and provide basis for instructing parents child-rearing.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>This is a quantitative cross-sectional study. Using Chinese Communicative Development Inventory mandarin version, (CCDI) and related background questionnaire, a survey was conducted among the parents or care givers of 1056 healthy toddlers (16 approximately 30 months), randomly stratified and selected from two areas of four urban districts in Beijing. The children who were born prematurely, who had low birth weight, or who were deaf, dumb or with disability, were excluded from this study. The mothers who were deaf, dumb or having disability were not included in this study, either. Rank sum test was used to compare the vocabulary scores between boys and girls at the same age. Single and multiple factors analysis were used to find related factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By 16 months of age, boys could speak about 22 words and girls 84 words on the CCDI. By 29 - 30 months of age, boys could speak about 725 words and girls 752 words on the CCDI. The level of vocabulary development of healthy toddlers in urban Beijing was higher than that reported in previous studies of English-speaking children. Girls had higher vocabulary scores than boys in a few different age groups. Single factor analysis showed that the ages of father and mother, income of father, the language used by care-givers and GDP of the families were factors related to families of toddlers and the age, gender, height, weight and the age at which the toddlers began to speak were factors related to individuals. Multiple factors analysis showed that higher education level of mothers, younger father, earlier beginning of children to speak, toddlers' amiable disposition and emotion, girls, toddlers' age and height positively correlated with toddlers' vocabulary score.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The level of vocabulary development of healthy toddlers in urban Beijing is on the high side. Certain individual and familial factors may influence toddlers' language development. It is suggested that health workers should pay attention to the toddlers' language development. The toddlers' parents and caregivers should be taught how to interact with and talk to their children and how to promote children to develop healthy disposition and emotion.</p>