Application of sedation-agitation scale in children's conscious sedation before broncoscopy examination / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To explore the application value of sedation-agitation scale (SAS) in broncoscopy in children by observing sedative drug dosage, adverse reactions and operator's satisfaction. Methods Children were divided into two groups, control group and SAS group, before broncoscopy. Midazolam was given a dose 0.10 ~ 0.30 mg/kg according to doctor's experience, without any assessment, while the SAS group were given an initial doses of Midazolam 0.10 mg/kg and then continued giving Midazolam until the SAS score reached 3 points to 4 points, but the maxium does less than 10 mg. The maxium dosage of Midazolam in both groups was less than 10 mg. Then compare the dosage and adverse reactions of Midazolam and operator's satisfaction between the two groups. Results 606 children were enrolled in the study, 364 were boys and 242 were girls. The age ranged from 1 month to 17 years, while the mean age was (3.97 ± 3.94) years. The body weights were from 2.4 kg to 56.0 kg, and the mean weight was (16.18 ± 10.65) kg. 301 children were included into control group and 305 children were included into SAS group. The gender composition, age range, department source and composition of the diseases of the two groups were compared, and the differences were not statistically significant. Compared with the control group, there was no severe adverse reaction such as respiratory depression or excessive sedation in the SAS group, and the average amount of Midazolam was lower than the dosage in control group [(0.21 ± 0.06) vs (0.26 ± 0.05) mg/kg];the intraoperative agitation, delirium, other adverse drug reactions and the number of involved in the operation, and operation time were reduced, while the differences were statistically significant. The operator's satisfaction is higher, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions SAS can be used in assessment of conscious sedation level in children's bronchoscopy, and SAS can guide the individual use of Midazolam, reduce its dosage and adverse reactions,also can improve the operator's satisfaction during the operation. SAS is worthy of application in children's conscious sedation in bronchoscopy.

Exome sequencing identifies a novel mutation of the GDI1 gene in a Chinese non-syndromic X-linked intellectual disability family

Abstract X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) has been associated with various genes. Diagnosis of XLID, especially for non-syndromic ones (NS-XLID), is often hampered by the heterogeneity of this disease. Here we report the case of a Chinese family in which three males suffer from intellectual disability (ID). The three patients shared the same phenotype: no typical clinical manifestation other than IQ score ≤ 70. For a genetic diagnosis for this family we carried out whole exome sequencing on the proband, and validated 16 variants of interest in the genomic DNA of all the family members. A missense mutation (c.710G > T), which mapped to exon 6 of the Rab GDP-Dissociation Inhibitor 1 (GDI1) gene, was found segregating with the ID phenotype, and this mutation changes the 237th position in the guanosine diphosphate dissociation inhibitor (GDI) protein from glycine to valine (p. Gly237Val). Through molecular dynamics simulations we found that this substitution results in a conformational change of GDI, possibly affecting the Rab-binding capacity of this protein. In conclusion, our study identified a novel GDI1 mutation that is possibly NS-XLID causative, and showed that whole exome sequencing provides advantages for detecting novel ID-associated variants and can greatly facilitate the genetic diagnosis of the disease.

Self-evaluation of sleep quality among students of a medical university / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the sleep quality of students from a medical university and to analyze the risk factors of sleep disorders. Methods Students from a medical university were selected with cluster sampling method. A total of 886 students were included in this study: there were 55 Major A students, 80 Major B students, 97 Major C students, 577 Major D students, and 77 Major E students. The students were investigated by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and sel-designed physical state questionnaire. Results (1)The number of effective questionnaire was 843 and sleep disorders were found in 284 students, with an incidence of 33. 7% and a PSQI score of 5. 48 + 0. 12. The incidences of sleep orders and PSQI scores were 43. 4% (23/53) and 6. 23 + 0. 48 for Major A, 32. 9% (23/70) and 4. 93 + 0. 44 for Major B, 40. 4% (36/89) and 5. 75 + 0. 34 for Major C, 32. 4% (183/564) and 5. 47 + 0. 14 for Major D and 28. 4% (19/67) and 5. 18 + 0. 40 for Major E, with no significant difference found for different majors (P>0. 05). (2)The factors leading to somnipathy included emotional stress, ambient noise, somatic pain, school learning, seldom late-night snack and occasional late-night snack (OR=0. 577, 0. 611, 0. 265, 0. 260, 0. 547, and 0. 507, respectively). Conclusion The students in the involved medical university have a low sleep quality which may affect their physical state during day time. Active measures should be taken to improve students sleep quality so as to insure their study.

Effect of visfatin on the structure and immune levels in the small intestine of LPS-induced rats / Efecto de la visfatina sobre la estructura y los niveles de inmunidad en el intestino delgado de ratas inducidas por lipopolisacáridos

This study investigated the effects of visfatin on the structure and the immunity levels in the small intestine of LPS-induced rats. Forty Wistar male and female SPF rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups: the saline (control), vistfatin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and visfatin+LPS co-stimulated. The functions of visfatin in the intestinal mucosal immunity were investigated by examining the variation of tissue structure, inflammation and immunity-related proteins in the intestine of immunologically stressed rats using HE staining, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. The results showed that, when compared with the control group, the visfatin-treated group showed a decrease in the intestinal villus height and width, and a significant increase in the levels of IL-6 and TNF-ð as well as Immunoglobulin A (IgA) positive cells. Additionally, when compared with the LPS-treated group, the visfatin+LPS co-stimulated group showed a decrease in the villus height and width as well as the levels of IL-6 and TNF-ð, and an increase in IgA levels, implying a shrinking response to LPS injection. All the results suggest that, under normal physiological conditions, visfatin disturbs the body's homeostasis and causes intestinal villus atrophy by increasing IgA expression. While under immune response conditions, LPS acts as an exogenous antigen to promote visfatin against LPS-induced inflammation by decreasing the expression of IgA. Under immune stress conditions, visfatin as an exogenous stimulus promotes the immune response by regulating the protein levels of IL-6, TNF-ð and IgA.

Este estudio investigó los efectos de la visfatina sobre la estructura y los niveles de inmunidad en el intestino delgado de ratas inducidas por lipopolisacáridos (LPS). Cuarenta ratas Wistar se dividieron aleatoriamente e igualmente en cuatro grupos: solución salina (control), vistafin, LPS y visfatina + LPS co-estimuladas. Las funciones de la visfatina en la inmunidad de la mucosa intestinal se investigaron mediante el examen de variación de la estructura del tejido, la inflamación y las proteínas relacionadas con la inmunidad en el intestino de ratas estresadas inmunológicamente; usando tinción HE, ELISA, inmunohistoquímica y Western Blot. Los resultados mostraron que, en comparación con el grupo control, el grupo tratado con visfatina presentó una disminución en la altura y ancho de las vellosidades intestinales, y un aumento significativo en los niveles de IL-6 y TNF-ð, así como inmunoglobulina A (IgA células positivas). Además, al comparar este grupo con el grupo tratado con LPS- el grupo visfatina + LPS co-estimulado mostró una disminución en la altura y ancho de las vellosidades, así como en los niveles de IL-6 y TNF-ð, y un aumento en los niveles de IgA, lo que implica reducción de una respuesta a la inyección LPS. Todos los resultados sugieren que, en condiciones fisiológicas normales, la visfatina perturba la homeostasis del cuerpo y provoca la atrofia de las vellosidades intestinales mediante el aumento de la expresión de IgA. Mientras que bajo condiciones de la respuesta inmune, LPS actúa como un antígeno exógeno para promover visfatina contra la inflamación inducida por LPS por la disminución de la expresión de IgA. En condiciones de estrés inmunológico, la visfatina como estímulo exógeno promueve la respuesta inmune mediante la regulación de los niveles de proteína de IL-6, TNF-ð e IgA.

The effect of visfatin on inflammatory reaction in uterus of LPS-induced rats / Efecto de visfatina en la reacción inflamatoria en el útero de ratas inducidas por LPS

The present study was to investigate the effects of visfatin on the morphological structure and function of the rat uterus during inflammation. The expression and distribution of visfatin, morphological structure, eosinophils (EOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and cytokines in the uterus of the LPS-induced rat were studied using hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), immunohistochemical methods, western blots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The present study showed that visfatin positive cells dispersed widely in the uterus, and strong positive staining was observed mainly in the cell cytoplasm. Compared with saline group, in visfatin group, more uterine glands were found, EOS increased, and the difference was significant (P<0.05), MPO reduced, and the difference was significant (P<0.01). In addition, visfatin was able to increase the secretion of IL-1b, IL-6, and TNF-a (P<0.01). Compared with LPS group, in vifatin+LPS group, the uterine glands of the lamina propria increased, the myometrium became thinner, the number of EOS and MPO reduced obviously, but the difference was not significant (P>0.05), and after LPS stimulated body, visfatin decrease the level of IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a (P<0.01). The above results suggest that visfatin could affect the morphological structure of rat uterus; Visfatin could modulate the inflammatory response in rats' uterus by regulating the quantity of inflammatory cells, such as EOS and MPO, and the level of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar los efectos de la visfatina sobre la estructura morfológica y la función del útero de la rata durante la inflamación. Se estudiaron la expresión y distribución de la visfatina, la estructura morfológica, eosinófilos, mieloperoxidasa y citoquinas en el útero de rata mediante la tinción de H&E, métodos inmunohistoquímicos, Western blots y ELISA. El estudio mostró que las células visfatina positivas se dispersan ampliamente en el útero, junto a una fuerte tinción positiva, principalmente en el citoplasma de la célula. En comparación con el grupo control, en el grupo visfatina, se encontraron más glándulas uterinas, se observó un aumento de EOS y la diferencia fue significativa (p<0,05), MPO reducida siendo esta diferencia también significativa (p<0,01). Además, la visfatina fue capaz de aumentar la secreción de IL-1b, IL-6 y TNF-a (P<0,01). En comparación con el grupo LPS, visfatina+grupo LPS, las glándulas uterinas de la lámina propia aumentaron, se observó un miometrio más delgado, y número reducido de EOS y MPO, sin embargo, la diferencia no fue significativa (P>0,05). Después de estímulo LPS en el cuerpo, se registró un nivel menor de visfatina en IL-1b, IL-6, TNF-a (P<0,01). Los resultados anteriores sugieren que visfatina podría afectar a la estructura morfológica del útero de rata. Además, podría modular la respuesta inflamatoria en el útero mediante la regulación de la cantidad de células inflamatorias, tales como EOS y MPO.

Changes of lens thickness, anterior chamber depth and influence factors in normal subjects / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background The study on influences of gender,age and axial length (AL) on lens thickness (LT) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) in normal population is still lack in China.Objective This study was to measure LT and ACD in normal subjects and discuss their changes with age,gender and AL.Methods AL,ACD and LT were measured on 866 eyes of 433 normal population with Lenstar LS900 in Tianjin Eye Hospital from March through December in 2013,including 390 eyes in 195 males and 476 eyes of 238 females.ACD/AL,LT/AL and (ACD+LT)/AL were calculated after measurement.The subjects were grouped to the 10-20 years group,21-30 years group,31-40 years group,41-50 years group,51-60 years group and ≥61 years group based on age,or the 22 mm≤AL＜24 mm group,24 mm≤AL＜26 mm group and AL≥26 mm based on AL,and the measured parameters were compared and analyzed among the groups.Oral informed consent was obtained from each subject or child contutor prior to any medical examination.Results AL,ACD and LT values were (24.41±1.37),(2.89±0.42) and (4.05±0.52) mm in the males,and those in the females were (23.83±1.31),(2.72±0.40) and (4.20±0.44) mm,showing significant differences between them (t=6.278,6.102,-4.595,all at P=0.000).No significant differences were found in ACD,LT,ACD/AL,LT/AL and (ACD+LT)/AL values between the right eyes and the left eyes (t=-0.713,0.186,-0.754,0.296,-0.168,all at P＞0.05).As the increase of the AL,ACD was remarkable deepened but LT was declined,with the considerable difference among the 22 mm ≤ AL＜24 mm group,24 mm ≤ AL＜ 26 mm group and AL ≥ 26 mm group (F =176.640,94.569,both at P =0.000).ACD value was higher,but LT value was lower in the 24 mm≤AL＜26 mm group or AL≥26.00 mm group than that in the 22 mm≤AL＜24 mm group (all at P＜0.05).ACD value was gradually reduced,while LT value was elevated with aging,with significant differences among the different age groups (F =104.531,373.225,all at P =0.000).Significant correlations were found between age and ACD,LT or (ACD + LT)/AL,with the regression equations of ACD (mm) =-0.015 × age + 3.434 (F =-22.979,P =0.000);LT (mm) =0.024 × age + 3.122 (F =44.856,P =0.000),LT/AL =0.001 × age + 0.122 (F=37.982,P=0.000),(ACD+LT)/AL=0.001×age+0.259 (F=22.451,P=0.000).Conclusions Compared with normal females,males have thinner LT and deeper ACD.In the normal eyes,longer AL is,thinner LT is and the deeper ACD is.LT thickens and ACD deepens with aging.

Distribution and expression of visfatin-positive cells in the spleen of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated piglets / Distribución y expresión de células visfatin positivas en el bazo de lechones estimulados con lipopolisacáridos

The histological changes in the spleen and the immunohistochemical expression of visfatin in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated piglets are reported to examine the relation between visfatin and inflammation. The results are as follows: (1) After LPS treated, the spleen displayed thicker capsules and trabecula, the thinner periarterial lymphatic sheath, and the more expandable splenic sinusoid, with an increase in the number of splenic nodules, lymphocytes, ellipsoids of the marginal zone, red blood cells and macrophagocytes. (2) Visfatin-positive cells were mainly distributed in the red pulp of the spleen, with less in splenic nodules and periarterial lymphatic sheath. In the LPS-treated group, the signal intensity and quantity of the visfatin-positive cells were significantly higher in the red pulp and the ellipsoids of the spleen (P<0.01), whereas lower in the periarterial lymphatic sheath. These results indicate that LPS stimulation induces inflammation, causing the histological changes of the piglet spleen and activating humoral immune response. Moreover, variation of visfatin in the spleen suggests that lymphocytes and macrophages are the potent source of visfatin which participates in the humoral immune response in the inflammation.

Se presentan los cambios histológicos en el bazo y la expresión inmunohistoquímica de visfatin en lechones estimulados mediante lipopolisacáridos (LPS) con el objetivo de estudiar la relación entre visfatin e inflamación. Los resultados fueron los siguientes: (1) Después del tratamiento por LPS se observaron en el bazo cápsulas más gruesas y trabéculas, una vaina linfática periarterial más delgada, y más sinusoides esplénicos expandible, con un aumento en el número de nódulos esplénicos, linfocitos, elipsoides de la zona marginal, como también un aumento de las células rojas de la sangre y los macrofagocitos. (2) Las células visfatina-positivas se distribuyeron principalmente en la pulpa roja del bazo, con una cantidad menor en los nódulos esplénicos y la vaina linfática periarterial. En el grupo tratado con LPS, la intensidad de la señal y número de células positivas fueron significativamente mayor en la pulpa roja y los elipsoides del bazo (P<0,01), mientras que estas fueron menores en la vaina linfática periarterial. Estos resultados indican que la estimulación con LPS induce la inflamación provocando cambios histológicos del bazo de los lechones y la activación de la respuesta inmune humoral. Por otra parte, la variación de visfatin en el bazo sugiere que los linfocitos y los macrófagos son una fuente potente de visfatin en la respuesta inmune humoral de la inflamación.

The prevalence of glucose metabolism disturbances in Chinese Muslims and possible risk factors: a study from northwest China / Prevalência e possíveis fatores de risco de distúrbios no metabolismo da glicose em chineses muçulmanos: um estudo no noroeste da China

Objective To survey the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-diabetes mellitus (PDM) in the Muslim population in northwest China, and discuss the risk factor. Materials and methods According to the income and the population, we randomly selected 3 villages with stratified and cluster sampling. The subjects were residents ≥ 20 years of age, and were from families which have been local for > 3 generations. The questionnaire and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were completed and analyzed for 660 subjects. Results The prevalence of DM and PDM between the Han and Muslim populations were different (P = 0.041). And the prevalence were also different with respect to age in the Han (P < 0.001) and Muslim population (P < 0.001) respectively. Except for the 20-year-old age group the prevalence of DM and PDM within the Muslim population was higher than the Han (P = 0.013), we did not find any significant difference for other age groups (P > 0.05). The intake of salt (P < 0.001) and edible oil (P < 0.001) in the Muslim population was higher than the Han, while cigarette smoking (P < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (P < 0.001) was lower. BMI (P < 0.001), age (P = 0.025), and smoking cigarettes (P = 0.011) were risk factors for DM and PDM, but alcohol consumption (P < 0.001) was a protective factor. Conclusions In northwest China, the prevalence of DM was higher in the Muslim population, and it was special higher on the 20-year-old age compared to the Han. This might be explained by the potential genetic differences and poor dietary habits. .

Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de diabetes melito (DM) e pré-diabetes melito (PDM) na população muçulmana no noroeste da China e discutir os fatores de risco. Materiais e métodos Selecionamos três vilarejos de acordo com a renda e a população, usando uma amostra estratificada e por cluster. Os sujeitos eram residentes com ≥ 20 anos de idade e de famílias que estavam no local há mais de três gerações. Foram feitos e analisados um questionário e o teste de tolerância oral à glicose (TTOG) para 660 sujeitos. Resultados A prevalência do DM e PDM entre as populações Han e muçulmana foi diferente (P = 0,041), e as prevalências também foram diferentes com relação à idade na população Han (P < 0,001) e muçulmana (P < 0,001), respectivamente. Exceto pela faixa etária de 20 anos de idade, a prevalência do DM e PDM na população muçulmana foi maior do que na população Han (P = 0,013), não havendo diferenças significativas para as outras faixas etárias (P > 0,05). A ingestão de sal (P < 0,001) e óleos comestíveis (P < 0,001) na população muçulmana foi mais alta do que na população Han, enquanto o tabagismo (P < 0,001) e consumo de álcool (P < 0,001) foram mais baixos. O IMC (P < 0,001), a idade (P = 0,025) e o tabagismo (P = 0,011) foram fatores de risco para o DM e PDM, mas o consumo de álcool (P < 0,001) foi um fator protetor. Conclusões No noroeste da China, a prevalência de DM é maior na população muçulmana e é especialmente mais alta na faixa etária de 20 anos de idade, quando comparada com a população Han. Isso pode ser explicado por diferenças genéticas potenciais e hábitos alimentares ruins. .

Increased red cell distribution width in patients with slow coronary flow syndrome

OBJECTIVE: An elevated red cell distribution width has been recognized as a predictor of various cardiovascular diseases. Slow coronary flow syndrome is an important angiographic clinical entity with an unknown etiology. This study aimed to examine the relationship between red cell distribution width and the presence of slow coronary flow syndrome. METHODS: In total, 185 patients with slow coronary flow syndrome and 183 age- and gender-matched subjects with normal coronary flow (controls) were prospectively enrolled in this study. Red cell distribution width and C-reactive protein were measured upon admission, and the results were compared between the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome and normal controls. RESULTS: Red cell distribution width levels were significantly higher in the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome than the normal controls. Moreover, the data showed that the plasma C-reactive protein levels were also higher in the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome than in the normal controls. In addition, a multivariate analysis indicated that C-reactive protein and red cell distribution width were the independent variables most strongly associated with slow coronary flow syndrome. Finally, the red cell distribution width was positively correlated with C-reactive protein and mean thrombosis in the myocardial infarction frame counts of the patients with slow coronary flow syndrome. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrated that red cell distribution width levels are significantly higher and strongly positively correlated with both C-reactive protein and thrombosis in the myocardial infarction frame counts of patients with slow coronary flow syndrome. These findings suggest that red cell distribution width may be a useful marker for patients with slow coronary flow syndrome. .

Effects of Shenshao Decoction on the inflammatory response in the aorta of a rat atherosclerotic model / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Shenshao Decoction on the inflammatory status: in the aorta in a rat model of atherosclerosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into: five groups, 8 rats in each group: control untreated group, atherosclerosis group, atherosclerosis with Shenshao Decoction (low dose) group, atherosclerosis with Shenshao Decoction (high dose) group, atherosclerosis with simvastatin group. To stimulate atherosclerosis, the rats were fed vitamin D3 and a high-cholesterol diet. Four weeks later, treatments were maintained for eight weeks. Morphology changes were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were obtained by enzymatic assays with use of an automated biochemical analyzer. The expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were detected by enzyme-enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17A, and IL-23 were detected by linked immunoblotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Shenshao Decoction treatment decreased TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA and increased: GSH-PX levels (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, IL-1β, IL-17A, and IL-23 were lower in the high and <low dose Shenshao Decoction groups and the simvastatin group (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shenshao Decoction: could attenuate the progression of aortal atherosclerotic plaques by inhibiting the inflammatory response in a rat atherosclerotic model.</p>

Rho-associated coiled kinase inhibitor Y-27632 promotes neuronal-like differentiation of adult human adipose tissue-derived stem cells / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Y-27632 is a specific inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled kinase (ROCK) and has been shown to promote the survival and induce the differentiation of a variety of cells types. However, the effects of Y-27632 on adult human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Y-27632 on the neuronal-like differentiation of ADSCs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>ADSCs were isolated from women undergoing plastic surgery and cultured. ADSCs were treated with different doses of Y-27632 and observed morphological changes under microscope. The expression of nestin, neuron specific enolase (NSE) and microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) in ADSCs treated with Y-27632 was detected by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Y-27632 had the potency to induce neuronal-like differentiation in ADSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the differentiation induced by Y-27632 was recovered upon drug withdraw. ADSCs treated with Y-27632 expressed neuronal markers such as NSE, MAP-2 and nestin while untreated ADSCs did not express these markers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Selective ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 could potentiate the neuronal-like differentiation of ADSCs, suggesting that Y-27632 could be utilized to induce the differentiation of ADSCs to neurons and facilitate the clinical application of ADSCs in tissue engineering.</p>

Investigation on the levels of carbon-, nitrogen-, iodine-containing disinfection by-products in a water plant in Jiangsu province, China / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This work aimed to investigate the carbon-, nitrogen-, iodine-containing disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation and pollution situation in different treatment processes and pipe water of a water plant in Jiangsu province China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>12 water samples were collected from raw water, different time points after the addition of chlorine, finished water and pipe water in July, 2011. Trihalomethanes (THM(4)), haloacetic acids (HAA(6)), haloacetonitriles (HAN(s)), chloropicrin (CPs), haloketones (HK(s)), iodoform (IF) and iodoacetic acid (IAA) were detected by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) after liquid-liquid extraction. Nitrosamines (NAms) were detected by gas chromatography with mass spectrometer (GC-MS) after solid-phase extraction. The concentration of DBPs was represented as the mean of duplicate samples.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Most DBPs were found in water treatment processes except dibromochloromethane (0.61 µg/L), chloroform (1.64 µg/L) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (3.06 ng/L), which were detected in raw water. Pre-chlorination formed HAA(6) (5.01 µg/L), HKs (0.66 µg/L), HANs (0.57 µg/L) and NAms (98.09 ng/L). Chlorination and post-chlorination led to a dramatic increase in the levels of THM(4), HAA(6) (70.31 and 43.71 µg/L, respectively), while Nams didn't increase. In finished water, bromodichloromethane (34.12 µg/L) had the highest concentration among THM(4) (70.31 µg/L), and so was trichloroacetic acid (13.45 µg/L) among HAA(6) (43.71 µg/L). Levels of HANs, HKs, and CPs were 14.96, 2.32, 0.96 µg/L, respectively. Levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine and N-nitrosodipropylamine were 21.22, 69.43 ng/L, respectively. IAA, IF and other six NAms including N-nitrosomethylethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, N-nitrosomorpholine, N-nitrosopiperidine and N-nitrosodibutylamine were not detected in all water samples.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Levels of DBPs in this water plant are relative high.and measures should be taken to control DBPs.</p>

Histology and proliferative capability of thoracic vertebral body growth plates of rats at different ages / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the histological features of the thoracic vertebral body growth plates (VBGPs) of rats at different ages and assess their proliferative capability.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The thoracic VBGPs obtained from rats aged 1 day and 1, 4, 8, 16 and 28 weeks were identified using safranin O-fast green staining, and the height of the hypertrophic zone, proliferative zone, and resting zone were measured. The chondrocytes were isolated from these VBGPs with a modified trypsin-collagenase type II digestion method for primary culture in vitro. The expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) mRNA and protein was detected by real time-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 1-day- and 1-week-old rats showed significantly greater hypertrophic zone and proliferative zone in the VBGPs than older rats (P<0.01); the proliferative zone was significantly greater in rats aged 4 weeks than in those aged 28 weeks (P<0.05). The resting zone was obviously greater in rats aged 1 day and 1 week than in older rats (P<0.05), and also greater in rats aged 4 weeks than in those aged 16 and 28 weeks (P<0.05). Obvious ossification in the resting zone occurred at 16 weeks, and most of the resting zone became ossified at 28 weeks. The expression of PCNA decreased at both the mRNA and protein levels as the rats grew.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 3 zones of VBGPs are greater in rats aged 1 day and 1 week than in older ones. Ossification in the resting zone begins at 16 weeks, and till 28 weeks, most of the resting zone is ossified. The proliferation ability of VBGP chondrocytes decreases with the increase of age of the rats.</p>

Formation and changes of regulated trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids in raw water of Yangtze River, Huangpu River and different treatment processes and pipelines network / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the pollutant levels of regulated disinfection by-products trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) in raw water from the Huangpu River, the Yangtze River and different treatment processes and finished water, and to explore the changes tendency in transmission and distribution pipeline network.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 65 ml water samples with two replicates were collected from different raw water, corresponding treatment processes, finished water and six national surveillance points in main network of transmission and distribution, water source for A water plant and B, C water plant was the Huangpu River and the Yangtze River, respectively. Regulated THMs and HAAs above water samples were detected by gas chromatography.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total trihalomethanes (THM(4)) concentration in different treatment processes of A water plant was ND-9.64 µg/L, dichlorobromomethane was the highest (6.43 µg/L). The THM(4) concentration in B and C water plant was ND to 38.06 µg/L, dibromochloromethane (12.24 µg/L) and bromoform (14.07 µg/L) were the highest in the B and the C water plant respectively. In addition to trichloroacetic acid in A water plant from the raw water, the other HAAs came from different treatment processes. The total haloacetic acids (HAA(6)) concentration of different treated processes in A water plant was 3.21 - 22.97 µg/L, mobromoacetic acid (10.40 µg/L) was the highest. Dibromoacetic acid was the highest both in B (8.25 µg/L) and C (8.84 µg/L) water plant, HAA(6) concentration was ND to 27.18 µg/L. The highest and the lowest concentration of THM(4) were found from the main distribution network of C and A water plant respectively, but the concentration of HAA(6) in the main water pipes network of A water plant was the highest, and the lowest in C water plant. The THMs concentration was 21.11 - 31.18 µg/L in C water plant and 6.72 - 8.51 µg/L in A water plant. The concentration of HAA(6) was 25.02 - 37.31 µg/L in A water plant and 18.69 - 23.32 µg/L in C water plant. The highest concentrations of brominated disinfection by-products in B and C water plant were 54.57 µg/L and 45.38 µg/L respectively, those were higher than A water plant (18.98 µg/L), and higher than the chlorinated disinfection by-products in B and C water plants (30.23 µg/L and 30.60 µg/L).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The THM(4) concentrations of finished water treated from Huangpu River was lower than finished water from the Yangtze River, while the HAAs concentrations in finish water from Huangpu River was higher than the two water plants of Yangtze River. The fluctuations of THMs and HAAs concentration in distribution network were low during transmission and distribution process.</p>

Determination of several herbicides, fungicides and estrogens in water from various treatment processes of different water plants in Shanghai by solid phase extraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish the solid phase extraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method for qualitative and quantitative determination of several herbicides, fungicides and estrogens in drinking water.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Duplicate 1 L water samples were collected from various treatment processes of different water plants. Target pollutants were extracted by XAD-2 resin from water samples and were eluted by 30% acetone-methanol. GC/MS was employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of target pollutants.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The linear ranges of standard curves of 6 target compounds including atrazine, alachlor, 4-cumyphenol, thiabendazole, β-estradiol and ethylestradiol were 0.1 - 10 µg/ml and the R(2) values were 0.9915 - 0.9995. The detection limits, the recovery rates, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) were separately 0.01 - 0.40 µg/L, 74.0% - 112.0% and 2.3% - 14.8%. Atrazine (0.11 - 0.13 µg/L), 4-cumyphenol (0.20 - 0.35 µg/L), thiabendazole (0.92 - 1.46 µg/L), β-estradiol (1.02 - 1.32 µg/L) and ethylestradiol (0.96 - 1.66 µg/L)were all detected in raw water, post-coagulation water, post-sedimentation water and finished water using Huangpu River as water source. Alachlor was not detected in any water samples in Huangpu River. The 6 target compounds were not detected in any water samples from the water plants using Yangtse River as water source.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The methods with high sensitivity and satisfying selectivity are suitable to simultaneously qualitative and quantitative determination of target pollutants in drinking water. Concentrations of above-mentioned pollutants in drinking water coming from Huangpu River are obviously higher than in drinking water coming from Yangtze River. Thiabendazole, β-estradiol and ethylestradiol at the level of µg/L exist in drinking water coming from Huangpu River and more attention should be paid to surveillance of future.</p>

Thyroid disruption induced by pentachlorophenol / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess thyroid disruption induced by sodium pentachlorophenol (PCP) using Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) recommended TG 407 method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 30 specific pathogen free (SPF) SD adult male and female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, and treated with water, 0.33 and 30 mg x kg(-1)x d(-1) of PCP-Na by oral gavage for consecutive 28 days, respectively. After final treatment, histological changes of thyroid were observed by hematoxylin-eosin stain, and the levels of thyroid hormones (total thyroxine (TT(4)), free thyroxine (FT(4)), total triiodothyronine (TT(3)), and free triiodothyronine (FT(3))) were determined by radioimmunoassay. The expression levels of thyroid receptors (TRalpha and TRbeta) mRNA and deiodinases (DioI, DioII and DioIII) mRNA in liver were analyzed by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In high dose group, liver weight coefficient of male and female rats were (4.82 +/- 0.42)% and (4.99 +/- 0.17)%, increased by 36.2% (t = 7.338, P < 0.01) and 41.8% (t = 8.955, P < 0.01), compared to control group ((3.54 +/- 0.14)%, (3.52 +/- 0.19)%), respectively, while the significant changes of kidney or thyroid weight were not observed. In high dose group, the levels of TT(4) and FT(4) in serum of male rats were (64.95 +/- 7.16) nmol/L and (8.16 +/- 2.29) pmol/L, and decreased by 26.6% (t = -3.999, P < 0.01) and 42.3% (t = -4.112, P < 0.01) compared to control group ((88.48 +/- 6.99) nmol/L, (14.13 +/- 1.68) pmol/L). In the same group, FT(4) in serum of female rats was (4.94 +/- 0.89) pmol/L, decreased by 55.5% (t = -3.380, P = 0.012) compared to control group ((11.10 +/- 3.40) pmol/L) and TT(3) and FT(3) in serum of female rats were (1.92 +/- 0.24) nmol/L and (3.05 +/- 0.79) pmol/L, increased by 74.5% (t = 5.263, P < 0.01) and 55.6% (t = 3.495, P < 0.01) compared to control group ((1.10 +/- 0.23) nmol/L, (1.96 +/- 0.32) pmol/L), respectively. PCP-Na didn't affect the expression levels of TRalpha, TRbeta, DioIII mRNA in high dose group, while DioII expression of male rats (0.209 +/- 0.017) down-regulated by 79.2% (t = -5.426, P < 0.01) compared to control group (1.006 +/- 0.137), and DioI expression of female rats (1.844 +/- 0.189) up-regulated by 66.6% (t = 4.359, P < 0.01) compared to control group (1.005 +/- 0.083), indicating DioI and DioII poss different sensitivity to adverse effects induced by PCP-Na between male and female rats. The histopathological results showed that PCP-Na could give rise to hyperplasia of the follicular epithelium cells, and the depletion of colloid. There were no significant changes in serum THs levels and expression of TRalpha, TRbeta, DioI-IIImRNA in low dose group. However, sporadic lymphocytic infiltration, follicles amplification in part and slightly increased in thickness of follicular cells were observed in this group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PCP is a kind of thyroid disrupting chemical.</p>