[Effect of special oral care mode on periodontal health in adolescent orthodontic patients].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of special oral care mode on periodontal health of adolescent orthodontic patients. METHODS: From January 2019 to January 2020, one hundred adolescent orthodontic patients who received treatment in our hospital were randomly divided into experimental group and control group according to the principle of completely random number table, with 50 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given routine oral care, while those in the experimental group were given special oral care; three months later, the periodontal health status of the two groups were compared using SPSS 21.0 software package. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in PLI and GI between the two groups before treatment (P＞0.05). After treatment, PLI and GI in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.01). There was no significance difference in SBI and EDI before treatment between the two groups(P＞0.05). After treatment, SBI and EDI in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.01). There was no significant difference in the scores of periodontal health knowledge before treatment between the two groups(P＞0.05). After treatment, the scores of the two groups were significantly increased(P＜0.01), and the scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P＜0.01). The patients' satisfaction in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (90.00% vs 72.00%, P=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Special oral care mode can significantly improve periodontal health status of adolescent orthodontic patients.

Attractiveness-related recognition bias captures the memory of the beholder.

Earlier electroencephalographic studies have compared attractive and unattractive faces and between faces with other objects, such as flowers, without revealing if a recognition memory bias toward faces and flowers exists or whether humans exhibit enhanced specific components toward all attractive objects or only toward attractive faces. For objects with similar degrees of attractiveness, we sought to determine if the N170, P1, and N250 reflect upon the attractiveness of faces and flowers and demonstrated by comparing event-related potentials of humans' different perceptual mechanisms recognizing high attractive faces and high attractive flowers. The repeated high attractive faces tended to elicit a larger N170. Simultaneously, the P1 was preferentially associated with the repeated high attractive flowers, but both indicated that the repetitive enhancement effect only occurred on repeated attractive faces. Thus, differences existed in the perceptual mechanisms for processing repeated high attractive faces and repeated high attractive flowers. However, there was no significant difference in N250 between repeated faces and repeated flowers or between high attractive faces and high attractive flowers. Consequently, high attractive faces and high attractive flowers capture the beholder's memory bias in different processing stages. The N170 and P1 components are affected by attractiveness, thereby demonstrating the differences between human perceptual mechanisms in recognizing high attractive faces and objects.

Minimally invasive procedure for diagnosis and treatment of vallecular cysts in children: review of 156 cases.

PURPOSE: Vallecular cyst is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening disease. The aim of this study was to review the presentation, evaluation, and treatment of vallecular cysts in children. METHODS: Medical records of 156 patients treated for vallecular cysts between 2013 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into four age groups for comparison of clinical data: A, < 1 month; B, 1-6 months; C, 7-12 months; and D, > 1 year. RESULTS: The median age of all patients (98 males and 58 females) was 12.1 months (range 1 day-11 years), including 21, 86, 21, and 28 patients in group A, B, C, and D, respectively. A diagnosis of vallecular cysts was made for 135 patients using a combination of flexible laryngoscopy and ultrasound, and ten patients (all in group A) required pre-surgery ventilation support. The most common symptoms were wheezing (59.6%) and stridor (36.5%). Ten patients experienced difficulty with intubation. Endoscopic-assisted transoral coblation marsupialization was performed for all patients, combined with supraglottoplasty for 41 out of 68 patients with concurrent laryngomalacia. Patients in group D had a longer operation time and higher incidence of intraoperative bleeding, two of whom experienced post-operation recurrence, and symptoms resolved after a second operation in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Flexible laryngoscopy and ultrasound are recommended for a diagnosis in suspected cases of vallecular cysts. Coblation marsupialization has advantages of minor damage, low recurrence rate, and suitability for all age groups.

ChIP-cloning analysis uncovers centromere-specific retrotransposons in Brassica nigra and reveals their rapid diversification in Brassica allotetraploids.

Centromeres are indispensable functional units of chromosomes. The evolutionary mechanisms underlying the rapid evolution of centromeric repeats, especially those following polyploidy, remain unknown. In this study, we isolated centromeric sequences of Brassica nigra, a model diploid progenitor (B genome) of the allopolyploid species B. juncea (AB genome) and B. carinata (BC genome) by chromatin immunoprecipitation of nucleosomes containing the centromere-specific histone CENH3. Sequence analysis detected no centromeric satellite DNAs, and most B. nigra centromeric repeats were found to originate from Tyl/copia-class retrotransposons. In cytological analyses, six of the seven analyzed repeat clusters had no FISH signals in A or C genomes of the related diploid species B. rapa and B. oleracea. Notably, five repeat clusters had FISH signals in both A and B subgenomes in the tetraploid B. juncea. In the tetraploid B. carinata, only CL23 displayed three pairs of signals in terminal or interstitial regions of the C-derived chromosome, and no evidence of colonization of CLs onto C-subgenome centromeres was found in B. carinata. This observation suggests that centromeric repeats spread and proliferated between genomes after polyploidization. CL3 and CRB are likely ancient centromeric sequences arising prior to the divergence of diploid Brassica which have detected signals across the genus. And in allotetraploids B. juncea and B. carinata, the FISH signal intensity of CL3 and CRB differed among subgenomes. We discussed possible mechanisms for centromeric repeat divergence during Brassica speciation and polyploid evolution, thus providing insights into centromeric repeat establishment and targeting.

Effects of berberine on tumor growth and intestinal permeability in HCT116 tumor-bearing mice using polyamines as targets.

The prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is seriously affected by high intestinal mucosal permeability accompanied by increasing tumor load. Berberine, a natural plant-derived product, can protect the intestinal mucosal barrier and suppress tumor growth, but its effects on the intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction of CRC have not yet been evaluated. Herein, we assessed the effects of berberine on the intestinal mucosal permeability of HCT116 tumor-bearing mice and the underlying mechanism. Berberine (6.25, 12.5, 25 mg/kg) was administered to tumor-bearing mice for 3 weeks by intraperitoneal injection, and saline was given to controls and models. Compared with the control group, tumor-bearing mice had increased intestinal mucosal permeability in the third week. Meanwhile, the body weight decreased by 4%-7%, the concentration of D-lactic acid in plasma increased, and the expressions of ZO1 and Occludin were down-regulated. The intestinal mucosa was impaired. Compared with the model group, berberine inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner (6.25, 12.5, 25 mg/kg), reduced the permeability of intestinal mucosa, and alleviated intestinal mucosal damage. HPLC showed that berberine decreased the content of polyamines in tumor tissue, whereas increased that in intestinal mucosa tissue. Western blot showed that berberine inhibited the expressions of ODC, C-MYC and HIF-1α, but up-regulated those of OAZ1 and SSAT. In short, berberine may exert antitumor effects by suppressing tumor growth and elevating the intestinal mucosal permeability.

Sleep Duration and Factors Related to Sleep Loss in 3-14-Year-Old Children in Beijing: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: It is known that short sleep duration adversely affects children's behavior and physical development. This study aimed to investigate the status of sleep duration in 3-14-year-old children in Beijing and explore the related factors of sleep loss with them. METHODS: In this study, a cross-sectional study of random stratified cluster sampling was conducted on 3-14-year-old children and adolescents in Beijing. According to the proportion of children in each district and school, the final cohort included a total of 11 kindergartens, 7 primary schools, and 8 junior high schools from 7 districts of Beijing. Children of sampled classes were included, and their parents were invited to fill a series of questionnaires including the simplified Chinese version of Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, Sleep Questionnaire Scale, and Hong Kong-Children Sleep Questionnaire about the performance of the last 6 months. RESULTS: Out of the total 11,420 questionnaires, 9198 questionnaires were valid and effective with the response rate of 80.54%. The age of the investigated children was 8.8 ± 3.8 years, including 4736 males and 4462 females. The daily sleep duration of children in Beijing was 9.7 ± 0.7 h. The prevalence of sleep loss (<9 h/day) of children in Beijing was 11.8%. The daily sleep duration of children aged <6, 6 ≤ age <11, and ≥11 years was 9.7 ± 0.6 h, 9.6 ± 0.6 h, and 9.5 ± 0.8 h, respectively. The sleep duration reduced significantly in children aged ≥11 years as compared to younger children in Beijing which was mainly contributed by the variation tendency of sleep duration on weekdays. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with sleep loss (P < 0.05): male (odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-1.51), age ≥11 years (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.92-2.93), overweight (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.17-1.54), family history of snoring (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13-1.61) and activities before bedtime with watching TV (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.08-1.43), sports (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01-1.48), playing cellphone (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.31-2.73) and surfing the Internet (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.52) and among them age ≥11 years and playing cellphone before bedtime had greater impact on children's short sleep duration than that of other factors. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep loss was common among 3-14-year-old children in Beijing. Sleep duration decreased with age, especially among children over 11 years old. Factors associated with sleep loss covered sociodemographic characteristics, family sleep habits and routine activities before bedtime, and among those variables, age ≥11 years and playing with cellphones before bedtime had a greater impact on sleep duration, indicating that existing sleep loss in 3-14-year-old children could be, at least partly, improved by paying more attention to children aged of 11 years or entering Grade 5 and Grade 6 and to children with a family history of snoring; by reducing the use of electronic products before bedtime, especially cellphones; by managing weight and keeping fit; and by improving the bedtime routine.

Synthesis of two new gem-fluoronitro containing tetranitroadamantanes and property comparison with their nitro and gem-dinitro analogues.

Two new fluorinated tetranitroadamantanes, 2,6-difluoro-2,4,4,6-tetranitroadamantane and 2,4,6,8-tetrafluoro-2,4,6,8-tetranitroadamantane, were synthesized. 2,6-Difluoro-2,4,4,6-tetranitroadamantane was prepared from 4,4-dinitroadamantane-2,6-dione by a three-step route with an overall yield of 40%. It has a slightly higher crystal density (1.787 g cm-3) than its analogue 2,2,4,4,6,6-tetranitroadamantane (1.777 g cm-3). 2,4,6,8-Tetrafluoro-2,4,6,8-tetranitroadamantane was prepared from 4,8-dihydroxyadamantane-2,6-dione by an eight-step route with an overall yield of 8%. It is notable that the replacement of one nitro group in the gem-dinitro functionality with fluorine might slightly reduce the detonation performance but improve the density and inherent steric hindrance, which makes it possible to introduce more nitro functionalities on the adamantane backbone.

Novel histone deacetylase inhibitor N25 exerts anti-tumor effects and induces autophagy in human glioma cells by inhibiting HDAC3.

N25, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, was created through structural modification of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid. To evaluate the anti-tumor activity of N25 and clarify its molecular mechanism of inducing autophagy in glioma cells, we investigated its in vitro anti-proliferative effect and in vivo anticancer effect. Moreover, we detected whether N25 induces autophagy in glioma cells by transmission electron microscope and analyzed the protein expression level of HDAC3, Tip60, LC3 in glioma samples by western blot. We additionally analyzed the protein expression level of HDAC3, Tip60, ULK1 (Atg1), and Beclin-1 (Atg6) after treatment with N25 in glioma cells. Our results showed that the anti-tumor activity of N25 in glioma cells is slightly stronger than SAHA both in vitro and in vivo. We found that N25 induced autophagy, and HDAC3 was significantly elevated and Tip60 and LC3 significantly decreased in glioma samples compared with normal brain tissues. Nevertheless, N25 inhibited HDAC3 and up-regulated the protein expression of Tip60, ULK1 (Atg1), and Beclin-1 (Atg6) after treatment of glioma cells with N25. In conclusion, these data suggest that N25 has striking anti-tumor activity in part due to inhibition of HDAC3. Additionally, N25 may induce autophagy through inhibiting HDAC3.

Karyotypes and Distribution of Tandem Repeat Sequences in Brassica nigra Determined by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization.

Whole-genome shotgun reads were analyzed to determine the repeat sequence composition in the genome of black mustard, Brassica nigra (L.) Koch. The analysis showed that satellite DNA sequences are very abundant in the black mustard genome. The distribution pattern of 7 new tandem repeats (BnSAT13, BnSAT28, BnSAT68, BnSAT76, BnSAT114, BnSAT180, and BnSAT200) on black mustard chromosomes was visualized using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The FISH signals of BnSAT13 and BnSAT76 provided useful cytogenetic markers; their position and fluorescence intensity allowed for unambiguous identification of all 8 somatic metaphase chromosomes. A karyotype showing the location and fluorescence intensity of these tandem repeat sequences together with the position of rDNAs and centromeric retrotransposons of Brassica (CRB) was constructed. The establishment of the FISH-based karyotype in B. nigra provides valuable information that can be used in detailed analyses of B. nigra accessions and derived allopolyploid Brassica species containing the B genome.

Nasal nitric oxide in allergic rhinitis in children and its relationship to severity and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Nasal nitrous oxide (nNO) is increased in allergic rhinitis (AR), but not in asthma, and is a non-invasive marker for inflammation in the nasal passages. METHODS: Levels of nNO were measured and compared in healthy children and children with mild and moderate-to-severe AR. Levels of nNO before and after treatment with steroids and/or antihistamine were then compared in the 2 AR groups. Their relationship to quality of life and nasal symptom and reactivity to outdoor and outdoor allergens were examined. RESULTS: nNO levels were higher in mild AR than in healthy children and higher in moderate-to-severe AR than in mild AR. One month steroid and/or antihistamine treatment lowered nNO levels to control levels in mild AR and approximately halfway to control levels in moderate-to-severe AR. nNO levels had a weak correlation to quality of life questions and a fair correlation to nasal symptom scores before treatment. This correlation was weakened or lost after treatment, and no correlation was seen between nNO levels and responses to indoor or outdoor allergens. CONCLUSION: nNO levels in children with AR may be useful for assessing the response to treatment. Their relationship to quality of life, nasal symptoms, and sensitivity to specific allergens needs further study.

Acid/Phosphide-Induced Radical Route to Alkyl and Alkenyl Sulfides and Phosphonothioates from Sodium Arylsulfinates in Water.

A newly developed aqueous system with acid and phosphide was introduced in which odorless and stable sodium arylsulfinates can in situ generate arylsulfenyl radicals. These radicals have high reactivity to react with alkynes, alkenes, and H-phosphine oxides for the synthesis of alkyl and alkenyl sulfides and phosphonothioates. The control experiments and quantum calculations are also performed to gain insights into the generation mechanism of arylsulfenyl radicals. Notably, the chemistry is free of thiol odors, organic solvents, and metals.

Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations of Brassica nigra Introgression Lines from Somatic Hybridization: A Resource for Cauliflower Improvement.

Broad phenotypic variations were obtained previously in derivatives from the asymmetric somatic hybridization of cauliflower "Korso" (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, 2n = 18, CC genome) and black mustard "G1/1" (Brassica nigra, 2n = 16, BB genome). However, the mechanisms underlying these variations were unknown. In this study, 28 putative introgression lines (ILs) were pre-selected according to a series of morphological (leaf shape and color, plant height and branching, curd features, and flower traits) and physiological (black rot/club root resistance) characters. Multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that these plants contained 18 chromosomes derived from "Korso." Molecular marker (65 simple sequence repeats and 77 amplified fragment length polymorphisms) analysis identified the presence of "G1/1" DNA segments (average 7.5%). Additionally, DNA profiling revealed many genetic and epigenetic differences among the ILs, including sequence alterations, deletions, and variation in patterns of cytosine methylation. The frequency of fragments lost (5.1%) was higher than presence of novel bands (1.4%), and the presence of fragments specific to Brassica carinata (BBCC 2n = 34) were common (average 15.5%). Methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism analysis indicated that methylation changes were common and that hypermethylation (12.4%) was more frequent than hypomethylation (4.8%). Our results suggested that asymmetric somatic hybridization and alien DNA introgression induced genetic and epigenetic alterations. Thus, these ILs represent an important, novel germplasm resource for cauliflower improvement that can be mined for diverse traits of interest to breeders and researchers.

Pharmacokinetics of isochlorgenic acid C in rats by HPLC-MS: Absolute bioavailability and dose proportionality.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Isochlorgenic acid C (IAC), one of the bioactive compounds of Lonicera japonica, exhibited diverse pharmacological effects. However, its pharmacokinetic properties and bioavailability remained unresolved. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the absolute bioavailability in rats and the dose proportionality on the pharmacokinetics of single oral dose of IAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated HPLC-MS method was developed for the determination of IAC in rat plasma. Plasma concentration versus time data were generated following oral and intravenous dosing. The pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using DAS 3.0 software analysis. Absolute bioavailability in rats was determined by comparing pharmacokinetic data after administration of single oral (5, 10 and 25mgkg(-1)) and intravenous (5mgkg(-1)) doses of IAC. The dose proportionality of AUC(0-∞) and Cmax were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS: Experimental data showed that absolute oral bioavailability of IAC in rats across the doses ranged between 14.4% and 16.9%. The regression analysis of AUC(0-∞) and Cmax at the three doses (5, 10 and 25mgkg(-1)) indicated that the equations were y=35.23x+117.20 (r=0.998) and y=121.03x+255.74 (r=0.995), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A new HPLC-MS method was developed to determine the bioavailability and the dose proportionality of IAC. Bioavailability of IAC in rats was poor and both Cmax and AUC(0-∞) of IAC had a positive correlation with dose. Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of IAC will be useful in assessing concentration-effect relationships for the potential therapeutic applications of IAC.

Absorption mechanism of oxymatrine in cultured Madin-Darby canine kidney cell monolayers.

Context Oxymatrine (OMT) is beneficial to human health by exerting various biological effects. Objective To investigate the absorption mechanism of OMT and discover absorption enhancers using Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell monolayers. Materials and methods Concentration effects on the transport of OMT were measured in the range of 1.0 × 10(-5)-1.0 × 10(-3) M in 2 h. Then, the effect of time, direction, temperature and pH on the transport of OMT at 10(-4) M was studied. Moreover, Papp of OMT was determined in the absence/presence of cyclosporine and surfactants at 100 µM to further confirm the relative transport mechanism. Results The Papp AP→BL ranged from (3.040 ± 0.23) × 10(-6) to (3.697 ± 0.19) × 10(-6 )cm/s as the concentration varied from 10(-5) to 10(-3) M. OMT showed similar Papp at 4 and 37 °C (p > 0.05). Increasing the apical pH 7.4 and 8.0 resulted in Papp versus pH 5.0 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, in the presence of cyclosporine and surfactants including sodium citrate, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and deoxysodium cholate, Papp was (0.318 ± 0.033) × 10(-5), (0.464 ± 0.048) × 10(-5), (0.897 ± 0.115) × 10(-5) and (1.341 ± 0.122) × 10(-5 )cm/s, respectively. In the presence of surfactants, Papp significantly increased up to 1.5-4.3-fold (p < 0.05). Discussion and conclusion OMT transport across MDCK cell monolayers was by passive diffusion. Sodium citrate, SDS and deoxysodium cholate serve as excellent absorption enhancers which are useful for the related research improving the oral bioavailability of OMT.

The Disposition of Oxymatrine in the Vascularly Perfused Rat Intestine-Liver Preparation and Its Metabolism in Rat Liver Microsomes.

The study was aimed to investigate the absorption and metabolism of oxymatrine (OMT) which contributed to its poor bioavailability. Determinations of OMT absorption and metabolism in rats were evaluated using techniques of the in situ perfused rat intestine-liver preparation and recirculated intestine preparation. Furthermore, chemical inhibition experiments in rat liver microsomes were used to determine the principal cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms involved in OMT metabolism. In the intestine-liver preparation, the steady state liver extraction ratio (0.753 ± 0.054) of OMT was 33 times higher than that for the intestine (0.023 ± 0.002). The portal vein mainly consisted of OMT, and was devoid of the metabolite matrine, whereas both OMT and matrine were detected in hepatic vein. With the intestine preparation, the extent of OMT absorption at the end of 120 min of perfusion was 4.79 ± 0.352%. The first-order rate constant for OMT absorption was 0.05 ± 0.003 min(-1). The inhibitor of CYP3A2 had strong inhibitory effect on OMT metabolism in a concentration-dependent manner, and value was reduced to 29.73% of control. The 2 perfusion techniques indicated that poor bioavailability of OMT in rats is due mostly to poor absorption and higher hepatic elimination and CYP3A2 appears to contribute to OMT metabolism in rat liver.

Vaginal douching and association with sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in a prefecture of Yunnan Province, China.

Vaginal douching is a common practice and has been hypothesised to increase a woman's risk for human of contracting HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Our objective was to assess the prevalence of douching and its association with STIs, genital symptoms and HIV/STI knowledge among female sex workers (FSWs). We conducted a cross-sectional study of 837 FSWs with interviews and laboratory tests for HIV/STIs in a prefecture of Yunnan Province in southern China. Vaginal douching was reported by 84% of the women. We found a higher prevalence of vaginal douching practice among FSWs of Han ethnicity, and who were single or cohabitating. Douching was also significantly more common among more educated FSWs and those with greater knowledge of HIV/STIs, and as well as in FSWs who had experienced clinical symptoms in the previous 12 months. Douching was linked to higher risks of HIV (adjusted odds ratio = 2.29; 95% confidence interval 1.01-5.23) and herpes simplex virus type 2 infections (adjusted odds ratio = 2.18; 95% confidence interval 1.46-3.24) after adjusting for confounding factors. Medical professionals and public health workers should correct women's misconception about the effectiveness of douching and discourage women from douching through educational activities. More prospective studies among FSWs are urgently required to identify the relationship between vaginal douching and HIV/STIs.

Prevalence and correlates of Trichomonas vaginalis infection among female sex workers in a city in Yunnan Province, China.

Sexual transmission is the fastest growing route of HIV transmission in China, and Trichomonas vaginalis(TV) can facilitate HIV transmission and acquisition. Our goal was to determine the prevalence and correlates of TV infection among female sex workers (FSWs). This cross-sectional study was conducted in a city of Yunnan Province in southern China, with confidential face-to-face interviews and laboratory tests for TV (wet mount) and other sexually transmitted infections. A total of 734 FSWs participated in the study. The prevalence of TV was 9.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.02-11.30). In multivariate analyses, adjusted odds ratios of TV infection were 3.0 (95% CI 1.47-6.01) for herpes simplex virus type 2 seropositive, 2.4 (95% CI 1.37-4.14) for Chlamydia trachomatis infection, 2.6 (95% CI 1.30-5.31) for genital ulcer, 1.9 (95% CI 1.11-3.30) for starting age in commercial sex <20 years, and 0.5 (95% CI 0.27-0.87) for vaginal douching. We found a relatively high prevalence of TV infection among FSWs in Yunnan Province. A range of control strategies that include TV screening are recommended among FSWs, which could contribute significantly to the disruption of transmission by the provision of immediate treatment.

Expression and function of GSTA1 in lung cancer cells.

Glutathione S-transferase A1 (GSTA1) appears to be primarily involved in detoxification processes, but possible roles in lung cancer remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression and function of GSTA1 in lung cancer cells. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were performed to assess expression in cancer cell lines and the normal lung cells, then verify the A549 cells line with stable overexpression. Localization of GSTA1 proteins was assessed by cytoimmunofluorescence. Three double-strand DNA oligoRNAs (SiRNAs) were synthesized prior to being transfected into A549 cells with Lipofectamine 2000, and then the most efficient SiRNA was selected. Expression of the GSTA1 gene in the transfected cells was determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The viability of the transfected cells were assessed by MTT. Results showed that the mRNA and protein expression of A549 cancer cells was higher than in MRC-5 normal cells. Cytoimmunofluorescence demonstrated GSTA1 localization in the cell cytoplasm and/or membranes. Transfection into A549 cells demonstrated that down-regulated expression could inhibit cell viability. Our data indicated that GSTA1 expression may be a target molecule in early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

HIV-infected female sex workers' high risk behavior and attitude changes in Kaiyuan City, Yunnan Province, China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the attitude and sexual behavior status and change among HIV positive female workers in entertainment sites in Kaiyuan city, Yunnan province, China. The key information should be applied in the integrated intervention program in future. METHODS: A cohort survey among HIV positive female workers was conducted during 12 months, between 2010 and 2012. All the risk sexual behavior and attitude were collected for assessment for the potential secondary transmission to sexual partners. RESULTS: Of 99 HIV positive women who sell sex in Kaiyuan city, 99 participated in the survey at baseline, 80, 80, 75, and 75 at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups. The percentage of participants who reported consistently used condoms in the last one month ranged between 94.5% and 95.5%. The client volume in the last one month, income per sex and age group were significant related with non-insistent condom use with their clients. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that integrated intervention program package should include 100 percent condom use promotion for the HIV positive FSW with all sexual partners, and also, include socially support involved.

[Development of national neglect norm for urban primary school students of China].

OBJECTIVE: To develop the national neglect norms for urban primary school students in China. METHODS: According to multi-stage stratified cluster sampling principle, 24 cities of 13 provinces (municipalities) in China were selected during December 1 to 31, 2008. A total of 1491 students in grade 1 - 3 and 2236 students in grade 4 - 6 were selected. Questionnaire was designed by authors and the final norms were determined through several statistical analysis methods, such as item analysis method, factor analysis method, reliability analysis method. The reliability analysis and validity analysis were used to test the stability and reliability of the norms. The evaluation criteria of the scale was determined by the percentile method, then the initial development of the norm was completed. RESULTS: The two questionnaires of grade 1 - 3 and grade 4 - 6 students consisted of 55 and 57 items, respectively, whose item loadings were ranged from 0.301 to 0.687 and 0.321 to 0.730, which met the statistical requirements. For grade 1 - 3 students, the scale's total Cronbach α coefficients was 0.914, the total split-half reliability coefficients was 0.896, the Cronbach α coefficients of four level was above 0.737 except medical and social neglect, split-half reliability was ranged from 0.461 to 0.757; for grade 4-6 students, the scale's total Cronbach α coefficients was 0.916, split-half reliability was 0.883, except social neglect, the Cronbach α coefficients of other level was ranged 0.457 to 0.856, split-half reliability was ranged from 0.500 to 0.798. The total neglect cut-off score of the two scales grade 1-3 and 4-6 were 125 and 155, respectively. CONCLUSION: The structure of two norms was reasonable. The scales have good stability and reliability.