Causal relationship between serum uric acid and abnormal blood pressure based on the panel model study: A 5-year cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To investigate the relationship between elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels and blood pressure (BP). METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on the Beijing Health Management Cohort, 5276 health examination people were enrolled. Cross-lagged model was used to explore the relationship between SUA levels and blood pressure. The results showed: (1) increased SUA and increased systolic blood pressure (SBP): ① The path coefficients from baseline SUA to follow-up SBP were statistically significant in both the general population (ß = 0.034, P < 0.05) and men (ß = 0.048, P < 0.05). The path coefficients from baseline SBP to follow-up SUA were not statistically significant in either the general population (ß = 0.010, P > 0.05) or men (ß = 0.011, P > 0.05). ② The path coefficients from baseline SUA to follow-up SBP and from baseline SBP to follow-up SUA were not statistically significant in women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and BMI < 25 kg/m2. (2) Increased SUA and diastolic blood pressure (DBP): ① There was no statistical significance between the path coefficients from baseline DBP to follow-up SUA and the path coefficients from baseline SUA to follow-up DBP. ② In men and women, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and BMI < 25 kg/m2, the path coefficients from baseline DBP to follow-up SUA and from baseline SUA to follow-up DBP were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: SUA can increase blood pressure in the general male population; no reverse time sequence relationship was found. The temporal relationships between SUA levels and SBP abnormalities were different in the sex and BMI subgroups. No bidirectional causal temporal relationship was found between SUA elevation and DBP abnormality.

[Effects of hydrogen sulfide on mitochondrial function in sweet cherry stigma and ovary under low temperature stress]. / 硫化氢对低温胁迫下甜樱桃柱头和子房线粒体功能的影响.

To investigate the effects of H2S on mitochondrial functions under low temperature stress, we analyzed the effects of 0.05 mmol·L-1 NaHS and 15 µmmol·L-1 HT (hypotaurine and H2S scavenger) on mitochondria antioxidant enzyme activities and mitochondrial permeability transition pore, mitochondrial membrane fluidity, mitochondrial membrane potential, Cyt c/a ratio and H+-ATPase activity in sweet cherry stigma and ovary with sweet cherry variety Zaodaguo under -2 ℃ low temperature stress. The results showed that low temperature stress increased the concentrations of mitochondrial H2O2 and MDA, enhanced the mitochondrial membrane permeability, but decreased the mitochondrial membrane fluidity, membrane potential, Cyt c/a and H+-ATPase acti-vity. Application of NaHS at 0.05 mmol·L-1 could effectively reduce the concentrations of H2O2 and MDA, and keep higher activities of SOD, POD and CAT of mitochondrial for longer time. Furthermore, application of 0.05 mmol·L-1 NaHS could decrease mitochondrial membrane permeability while increase mitochondrial membrane fluidity, membrane potential, Cyt c/a and H+-ATPase activity in stigma and ovary under low temperature stress. The effects of NaHS were completely offset by HT addition. The results suggested that exogenous H2S could alleviate the oxidative damage on stigma and ovary stress through decreasing H2O2 accumulation, regulating mitochondria antioxidant system, increasing H+-ATPase activity, and mitigating mitochondria function under low temperature.

BMI and BMI Changes to All-cause Mortality among the Elderly in Beijing: a 20-year Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality among the elderly in Beijing. METHODS: This analysis was based on the Beijing multidimensional longitudinal study of aging (BLSA), which included 2,090 subjects over 55 years old and was followed-up from 1992 to 2012. BMI-mortality curves were drawn to find the optimal BMI range with the lowest mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to obtain the hazard ratios (HRs) for BMI and BMI changes in the overall population and in specific stratified populations. RESULTS: During follow-up, 1,164 deaths were recorded; BMI-mortality curve was U-shaped, with the lowest mortality at a BMI of approximately 25 kg/m2. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking, drinking and some pre-existing diseases, HRs for underweight, overweight and obesity compared with normal weight were 1.372 (95% CI: 1.154-1.631), 0.767 (95% CI: 0.666-0.884) and 0.871 (95% CI: 0.830-1.246), respectively. HR for BMI drop was 3.245 (95% CI: 0.824-12.772) in the underweight group and 1.892 (95% CI: 0.830-1.246) in the normal weight group, HR for BMI rise was 1.795 (95% CI: 1.243-2.591) in normal weight group and 1.962 (95% CI: 1.202-3.203) in the overweight group. CONCLUSION: Keeping BMI in an overweight status and stable is related to a reduced mortality.

[Estimating Surface Broadband Emissivity of the Taklimakan Desert with FTIR and MODIS Data].

Surface broadband emissivity in the thermal infrared region is an important parameteras for the studies of the surface energy balance. This paper analyzed and offered an equation to estimate the surface broadband emissivity for the spectral domains 8～14 µm against the MODIS data, and then, the distribution characteristic of surface emissivity for Taklimakan Desert was obtained with this equation. Firstly, along two highways crossing the Taklimakan Desert, twenty sample sites were selected and their spectral of broadband emissivity were observed with Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Secondly, using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) land surface temperature and emissivity product MOD11A1 and MOD11C1, derived emissivities in three thermal infrared channels 29 (8.4～8.7 µm), 31 (10.78～11.28 µm) and 32 (11.77～12.27 µm) and MODIS surface reflectance products MOD09A1, derived reflectance in near-infrared channel 7 (2.105～2.155 µm), developing an empirical regression equation to convert these spectral emissivities and reflectance to a broadband emissivity. The FTIR data were used to determine the coefficients of the regression equation, another part of FTIR data were used to investigate the accuracy of equation. It was found that the equation consist of MODIS channels 29, 31 and 32 has more accuracy; furthermore, the accuracy is improved when channel 7 data was added in the regression equation. The root mean square error (RMSE) and Bias were 0.004 5 and 0.000 1, respectively. Comparing to other six equations originated from literatures, which also estimate the surface broadband emissivity from narrowband emissivities. The RMSE and Bias of our equation are lower one order and two orders of magnitude than other six equations, respectively. Lastly, our equation is applied in the Taklimakan Desert area to build a distribution image of emissivity based on MODIS data. It demonstrates that the emissivity of Taklimakan Desert is in the range of 0.880～0.910 over the central regions, the averaged value is 0.906; The emissivity is in the range of 0.910～0.940 where the areas covered by spare vegetation; The emissivity is in range of 0.950～0.980 where the regions near to the oasis.

Relationship between Migration and HIV Risky Behavior: a Comparative Study of Returning Migrants and Non Migrants Based on Rural Out-of-school Youth in Jilin, China.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relationship between migration and HIV risky behavior when controlling for gender, age, and educational levels and to evaluate the gender differences in migration, HIV knowledge, and HIV risky behaviors among rural youth in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional, anonymous, investigative questionnaire for 1710 unmarried, out-of-school rural youth, aged between 15 and 24 years, was handed out in Gongzhuling county of Jilin province, China. RESULTS: 58.5% of participants had a history of migration, irrespective of gender. There were gender differences observed in other factors such as drug abuse (4.3% for males and 5.5% for females, P<0.01), multiple sexual partners (24.1% for males and 44.1% for females, P<0.01), and HIV knowledge rate (35.2% for males and 25.5% for females, P<0.001). While controlling for gender, age, and educational levels, the relationships between migration and drug abuse, selling sex, and non usage of condoms during last instance of sexual activity were found to be significant. The cases of premarital sex and multiple sexual partners were both not found to be related to migration. CONCLUSION: Among rural youth, the HIV risky behavior such as drug abuse, selling sex, and lack of condom use, is significantly related to migration, while premarital sex and multiple sexual partners seem unrelated to migration.

[Meta-analysis of blood system adverse events of Tripterygium wilfordii].

A systematic review was undertaken, including studies that evaluated the incidence of the blood system adverse events of Tripterygium wilfordii (TWP). Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library were searched for relevant studies, including RCT, cohort studies and case series, of patients treated with TWP published in English and Chinese from inception up until May 25th, 2013 with the keywords including "Tripterygium wilfordii", "toxicity", "reproductive", "side effect", "adverse", "safety" and "tolerability". Relevant information was extracted and the incidence of the blood system adverse events was pooled with MetaAnalyst software. Besides, subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed based on age, mode of medicine, observation time and disease system. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 49 articles were included in the meta-analysis, they were split into 54 researches incorporated in the analysis. There is a large degree of heterogeneity among the studies, so data was analyzed using random-effects model and the summary estimates of incidence of the blood system adverse events was 6.1%. The weighted combined incidence of three major blood system adverse events were white-blood cells decreasing 5.6% (95% CI, 4.3% - 7.3%), hemoglobin decreasing 1.7% (95% CI, 0.5% - 5.0%) and platelet decreasing 1.8% (95% CI, 1.0% - 3.1%), respectively . Sensitivity analyses based on 45 studies with high quality showed the combined value was close to the summary estimate of total 54 studies. The current evidence indicates that the incidence of the blood system adverse events induced by TWP was high; attentions should be paid on to the prevention and treatment of the blood system adverse events.

MiR-138/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ß signaling regulates human hypertrophic scar fibroblast proliferation and movement in vitro.

Excessive scars affect a patient's quality of life, both physically and psychologically, by causing pruritus, pain and contractures. Because there is a poor understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the processes of hypertrophic scar formation, most therapeutic approaches remain clinically unsatisfactory. In this study, we found that miR-138 was downregulated and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARß) was inversely upregulated in hypertrophic scar tissues compared to in paired normal skin tissues. Using a dual-luciferase assay, we validated that miR138 directly targets PPARß and regulates its expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. In gain-and-loss experiments, we found that miR-138/PPARß signaling regulated human hypertrophic scar fibroblast proliferation and movement, and affected scarring-related protein expression, which suggests that miR-138/PPARß signaling is important for hypertrophic scarring. Thus, our study provides evidence to help determine whether miR-138/PPARß signaling may be a potential target for hypertrophic scarring management.

[Setting up a risk prediction model on metabolic syndrome among 35-74 year-olds based on the Taiwan MJ Health-checkup Database].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide an epidemiological modeling method to evaluate the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) development in the coming 5 years among 35-74 year-olds from Taiwan. METHODS: A cohort of 13 973 subjects aged 35-74 years who did not have metabolic syndrome but took the initial testing during 1997-2006 was formed to derive a risk score which tended to predict the incidence of MS. Multivariate logistic regression was used to derive the risk functions and using the 'check-up center' (Taipei training cohort)as the overall cohort. Rules based on these risk functions were evaluated in the remaining three centers (as testing cohort). Risk functions were produced to detect the MS on a training sample using the multivariate logistic regression models. Started with those variables that could predict the MS through univariate models, we then constructed multivariable logistic regression models in a stepwise manner which eventually could include all the variables. The predictability of the model was evaluated by areas under curve (AUC) the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) followed by the testification of its diagnostic property on the testing sample. Once the final model was defined, the next step was to establish rules to characterize 4 different degrees of risks based on the cut points of these probabilities, after being transformed into normal distribution by log-transformation. RESULTS: At baseline, the range of the proportion of MS was 23.9% and the incidence of MS in 5-years was 11.7% in the non-MS cohort. The final multivariable logistic regression model would include ten risk factors as: age, history of diabetes, contractive pressure, fasting blood-glucose, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index and blood uric acid. AUC was 0.827(95% CI: 0.814-0.839) that could predict the development of MS within the next 5 years. The curve also showed adequate performance in the three tested samples, with the AUC and 95% CI as 0.813 (0.789-0.837), 0.826 (0.800-0.852) and 0.794 (0.768-0.820), respectively. After labeling the degrees of the four risks, it was showed that over 17.6% of the incidence probability was in the population under mediate risk while over 59.0% of them was in the high risk group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both predictability and reliability of our Metabolic Syndrome Risk Score Model, derived based on Taiwan MJ Longitudinal Health-checkup-based Population Database, were relatively satisfactory in the testing cohort. This model was simple, with practicable predictive variables and feasible form on degrees of risk. This model not only could help individuals to assess the situation of their own risk on MS but could also provide guidance on the group surveillance programs in the community regarding the development of MS.

An exploratory study of the association between KCNB1 rs1051295 and type 2 diabetes and its related traits in Chinese Han population.

Since the KCNB1 encoding Kv2.1 channel accounts for the majority of Kv currents modulating insulin secretion by pancreatic islet beta-cells, we postulated that KCNB1 is a plausible candidate gene for genetic variation contributing to the variable compensatory secretory function of beta-cells in type-2 diabetes (T2D). We conducted two studies, a case-control study and a cross-section study, to investigate the association of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KCNB1 with T2D and its linking traits. In the case-control study, we first examined the association of 20 tag SNPs of KCNB1 with T2D in a population with 226 T2D patients and non-diabetic subjects (screening study). We then identified the association in an enlarged population of 412 T2D patients and non-diabetic subjects (replication study). In the cross-sectional study, we investigated the linkage between the candidate SNP rs1051295 and T2D by comparing beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity among rs1051295 genotypes in a general population of 1051 subjects at fasting and after glucose loading (oral glucose tolerance tests, OGTT) in 84 fasting glucose impaired subjects, and several T2D-related traits. We found that among the 19 available tag SNPs, only the KCNB1 rs1051295 was associated with T2D (P = 0.027), with the rs1051295 TT genotype associated with an increased risk of T2D compared with genotypes CC (P = 0.009). At fasting, rs1051295 genotype TT was associated with a 9.8% reduction in insulin sensitivity compared to CC (P = 0.008); along with increased plasma triglycerides (TG) levels (TT/CC: P = 0.046) and increased waist/hip (W/H) ratio (TT/CC: P = 0.013; TT/TC: P = 0.002). OGTT confirmed that genotype TT exhibited reduced insulin sensitivity by 16.3% (P = 0.030) compared with genotype TC+CC in a fasting glucose impaired population. The KCNB1 rs1051295 genotype TT in the Chinese Han population is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and increased plasma TG and W/H ratio, which together contribute to an increased risk for T2D.

[Reconstruction of upper lip defect].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical experience for the reconstruction of upper lip defects in different degrees. METHODS: Different treatment methods were selected to reconstruct the upper lip defects according to the subunit, size or location of defects on the upper lip. The therapeutic results were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: From Jan. 1998 to Apr. 2012, 243 cases with upper lip defects were treated, including 85 cases of traumatic defects, 110 cases of defects secondary to lip cleft and 48 cases of defects after tumor resection. 48 cases were treated with direct closure, 69 cases with cross-lip flaps, 5 Cases with orbicularis oris muscle flaps, 53 cases with unilateral labial flaps, 42 cases with bilateral labial flaps, 22 cases with lower lip flaps, and 1 case with forehead flap, 1 case with forearm flap and 2 with nasolabial fold flaps. The patients were followed up for 3-18 months with satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory results could be achieved for upper lip defects with appropriate treatment methods according to the defects degree and characters.

[Estimation on the risk of 5-years obesity development among adults aged 30 - 59, based on the Taiwan MJ Health-checkup Database].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide an epidemiological modeling in evaluating the risk of developing obesity within 5 years in Taiwan population aged 30 - 59 years. METHODS: After excluding 918 individuals who were observed at baseline, a cohort of 14 167 non-obesity subjects aged 30 - 59 years in the initial year during 1998 - 2006, was formed to derive a Risk Score which could predict the incident obesity (IO). Multivariate logistic regression was used to derive the risk functions, using the check-up center (Taipei training cohort, n = 8104) of the overall cohort. Rules based on these risk functions were evaluated in the left three centers (testing cohort, n = 6063). Risk functions were produced to detect the IO on a training sample using the multivariate logistic regression models. Starting with variables that could predict the IO through univariate models, we constructed multivariable logistic regression models in a stepwise manner which eventually could include all the variables. We evaluated the predictability of the model by the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and to testify its diagnostic property on the testing sample. Once the final model was defined, the next step was to establish rules to characterize 4 different degrees of risk based on the cut points of these probabilities after transforming into normal distribution by log-transformation. RESULTS: At baseline, the range of the proportion of normal weight, overweight and obesity were 50.00% - 60.00%, 26.47% - 31.11% and 5.76% - 7.24% respectively in four check-up centers of Taiwan. After excluding 918 obesity individuals at baseline, we ascertained 386 (2.73%, 386/14 167) cases having IO and 2.66% - 2.91% of them having centered obesity in the four check-up centers respectively. Final multivariable logistic regression model would include five risk factors: sex, age, history of diabetes, weight deduction ≥ 4 kg within 3 months and waist circumference. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.898 (95%CI, 0.884 - 0.912) that could predict the development of obesity within 5 years. The curve also had adequate performance in testing the sample [AUC = 0.881 (95%CI, 0.862 - 0.900)]. After labeling the four risk degrees, 16.0% and 2.9% of the total subjects were in the mediate and high risk populations respectively and were 7.8 and 16.6 times higher, when comparing with the population at risk in general. CONCLUSION: The predictability and reliability of our obesity risk score model, derived based on Taiwan MJ Longitudinal Health-checkup-based Population Database, were relatively satisfactory, with its simple and practicable predictive variables and the risk degree form. This model could help individuals to self assess the situation of risk on obesity and could also guide the community caretakers to monitor the trend of obesity development.

[Regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ß by epidermal growth factor in wound tissue of mice with full-thickness skin defect].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of freeze-dried mouse epidermal growth factor (mEGF) on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ß (PPAR-ß) in mice during wound healing. METHODS: Full-thickness skin defect with area of 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm was reproduced on both sides of the back of 70 BALB/c mice (2 wounds in each mouse). The wound on the left side in each mouse was treated with 5 µg/mL mEGF solution (experiment group), and that on the right side in each mouse was treated with saline (control group). On post injury day (PID) 7, 11, and 16, 20 mice were used for determination of wound healing rate at each time point. On PID 1, 3, 7, 11, 14, and 18, specimens of wound edge were harvested for determination of protein and gene expression of PPAR-ß with immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization, with 10 specimens at each time point (denoted as integral absorbance value). Data were processed with t test. RESULTS: (1) Wound healing rate. The wound healing rate in experiment group on PID 7, 11, and 16 was respectively higher than that in control group (with t value respectively 3.03, 6.05, 11.9, P values all below 0.01). (2) Immunohistochemical observation. In both groups, the PPAR-ß proteins highly expressed in fibroblasts of wound granulation tissues and nuclei of keratinocytes located in wound edge at early stage after injury, and they highly expressed in newly formed epidermis and their fibroblasts in the lower layer after wound epithelization. The expression of PPAR-ß protein was gradually decreased after wound healing. The expression of PPAR-ß protein at each time point in experiment group was respectively higher than that in control group (with t values from 2.15 to 7.37, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The expression of PPAR-ß protein peaked on PID 3 in experiment group [(3.46 ± 1.33) × 10(3)], which was (2.35 ± 1.09) × 10(3) in control group. (3) In situ hybridization. The expression levels of PPAR-ß mRNA in both groups were up-regulated after injury, which were mainly observed in fibroblasts of wound and cytoplasm of KC in wound edge, but they were down-regulated after wound epithelization. The expression of PPAR-ß mRNA at each time point in experiment group was respectively higher than that in control group (with t values from 2.35 to 6.64, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The expression of PPAR-ß mRNA in both groups peaked on PID 3 [(7.3 ± 2.6) × 10(6), (4.5 ± 3.0) × 10(6), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: mEGF can up-regulate the expression of PPAR-ß in wound tissue of mice and promote wound healing.

[Anatomic basis of the accompanying pattern of the superficial temporal arterial branches and veins and its clinical application].

OBJECTIVE: To study the course of branches of the superficial temporal artery (BSTA) and the accompanying pattern of their veins in order to provide anatomic basis for flap design. METHODS: Head and facial part of ten adult corpses (19 sides) were dissected and photographed. The coordinate system was set up with external auditory foramen as the point of origin, aided by the graph analysis software Digimizer. The course of the frontal branch and parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA), and the accompanying pattern between the BSTA and the veins were measured and analyzed. The STA and its branches were located by Ultrasonic Doppler, and the corresponding branches of the superficial temporal vein (BSTV) were disclosed by bowing patient's head with breath holding or cerclaging the basement of the patient's skull. And then 10 sides of transposition (fascia) flaps with axis at the angular bisector between BSTA and BSTV were devised to repair wounds of 9 patients that hospitalized from February 2008 to December 2009. Data were processed with test of variance homogeneity. RESULTS: Frontal BSTV absence was found in 6 head sides, and the maximum distance between artery and vein was (2.1 ± 1.2) cm. Parietal BSTV absence was found in 3 head sides, and the maximum distance was (1.4 ± 0.7) cm. The distance between frontal BSTA and BSTV was larger than that between parietal BSTA and BSTV, and the dispersion degree of the former was higher than that of the latter (F = 0.0404, P = 0.0475). All the (fascia) flaps survived without congestion or necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: When branch of the superficial temporal vessel was selected as the axial vessel of flap, the flap design shall depend on the accompanying pattern of BSTV to avoid the flap necrosis due to poor venous return after surgery. The superficial temporal vein and its branches can be well disclosed by bowing head or cerclaging skull. The approach is simple, useful, safe, and reliable.

[Development of an indicator system for recognizing the sub-health status and study on the related reliability and validity].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a subjective indicator system for the evaluation of sub-health status and study on its reliability and validity. METHODS: Based on the basic features of general malice and losing ability of workforce, the indicator system for sub-health status evaluation was developed according to the chronic stress on human body' s main systems. The items were adjusted according to the experience from experts and the results of the pilot study. Indices as Chronbach's alpha, IIC and ICC were used to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire. Factor analysis and ANOVA were used to evaluate the construct validity and discriminative ability of the questionnaire. RESULTS: The formal sub-health survey questionnaire would include five domains and 25 questions in total. The whole questionnaire's Chronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.92. Cronbach's alpha of the four domains, including cardiovascular, digestive tract, immunity and mental health were no less than 0.7 while IIC ranging from 0.51 to 0.72 and ICC ranging from 0.89 to 0.98. The five extracted common factors which contributed 62.35% to the total variation were basically consistent with the five dimensions. ANOVA showed significant differences among different groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The questionnaire appeared reliable and valid for measurement of sub-health status.

Development and evaluation of a questionnaire for measuring suboptimal health status in urban Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal health status (SHS) is characterized by ambiguous health complaints, general weakness, and lack of vitality, and has become a new public health challenge in China. It is believed to be a subclinical, reversible stage of chronic disease. Studies of intervention and prognosis for SHS are expected to become increasingly important. Consequently, a reliable and valid instrument to assess SHS is essential. We developed and evaluated a questionnaire for measuring SHS in urban Chinese. METHODS: Focus group discussions and a literature review provided the basis for the development of the questionnaire. Questionnaire validity and reliability were evaluated in a small pilot study and in a larger cross-sectional study of 3000 individuals. Analyses included tests for reliability and internal consistency, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and tests for discriminative ability and convergent validity. RESULTS: The final questionnaire included 25 items on SHS (SHSQ-25), and encompassed 5 subscales: fatigue, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, the immune system, and mental status. Overall, 2799 of 3000 participants completed the questionnaire (93.3%). Test-retest reliability coefficients of individual items ranged from 0.89 to 0.98. Item-subscale correlations ranged from 0.51 to 0.72, and Cronbach's alpha was 0.70 or higher for all subscales. Factor analysis established 5 distinct domains, as conceptualized in our model. One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences in scale scores between 3 occupation groups; these included total scores and subscores (P<0.01). The correlation between the SHS scores and experienced stress was statistically significant (r=0.57, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The SHSQ-25 is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring sub-health status in urban Chinese.

[Effect of lentiviral vector encoding on triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 on expression of inflammatory cytokine in septic mice infected by Bacteroides fragilis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) vshRNA vector on expression of inflammatory cytokines and survival rate in septic mice infected by Bacteroides fragilis. METHODS: (1) TREM-1 vshRNA vector was constructed. Bacteroides fragilis (2.5 x 10(9) CFU/mL, 0.5 mL) was intraperitoneally injected in each mouse, and septic model was reproduced after 12 hours. (2) One hundred and fifteen mice were divided into healthy control group (n = 3, HC), sepsis group (n = 28, S), TREM-1 vshRNA group (n = 28, T), TREM-1 vshRNA hd group (n = 28, Th), GFP group (n = 28, G) according to random number table. Mice in S, T, Th, G groups were firstly injected with isotonic saline, TREM-1 vshRNA 2 x 10(8) TU, TREM-1 vshRNA 1 x 10(8) TU, GFP siRNA through tail vein, and then sepsis was induced after 1 hour. Mice in HC group were injected with equal volume of isotonic saline through tail vein. Three mice in each group were sacrificed after 12 hours for determination of plasma level of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6, and level of TREM-1mRNA and its protein in hepatic tissue. The survival rate of other mice in each group was monitored for 72 hours. (3) In 125 mice sepsis was reproduced, among them 100 mice were injected with TREM-1 vshRNA 2 x 10(8) TU after 1, 2, 4, 6 hours through tail vein (25 mice at each time point), other 25 mice were injected with equal volume of isotonic saline as control. The survival rate of mice in each group was recorded 72 hours after injection. RESULTS: (1) Compared with those in S group, the plasma level of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 lowered in T and Th groups (P < 0.05), especially in T group, while those in G group showed no obvious difference (P > 0.05). (2) Compared with those in G group, the level of TREM-1mRNA and its protein in hepatic tissue in T and Th groups decreased (P < 0.01), especially in T group. (3) The survival rate of mice in S and G group was 16%, which was obviously lower than that in T and Th groups (76%, 44%, respectively, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (4) The survival rate of mice at 1, 2, 4, 6 hours after injection was 72%, 56%, 40%, 16%, respectively, while all that except at 6 hour after injection were higher significantly than that of control (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention with TREM-1 vshRNA can effectively decrease hepatic level of TREM-1 in septic mice induced by Bacteroides fragilis, inhibit inflammatory response, and improve the survival rate.

[Pathological experimental study of autologous skin transplant on retained denatured dermis].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the pathological character of denatured dermis,and its turnover after autologous skin transplant. METHODS: Deep partial thickness burn wounds whose diameter was 2.5 cm were produced on the back of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. After simple debriding,xenogenic skin was transplanted. Superficial tangential excision was performed on the burn wounds on 48 hours postburn with the preservation of denatured dermis. Split thickness autologous skin was grafted on the wounds immediately. Tissue samples of whole layer of the skin were harvested from the grafted sites at different time points after the skin grafting. Pathological observation on the denatured skin and the transplanted skin was carried out with HE and Massonos trichrome blue. RESULTS: The superficial cells of the denatured dermis necrotized largely with few cells alive,collagen denatured,and many inflammatory cells infiltrating. Necrosis tissue and inflammatory cells could be found in the denatured skin in the early period after the skin transplant. There were infiltrated inflammatory cells in the transplanted skin 3 days after the skin transplant. On the 10th day,the necrotized tissue diminished markedly,and red cells were found in its upper stratum. On the 21st day, the morphology and structure of the transplanted skin were similar to those of the normal skin. CONCLUSION: The retained denatured dermis has little effect on the survival of the transplanted skin. The necrosis components can be absorbed and replaced by the tissue alive after the autologous skin is transplanted.

[Repair of high-voltage electrical burn in the neck].

OBJECTIVE: To explore methods of repair of high-voltage electrical burn in the neck. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with high-voltage electrical burn in neck hospitalized since 1985 were enrolled in this study. After debridement, the wounds were repaired with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, trapezius myocutaneous flap, platysma myocutaneous flaps, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap, or latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap combined with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. RESULTS: Necrosis occurred at edge of flap (about 1 - 2 cm in breadth) in 3 patients, and the other flaps survived well with perfect appearance and local function. CONCLUSION: To repair with pedicled myocutaneous flaps and combined flaps after early debridement can be safe, effective and reliable in the management of patients with high-voltage electrical burn in the neck.