[Correlation research between imaging performance and pulmonary function of pneumoconiosis patients at stage three].

Objective: To study the imaging performance and pulmonary function of pneumoconiosis patients at stage three. Methods: 89 cases of pneumoconiosis patients at stage three for high thousand volt back chest, chest CT, pulmonary function, analysis the relationship of high thousand volt back chest, chest CT manifestations and pulmonary function. Results: In patients with chest X-ray progressive massive fibrosis range of 2.31-102.95 cm(2), divide patients according to the X-ray performance into three groups, the difference of each group pulmonary function index FVC、FEV(1)、PEF、MEF(75%)、MEF(50%)、MEF(25%)、MVV is statistically significant (P<0.01) , the difference of FEV(1)/FVC%、RV/TLC、DLCO is no statistical significance (P>0.05) . Checked by related, in pneumoconiosis patients at stage three, the X-ray manifestations and pulmonary function index FVC、FEV(1)、FEV(1)/FVC%、PEF、MEF(75%)、MEF(50%)、MEF(25%)、MVV、DLCO showed a negative correlation (r=-0.326, -0.438, -0.251, -0.344, -0.317, -0.337, -0.425, -0.347, -0.230) . With the deterioration of the X-ray imaging findings, pulmonary function index FVC、FEV(1)、FEV(1)/FVC%、PEF、MEF(75%)、MEF(50%)、MEF(25%)、MVV、DLCO is a trend of decrease (P<0.05) . The X-ray changes is not associated with RV/TLC. By linear regression analysis, FVC、FEV(1)、FEV(1)/FVC%、PEF、MEF(75%)、MEF(50%)、MEF(25%)、MVV、DLCO regression equation are meaningful. The RV/TLC regression equations is meaningless. The volume of the patients with chest CT progressive massive fibrosis range of 4.86~179.74 cm(3), divide patients according to the chest CT performance into three groups, the difference of each group pulmonary function index FVC、FEV(1)、PEF、MEF(75%)、MEF(50%)、MEF(25%)、MVV、RV/TLC is statistically (P<0.05) , the difference of FEV(1)/FVC%、DLCO is no statistical significance (P>0.05) . Checked by related, in pneumoconiosis patients at stage three, chest CT manifestations and pulmonary function index FVC、FEV(1)、FEV(1)/FVC%、PEF、MEF(75%)、MEF(50%)、MEF(25%)、MVV showed a negative correlation (r=-0.360, -0.419, -0.256, -0.432, -0.366, -0.326, -0.254, -0.405, ) , It is not associated with the RV/TLC、DLCO. With the deterioration of the chest CT imaging findings, pulmonary function index FVC、FEV(1)、FEV(1)/FVC%、PEF、MEF(75%)、MEF(50%)、MEF(25%)、MVV is a trend of decrease (P<0.05) . By linear regression analysis, FVC、FEV(1)、FEV(1)/FVC%、PEF、MEF(75%)、MEF(50%)、MEF(25%)、MVV regression equations are meaningful. The RV/TLC、DLCO regression equations are meaningless. Conclusion: It is correlated with chest X-ray, chest CT manifestations and pulmonary function in pneumoconiosis patients at stage three, that could help guide clinicians comprehensive evaluation in patients with pulmonary function status.

Changes in methylation of genomic DNA from chicken immune organs in response to H5N1 influenza virus infection.

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification in eukaryotes, which plays a significant role in regulating gene expression. When the host is invaded by the influenza virus, gene expression is regulated via changes in DNA methylation levels or patterns, leading to the activation or suppression of relevant signaling pathways or networks, triggering a series of immune responses against viral invasion. Here, we investigated the changes in genomic DNA methylation in the immune organs of chicken infected with H5N1 influenza virus. Genome-wide DNA methylation levels in the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius of specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken infected with the Guangdong (G-H5N1) and Anhui (A-H5N1) H5N1 strains, and water (control) were analyzed by fluorescence-labeled methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (F-MSAP). The results indicated that total DNA methylation levels did not differ between spleen genomic DNA in chicken treated with different viral strains and the control (P > 0.05). However, the total DNA methylation levels were significantly upregulated in the thymus (P < 0.01) and bursa (P < 0.05) of chicken in the A-H5N1 group compared to those in the G-H5N1 and control groups. These results provide a basis for the screening of avian influenza-resistance genes or methylation markers, analyzing the epigenetic regulation mechanisms of avian influenza, and performing selective breeding for disease resistance.

A base substitution in the donor site of intron 12 of KIT gene is responsible for the dominant white coat colour of blue fox (Alopex lagopus).

The dominant white coat colour of farmed blue fox is inherited as a monogenic autosomal dominant trait and is suggested to be embryonic lethal in the homozygous state. In this study, the transcripts of KIT were identified by RT-PCR for a dominant white fox and a normal blue fox. Sequence analysis showed that the KIT transcript in normal blue fox contained the full-length coding sequence of 2919 bp (GenBank Acc. No KF530833), but in the dominant white individual, a truncated isoform lacking the entire exon 12 specifically co-expressed with the normal transcript. Genomic DNA sequencing revealed that a single nucleotide polymorphism (c.1867+1G>T) in intron 12 appeared only in the dominant white individuals and a 1-bp ins/del polymorphism in the same intron showed in individuals representing two different coat colours. Genotyping results of the SNP with PCR-RFLP in 185 individuals showed all 90 normal blue foxes were homozygous for the G allele, and all dominant white individuals were heterozygous. Due to the truncated protein with a deletion of 35 amino acids and an amino acid replacement (p.Pro623Ala) located in the conserved ATP binding domain, we propose that the mutant receptor had absent tyrosine kinase activity. These findings reveal that the base substitution at the first nucleotide of intron 12 of KIT gene, resulting in skipping of exon 12, is a causative mutation responsible for the dominant white phenotype of blue fox.

Association of T1740C polymorphism of L-FABP with meat quality traits in Junmu No. 1 white swine.

This study was designed to investigate a single nucleotide polymorphism in intron 1 of the liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) gene in 156 Junmu No. 1 white swine using PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism. The association between the polymorphism and meat quality traits was also studied. The cloning and sequencing results indicated that the polymorphism in intron 1 was due to a T→C mutation at position 1740 of L-FABP, yielding three genotypes (TT, TC, and CC). Association analysis revealed that the polymorphism had a significant effect on marbling (P < 0.05): genotype CC had more marbling than TC, and TC had more marbling than TT. The polymorphism also had a highly significant effect on intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01). Genotypes CC and TC had higher intramuscular fat content than TT; there was no significant difference between CC and TC (P > 0.05). However, no significant conclusions concerning other traits could be drawn. We tentatively conclude that L-FABP is a candidate gene or a quantitative trait locus-linked gene associated with meat quality traits.

A 20-year follow-up study on chronic respiratory effects of exposure to cotton dust.

In order to evaluate chronic effects of long-term exposure to cotton dust on respiratory health, and the role of dust and endotoxin, longitudinal changes in lung function and respiratory symptoms were observed prospectively from 1981 to 2001 in 447 cotton textile workers, along with 472 silk textile controls. The results from five surveys conducted over the 20-yr period are reported, including standardised questionnaires, pre- and post-shift spirometric measurements, work-area inhalable dust sample collections and airborne Gram-bacterial endotoxin analysis. Cotton workers had more persistent respiratory symptoms and greater annual declines in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity as compared with silk workers. After exposure cessation, in the final 5-yr period, the rate of FEV1 decline tended to slow in nonsmoking males, but not in nonsmoking females. Workers who reported byssinotic symptoms more persistently suffered greater declines in FEV1. Chronic loss in lung function was more strongly associated with exposure to endotoxin than to dust. In conclusion, the current study suggests that long-term exposure to cotton dust, in which airborne endotoxin appears to play an important role, results in substantial adverse chronic respiratory effects.

Respiratory symptoms and cotton dust exposure; results of a 15 year follow up observation.

AIMS: To determine chronic effects of long term exposure to cotton dust and endotoxin on incidence of respiratory symptoms and the effect of cessation of exposure. METHODS: Respiratory health in 429 Chinese cotton textile workers (study group) and 449 silk textile workers (control group) was followed prospectively from 1981 to 1996. Byssinosis, chest tightness, and non-specific respiratory symptoms were assessed by means of identical standardised questionnaires at four time points. Exposures to cotton dust and endotoxin were estimated using area samples collected at each survey. Incidence and persistence of symptoms were examined in relation to cumulative exposure and exposure cessation using generalised estimating equations (GEE). RESULTS: Among cotton workers, the cumulative incidence of byssinosis and chest tightness was 24% and 23%, respectively, and was significantly more common in smokers than in non-smokers. A high proportion of symptoms was found to be intermittent, rather than persistent. Among silk workers, no typical byssinosis was identified; the incidence of chest tightness was 10%. Chronic bronchitis, cough, and dyspnoea were more common and persistent in the cotton group than in the silk group. Significantly lower odds ratios for symptoms were observed in cotton workers who left the cotton mills; risk was also related to years since last worked. Multivariate analysis indicated a trend for higher cumulative exposure to endotoxin in relation to a higher risk for byssinosis. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to cotton dust is related to both work specific and non-specific respiratory symptoms. Byssinosis is more strongly associated with exposure to endotoxin than to dust. Cessation of exposure may improve the respiratory health of cotton textile workers; the improvement appears to increase with time since last exposure.

A longitudinal observation of early pulmonary responses to cotton dust.

AIMS: To examine early adverse pulmonary effects of exposure to cotton dust, and to identify potential risk factors, including atopy for pulmonary responses to cotton dust. METHODS: Spirometry, methacholine challenge testing, and questionnaire; performed among 101 non-smoking newly hired textile workers at baseline (prior to starting work), and at 3, 12, and 18 months after starting work. Concentrations of airborne cotton dust in various work areas were measured at each follow up survey using vertical elutriators. RESULTS: The incidence of non-specific respiratory symptoms was 8% at three months, then diminished afterwards. Substantial acute cross shift drops in FEV(1) at each follow up survey, and longitudinal declines in FVC and FEV(1) after 12 months of exposure were observed. Airway responsiveness to methacholine increased with follow up time, and was more pronounced among atopics. Increasing airway responsiveness was strongly correlated with cross shift drops in FEV(1). In addition, one or more respiratory symptoms at three months was significantly, and pre-existing atopy marginally significantly, associated with cross shift drops in FEV(1) after adjusting for other covariates and confounders. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that non-specific respiratory symptoms, decreasing lung function, and increasing airway responsiveness are early pulmonary responses to cotton dust. In addition, the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and increasing airway responsiveness, as well as atopy, may be important predictors for acute changes in lung function among cotton textile workers.

Longitudinal changes in pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms in cotton textile workers. A 15-yr follow-up study.

To evaluate the chronic effects of exposure to cotton dust, a 15-yr follow-up study in cotton textile workers was performed in Shanghai, China from 1981 to 1996. Testing occurred four times during the 15-yr period. The achieved follow-up rates were 76-88% of the original 447 cotton textile workers, and 70-85% of the original 472 silk textile workers (as a control group). Identical questionnaires, equipment, and methods were used throughout the study. The prevalence of byssinosis increased over time in cotton workers, with 15.3% at the last survey versus 7.6% at the baseline, whereas no byssinosis was found in silk workers. More workers in the cotton group consistently reported symptoms than in the silk group, although symptom reporting varied considerably from survey to survey. Cotton workers had small, but significantly greater, adjusted annual declines in FEV(1) and FVC than did the silk workers. Years worked in cotton mills, high level of exposure to endotoxin, and across-shift drops in FEV(1) were found to be significant determinants for longitudinal change in FEV(1), after controlling for appropriate confounders. Furthermore, there were statistically significant associations between excessive loss of FEV(1) and byssinosis, chest tightness at work, and chronic bronchitis in cotton workers. Workers who consistently (three or four of the surveys) reported byssinosis or chest tightness at work had a significantly greater 15-yr loss of FEV(1). We conclude that long-term exposure to cotton dust is associated with chronic or permanent obstructive impairments. Consistent reporting of respiratory symptoms, including byssinosis and chest tightness at work, is of value to predict the magnitude and severity of chronic impairments in textile workers.

[Absorption, distribution and excretion of 3H-SC1001].

SC1001 is a new Synthesized CNS depressant. In this paper, the absorption, distribution and excretion of 3H-SC1001 in mouse and rats were studied by radioactivity trace method. The experiment showed that SC1001 was absorbed rapidly after administering orally and intramuscularly. Maximum radioactivity was found at 0.13h and 0.33h. The rapidly and widely distribution was demonstrated after absorption, the level of radioactivity was the highest in the blood, then in liver, kidney, intestine lung, heart, spleen, and brain. 3H-SC1001 could easily pass through the blood-brain barrier. 3H-SC1001 was eliminated in faeces and then in urine. In 3 days the cumulative radioactivity excretion was 32.0% in urine and 74.04% in faeces, t1/2 of p.o. was 5.69h and t1/2 of i.m. was 6.91h.