Objective To assess the correlation between the level of ambient particulate matter in sand-dust climate and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR value) of the exposed children in Inner Mongolia of China. Methods PEFR values of the subject children were measured with a mini-wright peak flow meter three times per day continuously for 40 days, with a standard procedure and recorded by themselves. Meanwhile, the weather data and the ambient concentrations of SO2, NO2, CO, PM10 and PM2.5 were also monitored. The SPSS 13.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results The concentration of PM10 increased to 3.183 mg/m3 and PM2.5 to 1.067 mg/m3 when the sand-dust weather broke out and the increase in PM10 was more than that in PM2.5.The schoolboy’s PEFR value decreased to 268.67 L/min and the schoolgirl to 256.79 L/min when the sand-dust weather broke out. A negative relationship was observed between the concentration of PM2.5 and the schoolgirl’s PEFR value.(P

PURPOSE: The homeobox (Hox) genes a and d controlling limb and genital development influence the digit ratio and the fetal production of testicular androgen, which may result in testicular descent in boys. To assess whether the digit ratio reflects disease status, we investigated the second and fourth finger lengths in children with cryptorchidism, in children with hydrocele as a disease control, and in healthy controls (boys and girls). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-six children (46 with cryptorchidism, 50 with hydrocele, 50 healthy boys, and 50 healthy girls) who were 6 to 23 months of age were prospectively enrolled. Digit lengths were measured by 2 investigators, and the mean value was recorded. RESULTS: The second-to-fourth digit ratios (2D:4Ds) of the left hand in the cryptorchidism group, hydrocele group, healthy boys, and healthy girls were 0.958, 0.956, 0.950, and 0.956, respectively. The 2D:4D values of the right hand were 0.946, 0.945, 0.952, and 0.969, respectively. The right and left 2D:4D ratios were not significantly different among groups. The 2D:4D of both hands was not related to age, weight, or height. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, the 2D:4D was not significantly different in boys with cryptorchidism than in boys with hydrocele or in healthy controls (boys and girls) and failed to reflect disease conditions in the infant period.
Anthropometry ; Case-Control Studies* ; Child ; Cryptorchidism* ; Extremities ; Female ; Fingers ; Genes, Homeobox ; Hand ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Research Personnel