Objective To study the chemical composition and the sources of indoor PM10 in some residential houses in Beijing. Methods PM10 samples were collected using cascade impactors in smoker's and non-smoker's homes in winter. The mass concentrations and enrichment characteristics of nineteen elements, such as Al, Si, and S in airborne particles were analyzed by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and enrichment factor. Results The concentrations of 19 elements were higher in smoker's homes than those in non-smoker's homes in winter, especially K and S concentrations were 2-4 times of those in non-smoker's homes. Al, Si, S, K, Ca and Fe made greater contribution to concentrations of elements in PM10, of which K and S accounted for 72% of total elements in smoker's homes while Al, Si and Ca amounted to 57% of total elements in non-smoker's homes. Conclusion Al, Si, Ca, Ti and Fe come from natural sources while S, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu, As, Cl and P originated from anthropogenic sources such as smoking, coal combustion and oil combustion.

The significance of the study on the human healht effects of inhalable particulates(PM10) was pointed out,specific properties of inhalable particulates,such as chemical components,aerodynamic behavior and transference in respiratory tract,were then presented.The serious harm of inhalable particulates on human health were summarized based on research results of epidemiological study,animal toxicological study and clinical study,and research emphasis to which should pay more attention in the future study of this aspects was also suggested.

OBJECTIVETo report on a Chinese family from Wenzhou with genetically confirmed Kennedy disease and describe its clinical and genetic features.

METHODSThe clinical phenotype and the level of relevant biochemical markers were assessed. To determine the number of CAG repeats in the exon 1 of androgen receptor (AR) gene, genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the family members, amplified by PCR and identified by DNA sequencing.

RESULTSThe proband showed predominantly proximal limb weakness, fasciculation, muscle atrophy, gynecomastia, sexual dysfunction and increased serum creatine kinase. Myopathy and neuropathy were identified by electromyography. Two other affected males and 2 affected female carriers were identified to carry an expanded CAG repeat in the AR gene. The numbers of CAG repeats were found to be 43 in the proband, 43 and 42 in the other two affected males, one of which had similar clinical symptoms to the proband.

CONCLUSIONThe family was diagnosed with Kennedy disease by analysis of the AR gene.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Base Sequence ; Bulbo-Spinal Atrophy, X-Linked ; blood ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Creatine Kinase ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Pedigree ; Receptors, Androgen ; genetics ; Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion ; Young Adult