Objective To explore the change and clinical significance of plasma levels of thrombomodulin(TM) in children with Kawasaki disease(KD)(n=44) before and after treatmen with intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG).Methods Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the plasma levels of TM in children with KD(n=44) before and after treatment with IVIG and in normal control group(n=15),respectively.Children with KD were enrolled from September 2004 to June 2006,one group(n=20) with coronary artery lesions(CALs) and another group(n=24) without CALs.The control were enrolled from heathy children in clinic service.Results The plasma level of TM in KD group before treatment with IVIG was significantly higher than that in control group(P

Objective To prepare a lipoic acid (LA) modified intrinsically disordered protein-cytosol-localizing internalization peptide 6 (CL) nanocomplex (LA-CL) entering cells by non-endocytosis mechanism for co-delivery of gene and chemotherapeutic drugs, and to investigate its transfection efficiency and cellular uptake on human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293 cells and its release behavior in vitro. Methods We synthesized four disulfide cross-linked lipoic acid modified LA-CLss(1-4) at different cross-linked degrees using different mass fractions (2.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%) of cysteine as cross-linking agent. The construction of LA-CLss was characterized by1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) and gel permeation chromatography. The LA-CLss/plasmid enhanced green fluorescent protein (pEGFP) nanocomplexes were self-assembled with LA-CLss and pEGFP at different nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) ratios (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80). The size and zeta potential of LA-CLss/pEGFP nanocomplexes were determined by particle size analyzer, and the pEGFP enrichment capacity of LA-CLss was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis. The docetaxel (DTX)-loaded micelles were prepared by ultrasonic emulsification, and the critical micelle concentration of LA-CLss3 was determined by pyrene fluorescence probe spectroscopy. The LA-CLss/pEGFP nanocomplexes were co-cultured with HEK293 cells, and the transfection efficiencies of LA-CLss/pEGFP nanocomplexes at different cross-linked degrees were investigated. Results1 HNMR results showed the LA-CLss was successfully synthesized. When N/P ratio was 40, the transfection efficiency of LA-CLss3/pEGFP nanocomplex by HEK293 cells was significantly higher than that of LA-CL/pEGFP, LA-CLss1/pEGFP, LA-CLss2/pEGFP and LA-CLss4 nanocomplexes. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of docetaxel-loaded micelles prepared by ultrasonic emulsification were (85.25±0.04)% and (8.81±0.02)%, respectively. Cellular uptake test showed that the gene could be effectively delivered into the HEK293 cells by the LA-CLss micelles. In vitro release experiments showed that the LA-CLss micelles had redox-responsive drug release behavior. Conclusion The prepared LA-CLss/DTX/pEGFP nanocomplex is expected to become an efficient vector for co-delivery of gene and chemotherapeutic drugs.

Advances in biotechnology give much importance to the therapeutic biomacromolecules in the therapy of diseases, such as proteins, oligonucleotides, and peptides. But their effects are limited in practical application because of cell membrane barrier. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are promising oligopeptides with a remarkable capacity for membrane translocation, which can carry various macromolecules into cells. In this paper, we reviewed the classification and transmembrane mechanism of CPPs as nanoparticles, with particular focus on their recent progress in tumor-targeted therapy.

Objective To explore the relationship between social participation and needs for rehabilitation of the disabled in Guangdong Province and to make a proposal for developing the rehabilitation strategies. Meth-ods The data of the Second National Sample Survey of Disabled Persons in Guangdong Province was used in this study. Ranked data analysis was made with the sub-items of the social participation assessment and the main needs of the disabled individuals. Results Significantly statistical differences were revealed with regard to the constitu-ent ratio of needs for rehabilitation services among people with different degrees of difficulties in social participation caused by hearing and visual impairments as well as physical and mental disabilities. No significant difference was found in terms of the constituent ratio of rehabilitation needs among those with difficulties in speech and those with psychiatric diseases. The major rehabilitation needs focused on medical service, assistive apparatus support and functional trainings. Conclusions The rehabilitation needs were different among different categories of disabled persons. Rehabilitation services should be provided accordingly.

Objective To investigate the attitudes of urban and rural community members toward total banning on smoking in public places and to explore the factors associated with these attitudes, in three counties/cities in China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in three counties/cities in 2004, including Xin' an county of Henan province, Anyi county of Jiangxi province, and Mianzhu city of Sichuan province. A total of 5642 residents at age of 18-69 years old were interviewed face-to-face with a uniform questionnaire by locally-trained interviewers, through a random three-stage stratified sampling in each county. Factors were assumed to be associated with attitudes, using chi-square test in univariate analysis and non-conditional logistic regression model in multivariate analysis. Results The prevalence of current smoking among respondents was 44.3%. 80.7% (1379/1709) of the current smokers reported smoking often or sometimes in public places. Only 9.6% (479/4983) of the respondents reported that their indoor workplaces had totally banned on smoking. 43.5% of the respondents supported a total smoking ban strategy in pubic venues. The results of multivariate logistic regression model showed that eight factors were significantly associated with support for the total smoking ban in public places included region, residency, age, gender, education, smoking status, awareness about passive smoking hazards, and hearing of any message on tobacco control through media differences of rates regarding the factors as: residents in urban to rural areas (OR=1.29), elderly to youngsters (30-49 vs. 18-29, OR=1.46; 50-69 vs. 18-29, OR=1.71), female to male(OR=1.27), high-educated to less-educated ones, quitters to current smokers (OR=1.90), nonsmokers to current smokers (OR=2.01). Those who know messages on health hazards of passive smoking (OR=2.26), or heard of message on tobacco control through media (OR= 1.43). Conclusion Results from our study revealed that a thorough smoke-flee policy in public places should be developed and implemented in these three counties/cities.

OBJECTIVETo understand the prevalence of passive smoking in Chinese families and discuss its associated factors, as to providing scientific evidence for establishing tobacco control measures in China.

METHODCross-sectional survey: from June to September, 2004, we randomly selected six counties in three different provinces ( Mianzhu and Xichong of Sichuan Province; Anyi and Hukou of Jiangxi Province; Xinan and Yanshi of Henan Province) and performed face-to-face questionnaire survey on citizens between 18 and 69 years old. All the data were double independently input by professional data entry company to ensure data accuracy. The prevalence of home passive smoking exposure in families with different demographic characteristics was described by using prevalence, and the possible correlated factors of home passive smoking exposure as independent variables, multiple factors were analyzed using Logistic Stepwise Regression Analysis method.

RESULTSThe analysis on 8142 nonsmokers revealed that the rate of passive smoking was 28.42%, with 27.38% of male and 28.93% of female suffering from passive smoking. All 87.19% of the smokers would smoke in front of their families. As many as 42.14% of the nonsmokers would offer cigarettes to their guests, while about 46.82% of the nonsmokers would suggest smokers to smoke outdoor. Home restriction on tobacco was extremely rare and only 6.33% of all the families completely forbade smoking. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of non-conditions revealed that, there was a lower level of involuntary tobacco smoke exposure in female, older age group, lower education level, divorced, or widowed families. There was no difference in involuntary tobacco smoke exposure between town dwellers and county dwellers, but such difference did exist in different districts.

CONCLUSIONThe three provinces under investigation should have severe involuntary tobacco smoking exposure. Gender, age, literacy level, occupation and region should be all factors that influence the status of involuntary tobacco smoking exposure in different families. There is a high percentile that smokers would smoke in front of their families and kids and a relative low pressure against smoking from nonsmokers. Cigarette offering is very prevalence. The knowledge and attitude about passive smoking should be separated from the situation of passive smoking exposure.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; China ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Family ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sampling Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; statistics & numerical data ; Young Adult

Objective To study the pathological features of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (NA) and the principles for clinical managements. Methods Thirty-five patients with NAs were treated in First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from Oct. 1981 to May 2007. The pathological changes, sites of origin, causes of intraoperative bleeding and the experiences of managements were retrospectively analysed. Using Fish stnge:6 cases were in stage Ⅰ ,8 cases were in stage Ⅱ,17 cases were in stage Ⅲ, 4 cases were stage Ⅳ. Two cases via endoscopic surgery,2 cases via palatal approach,19 cases via midfacial degloving approach, 9 cases via lateral rhinotomy approach, 3 cases via craniofacial combined approach. Results In nasal cavity and paranasal sinus, the tumor was covered by squamous or colummar epithelium. The tumor extensions such as in pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa were covered by fibrous pseudocapsule. All cases of this series originated in the lateral wall of posterior portion of the nasal cavity. Fifteen of thirty-five cases confidentially originated near sphenopalatine foramen. Large and thick vessels in the pedicle region were the exact sites of serious intraoperative bleeding. Thirty-one cases were totally removed. Four cases were subtotal resected. Visual less revealed in 6 cases, 4 cases visual acuity improved postoperatively. Three cases revealed postoperative dry eye due to surgical involvement of the sphenopalatine ganglion. Conclusions nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is covered by epithelium or pseudo-capsule, it does not infiltrate the surrounding tissue. Dissecting along the surface of tumor might decrease bleeding and facilitate removal of tumor. An ideal surgical management should be done according to actually size and image examination, to the greatest extent keeping normal facial appearance. Attention should be paid to the complications such as visual loss and dry eye.

Objective To observe the polyamines metabolism changes in rat cardiomyocytes underwent ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury.Methods A branch of the descending left coronary artery was occluded to induce rat myocardial I/R injury(30 min ischemia followed by 2 h,6 h,12 h, and 24 h reperfusion).RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the expression of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase(SSAT)and ornithine decarboxylase(ODC),the concentrations of polyamines were measured with high performance liquid chromatography in hearts with or without I/R.Results The myocardial transcription and expression of SSAT and ODC were significantly upregulated.Compared with the sham group,ODC mRNA and SSAT mRNA respectively increased 3.1 fold and 3.8 fold and their proteins respectively increased 3.1 fold and 2.9 fold at 24 h of reperfusion(P＜0.01):the concentrations of spermidine,spermine and the total polyamine pool respectively decreased by 33.6%.35.3%and 32.9%while putrescine concentration increased by 58.9%at 24 h of reperfusion(P＜0.01).Conciusion Our results suggest that ischemia-reperfusion in the heart may affect polyamine metabolism and the disturbance of polyamine metabolism might thus play a critical role in myocardial I/R iniury in this model.

Background::Fecal incontinence (FI) has been shown to be a common symptom in Western countries; however, there is few researches focusing on its epidemic condition in Chinese women. We conducted this national population-based epidemiology study to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of FI among adult Chinese women living in urban regions.Methods::This is a subgroup analysis of a national population-based epidemiology study of FI. Total 28,196 adult women from urban regions of six provinces and municipalities participated in this research from 2014 to 2015. They finished the questionnaire under the direction of trained interviewers. FI was defined as accidental leakage of flatus and/or liquid or solid stool at least once in the past. The FI prevalence trend and risk factors were identified by the Cochran-Armitage test, Chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression.Results::The prevalence of FI in adult females in urban China was 0.43% (95% confidence interval: 0.35%-0.51%). Among women with FI, 42.96%, 82.96%, and 42.22% reported having leakage of solid, liquid stool, and gas, respectively. The overall FI prevalence and the incidence rate of solid stool/liquid stool/gas leakage increased with age. The mean Wexner score was 4.0% and 12.0% FI patients reported Wexner score ≥9. Body mass index ≥24 kg/m 2, pelvic organ prolapses, chronic constipation, chronic cough, alcohol consumption, physical diseases including chronic bronchitis and cancer, gynecological diseases like gynecological inflammation are risk factors for FI. Vaginal delivery was the risk factor for FI in females with labor history. Conclusions::FI was not a common symptom in adult Chinese women living in urban areas and there were some potential modifiable risk factors.Trial Registration::Chinses Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-OCS-14004675; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=4898

BACKGROUNDData on the epidemiology of hypertension in Chinese non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the non-dialysis CKD patients through a nationwide, multicenter study in China.

METHODSThe survey was performed in 61 tertiary hospitals in 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China (except Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan). Trained physicians collected demographic and clinical data and measured blood pressure (BP) using a standardized protocol. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, and/or use of antihypertensive medications. BP < 140/90 mmHg and < 130/80 mmHg were used as the 2 thresholds of hypertension control. In multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for sex and age, we analyzed the association between CKD stages and uncontrolled hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients.

RESULTSThe analysis included 8927 non-dialysis CKD patients. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients were 67.3%, 85.8%, and 81.0%, respectively. Of hypertensive CKD patients, 33.1% and 14.1% had controlled BP to < 140/90 mmHg and < 130/80 mmHg, respectively. With successive CKD stages, the prevalence of hypertension in non-dialysis CKD patients increased, but the control of hypertension decreased (P < 0.001). When the threshold of BP < 130/80 mmHg was considered, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension in CKD 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 stages increased 1.3, 1.4, 1.4, 2.5, and 4.0 times compared with CKD 1 stage, respectively (P < 0.05). Using the threshold of < 140/90 mmHg, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased in advanced stages (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of hypertension Chinese non-dialysis CKD patients was high, and the hypertension control was suboptimal. With successive CKD stages, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased.

Adult ; Aged ; Awareness ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; complications ; epidemiology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; complications