objecfive To know and compare the intelligence level of children born in different time periods in regions with iodine deficiency disorders(IDD)in Liaoning province.Methods All 7-14 year-old children from ten schools were chosen as the subjects respectively from six villages in each of the six counties and in regions with iodine deficiency,who were respectively born at the initialization of iodinated salt supplying period(1978-1980);non-iodinated salt supplying period(1981-1990);recovery of supplied iodized salt period(1991-1995);universal iodized salt period(1996-2000),respectively.Intelligence quotient(IQ)was measured by Combined Ravens Test in China(CRT-C)and Combined Ravens Test-the Rural,in China,2nd edition(CRT-RC2).Results IQ of children during the non-iodized salt period(91.9±14.3)was significantly lower than the initial supply of iodized salt period(95.8±14.6,q=8.60,P<0.01),recovery of supplied iodized salt period(99.7±14.7)was significantly higher than the initial supply of iodized salt period, non-iodized salt sales period(q = 9.53, 18.13, all P < 0.01 ),universal salt iodization( 104.3 ± 14.9) was significantly higher than the initial supply of iodized salt period, non-iodized salt sales period, recovery of supplied salt iodization(q = 20.00,28.00,10.46, all P < 0.01). Children's rate of mental retardation (IQ≤69) was higher in non-iodinated salt supplying period (6.7%, 88/1314 ) than the initial supply of iodized salt (4.4%, 21/471, χ2 = 3.85, P < 0.05), recovery of supplied iodized salt period(3.3%,48/1470) was significantly lower than non-iodinzed salt supplying period (χ2 = 15.37, P < 0.01), universal salt iodization period(2.7%, 36/1344) was lower than the initial supply of iodized salt period(χ2 = 4.41, P < 0.05) and non-iodinzed salt supplying period(χ2 = 26.34, P < 0.01 ). The IQ and intelligent retarded rates in children born during the initial years of iodinated salt supplying period were not different. The IQ of the children during ten years of non-iodized salt supplying period fluctuated in a "∪" curve, while the intelligent retardation rates in a "∩" curve.The children born during the period of recovery supplied iodized salt increased their IQ and lowered the retardation rates year after year. The IQ of the children in universal iodized salt period kept on increasing while intelligent retarded rates reduced to the lowest level. Conclusions The intelligence level of children born in regions with IDD during non-iodized salt supplying period is remarkably lower than that of the beginning years of iodinated salt supplying period. The intelligence level of children born after universal iodized salt period is remarkably higher than that of the initial iodinated salt supplying period and recovery of supplied iodized salt period, respectively.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the change in nitration tyrosine, NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)level in induced sputum of silicosis patients and dust exposure workers and to evaluate the approach and feasibility of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites as early detection indicators of silicosis.

METHODSNitration tyrosine, NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)concentration in induced sputum of 80 dust exposure workers, 84 silicosis patients, 30 logistic personnel with no history of exposure to silica dust were determined and the relationship among Nitration tyrosine, NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)level and dust exposure years as well as pulmonary function tests were analyzed.

RESULTSNO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)level among exposed group [60.30 (46.58) micromol/l] was significantly higher than the control group [36.90 (22.28) micromol/l], (P < 0.05), and the level of NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)among the cases [79.65 (89.10) micromol/l] was significantly higher than exposed group as well as the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with control, the level of nitration tyrosine in exposed group [3.51 (0.46) nmol/l] and the cases [3.48 (0.49) nmol/l] was significantly higher (P < 0.05). NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)level and dust exposure years were positively correlated (r = 0.3733 and 0.3830 respectively P < 0.05); NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)level and pulmonary function tests (FVC%, FEV1.0%, PEF%, MEF25%, MEF50%) were negatively correlated (r = 0.1540, 0.1723, 0.1535, 0.1485, 0.1643 respectively, P < 0.05). There was no correlation between nitration tyrosine and dust exposure years (P > 0.05), no correlation between nitration tyrosine and pulmonary function test (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe level of NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)level in induced sputum has a positive correlation with exposure to dust, suggesting that there will be a certain feasibility of the NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(-)as indicators of early detection of silicosis.

Adult ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Nitrates ; metabolism ; Nitrites ; metabolism ; Silicosis ; metabolism ; Sputum ; metabolism ; Tyrosine ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo compare the sensitivity and specificity of four kits for detection of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV IgG in sera of SARS patients.

METHODSAnti-SARS-CoV IgG was detected in 99 serial sera from 18 SARS patients and in 123 negative reference sera, using two enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (EIA No. A and No. B) and two indirect immunofluorescence assays (Australian IFA and Euroimmun IFA).

RESULTSAnti-SARS-CoV IgG was not detected in sera collected from SARS patients at the first week after onset by any of the four kits, however, it was detectable in sera obtained at the second week of illness by EIA No. B, and two IFA, but not by EIA No. A, with the positive rates of 57.1% (4/7), 57.1% (4/7) and 42.9% (3/7), respectively. The anti-SARS-CoV IgG was first determined in sera on the 9th day by Euroimmun IFA, 12th day by EIA No. B, 13th day by Australian IFA, and 16th day by EIA No. A. The positive rates of antibody on the 3rd week after onset were 84.2% (16/19), 94.7% (18/19), 78.9% (15/19) and 52.6% (10/19) respectively. They were identical since the 4th week after the disease onset. Through detection of 123 negative reference sera, the specificity of EIA No. A and two IFA was 100%, with exception of 94.9% for EIA No. B.

CONCLUSIONThe sensitivity and specificity of the two IFAs were relatively higher than that of the two EIAs. The quality of the two homemade EIAs should be improved.

Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Male ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ; SARS Virus ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; diagnosis ; immunology ; virology

OBJECTIVE: To observe the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on small airway function and exercise tolerance in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: A total of 62 patients with stable COPD were randomized into an observation group (31 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (31 cases, 5 cases dropped off). On the base of routine medication and aerobic exercise, the patients of the two groups all received EA at Danzhong (CV 17), Rugen (ST 18), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25) and Yingchuang (ST 16). In the observation group, filiform needles were used and inserted perpendicularly, 3 mm in depth. In the control group, the placebo needling method was performed, in which the needle was not inserted through skin at each point. In both groups, electric stimulation with low-frequency electronic pulse instrument was exerted, with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, lasting 30 min each time in the two groups. The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week, for 14 treatments totally. Before and after treatment, the following indexes were compared in patients between the two groups, i.e. the lung function indexes (forced expiratory volume in first second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], the ratio of FEV1 to FVC [FEV1/FVC], maximal voluntary ventilation [MVV], the percentage of maximal expiratory flow [MEF] at 25% of FVC exhaled [MEF25], MEF50 and MEF75 in predicted value), cardiopulmonary exercise test indexs (metabolic equivalent [METS], oxygen uptake per kg body weight [VO RESULTS: After treatment, FVC%, MVV%, MEF75%, MEF50%, VO CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture can improve the respiratory function and exercise tolerance in COPD patients through removing small airway obstruction and increasing ventilation.
Electroacupuncture ; Exercise Tolerance ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/therapy* ; Respiratory Function Tests