OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of air pollution on stroke mortality in Tianjin, China, and to provide basis for stroke control and prevention.

METHODSTotal data of mortality surveillance were collected by Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meteorological data and atmospheric pollution data were from Tianjin Meteorological Bureau and Tianjin Environmental Monitoring Center, respectively. Generalized additive Poisson regression model was used in time-series analysis on the relationship between air pollution and stroke mortality in Tianjin. Single-pollutant analysis and multi-pollutant analysis were performed after adjustment for confounding factors such as meteorological factors, long-term trend of death, "days of the week" effect and population.

RESULTSThe crude death rates of stroke in Tianjin were from 136.67 in 2001 to 160.01/100000 in 2009, with an escalating trend (P = 0.000), while the standardized mortality ratios of stroke in Tianjin were from 138.36 to 99.14/100000, with a declining trend (P = 0.000). An increase of 10 µg/m³ in daily average concentrations of atmospheric SO₂, NO₂ and PM₁₀ led to 1.0105 (95%CI: 1.0060 ∼ 1.0153), 1.0197 (95%CI: 1.0149 ∼ 1.0246) and 1.0064 (95%CI: 1.0052 ∼ 1.0077), respectively, in relative risks of stroke mortality. SO₂ effect peaked after 1-day exposure, while NO₂ and PM₁₀ effects did within 1 day.

CONCLUSIONAir pollution in Tianjin may increase the risk of stroke mortality in the population and induce acute onset of stroke. It is necessary to carry out air pollution control and allocate health resources rationally to reduce the hazard of stroke mortality.

Air Pollutants ; analysis ; Air Pollution ; analysis ; China ; epidemiology ; Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; Models, Theoretical ; Particulate Matter ; analysis ; Poisson Distribution ; Stroke ; epidemiology ; mortality ; Survival Rate ; Time Factors

Objective To quantitatively explore the effect of air pollution on coronary heart disease mortality in Tianjin.Methods Mortality data in 2001-2009 were from Tianjin mortality surveillance system operated by the Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while data related to meteorology and air pollution were from the Tianjin Meteorological Bureau and Tianjin Environmental Monitoring Station,respectively.Generalized Additive Model (GAM) extended Poisson regression was used to examine the relationship between air pollution and mortality in Tianjin,under the controlling of time trends,weather,the day of week and population etc.Results The crude coronary heart disease mortality in Tianjin increased from year 2001 to 2009,from 105.12/100 000 to 167.03/100 000.The standardized mortality rate of 96.07/100 000 to 105.11/100 000.Air pollutants was more strongly associated with coronary heart disease mortality.By single GAM analysis,a 10 tg/m3 increase in SO2,PM10 and NO2,which accounted for 1.25％(95％CI:0.75％-1.75％),0.65％ (95％CI:0.51％-0.79％) and 1.04％ (95％CI:0.52％-1.55％) increased in daily mortality.By multiple GAM analysis,a 10 μ g/m3 increase in SO2 and PM10 which accounted for 0.86％ (95％ CI:0.60％-1.12％) and 0.40％ (95％ CI:0.06％-0.75％) increased the daily mortality.NO2 was not significantly associated with coronary heart disease mortality rates,but factors as low temperature,low wind speed and population size were (P＜0.05).Conclusion Results from this study showed that air pollution was a risk factor for coronary heart disease mortality in Tianjin.

OBJECTIVETo explore the indication of hysterectomy after successful resuscitation of cardiac arrest due to obstetric hemorrhagic shock.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was conducted in 13 patients with cardiac arrest due to obstetric hemorrhagic shock in 7 hospitals of Guangzhou, including 12 patients undergoing hysterectomy and 1 undergoing uterine artery embolization.

RESULTSs After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, only 4 of the 13 patients undergoing hysterectomy or uterine artery embolization for continuing uterus hemorrhage survived.

CONCLUSIONDetailed plans and emergency measures should be formulated in the management of high-risk pregnancies. Early diagnosis and active treatment of obstetric hemorrhagic shock with hysterectomy or uterine artery embolization are critical in preventing cardiac arrest and improving the survival of the patients.

Adult ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Female ; Heart Arrest ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Postpartum Hemorrhage ; surgery ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Shock, Hemorrhagic ; etiology ; therapy ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study age and educational level and their relationship with fall-related injuries in Shanghai and to analyze the relevant costs.

METHODSMultistage cluster sampling was used for the selection of participants and standardized questionnaires were used for the information collection in 2006. Information on cases and deaths caused by fall-related injuries were obtained from 494 hospitals as well as from the mortality registry systems from 2001 till 2010.

RESULTSOf 45 857 participates, 674 suffered from fall-related injuries with the largest proportion among all injuries. The fall-related mortality increased from 10.63 per 100 000 in 2001 to 14.11 per 100 000 in 2010. The under-five mortality rate was the highest among children aged 0-14 years. Mortality increased dramatically among those aged 55 or above for the female and aged 60 or older for the male. Individuals with an educational level under the primary school were more likely to suffer fall-related injuries, accounting for 72.66% of all deaths and 49.24% of nonfatal cases respectively. The annual burden of fall-related injuries equated to 25.90% of the share of GDP for the healthcare, social security and welfare industries in 2006.

CONCLUSIONFall-related injuries were inversely related to victims' educational level. Children under the age of 5, women over 55 years old and men over 60 years old with an educational level lower than the primary school are the most risky groups of populations for intervention measures.

Accidental Falls ; mortality ; statistics & numerical data ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sex Distribution ; Young Adult

To develop a model for forecasting the mortality of stroke in Tianjin,China.The time series of stroke mortality from 1999 Jan.to 2006 Dec.in Tianjin city were subjected.Circle distribution analysis was used to verify the trend of time concentration.Multiple seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model [ARIMA (p,d,q) (P,D,Q)s],based on model identification,estimation and verification of parameter,and analysis of the fitting of model,was established.Most of the deaths from stroke occurred in January and had a cycle of 12 months.An AR/MA model (0,1,0)×(0,1,1)12 was established(1-B)(1-B12) lnxt=0.001+(1-0.537 B12)εt.Conclusion: ARIMA & Circle Distribution analysis is an important tool for stroke mortality analysis.Potentially it has a high practical value on the surveillance,forecasting and prevention of stroke mortality.

BACKGROUNDPsoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease, yet knowledge of the factors that may induce, trigger, or exacerbate psoriasis is not fully delineated. Recent advances have improved our understanding of the link between psoriasis and cell-wall-deficient bacteria (CWDB) infections. In the present study we assessed the prevalence of CWDB infection in patients with psoriasis.

METHODSThe carriage rate of CWDB in the tonsil or pharynx of psoriasis patients, chronic tonsillitis patients and controls were investigated using hypertonic medium. Psoriasis patients with CWDB were randomly assigned to two groups and respectively treated with antibiotics or systemic therapy without antibiotic. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from psoriasis patients, chronic tonsillitis patients and control subjects were stimulated with bacteria antigens and extra-cellular levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin (IL)-10 were measured in the supernatants using the ELISA technique, in vitro. Meanwhile, the proliferation ability of PBMC to respond to bacteria antigens was detected by MTT assay.

RESULTSCWDB were isolated from 74.2% of psoriasis patients, 23.5% of chronic tonsillitis patients and only 6.3% of controls. Antibiotic therapy was appropriate for approximately 80% of psoriasis patients with CWDB infection, and in only 8.9% psoriasis patients CWDB infection was detected after antibiotic therapy. Meanwhile, our study showed that CWDB and wide-type bacteria did remarkably enhance the production of IFN-gamma, in vitro, and PBMC proliferation.

CONCLUSIONCWDB infection may be a virtual triggering factor in psoriasis by regulating T-cell activation.

Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Bacteria ; cytology ; drug effects ; isolation & purification ; Cell Wall ; metabolism ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Interferon-gamma ; metabolism ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Psoriasis ; drug therapy ; etiology ; metabolism ; microbiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of Longbishu Capsule (, LBS), doxazosin, and combination therapy on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSA randomized, double-blind, multi-center parallel trial was conducted involving 360 patients in hospitals in Beijing (108 cases), Heilongjiang (90 cases), Sichuan (90 cases), Shanghai (72 cases), China. They were randomly assigned with central randomization method to group A (LBS placebo plus doxazosin), group B (LBS plus doxazosin) or group C (LBS plus doxazosin placebo), 120 cases for each group. The international prostate symptom score, maximum urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume and prostate volume were measured for evaluating the efficacy of the three treatments.

RESULTSAt baseline, there was no significant difference in the measured variables among the three groups. After 12-month treatment, the three groups showed significant improvements in IPSS and maximum urinary flow rate from baseline (P<0.01). Although postvoid residual urine volume was not significantly different from the baseline in group A (P>0.05), it significantly decreased in group B and C (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse events were similar among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe treatment of LBS alone or LBS plus doxazosin was able to significantly improve IPSS in patients with BPH. The treatments may reduce the increase in prostate volume and postvoid residual urine volume as well.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Doxazosin ; therapeutic use ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Placebos ; Prostatic Hyperplasia ; drug therapy

BACKGROUNDThe mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a key cellular signaling pathway associated with various cellular functions, has distinct roles in the inflammatory process. In this study, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (Rapa) was used to test whether inhibition of mTOR activation attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in a murine model.

METHODSMice pretreated with Rapa or vehicle were given LPS intratracheally. Local cell numbers and inflammatory cytokines present in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), wet-to-dry weight ratio, histopathology of the lungs, and survival were evaluated.

RESULTSThe phosphorylation of S6, a major downstream target of mTOR, had a 3-fold increase in lung tissue after LPS stimulation, but the increase was blocked by Rapa. Rapa reduced the levels of TNF-α (LPS vs. LPS + Rapa, (1672.74 ± 193.73) vs. (539.17 ± 140.48) pg/ml, respectively; P < 0.01) and IL-6 (LPS vs. LPS + Rapa: (7790.88 ± 1170.54) vs. (1968.57 ± 474.62) pg/ml, respectively; P < 0.01) in the BAL fluid. However, Rapa had limited effects on the overall severity of ALI, as determined by the wet-to-dry weight ratio of the lungs, number of neutrophils in the BAL fluid, and changes in histopathology. In addition, Rapa failed to reduce mortality in the LPS-induced ALI model.

CONCLUSIONSWe confirmed that mTOR was activated during LPS-induced ALI and strongly inhibited by Rapa. Although Rapa reduced the levels of the mediators of inflammation, the overall severity and survival of the ALI murine model were unchanged.

Acute Lung Injury ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Animals ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Phosphorylation ; Sirolimus ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases ; drug effects

Background The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a key cellular signaling pathway associated with various cellular functions, has distinct roles in the inflammatory process. In this study, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (Rapa) was used to test whether inhibition of mTOR activation attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALl) in a murine model.Methods Mice pretreated with Rapa or vehicle were given LPS intratracheally. Local cell numbers and inflammatory cytokines present in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), wet-to-dry weight ratio, histopathology of the lungs, and survival were evaluated.Results The phosphorylation of S6, a major downstream target of mTOR, had a 3-fold increase in lung tissue after LPS stimulation, but the increase was blocked by Rapa. Rapa reduced the levels of TNF-α (LPS vs. LPS + Rapa,(1672.74±193.73) vs. (539.17±140.48) pg/ml, respectively; P ＜0.01) and IL-6 (LPS vs. LPS + Rapa: (7790.88±1170.54)vs. (1968.57±474.62) pg/ml, respectively; P ＜0.01) in the BAL fluid. However, Rapa had limited effects on the overall severity of ALI, as determined by the wet-to-dry weight ratio of the lungs, number of neutrophils in the BAL fluid, and changes in histopathology. In addition, Rapa failed to reduce mortality in the LPS-induced ALI model.Conclusions We confirmed that mTOR was activated during LPS-induced ALI and strongly inhibited by Rapa.Although Rapa reduced the levels of the mediators of inflammation, the overall severity and survival of the ALI murine model were unchanged.

OBJECTIVETo get the genotype and allele frequency distributions of 8 short tandem repeat (STR) loci on chromosome 3p (D3S1297, D3S1489, D3S1266, D3S1568, D3S1289, D3S1300, D3S1285 and D3S3681) in Chinese Han population in Hunan area.

METHODSBlood samples were collected from the random Han individuals in Hunan and the whole genomic DNA was extracted. STR loci were amplified by multiplex-PCR technique and genotyped by ABI 377 sequencer.

RESULTSNinety-one alleles were detected, with frequencies ranging from 0.002 to 0.431, and these alleles constituted 312 genotypes. All the 8 loci met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The statistical analysis of 8 STR loci showed the heterozygosity (H) >or= 0.729, the discrimination power (DP) >or= 0.725, the probabilities of paternity exclusion (PPE) >or= 0.596, and the polymorphic information content (PIC >or= 0.682). The result indicated that there was a significant difference between Han ethnic group and the white and the black.

CONCLUSIONThese results could serve as valuable data to enrich the Chinese genetic database and play an important role in Chinese population genetic and forensic medical application.

Adult ; Alleles ; China ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Microsatellite Repeats ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic