Objective To investigate the change of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the skin of diabetic rats, and to explore the potential role of MMP-9/TIMP-1. Methods Diabetic rats were induced with streptozotocin (STZ). Then all rats were maintained for 6 weeks. Routine pathological examination and immnnohistochemistry were made to reveal the histological and cytological appearances. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of mRNA and protein of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the skin. Results Six weeks after STZ treatment, examination of HE-stained skin sections from normal and diabetic animals revealed that the epidermis and dermis layers were thinner in diabetic rats than those in control rats. The skin of diabetic rats showed features of atrophy such as disorganization of connective tissue fiber bundles and enlarged space between collagen fiber bundles. In contrast, thick bundles of connective tissue were observed in the dermis of normal rat skin. In normal skin, cells had a bipolar, spindle-shaped appearance in the thick collagen bundles, while in the skin of diabetic animals the interstitial cells had a rounded, shrunken and crenated appearance. The relative values of expression of MMP-9 in diabetic group were higher than those in normal group with significant difference, however, the relative values of expression of TIMP-I in diabetic group were lower than those in control group. Conclusion The changes in cutaneous histology and cytology appear earlier than skin wound. These "underlying disorders" may be associated with the imbalance of MMP-9/TIMP-1.

Background: Preterm birth is a common cause of death in newborns and may result from many determinants, but evidence for the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of preterm birth in Tibetan women of childbearing age is limited. The aim of this study was to understand the current status of preterm birth in native Tibetan women and investigate the socioeconomic and environmental determinants. Methods: Data were drawn from a cohort study which was conducted from August 2006 to August 2012 in rural Lhasa, Tibet, China. A total of 1419 Tibetan pregnant women were followed from 20 weeks' gestation until delivery; the loss to follow?up rate was 4.69%. The incidence of preterm birth was estimated to show the status of preterm births in Tibet. Logistic regression models for longitudinal data were established, and odds ratios (ORs) together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association between the occurrence of preterm birth and 16 selected potential determinants based on the hierarchical conceptual frame. Results: The incidence of preterm birth was 4.58% (95% CI = 3.55–5.80%). After adjusting for health?related variables of the mothers and newborns, socioeconomic and environmental determinants associated with preterm birth included season (spring: OR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.09–0.84; autumn: OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06–0.69; and winter: OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.12–0.82) and calendar year of delivery (2010: OR = 5.03, 95% CI = 1.24–20.35; 2009: OR = 6.62, 95% CI = 1.75–25.10; and 2007–2008: OR = 5.93, 95% CI = 1.47–23.90). Conclusions: The incidence of preterm birth among native Tibetan women was low and there was a decreasing trend in recent years;however, it is still essential to strengthen seasonal maternal care, extend the spacing between pregnancies, and reinforce adequate maternal nutrition.

Objective To guarantee the effect of disinfection of Ethylene Oxide (EO) and the safety of operators. Methods Monitored contents of EO in disinfected articles and operation environment by technological, chemical and biological supervision methods. Results The contents of EO in supervised environment didn't exceed the standard specified by the state. The quality of disinfection had passed the test totally. Conclusions The safety of operators and those surrounding people could be guaranteed by strict and scientific system supervision effectively. Both disinfection quality and medical safety could be guaranteed.

Objective To detect Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA in urine samples from the following groups:pregnant women,sick newborns,hospitalized nephropathy patients,renal transplant recipients and normal population.Preliminarily study the relationship of HCMVinfection and renal disease.Methods To detect HCMV DNA in morning urine samples by Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (FQ-PCR).Results The positive rates of HCMV DNA in the urine of pregnant women,sick newborns,hospitalized nephropathy patients,renal transplant recipients and normal population are 8.1 8%,3.45%,18.54%,25.42%,0.56%.Conclusion The infection rates of HCMV in the urine of pregnant women and sick newborns are very high in Guangxi,it should take serious measures to prevent and control the situation.HCMV probably participate in the iniury of kidney,and worsen the disease.It should be one of the causes of renal disease.

BACKGROUNDPreterm birth is a common cause of death in newborns and may result from many determinants, but evidence for the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of preterm birth in Tibetan women of childbearing age is limited. The aim of this study was to understand the current status of preterm birth in native Tibetan women and investigate the socioeconomic and environmental determinants.

METHODSData were drawn from a cohort study which was conducted from August 2006 to August 2012 in rural Lhasa, Tibet, China. A total of 1419 Tibetan pregnant women were followed from 20 weeks' gestation until delivery; the loss to follow-up rate was 4.69%. The incidence of preterm birth was estimated to show the status of preterm births in Tibet. Logistic regression models for longitudinal data were established, and odds ratios (ORs) together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association between the occurrence of preterm birth and 16 selected potential determinants based on the hierarchical conceptual frame.

RESULTSThe incidence of preterm birth was 4.58% (95% CI = 3.55-5.80%). After adjusting for health-related variables of the mothers and newborns, socioeconomic and environmental determinants associated with preterm birth included season (spring: OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09-0.84; autumn: OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06-0.69; and winter: OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.12-0.82) and calendar year of delivery (2010: OR = 5.03, 95% CI = 1.24-20.35; 2009: OR = 6.62, 95% CI = 1.75-25.10; and 2007-2008: OR = 5.93, 95% CI = 1.47-23.90).

CONCLUSIONSThe incidence of preterm birth among native Tibetan women was low and there was a decreasing trend in recent years; however, it is still essential to strengthen seasonal maternal care, extend the spacing between pregnancies, and reinforce adequate maternal nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of disability among the older adults. Few treatments are safe and effective. Moxibustion is commonly used in treating knee OA in Chinese medicine (CM). CO Laser moxibustion device is a substitute for traditional moxibustion, which mimics the effects of traditional moxibustion. More data are needed to support its application in knee OA. OBJECTIVE: ObjectiveThe trial aims to assess the effect and safety of CO laser moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with a sham control. METHODS: This is a protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 392 participants were recruited and assigned to the CO laser moxibustion group and sham laser moxibustion group with a 1:1 ratio at 6 outpatient clinics in Shanghai, China. Participants in both groups received treatment at the affected knee(s) at the acupuncture point Dubi (ST 35) and an Ashi point. There were 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, and an additional 20-week follow-up. Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores at week 4. Secondary outcomes were WOMAC function score, stiffness score and overall score, VAS pain, Short-Form heath survey (SF-36), and patients' global assessment. The serum levels of cytokines involved in progress of knee OA were explored. Safety was assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness was assessed by both participants and treatment providers.This is a protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 392 participants were recruited and assigned to the CO laser moxibustion group and sham laser moxibustion group with a 1:1 ratio at 6 outpatient clinics in Shanghai, China. Participants in both groups received treatment at the affected knee(s) at the acupuncture point Dubi (ST 35) and an Ashi point. There were 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, and an additional 20-week follow-up. Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores at week 4. Secondary outcomes were WOMAC function score, stiffness score and overall score, VAS pain, Short-Form heath survey (SF-36), and patients' global assessment. The serum levels of cytokines involved in progress of knee OA were explored. Safety was assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness was assessed by both participants and treatment providers. DISCUSSION CO laser moxibustion device, designed as a substitute for CM moxibustion, is easy to use and control with no choking smoke and smell, and is a plausible method for double-blind research. This study would provide rigorous evidence for the effect and safety of CO laser moxibustion in treating knee OA (Trial registration No.: ISRCTN15030019).