BACKGROUND: In the past, a lot of researches used one-time lead level in umbilical cord blood at birth for investigations,however, one-time lead level in umbilical cord blood at birth can not represent lead caused cumu lative injury to neonatal nervous system during the whole period of preg nancy. Lead in meconium is mainly from digestive juice secreted by fetal alimentary tract, exfoliative epithelia from neonatal intestinal tract and am niotic fluid and sebum cutaneum swallowed by fetus, which is excreted from the very start of pregnancy to 24 hours after birth of neonates and re flects the lead deposit in neonatal intestinal tract during the whole period of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between neurobehavioral devel opment in neonates with intrauterine exposure to lead at low level and the lead level in umbilical cord blood (CBPb) and meconium (MPb). DESIGN: Take lead levels in umbilical cord blood and meconium as neonatal intrauterine exposure indicators and scores of neonatal neurobe havioral development as effect indicators, and descriptive analysis is used to evaluate the correlativity. SETTING: Wuhan University of Science and Technology; Laboratory of Occupation Disease and Epidemiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Wuhan First Metallurgical Con struction Company Hospital for Workers and Staff. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 103 cases of full-term and healthy neonates were selected as objects of observation. The neonates were born in Depart ment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wuhan First Metallurgical Constrction Company Hospital, Qingshan District of New Industrial District of Wuhan from January to October 1999. Their parents were agreed to participate in the study and filled in the questionnaire, and provided neonatal meconium and performed neonatal tests on schedule. METHODS: ① Collection and assay of sample: 5 mL umbilical cord blood were collected and reserved in refrigerator at -4 ℃. Meconium with in 24 hours after birth, with dry weight between 5 to 10 g was collected, the lead levels in umbilical cord blood and meconium were assayed with the method of graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. ② Group ing: The neonates were divided into two groups with high and low-exposure to lead based on the cutoff value of CBPb of 0.483 μmol/L and MPb of 127.78 mg/kg. ③ Neonatal neurobehavioral development examination: Neonatal neurobehavioral development examination method was used for examination 3 days before delivery. Meanwhile, self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct a survey in puerperas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① Lead levels in neonatal umbilical cord blood and meconium. ② Scores of neurobehavioral development of neonates with different lead levels of umbilical cord blood and meconium. RESULTS: All the 103 cases of neonates entered results analysis. ①There was significant difference only in scores of neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) and biological visual and auditory orientation reaction (BVAOR)between groups with high and low-exposure to lead in umbilical cord blood (P ＜ 0.05). However, there was no rank correlativity between lead level in umbilical cord blood and scores of NBNA,non-biological auditory orientation reaction (NBAOR), non-biological visual orientation reaction (NBVOR) and biological visual and auditory orientation reaction (NBVOR). ②here was significant difference in scores of NBNA,NBAOR, NBVOR and BVAOR between groups with high and low-exposure to lead in meconium (P ＜ 0.05-0.01). The lead level in meconium clearly correlated reversely with scores of NBNA, NBVOR and BVAOR.CONCLUSION: Lead level in meconium is more sensitively related to the scores of neonatal neurobehavioral development, which could be used as indicator for lead deposit in the fetal body during the period of pregnancy.

The fermentation of Bacillus cereus DLSL-2 was investigated through single-factor test. The optimized fermentation conditions are: temperature 30℃,initial pH 7.0,250 r/min. Uniform design was used in shaking flask to optimize the fermentation medium of bacillus cereus . The most suitable medium was identified as follows:4.88% defated soybean power ,1.45% maize starch, 0.106% K 2HPO 4, 1.78% yeasts extract, 5.6% inoculum. the optimized medium allowed the B.cereus biomass concentration to be increased from 3.2?109 cfu/mL to 7.1?109 cfu/mL.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the applicability of integration between three-dimensional (3D) facial and dental data to evaluate the nasolabial morphology variation before and after the cross-arch fixed restoration of the maxillary implant-supported prostheses. METHODS: Twelve patients (4 women and 8 men), mean age (54.82±5.50) years (from 45 to 62 years) referred to the Department of Oral Implan-tology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, were selected and diagnosed with edentulous maxilla. For all the patients, 4 to 6 implants were inserted into the maxilla. Six months later, the final cross-arch fixed prostheses were delivered. The 3D facial images were collected before and after the final restoration. The 3D data of prostheses were also captured. All the 3D data were registered and measured in the same coordinate system. Then the displacement of all the landmarks [cheilion left (CHL), cheilion right (CHR), crista philtri left (CPHL), crista philtri right (CPHR), labrale supe-rius (LS), subnasale (SN), stomion (STO), upper incisor (UI), upper flange border of the prostheses (F-point, F)], and the variation of the distances between these landmarks (SN-LS, CPHR-CPHL, CHR-CHL, LS-STO) were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The consistency test among three measurements of the length of F-SN indicated that the integration method of the dental prostheses and soft tissue had the good repetitiveness, ICC=0.983 (95%CI: 0.957-0.995). After wearing the final cross-arch maxillary implant-supported prostheses, all the landmarks on the soft tissue moved forward. The nasal base area changed minimally, and the shift of SN in the sagittal direction was only (0.61±0.44) mm. But the sagittal shift of LS was (3.12±1.38) mm. In the vertical direction, SN, LS, CPHL, and CPHR moved upward. But STO, CHL, and CHR moved downward a little. Except for the slight decrease of the length of philtrum (SN-LS), the length of CHL-CHR, CPHL-CPHR, and the height of upper lip were increased together (P < 0.01). In the direction of Z axis, the strong correlations were found not only between the movements of SN and F (r=0.904 3) but also between the movements of LS and UI (r=0.958 4). CONCLUSION The integration method of 3D facial and dental data showed good repetitiveness. And the strong correlations between the landmarks of prostheses and nasolabial soft tissue in the sagittal direction were found by this new method.
Female ; Humans ; Incisor ; Lip ; Male ; Maxilla/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Mouth, Edentulous ; Prostheses and Implants

Objective · To identify broad-spectrum bacteriophages against extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia and analyze their characteristics by biological and genomic methods. Methods · Multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumonia strains collected from a hospital were used as host bacteria to isolate and purify broad-spectrum phages in the wastewater at the same hospital area. The size and shape of phages were observed by transmission electron microscope. Titer, host range, pH stability and thermal stability were measured. Moreover, the DNA extracted from the phage SH-Kp152234 was sequenced and analyzed. Results · One strain of bacteriophage against Klebsiella pneumonia was isolated and named as SH-Kp152234. The electron microscope revealed it belongs to Podoviridae family. Moreover, genome of SH-Kp152234 showed to be a linear double-stranded DNA of 40578 bp with the GC content of 52.85%. It was predicted to have 49 open reading frames with related known functions.Conclusion · SH-Kp152234, with a broad host range and a short latent period, which could exert its activity in a wide range of temperature and pH, is a promising candidate to be exploited in the treatment of multiple drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture(with the functions of awakening the brain and opening the orifices)combined with acupuncture at pericardium meridian points in the treatment of post-stroke sleep reversal(PSSR).Methods Sixty patients with PSSR were randomly divided into observation group and control group,30 patients in each group.Both groups were given conventional treatment,the control group was given oral use of Alprazolam,and the observation group was given the combination of acupuncture a at pericardial meridian points,and 10 days of treatment was one course of treatment.After 10 days of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and Ascens Insomnia Scale(AIS)scores,as well as the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)scores were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.The changes in cortisol levels at 0,8,and 16 o'clock were compared before and after treatment between the two groups.Results(1)After treatment,the PSQI scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving PSQI scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the AIS and HAMD scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the AIS and HAMD scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the cortisol level of patients in the two groups at 0,8,and 16 o'clock was significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the cortisol level at 0,8,and 16 o'clock was significantly superior to the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)The total effective rate was 86.67%(26/30)in the observation group and 80.00%(24/30)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was slightly superior to that of the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion Xingnao Kaiqiao Acupuncture combined with acupuncture at pericardium meridian points for the treatment of PSSR can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of the patients,so as to improve the quality of life of the patients,and the therapeutic efficacy is remarkable.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of hydrogen sulfide-induced delayed preconditioning on glutathione S-transferase (GST) expression during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in rats.

METHODSSprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n= 10 in each): Group S (sham operation group), Group IR (ischemia/reperfusion group), Group H (IR+ NaHS 0.05 mg/kg iv, 24 h before ischemia) and Groups D receiving IR+NaHS 24 h before ischemia and 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD)15 min before ischemia. Animals in groups IR, H and D were subjected to ischemia by 30 min of coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion. At the end of the reperfusion, myocardial infarct size (IS) was examined. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) was measured by Western blotting. The myocardial ultrastructures were observed under the electron microscopy.

RESULTSThe IS was significantly smaller in Group H than that in Group IR [(25.40 ± 3.54)% compared with (38.27 ± 5.64)%, P<0.05]. The GST expression in myocardium was significantly higher in Group H than that in Group IR. Microscopic examination showed less myocardial damage in Group H than in Group IR. The protective effects of delayed preconditioning by hydrogen sulfide was prevented by 5-HD pre-treatment.

CONCLUSIONThe hydrogen sulfide-induced delayed preconditioning attenuates myocardial IR injury possibly through up-regulating glutathione S-transferase expression in rats.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Glutathione Transferase ; metabolism ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; enzymology ; pathology ; therapy ; Myocardium ; enzymology ; ultrastructure ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo isolate and determine the chemical constituents from Astilbe chinensis.

METHODFour compounds were isolated and purified by extraction and column chromatography on silica gel. The chemical structures were determined on the basis of physical-chemical evidence and extensive spectral analysis(HR-EIMS, EIMS, 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, DEPT, 1H-1H-COSY, HMQC and HMBC).

RESULTTheir structures were elucidated as beta-sitosterol palmitate I, daucosterol II beta-sitosterol III and Bergenin IV, respectively.

CONCLUSIONCompound I and II were isolated from A. chinensis for the first time.

Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Saxifragaceae ; chemistry ; Sitosterols ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo investigate the potential mechanism of "osseoperception" which is the sensory and motor experience associated with dental implants.

METHODSTwenty patients with implant supported full dentures or traditional full dentures were recruited in this study. Functional MRI (fMRI) scan covering the whole brain was carried out in these patients in clenching. The fMRI data were analyzed with SPM 99 software.

RESULTSIn implant supported removable denture group, increased blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals during clenching were found in prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex, superior parietal cortex, basal ganglion and thalamus. In implant supported fixed denture group, main activations were found in prefrontal cortex, primary sensory and motor cortex, Broca's area, premotor cortex, superior temporal cortex, insular, basal ganglion, thalamus and hippocampus. In traditional full denture group, significant activations were mainly found in prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex. Their activation maps showed the greatest individually dependent diversity.

CONCLUSIONSSensory and motor feedback of central nervous system in patients with implant support fixed dentures is close to that of natural dentition. Mastication with traditional full dentures is more likely a process of task learning, memory and adaptation, which might be a more individually dependent restoration.

Aged ; Cerebral Cortex ; physiology ; Dental Implants ; Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported ; Denture, Complete ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuronal Plasticity

OBJECTIVEThe activity of deer serum albumin on proliferation of rat osteogenic-like cells UMR-106 and the IGF-I secretion were investigated in order to elucidate pilose antler's bone-strengthening mechanism.

METHODDeer serum albumin was isolated from freeze-dry pilose antler powder extract. The methods were Sephacryl S-200HR gel filtration, POROS 20QE ion-exchange and TSK G3000SW chromatographies. The effect of deer serum albumin on proliferatio of UMR-106 cells was assaied by MTT, and the secretion of IGF-I of UMR-106 cells was assaied by RIA.

RESULTDeer serum albumin, with the molecular weight of 56.3 kDa, significantly increased the proliferation rate of the osteoblast-like UMR-106 cell and IGF-I secretion. When concentration of deer serum albumin reached 0.149 microg x mL(-1), UMR-106 cell proliferation rate was 241.03% and IGF-I secretion was 66.89 ng x mL(-1).

CONCLUSIONThe concentration of deer serum albumin, from 14.9 ng x mL(-1) to 14.90 microg x mL(-1), significantly increased the proliferation rate of the osteoblast-like UMR-106 cell and IGF- I secretion.

Animals ; Antlers ; chemistry ; Bone Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Deer ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; secretion ; Materia Medica ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; metabolism ; pathology ; Osteosarcoma ; pathology ; Rats ; Serum Albumin ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

Objective:To explore the association and gene-environment interaction between single nu-cleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)involved in cell-cell adhesion and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P)among Chinese population.Methods:A total of 806 NSCL/P trios were drawn by an international consortium,which conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS)using a case-parent trio design to investigate genes affecting risks to NSCL/P.The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT)was used to explore the association between cell-cell adhesion genes,including CDH1,CT-NNB1,PVRL1,PVRL2,PVRL3,ACTN1,VCL,LEF1,and NSCL/P.Conditional Logistic regression models were used to estimate effects on risk of exposed and unexposed children.Four common maternal exposures including maternal smoking,environmental tobacco smoke,alcohol consumption and multivita-min supplementation during pregnancy were included in this study.Results:A total of 226 SNP markers were tested after quality control in this study.Although 23 SNPs in three genes (CTNNB1,CDH1, ACTN1)showed nominal significant association with NSCL/P in the TDT (P <0.05).There were no sig-nificant evidence of linkage and association that remained in the transmission disequilibrium test after Bonferroni correction(P >0.000 2).Tests for gene-environment interaction yielded significant results be-tween rs7431 27 in ACTN1 and environmental tobacco smoke (P =0.000 1 )with an estimated OR (case |G and E)=2.00(95%CI:1 .23 -3.26)and OR (case |G no E)=0.59 (95%CI:0.38 -0.90).Among the lower P value results in gene-environment tests,there were no significant results be-tween rs1 475034,rs370535,rs227341 9 in ACTN1,rs1 06871 in CTNNB1 and environmental tobacco smoke interaction.There were also no significant results between rs7634000,rs2971 366,rs2634553, rs1 489032,rs762481 2 in PVRL3 and multivitamin supplementation during pregnancy in gene-environ-ment tests(P >0.000 2).Conclusion:There is no association between cell-cell adhesion genes,inclu-ding CDH1,CTNNB1,PVRL1,PVRL2,PVRL3,ACTN1,VCL,LEF1,and NSCL/P when the genes are considered alone.But our results suggest that SNPs in ACTN1 may influence the risk to NSCL/P through gene-environment interaction.