Objective: To investigate the developmental toxicity of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene in zebrafish embryos. Methods: AB wild-type male and female zebrafish were selected to mate and spawn, then the eggs were cultured with Holt buffer solution. Six dose groups ( 0.4, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0 μg/mL ), a solvent control group and a cosolvent control group, were set up with 20 embryos each. Malformations and death of embryos were observed at 48, 72 and 96 hpf ( hours post fertilization ), the mortality and 50% lethal concentration ( LC50 ) were also calculated. Results: At 48, 72 and 96 hpf, the LC50 of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene on zebrafish embryos were 1.668, 1.043 and 0.895 μg/mL, respectively, with a downward trend. After 72 hpf, when the concentration reached 2.0 μg/mL, all the zebrafish died. In the range of 0.4-2.0 μg/mL, the mortality of zebrafish at 48, 72 and 96 hpf increased with the increase of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene concentration ( all P<0.05 ); the malformation rate of zebrafish embryos at 48 hpf increased with the increase of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene concentration ( P<0.05 ). Zebrafish embryos exposed to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene led to yolk sac edema, pericardial edema and spinal curvature. Conclusion 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene can affect the development of zebrafish embryos, which will lead to lethal and teratogenic effects.

We report here a Chinese female infant with severe hypoplasia of the cerebellum and pons, and heterozygous mutation (c.18G >T, p.E6D) in the TSEN54 gene. This mutation was not present in her parents and the 100 Chinese controls, which proved to be a de novo missense mutation. MR imaging of the patient revealed severe hypoplasia of the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres and vermis with moderate flattening of the pons. A video EEG during hospitalization demostrated abnormal background activities and generalized burst and attenuation patterns during interictal stage. The spasms and tonic spasms occurred frequently in clusters with generalized voltage attenuation.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the monitoring results of the occupational hazard factors in workplaces in Zhejiang Province, China in 2006 - 2010.

METHODSDescriptive analysis was performed on the monitoring results of the occupational hazard factors in workplaces in Zhejiang Province from 2006 to 2010.

RESULTSFrom 2006 to 2012, the number of monitored objects for each occupational hazard factor increased gradually, and the qualified rate for each factor remained unchanged or rose slightly. The qualified rates for silica dust and asbestos dust were less than 60%. The qualified rates for benzene, toluene, and xylene, which were always the factors highlighted in the monitoring of toxic chemicals, were all above 85%. The numbers of monitored objects for hexane, hydrogen sulfide, and cyanide grew significantly in recent years. However, the qualified rates for physical factors, which mainly included high temperature and noise, were less than 70%, lower than those for chemical factors.

CONCLUSIONThe qualified rate is as important as the number of monitored objects in the monitoring of the occupational hazard factors in workplaces in Zhejiang Province, China. The acute and chronic factors, physical and chemical factors, and traditional and new factors should be balanced in monitoring.

China ; epidemiology ; Dust ; analysis ; Environmental Monitoring ; Occupational Diseases ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Risk Factors ; Workplace

OBJECTIVETo apply theory of reasoned action at survey on welding workers occupational health protection behaviors and explore related influencing factors.

METHODSnine companies were randomly selected from areas with many welding works in Zhejiang Province. All welding workers were surveyed using a questionnaire based on theory of reasoned action.

RESULTS10.06%, 26.80% and 37.50% of the respondents never or seldom used eyeshade, mask and earplug, respectively. After controlling the socio-demographic factors, welding workers' behavioral belief was correlated with the behaviors of eyeshade-mask and earplug use (χ(2) = 31.88, 18.77 and 37.77, P < 0.01). the subjective norm of company was correlated with all protection behaviors (χ(2) = 20.60, 10.98 and 19.86, P < 0.01), the subjective norm of colleague was correlated with mask and earplug use, (χ(2) = 27.43, 36.39, P < 0.01), and the subjective norm of family was correlated with mask use (χ(2) = 5.73, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONTheory of reasoned action is suitable for welding worker occupational health related behaviors. It is useful to improve occupational health education, to effectively select health education objective and to tailor health education contents.

Adult ; Health Behavior ; Health Education ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Diseases ; prevention & control ; Occupational Health ; Protective Devices ; utilization ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Welding ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Panax notoginseng (PN) on pathological features in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) rabbits and its mechanisms.

METHODSA stable pathological animal model similar to CSDH in humans could be established using subdural injections of small number of blood through a subdural pre-catheter in rabbits. After successful modeling, 18 rabbits were randomly divided into the model group, the low dose PN group (0.125 g/kg), and the high dose PN group (0.250 g/kg), 6 in each group. Normal saline was given to rabbits in the model group, while PN power was given to those in the PN groups by gastrogavage for 6 successive days. Pathologic features of the hematoma outer membrane were observed by HE staining. The activity of SOD and the content of MDA in the hematoma outer membrane were examined by the colorimetric method. Expressions of CD31, CD34, and VEGF in the hematoma outer membrane were observed by immunohistochemical assay. Expressions of VEGF in the peripheral blood and the subdural hematoma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 in the hematoma outer membrane were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, the inflammatory reaction was comparatively lessen and the proliferation of the fibrous tissue was relatively mature in the low and high dose PN groups. The activity of SOD increased (P < 0.05); expressions of CD31 and CD34 were reduced (P < 0.01); VEGF expression in the residual hematoma fluid decreased (P < 0.05) in the high dose PN group. Expressions of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were all reduced in the high and low dose PN groups (P < 0. 05, P < 0.01). Compared with the low dose PN group, expressions of CD31 and CD34 were reduced (P < 0.01), and the VEGFR-2 expression was also reduced (P < 0.05) in the high dose PN group.

CONCLUSIONSPN could promote the fibrous repairing of subdural hematoma in CSDH rabbits. It also lessened inflammation and oxidative injury of the hematoma outer membrane and reduced expressions of VEGF. The pathological angiogenesis could be reduced through influencing VEGFR-2 receptor pathways, which might be an important mechanism.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Rabbits ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study comparatively the cytotoxicity induced by acid bentonite and organic bentonite.

METHODSThe cytotoxicity of two kinds of bentonite was detected using CCK8 assay, neutral red uptake (NRU) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay, apoptosis assay and hemolysis assay. In hemolysis assay human erythrocytes served as target cells and were exposed to the two kinds of bentonite at the doses of 0, 0.3125, 0.6250, 1.2500 and 2.5000 mg/ml for ten min. In other four assays, human B lymphoblast cells (HMy2.CIR) served as target cells and were exposed to the two kinds of bentonite at the doses of 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120 and 180 microg/ml for four h.

RESULTSIn hemolysis assay, the hemolysis rates induced by two kinds of bentonite at all doses were significantly higher than that of control (P<0.05); in CCK-8 assay, the cellular activities in acid bentonite group at the doses > or =30 microg/ml and in organic bentonite group at the doses > or =20 microg/ml were significantly lower than that of control (P<0.01); the similar results appeared in NRU assay and LDH assay, and the dose-effect relationship was observed in above 4 assays. In apoptosis assay, the early apoptosis cell rates in acid bentonite group at the dose of 180 microg/ml and in organic bentonite group at the doses of 120,180 microg/ml were significantly higher than that of control (P<0.05). Moreover, the results of five in vitro assays indicated the cytotoxicity induced by organic bentonite was higher than that induced by acid bentonite.

CONCLUSIONTwo kinds of bentonite could induce cytotoxicity, such as apoptosis and damage of cell membrane. The cytotoxicity of organic bentonite is higher than that of acid bentonite due to the different industrial treatment and characteristics of two kinds of bentonite particles.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Bentonite ; toxicity ; Cell Line ; Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic ; Erythrocytes ; drug effects ; pathology ; Hemolysis ; drug effects ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; pathology

OBJECTIVERasmussen syndrome (RS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, usually affecting one brain hemisphere. The present study aimed to analyze the electroclinical characteristics and treatment of RS.

METHODSThe medical records of 16 children with RS were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTSOf the 16 children, 8 were males and 8 were females. The age of onset was from 1 year and 11 months to 11 years and 6 months. The first symptom was seizure in all patients. The main seizure type was partial motor seizures. In all the patients, seizures gradually became frequent and in the form of epilepsia partialis continua (EPC). Thirteen cases developed hemiparesis. Fixed hemiparesis occurred from 2 months to 3 years after the onset of seizures. The cognitive deterioration was present in 14. The EEG background activity was abnormal in all the cases, asymmetric slow wave disturbances were bilateral but with unilateral predominance in 11, unilateral delta or theta wave in 8. The presence of interictal epileptiform discharges were found in all cases, unilateral in 11 and bilateral in 5. Seizures were recorded in all patients, no electroclinical correlation was found in 5. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed progressive unihemispheric or focal cortical atrophy in all cases. Six cases transiently showed focal cortical swelling or T2/FLAIR hyperintense signal on early scans. Antiepileptic drugs were not effective in any of the patients. Three of 10 patients receiving immunoglobulin, and 4 of 8 receiving corticosteroids, had some reduction of seizure frequency for a short period. Six patients accepted functional hemispherectomy, in 4 of them seizure no longer occurred and cognitive function was improved. The results of multiple subpial transection in 2 cases and focal resection in one patient were disappointing.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical features of RS were refractory partial epilepsy, progressive hemiplegia and cognitive deterioration. The EEG background was asymmetric with slow wave activity, interictal epileptiform discharges were unilateral or bilateral, no electroclinical correlation occurred. Serial MRI showed progressive unihemispheric focal cortical atrophy. Antiepileptic drugs were not effective for RS. In some patients, immunoglobulin or corticosteroids could reduce seizure frequency in the short term. Functional hemispherectomy could lead to seizure control and prevent further development of neurological impairment and cognitive deterioration.

Anticonvulsants ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cognition ; drug effects ; Electroencephalography ; Encephalitis ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Epilepsia Partialis Continua ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; Epilepsy ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Female ; Hemispherectomy ; methods ; Humans ; Infant ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the genotoxicity induced by organic bentonite particles in vitro.

METHODSHuman B lymphoblast cells (HMy2.CIR) were exposed to organic bentonite particles at the doses of 0, 1.88, 3.75, 7.50 and 15.00 µg/ml for 24, 48 and 72 h, calcium sulfate (30 µg/ml) and SiO2 (30 and 240 µg/ml) served as negative and positive controls, respectively. The genotoxicity of organic bentonite particles and soluble fraction was detected using comet assay and Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay.

RESULTSThe results of comet assay indicated that % tail DNA increased with the exposure doses and time in organic bentonite group, % tail DNA at the dose of 15.00 µg/ml for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h in organic bentonite group were 3.20 ± 0.19, 4.63 ± 0.88 and 9.49 ± 1.31 respectively which were significantly higher than those in calcium sulfate group (1.40 ± 0.11, 1.37 ± 0.22 and 0.90 ± 0.16) and those in 30 µg/ml SiO2 group (1.83 ± 0.21, 1.41 ± 0.27 and 2.48 ± 0.25) (P < 0.01). The results of CBMN assay showed that micronucleus frequencies (MNF) in organic bentonite group (except for 1.88 µg/ml for 24 h) were significantly higher than those in 30 µg/ml calcium sulfate group (MNF for 24, 48 and 72 h were 1.33‰ ± 0.58‰, 1.33‰ ± 1.15‰ and 1.33‰ ± 0.58‰) and those in 30 µg/ml SiO2 group (2.00‰ ± 0.00‰, 1.68‰ ± 0.58‰ and 2.33‰ ± 0.58‰) (P < 0.01). The results of two assays demonstrated that the soluble fraction of organic bentonite did not induce the genotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONThe organic bentonite dusts can induce the genotoxicity in vitro, which may be from the particle fraction.

Bentonite ; toxicity ; Cells, Cultured ; Comet Assay ; DNA Damage ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; Micronucleus Tests ; Mutagenicity Tests ; Quartz ; toxicity

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of an electro-mechanical film-based(EMFi) multi-parameter pressure sensitive sleep monitor(MPSSM)on clinical diagnosis and research significance of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS). METHODS: Retrospective analysis was made of 58 test subjects at Peking University Third Hospital with suspected OSAHS who were simultaneously monitored by MPSSM and polysomnography(PSG). The PSG test results were used as the gold standard in evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of OSAHS diagnosis of MPSSM. The test result consistency of sleep apnea and hypopnea index(AHI)and total apnea time of the two methods was evaluated. Real-time waveform comparison of sleep respiratory events of a randomly selected patient diagnosed with OSAHS was performed. RESULTS: For 58 test subjects, 48 were male, 10 were female, with an average age of(40.6±12.2)years. Thirty-nine out of the 58 test subjects were diagnosed with OSHAS by PSG. The sensitivity of MPSSM for OSAHS diagnosis was 92.3%, with 95% confidence interval of 79.1%-98.4%, and the specificity of MPSSM for OSAHS diagnosis was 100%, with 95% confidence interval of 82.3%-100%. Kappa test k=0.887 (P < 0.001) showed OSAHS diagnosis results of the two methods were almost identical. The AHI measured by MPSSM [12.0(2.6-32.2) times/h] and PSG [13.4(3.1-38.8) times/h] were highly correlated (ρ=0.939, P < 0.001). The total apnea time measured by MPSSM [37.9(9.9-80.5) min] and PSG [32.3(8.6-93.0) min] were highly correlated(ρ=0.924, P < 0.001). Bland-Altman plot showed that the consistency between the test results of the two methods was very high. CONCLUSION As a portable, non-contact, fully automatic monitoring device, MPSSM is reliable in the screening of OSAHS compared with PSG. It is suitable to be promoted and applied in primary medical institutions, nursing homes and domestic usage. However, further research is required in improving the analysis of different sleep phase and the differentiation of central sleep apnea syndrome respiratory events in order to effectively assist medical personnel in making an accurate sleep apnea diagnosis.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polysomnography ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sleep ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis*

Objective: A multicenter Chinese mainland survey was conducted to investigate the sensitization distribution characteristics of cat, dog and horse dander in patients with allergic diseases, so as to provide clinicians with epidemiological data of common animal allergens and useful information for the prevention and treatment of allergies in cats, dogs and horses. Methods: The epidemiological investigation and design was adopted. This study is based on the national epidemiological survey of allergic diseases led by the first affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. From January to December in 2021, a total of 2 122 patients diagnosed with allergic diseases were included in the outpatient department of respiratory department/pediatrics/allergy department of 14 units such as the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and 222 healthy subjects were included as controls from the physical examination center of the above units in the same period. All the subjects filled out the allergic disease questionnaire under the guidance of doctors, and the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) of cats, dogs and horses of all subjects were detected by magnetic particle chemiluminescence system. The epidemiological characteristics of three animal allergens in different diseases, ages and regions were analyzed. Chi square test was used to analyze the frequency difference between groups, t test or Mann Whitney U test was used to test the distribution difference between two groups, and one-way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis H test was used to compare the distribution difference between multiple groups. Bar chart, Venn-plot and radar chart were drawn to show the sensitization distribution characteristics. A small number of missing values caused by subjects' omission have been excluded during the analysis. Results: The 2 122 patients with allergic diseases were 57.35% male (1 217/2 122) and 40.95% female (869/2 122), and 1.70% (36/2 122) patients had loss of gender information. The age of patients with allergic diseases was 9.0 (6.0, 28.0) years, while that of healthy controls was 29.0 (13.0, 39.0) years old, and there were 1.7% (36/2 122) and 0.9% (2/222) subjects with missing age information, respectively. The proportion of caesarean section in allergic patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (31.4% vs. 17.6%,χ²=16.582,P<0.001) [2.5% (54/2 122) of the patient group and 5.4% (12/222) of the control group had missing birth mode information], and the proportion of patients with allergic diseases who reported that both parents had allergic diseases was significantly higher than that of the control group (35.7% vs. 9.5%, χ²=65.171,P<0.001). Patients with allergic diseases are mainly school-age (6-12 years old) and adolescents (12-18 years old). 16.4% of patients with allergic diseases were sensitized to cat dander, 10% and 6% to dog and horse dander. The sensitization rate of cat dander in patients with rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, food allergy and atopic dermatitis was the highest (16.4%-21.6%), followed by dog dander (10.2%-15.2%). The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was the highest among different animal sensitized populations. The proportion of cat, dog and horse allergens sensitized at the same time is between 10%-15%, and the proportion of any two or more animal dander sensitized at the same time is about 45%. Animal allergens are associated with respiratory allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis with allergic conjunctivitis. There were significant differences in the distribution of positive rates of three animal allergens in different regions, and the highest positive rate of cat dander was found in all provinces of the country. Conclusion: The sensitization rate of animal dander allergens increased significantly, and the highest was in children and adolescents. Cat dander is the most common animal allergen, followed by dog. Different animals show obvious cross or common sensitization due to their high homology.
Allergens ; Animals ; Cats ; Cesarean Section ; Dander ; Dogs ; Female ; Horses ; Immunoglobulin E ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Rhinitis, Allergic