·AIM:To compare the outer nuclear layer ( ONL) , inner and outer segments (IS/OS), photoreceptor cell layer in healthy people and diabetic retinopathy by frequency-domain optical coherence tomography ( OCT) .·METHODS: Totally 100 eyes of 50 healthy people were selected as control group. According to conventional mydriasis for examination of fundus and fundus fluorescein angiography ( FFA ) examination, all diabetic cases were divided into 3 groups: normal retina group ( NDR ) , non - proliferative diabetic retinopathy group (NPDR), proliferative diabetic retinopathy group (PDR). Using OCT measure the thickness of ONL, IS/OS and photoreceptor cell layer of fovea and parafovea ( nasal side and temporal side) in the four groups.·RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the ONL and photoreceptor cell layer's thickness of macular fovea and temporal parafovea in NPDR group and PDR group were statistically significant(all P<0. 05). The differences between ONL and photoreceptor cell layer's thickness of macular fovea and temporal parafovea in NDR group and PDR group were not statistically significant(P>0. 05). The IS/OS of macular fovea and temporal parafovea was not significantly different among those groups (P>0. 05). The thickness of different layers of nasal parafovea were not different (P>0. 05).·CONCLUSION: The thickness of macular fovea and temporal parafovea has relation with degree of DR; the change of photoreceptor cell layer's thickness occurs mainly in ONL, but IS/OS no change; the change in temporal parafovea more obvious than in nasal parafovea. Frequency-domain OCT can quantitatively and qualitatively observe the subtle diabetic macular changes in diabetic patients with macular disease, and provides a reliable detection for the early diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the blood lead status and influencing factors among preschool children in the sampling city.

METHODStratified-clustered-random sampling was used. Standardized questionnaire and peripheral blood samples were obtained from 69 968 children aged 0-6 years in fixed kindergartens and communities of Yinchuan, Xi'an, Chengdu, Wuhan, Hefei, Beijing, Harbin, Zhengzhou, Huhhot, Shijiazhuang, Haikou, Dalian, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Nanning and Changsha from 2004 to 2008, respectively. Tungsten atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry was employed to determine the blood lead level of children.

RESULTThe proportion of children with blood lead level ≥ 100 µg/L was 7.57% (among which the proportion of high blood lead level, mild lead poisoning, moderate lead poisoning, severe lead poisoning were 91.0%, 2.76%, 3.32%, 2.93%, respectively) and the blood lead level was lower than those of the past studies. The proportion of high blood lead level has steadily declined from 2004 to 2008 [the proportions were 10.03%, 7.85%, 7.40%, 6.91% and 4.78%, respectively (χ(2) = 297.36, P < 0.0001)]. The proportion of children with blood lead level ≥ 100 µg/L in Haikou, Zhengzhou, Guangzhou, Shijiazhuang, Changsha, Xi'an, Wuhan, Hefei, Chengdu, Yinchuan, Harbin, Beijing, Dalian, Huhhot, Nanning and Qingdao were 12.15%, 10.49%, 10.37%, 9.69%, 9.53%, 9.46%, 9.40%, 8.50%, 7.99%, 7.98%, 7.51%, 6.10%, 3.25%, 2.89%, 2.46% and 2.39%, respectively (χ(2) = 768.21, P < 0.0001). By multiple regression method, the risk factors which influenced blood lead status of children were education status of mother, older children, behavior and dietary habit of children, boy, stay for long time in traffic busy areas, the type of housing, taking traditional Chinese and herbal medicine. The protective factors against lead poisoning in children mainly included scattered living, the nutritional status of calcium, iron, zinc, frequent intake of milk, and older mother.

CONCLUSIONThe blood lead level of children has decreased, but is still higher than those in developed countries. Lead exposure remains a public health issue which affects children most. The blood lead level of children is affected by multiple factors. Government and the whole society should pay attention to interrupt the lead pollutant and to promote nutritional health education. With all these efforts, it is possible to stop the progress of lead exposure and reduce its hazardous effects on the growth and development of children.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Lead ; blood ; Lead Poisoning ; epidemiology ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population

OBJECTIVETo investigate the blood lead level in children aged 0-6 years in urban areas of China.

METHODSFourteen cities were selected as sites under surveillance. A total of 44 045 peripheral blood specimens were collected from 2004 to 2006, during which 15 727, 14 737, and 13 584 specimens were tested in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. Tungsten atomizer absorption spectrophotometer was employed to determine blood lead level.

RESULTSThe geometric mean blood lead level in the tested children was 47.10 microg/L with 10.10% > or = 100 microg/L, 46.17 microg/L with 7.78% > or = 100 microg/L, and 47.03 microg/L with 7.30% > or = 100 microg/L in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. The blood lead levels seemed to tend to rise in parallel with the increase of age of the children and were higher in boys (48.84 microg/L, 47.56 microg/L, and 47.78 microg/L in the 3 respective years) than in girls (45.00 microg/L, 44.53 microg/L, and 46.13 microg/L).

CONCLUSIONThe blood lead levels in children in cities of China are lower than those in previous national studies, but higher than those in developed countries. Childhood lead poisoning remains a public health problem in China.

Age Distribution ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Cities ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Lead ; blood ; Lead Poisoning ; blood ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Male ; Population Surveillance ; Sex Characteristics

OBJECTIVETo observe blood lead level and related risk factors among children aged 0-6 years old living in cities in China and to provide data for policy development to the prevention on environmental lead pollution.

METHODSA stratified-clustered-random sampling method was used. 17 141 peripheral blood samples of 0-6 years old children from 15 cities in China were tested. Tungsten atomizer absorption spectrophotometer was employed to determined the blood lead level. Related factors were also studied using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed on related risk factors that affecting blood lead levels through multiple regression method.

RESULTSThe mean blood lead level of 0-6 years old children from 15 cities in China was 59.52 microg/L including 10.45% of those > or =100 microg/L, and 0.62% > or = 200 microg/L. However, the blood lead levels seemed to have had a trend of increase parallel to age among 0-6 years-old children and were higher for boys (59.50 microg/L) than girls (54.95 microg/L). The risk factors which influenceing children's blood lead levels would include the type of housing, parent's education levels, social status and hobby, children's behavior habit, dieting habit and nutritional condition.

CONCLUSIONThe blood lead levels of children in China were lower than data gathered from former national studies but higher than those from developed countries, suggesting that the. Government and the whole society should be aware of the problem on lead poisoning among children during their childhood.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Health Policy ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Lead ; blood ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Quality Control ; Risk Factors ; Sampling Studies ; Urban Population ; statistics & numerical data

AIMTo observe mRNA expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in spinal cord and brainstem in morphine dependent or withdrawal rats.

METHODSThe mRNA expression level of m1, m2, m3, m4 and m5 were determined by RT-PCR, the beta-actin mRNA expression was used as internal control.

RESULTSThe mRNA level of m1, m2, m3, m4 and m5 in spinal cord and m1 and m2 in brainstem were increased significantly during morphine dependence, and the levels of m1, m2, m3 and m4 in spinal cord and m1 in brainstem were decreased 1 h after the injection of naloxone (4 mg.kg-1, i.p.) in morphine dependent rats. Either scopolamine (0.5 mg.kg-1) or pirenzepine (10 mg.kg-1) was shown to significantly decrease the morphine withdrawal symptoms in rats. The levels of m1, m2, m3 and m5 in spinal cord were increased by pretreatment with pirenzepine and the levels of m2, m3 and m4 in spinal cord were increased by pretreatment with scopolamine.

CONCLUSIONThe adaptive expression of muscarinic receptors at spinal and supraspinal levels play important role in mediating morphine dependence and withdrawal in rats.

Animals ; Brain Stem ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Male ; Morphine ; toxicity ; Morphine Dependence ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Muscarinic ; biosynthesis ; classification ; genetics ; Spinal Cord ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDThe adverse health effects of lead for children under 6 years are well known. Studies to assess the lead exposure among children in China are small in sample size and lack of national representative data. The aim of this study therefore was to describe blood lead levels and identify risk factors for lead exposure among children aged 0 to 6 years living in 16 cities in China.

METHODSWe analyzed data from blood lead levels surveillance in China carried out in 16 large cities between 2004 and 2008. A stratified clustered random sampling strategy was used. A total of 69 968 children aged 0 to 6 years were included. We conducted multiple Logistic regression analyses to explore risk factors to high blood lead level.

RESULTSThe geometric mean blood lead level of the children was 4.50 µg/dl (median: 4.90 µg/dl; IQR: 3.20 - 7.00 µg/dl). Overall prevalence of blood lead level ≥ 10.00 µg/dl among 0- to 6-year-old children was 7.57%. But the proportion of blood lead level ≥ 5.00 but < 10.00 µg/dl was 42.12%. Blood lead levels were significantly higher in boys (4.63 µg/dl) than in girls (4.35 µg/dl) (P < 0.0001). The geometric mean blood lead levels and prevalence of blood lead level ≥ 10.00 µg/dl increased with age (P < 0.0001 for the two trends). After controlling for sociodemographic, dietary and behavior factors, multivariable analysis indicated that lower maternal education, male gender, younger age, often biting pencil or/and toys, walking or playing for long time on the street, not washing hands before eating are major risk factors for higher lead levels.

CONCLUSIONSThe blood lead levels among Chinese children in urban areas are lower than previous studies but close to those of developed countries. However, children with low lead exposure account for almost half and the sociodemographic factors (age, male sex, and low mother education level) continue to be associated with higher blood lead levels.

Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Lead ; blood ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Time Factors ; Urban Health

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the surgical technique and efficacy of the resection of parapharyngeal space neoplasm via styloid diaphragm approach.

METHODSThirty-three cases underwent the resection of parapharyngeal space tumors via styloid diaphragm approach from Jan 2005 to Jan 2011 were reviewed. Of the cases, 28 were with benign tumors treated by surgery alone, and 5 were malignant tumors treated by surgery plus postoperative radical radiotherapy.

RESULTSThe parapharyngeal neoplasms in all cases were completely resected via styloid diaphragm approach. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 13 months to 7 years (median = 4.6 years). No tumor recurrence was found in 30 cases, but 3 cases experienced tumor recurrence, including 1 chondrosarcoma (3 years after surgery and chemoradiotherapy), 1 chordoma and 1 adenoid cystic carcinoma (5 years after surgery and radiotherapy). Severe postoperative complications were not observed, but 2 cases showed mild mouth askew and fully recovered after 3 months, and 1 case was complicated with hoarseness and cough symptoms that disappeared after heteropathy.

CONCLUSIONResection of parapharyngeal neoplasms via styloid diaphragm approach is an ideal surgical technique, with well-exposed surgical field, less tissue injury, and less postoperative complication.

Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; surgery ; Chondrosarcoma ; surgery ; Chordoma ; surgery ; Cough ; Diaphragm ; Humans ; Mouth ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; surgery ; Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Pharyngeal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Pharynx ; surgery ; Postoperative Period

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of red blood cell (RBC) storage duration on the clinical effect of exchange transfusion (ET) and internal environment in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 135 neonates with hyperbilirubinemia who received ET between January 2015 and August 2018. According to RBC storage duration, the neonates were divided into short-term storage group (RBCs were stored for ≤7 days) with 56 neonates and long-term storage group (RBCs were stored for >7 days) with 79 neonates. The two groups were compared in terms of serum total bilirubin (TBIL) level and the rate of TBIL reduction at 0 and 12 hours after ET, as well as the duration of continued phototherapy and rate of repeated ET. Routine blood test parameters, electrolytes, blood glucose, and blood gas parameters were measured before ET and at 0 hour after ET. RESULTS: At 0 hour after ET, there were no significant differences in the TBIL level and the rate of TBIL reduction between the two groups (P>0.05). At 12 hours after ET, the long-term storage group had a significantly higher TBIL level and a significantly lower rate of TBIL reduction than the short-term storage group (P<0.01). The long-term storage group had a significantly longer duration of continued phototherapy after ET than the short-term storage group (P<0.05). Compared with the short-term storage group, the long-term storage group had significantly higher incidence rates of ET-related complications, including hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The use of RBCs with a storage duration of >7 days in ET for neonates with hyperbilirubinemia does not affect the immediate effect of ET, but these neonates tend to have a poor outcome after continued phototherapy and high risk of hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis.
Bilirubin ; Erythrocytes ; Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood ; Humans ; Hyperbilirubinemia ; Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal ; Infant, Newborn ; Phototherapy ; Retrospective Studies

Puerarin injection is commonly used in clinical treatment of coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, retinal artery, vein occlusion, sudden deafness and so on. This paper is aimed to evaluate the safety of puerarin injection in clinical use and explore the related factors that may cause its adverse reactions (ADRs), so as to find the warning signal of safety medication in time, put forward early warning, make early judgment and treatment, and ensure the safety of drug use. By strengthening surveillance, the best medication plan was established to prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions of puerarin injection and enhance people's awareness on the safety of puerarin injection. Database were searched to collect literature related to ADRs of puerarin injection. The data were extracted and analyzed by decision tree with treeage software and ² test was used to verify the data. A total of 62 papers involving 129 cases were included. The results showed that ADRs occurred mostly in patients aged 50-79 years, with the immune system and blood system accounting for the majority (88.3%), and ADRs occurred mostly 48 h after drug administration (61.1%). The severity of ADRs was not related to the dosage of puerarin, but it was related to the choice of the infusion solvent. In puerarin injection, most of the ADRs were moderate or severe (64.3%), 13 out of 129 cases were of death. Therefore, the indications and methods of use should be strictly controlled, and the allergic history of patients should be carefully questioned before medication to strengthen the monitoring of drug use.
Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Injections ; Isoflavones ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts. Chickens as important food-producing animals can also serve as intermediate hosts. To date, experimental studies on the pathogenicity of T. gondii in broiler chickens were rarely reported. The objective of the present study was to compare the pathogenicity of 5 different T. gondii strains (RH, CN, JS, CAT2, and CAT3) from various host species origin in 10-day-old chickens. Each group of chickens was infected intraperitoneally with 5 x 10(8), 1 x 10(8), 1 x 10(7), and 1 x 10(6) tachyzoites of the 5 strains, respectively. The negative control group was mockly inoculated with PBS alone. After infection, clinical symptoms and rectal temperatures of all the chickens were checked daily. Dead chickens during acute phage of the infection were checked for T. gondii tachyzoites by microscope, while living cases were checked for T. gondii infection at day 53 post-inoculation (PI) by PCR method. Histopathological sections were used to observe the pathological changes in the dead chickens and the living animals at day 53 PI. No significant differences were found in survival periods, histopathological findings, and clinical symptoms among the chickens infected with the RH, CN, CAT2, and CAT3 strains. Histopathological findings and clinical symptoms of the JS (chicken origin) group were similar to the others. However, average survival times of infected chickens of the JS group inoculated with 5 x 10(8) and 1 x 10(8) tachyzoites were 30.0 and 188.4 hr, respectively, significantly shorter than those of the other 4 mammalian isolates. Chickens exposed to 10(8) of T. gondii tachyzoites and higher showed acute signs of toxoplasmosis, and the lesions were relatively more severe than those exposed to lower doses. The results indicated that the pathogenicity of JS strain was comparatively stronger to the chicken, and the pathogenicity was dose-dependent.
Animals ; Antibodies, Protozoan/blood ; Cat Diseases/parasitology ; Cats ; Chickens ; Poultry Diseases/blood/mortality/*parasitology/pathology ; Swine ; Swine Diseases/parasitology ; Toxoplasma/genetics/growth & development/*pathogenicity/physiology ; Toxoplasmosis, Animal/blood/mortality/*parasitology/pathology ; Virulence