Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for myopia among primary and secondary school students in Suzhou, so as to provide basis for myopia prevention and control. Methods: The students in Grade 4-12 were recruited by stratified cluster random sampling method. Gender, grade, parents＇ myopia history, outdoor activity time and video display terminal time were collected through the questionnaire of National Surveillance Program of Influencing Factors for Common Diseases and Health in Students. Uncorrected visual acuity and cycloplegic refraction were tested. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to explore myopia-related factors. Results: A total of 990 questionnaires were distributed, and 882 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 89.09%. The prevalence rate of myopia was 78.23% ( 690 cases ). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that females ( OR=1.703, 95%CI: 1.173-2.474 ) , middle school students ( OR:5.597-11.949, 95%CI: 3.573-28.349 ) , both parents＇myopia ( OR=2.445, 95%CI: 1.597-3.742 ) , video display terminal time over 3 hours per day ( OR=2.026, 95%CI: 1.235-3.325 ) were risk factors for myopia; outdoor activity time over 2 hours per day ( OR: 0.493-0.510, 95%CI: 0.273-0.943 ) was a protective factor for myopia. Conclusion The prevalence of myopia among primary and secondary school students in Suzhou is 78.23%. Gender, grade, parents＇ myopia history, outdoor activity time and video display terminal time are influencing factors for myopia.

OBJECTIVETo establish a liquid chip technology to detect Y chromosome microdeletions in Chinese infertile males with azoospermia or oligozoospermia.

METHODSMultiplex PCR and liquid chip technology were used to detect the Y chromosome microdeletions in AZF region in 178 infertile patients with azoospermia and 134 infertile patients with oligozoospermia as well as 40 fertile control men.

RESULTSForty out of 312 patients (12.8%) were found to have deletions in AZF region. The microdeletion frequency was 14%(25/178) in the azoospermic group, 9.6%(11/114) in the oligospermic and 20%(4/20) in the severe oligospermic group.

CONCLUSIONThe authors developed a high-throughput, fast and simple assay to screen the AZF region microdeletions of Y chromosome.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Azoospermia ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Y ; genetics ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Humans ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Oligospermia ; genetics ; Sequence Tagged Sites

Little is known about the non-structural protein 6(NSP6)of rotavirus.This report describes expression of the NSP6 of a group A human rotavirus strain TB-Chen in bacteria,and its immunological properties and cellular distribution.The results showed that the recombinant NSP6(rNSP6)was expressed in high efficiency without any other proteins fused(possesses about 34.2% of total bacterial proteins).rNSP6 elicited mono-specific antibodies in immunized guinea pigs and the antibodies could react with the rNSP6 itself and the viral NSP6 proteins synthesized in SA11-or Wa-infected MA104 cells in Western blot and immunofluorescence assay.The NSP6 distributed evenly in the cytoplasm mainly around the nucleus of virus-infected cells,no viroplasm-like gathering observed;The top amount of NSP6 synthesized in SA11-infected cells or Wa-infected cells could be detected at 12h after infection.This is the first report about the high expression of entire NSP6(without any other proteins fused)in prokaryotic expression system and detection of NSP6 synthesis in virus infected cells by immunofluorescence assay.The results are important to understand the structure,biological properties and further application of the NSP6.

Objective:To compare the two-dimensional electrophoresis(2-DE) maps of rat spinal cord protein extracted by two different solution systems.Methods: Adult rat spinal cord protein was precipitated with 10% trichloracetic acid in acetone and resuspended in 8 mol/L urea plus 4%CHAPS (A solution) or, 5 mol/L urea, 2 mol/L thiourea, 2%CHAPS plus 2%SB3-10 (B solution). One hundred and fifty micrograms of protein was loaded on 18 cm IPG strip holder and run isoelectric focusing electrophoresis as the first dimension, then horizontal SDS-PAGE as the second dimension. Protein spots were visualized by silver stain.Results:There were 1 059 and 1 023 protein spots in each map, of which 790 spots were matched in two maps. There were 269 and 233 spots exclusively extracted by A and B solutions, respectively. Taken together, 1292 different spots were totally obtained by A and B solutions.Conclusion: Integrating protein spots extracted by different solution systems is beneficial for achieving intact 2-DE map of tissues.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency of prostate cancer (Pca) discovered incidentally in radical cystoprostatectomy specimens in Asia and to determine the feasibility of prostate-sparing cystectomy (PSC) for Asian patients. Ninety-two male bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy at our center between January 2003 and January 2008 were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 67.1 years (range: 32-75 years). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and digital rectal examination (DRE) results before surgery were obtained retrospectively. Prostates of all patients were embedded and sectioned at 5-mm intervals. The same pathologist examined the prostatic tissues from radical cystoprostatectomy specimens. Finally, a structured literature review was performed using MEDLINE and PUBMED to estimate the occurrence of incidental Pca in Asia. Of the 92 patients, 3 (3.3%) were found to have Pca; in one out of three (33.3%) patients the disease was clinically significant due to a Gleason grade 4 carcinoma. Eight articles were included in our review. The overall incidence of Pca discovered incidentally in radical cystoprostatectomy specimens in Asia was 9.9% (64/642). When age was restricted to < 60 years, only 7 out of 222 (3.2%) patients were found to have synchronous Pca, and none of the cases was clinically significant. The occurrence of Pca in radical cystoprostatectomy specimens in Asia is much lower than that in Western countries. PSC might be feasible for Asian patients under a strict preoperative selection.
Adult ; Aged ; Asia ; epidemiology ; China ; epidemiology ; Cystectomy ; Humans ; Incidental Findings ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; ethnology ; Retrospective Studies ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy of repeat transurethral resection of tumor in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

METHODSFrom March 2004 to August 2008, 462 patients (350 males, 112 females, aged from 35 to 83 years old) with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, were evaluated according to tumor stage, grade and muscle or no muscle tissue in initial transurethral resected sample. One hundred and twenty-five patients underwent repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumor within 4 to 6 weeks after initial resection. Of these 125 patients 49 were Ta, 76 were T1, 58 were low grade carcinoma, 67 were high grade carcinoma and 30 were not found presence of muscle tissue in initial resected sample in patients with T1 stage.

RESULTSOf the 125 cases, 34.4% (43/125) had residual tumor and 65.6% (82/125) had no tumor on repeat transurethral resection. Of 43 cases with residual tumor 35 had non-muscle invasive tumor including 15 in Ta and 20 in T1. The patients with high grade carcinoma had more residual tumor than those with low grade carcinoma (P < 0.05). The patients with muscle tissue in initial transurethral resected sample had fewer residual tumor than those without (P < 0.05). Twelve cases (9.6%) were understated at initial resection. Six cases (4.8%) had bladder perforation and 7 (5.6%) had bleeding during repeat transurethral resection. All cases were followed up for 3 to 56 months (median 26 months), 37.2% (16/43) patients with residual tumor in repeat transurethral resection had recurrence while only 12.2% (10/82) without residual tumor in repeat transurethral resection did (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSRoutine repeat transurethral resection is advised to non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients with T1 tumor or high grade carcinoma or no muscle tissue in initial transurethral resected sample within 4 to 6 weeks after initial resection. Repeat transurethral resection could increases the stage accuracy.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Electrosurgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; surgery ; Urologic Surgical Procedures ; statistics & numerical data

BACKGROUNDEnhanced and prolonged expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is associated with kidney fibrosis. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is involved in the genesis of disturbed calcium/phosphate metabolism and ostitis fibrosa in renal failure. PTH activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is present in renal tubular cells. The aim of this study was to identify the mechanism how the signal is transduced to result in extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) activation, leading to upregulation of CTGF.

METHODSThe levels of CTGF mRNA and protein in human kidney proximal tubular cells (HK-2) treated with PTH in the presence or absence of the MAPK inhibitor PD98059 were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting assay. The activation of the CTGF promoter in HK-2 cells was determined by the dual-luciferase assay. The effects of the protein kinase A (PKA) activator 8-Br-cAMP and protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on MAPK phosphorylation, and the effects of the PKA inhibitor H89 and PKC inhibitor calphostin C on MAPK phosphorylation and CTGF expression were detected by immunoblotting assay.

RESULTSPD98059 inhibited the PTH stimulated expression of CTGF, which strongly suggested that the MAPK signaling pathway plays an important role in the PTH-induced CTGF upregulation in renal tubular cells. A PKA activator as well as PKC activators induced MAPK phosphorylation, and both PKA and PKC inhibitors antagonized PTH-induced MAPK phosphorylation and CTGF expression.

CONCLUSIONCTGF expression is upregulated by PTH through a PKC/PKA-ERK-dependent pathway.

Cells, Cultured ; Connective Tissue Growth Factor ; genetics ; physiology ; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases ; physiology ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases ; physiology ; Fibrosis ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Kidney Tubules, Proximal ; metabolism ; pathology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; physiology ; Parathyroid Hormone ; pharmacology ; Phosphorylation ; Protein Kinase C ; physiology

OBJECTIVETo study the characteristics of genotype spectrum and hematologic parameters in children with HbH disease in the North Guangxi region.

METHODSHbH disease was identified by clinical manifestations, routine blood tests and hemoglobin electrophoresis in 166 children who came form the North Guangxi region. Genotypes were determined by Multi-PCR combined with PCR reverse dot blot. DNA sequencing was used when the genotype could not be identified by regular methods.

RESULTSOf the 166 children with HbH disease, 8 genotypes were identified: --SEA/-α3.7 (82 cases), --SEA/-α4.2 (40 cases), --SEA/αCSα (38 cases), --SEA/αQSα (1 case), --SEA/αWSα (1 case), --SEA/αCD43/44 (-C) α (1 case), --SEA/-α3.7 plus CD17 (A→T) (1 case) and --SEA/-α4.2 plus CD41-42(-TTCT) (1 case). One case was confirmed as the heterozygote of --SEA and an unknown mutation. In the 134 cases with complete medical data, 2 had normal hemoglobin levels, 36 manifested mild anemia, 90 manifested moderate anemia, and 6 (genotype: --SEA/αCSα) showed severe anemia because of the coexistence of infection. Children with the genotype of --SEA/-α3.7 (69 cases), --SEA/-α4.2 (31 cases) and --SEA/αCSα (34 cases) had hemoglobin levels of 62-120, 69-127 and 34-110 g/L respectively. The hemoglobin level in the --SEA/αCSα group was significantly lower than in the deletional HbH disease group (genotypes: --SEA/-α3.7 and --SEA/-α4.2 ) (P<0.05). In contrast, MCV levels in the --SEA/αCSα group were significantly higher than in the deletional HbH disease group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe genotype spectrum of HbH disease is diverse in the North Guangxi region. Deletional genotype is prevalent. The disease is heterogeneous. The children with --SEA/αCSα HbH disease have severer anemia and higher MCV levels than those with deletional HbH disease.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Female ; Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Hemoglobin H ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mutation ; alpha-Thalassemia ; blood ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo determine whether the ingestion of a herbal supplement called Rhodiola-Gingko Capsule (RGC) would enhance the endurance performance of healthy volunteers and change relevant hormones in a favorable manner.

METHODSSeventy healthy male volunteers (age ranges from 18 to 22 years old) were randomly assigned to RGC group (35 cases, each capsule containing 270 mg herbal extracts, 4 capsules per day) or placebo group (35 cases, equivalent placebo preparation) for 7 weeks using computer produced digital random method. The endurance performance, serum testosterone and cortisol levels were measured at the baseline and the endpoint.

RESULTSSixty-seven subjects (34 in the RGC group and 33 in the placebo group) completed a 7-week treatment. The RGC group displayed a significantly greater baseline-to endpoint increase in maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) than placebo group in both absolute (P=0.020) and relative values (P=0.023). At the endpoint, the serum cortisol level was unchanged in the RGC group compared with the baseline, but it was significantly elevated in the placebo group (P<0.05). The endpoint ratio of testosterone to cortisol, a surrogate for overtraining and fatigue in endurance exercises, was also indifferent compared with the baseline in the RGC group, but significantly decreased in the placebo group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe combined herbal supplement of Rhodiola and Gingko could improve the endurance performance by increasing oxygen consumption and protecting against fatigue.

Adolescent ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Fatigue ; drug therapy ; Ginkgo biloba ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; blood ; Integrative Medicine ; Male ; Oxygen Consumption ; drug effects ; Physical Endurance ; drug effects ; Placebos ; Rhodiola ; Testosterone ; blood ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of gemcitabine in enhancing the radiosensitivity of hepatoma cell line HepG2 and explore its mechanisms.

METHODSClonogenic survival assay is employed to calculate the ratios of L-Q model radiation biology parameters and radiosensitization after different doses of irradiation. Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in HepG2 cell cycle and apoptosis rate after gemcitabine treatment and radiation exposure.

RESULTSThe survival fraction at 2 Gy of HepG2 cells treated with gemcitabine was significantly lower, and the value of alpha was significantly higher than those of untreated cells. GEM treatment increased the percentage of radiation-induced G0/G1 phase cells and cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONGemcitabine can significantly enhance the radiosensitivity of HepG2 cells by enhancing radiation-induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and cell apoptosis.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; drug effects ; Deoxycytidine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Radiation Tolerance ; drug effects ; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents ; pharmacology