China ; Humans ; Occupational Health ; Solvents ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To explore the effectiveness of a respiratory function training instrument with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.Methods Sixty-seven COPD patients in the stable period were randomly divided into a treatment group of 36 and a control group of 31 using a random number table.Both groups were given conventional pulmonary rehabilitation,including half-closed lip respiration,abdominal respiration and upper limb training.The treatment group was additionally provided with 30 minutes of respiratory training using a respiration function training instrument 5 times per week for 6 months.Both groups were assessed for their mobility,life quality and pulmonary function using the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT),a COPD assessment test (CAT),the BODE index,forced vital capacity (FVC),forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and surface electromyography (SEMG) of the respiratory muscles before and after the 6-month intervention.Results Before the treatment there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of any of the measurements.After the treatment,significant improvement was observed in the average 6 MWT,CAT,BODE index and SEMG results in both groups,but with significantly greater improvement in the treatment group.The average FVC and FEV1 results did not improve significantly,so after the intervention there was still no significant difference between the groups.Conclusions Respiratory training using the pulmonary function training instrument can improve the mobility,life quality and the functioning of the respiratory muscles of COPD patients in the stable period.

Objective To identify the reliability and validity of Chinese version of expanded and revised Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS E&R). Methods 101 children with cerebral palsy aged 6～18 from 2 special schools in Shanghai and Guangzhou participated in this study. The interrater reliability was identified by analyzing the assessment results among different raters, including rehabilitation doctors, physical therapists, teachers and parents. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) was used as the criterion to identify the parallel validity. Results GMFCS E&R had good interrater reliability (ICC=0.79～0.91) as well as the parallel validity (Spearman rank correlation coefficient is -0.46～-0.86). Conclusion Chinese version of GMFCS E&R has good reliability and validity. It is suitable for children with cerebral palsy as the tool of function classification in China.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of different methods of semen preservation and processing on sperm DNA integrity.

METHODSWe collected semen samples from 100 normozoospermic male volunteers and, following homogeneous mixing, preserved them by means of snap freezing, slow freezing, or at the room temperature for 4 and 24 hours. Meanwhile we processed the semen by washing, swim-up, and density gradient centrifugation (DGC). Then we obtained the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by sperm chromatin dispersion test and measured total sperm motility and DFI after cultured for 24 hours following processing.

RESULTSThe sperm DFIs after 4 hours of preservation by snap freezing, slow freezing, and at the room temperature were (27.3 ± 6.4)%, (26.9 ± 6.1)%, and (24.7 ± 6.8)%, respectively, and that after preserved at the room temperature for 24 hours was (35.6 ± 9.0)%, with statistically significant differences between the first three and the 24-hour room temperature preservation groups (P < 0.05) but not among the former three groups (P > 0.05). The sperm DFI was significantly higher in the samples processed by washing ([13.7 ± 2.0]%) than in those processed by swim-up ([9.1 ± 1.3]%) and DGC ([8.0 ± 2.5]%) (P < 0.05), and it was the lowest in the DGC group after 24-hour culture ([11.5 ± 4.2]%) as compared with the other groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSperm DNA integrity is influenced by different semen preservation conditions and processing methods.

Centrifugation, Density Gradient ; DNA Fragmentation ; Humans ; Male ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Semen Preservation ; methods ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; cytology

BACKGROUND:Schwann cells are important celllines in the process of repairing peripheral nerve injury, and human amniotic homogenate supernatant is shown to secrete a variety of cytokines, which could promote the proliferation of Schwann cells.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of different concentrations of human amniotic homogenate supernatant on the proliferation of rat Schwann cell96.
METHODS:Schwann cell96 was cultured with high-glucose DMEM containing 20%fetal bovine serum, and the second generation of Schwann cell96 was applied for experiments. The cultured cells were divided into five groups according to different volume fractions of human amniotic homogenate supernatant (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) in the medium.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The total protein concentration of human amniotic homogenate supernatant was 675μg/mL, in which the concentration of epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor were respectively (470.625±2.546), (4.121±0.026) and (0.172±0.002) ng/L. At 1-7 days, the cellproliferation rate of the 10%and 15%concentration groups was greater than that in 20%and 25%concentration groups (P<0.05);10%and 15%concentrations promoted cellproliferation, while 20%and 25%concentrations inhibited cellproliferation. There were no significant difference in the viability of Schwann cell96 between the control group and the experimental group (P>0.05). Low concentrations (10%, 15%) of human amniotic homogenate supernatant promote the proliferation of Schwann cell96, while high concentrations (20%, 25%) of human amniotic homogenate supernatant inhibit cellproliferation.

Objective: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of unknown etiology associated with venous sinus stenosis. This study aimed to develop a magnetic resonance venography (MRV)-based radiomics model for predicting a high trans-stenotic pressure gradient (TPG) in IIH patients diagnosed with venous sinus stenosis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 105 IIH patients (median age [interquartile range], 35 years [27– 42 years]; female:male, 82:23) who underwent MRV and catheter venography complemented by venous manometry. Contrast enhanced-MRV was conducted under 1.5 Tesla system, and the images were reconstructed using a standard algorithm. Shape features were derived from MRV images via the PyRadiomics package and selected by utilizing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. A radiomics score for predicting high TPG (≥ 8 mmHg) in IIH patients was formulated using multivariable logistic regression; its discrimination performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). A nomogram was constructed by incorporating the radiomics scores and clinical features. Results: Data from 105 patients were randomly divided into two distinct datasets for model training (n = 73; 50 and 23 with and without high TPG, respectively) and testing (n = 32; 22 and 10 with and without high TPG, respectively). Three informative shape features were identified in the training datasets: least axis length, sphericity, and maximum three-dimensional diameter.The radiomics score for predicting high TPG in IIH patients demonstrated an AUROC of 0.906 (95% confidence interval, 0.836– 0.976) in the training dataset and 0.877 (95% confidence interval, 0.755–0.999) in the test dataset. The nomogram showed good calibration. Conclusion Our study presents the feasibility of a novel model for predicting high TPG in IIH patients using radiomics analysis of noninvasive MRV-based shape features. This information may aid clinicians in identifying patients who may benefit from stenting.

OBJECTIVETo develop a primer-extension in combination with denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (PE-DHPLC)-based assay for prenatal diagnosis of the five most common beta-thalassemia mutations in Chinese.

METHODSThe human beta-globin gene fragment was amplified by PCR, followed by a multiple PE reaction specific for each five mutations. Then the PE product mixtures were separated for genotyping of beta-globin gene mutations using fully-denaturing DHPLC analysis.

RESULTSIn a blind study, prenatal diagnosis was performed on thirty-six at-risk families for beta-thalassemia major. Reverse dot blot (RDB) analysis was used to validate each result, showing an accuracy rate of 100% for PE-DHPLC in a total of 108 samples tested. Overall, by PE-DHPLC analysis, the authors could identify the genotypes involving the five mutations and normal alleles corresponding to 94.4% (102/108) and actually make final decision for prenatal diagnosis covering 97.2% (35/36).

CONCLUSIONThe PE-DHPLC protocol can be a simple, rapid, and highly accurate assay in the prenatal detection of common beta-thalassemia mutations.

Base Sequence ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; methods ; DNA Primers ; Female ; Fetal Diseases ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Genotype ; Globins ; genetics ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Point Mutation ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; beta-Thalassemia ; diagnosis ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the gene frequencies and mutation patterns of alpha thalassemia (alpha-thal) and beta thalassemia (beta-thal) in Liuzhou city of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

METHODSCluster sampling was used. A total of 1 028 of umbilical blood samples were collected for a prevalence study of alpha-thal and a total of 1 312 healthy young people when receiving pre-marriage consultation were recruited for a beta-thal prevalence survey. Individuals live in city or town area of Liuzhou. A complete blood count as well as hemoglobin electrophoresis analysis were done in all of samples for phenotyping of alpha and beta-thals. Those with Hb Bart's for alpha-thal indicator and those with both microcytosis (MCV < 85 fl) and elevated levels of Hb A(2) (>/=4.0%) for beta-thal were further studied by DNA analysis. PCR-based methodologies were used to characterize the mutation contributions of alpha and beta-thals. All the subjects were tested for the state of carrying beta-thala alleles for evaluating the situation of the compound heterozygotes of alpha-thal with beta-thal.

RESULTSOf 1 028 random samples of umbilical blood screened, 112 of subjects were defined to be the gene carriers of alpha-thal. The alpha-thal carrier rate was as high as 11.19% including 3 compound heterozygotes. Five well-known types of alpha-thal alleles were detected with gene contributions of 37.4% (--(SEA) deletion), 31.3% (-alpha(3.7) deletion), 17.4% (-alpha(4.2) deletion), 12.1% (alpha(CS)alpha mutation), and 0.9% (alpha(QS)alpha mutation), successively. Of the 1 312 adult specimens studied, 89 with beta-thal including 14 of the compound higher Hb F subjects were detected. All of the 89 phenotypic beta-thal carriers had the mutations in the beta-globin gene, making the overall prevalence 6.78%. The commonly seen three mutations, beta CD41 - 42 (-CTTT) frameshift, beta CD17 (T-A) nonsense mutation and beta-28 (A-G) promoter variation were accounted for 90% of the beta-thal alleles in Liuzhou. Of these beta-thal subjects, 16 (accounting for 18%) were found to be the compound heterozygosity for a beta-thal and an alpha-thal with 9 different types of gene defects with a detection rate 1.22%.

CONCLUSIONData from ecidation of alpha and beta-thal gene frequencies and mutation spectrum in Liuzhou city was useful for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis of this disease.

Adult ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Counseling ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; alpha-Thalassemia ; epidemiology ; genetics ; beta-Thalassemia ; epidemiology ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the presence of Cosmc gene mutation in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and the association between Cosmc gene mutation and the susceptibility to HSP.

MESULTSEighty-four children who were diagnosed with HSP between March 2014 and December 2015 were selected as the HSP group. Fifty-eight healthy volunteers matched for age and sex were enrolled as the control group. Fasting venous blood (5 mL) from the two groups was collected in EDTA anticoagulated tubes, followed by the isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) through density gradient centrifugation. Genomic DNA was extracted from PBMCs according to the manufacturer's protocol, and the whole exon region of Cosmc gene was amplified by touch-down polymerase chain reaction (touch-down PCR). The PCR products were identified by 1% agarose gel and sequenced in order to further examine the association between Cosmc gene mutation and the susceptibility to HSP.

RESULTSSequencing results showed two mutations (c.393T>A and c.72A>G) of Cosmc gene in children with HSP. There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies at the two loci between the HSP and control groups, and this distribution was not associated with sex.

CONCLUSIONSThe mutations c.393T>A and c.72A>G in the exon region of Cosmc gene in children with HSP are not associated with the onset of HSP.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Chaperones ; genetics ; Mutation ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch ; etiology ; genetics

Objective To explore the effect of first-line anti-tuberculosis treatment on vitamin D level in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis,and to master the changes of vitamin D level in the course of treatment,so as to provide a scientific basis for tuberculosis and nutrition health education in Shenzhen.Methods A total of 100 patients diagnosed as smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis and receiving initial treatment in 2016 were enrolled and all the patients were treated with the standardized short-course chemotherapy regimens.The blood samples were extracted before treatment and at the ends of intensive and continuation phase.The 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH) D] concentrations were determined by chemiluminescence (CLIA) at each time point.The change of 25-(OH) D concentrations during anti-tuberculosis treatment was analyzed and the differences of vitamin D levels between different time points were identified.Results 79 (79.0％),94 (94.0％) and 96 (96.0％) patients were found vitamin D deficiency before treatment and at the end of the intensive and continuation phases respectively,which showed an upward trend (x2=15.543,P＜0.001) and the 25-(OH)D concentrations were (15.74±6.54) ng/ml,(12.56±5.15) ng/ml,(11.51±4.28) ng/ml,respectively.During the whole course of treatment,the 25-(OH) D concentration decreased by 26.9％ or (4.23 ± 6.75) ng/ml (t =6.257,P＜0.001),wherein it decreased (3.18 ± 5.24) ng/ml in intensive phase (t =6.069,P＜ 0.001) and (1.05±4.86) ng/ml in continuation phase (t =2.154,P =0.034).The former had a greater decreased value (t=2.836,P=0.006).There were 77 (77.0％) and 55 (55.0％) patients with 25-(OH)D concentration reduction in intensive and continuation phases respectively (x2 =9.680,P =0.003),of which 41 patients (41.0％) continued to decline.Conclusion Once anti-tuberculosis treatment is conducted,the vitamin D level will decrease rapidly in the intensive phase and continue decreasing throughout the course of treatment,which leads to a general lack of vitamin D in patients with primary pulmonary tuberculosis.First-line anti-tuberculosis drugs may be the main cause for vitamin D level reduction.Therefore,it is necessary for clinicians to strengthen vitamin D health education for each patient throughout the treatment period,especially for those at high risk of vitamin D deficiency who should be recommended adjuvant vitamin D supplementation therapy.