Objective To study the effect on the environmental radioactivity level and the health of the residents in Shanghai when Qinshan Nuclear Power Station(QNPS) has been in normal operational condition for 17 years. Methods The field monitoring and the sampling analytical method were used for monitoring the radioactivity level in outdoor environment, drinking water, food and soil. Results The outdoor natural radiation level and the radioactivity level in the sample of the environmental media were on the normal background level. There was no distinct change in the environmental radiation level of Jinshan Area when QNPS was in normal operational condition. The radioactivity level in the environmental media was far lower than the limit values specified by the national standard GB. The effective dose of the outdoor natural external exposure for the residents is about 0.102 mSv/a and the effective dose of the internal exposure from the artificial radionuclides 90Sr and 137Cs in food for the residents is about 0.488 μSv/a. Conclusions There is no effect of the radioactive contamination on the environmental radioactivity level and the health of the residents in Shanghai when QNPS has been in normal operational condition for 17 years.

Objective To investigate the incidence and relevant information of preterm birth and the outcomes of preterm infants delivered at various gestational weeks and for different causes. Methods Totally 955 women, who ended their pregnancies before term, and 1066 neonates of the previous mothers were enrolled in this survey, among 15 197 deliveries at Peking University First Hospital, Beijing Gynecological and Obstetric Hospital, Women's and Children's Hospital of Haidian District and Peking University Third Hospital, respectively, from December 1~(st), 2006 to May 31~(st), 2007. Results (1)Incidence of preterm birth: The overall incidence of preterm birth of the 4 hospitals was 6. 3% (955/15 197), and it was 8.1% (125/1549) in Peking University First Hospital, 13.1% (150/1142), which was the highest (P<0.01), in Peking University Third Hospital, 5.5% (369/6656) in Beijing Gynecological and Obstetric Hospital and 34.0% (311/5850) in Women's and Children's Hospital of Haidian District.The preterm birth rate at the two comprehensive hospitals was significantly higher than that of the two specialized hospitals [10.2% (275/2691) vs 5.4% (680/12 506), P <0.01]. (2) Gestational weeks at delivery: The incidence of preterm birth before 34 weeks was 28.5% (272/954) and the number changed to 71.5% (682/954)for those preterm deliveries after 34 weeks. However, this number varied among the 4 hospitals. Peking University First Hospital had the highest incidence of preterm birth before 34 weeks(P< 0.05), and the lowest was found in Women's and Children's Hospital of Haidian District(P<0.01), but no difference was found between Peking University Third Hospital and Beijing Gynecological and Obstetric Hospital. (3) Etiology of preterm birth: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) accounted for the most proportion of all preterm birth cases, followed by iatrogenic preterm birth and spontaneous preterm birth. But the causes of preterm birth in the 4 hospitals were different. Peking University Third Hospital had a higher incidence of iatrogenic preterm birth than the others (P<0.01), and Peking University First Hospital had a higher incidence of preterm birth caused by PPROM and lower incidence of spontaneous preterm birth. The first four reasons of iatrogenic preterm birth were preeclampsia (143, 42.0%), fetal distress (58, 17.1%), placenta previa (43, 12.6%) and placenta abruption (33,9.7%). (4) Neonatal outcomes in different hospitals: The neonatal outcomes were quite different among the 4 hospitals due to different causes and different delivery weeks. The highest neonatal mortality rate was found in Beijing Gynecological and Obstetric Hospital (5.4%, 22/408) compared to that in Women's and Children's Hospital of Haidian District (1.3%,4/320) and Peking University Third Hospital (0. 6%, 1/170) (P< 0.01), but without any difference when compared to that in Peking University First Hospital (2.4%, 3/ 124) (P>0.05). (5) Neonatal outcomes at different gostational age: The recovery rate of preterm infants delivered at <32 weeks was lower than those delivered ≥32 weeks (P<0.01), and this number rose to 99. 6% in those delivered ≥34 weeks. More infants delivered <32 weeks were given up for treatment or died during the perinatal period than those delivered ≥32 weeks, with the neonatal mortality rate of 22.1% for those delivered at <32 weeks and only 0.3% for those delivered at ≥ 34 weeks (P<0.01). (6) Neonatal outcomes for various causes: The premature neonatal mortality rate for iatrogenic preterm births was higher than that of PPROM (4.9% vs 1.6%, P<0.05). But the neonatal recovery rates were similar among the PPROM, spontaneous and iatrogenic preterm birth group (P>0.05). Conclusions Preterm birth is associated with high perinatal mortality rate, especially for those delivered before 32 weeks which would be highlighted in prevention. Reduction of the iatrogenic preterm birth, combined with proper prevention of PPROM, is an important issue in decreasing the prevalence of preterm birth.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence of JAK2V617F and MPLW515L/K mutation in patients with slightly elevated platelets (BPC) or hemoglobin (Hb) not meeting the criteria of polycythemia vera (PV) or essential thrombocythemia (ET).

METHODSGenomic DNA from bone marrow or blood mononuclear cells was screened with allele specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) for JAK2V617F and MPLW515L/K mutation. The history of thrombosis was assessed retrospectively by patients files.

RESULTSOf 30 patients, 14 (46.7%) were positive for the JAK2V617F mutation, none of them had the MPLW515L/ K. Five of these 14 patients had a history of thrombosis. Follow-up results were available in 22 patients. Among them, 12 patients with JAK2V617F mutation turned out to be MPD in 6-24 months; only 2 out of 10 patients without this mutation evolved to MPD.

CONCLUSIONJAK2V617F mutation could be one of the diagnosis criteria of early MPD. No MPLW515L/K expression was found in early MPD.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Janus Kinase 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Myeloproliferative Disorders ; diagnosis ; genetics ; metabolism ; Receptors, Thrombopoietin ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the potential effects of exogenous WT1 gene isoform on the differentiation of leukemia cell line NB4 and its possible molecular mechanisms.

METHODSThe recombinant eukaryotic expression vector (pCB6 + /WTA) containing full-length human WT1 isoform (WTA: -17AA/ -KTS) cDNA and the blank pCB6 + vector were transfected into leukemia cell line NB4 by electroporation. The WTA mRNA and protein in cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell morphology, NBT reduction and CD11b antigen expression in NB4 cells were assayed to evaluate cell differentiation. Expression of PML/RARalpha, p21 and c-myc genes was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR after transfection.

RESULTSCompared with NB4/WTA cells, NB4 and NB4/CMV (NB4 cells transfected with pCB6 + vector) cells had higher morphological differentiation rates and higher CD11b expression levels after exposure to ATRA for 48 hours. The percentage of NBT reduction in NB4/WTA cells was lower than that in control groups. The difference in NBT reduction rate between NB4/WTA and control cells was gradually increased after treated with ATRA for three days. The expression levels of PML/RARalpha, p21 and c-myc genes in NB4/WTA cells were notably increased.

CONCLUSIONOverexpression of exogenous WTA gene could partially inhibit the differentiation of NB4 cells by up-regulating the expression of PML/RARalpha, p21 and c-myc genes.

Cell Cycle ; Cell Differentiation ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Transfection ; WT1 Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism

In order to study the potential effects of exogenous WT1 gene isoform on apoptosis in leukemia cell line NB4 and its possible molecular mechanisms, the eukaryotic expression recombinant vector (pCB6(+)/WTA) containing full-length human WT1 isoform (WTA: -17aa/-KTS) cDNA and the vacant vector-alone were introduced into the leukemia cell line NB4 respectively by electroporation. The WTA mRNA and protein in cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Binding of Annexin V were tested by flow cytometry and agarose gel electrophoresis to verify whether exogenous WTA could induce apoptosis of NB4 cells. Expressions of p21, p53, bcl-2, bcl-XL and c-myc genes were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR after introducing recombinant vectors into the NB4 cells. The results showed that in exposure to As(2)O(3) at 0.8 micromol/L for 48 hours, the NB4/WTA cells exhibited the morphological hallmarks of apoptosis, the marked DNA ladder shown by gel electrophoresis, and the enhanced apoptosis rate marked by Annexin V. RT-PCR showed an increase in p21 and c-myc genes expression, a decrease in bcl-2 and a relative constant expression of p53, bcl-XL in NB4/WTA cells. It is concluded that the introduction and expression of exogenous WTA gene can lead to apoptosis of NB4/WTA cells by down-regulating the Bcl-2 gene expression and up-regulating the p21 and c-myc genes expression.
Apoptosis ; genetics ; physiology ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p21 ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Leukemia ; genetics ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 ; genetics ; WT1 Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; physiology ; bcl-X Protein ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of oxotremorine in arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced hypothermia and its effects on the behavioral thermoregulatory response.

METHODSCore temperature (Tc), brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperature and motor activities were monitored in undisturbed female SD rats using radiotelemetry. The behavioral thermoregulatory response was monitored in rats using radiotelemetric temperature gradient apparatus. Effect of AVP (10 microg/kg) and oxotremorine (0.25 mg/kg) on Tc, motor activities, BAT temperature (T(BAT)), grooming activities and the behavioral thermoregulatory response were observed in rats.

RESULTSAdministration of AVP and oxotremorine caused a significant drop in Tc, T(BAT), and an increases in grooming activities, respectively. The hypothermic responses were accompanied with a preference for cooler ambient temperature. Oxotremorine augmented the reduction of Tc, T(BAT), and the elevation of grooming activities resulting from AVP, and lasting a longer time. Administration of oxotremorine followed immediately by AVP injection in rats was also shown to induce a preference for cooler ambient temperature, but there was no significant difference compared with AVP.

CONCLUSIONAVP-induced hypothermia was related with the set point temperature reduction, inhibiton of BAT thermogenesis and an increases in grooming activities. Oxotremorine could participate in peripheral AVP-induced hypothermia by affecting BAT thermogenesis and behavioral thermoregulation.

Adipose Tissue, Brown ; drug effects ; physiology ; Animals ; Arginine Vasopressin ; pharmacology ; Behavior, Animal ; Body Temperature Regulation ; Female ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Oxotremorine ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Based on the literature review and theories of biophysical theory, the pathway and mechanism of the heat of sandwiched moxibustion stimulating acupoints are analyzed. It is concluded that the heat of sandwiched moxibustion is transferred to the skin of acupoints by heat conduction and thermal radiation. The heat conduct from the skin to deep tissues and other parts was carried out through the biological heat conduction systems. The investigation combined with theories of biological heat conduction was benefit to the research on clinical mechanisms of indirect moxibustion. In addition to heat effect, the infrared resonance of indirect moxibustion and acupoints may be the base of clinical effects of indirect moxibustion.
Body Temperature ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Infrared Rays ; Moxibustion ; methods

OBJECTIVETo measure simultaneously the time course for the circadian rhythm of brown adipose tissue(BAT) thermogenesis and core temperature, and analyzing their temporal relationship.

METHODSThe circadian rhythm of core temperature (Tc), BAT temperature (T(BAT)), axillary temperature (Tax) and motor activity were simultaneously measured by telemetry in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats at an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C during a 12-h light:12-h dark photoperiod (lights on at 06:00 h and lights off at 18:00 h).

RESULTS(1) T(BAT) was 0.67 degrees C lower than Tc group under the light phase, but it was similar to that Tc during the dark phase. The rate of increase in T(BAT) was higher than corresponding increases in Tc at the start of transition from the light to dark phase, and increase in T(BAT) commenced approximately 8 min before Tc increases. Whereas at the start of transition from the dark to light phase, decrease in T(BAT) commenced approximately 4 min before Tc decreases. (2) The amplitude of the circadian Tax rhythm was similar to that of Tc. During either the light phase or dark phase, Tax was lower than simultaneous measurement of Tc. (3) Increases in behavioral activity commenced before increases in T(BAT) and Tc at the start of transition from the light to dark phase.

CONCLUSIONBAT thermogenesis contributes to increase in core temperature during the dark phase, indicating that circadian changes of BAT thermogenesis does indeed play significant role in the overall maintenance of the circadian rhythm of core temperature.

Adipose Tissue, Brown ; metabolism ; physiology ; Animals ; Body Temperature ; physiology ; Circadian Rhythm ; physiology ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Telemetry ; methods ; Thermogenesis ; physiology

OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulation of{O2 (2,4-dinitrophenyl)1-[(4-ethoxycarbonyl) piperazin-1-yl] diazen-1-ium-1, 2-diolate} (JS-K), a nitric oxide donor, on tumor energy metabolism in H22 tumor-bearing mice. METHODS The hepatoma animal model in BALB/c mice was established with H22 cell line. The inoculated mice were randomly divided into four groups. The JS-K group and model group received JS-K (0.75 and 1.50 mg?kg-1) and saline via tail the vein intravenously once every 3 d for 14 d, and 5 injections, respectively. The fluorouracil (5-FU) group received 5-FU 20 mg·kg-1 by intra-peritoneal injection once a day for 14 d. On the 15th day after the first administration, mice were sacri-ficed and the tumor, thymus and spleen were isolated and weighed immediately. The tumor growth inhibitory rate and organ index were calculated. The activities of hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase), and the levels of lactic acid (LD) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in tumor tissues were determined by colorimetric method. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and hexokinaseⅡ(HKⅡ) in the tumor tissue was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS Compared with model group, the tumor mass of JS-K 0.75 and 1.50 mg · kg-1 groups was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the tumor growth inhibitory rate was 23.9%and 50.3%, respectively. There was no diffrence in thymic and splenic indexes between JS-K group and model group. The activity of HK, PFK, SDH, PK and ATPase of tumor tissue in model group was 22.6±3.7, 14.4±2.6, (10.5±2.6) U·g-1protein, (12.9±3.2) kU·g-1 protein and (0.70 ± 0.10) mmolPi · g-1protein · h-1, respectively, which dropped by 42.0%, 26.6%, 22.7%, 23.3%and 21.7%respectively (P<0.01, P<0.05) in JS-K 1.50 mg?kg-1 group. Compared with the model group, the level of ATP of tumor tissue in JS-K 1.50 mg?kg-1 groups dropped by 16.6%(P<0.01) and the level of LD in JS-K 0.75 and 1.50 mg?kg-1 groups dropped by 38.7%and 59.4%(P<0.01), respectively. In addi-tion, the expression of HIF-1αof tumor tissue in JS-K 1.50 mg?kg-1 group was decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of HKⅡ of tumor tissue in JS-K 0.75 and 1.50 mg?kg-1 groups was decreased signifi-cantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION JS-K can inhibit the growth of tumor in H22 tumor-bearing mice and its mechanism may be related to regulating the tumor energy metabolism by inhibiting glycolysis and aerobic oxidation.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the frequency of JAK2V617F mutation in Chinese patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and to study the relationship between JAK2V617F mutation and clinical characteristics.

METHODSJAK2V617F mutation was screened by allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR).

RESULTSJAK2V617F mutation was detected in 277 of the 412 patients with MPN. The frequency of JAK2V617F mutation was similar among essential thrombocythemia (ET), idiopathic myelofibrosis (IMF) and chronic myeloproliferative disorders-unclassified (MPD-U) (P > 0.05), but it was significantly lower than that in polycythemia vera (PV) (P < 0.05). The presence of JAK2V617F was found to be significantly correlative with advanced age at diagnosis (P < 0.01) and with higher hemoglobin levels and higher leukocyte counts (P < 0.05). Significant difference was found in complication of vascular events between JAK2V617 positive and negative patients (P < 0.05). JAK2V617F positive MPD-U patients were more prone to progress into typical MPN compared with JAK2V617F negative MPD-U patients. The association between abnormal karyotype and JAK2V617F was not found in cytogenetical analysis of 301 patients.

CONCLUSIONThe presence of JAK2V617F in MPD-U is associated with the disease development. There is a correlation between JAK2V617F mutation in MPN and advanced age, higher leukocyte counts, hemoglobin level and vascular events.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemoglobins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Janus Kinase 2 ; genetics ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Myeloproliferative Disorders ; blood ; complications ; genetics ; Polycythemia Vera ; blood ; complications ; genetics ; Primary Myelofibrosis ; blood ; complications ; genetics ; Thrombocythemia, Essential ; blood ; complications ; genetics ; Thrombosis ; etiology ; Young Adult