Metallic ferromagnet with square-lattice CoO2 sheets

A single-crystalline film of Sr2CoO4 with square-lattice CoO2 sheets (K2NiF4-type structure) was synthesized, and its electronic properties were characterized. The compound exhibited both ferromagnetic and metallic behaviors, with a fairly high Curie temperature T(C) of approximately 250 K, in contrast to the superconductivity recently found in a triangular-lattice CoO2-sheet compound. The film's large magnetoresistance with current perpendicular to the CoO2 plane showed field-hysteretic behavior analogous to tunneling magnetoresistance. The electronic structure of Sr2CoO4 was also investigated to characterize the quasi-two-dimensional ferromagnetic metal state in terms of optical spectroscopy and first-principles calculation.

Perfluorinated compounds in coastal waters of Hong Kong, South China, and Korea

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), such as perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and related compounds, have recently been identified in the environment. PFOS, the terminal degradation product of many of the PFCs, has been found globally in many wildlife species, as well as open ocean waters, even in remote regions far from sources. In this study, a solid-phase extraction procedure coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography interfaced to high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to isolate, identify, and quantify small concentrations of PFCs in seawater. These techniques were applied to investigate the local sources of PFCs in several industrialized areas of Asia and provide information on how the PFCs are circulated by coastal currents. Ranges of concentrations of PFOS in coastal seawaters of Hong Kong, the Pearl River Delta, including the South China Sea, and Korea were 0.09-3.1, 0.02-12, and 0.04-730 pg/mL, respectively, while those of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were 0.73-5.5, 0.24-16, and 0.24-320 pg/mL, respectively. Potential sources of PFCs include major industrialized areas along the Pearl River Delta of southern China and major cities of Korea, which are several of the fastest growing industrial and economic regions in the world. Detectable concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in waters of southern China were similar to those in the coastal marine environment of Japan and certain regions in Korea. Concentrations of PFCs in several locations in Korean waters were 10-100-fold greater than those in the other locations on which we report here. The spatial and seasonal variations in PFC concentrations in surface seawaters in the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea indicate the strong influence of the Pearl River discharge on the magnitude and extent of PFC contamination in southern China. All of the concentrations of PFOS were less than those that would be expected to cause adverse effects to aquatic organisms or their predators except for one location in Korea adjacent to an industrialized area. Hazard quotients were from <0.001 to 0.002 for aquatic animals and ranged from <0.001 to 17 for predatory birds.

Development of an integrated laboratory information management system for the maize mapping project

MOTIVATION

The development of an integrated genetic and physical map for the maize genome involves the generation of an enormous amount of data. Managing this data requires a system to aid in genotype scoring for different types of markers coming from both local and remote users. In addition, researchers need an efficient way to interact with genetic mapping software and with data files from automated DNA sequencing. They also need ways to manage primer data for mapping and sequencing and provide views of the integrated physical and genetic map and views of genetic map comparisons.

RESULTS

The MMP-LIMS system has been used successfully in a high-throughput mapping environment. The genotypes from 957 SSR, 1023 RFLP, 189 SNP, and 177 InDel markers have been entered and verified via MMP-LIMS. The system is flexible, and can be easily modified to manage data for other species. The software is freely available.

AVAILABILITY

To receive a copy of the iMap or cMap software, please fill out the form on our website. The other MMP-LIMS software is freely available at http://www.maizemap.org/bioinformatics.htm.

iMap: a database-driven utility to integrate and access the genetic and physical maps of maize

MOTIVATION

Because of the unique biological features, a bioinformatic platform for the integrated genetic and physical map of maize is required for storing, integrating, accessing and visualizing the underlying data.

RESULTS

The goal of the Maize Mapping Project is to develop a fully integrated genetic and physical map for maize. To display this integrated map, we have developed iMap. iMap has three main components: a relational database (iMapDB), a map graphic browser (iMap Viewer) and a search utility (iMap Search). iMapDB is populated with current genetic and physical map data, describing relationships among genetic loci, molecular markers and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) contigs. The database also contains integrated information produced by applying a set of anchoring rules to assign BAC contigs to specific locations on the genetic map. The iMap Viewer and iMap Search functions are combined in the user interface to allow viewing and retrieving many types of genetic and physical map data. The iMap Viewer features side-by-side chromosome-based displays of the genetic map and associated BAC contigs. For each genetic locus, information about marker type or contig can be viewed via pop-up windows that feature links to external data resources. Searches can be conducted for genetic locus, probe or sequence accession number; search results include relevant map positions, anchored BAC contigs and links to the graphical display of relevant chromosomes. iMap can be accessed at http://www.maizemap.org

AVAILABILITY

The iMap utility package is available for non-commercial use upon request from the authors.

Molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients of Somalian and white ethnic origin attending an inner London clinic

BACKGROUND

In 2002, 6891 and 2850 tuberculosis (TB) notifications were received respectively for England and Wales and London. TB is an important public health problem in the Somalian population of inner London.

SETTING

An inner London TB clinic.

OBJECTIVE

To study the epidemiology, genetic diversity and clustering of tuberculosis in Somalian and white patients.

MAIN OUTCOME METHODS

In a cross sectional study from June 1998 to June 2001, IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and secondary spoligotyping was performed on 57 M. tuberculosis isolates from 40 Somalian and 17 white patients. Contact tracing of patients provided epidemiological information.

RESULTS

In the Somalian group, using RFLP and spoligotyping, there were three clusters. Routine contact tracing confirmed one household cluster (two siblings). Spoligotyping yielded one cluster of two white patients who were patrons of a local pub. The rates of recent transmission were respectively 10.0% and 5.9% in the Somalian and white groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneous RFLP patterns in both groups showed a predominance of reactivation disease. Clustering as evidence of recent transmission has public health implications for enhanced contact tracing and active intervention.

Induction of cyclooxygenase-2 in human endometrial stromal cells by malignant endometrial epithelial cells: evidence for the involvement of extracellularly regulated kinases and CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins

We previously reported that human malignant endometrial epithelial cell conditioned medium (MECM) up-regulated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA and protein levels in human normal endometrial stromal cells (ESC). Here we showed that pretreatment with a selective inhibitor of the extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway blocked the MECM-induced COX-2 expression in ESC. Transient transfection assays indicated critical roles of a cAMP response element (CRE,-59/-53 bp) and a nuclear factor for interleukin (IL)-6 expression (NF-IL6) site (-132/-124 bp) in the regulation of basal and MECM-induced activity of COX-2 gene promoter in ESC. Employing electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we demonstrated that increased functional binding of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)alpha, C/EBPbeta and upstream stimulatory factor-2 to the CRE and C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta to the NF-IL6 site were, at least in part, responsible for MECM-induced COX-2 expression in ESC. Moreover, overexpression of C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta significantly induced COX-2 promoter activity in ESC. Collectively, these results suggest that the basal and MECM-induced transcription of the COX-2 gene in ESC is regulated through a combination of the CRE and the NF-IL6 site by functional interactions of C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta.

Change of electronic structure in Ca2RuO4 induced by orbital ordering

Optical conductivity spectra sigma(omega) were used to investigate the effect of orbital ordering on the electronic structure of Ca2RuO4. Our LDA+U calculation predicts Ru 4d(xy) ferro-orbital ordering at the ground state, and well explains the present sigma(omega) as well as the reported O 1s x-ray absorption spectra. Variation of temperature (T) causes a large change of spectral weight over several eV as well as collapse of a charge gap accompanied by elongation of the c-axis Ru-O bond length. These results clearly indicate that the d(xy) orbital ordering plays a crucial role in the metal-insulator transition and the T-dependent electronic structure on a large energy scale.

Rates of weight change for black and white Americans over a twenty year period

OBJECTIVE

To examine the rate of weight gain over time among Americans by age, gender, and race.

PARTICIPANTS

Scientific sample of 5117 Americans, ages 25-74 y in 1971 followed for 20 y.

RESULTS

Rates of weight gain estimated by mixed effects models are highest among young adults and rates of weight loss are greatest among older adults. The overall shape of the growth curves are similar for men and women, black and white, in terms of both weight gain and weight loss. Rates are also affected by baseline body mass index (BMI=wt in kg/height in m(2)).

CONCLUSIONS

Americans gain weight until middle age, stabilize, and begin to lose weight near age 60. Weight loss during old age is especially evident for obese Americans. The ability to accurately identify groups with increased risk and target them for obesity prevention will help combat the steady rise of overweight and obesity in America.

cMap: the comparative genetic map viewer

cMap, a www comparative genetic map graphical utility, has a search capability and provides comparison of two genetic maps within or between species with dynamic links to data resources and text lists of the shared loci, running in a relational database environment. Currently, maps from three species (maize 'Zea mays L.', rice 'Oryza sativa L.', and sorghum 'Sorghum bicolor L.'), representing over 13,800 distinct loci, are available for comparison at http://www.agron.missouri.edu/cMapDB/cMap.html.

AVAILABILITY

cMap source code is available without cost on request for non-commercial use.

The humoral immune responses elicited in mice by inoculations with a recombinant protein or DNA based on the circumsporozoite-protein gene of Plasmodium falciparum

The humoral responses elicited in mice by inoculation, in various doses and by several routes, with plasmid DNA containing the gene coding for the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of Plasmodium falciparum FCC1/HN were compared with those evoked by inoculation with a recombinant expressed protein based on the CSP. With the DNA vaccine, intramuscular inoculations appeared the most effective, followed by intravenous and then subcutaneous injections, the responses in each case being dose-dependent. In both standard ELISA and dot-ELISA, sera from the mice immunized with the DNA were found to have much lower titres of antimalarial antibodies than the corresponding sera from mice immunized with the recombinant protein. Although both 'vaccines' elicited humoral immune responses in BALB/c mice, that based on plasmid DNA took much longer than the recombinant protein to induce high-titre antibody responses.

Establishment and characterization of a cell line from a malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone developing in a patient with multiple fibrous dysplasia

PURPOSE AND METHODS

In order to provide material for genetic analysis of fibrous dysplasia (FD), a cell line designated GBS-1 was established from a secondary bone malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) developing in a rib of a 44-year-old male polyostotic FD patient.

RESULTS

The GBS-1 cells are characterized by a pleomorphic spindle cell morphology with abundant mucus production. On transplantation to nude mouse subcutis the cell line forms myxoid-spindle cell sarcomas with giant cells, the myxoid product being positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and alcian blue (Al-B) stains and completely digested by hyaluronidase, mimicking the original tumor. Chromosome and genetic analyses revealed multiple structural and numerical abnormalities of chromosomes with a large number of unidentifiable chromosomes and p53 mutation in exon 7 with LOH in the counterpart.

CONCLUSIONS

Since cell lines for FD have hitherto not been available, the GBS-1 cells should prove useful for genetic analyses of FD and also MFH of bone origin.

[Expression of type I and type II 5alpha-reductase isoenzymes in prostate cancer tissues]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relative tissue distribution and expression pattern of type I and type type II 5alpha-reductase isozymes in prostate cancer tissues.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR method were used to investigate qualitatively and semi-quantitatively the expression of type I and type II 5alpha-reductases in prostate tissues from 15 normal persons and 15 patients with prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Two isozymes were detected in both normal and cancerous prostate tissues with the two methods. Both 5alpha-reductases were mainly localized in the cytoplasm, and higher degree of staining was observed in epithelial cells than in stroma. Significantly higher level of type I 5alpha-reduetase expression was observed in cancerous tissue than in normal tissue. The expression level of type I 5alpha-reduetase was positively correlated with the tumor stage and grade, and serum PSA concentration. The expression of type II 5alpha-reductase was very weak in prostate cancer tissue.

CONCLUSION

The type I 5alpha-reductase, not type II, is involved in the pathogenesis of protate cancer. Selective type I 5alpha-reductase inhibitors or dual inhibitors of both type human 5alpha-reductase isoforms can be used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Identification of dipeptidyl nitriles as potent and selective inhibitors of cathepsin B through structure-based drug design

Cathepsin B is a member of the papain superfamily of cysteine proteases and has been implicated in the pathology of numerous diseases, including arthritis and cancer. As part of an effort to identify potent, reversible inhibitors of this protease, we examined a series of dipeptidyl nitriles, starting with the previously reported Cbz-Phe-NH-CH(2)CN (19, IC(50) = 62 microM). High-resolution X-ray crystallographic data and molecular modeling were used to optimize the P(1), P(2), and P(3) substituents of this template. Cathepsin B is unique in its class in that it contains a carboxylate recognition site in the S(2)' pocket of the active site. Inhibitor potency and selectivity were enhanced by tethering a carboxylate functionality from the carbon alpha to the nitrile to interact with this region of the enzyme. This resulted in the identification of compound 10, a 7 nM inhibitor of cathepsin B, with excellent selectivity over other cysteine cathepsins.

Stromal PRs mediate induction of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 expression in human endometrial epithelium: a paracrine mechanism for inactivation of E2

Progesterone stimulates the expression of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 2, which catalyzes the conversion of the potent estrogen, E2, to an inactive form, estrone, in epithelial cells of human endometrial tissue. Various effects of progesterone on uterine epithelium have recently been shown to be mediated by stromal PRs in mice. We describe herein a critical paracrine mechanism whereby progesterone induction of 17beta-HSD type 2 enzyme activity, transcript levels, and promoter activity in human endometrial epithelial cells are mediated primarily by PR in endometrial stromal cells. Medium conditioned with progestin-pretreated human endometrial stromal cells robustly increased 17beta-HSD type 2 enzyme activity (2-fold) and mRNA levels (13.2-fold) in Ishikawa malignant endometrial epithelial cells. In contrast, direct progestin treatment of Ishikawa epithelial cells gave rise to much smaller increases in enzyme activity (1.2-fold) and mRNA levels (4-fold). These results suggest that progesterone- dependent paracrine factors arising from stromal cells are primarily responsible for the induction of epithelial 17beta-HSD type 2 expression in the endometrium. We transfected serial deletion mutants of the -1,244 bp 5'-flanking region of the 17beta-HSD type 2 gene into Ishikawa cells. No progesterone response elements could be identified upstream of the 17beta-HSD type 2 promoter. Stromal PR-dependent induction of the 17beta-HSD type 2 promoter was mediated by a critical regulatory region mapped to the -200/-100 bp sequence. Direct treatment of Ishikawa cells with progestin gave rise to a maximal increase in the activity of -200 bp/Luciferase construct only by 1.2-fold, whereas medium conditioned by progestin-pretreated endometrial stromal cells increased promoter activity up to 2.4-fold in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The stimulatory effect of medium conditioned by progestin-pretreated stromal cells was enhanced strikingly by increasing stromal cell PR levels with the addition of estrogen. This epithelial-stromal interaction was specific for endometrial epithelial cells, since 17beta-HSD type 2 could not be induced in malignant breast epithelial cells by media conditioned with progestin-treated breast or endometrial stromal cells. In conclusion, progesterone regulates the conversion of biologically active E2 to estrone by inducing the 17beta-HSD type 2 enzyme in human endometrial epithelium primarily via PR in stromal cells, which secrete factors that induce transcription mediated primarily by the -200/-100 bp 5'-regulatory region of the 17beta-HSD type 2 promoter.

Role of aromatase in endometrial disease

Aromatase is the key enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis. It is normally expressed in the human ovary, skin, adipose tissue and brain. Aromatase activity is not detectable in normal endometrium. In contrast, aromatase is expressed aberrantly in endometriosis and is stimulated by PGE2. This results in local production of estrogen, which induces PGE2 formation and establishes a positive feedback cycle. Another abnormality in endometriosis, i.e. deficient 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) type 2 expression, impairs the inactivation of estradiol to estrone. These molecular aberrations collectively favor accumulation of increasing quantities of estradiol and PGE2 in endometriosis. The clinical relevance of these findings was exemplified by the successful treatment of an unusually aggressive case of post-menopausal endometriosis using an aromatase inhibitor.

Estrogen depletion induces NaCl-sensitive hypertension in female spontaneously hypertensive rats

In women, arterial pressure generally increases after menopause, but several studies suggest that women who eat large amounts of plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) experience a slower rise in the incidence of postmenopausal hypertension. This suggests that both ovarian hormones (principally estrogen) and phytoestrogens may protect at least some women from hypertension. The present study tests the hypothesis that phytoestrogens blunt hypertension in estrogen-depleted female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Three-week-old ovariectomized SHR were fed one of four diets that contained basal (0.6%) or high (8%) NaCl with or without dietary phytoestrogens for 9 wk. In SHR on the basal NaCl diet, arterial pressure was unaffected by the removal of dietary phytoestrogens. In contrast, in SHR on the high-NaCl diet, arterial pressure was significantly higher in rats on the phytoestrogen-free (204 +/- 4 mmHg) compared with the phytoestrogen-replete (153 +/- 4 mmHg) diet. Ganglionic blockade resulted in reductions in arterial pressure that were directly related to the dietary NaCl-induced increases in arterial pressure. Together, these data indicate that dietary phytoestrogens protect ovariectomized female SHR from dietary NaCl-sensitive hypertension and that the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in this effect. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that dietary phytoestrogens can have a major impact on the interpretation of studies into the physiological role of estrogen in females.

[Expression of bcl-2 and Bax genes in facial neurons and their regulation of neuron apoptosis following facial neurotmesis in rats]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the expression changes of bcl-2 and Bax genes and their functions in facial neuronal apoptosis after amputating the facial nerve.

METHODS

Rats were randomized into two groups, including the experimental and the control group. The changes of expression of bcl-2 and Bax genes in the facial neurons and facial neuronal apoptosis were observed after the facial nerve amputation using the methods of ABC immunohistochemical staining and TUNEL.

RESULTS

The expression of bcl-2 and Bax genes and the apoptosis of facial neurons were significantly higher in the experimental group than those of the control group from the 3rd to 21st day after amputation, but the bcl-2/Bax significantly decreased compared with that of the control group.

CONCLUSION

This indicated that bcl-2 and Bax might play an important regulation role in the process of facial neurons apoptosis following facial nerve amputation.

Body mass index and asthma in adults in families of subjects with asthma in Anqing, China

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 7,109 adults from families of subjects with asthma in the province of Anhui, China. Asthma was defined either as a combination of physician-diagnosed asthma, airway responsiveness to methacholine at < or = 25 mg/ml and two or more respiratory symptoms or asthma attacks ("asthma"); or as a combination of airway responsiveness to methacholine at < or = 8 mg/ml and two or more respiratory symptoms or asthma attacks ("symptomatic airway hyperresponsiveness [AHR]"). After adjusting for intensity of cigarette smoking and other variables, both extremes of the body mass index (BMI) distribution were associated with symptomatic AHR in men and women (p < 0.01). In the multivariate analysis, both under- and overweight were associated with asthma in women, and underweight was associated with asthma in men. Among men, those with BMIs of 16 and 30 kg/m(2) had 2.5 and 2.3 times higher odds of symptomatic AHR, respectively, than those whose BMI was 21 kg/m(2) (95% CI for OR(16 vs. 21 kg/m)(2) = 1.4 to 3.8; 95% CI for OR(30) (vs.) (21) (kg/m)(2) = 1.2 to 5.0). Among women, those with BMIs of 16 and 30 kg/m(2) had 2.0 and 2.3 times higher odds of symptomatic AHR than those whose BMI was 21 kg/m(2) (95% CI for OR(16) (vs.) (21) (kg/m)(2) = 1.3 to 3.1; 95% CI(30) (vs.) (21) (kg/m)(2) = 1.2 to 4.5). Among adults in families of subjects with asthma living in rural China, both underweight and overweight are associated with an increased risk of asthma.

[The efficacy of controlling of house dusts in attacks of mite sensitive asthmatics]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of controlling of house dusts in attacks of mite sensitive asthmatics (DMSA).

METHODS

Dust in mattresses, sofas, beddings and pillows were calculated for 43 cases of DMSA every season meanwhile the asthmatic symptoms, amount of drugs taken, PEF value in morning and evening were daily recorded by patients, then the patients were divided into two groups i.e. treatment group (A group, 22 cases) and no treatment group ( B group, 21 cases) randomly. The controlling measures included well-ventilation, washing clothes and bedclothes and catching dust frequently and exposing of clothing or bedclothes in the sun.

RESULTS

Correlation was found between house dust density and asthmatic attacks. The number of dust mites was lower after treatment than before in A group [(N/g): spring 62 vs 103, summer 105 vs 132, autumn 163 vs 231, winter 9 vs 13]. Concomitant asthmatic symptoms and amount of drugs taken and total IgE reduced [(0.6 vs 1.6) mg/L] and PEF values or PEF difference improved.

CONCLUSION

Control of dust mites growth could alleviate the asthmatic symptoms and decrease the attacks.

A hypothesis on the metabolism of glyceryl trinitrate in vascular endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Extensive research has been conducted regarding the mechanism of action of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). It is currently believed that GTN undergoes a thiol-dependent metabolic pathway and releases its active metabolite, nitric oxide (NO) and/or S-nitrosothiols (R-SNO). This activates guanylyl cyclase (GC) leading to the formation of cGMP, which is responsible for the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles and the inhibition of platelet aggregation. The lack of knowledge as to the precise mechanism of GTN action and the modulation of its formation has limited the prevention of tolerance to GTN.

RESULTS

With cultured human vascular endothelial cells (EC), we showed that nitrite was first formed in endothelial cells whose concentration was dependent on reduced thiols. Cells preexposed to GTN significantly decreased the production of nitrite compared with cells that were not preexposed. Furthermore, we showed that thiols in cultured cells were oxidized during interaction with GTN, which correlated with the time of exposure to GTN.

CONCLUSION

Nitrite is the first active intermediate of GTN metabolism in endothelial cells. The analysis of the changes of the blood nitrite and reduced thiols concentration is helpful for evaluating the vasodilatation activity of GTN during therapeutic treatments.

[The effects of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy on patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with hypoxaemia]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy (LTDOT) on patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with hypoxaemia.

METHODS

Sixty-one hypoxemic cases with stable COPD were divided into two groups--the LTDOT group of 30 patients and the control group of 31 patents. Before LTDOT and one year or two years later, the lung function test, blood routine, electrocardiography and ultra-echocardiography were tested, the psychological status and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated with the hospital anxiety and depression score and QOL questionnaire respectively. Both groups received routine treatment. In addition,the LTDOT group received oxygen therapy at home with nasal cannula with the oxygen flow of (0.5 - 2.5) L/min for at least 15 hrs every day.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients in the LTDOT group died two years later, the mortality rate was 43%; eleven patients in the control group died. In LTDOT group hemoglobin, red blood cell count and hematocrit did not change after one year and two years, the hemoglobin, red blood cell count and hematocrit in the control group did not change after one year but the hemoglobin and red blood cell count increased significantly after two years (P < 0.05); ECG showed that the value of RV1 + SV5 in the LTDOT group remained stable (P > 0.05), which in the control group increased (P < 0.05). After one year and two years, mean pulmonary artery pressure in the LTDOT group declined significantly (P < 0.05). The internal diameter of right ventricle of the heart and the outlet of right ventricle of the heart declined significantly (P < 0.05), but those in the control group increased significantly (P < 0.05). In the LTDOT group, the anxiety and depression scores were significantly improved (P < 0.05) after one year or two years, the total mean score of QOL, general activity score, social activity score, depression and anxiety scores were significantly improved (P < 0.05), but in the control group the anxiety and depression scores did not change (P > 0.05), the total mean score of QOL, social activity score, the anxiety score were significantly worse(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy could reduce the load of the right heart, improve the patients's psychological status and quality of life.

Exposure-response relationship between paternal smoking and children's pulmonary function

We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate paternal smoking and children's pulmonary function in rural communities of Anqing, China. Our analysis included 1,718 children 8 to 15 yr of age whose mothers were never-smokers. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate the effect of paternal smoking on children's pulmonary function, with adjustment for children's age, sex, weight, height, square of height, asthma, and father's education. When compared with children of never-smoking fathers, children of smoking fathers had small, but detectable deficits in FEV(1) (-36 ml, SE = 20) and FVC (-37 ml, SE = 22). When children of smoking fathers were subdivided into two subgroups, father smoked < 30 cigarettes/day and >/= 30 cigarettes/day, we found that children whose fathers smoked >/= 30 cigarettes/day had the largest deficits in both FEV(1) (-79 ml, SE = 30) and FVC (-71 ml, SE = 34). This monotonic exposure-response relationship remained in all strata when we further stratified our analysis by children's sex and asthma status. Our data also suggested that the relationship was greatest among nonasthmatic girls, although neither sex nor asthma interaction terms were statistically significant. We conclude that there is a monotonic exposure-response relationship between paternal smoking and decline of pulmonary function in children in this rural Chinese population.

Molecular evidence for independent occurrence of IS6110 insertions at the same sites of the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in different clinical isolates

Several characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (e.g., conserved genome and low growth rate) have severely restricted the study of the microorganism. The discovery of IS6110 raised hopes of overcoming these obstacles. However, our knowledge of this IS element is relatively limited; even its two basic characteristics (transposition mechanism and target site selection) are far from well understood. In this study, IS6110 insertions in ipl loci (iplA and iplB) in two collections of clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis from different geographic locations, one from Scotland and the other from Thailand, were investigated. Five different IS6110 insertions in the loci were identified: ipl-4::IS6110, ipl-5::IS6110, ipl-11::IS6110, ipl-12::IS6110, and ipl-13::IS6110. An attempt to establish the phylogenetic relationship of the isolates containing these insertions was unsuccessful, suggesting that some of these insertions may have arisen from more than one event. This possibility is further supported by the observation that IS6110 copies existed in the same site but with different orientations in different isolates, and the insertion site of ipl-1::IS6110 harbored IS6110 copies in both iplA and iplB in different strains. All these suggest the independent occurrence of IS6110 insertions at the same sites of the genome of M. tuberculosis in different clinical isolates. The implications of this finding are discussed.