[Association of triglyceride glucose index and risk of incident hypertension: a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To explore the relationship between the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and the risk of developing hypertension among rural Chinese adults. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2007 to 2008, involving 20 194 adults selected through random cluster sampling from a rural community in Luoyang City, Henan Province. Follow-ups were carried out in 2013-2014 and 2018-2020. After excluding participants with hypertension at baseline, those with missing TyG index data, individuals who passed away during follow-up, and those with incomplete hypertension status at the second visit, 9 802 participants were included in the analysis. Baseline and follow-up assessments included questionnaire interviews, physical measurements (including blood pressure), and blood sample collection for fasting lipid and glucose levels. Participants were divided into four groups according to TyG index quartiles, and a modified Poisson regression model was utilized to assess the association between TyG index quartiles and hypertension risk. Results: The study cohort comprised 9 802 participants with a median age of 48 (39, 57) years, including 3 803 males (38.80%). Participants were distributed across TyG index quartiles as follows: TyG<8.2 group (2 224 individuals), TyG 8.2-8.5 group (2 653 individuals), TyG 8.6-8.9 (2 441 individuals), and TyG≥9.0 (2 484 individuals). Over a follow-up period of (11.1±1.3) years, 3 378 subjects developed hypertension, resulting in a cumulative incidence of 34.46% (3 378/9 802). The risk of hypertension increased with higher TyG index quartiles (Ptrend<0.05). Compared to the TyG<8.2, the TyG 8.2-8.5 (RR=1.11, 95%CI 1.01-1.22, P=0.023), TyG 8.6-8.9 (RR=1.16, 95%CI 1.06-1.27, P=0.023), and TyG≥9.0 (RR=1.20, 95%CI 1.10-1.31, P=0.023) exhibited increased hypertension risk after adjusting for age, gender, educational level, and other potential confounders. Subgroup analyses based on gender and age at baseline yielded results consistent with the main analysis. Conclusions: The TyG index is positively correlated with the risk of developing hypertension in the rural adult population.

Correlates of the Veterans Visiting Emergency Departments in Taiwan: A Comparison Before and After the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

Taiwan has a substantial number of veterans, but knowledge regarding their emergency department (ED) visits during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains limited. This study examined the characteristics of veterans' ED visits during Taiwan's COVID-19 epidemic.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the ED of a large veteran medical center located in Taipei, Taiwan, from May 2018 to October 2021. We analyzed the numbers and features of visits in summer and autumn according to the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Taiwan in 2021.

RESULTS

Medical institutions were positively associated with veteran status. Emergency department complaints of trauma (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06-1.25; summer P < .01) and chest pain/tightness (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.45-1.87; summer P < .01; AOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.26-1.55; P < .01) were associated with increased odds of being a veteran. Triage levels above 2 were positively associated with veteran status in the autumn model (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07-1.22; P < .01). Patients hospitalized after ED visits were associated with reduced odds of veteran status (P < .01). Those who spent a long time in the ED were more likely to be veterans than those who spent a shorter time in the ED (P < .01). Veterans were less likely to visit the ED regardless of the time frame of the study period (P < .01), except during the COVID-19 outbreak in the autumn (2019-2020).

CONCLUSIONS

The distinctions in ED visits highlighted the individuality of veterans' medical needs. Our findings suggest that the veteran medical system can add to the focus on improving senior-friendly care, fall prevention, quality of life of institutionalized veterans, access for homeless veterans, and care for ambulatory care-sensitive conditions.

First observation of fluid-like eddy-dominant bursty bulk flow turbulence in the Earth's tail plasma sheet

Turbulence is a ubiquitous phenomenon in neutral and conductive fluids. According to classical theory, turbulence is a rotating flow containing vortices of different scales. Eddies play a fundamental role in the nonlinear cascade of kinetic energy at different scales in turbulent flow. In conductive fluids, the Alfvénic/kinetic Alfvénic wave (AW/KAW) is the new "cell" of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence (frozen-in condition). Wave energy, which has equal kinetic and magnetic energy, is redistributed among multiple-scale Fourier modes and transferred from the large MHD scale to the small kinetic scale through the collision of counter-propagating Alfvénic wave packages propagating along the magnetic field line. Fluid-like eddy-dominant plasma flow turbulence has never been found in space since the launch of the first satellite in 1957. In this paper, we report the first observation of eddy-dominant turbulence within magnetic reconnection-generated fast flow in the Earth's tail plasma sheet by the Magnetospheric Multiscale Spacecraft (MMS). In eddy-dominant turbulent reconnection jet, ions dominate the flow field while electrons dominate current and magnetic fluctuations. Our findings shed new light on the nonlinear kinetic and magnetic energy cascade in MHD turbulence.

[Application value of combined deep inhalation and breath-hold technique guided by four-dimensional CT in preoperative localization of solitary pulmonary nodules]

Objective: To explore the clinical value of four dimensional computed tomography (4 D CT) guided combined with deep inhalation and breath hold (DIBH) technique in the preoperative localization of solitary pulmonary nodules. Methods: The data of a total of 106 patients with solitary pulmonary nodules from March 2018 to May 2021 in the Ningbo First Hospital were collected retrospectively. Among them, there were 26 males and 80 females aged from 21 to 83 (47.4±14.2) years. According to different localization methods, 53 cases were divided into the control group, as the pulmonary nodules were located by CT guided injection of indocyanine green under calm breathing and 53 cases were divided into in the experimental group, as those patients were treated with indocyanine green injection under the guidance of 4 D CT combined with DIBH technology to locate pulmonary nodules. The three-dimensional distance deviation between pulmonary nodules and indocyanine green injection points was compared between the two groups to obtain the accuracy of pulmonary nodule localization. The preoperative positioning time of the two groups was compared by timing. Results: Among the 106 patients, there were 46 pure ground glass nodules, 32 sub solid nodules and 28 solid nodules, all of which were successfully localized before operation, with a success rate of 100%. The size of pulmonary nodules in the control group was (9.1±2.3) mm and the three-dimensional deviation[M(Q₁, Q₃)]between indocyanine green injection site and pulmonary nodules was X axis [7.0 (3.7, 12.6)] mm, Y axis [6.6 (2.9, 11.2)] mm, Z axis [3.0 (2.0, 6.0)]mm, respectively, and the preoperative positioning time was (11.4±3.8) min. The size of pulmonary nodules in the experimental group was (8.9±2.1) mm, and the deviations in 3 D direction were X axis [4.8 (3.0, 7.9)]mm, Y axis [3.8 (1.3, 7.5)]mm, Z axis [4.0 (2.0, 6.0)] mm, respectively. The preoperative positioning time was (9.3±3.0) min. There were statistically significant differences in preoperative positioning time and deviation of X and Y axis between the experimental group and the control group (P<0.05), but no statistically significant differences was found in deviation of Z axis (P>0.05). Conclusion: 4 D CT guided DIBH technology could improve the accuracy of preoperative localization of pulmonary nodules and save operation time, which is worthy of popularization.

Beam particle identification and tagging of incompletely stripped heavy beams with HEIST

A challenge preventing successful inverse kinematics measurements with heavy nuclei that are not fully stripped is identifying and tagging the beam particles. For this purpose, the HEavy ISotope Tagger (HEIST) has been developed. HEIST utilizes two micro-channel plate timing detectors to measure the time-of-flight, a multi-sampling ion chamber to measure energy loss, and a high-purity germanium detector to identify isomer decays and calibrate the isotope identification system. HEIST has successfully identified ¹⁹⁸Pb and other nearby nuclei at energies of about 75 MeV/A. In the experiment discussed, a typical cut containing 89% of all ¹⁹⁸Pb⁸⁰⁺ in the beam had a purity of 86%. We examine the issues of charge state contamination. The observed charge state populations of these ions are presented and, using an adjusted beam energy, are well described by the charge state model GLOBAL.

Gross examination report of a COVID-19 death autopsy

Abstract

Precision Measurement of the Helium Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays of Rigidities 1.9 GV to 3 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the precise rigidity dependence of the helium flux is important in understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. A precise measurement of the helium flux in primary cosmic rays with rigidity (momentum/charge) from 1.9 GV to 3 TV based on 50 million events is presented and compared to the proton flux. The detailed variation with rigidity of the helium flux spectral index is presented for the first time. The spectral index progressively hardens at rigidities larger than 100 GV. The rigidity dependence of the helium flux spectral index is similar to that of the proton spectral index though the magnitudes are different. Remarkably, the spectral index of the proton to helium flux ratio increases with rigidity up to 45 GV and then becomes constant; the flux ratio above 45 GV is well described by a single power law.

Precision Measurement of the Proton Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays from Rigidity 1 GV to 1.8 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precise measurement of the proton flux in primary cosmic rays with rigidity (momentum/charge) from 1 GV to 1.8 TV is presented based on 300 million events. Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the proton flux is important in understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. We present the detailed variation with rigidity of the flux spectral index for the first time. The spectral index progressively hardens at high rigidities.

Precision Measurement of the (e^{+}+e^{-}) Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays from 0.5 GeV to 1 TeV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present a measurement of the cosmic ray (e^{+}+e^{-}) flux in the range 0.5 GeV to 1 TeV based on the analysis of 10.6 million (e^{+}+e^{-}) events collected by AMS. The statistics and the resolution of AMS provide a precision measurement of the flux. The flux is smooth and reveals new and distinct information. Above 30.2 GeV, the flux can be described by a single power law with a spectral index γ=-3.170±0.008(stat+syst)±0.008(energy scale).

Electron and positron fluxes in primary cosmic rays measured with the alpha magnetic spectrometer on the international space station

Precision measurements by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux in the range 0.5 to 700 GeV and the positron flux in the range 0.5 to 500 GeV are presented. The electron flux and the positron flux each require a description beyond a single power-law spectrum. Both the electron flux and the positron flux change their behavior at ∼30  GeV but the fluxes are significantly different in their magnitude and energy dependence. Between 20 and 200 GeV the positron spectral index is significantly harder than the electron spectral index. The determination of the differing behavior of the spectral indices versus energy is a new observation and provides important information on the origins of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons.

High statistics measurement of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays of 0.5-500 GeV with the alpha magnetic spectrometer on the international space station

A precision measurement by AMS of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 500 GeV based on 10.9 million positron and electron events is presented. This measurement extends the energy range of our previous observation and increases its precision. The new results show, for the first time, that above ∼200  GeV the positron fraction no longer exhibits an increase with energy.

First result from the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station: precision measurement of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays of 0.5-350 GeV

A precision measurement by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 350 GeV based on 6.8 × 10(6) positron and electron events is presented. The very accurate data show that the positron fraction is steadily increasing from 10 to ∼ 250  GeV, but, from 20 to 250 GeV, the slope decreases by an order of magnitude. The positron fraction spectrum shows no fine structure, and the positron to electron ratio shows no observable anisotropy. Together, these features show the existence of new physical phenomena.

Survey on tetracycline resistance and antibiotic-resistant genotype of avian Escherichia coli in North China

The experiment was performed to investigate the tetracycline resistance and antibiotic-resistant genotype of avian Escherichia coli in North China and to analyze the correlation of genotype and phenotype. The resistance of 164 E. coli isolates (from Beijing, Tianjin, inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Hebei regions of China) to tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline was investigated by using a drug susceptibility test. The results show that the rate of resistance to tetracycline antibiotics was 89.63% (147/164). The higher resistance rate was 84.76% (139/164) to tetracycline and 70.12% (115/164) to doxycycline, and the lowest resistance rate was 4.88% (8/164) to minocycline. The distribution of tetracycline resistance (Tcr) genes (tetA, tetB, tetC, and tetM) in avian E. coli isolates was detected by PCR. Of the isolates, 82.32% (135/164) carried tetracycline resistance genes. The positive rates of tetA, tetB, and tetM were 57.93% (95/164), 38.41% (63/164), and 10.97% (18/164), respectively. No tetC was amplified in avian E. coli isolates. The total positive rate of resistance genes (82.32%) was almost equal to the total rate of resistance to tetracycline antibiotics (89.63%). Thus, the positive rate of genotype was basically in line with that of phenotype for tetracycline resistance. The tetracycline resistance genes are widely distributed in E. coli and their main resistance mechanism to tetracycline is the active efflux effect mediated by tetA and tetB.

Acyclovir and transmission of HIV-1 from persons infected with HIV-1 and HSV-2

BACKGROUND

Most persons who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are also infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which is frequently reactivated and is associated with increased plasma and genital levels of HIV-1. Therapy to suppress HSV-2 reduces the frequency of reactivation of HSV-2 as well as HIV-1 levels, suggesting that suppression of HSV-2 may reduce the risk of transmission of HIV-1.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of suppressive therapy for HSV-2 (acyclovir at a dose of 400 mg orally twice daily) in couples in which only one of the partners was seropositive for HIV-1 (CD4 count, > or = 250 cells per cubic millimeter) and that partner was also infected with HSV-2 and was not taking antiretroviral therapy at the time of enrollment. The primary end point was transmission of HIV-1 to the partner who was not initially infected with HIV-1; linkage of transmissions was assessed by means of genetic sequencing of viruses.

RESULTS

A total of 3408 couples were enrolled at 14 sites in Africa. Of the partners who were infected with HIV-1, 68% were women, and the baseline median CD4 count was 462 cells per cubic millimeter. Of 132 HIV-1 seroconversions that occurred after randomization (an incidence of 2.7 per 100 person-years), 84 were linked within couples by viral sequencing: 41 in the acyclovir group and 43 in the placebo group (hazard ratio with acyclovir, 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 1.41; P=0.69). Suppression with acyclovir reduced the mean plasma concentration of HIV-1 by 0.25 log(10) copies per milliliter (95% CI, 0.22 to 0.29; P<0.001) and the occurrence of HSV-2-positive genital ulcers by 73% (risk ratio, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.36; P<0.001). A total of 92% of the partners infected with HIV-1 and 84% of the partners not infected with HIV-1 remained in the study for 24 months. The level of adherence to the dispensed study drug was 96%. No serious adverse events related to acyclovir were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Daily acyclovir therapy did not reduce the risk of transmission of HIV-1, despite a reduction in plasma HIV-1 RNA of 0.25 log(10) copies per milliliter and a 73% reduction in the occurrence of genital ulcers due to HSV-2. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00194519.)

The modulation of electronic and optical properties of OXD-X through introduction of the electron-withdrawing groups: a DFT study

A comparative study using density functional theory (DFT) on the molecular structure, electronic structure and relative properties of 1,3,4-oxadiazole dimers 1,3-bis[2-(4-methylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl]benzene (OXD-X) and its derivatives with alkoxy substituents -O(CH(2))(n-1)CH(3) (OXD-An, n=1, 2) and electron-withdrawing substituents -CN (OXD-C), -CF(3) (OXD-TFM), -NO(2) (OXD-N) added at meta-substitution in the phenyl ring are presented. The ground state structures of the title complexes are optimized at B3LYP/6-31G level of theory. In addition, the time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method is applied to calculate the absorption and emission spectra of the derivatives based on the ground state geometries. Comparing with the alkoxy substituents, the results show that the electron-withdrawing substituents have remarkable influences on the energy levels of the frontier molecular orbitals, the spectra and the transition compositions. Especially, -NO(2) group plays the prominent role and the fluorine improves the energy level of LUMO further. The experimental absorption wavelengths for OXD-X, OXD-A3 and OXD-A7 are well reproduced by the TDDFT technique. Moreover the absorption wavelengths and the transition compositions can be effectively adjusted through introducing electro-withdrawing groups in the phenyl ring. The reorganization energies for hole and electron are smaller than that of typical hole and electron transport materials.

Sol-gel fabrication and photoluminescence properties of SiO2 @ Gd2O3:Eu3+ core-shell particles

A uniform nanolayer of europium-doped Gd2O3 was coated on the surface of preformed submicron silica spheres by a Pechini sol-gel process. The resulted SiO2 @ Gd2O3:Eu3+ core-shell structured phosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well as kinetic decays. The XRD results show that the Gd2O3:Eu3+ layers start to crystallize on the SiO2 spheres after annealing at 400 degrees C and the crystallinity increases with raising the annealing temperature. The core-shell phosphors possess perfect spherical shape with narrow size distribution (average size: 640 nm) and non-agglomeration. The thickness of the Gd2O3:Eu3+ shells on the SiO2 cores can be adjusted by changing the deposition cycles (70 nm for three deposition cycles). Under short UV excitation, the obtained SiO2@Gd2O3:Eu3+ particles show a strong red emission with 5D0-7F2 (610 nm) of Eu3+ as the most prominent group. The PL intensity of Eu3+ increases with increasing the annealing temperature and the number of coating cycles.

D5hC50X10: Saturn-like fullerene derivatives (X=F, Cl, Br)

Based on the recently reported D(5h) C(50), the geometries and stabilities of its Saturn-like derivatives C(50)X(10) (X=F, Cl, Br) have been investigated by DFT method. Compared with C(50), the equatorial carbon atoms in C(50)X(10) have been saturated by halogens and change to sp(3) hybridization to release the large angle strain. Because the equatorial carbon atoms have been taken out of the pi system by the halogens "ring," the C(50)X(10) system has been split into two well-delocalized conjugated annulene subunits, and then the electronic stabilization has been enhanced.

Interactions of Li, Ca, and Al with aromatic carbon materials: Anab initiostudy

The interactions of benzene (C6H6), naphthalene (C10H8), and perinaphthene (C13H9) with metal atoms (Li, Ca, and Al) were studied using second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory. By analyzing the frontier molecular orbitals, geometric structures, binding energies, and charge transfers, it was found that these metal atoms can bond strongly with C13H9, but can only bond weakly with C6H6 and C10H8. The bonding nature between a metal atom and C13H9 at their ground state depends significantly on the valence orbital of the metal atom and the pi-bonding distribution of the aromatic hydrocarbons. The spindly shaped 3p valence orbital of an Al atom results in the deviation of the adsorption site to the edge of C13H9, whereas the ball-shaped 2s/4s valence orbitals of a Li and a Ca atom facilitate their overlap with the second lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of C13H9. Further, Hartree-Fock and density-functional theory methods were demonstrated generally to be unreliable in describing the interactions of metal atoms with these pi systems.

Prolonged fever and pyuria: a urinary tract infection presentation of incomplete Kawasaki disease

We report two patients with incomplete Kawasaki disease that presented as apparent urinary tract infection. Persistent fever and pyuria were the initial presentation without concomitant signs suggestive of Kawasaki disease; thus the patients were treated as urinary tract infection. Fever persisted despite antibiotic treatment. Diagnostic criteria of Kawasaki disease were not fulfilled for these two patients, yet aneurysmal dilatation of the coronary artery was noted 10 and 18 d, respectively, after the onset of fever. The diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease was assigned when the coronary artery abnormality was detected. Fever subsided within 24 h of administration of intravenous immunoglobulin.

CONCLUSION

This report highlights the potentially misleading presentation of fever and pyuria as the sole initial manifestation of incomplete Kawasaki disease. Echocardiography is indicated to detect coronary artery abnormality when fever persists in such patients after adequate antibiotic treatment and thorough urological evaluation.

Epidemiology of hand dermatitis among rural nursing students in mainland China: results from a preliminary study

INTRODUCTION

Although hand dermatitis (HD) is known to affect nursing students worldwide, no studies of this disease have yet been conducted in China. Similarly, rural populations are often neglected in international research.

METHODS

A preliminary study of female students from both grades of a hospital-based nursing school was conducted in Hebei Province, China, approximately 280 km south of Beijing. There were 27 students from the 2nd year of the course (47.4%) and 30 students from the 3rd year (52.6%). The study protocol involved an anonymous questionnaire distributed to a convenience sample of both grades from the nursing school. Statistical differences in prevalence by year of study were calculated using Fisher's exact test for discrete variables and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables. Statistical associations between HD and demographic items were investigated using the chi2 test. Where statistical association with HD were identified, simple logistic regression was also performed to establish a basic risk magnitude. Results were compared with similar populations of student nurses from previous studies in Australia, Japan, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany.

RESULTS

HD prevalence fell from 29.6% in the 2nd year to 13.3% in the 3rd year and averaged 21.1% across both grades. Systemic allergic disease among family members was found to be statistically associated with HD (p < 0.05). Overall, our preliminary study showed that HD probably affects Chinese nursing students at rates similar to that of their Japanese counterparts, but at a higher rate than students in other investigations from Germany, Holland and Australia. The identification of familial allergic disease as a possible risk factor for HD was also novel.

CONCLUSION

The investigation was conducted as a preliminary investigation, and as such, our results need to be treated with caution. Further research is recommended to more carefully elucidate the prevalence of HD among larger groups of Chinese nursing students.

The eco-origins, actions and demonstration roles of Beijing Green Olympic Game

The 29th Olympic Game will be held in Beijing in 2008. It will be a green game to promote sustainable development of men, cities and regions through ecological development advocating "man and nature be in one". "Eco" here means a process, a driving force, an action, a culture and a kind of vitality leading to sustainable development. It is a mechanism embodying the Olympic spirit of competition, cooperation and self-reliance. The paper explained the ecological significance, connotation and objectives of Beijing Green Olympic Game. Ten major ecological heritages of Beijing have been investigated including ecologically sound landscape, culture, transportation, physical exercise, health care, sanitation, food, family relationship, agriculture, and human ecological totality. To preserve or restore the above mentioned old tradition, a green Olympic action plan has been made out in Beijing initiated by NGOs, supported by entrepreneurs and coordinated by government agencies. Four kinds of eco-engineering have been planned for blue sky, clean water, green land and eco-city development. The demonstration role of Beijing Green Olympic Game to developing regions and countries is also discussed.

Effects of toluene on regulation of adenylyl cyclase by stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors expressed in CHO cells

We determined the effects of toluene exposure on activation or inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by stimulating human beta2-adrenergic receptors (beta2-AR) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) m2 subtypes, respectively, expressed in CHO cells. The formation of cAMP via beta2-AR stimulation was slightly but not significantly facilitated in the presence of 3.7 microM toluene. On the other hand, the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by 10 microM of carbamylcholine stimulation of mAChR m2 subtypes was attenuated in the presence of toluene. These results strongly suggest that toluene affects activation of Gi rather than Gs.

Different change patterns of the isozymes of cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferases in chemically induced liver damage in rat

In this experiment, we studied the different changes in activities and protein levels of each subform of hepatic cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase (GST), in chemical-induced liver injury in rats. Rats were administered 1,1-dichloroethylene (DCE), allyl alcohol (AA), bromobenzene (BB) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) p.o. once every two days for 7 times, and decapitated 18 hr after the last administration. DCE and AA showed stronger hepatic toxicity than BB and DMF, as serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were higher in DCE and AA treated rats than in BB and DMF groups. Anti-cytochrome P450 inhibitable activity of toluene metabolism and/or immunoblot analysis showed that CYP2E1 and CYP2B1/2 were induced by BB and DMF, but not by the other two chemicals; CYP2C11 was greatly decreased by all of the four toxicants; and CYP1A1/2 was slightly reduced by the four treatments. These changes were reflected in testosterone metabolism. Formation of 6 beta- and 7 alpha-hydroxytestosterone from testosterone was enhanced only in DMF-treated rats, whereas that of 2 alpha- and 16 alpha-hydroxytestosterone was reduced by all of the four chemicals. Serum GST activity was increased only in BB and DMF treated rats, but liver cytosolic GST activity was enhanced by all of the four hepatotoxicants, with higher values in BB and DMF groups than in DCE and AA groups. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that GST Yp was induced by BB and DMF treatments, and Ya and Yc were increased only by BB. GST Yk and Yb1 were not affected by the treatments. The different change patterns of enzymes by a specific toxin and the similar modifying effect on a specific enzyme by different toxins were discussed in relation to the liver damage and to the heterogeneous distribution of enzymes in liver.

Apoptosis induced by zinc deficiency in rat osteoblast: possible involvement of protein kinase C

Rat osteoblasts were isolated from the 21-day fetal rat calvarias. The cells were grown in DMEM plus 10% FBS, and were treated for 24 h. with 10 mumol/L TPEN or 10 mumol/L TPEN supplemented with 10 mumol/L Zn2+. Apoptosis of osteoblasts were measured by flow cytometry, electron microscopy and DNA fragmentation analyzed by gel electrophoresis. In addition, IP3 production and PKC activity were measured in order to show whether they are involved in apoptosis in osteoblast induced by zinc deficiency. The results showed that 10 mumol/L TPEN could induce apoptosis in osteoblast in 24 h. But cells treated with 10 mumol/L TPEN supplemented with 10 mumol/L Zn2+ showed no apoptotic changes in 24 h. TPEN significantly reduced the formation of IP3 and PKC activity after 24 h incubation. No differences were observed between the cells treated with TPEN supplemented with Zn2+ simultaneously and the untreated cells. It can be inferred that apoptosis induced by zinc deficiency may be due to the decreased activity of PKC which is impaired by reduced formation of IP3.

Trichloroethylene inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase only for aliphatic aldehydes of short chains in rats

The effects of trichloroethylene (TCE) administration on aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and cytochrome P450 isozymes were studied in rats and compared with those of methanol. Intragastric administration of TCE to rats at 0.05 or 0.2 ml/kg for 1 week significantly inhibited ALDH activity for aliphatic aldehydes of short chains in the mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions of rat liver, respectively, but had no effect on the activity for long chain aliphatic aldehydes. ALDH activity catalyzing the metabolism of some aromatic aldehydes was even induced by TCE. Microsomal ALDH activity was not decreased by TCE treatment. A kinetic study showed that the low-Km isozyme of ALDH for propionaldehyde in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions was inhibited by TCE treatment. Addition of TCE, trichloroethanol or trichloroacetic acid to the in vitro assay system did not affect the activity for acetaldehyde, but chloral hydrate at 0.02 mM decreased the activity by 42 and 35% in cytosol and the 700 x g supernatant, respectively. Methanol treatment, on the other hand, had no effect on any ALDH activity. Both TCE and methanol significantly induced CYP2E1 in rat liver. The combined effects of TCE on ALDH and cytochrome P450 may account for the degreasers' flush. Exposure to TCE and methanol may result in a change in the metabolism and toxicity of other chemicals.

The effectiveness of dietary instruction in obese school children of southern Taiwan

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of a weekly dietary instruction program to reduce obesity in elementary school children. A total of 140 third- to sixth-grade overweight children and 130 height- and age-matched overweight children were selected from two elementary schools in Kaohsiung. The primary inclusion criterion was a Rohrer's Index [RI = weight (kg)/height (cm)3 x 10(7)] greater than 150. The anthropometric measurement was performed on both the group receiving instruction and the group not receiving instruction. Biomedical monitoring of the students state of health, assessments of their nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice (K.A.P.) before and after the thirteen-week instruction were compared in the instruction group. After completion of the instruction program, a significant reduction of RI values (177.2 +/- 18.3 vs. 169.4 +/- 20.1, p < 0.01), and a significant increase in body height (144.9 +/- 7.7 cm vs. 146.7 +/- 7.7 cm, p < 0.01), with no change in body weight (54.5 +/- 11.3 kg vs. 54.3 +/- 11.3 kg) were found in the group receiving instruction. Some of the anthropometric parameters of obesity were also significantly improved. Reduction of total cholesterol and serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT)/Glutamic Pyrvic Transaminase (GPT) levels were also observed; the later phenomena were interpreted as an improvement in the fatty metamorphosis of the liver, which usually accompanies obesity. A significantly increased nutrition knowledge and change to more healthy dietary behavior were also found in students who finished the instruction program. This reduction was a measure of the effectiveness of weekly dietary instruction sessions. An increase in NSQ scores indicated improved nutritional knowledge and behavior. Through the implementation of weekly nutritional instruction, a decrease in RI can be achieved in a thirteen-week period. We propose that frequent nutritional education should be part of the curriculum of elementary school children in order to prevent obesity-related diseases.

[Application of mouse limb bud culture to study the influence of zinc on teratogenesis induced by cadmium]

In this study, an in vitro method of mouse limb bud culture in self-made rotator with continuous supplementation of gas mixture was employed in studying the teratogenic potential of cadmium and the influence of zinc on the teratogenesis induced by cadmium. Image analysis on the area and the form of the bone analgen of the cultured limb was used to evaluate quantitatively their teratogenic potentials. Different amounts of cadmium were directly added to culture medium. As cadmium concentrations were increased from 0.1 to 1.0 microgram/ml, the degree of morphogenetic differentiation and the area of the bone anlagen of limbs culture were significantly decreased. The paws and long bones were affected seriously. Cadmium had a greater effect on chondrogenic tissue than on soft tissue. Then various levels of Zn, together with cadmium (1.0 microgram/ml medium), were added into the culture media. As Zn concentrations increased from 1.0 to 10.0 micrograms/ml, the degree of morphogenetic differentiation and the area of cartilaginous bone anlagen of limbs culture were improved or increased. The long bones were better ameliorated as compared with the paw.

A survey of social nutrition status of the elderly in the urban area of Chengdu, Sichuan Province

The social nutrition status was investigated among 246 subjects aged 60-90 living at three urban communities in Chengdu of Sichuan Province. The questionnaire was designed to evaluate socio-demographic background, the subjects' nutrition knowledge, and the support systems for geriatric nutrition. Fasting venous blood was collected for the analysis of biochemical parameters. Blood pressure, bone mineral contents (BMC), body weight (BW) and body height (BH) were measured at the same time. Only 49.7% of the subjects correctly answered four basic questions on nutrition. Food patterns for the elderly were simple and modest. Several nutrition-related disorders for the elderly were including high systolic blood pressure (44.6%), hypertriglyceridemia (25.9%), high diastolic blood pressure (25.1%), obesity (24.5%), high PBG (20.6%), emaciation (19.9%), high FBG (17.9%) and osteoporosis (16.8%). These data indicate that the support systems for the geriatric nutrition will have to be improved.

Cytochrome P450 isozymes responsible for the metabolism of toluene and styrene in human liver microsomes

1. Cytochrome P450 isozymes from Asian (31 Chinese subjects) and Caucasian (14 Finnish subjects) livers were examined for their roles in the metabolism of toluene (rates of benzyl alcohol, o- and p-cresol formation) and styrene (rates of styrene glycol formation). 2. For toluene, the overall rate of metabolism was higher in samples from Finnish than from Chinese subjects. At 0-20 mM toluene, the rate of o-cresol formation was significantly higher in Finnish microsomes than in Chinese ones. The formation rates of benzyl alcohol and p-cresol in Finnish samples were also higher than those of Chinese samples, but only at a high substrate concentration (5.0 mM). For styrene metabolism, the Chinese liver microsomes showed higher metabolic rates than the Finnish ones at 0.085 mM styrene, but not at the higher substrate concentration. 3. Mean expression levels of immunochemically detected CYP1A2/1 and CYP2B6 were almost 3-fold higher in Finnish microsomes, whereas CYP2E1 was 1.7-fold higher in Chinese samples. 4. Correlation analysis showed that CYP2E1 (benzyl alcohol formation) and CYP1A2/1 (o-cresol formation) contributed to the metabolism of toluene at the low substrate concentration, whereas CYP2C8 was the form more actively involved at the higher toluene concentrations. At the higher concentration (1.8 mM) of styrene, CYP2B6 was most active isozyme to catalyse the formation of styrene oxide from styrene. 5. These results suggest that CYP2E1 and CYP1A2/1 are the main isoforms responsible for the metabolism of toluene at low substrate concentrations in human liver microsomes, CYP2E1 at low styrene concentration, and CYP2C8 and CYP2B6 at high concentrations of toluene and styrene respectively.

Toluene metabolism by cDNA-expressed human hepatic cytochrome P450

The metabolism of toluene in human liver microsomes and by cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450s (CYPs) was investigated. Toluene was metabolized mainly to benzyl alcohol and slightly to o- and p-cresol by human liver microsomes. Formation of o-cresol was elevated in microsomes from human livers derived from cigarette smokers, but the induced CYP isoforms were not clear. Of the eleven human CYP forms studied, CYP2E1 was the most active in forming benzyl alcohol, followed by CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP1A2, and CYP1A1, in that order. The activities of CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A3, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were negligible. In addition, CYP2B6 and CYP2E1 catalyzed the formation of p-cresol (11-12% of total metabolites), and CYP1A2 catalyzed the formation of both o-(22%) and p-cresol (35%). The relationship between the amino acid sequence of rat CYP2B1 cDNA and the activity for toluene metabolism was investigated using variants, because of great differences in the forming of toluene ring products between CYP2B1 and CYP2B6. These results suggest that the structure of CYP2B1 at the site of Leu 58 rather than Ile-114 and Glu-282 plays an important role in the formation of toluene ring products, whereas in CYP2B1 Ile-114 plays an important role in the formation of benzyl alcohol. These results may explain, in part, the lower activity of CYP2B6, which has Phe at position 58 of the protein, for toluene ring oxidations than that of CYP2B1.

Clinical trial of low-dose rHuG-CSF in neutropenic cancer patients following anti-cancer chemotherapy

Low-dose, subcutaneous recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rHuG-CSF, Lenograstim) was administered to 40 cancer patients (17 men, 23 women) enrolled from two medical centers to verify its clinical effectiveness and safety. The patients' mean age was 50.3 +/- 14.9 years. In this study, there were 20 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 10 with breast cancer and 10 with various other solid tumors. The patients first received a course of chemotherapy without rHuG-CSF (control cycle). All patients had at least one episode of neutropenia or leukopenia during the control cycle. rHuG-CSF (2 micrograms/kg/day) was given subcutaneously for 10 days during the study cycle starting on the fourth day of chemotherapy. The nadirs of absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) were 1.8 +/- 0.25 x 10(9)/L and 0.27 +/- 0.05 x 10(9)/L for the rHuG-CSF cycle and pre-rHuG-CSF control cycle, respectively. The number of days of ANC < 1 x 10(9)/L were 1.03 +/- 0.29 and 7.38 +/- 0.58 for rHuG-CSF and control cycles, respectively. The duration from nadir to recovery of ANC (> or = 2 x 10(9)/L) was 9.68 +/- 1.15 days in the rHuG-CSF cycle, vs 22.53 +/- 1.03 days in the control cycle (p < 0.0001). No patient withdrew from the study. Adverse events were mild, with 12.5% to 40% of patients developing myalgia, general malaise, back pain, anorexia or fever. These side-effects were tolerable in all cases. The biochemical abnormalities were subtle and negligible. rHuG-CSF 2 micrograms/kg/day given subcutaneously for 10 days beginning on the fourth day of chemotherapy is very effective (90%), safe and convenient.

Expression of cytochrome P450s and glutathione S-transferases in human esophagus with squamous-cell carcinomas

In order to clarify the expression of cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase in human esophagus, 41 samples of human esophagus with squamous-cell carcinoma were investigated by immunoblot analysis and enzyme assays. Cytochrome P450 1A2/1 was clearly expressed in microsomes, and the amount in samples with tumorous tissue was significantly greater than that in samples without tumourous tissues or in liver; cytochrome P450 2B6 and 3A4/3 were expressed polymorphically. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was detected in microsomes and was greater in samples from smokers than non-smokers. Patients who both smoked and drank alcohol, however, had activity similar to that of patients without these habits. Glutathione S-transferase M1 and A1/2 protein existed polymorphically in cytosol, and glutathione S-transferase P1-1 was detected in all samples. The frequency of expression of the glutathione S-transferase A1/2 protein was greater in patients with M1 protein than in those without; no difference in the expression was seen for glutathione S-transferase P1-1. Neither smoking nor drinking influenced the expression or activity of glutathione S-transferase. Our data support the idea that some carcinogens can be directly activated or inactivated in human esophageal epithelium.

[The participation of physical activity and its associated factors in the elderly]

The purpose of this study was to explore the participation of physical activity and its related factors in the elderly in the community. Five hundred elderly ( > or = 65 yrs) living in the San-Min district of Kaohsiung city was taken as study subjects. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data including the following items: (1) the participation of physical activity (2) modifying factors: demographic data, biological characteristics, previous experience in exercise and exercise knowledge (3) cognitive-perceptual factors: perceived health status, perceived self-efficacy, perceived benefits and perceived barriers to exercise (4) cues to action. The results showed 19.2% of the elderly never exercised, 15.9% had exercised previously but not now, 20.4% exercised intermittently, 1% exercised only on holidays and 43.8% exercised regularly. Within the elderly who exercised regularly, 89.2% exercised more than three times a week and at least 20 minutes each time, walking was the most popular exercise pattern. The participation of physical activity had significant relationship with modifying factors, cognitive-perceptual factors and cues to action. After logistic stepwise multiple regression, those who totally self-care, without a history of exercise injury during youth, male, higher perceived self-efficacy score, lower perceived barriers score and those with higher cues to action score tended to exercise regularly.

Effect of exposure to four organic solvents on hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes in rat

Changes of cytochrome P450 isozymes in livers of rats after exposure to four solvents at 4000 ppm for 6 h, were studied by enzyme assays and immunochemical detection using antibodies to cytochrome P450 isozymes. Toluene, benzene and trichloroethylene (TRI) exposure resulted in a significant increase in the activities of nitrosodimethylamine demethylase (152%, 134% and 118%) and 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase (14-, 5- and 2.5-fold), respectively. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (TCE) showed little effect on the activities of the enzymes. Anti-CYP2E1 and anti-CYP2B1/2 inhibitable activity of toluene side-chain oxidase was significantly enhanced in toluene-, benzene- and TRI-treated rats. Anti-CYP2C11 inhibitable activity was greatly reduced as compared with control. The change in CYP2E1 and CYP2C11 was confirmed by the increase and decrease in the activities inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole and cimetidine, respectively. Western blot analysis revealed that the increase in peak area of bands recognized by anti-CYP2E1 was consistent with toluene inhibition results. CYP2B1/2 was not detectable in control rats, but it was strongly induced by toluene, followed by benzene and TRI. Some increases in the peak areas of bands recognized by anti-CYP2A1 and CYP-4A1 were also observed in the three solvents exposed rat microsomes. Little immunoreactivity was found with anti-CYP1A1 in all microsomes, and no obvious change in peak area of bands recognized by anti-CYP3A and anti-CYP2C13 was observed. TCE exposure showed little effect on these bands. The formation of phenol and hydroquinone from benzene was enhanced to different degree by toluene, benzene and TRI. The hydroxylation of testosterone at 6 beta and 7 alpha was increased by benzene, and benzene and TRI, respectively. However, the metabolism at 16 alpha and 2 alpha was profoundly suppressed by the solvents except TCE. These results showed that the four solvents have different effects on specific cytochrome P450 isozymes and on the metabolism of both endogenous and exogenous substances.

A seroepidemiologic study of Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci in different populations on the mainland of China

To evaluate and compare the prevalence of antibodies to 3 chlamydial species in various populations on the mainland of China, the MIF test was used to detect both serum IgG and IgM antibodies to these species in the normal population (n = 711), in poultry workers (n = 51), in female prostitutes (n = 106), in patients attending the sexually transmitted diseases clinic (n = 98), and in adult patients with pneumonia and bronchitis (n = 108). In the normal population, IgG antibodies against C. pneumoniae, C. trachomatis and C. psittaci were present in 61.5%, 9.3%, and 3.5%, respectively, and increasing with age. Prevalence and geometric mean titers (GMT) of IgG antibodies to C. trachomatis in prostitutes (54.7%) and female (55%), but not male (15.4%) sexually transmitted disease patients were significantly higher than in the normal adult female population. The prevalence indicating both previous and recent C. psittaci infections in poultry workers was no higher than in the others. The prevalence of IgG antibodies and GMT to C. pneumoniae in patients with pneumonia and bronchitis was not statistically higher than in the normal adult population. Evidence of cross-reactivities in the MIF test between different species was found in both prevalence and GMT. Serum IgM antibodies were usually absent in patients who met the serological criteria of recent C. pneumoniae infection, indicating that most of them could be considered as reinfections. On the basis of our survey, acute antibodies to C. pneumoniae by the MIF test, if they are detected, may be valuable in the diagnosis of recent C. pneumoniae infections.

[Clinical observation on treatment of 40 cases of apoplexy hemiplegia complicated shoulder-hand syndrome with electro-acupuncture]

The authors treated 40 cases of shoulder-hand syndrome of apoplexy hemiplegia with electro-acupuncture (EA) and filiform needle acupuncture (FNA) respectively. The results showed that EA had better results in treating hand back swelling, hand skin temperature elevating and the bending finger caused pain than that with FNA (P < 0.05). The finger joint and shoulder joint improvement (the functional scoring increased for 3 points or more) in EA was also better than that of FNA (P < 0.05). The total marked effective rate was higher in EA group (75%) than that in FNA (50%), P < 0.05). It suggested that EA produced rhythmic muscle contraction which had a "shoulder-hand pump" like action, and is significant in eliminating hand back swelling and preventing atrophy of hand muscles.

Induction of cytochrome P450 by toluene

At least six cytochrome P450 (P450) isoenzymes, including CYP1A1/2, CYP2A1, CYP2B1/2, CYP2C6, CYP2C11 and CYP2E1, are involved in the metabolism of toluene in rat liver. Toluene exposure induces CYP1A1/2, CYP2B1/2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1, but decreases CYP2C11/6 and CYP2A1 in adult males. Both sex and age influence the induction of P450s by toluene: in general, the inductive effect is more prominent in younger than in older animals; in males than in females. Neonatal exposure to toluene causes significant changes in liver microsomal P450 dependent monooxygenase activities during the early stage of life, whereas the effects on the rats of more than 3 weeks of age are small. Although structurally related chemicals of toluene also influence similar hepatic P450 isoenzymes, the degree of CYP2B1/2 induction increases, whilst that of CYP2E1 decreases with increasing molecular weight and aliphatic moieties. Unlike liver, exposure to toluene does not influence the distribution of pulmonary or renal microsomal P450-related enzyme activity in rats. In humans, occupational exposure to toluene is so low that it could not lead to the induction of P450. However, the induction may be seen in toluene sniffers who are exposed to high concentrations.

CYP2C11 and CYP2B1 are major cytochrome P450 forms involved in styrene oxidation in liver and lung microsomes from untreated rats, respectively

The contribution of cytochrome P450s (P450s) to the formation of styrene glycol from styrene in rat liver microsomes was investigated using monoclonal antibodies to P450s. Anti-CYP2E1 inhibited the formation to a similar extent in ethanol-treated microsomes and in control microsomes in terms of percentage inhibition, whereas to a greater extent in the former than the latter in terms of net inhibition, and only at low substrate concentration. Anti-CYP2C11/6 also inhibited the formation in control and in ethanol-treated microsomes at both low and high concentrations of styrene, and the net degree of inhibition was greater than that obtained with anti-CYP2E1, even in ethanol-treated microsomes where CYP2E1 was induced. Anti-CYP2B1/2 and anti-CYP1A1/2 inhibited the formation only in phenobarbital (PB)- and 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-induced microsomes, respectively. These results suggest that (1) at least four P450s, CYP2C11/6, CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2 and CYP1A1/2, contribute to the metabolism of styrene, (2) CYP2C11/6, which probably corresponds to CYP2C11, is the major form of P450 responsible for the metabolism in untreated rat liver microsomes, and also in those treated with ethanol. Anti-CYP2E1 inhibited styrene oxidation more prominently in microsomes from styrene-treated rats than in those from control rats at a low substrate concentration. Although styrene treatment did not influence the total metabolism of styrene in liver microsomes at a high substrate concentration, inhibition of the metabolism by anti-CYP2C11/6 decreased with increasing styrene dose, whereas that by anti-CYP2B1/2 increased, suggesting that styrene treatment increases CYP2B1/2 but decreases CYP2C11/6 in rat liver, and the major form of P450 which mediates styrene oxidation is CYP2B1/2 after the treatment. Only anti-CYP2B1/2, which probably corresponds to CYP2B1, inhibited styrene oxidation in lung microsomes from untreated and even styrene-treated rats. Thus, the major form of P450 responsible for the metabolism of styrene is different in each tissue.

Traumatic injury induces interleukin-6 production by human astrocytes

The brain is being evaluated as a de novo source of cytokines. Because recent evidence indicates that interleukin-6 (IL-6) may influence blood-brain barrier function and vascular permeability, we have sought to determine whether mechanical injury can directly induce in situ cerebral IL-6 production. Adult human astrocyte cultures were subjected to mechanical injury by the in vitro method of fluid percussion barotrauma, developed in our laboratory. Serial supernatant samples were collected for 8 h and evaluated for IL-6 activity using a proliferation assay employing the dependent B cell hybridoma cell line, B9. At optimum injury, the IL-6 level became significantly (P < 0.0001, analysis of variance) elevated from baseline 2 h after trauma and continued to increase over the observation period. Our study shows that following mechanical injury human astrocytes produce IL-6, which may contribute to post-traumatic cerebrovascular dysfunction. Elucidating the precise role of intracerebral cytokines is essential to our understanding of the mechanism responsible for post-traumatic cerebrovascular dysfunction.

Monoclonal antibody-directed assessment of toluene induction of rat hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes

Cytochrome P450 isozymes induced in rat liver by a range of concentrations of toluene were studied with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to specific P450 isozymes and by enzyme assays. Nitrosodimethylamine demethylase activity was significantly increased in microsomes from rats exposed to more than 1000 ppm of toluene, an increase that was dose-dependent. Anti-CYP2E1 significantly inhibited the metabolism of toluene to benzyl alcohol (BA) by about 50%, in microsomes from 1000 to 4000 ppm toluene-exposed rats, at low substrate concentration (0.2 mM). With anti-CYP2B1/2, the rate of BA formation was decreased by 15-17% in microsomes from rats of 2000 and 4000 ppm toluene exposures at high substrate concentration (5.0 mM). On the other hand, anti-CYP2C11/6 inhibited the rate of formation of BA in all of the microsomes, but the extent of inhibition was progressively decreased from 55% in control to 33% in 4000 ppm exposure. Immunoblot analysis with anti-CYP2E1 and anti-CYP2B1/2 revealed stronger immunoreactive bands in microsomes from rats exposed to more than 1000 and 2000 ppm of toluene, respectively. Stronger bands were also observed in microsomes from rats of 2000-4000 ppm toluene exposures with anti-CYP3A1/2, but no immunoreactivity appeared with anti-CYP1A1/2. These results suggest that toluene induces CYP2E1, CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A1/2, but reduces CYP2C11/6, and has no effect on CYP1A1/2.

Human astrocyte production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6 following exposure to lipopolysaccharide endotoxin

The cytokines, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, and IL-6, have been found in the human central nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated that murine astrocytes produce these cytokines when induced with lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS). The present study investigates the kinetics of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 production by normal adult human astrocytes when exposed to LPS.

Cytochrome P450-related differences between rats and mice in the metabolism of benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene in liver microsomes

In evaluating the risks to humans of exposure to chemicals, the results of studies in rodents are sometimes used as a basis for extrapolation. It is therefore important to elucidate differences in metabolism among species. Differences in cytochrome P450-catalysed oxidation of benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene (TRI) between male Wistar rats and male B6C3F1 mice were investigated by immunoblot and immunoinhibition assays using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1/2, CYP2B1/2, CYP2E1 and CYP2C11/6). Immunoblot analysis showed that anti-CYP2B1/2 did not detect any protein in either untreated rat or mouse liver microsomes, whereas with anti-CYP2E1 and/or anti-CYP1A1/2 a clear-cut band was seen more in liver microsomes from mice than from rats. Mouse liver microsomes had a greater monooxidation activity for benzene and TRI than rat liver microsomes; mice also had a higher rate of aromatic hydroxylation of toluene at low substrate concentration, but a low rate of side-chain oxidation when a high concentration of toluene was used. The metabolism of benzene was saturated in mice at around 0.23 mM, but the metabolism of the other two solvents was not saturated in either rats or mice at the low concentrations used. Anti-CYP2E1 inhibited the metabolism of benzene, toluene and TRI in microsomes from mice to a greater extent than in rats, while anti-CYP2C11/6 inhibited their metabolism in rats to a greater extent than in mice; anti-CYP1A1/2 inhibited the metabolism of TRI only in microsomes from mice. These results indicate that (i) male B6C3F1 mice have more CYP2E1 and 1A1/2 than male Wistar rats, whereas rats have more CYP2C11/6 than mice; (ii) rats and mice express CYP2B1/2 but they are not immunochemically detectable; (iii) CYP2E1 and 2C11/6 in both species are responsible for the metabolism of benzene, toluene and TRI, whereas CYP1A1/2 in mice catalyses the oxidation of TRI. The differences in the metabolism of benzene, toluene and TRI in rats and in mice may therefore depend, at least in part, on differences in the distribution of P450 isozymes between the two species.

Immunochemical assessment of the influence of nutritional, physiological and environmental factors on the metabolism of toluene

Factors influencing the metabolism of toluene were investigated in rats using monoclonal antibody (MAb) to cytochrome P450 (P450). At low toluene concentrations, P450 IIE1 was primarily involved in the metabolism of toluene, whereas P450 IIC11/6 was involved at high concentrations. A low-carbohydrate diet induced P450 IIE1 and resulted in an increase in toluene metabolism. The intake of fat did not influence the metabolism. A lowered protein intake decreased not only the total content of P450 but also the P450 IIC11/6. Fasting and ethanol consumption also enhanced toluene metabolism via the induction of P450 IIE1. The metabolic rate of toluene in adult male rats was 4-fold higher than in immature males and adult females at a high substrate concentration because of the high level of P450 IIC11/6 in adult males, whereas no difference was noted between adult and immature females. Although development did not influence toluene metabolism in males at a low substrate concentration, the metabolic rate in adult female rats was significantly lower than that of immature females and males; this may be due to the decrease in P450 IE1 with development. Diabetic status influenced toluene metabolism in rats by affecting several kinds of P450 isozymes. Toluene exposure also affected its own metabolism by increasing P450 IIE1 and P450 IIB 1/2, and decreasing P450 IIC11/6. A significant difference in toluene metabolism was observed among rat, mouse and human liver microsomes. Thus, when considering the factors affecting toluene metabolism, it is important to elucidate the change in specific P450 isozyme composition related to the modifications, and their affinities to toluene.

[A survey of the relationships between children and their parents in chronic disease risk factors, health knowledge and lifestyles]

The purpose of this study is to understand the relationships for risk factors, health knowledge and lifestyles between children and their parents. 2806 primary schoolchildren in Kaohsiung City were measured for selected risk factors: serum cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TG), systolic and diastolic blood pressure and height and weight for obese index (Rohrer's index). Children whose Rohrer's index > or = 150, or blood pressure, or CHOL, or TG level were above the 95th percentile distribution in the same age group were categorized as the risk group, the other children fell into the non-risk group. Using random sampling, 180 children were chosen from risk group and non-risk group respectively. A structured questionnaire about health knowledge and lifestyles were filled out by these children and their parents. In the risk group, the questionnaire was completed by 157 children, 103 fathers and 112 mothers. In the non-risk group, 102 children, 83 fathers and 82 mothers completed the questionnaire. The same risk factors examination of children was given to parents; 86 fathers and 144 mothers completed the examination from the risk group, while 56 fathers and 98 mothers completed the examination in the non-risk group. The results showed that: (1) there were significant positive correlations between children and their parents in CHOL, TG and obese index in risk group; children of mothers with higher CHOL and TG levels also showed higher CHOL and TG levels, (2) childrens' health knowledge was not correlated with parents' health knowledge, (3) childrens' lifestyles showed a significant positive correlation with mothers' lifestyles, (4) health knowledge has a significant positive correlation with childrens' and parents' lifestyles, (5) healthy lifestyles have a negative correlation with Rohrer's index in children and a negative correlation with TG level in fathers. The results suggest the presence of certain relationships for risk factors and lifestyles between children and their parents.

Clinical evaluation of fleroxacin in the treatment of bone and joint infections

The objective of this open label, non-comparative study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fleroxacin 400mg administered orally once daily to patients with acute osteomyelitis and/or acute septic arthritis. Nineteen patients (10 males and 9 females) were evaluable for the analysis of clinical efficacy and safety. Of these, 7 (36.8%) had osteomyelitis and 12 (63.2%) had septic arthritis. Bacteriological cures were reported in 6 of 7 patients (85.7%) with osteomyelitis and in 8 of 11 patients (72.7%) with septic arthritis. The median duration of treatment for the clinical cures in osteomyelitis and septic arthritis were 29.5 days and 46 days respectively. The eradication rate for the most common pathogens, Salmonella enteritidis and Staphylococcus aureus were 77.7% and 80.0%, respectively. The clinical response was cure in 4 of 7 patients (57.1%) evaluable for osteomyelitis, and in 9 of 12 patients (75.0%) evaluable for septic arthritis at the three-month follow-up after treatment. Adverse reactions were minimal. It is concluded that fleroxacin appears to be an effective and safe in the treatment of acute osteomyelitis and acute septic arthritis.

[A study of the satisfaction of clients with the home visiting service provided by public health nurses]

The purpose of this study is to explore the satisfaction of clients with the home visiting services provided by public health nurses. In addition, the related factors that influence this satisfaction are to be explored. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. This study comprises 247 subjects who were chosen via distributive sampling, 222 questionnaires were completed for use. The completed percentage achieved 90%. Factors analysis was used to discern the satisfaction components. The contents of the client's satisfaction can be broken down into 5 major areas: (1) the assistance provided by home health services; (2) the professional capacities of the home-visiting nurses; (3) the disturbance caused by the home health services; (4) the home visiting nurses' capacity for instruction and reaction; (5) the autonomy of home health services. The results of this study indicate that the clients' satisfaction ratio achieves 89%. A stepwise multiple regression was used to analyze the related factors that influence the clients' satisfaction. We found that the most important variables were "the assistance provided by home-visiting services", "the necessity of home-visiting services", and "the variation in client diagnosis". The predictable variance of these three variables reaches 34.8%.

Sex-, age- and pregnancy-induced changes in the metabolism of toluene and trichloroethylene in rat liver in relation to the regulation of cytochrome P450IIE1 and P450IIC11 content

Sex-, age- and pregnancy-induced changes in the metabolism of toluene and trichloroethylene in rat liver were investigated in relation to the regulation of cytochrome P450IIE1 and P450IIC11 content using monoclonal antibodies. Immature male rats had a higher level of microsomal protein than females, and this increased with development; however, no difference by sex was found at puberty. No difference in cytochrome P450 content was seen between immature male and female rats; the content increased with development only in males, so that a sex difference in cytochrome P450 content occurred at puberty. Pregnancy decreased the cytochrome P450 content but not that of the microsomal protein. The rate of formation of benzyl alcohol from toluene was 4 times higher in mature than in immature male rats at a high concentration of toluene, but no difference was seen at a low toluene concentration. In contrast, the rate was lower in mature female rats than in immature ones at a low toluene level and no difference was seen at the high concentration. A sex difference was thus found in benzyl alcohol formation at puberty at both concentrations of toluene. The levels of o- and p-cresol formation in liver were similar in males and females but the rate decreased during development of females. The rate of metabolism of trichloroethylene was higher in immature than in mature male and female rats, especially at a low substrate level, and no sex difference in metabolism was seen with either age or concentration of trichloroethylene. Pregnancy decreased the metabolism of both toluene and trichloroethylene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A comparative study on the contribution of cytochrome P450 isozymes to metabolism of benzene, toluene and trichloroethylene in rat liver

The contribution of P450IIE1, P450IIC11/6, P450IIB1/2 and P450IA1/2 to the formation of chloral hydrate (CH) from trichloroethylene (TRI) was investigated in microsomes from control, ethanol-, phenobarbital (PB)- and 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-treated rats using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the respective P450 isozymes, and compared with their roles in benzene and toluene metabolism. Anti-P450IIE1 inhibited the formation of CH from TRI more strongly in microsomes from ethanol-treated rats than in microsomes from control rats at low concentration of TRI when net inhibition was compared. Anti-P450IIC11/6 inhibited CH formation in microsomes from control and PB-treated rats at high, not low, concentration of TRI, but the net inhibition in control microsomes was less than that due to anti-P450IIE1. Anti-P450IIB1/2 and anti-P450IA1/2 also inhibited CH formation from TRI in microsomes from PB- and MC-treated rats, respectively, stronger at high substrate concentration than at low concentration. These results indicate that P450IIE1, P450IIC11/6, P450IIB1/2 and P450IA1/2 are involved in the metabolic step from TRI to CH, and the first isozyme may be a low-Km TRI oxidase and the others high-Km one. Comparing the contributions of four isozymes to benzene, toluene and TRI metabolism, all four acted in the metabolism of these compounds, but P450IIE1 did not catalyse o-cresol formation nor P450IA1/2 benzyl alcohol formation from toluene, suggesting regioselectivity of toluene metabolism in the action of these two isozymes. The contribution of P450IIE1 in benzene and TRI oxidation was greater than that of P450IIC11/6, but the reverse was seen with respect to benzyl alcohol formation from toluene, indicating that P450IIC11/6 is relatively inactive towards benzene and TRI oxidation, but is primarily involved in toluene metabolism. P450IIB1/2 and P450IIC11/6 attacked all the metabolic positions studied, but only in the side-chain metabolism of toluene was their contribution significant, suggesting that these two isozymes are quite similar in function.