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Background As a new indicator of glycemic management, time in range (TIR) is significantly related to short-term glycemic variability, but whether it is also associated with long-term glycemic variability is still unclear. Objective To investigate the relationship of TIR with coefficient of variability (CV) of HbA1c and HbA1c variability score (HVS) during a long-term follow-up in elderly male patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods Two hundred elderly male type 2 diabetic inpatients from the Second Medical Center of PLA General Hospital were enrolled from January 2007 to January 2011. All of them underwent continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during hospitalization, and by the baseline TIR derived from CGM, they were divided into TIR≥85% group (n=141) and TIR

Objective To study the differential DNA methylation in the hippocampus of rats exposed to benzo(a)pyrene and explore the mechanism of benzo(a)pyrene-induced functional impairment of the hippocampus. Methods Twenty male SD rats (3 weeks old) were randomly divided into control group and benzo(a)pyrene exposure group (n=10), and in the latter group, the rats were exposed to benzo(a)pyrene delivered via gavage on a daily basis for 7 consecutive weeks. After the exposure, Morris water maze test was performed to assess the changes in the spatial memory and learning ability of rats; the brain tissues were dissected for morphological examination of the hippocampal neurons with HE staining. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) of the genomic DNA from the hippocampus was performed, followed by GO and KEGG analyses of the sequencing data; qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of Tnr and Pla2g2a mRNAs. Results Morris water maze test and HE staining showed that exposure to benzo(a)pyrene resulted in obvious impairment of the spatial learning and memory abilities and caused hippocampal injuries in rats. DNA methylation sequencing identified 32 differentially methylated regions; GO analysis enriched 871 GO items and KEGG analysis obtained 52 pathways, of which 145 GO items and 11 pathways were significantly enriched (P < 0.05). Compared with the control rats, the benzo(a)pyrene-exposed rats showed significantly decreased Tnr mRNA expression and increased Pla2g2a mRNA expressions in the hippocampus(P < 0.05). Conclusion A number of differentially methylated sites occur in the genomic DNA in rat hippocampus following benzo(a)pyrene exposure, and these sites may provide important clues in exploring the mechanism of benzo(a)pyrene-induced hippocampal injury.

With the development of large cross-section shield tunnel, its internal structure is becoming more and more complex and diversified. The influence of the internal structure on longitudinal mechanical properties of the shield tunnel is worth exploring. Taking the Yellow River tunnel in Ji'nan as the engineering background, a 31-ring three-dimensional finite element solid model for road-metro shield tunnel internal structure is built. In order to explore the longitudinal mechanical properties of the shield tunnel, a concentrated force is exerted on the 16th ring. The results show that after considering the internal structure of the shield tunnel, the longitudinal stiffness efficiencies of the straight-jointed tunnel and the stagger-jointed tunnel are increased by 21.4%-61.9% and 14.3%-15.3% respectively, which shows that the internal structure can effectively improve the longitudinal stiffness of the shield tunnel; the maximum Mises stresses of the load rings of the straight-jointed tunnel and the stagger-jointed tunnel are decreased by 61.3% and 69.2%, respectively, indicating that the internal structure is capable of bearing the load; stress concentration tends to occur in the connected areas of internal structure and segments; the stagger-jointed assembly is helpful to reduce the longitudinal displacement of the internal structure ; while, the concrete of the internal structure's side wall should be as dense as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The classic role of vitamin D (VD) is to regulate metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and the bone. It is also important in the immune system, cell proliferation and differentiation. The liganding of 1,25(OH)D-VDR triggers tight association between VDR and a retinoid X receptor (RXR). VDR-RXR heterodimer is conformed to recognize vitamin D responsive elements (VDREs) in the DNA sequence of vitamin D-regulated genes. Although the hormone receptor complex acts rapidly via nongenomic mechanisms, 1,25 (OH) D-VDR functions mainly through genomic mechanisms. 1,25 (OH) D-VDR regulates gene transcription. The vitamin D ligand, the DNA sequence of the VDRE, and the recruited coactivator/corepressor are all capable of influencing gene expression. VDREs regulated by 1,25 (OH) D-VDR have important function. By using RANKL gene chromatin loop model, it is suggested that DNA-looping and chromatin architecture play a main role in VD regulation of gene expression. Gene expression regulated by 1,25 (OH) D-VDR may delay chronic disorders of aging such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. A new knowledge about the association between VD and phosphate metabolism and aging is that 1,25 (OH) D-VDR plays an important role in this metabolic pathway through FGF23 in the bone and Klotho in the kidney. Phosphate stability regulated by VD may be the mechanism of age delaying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the relationship between atherosclerosis and osteoporosis in elderly male patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods Bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal femurs in 226 elderly male patients with type 2 diabetes was measured. The patients were divided into osteoporosis group and non-osteoporosis group. The general status between the two groups was compared. PWV and ABI were measured using an atherosclerosis detector. Results Percentage of smoking patients was significantly more in osteoporosis group than in non-osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). ABI was significantly lower in osteoporosis patients than in non-osteoporosis patients (P < 0.05). PWV was significantly higher in non-osteoporosis patients than in osteoporosis patients (P < 0.05). With the decrease of BMD, PWV increased but ABI decreased in all patients, suggesting the severity of atherosclerosis. Conclusion Elderly male patients with type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis may be easier to combine with atherosclerosis. Systematic treatment an prevention should be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cleft lip and palate (CLP) is one of the most common craniofacial malformations in humans. We collected functional magnetic resonance data of 23 CLP patients before rehabilitation training (Bclp) and 23 CLP patients after rehabilitation training (Aclp), who were performing Chinese character pronunciation tasks, and performed brain activation analysis to explore the changes of brain mechanism in CLP patients after articulation disorder rehabilitation training. The study found that Aclp group had significant activation in the motor cortex, Broca area, Wernicke area and cerebellum. While the Bclp group had weak activation in the motor cortex with a small activation range. By comparing the differences and co-activated brain regions between the two groups, we found that rehabilitation training increased the activity level of negatively activated brain areas (cerebellum, left motor area, Wernicke area, etc.) to a positive level. At the same time, the activity level of weakly activated brain areas (right motor area, Broca area, etc.) was also increased. Rehabilitation training promoted the activity level of articulation-related brain regions. So that the activation intensity of articulation-related brain regions can be used as a quantifiable objective evaluation index to evaluate the effect of rehabilitation training, which is of great significance for the formulation of rehabilitation training programs.

Genes belonging to the elongases of very long chain fatty acid (ELOVL) family affect many physiological functions in organism. In this paper, Bmelo424 gene, a member of the ELOVL family in silkworm, was cloned and its ORF was 558 bp. Its protein sequence was predicted to have four transmembrane domains, six serine phosphorylation sites, eight threonine phosphorylation sites and four tyrosine phosphorylation sites, and its subcellular localization was in the endoplasmic reticulum. Secondary structure analysis showed that the percentage of alpha-helix and beta-strand was 26.7% and 20% respectively. The results of fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that Bmelo424 gene was expressed in all tissues of silkworm, especially with the highest expression in head. By heterologous expression of Bmelo424 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the effect of Bmelo424 gene on fatty acid elongation was studied. GC-MS results indicated that the fatty acid content of C16:1n-7 in S. cerevisiae with pYES2-Bmelo424 recombinant plasmid increased significantly, whereas the content of C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1n-9 decreased. The results of temperature stress revealed that Bmelo424 gene could improve the low temperature adaptability of S. cerevisiae, but its high temperature adaptability decreased. This provides a reference for exploring the function of Bmelo424 gene in silkworm.

Objective To establish senescent models in rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) induced by high glucose (HG), angiotensin II (AngII), hydrogen peroxide and palmitic acid (PA), and compare the senescence-induced effects of these factors. Methods Primary RAECs were extracted from two-month-old male Wistar rats by issue explant method and identified by CD31 immunofluorescence cytochemistry. RAECs were treated separately by 30 mmol/L (HG), 10 μmol/L AngII, 100 umol/L hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and 0.5 mmol/L PA. Twenty-four hours later, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining was used to evaluate the senescent state. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to investigate mRNA expression level of senescence-related gene P16. Western blot analysis was performed to determine protein expression levels of P16, P21 and P53. Immunofluorescence cytochemistry was used to detect the expression of P16 protein in cells. The cell viability of RAECs was tested via CCK-8 assay. Results Compared with the control group, positive rate of SA-β-gal staining in each treatment group increased, especially in H 2 O 2 and PA groups. And mRNA expression level of P16 increased in all four groups. P16 and P21 proteins had high expression in AngII, H 2 O 2 and PA groups, most obviously in H 2 O 2 group. P16 immunofluorescence expression level was enhanced in all groups. The cell viability in HG and AngII groups was similar with the control group, while H 2 O 2 and PA groups had low cell viability. Conclusion The aging mode of RAECs is successfully established by HG, AngII, H 2 O 2 or PA treatment, and H 2 O 2 treatment shows the strongest effect.

Objective: To investigate the differentiation capability of kidney stem cells (KSCs) into renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs)., Methods: KSCs isolated from the renal papilla of 4-week-old SD rats were co-cultured with hypoxia-exposed RTEC in induced medium (containing activin A, BMP-7, and retinoic acid) and renal epithelial cell growth medium (REGM) alternately. The KSCs cultured in MSC medium served as the control. The KSC differentiation rates in both groups were determined using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence assay and qRT-PCR., Results: Flow cytometry showed a CK-18 positive rate of 6.5Percnt; in the control KSC group and of 44.2% in the induced group. Immunofluorescence assay detected the positivity for mature epithelial cell markers CK-18, E-cadherin, and ZO-1 in the induced cells. The results of qRT-PCR showed significantly increased expression of E-cadherin and AQP-1 mRNAs in the induced cells compared with the control cells (P<0.01)., Conclusion: Rat KSCs can be induced to differentiate into RTECs in vitro.

We report a case of 46-year-old xanthoderm woman who was diagnosed as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors of right maxillary sinus, and have a literature review. Histology confirmed a diagnosis of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The woman had the right total maxillectomy and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. There is no local recurrence or metastasis of one year following up. Literature review revealed MPNST in the nasal cavity and para-nasal sinuses were not common with poor prognosis. The main cause of death is local recurrence and metastasis. Surgical resection showed more advantage than adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Objective: To explore the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) with metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in aged males., Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 1 729 aged males aged over 60 years were selected from participants in a routine annual health examination at our hospital from May to June 2012. Their mean age was 75 ± 10 years. Height, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, 25(OH) D and PTH were measured. And the associations of 25(OH)D and PTH with the presence of MS and its components were analyzed., Results: The prevalence of MS was 22.0%. The PTH levels were significantly higher in the MS and abnormal blood glucose and HDL-C group than in their control group [(42 ± 16) vs (40 ± 17), (42 ± 16) vs (40 ± 17), (47 ± 18) vs (40 ± 16) ng/L respectively, P < 0.05].However, there were no significant differences of 25(OH)D between these groups. The prevalence of MS showed a gradual increase according to the PTH quintiles (P < 0.05). When comparing the subjects in the highest and lowest quintile of PTH, the former group demonstrated a 1.51-fold increase in odds ratio for MS after adjusting for 25(OH)D levels and other confounding factors. Logistic regression analysis showed that the PTH level was an independent influencing factor for MS in aged males (OR = 1.007, 95%CI: 1.000-1.014, P = 0.047). The levels of 25 (OH) D were not associated with MS in the regression model (OR = 1.004, 95%CI: 0.992-1.016, P = 0.538)., Conclusion: In aged males, the elevated level of PTH is a risk factor for the prevalence of MS. However, there was no association between 25 (OH) D and MS.

Objective: To explore the mortality risks of elders with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during a fellow-up period of 17 years., Methods: The subjects were elderly patients (>60 years old) undergoing annual health examinations at our hospital. And the incidence and risk factors were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and COX's proportional hazard., Results: A total of 2 142 subjects were divided into T2DM group (DM, n = 746) and non-T2DM group (N-DM, n = 1 396). During a 17-year follow-up, the mortality rate of all causes was 50.9% in DM group versus 32.45% in N-DM group (P < 0.01). The major mortality causes were malignant tumor, respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the accumulative mortality of all causes and cardiovascular with DM was significantly above that of N-DM. The independent mortality risk factors of elders was T2DM (P < 0.01, HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.192-1.558) and cardiovascular disease (P < 0.01, HR = 3.26, 95% CI: 2.887-3.690) based upon the COX's proportional hazard analysis., Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for elders with increased mortality risk.

Objective: To explore the significance of 2-hour blood glucose after standardized steamed bread meal (SB-2 hBG) in diabetic screening., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for diabetic screening data of annual check-up at PLA General Hospital from May 1996 to June 2002. And 100 g standardized steamed bread meal test was performed for non-diabetic subjects. Those subjects with SB-2 h BG ≥ 7.2 mmol/L underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) within 2 weeks to determine whether the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) could be established (WHO, 1985, 1999, Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes). By extracting the data for 7 consecutive years, we analyzed the significance and the cut-off point of SB-2 hBG in the diagnosis of DM and investigated the changes of blood glucose curves in different glucose tolerance status after different glucose loading tests., Results: A total of 3 343 subjects with complete information were recruited. There were 3 101 males and 242 females with an age range of 40-94 years. According to the results of OGTT, 429 (12.8%) subjects were diagnosed as DM, 1 405 (42.1%) were diagnosed as impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and 1 509(45.1%) had normal glucose tolerance (NGT).With a deterioration of glucose tolerance status, the difference between SB-2 hBG and OGTT-2 hBG increased gradually in 3 group (P < 0.01), namely the NGT group 1.7 (0.8-2.8) mmol/L, IGR group -0.4 (-1.2-0.6) mmol/L, DM group -2.7(-3.8-1.1) mmol/L. The cut-off points of FBG for the diagnosis of IGR and DM were 5.3 (sensitivity of 46.2%, specificity of 68.5%) and 5.6 (sensitivity of 57.4%, specificity of 76.4%) mmol/L respectively. The cut-off points of SB-2 h BG were 8.2 mmol/L for the diagnosis of IGR (sensitivity of 63.8%, specificity of 59.9%) and 9.2 mmol/L for the diagnosis of DM (sensitivity of 66.4%, specificity of 76.4%).If the cut-off point of SB-2 h BG was set at 7.2 mmol/L, the diagnostic specificity became quite low.However, at 11.1 mmol/L, the sensitivity was 31.5% and the specificity 95.7% for the diagnosis of DM. The coincidences of cut-off points of FBG and SB-2 hBG for the diagnosis of IGR and DM were equal (P > 0.05).When the cut-off point of SB-2 h BG was set at 7.8 mmol/L, the sensitivity was 77.4% and the specificity 41.8% for the diagnosis of IGR. And it was much better than FBG at 5.6 mmol/L (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: With a deterioration of glucose tolerance, the difference between SB-2 hBG and OGTT-2 hBG increases gradually. Compared to the diagnostic criteria of OGTT, the optimal cut-off points for the diagnosis of IGR and DM were 5.3 vs 5.6 mmol/L for FBG and 8.2 vs 9.2 mmol/L for SB-2 hBG respectively.For diabetic screening in middle-aged and elders, the cut-off points of FBG at 5.3 mmol/L and SB-2 hBG at 7.8 mmol/L are indicators for further OGTT.

Objective: To explore the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components in euthyroid male elders., Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 307 euthyroid male elders aged over 60 years participating in a routine annual health screening examination at our hospital during May-June 2011 were enrolled. Their mean age was (72.6 ± 7.9) years. Height, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, fasting insulin levels and thyroid functions (TT3, TT4, FT3, FT4, TSH, TgAb & TPOAb) were measured. And the association of thyroid functions and the presence of MS and its components was analyzed., Results: The prevalence of MS was 40.7% (125/307). The TSH level was significantly higher in the MS and obese group than that in control group ((2.6 ± 1.1) vs (2.4 ± 1.0) mU/L, P = 0.014; (2.7 ± 1.1) vs (2.3 ± 1.1)mU/L, P = 0.007). The prevalence of MS and obesity showed a gradual increase according to the TSH tertiles. When comparing subjects in the highest and lowest tertile of TSH, the former group demonstrated 1.872 and 1.904-fold increases in the odds ratio for obesity and MS after adjusting for age and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (95%CI: 1.051-3.332, P = 0.033; 95%CI: 1.070-3.387, P = 0.028) . Logistic regression analysis showed that the TSH levels were independent influencing factors for MS in male elders (OR = 1.324, 95%CI:1.042-1.683) ., Conclusion: High circulating TSH level, albeit normal, is associated with elevated risk for metabolic syndrome in male elders.

Objective: To explore the relationship between metabolic diseases and death from all causes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in an elderly male population., Methods: A cohort of 1 447 elderly males was followed up for 15 years from 1996 to 2011. All of them received annual check-ups at our hospital. The Cox proportional hazard model was applied to multivariate survival analysis for all-cause and CVD mortality. And the cumulative survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates., Results: During a 15-year follow-up, 639 subjects died, including 186 deaths from cardiovascular causes. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age [relative risk (RR) = 1.131, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.114-1.148], impaired glucose metabolism (RR = 1.344, 95% CI 1.139-1.585), hypertension (RR = 1.241, 95% CI 1.055-1.460) , elevated fasting glucose level (RR = 1.101, 95% CI 1.031-1.177) and lower body mass index (BMI) (RR = 0.968, 95% CI 0.943-0.993) increased the risks of all-cause mortality while age (RR = 1.119, 95% CI 1.086-1.153) , impaired glucose metabolism (RR = 1.856, 95% CI 1.386-2.458) and hypertension (RR = 1.699, 95% CI 1.242-2.324) elevated the risks of CVD mortality. The cumulative survival rates from all-cause and CVD mortality in impaired glucose regulation and diabetes group were significantly lower than those in normal glucose tolerance group (P < 0.01) . However, no difference existed between impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and diabetes groups. The cumulative survival rates from all-cause and CVD mortality significantly decreased in cases of impaired glucose metabolism and hypertension (P < 0.01) . The cumulative survival rates from all-cause mortality in low BMI group were significantly lower than those in normal and high BMI groups (P < 0.05) . A substantially higher risk of all-cause and CVD mortality was present in those with 2 or more metabolic disorders versus those with 0-1 metabolic disorder (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Malignant tumor and CVD are the main cause of death for Chinese elderly male population. Advanced age, impaired glucose metabolism, hypertension and 2 or more concurrent metabolic disorders are risk factors of all-cause and CVD mortality. And underweight is associated with an increased risk of death in elders.

Objective: To explore the relationship between metabolic diseases and death from all causes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in elderly male diabetics., Methods: A total of 681 elderly male diabetics were recruited from June 1997 to June 1999 and followed up for 10 years. All underwent regular check-ups in PLA General Hospital each year. The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to the multivariate survival analysis for all-cause and CVD mortality. And the cumulative survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates., Results: During a 10-year follow-up, 208 subjects died, including 70 deaths from CVD. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age [relative risk (RR) = 1.099, 95% confidence interval (CI)1.076-1.123], pulse pressure (RR = 1.009, 95%CI 1.001-1.017) , elevated postprandial glucose level (RR = 1.115, 95%CI 1.075-1.157) and lower triglyceride (RR = 0.683, 95%CI 0.539-0.865) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (RR = 0.444, 95%CI 0.257-0.766) increased the risks of all-cause mortality while age (RR = 1.112, 95%CI 1.070-1.155) , elevated postprandial glucose level (RR = 1.278, 95%CI 1.170-1.396) and systolic blood pressure (RR = 1.013, 95%CI 1.002-1.024) increased the risks of CVD mortality. The cumulative survival rates from CVD mortality in diabetics with metabolic syndrome were significantly lower compared with those with diabetes only (P < 0.01) ., Conclusion: CVD remains a main cause of death for Chinese elderly male diabetics. Advanced age and elevated postprandial glucose level are risk factors of all-cause and CVD mortality. Diabetes mellitus with concurrent hypertension or metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of CVD death.

Objective: To compare the status of blood glucose control in elderly type 2 diabetics under different health care levels and analyze its influencing factors., Methods: Using cross-sectional and field survey methods, 688 elderly type 2 diabetics aged over 60 years undergoing long-term annual physical examination at PLA General Hospital in May 2009(veteran group) were recruited. And 409 patients aged over 60 years with type 2 diabetes were selected from a community health survey in Beijing from September 2009 to June 2010(community group). According to the diabetic control standards of Chinese Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Guide(2010), a comparison of blood glucose control status between two groups were conducted., Results: The mean HbA1c level was 6.6% ± 1.0% in the veteran group. And there were 50.6% patients with HbA1c <6.5% and 76.3% with HbA1c <7%. In the community group, the mean HbA1c level was 7.1% ± 1.4% and the success rates of HbA1c were 40.6% and 55.7% respectively. The status of blood glucose control in the veteran group was significantly superior to that in the community group (P < 0.05). The comprehensive rates of achieving control target goals for blood glucose, blood pressure and blood lipids were higher in the veteran group than that in the community group (11.5% vs 2.0%, P < 0.001). The success rates of HbA1c for diabetics diagnosed after age 60 years were better than those diagnosed before age 60 years (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that different health care levels, gender, duration of diabetes, age of onset and total cholesterol were crucial factors for achieving target goal of HbA1c in both groups (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The status of blood glucose control was much better in the veteran group than that in the community group. And the blood glucose control level in the patients diagnosed as diabetes after age 60 years was superior to that in those diagnosed before age 60 years.

Objective: To determine the clinical value of transoral endoscopic adenoidectomy for the pediatric sinusitis., Method: Patients with chronic sinusitis and adenoid hypertrophy were divided into two group by undertaken with or without adenoidectomy, the operation group with 43 cases and the control group with 40 cases. Evaluation was performed in pretherapy and after 3 months therapy. Evaluation index included symptom scale for nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea, endoscopy score and CT score for chronic sinusitis., Result: There was a positive correlation (0.38) between the adenoid size and the symptom of nasal obstruction (P < 0.01). But there were no correlation between the adenoid size and the other index scores (P > 0.05). Whether in the operation group or the control group, all index scores in pretherapy were higher than in post-therapy (P < 0.05). After 3 month therapy, all index scores in the operation group were lower than the control group (P < 0.01). The decreased amplitude of all index scores in the the operation group were higher than the control group (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: Adenoidectomy combined with topical nasal treatment is one effective method for the pediatric sinusitis. Adenoidectomy play an important role in the treatment of pediatric rhinosinusitis.

Objective: To observe the influence of oral magnesium supplementation on insulin receptor affinity in erythrocytes of type 2 diabetes rats., Method: diabetes rats were induced by high-fat-diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin, and divided into 4 groups. Magnesium was supplemented in high-fat-diet at the dose of 2000, 1000, 200 and 0 mg/kg,respectively. Normal control rats were fed with ordinary diet. Rats were killed after four weeks. Erythrocytes insulin receptor number, combination constants, combined capacity, fasting insulin level and fasting glucose levels were measured, and insulin resistance index and insulin sensitivity index were calculated., Results: High affinity insulin receptor combination constant, combined capacity and receptor number in high dosage group were (1.24 +/- 0.47) x 10(9) L/mol, (1.26 +/- 0.53) x 10(14)/L and 80.23 +/- 0.47 respectively, significantly higher than diabetes control group. Insulin resistance index decreased and insulin sensitivity index increased in high dosage group than diabetes control., Conclusion: Magnesium supplementation could improve erythrocyte insulin receptor affinity and improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats.

Objective: To explore the expression of T-bet/GATA-3 in nasal mucosa tissue of allergic rhinitis rat and to investigate the association between the expression of T-bet/GATA-3 and the eosinophil count., Method: Twenty SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and an allergic rhinitis group. The allergic rhinitis rat model was induced with ovalbumin. The total eosinophils were counted in the nasal mucosa. The concentrations of IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma in nasal lavage fluid were measured by ELISA. The mRNA and protein expressions of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-gamma, T-bet and GATA-3 in the nasal mucosa were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively., Result: The main inflammatory cells were eosinophils in the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis rats. The level of IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma in control group was significantly higher than that in allergic rhinitis group (P < 0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of IFN-gamma and T-bet in allergic rhinitis group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). While the mRNA and protein expression of IL-4, IL-5 and GATA-3 in control group was significantly higher than that in allergic rhinitis group (P < 0.01). The ratio of protein expression of T-bet and GATA-3 was negatively correlated with the eosinophil count, IL-4 and IL-5, but positively with the concentrations of IFN-gamma., Conclusion: The imbalance of transcription factor GATA-3 and T-bet has a close correlation with the eosinophil count, and may play a key role in the formation of allergic rhinitis.

Objective: To discover varieties of sensitization pollens and improve specific diagnosis against tropic pollinosis by the field survey of tropic plants., Method: (1) All of the chosen 20 tropic plants widely located, with enormous quantity and more pollens were identified the family, genus and species by specialists. And their pollens gathered in full bloom period were delivered to the chemical reagent works of union Hospital, Beijing and manufactured, according to clinical standards, into idiotoxins. (2) Five hundred patients were chosen randomly from May, 2003 to August, 2004 among those who came to our department and were suffering from allergic rhinitis, slow urticaria, allergic taraxis, allergic asthma and deviancy asthma. They were aged 5-72, altogether 285 male and 215 female, and agreed to be observed. Experiments included skin pricking and intracutaneous test., Result: The 20 clinical skin prick tests of tropic plants pollens idiotoxin proved that the positive reaction rate was 5 of which was over 50%, 6 of which 40%-49%, 3 of which 30%-39%, 4 of which 20%-29%, 2 of which 10%-20%, 40%-49%., Conclusion: The tropic plants survey, pollen gathering, idiotoxin manufacturing, clinic intracutaneous test and sensitization discovery have not only increased varieties of tropic sensitization pollen idiotoxins but also improved specific diagnosis of pollinosis in tropic areas.

Objective: In order to minimize lead pollution and to protect the identified individuals with high blood lead level from lead contamination, an epidemiological study was carried on children living around the village and township-owned lead industries in Tianying town., Methods: Environmental monitoring: lead levels in air, soil, drinking water and crops were measured. Biological monitoring: 959 children aged 5 - 12 years were selected from villages where the lead smelters located near the residential areas and the battery disassembling was done in some families. The control children (207 pupils) were from other villages without lead exposure. Blood lead, ZnPP and teeth lead were determined. Height, weight and head circle of children and IQ scores were measured., Results: The environment was seriously polluted. The average lead concentrations in air and soils were 8.5 times and 10 times of the MACs (national health standard) respectively. Eighty-five per cent the air samples with lead concentrations higher than the national health standard. Local crops and wheat at farmers' home were also contaminated by lead dust, with. Lead content being 24 times higher than the standard. The mean blood lead and ZnPP levels of children lived in the polluted areas were 496 microgram/L and 9.41 microgram/g Hb respectively. The lead exposure caused adverse effects on children's IQ and physical development., Conclusion: It is necessary to remove and reduce currently active sources of lead pollution in the community and to increase public awareness of potential health effects of lead exposure.