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To investigate whether nano-CaCO3 occupational exposure could induce adverse health effects in workers.A cross-sectional study was conducted in a nano-CaCO3 manufacturing plant in China. Then we have studied the dynamic distribution of nano-CaCO3 in nude mice and examined the oxidative damage biomarkers of sub-chronic administrated nano-CaCO3 on Sprague-Dawley rats.The FVC (%) and FEV1.0 (%) of workers were significantly decreased than unexposed individuals. Dynamic imaging in mice of fluorescence labeled nano-CaCO3 showed relatively high uptake and slow washout in lung. Similar to population data, the decline in serum GSH level and elevation in serum MDA were observed in nano-CaCO3 infected Sprague-Dawley rats.We found that nano-CaCO3 exposure may result in the poor pulmonary function in workers and lead to the changes of oxidative stress indexes.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection in infancy or early childhood leads to high rate of persistent infection (25-90%). The immunological basis of high rate of viral persistence in vertically acquired HBV infections is not completely understood. Dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the most potent antigen-presenting cells (APC) and play pivotal roles in the enhancement or regulation of antiviral immune reactions. Aim of the present study was to investigate whether an HBV-infected maternal environment might influence the infants’ DC phenotype and function. Monocyte-derived DC (MoDC) of neonates born to HBsAg-positive mothers were studied phenotypically by Flow Cytometry (FCM) and functionally by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An electron microscope was used to analyze the morphological changes of MoDC. MoDC from neonates whose maternal HBV DNA was>5×107 copies/ml showed a reduced surface expression of CD80, CD86, and HLA-DR as compared to that in neonates whose maternal HBV DNA was negative (CD80: t=3.238, P=0.002; CD86: t=3.543, P=0.001; HLA-DR: t=2.785, P=0.008). T-cell proliferation assays also showed an impaired allostimulatory capacity in comparison to that in neonates whose maternal HBV DNA was negative, especially in the cultures at a DC: T cell ratios of 1:5 and 1:10 (t=-5.442, P

In our previous article entitled “Low-intensity walking as mild medication for pressure control in prehypertensive and hyperten-sive subjects: how far shall we wander?” published in this journal [1], we reported mild but significant reductions in both blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) after low-intensity walking at a speed of 3 km/h (2.5 metabolic equivalents of task, METs), accompanied by a transient elevation in urine β-endorphin. In a recent study observing environmental influence on low-intensity walking, we found unexpectedly interesting results that we would like to share with the readers of the journal.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the expressions of p53, p21, and CCND1 in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)-exposed workers and potential relationships with their exposures, polymorphisms, and chromosomal aberrations. METHODS The study was performed on 77 occupationally VCM-exposed workers and 43 unexposed controls. The quantities of mRNA expression of p53, p21, and CCND1 genes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS p53 mRNA expression of VCM-low- and high-exposure groups was significantly lower than that of nonexposed group (P < 0.001), but p21 mRNA expression of the two VCM-exposed groups was significantly higher than that of the nonexposed group (P < 0.001). This study did not find the relationship between chromosomal aberrations, genotypes, and the expression of p53, p21, and CCND1. CONCLUSIONS Messenger RNA expressions of p53 and p21 are changed with VCM-exposure status.

Objectives To assess the performance of the Milan, Shanghai Fudan and Hangzhou criteria based on a preoperative evaluation in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Using a prospectively collected database, the data of consecutive patients with hepatitis B-related HCC undergoing LT at the Department of Liver Surgery of Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University from January 2005 to December 2009 were reviewed. Overall survival and tumor recurrence rates of patients fulfilling the Milan, Shanghai Fudan and Hangzhou criteria were compared using log–rank test. Results Altogether 148 patients were enrolled in the study, among whom 88 fulfilled the Milan criteria and 24 and 39 were beyond Milan but within the Shanghai Fudan or Hangzhou criteria, respectively. After a median follow-up of 44 months, survival rates did not differ among the three groups (P = 0.8780). Recurrence rates were significantly higher for newly eligible patients by the Shanghai Fudan or Hangzhou criteria compared with those within the Milan criteria. Conclusions The Milan criteria should be used as the preferred criteria for the selection of hepatitis B-related HCC for LT. Considering the high tumor recurrence rates and donor scarcity, a moderate expansion of the Milan criteria must be performed cautiously until high-quality clinical trials are conducted.

After comparing the principle features of MnZn ferrite material of high permeability and amorphous alloy of FeCuNbSiB, this paper produced an improved solution to sensor performance by applying highly magnetic non-brilliant alloy of iron base to the testing windings of eddy current testing sensors and designed the two-dimensional decomposition testing circuit in terms of sensor testing signal. It ended with a comparison between new sensors and traditional ferrite winding sensors in terms of sensibility and linearity. The experiment results showed that the new eddy current sensors have much better sensibility and linearity compared with their traditional peers.

Objective: To evaluate whether polymorphisms in metabolizing enzymes contributed to susceptibility of chromosomal damage induced by vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Methods: Cytokinesis block micronucleus test was performed on 185 VCM-exposed workers and 41 control subjects to detect chromosomal damage in peripheral lymphocytes. The polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was applied to detect polymorphisms of GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1G/A, CYP2E1G/C, and CYP2D6G/C. Poisson regression analysis was performed. Results: Sex, age, VCM exposure, GSTP1, and CYP2E1 genotype can influence chromosomal damage. There was a 1.51-fold increased micronucleus frequency for GSTP1GG genotypes individuals compared with those GSTP1AA/GA genotype individuals (P < 0.05), the effect of polymorphism in CYP2E1 gene was more pronounced for allele C compared with allele G (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Polymorphisms of GSTP1G/A and CYP2E1G/C, which are potential susceptibility biomarkers of chromosomal damage in VCM-exposed worker.

Objective: To explore the association of the methylation status of MGMT and hMLH1 with chromosome damage induced by vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Materials and Methods: Methylation of MGMT and hMLH1 was measured in 101 VCM-exposed workers by methylation-specifi c PCR. Chromosome damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. The subjects were divided into chromosome damaged and non-damaged groups based on the normal reference value of micronuclei frequencies determined for two control groups. Results: MGMT promoter methylation was detectable in 5 out of 49 chromosome damaged subjects, but not in the chromosome non-damaged subjects; there was a signifi cant difference in MGMT methylation between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We detected aberrant promoter methylation of MGMT in a small number of chromosome damaged VCM-exposed workers, but not in the chromosome non-damaged subjects. This preliminary observation warrants further investigation in a larger study.

To explore the association between chromosomal damage induced by vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolism genes and DNA repair genes.Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) test was performed to detect chromosomal damage in peripheral lymphocytes of 402 VCM-exposed workers. Multiplex PCR was used to simultaneously amplify GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, other genetic polymorphisms were performed using a PCR-RFLP technique.Multiple (adjusted) Poisson regression analysis showed that mean MN frequencies were significantly elevated for the intermediate (4000-40000 mg) and high (40000 mg) exposure groups as compared with the low exposure group (P = 0.003 and 0.03, respectively). For genetic polymorphisms, the exposed workers with CYP2E1 or XRCC1 Arg280His variance showed a higher CBMN frequency than their wild-type homozygous counterparts (P = 0.02); so did the workers with GSTP1 105Val/Val genotype or ALDH2 504Glu/Glu genotype than those with a combination of other genotypes (P = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively).Our findings reveal that cumulative exposure dose of VCM and common genetic variants in genes, such as GSTP1, CYP2E1, ALDH2, XRCC1 Arg280His genotypes, are the major factors that modulate MN induction in VCM- exposed workers. Further study to investigate the relationship between individual characteristics and genetic susceptibility to VCM-caused chromosome damage is warranted, it is helpful for us to understand the mechanism of VCM metabolism, to find the biomarkers of susceptibility and to recognize the susceptible individuals in the primary prevention of VCM-caused damage.

In this study, a group of 313 workers occupationally exposed to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) and 141 normal unexposed referents were examined for chromosomal damage using the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay in peripheral lymphocytes. We explored the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of XRCC1 (Arg194Trp, Arg280His and Arg399Gln), MGMT(Leu84Phe) and hOGG1 (Ser326Cys) and susceptibility of chromosomal damage induced by VCM. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques were used to detect polymorphisms in XRCC1, hOGG1 and MGMT. It was found that the micronuclei (MN) frequency of exposed workers (4.86 +/- 2.80) per thousand was higher than that of the control group (1.22 +/- 1.24) per thousand (P < 0.01). Increased susceptibility to chromosomal damage as evidenced by higher MN frequency was found in workers with hOGG1 326 Ser/Cys genotype [frequency ratio (FR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.46; P < 0.05], XRCC1 194 Arg/Trp (FR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.00-1.25; P < 0.05) and XRCC1 280 Arg/His and His/His genotypes (FR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.00-1.26, P < 0.05). Moreover, among susceptibility diplotypes, CGA/CAG carriers had more risk of MN frequency compared with individuals with wild-type CGG/CGG (FR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.19-2.23; P < 0.05). MN frequency also increased significantly with age in the exposed group (FR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00-1.28; P < 0.05). Thus, CB-MN was a sensitive index of early damage among VCM-exposed workers. Genotype XRCC1 Arg194Trp, Arg280His, hOGG1 Ser326Cys, diplotype CGA/CAG and higher age may have an impact on the chromosome damage induced by VCM.

To survey the sleep habits (bedtime, wake time), sleep duration, and sleep problems in school-age children of China.From November to December, 2005, a total of 19,299 school-age children from 55 elementary schools of 9 cities entered the study by a cross-sectional survey. A parent-administered questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire were applied to investigate children's sociodemographic characteristics and sleep behaviors, respectively.The mean sleep duration was 9 hours and 10 minutes (9:10, SD:48 min) during the weekdays and 9:48 (SD: 63 min) during the weekends. In about 71.4% and 41.8% school-aged children the sleep duration per day did not reach the lowest criterion of 10 hours recommended by the Ministry of Education of China during weekdays and weekends, respectively. Sleep problems were common with prevalence ranging from 14.5% for sleep-disordered breathing to 75.3% for daytime sleepiness. Parasomnia (chi(2) = 13.76, P0.01) and sleep-disordered breathing (chi(2) = 119.83, P0.01) were more prevalent in boys than in girls; however, sleep anxiety was more prevalent in girls than in boys (chi(2) = 19.42, P0.01). Except for night waking, other types of sleep problems were significantly associated with age.Inadequate sleep duration and sleep problems prevail among school-age children, which indicates that children's sleep health may be a major public health concern in China.

OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between expression of cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) in human lymphocytes, variant CYP2E1 genotype, exposure to vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), and liver abnormalities in VCM-exposed workers. METHODS A case-control study was performed on 90 male occupationally exposed workers and 42 matched male nonexposed controls. Data were collected based on health surveillance, workplace investigation and questionnaire Survey. Total RNA and DNA were isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes, and CYP2E1 mRNA expression was determined using RT-PCR, and the presence of CYP2E1 polymorphisms was identified based on PCR-RFLP. RESULTS The mRNA expression of CYP2E1 in exposed workers (0.89+/-0.46) was significantly higher than in nonexposed controls (0.61+/-0.35) (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between CYP2E1 mRNA expression levels and liver abnormalities in the VCM-exposed workers (OR = 3.66, P < 0.05). The genotype frequency for CYP2E1 variants among VCM-exposed workers was not significantly different between workers with liver abnormalities and those without. CONCLUSIONS Liver abnormalities in subjects exposed to VCM are positively associated with expression of peripheral blood lymphocyte mRNA, which is significantly increased in exposed workers compared to nonexposed controls. Therefore, CYP2E1 mRNA levels may be useful for health surveillance and protection of VCM-exposed workers.

To explore the relationship between polymorphisms of FAS and FASL genes and genetic susceptibility of silicosis.A case-control study was conducted. The case group was 183 male patients with silicosis and the control group was 111 male silica-exposed but without silicosis miners. Data on total dust concentrations was collected to estimate cumulative total dust exposure (CTE) of each subject and each person's characteristics and work history were obtained from questionnaire. Polymerase chain reaction re-strained fragment length polymorphism technique (PCR-RFLP) was applied to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FAS-1377, FAS-670 and FASL-844. Associations between polymorphisms and risk of silicosis and stages, interactions between polymorphisms, between polymorphisms and CTE and smoking and haplotypes were analyzed.There were no differences in the FAS-1377, FAS-670 and FASL-844 genotypes between the case group and the control group (P0.05). No association was observed between FAS-1377, FAS-670 and FASL-844 polymorphisms and silicosis and stages (P0.05). The frequencies of FAS-1377G/-670G haplotype in the cases (9.6%) were higher than those in the controls (3.6%) (P0.05). No interactions between the polymorphisms of different genes, the gene polymorphism and the total accumulative total dust, the gene polymorphism and smoking were observed (P0.05).FAS-1377, FAS-670 and FASL-844 polymorphisms are not susceptible factors of silicosis. The FAS-1377G/-670G haplotype might be a susceptibility marker of silicosis.

To develop the Chinese version of Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) by translating and retranslating the English version of CSHQ and to examine the reliability, content validity, construct validity of the Chinese version in a general population of school-age children.During November and December 2005, a total of 20 457 school-age children from 55 primary schools of 9 cities were recruited through cluster-stratified selection, using geographic location, economic standard, and population density as criteria. A parent-administered questionnaire and the Chinese version of CSHQ were completed to quantify sociodemographic characteristics and to characterize sleep patterns and sleep disturbances, respectively.The internal consistency of overall questionnaire and the eight subscales of the Chinese version of CSHQ was good (Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.73 and ranged from 0.42 to 0.69, respectively). The consistency between mother and father was ICCs = 0.89 for overall questionnaire and ranged from ICCs = 0.83 to ICCs = 0.92 for subscales. The test-retest reliability was ICCs = 0.85 for overall questionnaire and range from ICCs = 0.60 to ICCs = 0.88 for subscales. Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure, which could represent bedtime behavior problems, sleep disturbance, sleep duration and daytime sleepiness, respectively, and the three factors could be used to explain 58.63% of the total variance. The factor loading was above 0.5 for the corresponding subscale.Reliability, content validity and construct validity of the Chinese version of CSHQ in a general population of school-age children are good. It appears to be a suitable instrument for measuring sleep patterns and screening for sleep problems in school-aged children.

BackgroundUnintentional injury remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. The aims of this study were to assess a baseline level of first aid knowledge and overall attitudes regarding first aid among staff members in Shanghai preschools.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out among the staff members at selected preschools. A stratified random sampling method was first used to identify suitable subjects. Data were obtained using a multiple-choice questionnaire. A standardized collection of demographics was performed and participants were given the aforementioned questionnaire to indicate knowledge of and attitudes toward first aid.Results1067 subjects completed the questionnaire. None of the surveyed employees answered all questions correctly; only 39 individuals (3.7%) achieved passing scores. The relative number of correct answers to specific questions ranged from 16.5% to 90.2%. In particular, subjects lacked knowledge regarding first aid for convulsive seizures (only 16.5% answered correctly), chemical injuries to the eye (23%), inhaled poison (27.6%), and choking and coughing (30.1%). A multiple linear regression analysis showed scores were significantly higher among staff members with more education, those who had received first aid training before or were already healthcare providers, younger employees, and staff members from rural districts. Most employees agreed that giving first aid was helpful; the vast majority felt that it was important and useful for them to learn pediatric first aid.ConclusionsThe level of first-aid knowledge among preschool staffs in Shanghai was low. There is an urgent need to educate staff members regarding first aid practices and the various risk factors relating to specific injuries.