AIM: To clarify whether -238G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) gene promoter region was associated with outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Han population of northern China, and to analyz...AIM: To clarify whether -238G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) gene promoter region was associated with outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Han population of northern China, and to analyze the geneenvironment interaction between -238G/A polymorphism and cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to analyze the association of TNF-a gene promoter polymorphism with HBV infection outcomes. A total of 207 patients with chronic hepatitis B (HB) and 148 cases of self-limited HBV infection from Ditan Hospital and Shunyi District Hospital in Beijing, respectively were recruited. History of smoking and alcohol drinking was inquired by a questionnaire. The -238G/A polymorphism of TNF-a gene promoter was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The frequencies of GG and GA genotypes were 98.07% and 1.93% in chronic HB patients and 93.24% and 6.76% in self-limited HBV infection individuals, respectively (X^2=5.30, P=-0.02). The frequency of G allele was significantly higher in patients with chronic HB that in individuals with self-limited HBV infection (99.03% vs 96.62%, X^2=5.20, P=0.02). Only modestly increased risk of onset of chronic HB was found in smokers (OR=1.40, 95% CI： 0.87-2.28, P=0.14) and drinkers (OR=-1.26, 95%CI： 0.78-2.05, P=-0.32). There was a positive interaction between genotype GG and cigarette smoking with an interaction index (Ⅱ) of 2.95, or alcohol consumption with an Ⅱ of 1.64. CONCLUSION: The -238G/A polymorphism of TNF-a gene promoter region is independently associated with different outcomes of HBV infection.展开更多
Objective To investigate the association of specific functional gene ACE (I/D) variants of the renin-angiotensin system with essential hypertension (EH) and interaction between ACE (I/D) gene and risk factors for EH i...Objective To investigate the association of specific functional gene ACE (I/D) variants of the renin-angiotensin system with essential hypertension (EH) and interaction between ACE (I/D) gene and risk factors for EH in a genetically homogenous Mongolia rural population of China. Methods Individuals (n=1099) were recruited from general population of Kezuohouqi Banner in Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region. Results The association was found between ACE genotype DD plus ID and EH, with an interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and cigarette smoking in an additive model. Cigarette smoking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 7.10 to 1.16. Interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and alcohol drinking on EH appeared an additive model. Alcohol drinking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 1.66 to 1.09. BMI and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 6.15 to 2.49. Interactions between ACE genotype and WHR on EH showed a multiplicative model. In a short, there was an interaction between ACE gene and cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and BMI on EH, especially in a low dose-exposure effect Conclusion It is important for individuals who carry ACE D allele gene to prevent EH, and furthermore, to prevent and control coronary heart disease, in a view of population-based prevention.展开更多
AIM: To determine the genotypes and phylogeny of hepatitis B viruses (HBVs) in asymptomatic HBV carriers, and the prevalence of occult HBV infection in Long An County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, an area with a ...AIM: To determine the genotypes and phylogeny of hepatitis B viruses (HBVs) in asymptomatic HBV carriers, and the prevalence of occult HBV infection in Long An County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, an area with a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS. A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used for detection of HBV DNA in serum samples from 36 blood donors with asympmatic HBV infection, and in serum samples from 52 HBsAg negative family members of the children who did not receive hepatitis B vaccination in Long An County. PCR products were sequenced, and the genotype of each HBV sequence was determined by comparison with sequences of known genotypes in the GenBank and EMBL nucleotide databases using the BLAST programme. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by the quartet maximum likelihood analysis using the TreePuzzle software. RESULTS: Twenty (55.56%) of 36 HBV asymptomatic carriers were positive for HBV DNA. They were all genotype C by comparison with sequences of known genotypes in the GenBank and EMBL nucleotide databases. The full-length HBV DNA sequence isolated from the sample No. 624 contained 3215 bases. No interesting mutations were found in this isolate. The homology analysis showed that this strain was closer to the Vietnamese HBV genotype C strain, with a homology of 97%, compared its relation to the same genotype of HBV isolated in Shanghai. Six (11.5%) of the 52 HBsAg negative family members were positive for HBV DNA. A point mutation was found in the sample No. 37, resulting in the substitution of amino acid glycine to arginine in the “a” determinant. Other samples with positive HBV DNA did not have any unusual amino acid substitutions in or around the “a” determinant, and were attributed to the wild-type HBV. CONCLUSION: The HBVs isolated from asymptomatic carriers of Long An County were all identified as genotype C, and the prevalence of occult HBV infection in the population of the county is as high as 11.5%. It is suggested that genotype C and persistent occult展开更多
AIM: To determine the effect of metastatic hepatoma cells on lymphangioma-derived endothelium, and to establish in vitro model systems for assessing metastasis-related response of lymphatic endothelium.METHODS: Benign...AIM: To determine the effect of metastatic hepatoma cells on lymphangioma-derived endothelium, and to establish in vitro model systems for assessing metastasis-related response of lymphatic endothelium.METHODS: Benign lymphangioma, induced by intraperitoneal injection of the incomplete Freund's adjuvant in BALB/c mice, was embedded in fibrin gel or digested and then cultured in the conditioned medium derived from hepatoma H22. Ught and electron microscopy, and the b-answell migration assay were used to determine the effect of H22 on tissue or cell culture. Expressions of Fit-4, c-Fos, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cultured cells, and content of nitric oxide in culture medium were also examined.RESULTS: The embedded lymphangioma pieces gave rise to array of capillaries, while separated cells from lymphangioma grew to a cobblestone-like monolayer. H22 activated growth and migration of the capillaries and cells, induced expressions of Flt-4, c-Fos, PCNA and iNOS in cultured cells, and significantly increased the content of NO in the culture medium.CONCLUSION: Lymphangioma-derived cells keep the differentiated phenotypes of lymphatic endothelium, and the models established in this study are feasible for in vitro study of metastasis-related response of lymphatic endothelium.展开更多
Objective In order to explore the features of discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS in rural areas, a community-based intervention was carried out in two pilot communities of X County of Shanxi Province from Se...Objective In order to explore the features of discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS in rural areas, a community-based intervention was carried out in two pilot communities of X County of Shanxi Province from September 2002 to October 2003. Methods Data were collected using qualitative methods (in-depth interview and focus group discussion) and anonymously structured questionnaires. Results (1) Severe discrimination against people infected with HIV/AIDS was revealed in the target communities. However, the response to HIV/AIDS was different in each community. (2) People were reluctant to disclose their HIV status or get tested for HIV, which endangered their sexual partners to contract HIV through unprotected sexual intercourses. (3) Attitudes towards people infected with HIV/AIDS varied. (4) Public education promoted a better understanding of HIV/AIDS which in turn improved community attitudes and behaviors towards people with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion HIV/AIDS-related discrimination undermines both individuals and communities responses to HIV/AIDS and may be a serious obstacle towards effective HIV/AIDS prevention and control.展开更多
Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of insulin-receptor (INSR) gene and insulin resistance in a population-based study in China. Methods Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to the ampl...Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of insulin-receptor (INSR) gene and insulin resistance in a population-based study in China. Methods Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to the amplify Exon 17 of INSR gene and all amplified products were analyzed by direct sequencing. Results Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found at the following loci: T to TC at the locus of 10699 (Tyr984), G to GC at the locus of 10731 (Glu994), Deletion G at the locus of 10798 (Asp1017), C to T/TC at the locus of 10923 (His1058), C to CA at the locus of 10954 (Leu1069), and T to TA at the locus of 10961 (Phe1071), which might not change the amino acid sequence. The data were in agreement with the test of Hardy-Weinberg balance (P>0.05). Among the 345 cases, all clinical indices were higher in males than in females except for HDL cholesterol (P<0.05). The proportion of insulin resistance in males (64.4%) was higher than that in females (35.6%, OR=1.83). It implied that the relative risk of developing insulin resistance in males was 1.83 times as high as that in females. The biochemical indices in different loci on Exon 17 showed that the individuals with deletion G on the locus of 10798 had lower TG (P=0.052) and higher HDL (P=0.027) than those without deletion G on the same site. Homa-Index was lower in those with deletion G than in those without deletion G (P>0.05). After sex stratification in analysis, all allele frequencies on the six loci of SNPs of Exon 17 had different distributions between the insulin resistant group and the control group, but P>0.05. Conclusion SNPs of Exon 17 of INSR gene are unlikely to play a direct role in the pathogenesis of human disorders with insulin resistance.展开更多
Objective To estimate the association of driver sleepiness with the risk of car crashes. Methods A population-based case-control study was conducted in Shenyang, a northeastern city in China, between November 2001 and...Objective To estimate the association of driver sleepiness with the risk of car crashes. Methods A population-based case-control study was conducted in Shenyang, a northeastern city in China, between November 2001 and July 2002. The case group comprised 406 car drivers involved in crashes, and 438 car drivers recruited at randomly selected sites, and on the day of week, and the time of day when they were driving on highways in the study region during the study period were used as control groups. Face-to-face interviews with drivers were conducted according to a well-structured questionnaire covering the circumstances of their current trip and their background information. Stanford sleepiness scale and Epworth sleepiness scale were used to quantify acute sleepiness and chronic sleepiness respectively. Results There was a strong association between chronic sleepiness and the risk of car crash. Significantly increased risk of crash was associated with drivers who identified themselves as sleepy (Epworth sleepiness score≥10 vs <10; adjusted odds ratio 2.07, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 3.29), but no increased risk was associated with measures of acute sleepiness. Conclusions Chronic sleepiness in car drivers significantly increases the risk of car crash. Reductions in road traffic injuries may be achieved if fewer people drive when they are sleepy.展开更多
AIM: There is limited information on the natural history ofHCV infection in China. We investigated the outcome ofHCV infection after nine-year follow-up and the risk factorsin blood donors in China in order to provide...AIM: There is limited information on the natural history ofHCV infection in China. We investigated the outcome ofHCV infection after nine-year follow-up and the risk factorsin blood donors in China in order to provide the foundationfor prevention and therapy.METHODS: A total of 172 cases of HCV infection with anti-HCV positive and ALT abnormality were enrolled in thearchives when was screened blood in Hebei Province in1993. In them 142 blood donors were followed up till July2002. No antiviral treatment was applied to them duringthe period of infection. In the present study, anti-HCV, HCV-RNA and aminotransferase were detected and genotypingwas conducted by the method of restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism(RFLP). B-type ultrasound detection wasperformed in all the patients. Age, sex, alcohol consumptionand clinical symptoms were questioned.RESULTS: After nine years' follow-up, 10.56% (15/142)of the cases were negative for anti-HCV and 16.42% (12/134)of them were negative for HCV-RNA. The genotypes lb,2a and lb/2a were 91.07%, 6.25% and 2.68% respectively.Twelve cases (8.45%) were negative for both HCV RNAand anti-HCV. The rate of chronicity in this group was83.58% (112/134), and the rate of viral spontaneousresolution was 16.42% (22/134). The mean level of ALT,AST, y-GT in HCV RNA positive cases was significantlyhigher than that in HCV RNA negative cases (P<0.001).The abnormal rate of ALT and/or AST in male donors wassignificantly higher than that in female donors (P = 0.005).The rate of progression to liver cirrhosis from chronic hepatitisC was significantly higher in the cases of super-infectionwith HBV than that in the cases of single HCV infection.Overdose alcohol consumption promoted the progressionto chronicity.CONCLUSION: This area (Hebei Province) has a higherrate of chronicity in HCV infection, and measures shouldbe taken to prevent its progression to serious liver diseases,especially for patients super-infected with HCV and HBV.展开更多
AIM: To observe the binding activity of beta-2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the possible roles of β2GPI in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.METHODS: The rationale of ELISA metho...AIM: To observe the binding activity of beta-2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the possible roles of β2GPI in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.METHODS: The rationale of ELISA methods and ELISAbased research method and ligand-blotting technique were used to detect the specific interaction of β2GPI with HBsAg.RESULTS: With the increase of rHBsAg, the binding of β2GPI to rHBsAg elevated, and these changes had statistic significance. When we added non- biotinlyated β2GPI, the OD value significantly decreased though they still were positively relevant to rHBsAg, suggesting non- biotinlyated β2GPI competed with biotinlyated β2GPI to saturate the binding sites on rHBsAg. Meanwhile BSA was used as negative control to substitute for rHBsAg coating the plates.The results indicated no interaction between β2GPI and BSA,suggesting the affinity of β2GPI to rHBsAg was specific. The ligand blotling indicated that β2GPI might bind to rHBsAg no matter whether it was under reduced condition or not.CONCLUSION: The binding of β2GPI to HBsAg suggests that β2GPI may be a carrier of HBV and that β2GPI may play important roles in HBV infection.展开更多
To explore the association of Parkinson抯 disease (PD) with cigarette smoking. Methods One hundred of fourteen PD patients were compared with 205 control subjects who were matched by gender, race and residency. A pr...To explore the association of Parkinson抯 disease (PD) with cigarette smoking. Methods One hundred of fourteen PD patients were compared with 205 control subjects who were matched by gender, race and residency. A previously validated questionnaire including smoking, alcohol/tea consumption as well as some other environmental exposure data was administered. Results With never-smokers as the reference category, we observed reduced risk for PD among ever smokers (OR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.79) current smokers (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.86) and ex-smokers (OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.96). When ever smokers were stratified by years of smoking, there was an inverse correlation between those whose smoking history was longer than 20 years (OR=0.40 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.81) and an even mild protective correlation between those who smoked less than 20 years (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.99). Those who had quitted smoking for more than 20 years were less likely to have the disease than never smokers, and those who had quitted for less than 20 years were least likely to have PD, while those who were current smokers were still least likely to have the disease. We found significant inverse gradient with pack-day smoking (trend P<0.05), and the inverse correlation between cigarette smoking and PD was not confounded by alcohol/tea consumption and other confounding bias. Conclusions The inverse correlation between Parkinson抯 disease risk and smoking as well as the trend of gradient dose response is again observed in our study. More future researches are needed to confirm these correlations and to explore further biochemical evidence.展开更多
Objective The study investigated the burden of smear-positive pulmonary TB and itsinfectivity using DALY(disability-adjusted life year) as an indicator. Methods An assumedcohort of 2 000 cases was set up based ...Objective The study investigated the burden of smear-positive pulmonary TB and itsinfectivity using DALY(disability-adjusted life year) as an indicator. Methods An assumedcohort of 2 000 cases was set up based on the age-specific incidence of 794 newly registeredsmear-positive cases in Beijing in 1994. Prognostic trees and model diagrams of infectivityunder natural history and DOTS(directly observed treatment, short-course) strategy wereestablished according to the epidemiological evidence. Results The results showed that 29. 6%of DALYs would be neglected if the burden caused by the infectivity was not considered.Conclusion DOTS strategy may reduce 97.3% of the number of potential cases infected,92.9% of DALYs related to TB-patients themselves, and 99.9% of DALYs caused by TB’sinfectivity as well.展开更多
Objective To investigate the knowledge about safety/unsafty of sexual acts relating to HIV transmission, levels of embarrassment related to condom and condom usage among medical postgraduates. Methods From August t...Objective To investigate the knowledge about safety/unsafty of sexual acts relating to HIV transmission, levels of embarrassment related to condom and condom usage among medical postgraduates. Methods From August to December, 1998, a self-administered anonymous questionnaire was given to 271 new medical postgraduates from two medical colleges of Beijing and Hebei Province. Results There was a hazy understanding of the protective function of condom from AIDS among medical postgraduates. Only 14.4% medical postgraduates persisted in using condom, and 27.94% had never or almost never used it. The levels of embarrassment about condom were high. The median score was 3.55+0.98. Whether to use condom was related with the attitudes to condom, but not to AIDS. Conclusion There was some misunderstanding about condom and inconsistent condom usage in medical postgraduates. So it is essential to strengthen the sexual health education among them.展开更多
基金Supported by the Research Funit for the Doctoral Training Program from the Ministry of Education,No.2000002340 and Beijing Municipal Government Commission for Science & Technology,No.H020920020590
文摘AIM: To clarify whether -238G/A polymorphism of tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) gene promoter region was associated with outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Han population of northern China, and to analyze the geneenvironment interaction between -238G/A polymorphism and cigarette smoking or alcohol consumption. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted to analyze the association of TNF-a gene promoter polymorphism with HBV infection outcomes. A total of 207 patients with chronic hepatitis B (HB) and 148 cases of self-limited HBV infection from Ditan Hospital and Shunyi District Hospital in Beijing, respectively were recruited. History of smoking and alcohol drinking was inquired by a questionnaire. The -238G/A polymorphism of TNF-a gene promoter was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The frequencies of GG and GA genotypes were 98.07% and 1.93% in chronic HB patients and 93.24% and 6.76% in self-limited HBV infection individuals, respectively (X^2=5.30, P=-0.02). The frequency of G allele was significantly higher in patients with chronic HB that in individuals with self-limited HBV infection (99.03% vs 96.62%, X^2=5.20, P=0.02). Only modestly increased risk of onset of chronic HB was found in smokers (OR=1.40, 95% CI： 0.87-2.28, P=0.14) and drinkers (OR=-1.26, 95%CI： 0.78-2.05, P=-0.32). There was a positive interaction between genotype GG and cigarette smoking with an interaction index (Ⅱ) of 2.95, or alcohol consumption with an Ⅱ of 1.64. CONCLUSION: The -238G/A polymorphism of TNF-a gene promoter region is independently associated with different outcomes of HBV infection.
基金This study was supported by Beijing Municipal Natural Sciences Foundation (Grant No. 7001004) Research Fund for the Doctoral Training Program from the Ministry of Education (Grant No. 20020023009) China Medical Board in New York (Grant No. 96-657).
文摘Objective To investigate the association of specific functional gene ACE (I/D) variants of the renin-angiotensin system with essential hypertension (EH) and interaction between ACE (I/D) gene and risk factors for EH in a genetically homogenous Mongolia rural population of China. Methods Individuals (n=1099) were recruited from general population of Kezuohouqi Banner in Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region. Results The association was found between ACE genotype DD plus ID and EH, with an interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and cigarette smoking in an additive model. Cigarette smoking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 7.10 to 1.16. Interaction between ACE genotype DD plus ID and alcohol drinking on EH appeared an additive model. Alcohol drinking index and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 1.66 to 1.09. BMI and ACE gene showed a low exposure-gene (LEG) effect on EH, with interaction indices from 6.15 to 2.49. Interactions between ACE genotype and WHR on EH showed a multiplicative model. In a short, there was an interaction between ACE gene and cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and BMI on EH, especially in a low dose-exposure effect Conclusion It is important for individuals who carry ACE D allele gene to prevent EH, and furthermore, to prevent and control coronary heart disease, in a view of population-based prevention.
基金Supported by Beijing Municipal Committee of Science and Technology,No.H020920020190
文摘AIM: To determine the genotypes and phylogeny of hepatitis B viruses (HBVs) in asymptomatic HBV carriers, and the prevalence of occult HBV infection in Long An County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, an area with a high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS. A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used for detection of HBV DNA in serum samples from 36 blood donors with asympmatic HBV infection, and in serum samples from 52 HBsAg negative family members of the children who did not receive hepatitis B vaccination in Long An County. PCR products were sequenced, and the genotype of each HBV sequence was determined by comparison with sequences of known genotypes in the GenBank and EMBL nucleotide databases using the BLAST programme. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by the quartet maximum likelihood analysis using the TreePuzzle software. RESULTS: Twenty (55.56%) of 36 HBV asymptomatic carriers were positive for HBV DNA. They were all genotype C by comparison with sequences of known genotypes in the GenBank and EMBL nucleotide databases. The full-length HBV DNA sequence isolated from the sample No. 624 contained 3215 bases. No interesting mutations were found in this isolate. The homology analysis showed that this strain was closer to the Vietnamese HBV genotype C strain, with a homology of 97%, compared its relation to the same genotype of HBV isolated in Shanghai. Six (11.5%) of the 52 HBsAg negative family members were positive for HBV DNA. A point mutation was found in the sample No. 37, resulting in the substitution of amino acid glycine to arginine in the “a” determinant. Other samples with positive HBV DNA did not have any unusual amino acid substitutions in or around the “a” determinant, and were attributed to the wild-type HBV. CONCLUSION: The HBVs isolated from asymptomatic carriers of Long An County were all identified as genotype C, and the prevalence of occult HBV infection in the population of the county is as high as 11.5%. It is suggested that genotype C and persistent occult
文摘AIM: To determine the effect of metastatic hepatoma cells on lymphangioma-derived endothelium, and to establish in vitro model systems for assessing metastasis-related response of lymphatic endothelium.METHODS: Benign lymphangioma, induced by intraperitoneal injection of the incomplete Freund's adjuvant in BALB/c mice, was embedded in fibrin gel or digested and then cultured in the conditioned medium derived from hepatoma H22. Ught and electron microscopy, and the b-answell migration assay were used to determine the effect of H22 on tissue or cell culture. Expressions of Fit-4, c-Fos, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cultured cells, and content of nitric oxide in culture medium were also examined.RESULTS: The embedded lymphangioma pieces gave rise to array of capillaries, while separated cells from lymphangioma grew to a cobblestone-like monolayer. H22 activated growth and migration of the capillaries and cells, induced expressions of Flt-4, c-Fos, PCNA and iNOS in cultured cells, and significantly increased the content of NO in the culture medium.CONCLUSION: Lymphangioma-derived cells keep the differentiated phenotypes of lymphatic endothelium, and the models established in this study are feasible for in vitro study of metastasis-related response of lymphatic endothelium.
基金The project was funded by NGO section related to Health Ⅸ Project, the World Bank Loan.
文摘Objective In order to explore the features of discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS in rural areas, a community-based intervention was carried out in two pilot communities of X County of Shanxi Province from September 2002 to October 2003. Methods Data were collected using qualitative methods (in-depth interview and focus group discussion) and anonymously structured questionnaires. Results (1) Severe discrimination against people infected with HIV/AIDS was revealed in the target communities. However, the response to HIV/AIDS was different in each community. (2) People were reluctant to disclose their HIV status or get tested for HIV, which endangered their sexual partners to contract HIV through unprotected sexual intercourses. (3) Attitudes towards people infected with HIV/AIDS varied. (4) Public education promoted a better understanding of HIV/AIDS which in turn improved community attitudes and behaviors towards people with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion HIV/AIDS-related discrimination undermines both individuals and communities responses to HIV/AIDS and may be a serious obstacle towards effective HIV/AIDS prevention and control.
基金This work was supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 39970658).
文摘Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of insulin-receptor (INSR) gene and insulin resistance in a population-based study in China. Methods Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to the amplify Exon 17 of INSR gene and all amplified products were analyzed by direct sequencing. Results Six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found at the following loci: T to TC at the locus of 10699 (Tyr984), G to GC at the locus of 10731 (Glu994), Deletion G at the locus of 10798 (Asp1017), C to T/TC at the locus of 10923 (His1058), C to CA at the locus of 10954 (Leu1069), and T to TA at the locus of 10961 (Phe1071), which might not change the amino acid sequence. The data were in agreement with the test of Hardy-Weinberg balance (P>0.05). Among the 345 cases, all clinical indices were higher in males than in females except for HDL cholesterol (P<0.05). The proportion of insulin resistance in males (64.4%) was higher than that in females (35.6%, OR=1.83). It implied that the relative risk of developing insulin resistance in males was 1.83 times as high as that in females. The biochemical indices in different loci on Exon 17 showed that the individuals with deletion G on the locus of 10798 had lower TG (P=0.052) and higher HDL (P=0.027) than those without deletion G on the same site. Homa-Index was lower in those with deletion G than in those without deletion G (P>0.05). After sex stratification in analysis, all allele frequencies on the six loci of SNPs of Exon 17 had different distributions between the insulin resistant group and the control group, but P>0.05. Conclusion SNPs of Exon 17 of INSR gene are unlikely to play a direct role in the pathogenesis of human disorders with insulin resistance.
文摘Objective To estimate the association of driver sleepiness with the risk of car crashes. Methods A population-based case-control study was conducted in Shenyang, a northeastern city in China, between November 2001 and July 2002. The case group comprised 406 car drivers involved in crashes, and 438 car drivers recruited at randomly selected sites, and on the day of week, and the time of day when they were driving on highways in the study region during the study period were used as control groups. Face-to-face interviews with drivers were conducted according to a well-structured questionnaire covering the circumstances of their current trip and their background information. Stanford sleepiness scale and Epworth sleepiness scale were used to quantify acute sleepiness and chronic sleepiness respectively. Results There was a strong association between chronic sleepiness and the risk of car crash. Significantly increased risk of crash was associated with drivers who identified themselves as sleepy (Epworth sleepiness score≥10 vs <10; adjusted odds ratio 2.07, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 3.29), but no increased risk was associated with measures of acute sleepiness. Conclusions Chronic sleepiness in car drivers significantly increases the risk of car crash. Reductions in road traffic injuries may be achieved if fewer people drive when they are sleepy.
基金Supported by the National Key Technologies Research and Development Program of China during the 10~(th) Five-Year period,No.2001BA705B06
文摘AIM: There is limited information on the natural history ofHCV infection in China. We investigated the outcome ofHCV infection after nine-year follow-up and the risk factorsin blood donors in China in order to provide the foundationfor prevention and therapy.METHODS: A total of 172 cases of HCV infection with anti-HCV positive and ALT abnormality were enrolled in thearchives when was screened blood in Hebei Province in1993. In them 142 blood donors were followed up till July2002. No antiviral treatment was applied to them duringthe period of infection. In the present study, anti-HCV, HCV-RNA and aminotransferase were detected and genotypingwas conducted by the method of restriction fragment lengthpolymorphism(RFLP). B-type ultrasound detection wasperformed in all the patients. Age, sex, alcohol consumptionand clinical symptoms were questioned.RESULTS: After nine years' follow-up, 10.56% (15/142)of the cases were negative for anti-HCV and 16.42% (12/134)of them were negative for HCV-RNA. The genotypes lb,2a and lb/2a were 91.07%, 6.25% and 2.68% respectively.Twelve cases (8.45%) were negative for both HCV RNAand anti-HCV. The rate of chronicity in this group was83.58% (112/134), and the rate of viral spontaneousresolution was 16.42% (22/134). The mean level of ALT,AST, y-GT in HCV RNA positive cases was significantlyhigher than that in HCV RNA negative cases (P<0.001).The abnormal rate of ALT and/or AST in male donors wassignificantly higher than that in female donors (P = 0.005).The rate of progression to liver cirrhosis from chronic hepatitisC was significantly higher in the cases of super-infectionwith HBV than that in the cases of single HCV infection.Overdose alcohol consumption promoted the progressionto chronicity.CONCLUSION: This area (Hebei Province) has a higherrate of chronicity in HCV infection, and measures shouldbe taken to prevent its progression to serious liver diseases,especially for patients super-infected with HCV and HBV.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30070338
文摘AIM: To observe the binding activity of beta-2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the possible roles of β2GPI in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.METHODS: The rationale of ELISA methods and ELISAbased research method and ligand-blotting technique were used to detect the specific interaction of β2GPI with HBsAg.RESULTS: With the increase of rHBsAg, the binding of β2GPI to rHBsAg elevated, and these changes had statistic significance. When we added non- biotinlyated β2GPI, the OD value significantly decreased though they still were positively relevant to rHBsAg, suggesting non- biotinlyated β2GPI competed with biotinlyated β2GPI to saturate the binding sites on rHBsAg. Meanwhile BSA was used as negative control to substitute for rHBsAg coating the plates.The results indicated no interaction between β2GPI and BSA,suggesting the affinity of β2GPI to rHBsAg was specific. The ligand blotling indicated that β2GPI might bind to rHBsAg no matter whether it was under reduced condition or not.CONCLUSION: The binding of β2GPI to HBsAg suggests that β2GPI may be a carrier of HBV and that β2GPI may play important roles in HBV infection.
文摘To explore the association of Parkinson抯 disease (PD) with cigarette smoking. Methods One hundred of fourteen PD patients were compared with 205 control subjects who were matched by gender, race and residency. A previously validated questionnaire including smoking, alcohol/tea consumption as well as some other environmental exposure data was administered. Results With never-smokers as the reference category, we observed reduced risk for PD among ever smokers (OR=0.49, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.79) current smokers (OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.86) and ex-smokers (OR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.96). When ever smokers were stratified by years of smoking, there was an inverse correlation between those whose smoking history was longer than 20 years (OR=0.40 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.81) and an even mild protective correlation between those who smoked less than 20 years (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.99). Those who had quitted smoking for more than 20 years were less likely to have the disease than never smokers, and those who had quitted for less than 20 years were least likely to have PD, while those who were current smokers were still least likely to have the disease. We found significant inverse gradient with pack-day smoking (trend P<0.05), and the inverse correlation between cigarette smoking and PD was not confounded by alcohol/tea consumption and other confounding bias. Conclusions The inverse correlation between Parkinson抯 disease risk and smoking as well as the trend of gradient dose response is again observed in our study. More future researches are needed to confirm these correlations and to explore further biochemical evidence.
文摘Objective The study investigated the burden of smear-positive pulmonary TB and itsinfectivity using DALY(disability-adjusted life year) as an indicator. Methods An assumedcohort of 2 000 cases was set up based on the age-specific incidence of 794 newly registeredsmear-positive cases in Beijing in 1994. Prognostic trees and model diagrams of infectivityunder natural history and DOTS(directly observed treatment, short-course) strategy wereestablished according to the epidemiological evidence. Results The results showed that 29. 6%of DALYs would be neglected if the burden caused by the infectivity was not considered.Conclusion DOTS strategy may reduce 97.3% of the number of potential cases infected,92.9% of DALYs related to TB-patients themselves, and 99.9% of DALYs caused by TB’sinfectivity as well.
文摘Objective To investigate the knowledge about safety/unsafty of sexual acts relating to HIV transmission, levels of embarrassment related to condom and condom usage among medical postgraduates. Methods From August to December, 1998, a self-administered anonymous questionnaire was given to 271 new medical postgraduates from two medical colleges of Beijing and Hebei Province. Results There was a hazy understanding of the protective function of condom from AIDS among medical postgraduates. Only 14.4% medical postgraduates persisted in using condom, and 27.94% had never or almost never used it. The levels of embarrassment about condom were high. The median score was 3.55+0.98. Whether to use condom was related with the attitudes to condom, but not to AIDS. Conclusion There was some misunderstanding about condom and inconsistent condom usage in medical postgraduates. So it is essential to strengthen the sexual health education among them.
