姜黄素对汞染毒大鼠肾核转录相关因子2及相关抗氧化酶表达的影响

目的探讨姜黄素对汞致大鼠肾损伤的影响,为汞中毒的发病机制和防治提供实验依据。方法将30只清洁级Wistar大鼠按体重随机分为5组,分别为对照(生理盐水)组和2.2、4.4、8.8μmol/kg氯化汞染毒组及姜黄素干预(8.8mol/kg氯化汞+100 mg/kg姜黄素)组,每组6只,雌雄各半。采用腹腔注射方式染毒氯化汞,染毒容量为5 ml/kg;采用皮下注射方式染毒姜黄素,染毒容量为1 ml/kg,每天1次,连续染毒3 d。测定肾皮质汞含量、肾皮质细胞ROS水平和细胞凋亡率及肾皮质Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS和Gpx-1 mRNA和蛋白的表达水平。结果与对照组比较,各剂量氯化汞染毒组和姜黄素干预组大鼠肾皮质汞含量和细胞凋亡率均升高,4.4、8.8μmol/kg氯化汞染毒组和姜黄素干预组大鼠肾皮质细胞ROS水平均升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05,P0.01)。与对照组比较,各剂量氯化汞染毒组和姜黄素干预组大鼠肾皮质Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS mRNA的表达水平均升高,而Gpx-1 mRNA的表达水平均降低,除2.2μmol/kg氯化汞染毒组HO-1、GPx-1mRNA的表达水平及姜黄素干预组GPx-1 mRNA的表达水平外,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05,P0.01)。与对照组比较,各剂量氯化汞染毒组和姜黄素干预组大鼠肾皮质Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS蛋白的表达水平均升高,而Gpx-1蛋白的表达水平均降低,除2.2μmol/kg氯化汞染毒组γ-GCS蛋白的表达水平外,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05,P0.01)。且随着氯化汞染毒剂量的升高,大鼠肾皮质汞含量、ROS水平和细胞凋亡率及肾皮质Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS蛋白和mRNA的表达水平均呈上升趋势,而GPx-1蛋白的表达水平呈下降趋势。与8.8μmol/kg氯化汞染毒组比较,姜黄素干预组大鼠肾皮质ROS水平和细胞凋亡率均下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.01),而肾皮质汞含量无明显改变;肾皮质Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS和GPx-1mRNA的表达水平均升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.01);肾皮质γ-GCS、HO-1蛋白的表达水平均升高,而Nrf2、GPx-1蛋白的表达水平降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论姜黄素可通过激活Nrf2信号通路对汞致大鼠肾损伤产生一定的拮抗作用。     

莱菔硫烷对镉致大鼠肾Nrf2及HO-1、γ-GCS、Gpx-1mRNA和蛋白表达的影响

目的探讨莱菔硫烷对镉致大鼠肾脏损伤的保护作用及其机制。方法 Wistar大鼠按体重随机分成4组,每组4只,第1组为对照组,2~3组分别为低、高剂量染镉组,第4组为SFN干预组。1~3组大鼠皮下注射生理盐水,第4组大鼠给予1 mg/kg SFN皮下注射,2 h后,第1组腹腔注射0.9%生理盐水,2~4组分别腹腔注射3、6、6μmol/kg Cd Cl2,干预隔日1次,染毒每日1次。连续干预与染毒4周。染毒结束后,处死大鼠,切取肾皮质,测定细胞ROS水平和细胞凋亡率,Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS、Gpx-1的mRNA和蛋白的表达。结果随着染镉剂量的增加,大鼠肾皮质ROS和细胞凋亡率明显升高,Nrf2、HO-1和γ-GCS的mRNA和蛋白表达升高,Gpx-1的mRNA和蛋白表达下降。SFN干预组与高剂量染镉组比较,大鼠肾皮质ROS和细胞凋亡率下降,Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS、Gpx-1的mRNA和蛋白的表达升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。结论 SFN预处理对镉致大鼠肾脏氧化损伤存在保护作用,其发挥保护作用是通过激活Nrf2实现的。     

乙苯致大鼠肾小管上皮细胞氧化损伤及核因子E2相关因子2和血红素加氧酶Ⅰ蛋白的表达

目的 探讨乙苯对大鼠肾小管上皮细胞氧化损伤及转录调控因子核因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)、血红素加氧酶Ⅰ型(HO-1)表达的影响.方法 NRK-52e细胞分别用0、30、60、90 μmol/L乙苯染毒24 h,染毒结束后分别测定细胞外乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)活力和细胞内活性氧(ROS)水平、丙二醛(MDA)含量及过氧化氢酶(CAT)活力,以Western blot检测NRK-52e细胞Nrf2、HO-1的表达.结果 与对照组相比,60、90 μmol/L剂量组细胞外LDH和细胞内CAT活力均增高(P＜0.05),90 μmol/L剂量组细胞内MDA含量高于对照组(P＜0.05),各剂量组细胞内二氯荧光黄(DCF)荧光强度升高(P＜0.05),60及90 μ,mol/L剂量组HO-1和Nrf2表达水平高于对照组和30 μmol/L剂量组(P＜0.05).结论 乙苯可导致细胞氧化损伤,并且通过激活Nrf2,诱导HO-1表达.     

核因子NF-E2相关因子-抗氧化反应元件信号通路在二氯甲烷致小鼠亚急性肝脏氧化损伤中的作用

目的研究核因子NF-E2相关因子-抗氧化反应元件(Nrf2-ARE)信号通路在二氯甲烷(DCM)致小鼠亚急性肝脏氧化损伤的作用,探讨DCM致小鼠肝脏毒性的作用机制。方法将32只健康SPF级雄性昆明小鼠随机分为4组,分别为空白对照组、溶剂对照组、DCM染毒组和tBHQ干预组,每组8只。DCM染毒组和tBHQ干预组采用呼吸道动式染毒DCM,染毒剂量为12.9 g/m~3,每次2 h,每天1次,连续28 d;tBHQ干预组和溶剂对照组采用经口灌胃方式给药,染毒容量为10 ml/kg,tBHQ干预组给予tBHQ溶液(1.25 mg/ml),溶剂对照组给予玉米油;空白对照组正常喂养。检测血清谷氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)和碱性磷酸酶(ALP)的活力及肝组织匀浆活性氧簇(ROS)、丙二醛(MDA)含量和谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶(GST)、血红素加氧酶-1(HO-1)活力,采用免疫组化法检测Nrf2蛋白在肝细胞的定位及半定量表达水平。结果 DCM染毒组小鼠血清AST、ALT、ALP活力高于空白对照组、溶剂对照组和tBHQ干预组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);而空白对照组、溶剂对照组和tBHQ干预组小鼠血清AST、ALT、ALP的活力间比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。与空白对照组比较,溶剂对照组和tBHQ干预组小鼠肝组织匀浆GST、HO-1活力均升高;DCM染毒组小鼠肝组织匀浆ROS、MDA含量及GST、HO-1活力均升高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。与DCM染毒组比较,tBHQ干预组小鼠肝组织匀浆ROS、MDA含量均下降,而GST、HO-1活力均升高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。DCM染毒组和tBHQ干预组小鼠肝组织Nrf2蛋白的表达水平均高于空白对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。tBHQ干预组小鼠肝组织Nrf2蛋白的表达水平高于DCM染毒组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。DCM染毒组和tBHQ干预组Nrf2蛋白的表达量增加,在胞核内表达量增多。结论 Nrf2-ARE信号通路在DCM致小鼠亚急性肝脏氧化损伤中发挥一定抗氧化代偿作用,在一定程度上减轻了DCM对肝脏的损伤。     

急性砷暴露对小鼠脾脏核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2信号通路的影响

目的探讨急性砷暴露小鼠脾脏核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2(NF-E2-related factor 2,Nrf2)及其下游血红素单加氧酶-1(HO-1)和谷胱甘肽-S-转移酶(GST)蛋白的表达。方法将48只健康8周龄清洁级昆明雌性小鼠按体重随机分为4组,分别为对照(生理盐水)组和5、10、20 mg/kg亚砷酸钠染毒组,每组12只。给予小鼠一次性灌胃亚砷酸钠24 h后,测定脾组织丙二醛(MDA)含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活力以及Nrf2、HO-1和GST蛋白的表达水平。结果与对照组相比,各剂量亚砷酸钠染毒组小鼠脾组织中MDA含量均增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);20 mg/kg亚砷酸钠染毒组小鼠脾组织中SOD活力和10、20 mg/kg亚砷酸钠染毒组小鼠脾组织中GSH-Px活力均减少,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。且随着亚砷酸钠染毒剂量的升高,小鼠脾组织中SOD和GSH-Px活力均呈下降趋势,而MDA含量呈上升趋势。与对照组相比,各剂量亚砷酸钠染毒组小鼠脾组织中HO-1和GSTO1/2蛋白的表达水平及10、20 mg/kg亚砷酸钠染毒组小鼠脾组织中Nrf2蛋白的表达水平均增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);且随着亚砷酸钠染毒剂量的升高,小鼠脾组织中Nrf2、HO-1和GSTO1/2蛋白的表达水平均呈上升趋势。结论急性砷暴露在导致小鼠脾脏发生氧化损伤的同时,能够活化Nrf2信号通路,诱导下游抗氧化相关酶类蛋白表达,这可能是砷暴露刺激机体产生的一种防御应答反应。     

莱菔硫烷和姜黄素对亚慢性镉染毒大鼠肝氧化损伤的拮抗作用

目的探讨莱菔硫烷和姜黄素对亚慢性镉染毒大鼠肝脏氧化损伤的拮抗作用。方法将60只健康成年清洁级Wistar大鼠按体重随机分成5组,分别为对照(生理盐水)组和低、高剂量氯化镉染毒组及莱菔硫烷、姜黄素干预组,每组12只,雌雄各半。低、高剂量氯化镉染毒组皮下注射生理盐水,莱菔硫烷干预组皮下注射1 mg/kg莱菔硫烷,姜黄素干预组皮下注射50 mg/kg姜黄素;2 h后,低、高剂量氯化镉染毒组、莱菔硫烷、姜黄素干预组分别腹腔注射3、6μmol/kg氯化镉溶液,染毒容量均为5 ml/kg。染镉每日1次,每周5次;莱菔硫烷和姜黄素干预隔日1次,每周3次,连续染毒6周。测定大鼠肝组织匀浆中还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)、丙二醛(MDA)的含量和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSHPx)的活力及肝脏中肝脏核转录因子相关因子2(Nrf2)、血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)、γ-谷氨酰半胱氨酸合成酶(γ-GCS)m RNA的表达水平。结果与对照组比较,各剂量氯化镉染毒组大鼠肝组织GSH含量和GSH-Px、SOD活力均下降,MDA含量均升高,高剂量染镉组大鼠肝组织中Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS m RNA的表达水平升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05,P0.01)。与高剂量氯化镉染毒组比较,莱菔硫烷、姜黄素干预组大鼠肝组织GSH含量和GSH-Px、SOD活力均升高,MDA含量均下降,肝组织中Nrf2、HO-1和γ-GCS m RNA的表达水平均升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05,P0.01)。结论莱菔硫烷和姜黄素预处理对镉染毒大鼠肝脏的氧化损伤具有一定的拮抗作用。     

原花青素对氯氰菊酯致小鼠小脑组织氧化损伤及核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2、血红素氧合酶-l表达的影响

目的研究原花青素(proanthocyanidin,PC)对氯氰菊酯(cypermethrin,CYP)所致小鼠小脑组织氧化损伤及核转录因子NF-E2相关因子2(Nrf2)、血红素氧合酶-l(HO-1)表达的影响。方法将50只雄性昆明小鼠随机分为5组:双蒸水对照组,染毒组(以CYP 10 mg/kg进行灌胃),PC保护组Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ(分别以50、100和200mg/kg PC预先给小鼠灌胃,再以10 mg/kg CYP染毒)。连续3周经口灌胃,之后颈椎脱臼法处死小鼠,检测小脑组织谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和丙二醛(MDA)含量;免疫组化分析Nrf2在小脑组织中的表达;RT-PCR检测Nrf2及HO-1 mRNA的表达。结果染毒组小鼠小脑组织MDA含量升高,GSH-Px、T-SOD、CAT活性降低;Nrf2胞核阳性细胞比例增加;Nrf2及HO-1 mRNA表达增加,与对照组比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。与染毒组相比,PC保护组MDA水平降低,T-SOD、GSH-Px、CAT活性增加;胞核Nrf2阳性细胞逐渐减少;Nrf2及HO-1 mRNA表达下降,与染毒组比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 CYP暴露可诱导小鼠小脑组织氧化损伤,使Nrf2由胞质向胞核转位,同时诱导下游靶基因HO-1的表达;抗氧化剂PC能够使活化的Nrf2及HO-1mRNA表达回调至基础水平,从而拮抗CYP所致的氧化损伤。     

萝卜硫素对大鼠子宫内膜异位组织Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1信号通路影响

目的:探讨萝卜硫素(SFN)对子宫内膜异位症(EMs)大鼠异位组织核因子E_2相关因子2(Nrf2)/Kelch样ECH相关蛋白(Keap1)/血红素氧合酶-1(HO-1)信号通路的影响。方法:将造模成功的雌性SD大鼠随机分为模型组、阳性对照组(0.5 mg/kg,孕三烯酮胶囊)及低(5 mg/kg)、中(10 mg/kg)、高剂量(15 mg/kg)SFN组,每组8只;此外,设立空白对照(假手术)组。各组均给药8周后处死大鼠,计算子宫内膜异位病灶体积和粘连评分。实时荧光定量PCR技术检测Nrf2和HO-1的mRNA表达,免疫印迹法检测Nrf2、Keap1和HO-1蛋白表达。结果:与模型组相比,3种剂量SFN均能有效抑制EMs大鼠病灶体积和粘连评分,并呈剂量依赖趋势(P0.05)。此外,与空白对照组相比,模型组大鼠内膜组织中Nrf2、HO-1 mRNA表达水平以及Nrf2、Keap1、HO-1蛋白表达减少(P0.05)。给予SFN后,Nrf2、HO-1 mRNA表达水平以及Nrf2、Keap1、HO-1蛋白表达均升高,并呈浓度依赖性(P0.05)。结论:Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1信号通路参与EMs发生;SFN可能通过激活Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1信号通路,上调HO-1等抗氧化蛋白的表达而起到治疗EMs的效果。     

莱菔硫烷对汞致大鼠肝脏氧化应激的拮抗作用研究

目的探讨莱菔硫烷(sulforaphane,SFN)对汞所致肝脏氧化应激的拮抗作用。方法实验用Wistar大鼠60只,按体重随机分成6组:对照组,DMSO对照组,低、中、高剂量染汞组、SFN预处理组。对照组和染汞组皮下注射生理盐水,DMSO对照组皮下注射DMSO,SFN预处理组皮下注射2 mg/kg SFN;2 h后,对照组及DMSO对照组腹腔注射生理盐水,低、中、高剂量染汞组分别腹腔注射0.6、1.2、2.4 mg/kg Hg Cl2,SFN预处理组腹腔注射2.4 mg/kg Hg Cl2。注射容量为5 ml/kg。连续预处理与染毒3 d。于最后一次染汞24 h后,每组取6只大鼠,麻醉后处死,冰浴下切取肝组织,测定肝Hg含量、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPx)活力及丙二醛(MDA)含量。每组其余4只大鼠,制备肝脏单细胞悬液,测定肝细胞活性氧簇(ROS)及早期细胞凋亡率。结果与对照组比较,随染汞各组染Hg剂量的升高,肝组织Hg、GSH、MDA含量、肝细胞ROS水平及早期细胞凋亡率逐渐升高,SOD及GPx活力逐渐降低,呈现剂量-效应关系(P0.01)。2.4 mg/kg Hg Cl2组肝组织Hg、GSH、MDA含量、肝细胞ROS水平及早期细胞凋亡率显著升高,SOD及GPx活力显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。SFN预处理组肝组织Hg含量与2.4 mg/kg Hg Cl2组相比未见明显差异(P0.05),GSH、MDA含量、ROS水平及早期细胞凋亡率显著下降,SOD及GPx活力显著升高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。结论 SFN对汞所致肝脏氧化应激具有一定程度的拮抗作用。     

莱菔硫烷与右美沙芬联合应用对甲基汞致大鼠神经毒性的影响

目的探讨甲基汞对大鼠神经毒性的影响及莱菔硫烷(sulforaphane,SFN)与右美沙芬(dextromethorphan,DM)联合应用的保护作用,为甲基汞中毒的防治提供理论依据。方法选取SPF级Wistar大鼠56只,按体重随机分成4组,每组14只,雌雄各半。其中对照组皮下及腹腔注射生理盐水;低、高剂量甲基汞染毒组皮下注射生理盐水,2 h后分别腹腔注射4、12μmol/kg氯化甲基汞;SFN+DM联合干预组皮下注射5.6μmol/kg SFN和13.5μmol/kg DM,2 h后腹腔注射12μmol/kg氯化甲基汞。每周一、三、五进行预处理,周一至周五染毒,连续4周。染毒结束后24 h分离大鼠脑皮质。采用冷原子吸收法测定大鼠脑皮质内汞含量,流式细胞仪测定细胞内Ca2+浓度、细胞凋亡率和活性氧(ROS)的含量,以试剂盒测定谷氨酸(Glu)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量及Na+-K+-ATP酶、Ca2+-ATP酶活力,以Real-time PCR和Western blotting法测定Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS、NR1、NR2A和NR2B的m RNA和蛋白表达。结果与对照组比较,低、高剂量染汞组大鼠的脑皮质汞、ROS、Ca2+含量及细胞凋亡率升高,GSH含量降低,Glu含量升高,Na+-K+-ATP酶和Ca2+-ATP酶活力降低,Nrf2、HO-1、γ-GCS m RNA和蛋白表达量升高,NR1、NR2A和NR2B的m RNA和蛋白表达量下降,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。与高剂量染汞组比较,SFN+DM联合干预组大鼠脑皮质汞含量差异无统计学意义(P0.05),ROS、Ca2+含量及细胞凋亡率降低,GSH含量升高,Glu含量降低,Na+-K+-ATP酶和Ca2+-ATP酶活力升高,HO-1、γ-GCS、NR1、NR2A的m RNA和蛋白表达量升高,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。结论甲基汞可引发大鼠神经毒性,SFN与DM联合应用可有效拮抗甲基汞所致神经毒性。     

Calcium intake in the elderly: validation of a dietary questionnaire

Epidemiological studies of calcium and osteoporosis have been hampered by the lack of a suitable tool for assessing calcium intake. This report describes a new frequency and amount questionnaire for measuring present and past calcium intake in the elderly. The validity of the questionnaire was tested against two commonly used standards of dietary assessment, five-day duplicate diets and seven-day weighed dietary inventories. The resulting correlation coefficients were, respectively, r = 0.76 and r = 0.69, while that for repeatability was r = 0.84. Furthermore, the questionnaire categorized subjects into thirds of the distribution of intake with almost no gross misclassification. It is suggested that the present findings may be extended to the majority of normal, healthy elderly subjects, implying wide application for the questionnaire in the assessment of calcium intake in the elderly.     

Self-reported health problems among Swedish miners one year after unemployment

Unemployment is considered to be a public health concern sincedeterioration in the health of the unemployed is often anticipated.However, for some groups, such as miners, unemployment mightimprove health due to a cessation of potentially harmful occupationalexposures. This study evaluates the health of 79 miners in oneSwedish iron-ore mine, and 226 age-matched controls from thegeneral population, during one year after the closure of themine. The participants received a questionnaire regarding medicalhistory and subjective symptoms at the beginning of the studyperiod, and after one year. Statistically significant negativeeffects on self-reported health attributable to unemploymentwere not found, although neuropsychiatric symptoms were morecommon among the unemployed miners. The miners reported a statisticallysignificant improvement in grip force (p=0.031). They had asignificantly higher prevalence of symptoms associated withmining related exposures when compared with the population controls;pain in the upper extremities [relative risk (RR)=2.27, 95%confidence interval (Cl)=1.44–3.59), back pain (RR=1.84;Cl=1.237–2.75), vasospastic disease of the fingers (RR=2.05;Cl=1.18–3.57) and obstructive respiratory symptoms (attacksof dyspnea and wheezing: RR=3.67; Cl=1.167–11.6).     

Excès de cas humains et animaux de tularémie en France au cours de l’hiver 2007–2008 : émergence ou phénomène isolé ?

Context

Tularemia is a zoonosis affecting humans and hares in France. We describe the results of surveillance in both species, in 2007 and 2008.

Methods

Human tularemia cases are mandatorily notifiable in France since 2003. In hares, surveillance relies on volunteer hunter associations in all districts of the country. Data from mandatory reports and volunteer surveillance in 2007/2008 were analyzed and compared with previous results.

Results

In 2007/2008, 144 cases were reported in humans and 117 cases in hares. This was a 100% increase compared to previous years. Human cases differed from those of previous years only by the frequency of contact with breeding animals. Human cases without any documented risk exposure were also more frequent.

Conclusion

An increase of tularemia cases occurred in 2007/2008 in both species. Complementary studies are needed to identify the species reservoir in France to understand the causes of this peak of cases.     

Occupational health hazards in mining: an overview

This review article outlines the physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial occupational health hazards of mining and associated metallurgical processes. Mining remains an important industrial sector in many parts of the world and although substantial progress has been made in the control of occupational health hazards, there remains room for further risk reduction. This applies particularly to traumatic injury hazards, ergonomic hazards and noise. Vigilance is also required to ensure exposures to coal dust and crystalline silica remain effectively controlled.     

Manufacture and use of nanomaterials: current status in the UK and global trends

This paper provides an overview of the production and use of nanomaterials (NMs), particularly in the UK. Currently, relatively few companies in the UK are identifiable as NM manufacturers, the main emphasis being the bulk markets in metals and metal oxides, and some niche markets such as carbon nanotubes and quantum dots. NM manufacturing in the UK does not reflect the global emphasis on fullerenes, nanotubes and fibres. Some assumptions have been made about the types of NM that are likely to be imported into the UK, which currently include fullerenes, modified fullerenes and other carbon-based NMs including nanotubes. Many university departments, spin-offs and private companies have developed processes for the manufacture of NMs but may only be producing small quantities for research and development (R&D) purposes. However, some have the potential to scale up to produce large quantities. The nanotechnology industry in the UK has strong R&D backup from universities and related institutions. This review has covered R&D trends at such institutions, and appropriate information has been added to a searchable database. While several companies are including NMs in their products, only a few (e.g. manufacturers of paints, coatings, cosmetics, catalysts, polymer composites) are using nanoparticles (NPs) in any significant quantities. However, this situation is likely to change rapidly. There is a need to collect more information about exposure to NPs in both manufacturing and user scenarios. As the market grows, and as manufacturers switch from the micro- to the nanoscale, the potential for exposure will increase. More research is required to quantify any risks to workers and consumers.     

深圳公立医院管理体制改革制度设计

深圳公立医院管理体制改革实行政事分开、管办分开,在理事会架构下按法定机构模式组建市医管中心,落实公立医院运营管理自主权.作者从当前公立医院管理体制的弊端入手,介绍了深圳市进行公立医院管理体制改革的基本思路及改革方案设计的主要举措,深入剖析了的改革方案的特点,并对改革效果进行了预测.     

Effects of nitrogen dioxide on red blood cells of rats: Changes in components of red cell membranes during in vivo exposure to NO2

Red cell membranes, prepared from red blood cells of rats exposed to 4, 10, or 20 ppm nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) for 1 to 10 days, were examined for evidence of changes in membrane components. Appreciable changes were not found in contents of phospholipid and cholesterol during exposure to 10 ppm NO₂. By contrast, protein content altered with the time of exposure. Moreover, changes in protein composition were observed by employing sodium dodecyl sulfate — polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Twenty-four-hour exposure to NO₂ at the concentration above 10 ppm resulted in a marked increase in the percentage of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LysoPE) to the total phospholipids. The prolonged exposure to 10 ppm NO₂ gave rise to a further increase in LysoPE, whereas the percentage of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) showed a gradual decrease. A 1-day exposure to 4.0 ppm NO₂ also caused an increase in sialic acid content and decreases in those of PE and hexose. In addition to contents of these components the percentage of LysoPE increased 5 days after exposure and the elevated values were maintained up to the end of exposure period. These results demonstrate that red blood cells in circulation exhibit different membrane properties in terms of lipid and carbohydrate composition during 10 days of exposure to 4.0 ppm NO₂.     

Investigating clusters in the workplace and beyond

Clusters of disease are common and occur in the workplace and in the general community. They often arouse considerable concern among the population. Investigations have sometimes lead to exciting new knowledge, but in general the investigation of clusters is difficult and often unrewarding, especially for community clusters. In the workplace, investigations are more likely to find associations and even new causes, but still many clusters remain enigmatic. Despite this, there are many reasons for investigating clusters, including allaying community concern and identifying uncontrolled exposures. A structure for investigating clusters in the workplace is suggested.