Comparison of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field personal exposure monitors

The MultiWave System III (MW III), a recently developed personal monitor for extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields, was compared with the standard EMDEX Lite (Electric and Magnetic Field Digital Exposure System), the type of monitor widely used in epidemiology and other exposure assessments. The MW III captures three-axis magnetic field waveforms for the calculation of many exposure metrics, while the EMDEX monitors measure only the root-mean-squared (RMS) vector magnitude (or resultant). Thirty-eight partial period personal samples were monitored in six different job classifications. The sampling time for each personal sample ranged from 90 to 133 min, with a mean sample time of 110 min. The EMDEX Lite and MW III were evaluated by comparing the maximum and partial period time-weighted average (TWA) of the ELF magnitude. TWA exposures measured for the 38 partial period samples by the EMDEX Lite ranged from 1.2 to 65.3 mG, with a mean of 18.1 mG, while corresponding values for the MW III ranged from 1.1 to 65.8 mG, with a mean of 17.7 mG. The maximum magnetic field exposures measured for the 38 partial period personal samples by the EMDEX Lite ranged from 27.0 to 420.2 mG, with a mean of 216.3 mG, while corresponding values for the MW III ranged from 40.2 to 1311.8 mG, with a mean of 368.4 mG. The maximum and TWA ELF magnetic field exposures measured by the EMDEX Lite and MW III were compared using a two-tailed, paired t-test. Analyses indicate that there was no significant difference in the TWA magnetic field magnitude measured by the EMDEX Lite and MW III. On the other hand, the EMDEX Lite reported significantly lower (P=0.002) maximum magnetic field measurements compared to the MW III. From a detailed analysis of the time traces, the EMDEX Lite appears to measure the ELF magnitude inaccurately when the field changes rapidly over a 4-s sampling interval. The results of this comparison suggest that the standard EMDEX Lite and MW III provide similar measure of the TWA magnetic field in a variety of occupational settings and ELF magnetic field magnitudes. However, the EMDEX Lite underestimates maximum exposures when compared to the MW III.     

Effect of thioarsenite formation on arsenic(III) toxicity

Soluble arsenic(III)-sulfide complexes (thioarsenites) play a significant role in the chemistry of arsenic in reducing, sulfidic environments at circumneutral pH. Chemical equilibrium calculations using thioarsenite thermodynamic data from the literature indicate that the formation of a dithioarsenite complex, AsS(OH)(SH)(-1), reduces the concentration of the uncomplexed inorganic As(III) species present (defined sigma H3AsO3, where sigma H3AsO3 = AsO3(-3) + HAsO3(-2) + H2AsO3(-1) + H3AsO3). With enough sulfide present, soluble As(III) is dominated by this complex. Therefore, it is of interest to examine the effect of dithioarsenite formation on As(III) toxicity. The Microtox acute toxicity test was used for this purpose. Tests performed on solutions with varying S:As ratios indicate that As(III) toxicity is a function of the uncomplexed As(III) concentration rather than the total As(III) concentration. This suggests that the dithioarsenite species is not bioavailable and that its formation reduces As(III) toxicity. Chemical equilibrium calculations and sediment pore-water field data from various sources indicate that, in many sediments, dithioarsenite formation can reduce toxicity.     

Positive role for rApxIVN in the immune protection of pigs against infection by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae

The role of in vivo-induced ApxIV toxin of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in protective immunity was evaluated in pigs by administering it alone or added to a multicomponent recombinant subunit vaccine composed of recombinant ApxI, ApxII, ApxIII toxin, and 42-kDa outer membrane protein (OMP). The pigs were immunized with vaccine I (rApxIVN), vaccine II (rApxI + rApxII + rApxIII + rApxIVN + rOMP), vaccine III (rApxI + rApxII + rApxIII + rOMP), or placebo (phosphate-buffered saline + adjuvant). A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 1 field isolate JMS 06 and serovar 2 field strain FX 01 were used as the challenge strains. Pigs that were immunized with vaccine I or vaccine II all developed high antibody titers against rApxIVN. The antibody titers against rApxI, rApxII, rApxIII, and rOMP in pigs immunized with vaccine II were higher than those in pigs vaccinated with vaccine III. Following the challenge, the pigs immunized with rApxIVN alone showed similar results to the pigs in the control group, such as severe respiratory symptoms and severe lung lesions. Pigs that had been immunized with vaccine II or vaccine III were protected against challenge with A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 1 and serovar 2. The pigs immunized with vaccine II had slighter lung lesions and fewer bacterial recovery than those of pigs immunized with vaccine III. These results indicate that rApxIVN contributes to the production of high level of antibodies directed against the vaccination antigens, and thus confers strong protection against challenges with different serovars of A. pleuropneumoniae.     

Association of europium(III), americium(III), and curium(III) with cellulose, chitin, and chitosan

The association of trivalent f-elements-Eu(III), Am(III), and Cm(III)--with cellulose, chitin, and chitosan was determined by batch experiments and time-resolved, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). The properties of these biopolymers as an adsorbent were characterized based on speciation calculation of Eu(III). The adsorption study showed that an increase of the ionic strength by NaCl did not affect the adsorption kinetics of Eu(III), Am(III), and Cm(III) for all the biopolymers, but the addition of Na2CO3 significantly delayed the kinetics because of their trivalent f-element complexation with carbonate ions. It also was suggested from the speciation calculation study that all the biopolymers were degraded under alkaline conditions, leading to their masking of the adsorption of Eu(III), Am(III), and Cm(III) on the nondegraded biopolymers. The masking effect was higher for cellulose than for chitin and chitosan, indicating that of the three, cellulose was degraded most significantly in alkaline solutions. Desorption experiments suggested that some portion of the adsorbed Eu(III) penetrated deep into the matrix, being isolated in a cavity-like site. The TRLFS study showed that the coordination environment of Eu(III) is stabilized mainly by the inner spherical coordination in chitin and by the outer spherical coordination in chitosan, with less association in cellulose in comparison to chitin and chitosan. These results suggest that the association of these biopolymers with Eu(III), Am(III), and Cm(III) is governed not only by the affinity of the functional groups alone but also by other factors, such as the macromolecular steric effect. The association of degraded materials of the biopolymers also should be taken into consideration for an accurate prediction of the influence of biopolymers on the migration behavior of trivalent f-elements.     

The influence of the call with a mobile phone on heart rate variability parameters in healthy volunteers

It is possible that electromagnetic field (EMF) generated by mobile phones (MP) may have an influence on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and modulates the function of circulatory system. The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of the call with a mobile phone on heart rate variability (HRV) in young healthy people. The time and frequency domain HRV analyses were performed to assess the changes in sympathovagal balance in a group of 32 healthy students with normal electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram at rest. The frequency domain variables were computed: ultra low frequency (ULF) power, very low frequency (VLF) power, low frequency (LF) power, high frequency (HF) power and LF/HF ratio was determined. ECG Holter monitoring was recorded in standardized conditions: from 08:00 to 09:00 in the morning in a sitting position, within 20 min periods: before the telephone call (period I), during the call with use of mobile phone (period II), and after the telephone call (period III). During 20 min call with a mobile phone time domain parameters such as standard deviation of all normal sinus RR intervals (SDNN [ms]--period I: 73.94+/-25.02, period II: 91.63+/-35.99, period III: 75.06+/-27.62; I-II: p<0.05, II-III: p<0.05) and standard deviation of the averaged normal sinus RR intervals for all 5-mm segments (SDANN [ms]--period I: 47.78+/-22.69, period II: 60.72+/-27.55, period III: 47.12+/-23.21; I-II: p<0.05, II-III: p<0.05) were significantly increased. As well as very low frequency (VLF [ms2]--period I: 456.62+/-214.13, period II: 566.84+/-216.99, period III: 477.43+/-203.94; I-II: p<0.05), low frequency (LF [ms(2)]--period I: 607.97+/-201.33, period II: 758.28+/-307.90, period III: 627.09+/-220.33; I-II: p<0.01, II-III: p<0.05) and high frequency (HF [ms(2)]--period I: 538.44+/-290.63, period II: 730.31+/-445.78, period III: 590.94+/-301.64; I-II: p<0.05) components were the highest and the LF/HF ratio (period I: 1.48+/-0.38, period II: 1.16+/-0.35, period III: 1.46+/-0.40; I-II: p<0.05, II-III: p<0.05) was the lowest during a call with a mobile phone. The tone of the parasympathetic system measured indirectly by analysis of heart rate variability was increased while sympathetic tone was lowered during the call with use of a mobile phone. It was shown that the call with a mobile phone may change the autonomic balance in healthy subjects. Changes in heart rate variability during the call with a mobile phone could be affected by electromagnetic field but the influence of speaking cannot be excluded.     

Molecular mechanisms of the diabetogenic effects of arsenic: inhibition of insulin signaling by arsenite and methylarsonous acid

BACKGROUND: Increased prevalences of diabetes mellitus have been reported among individuals chronically exposed to inorganic arsenic (iAs). However, the mechanisms underlying the diabetogenic effects of iAs have not been characterized. We have previously shown that trivalent metabolites of iAs, arsenite (iAs(III)) and methylarsonous acid (MAs(III)) inhibit insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (ISGU) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by suppressing the insulin-dependent phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for the suppression of PKB/Akt phosphorylation by iAs(III) and MAs(III). METHODS: The effects of iAs(III) and MAs(III) on components of the insulin-activated signal transduction pathway that regulate PKB/Akt phosphorylation were examined in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. RESULTS: Subtoxic concentrations of iAs(III) or MAs(III) had little or no effect on the activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K), which synthesizes phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP(3)), or on phosphorylation of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten), a PIP(3) phosphatase. Neither iAs(III) nor MAs(III) interfered with the phosphorylation of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1) located downstream from PI-3K. However, PDK-1 activity was inhibited by both iAs(III) and MAs(III). Consistent with these findings, PDK-1-catalyzed phosphorylation of PKB/Akt(Thr308) and PKB/Akt activity were suppressed in exposed cells. In addition, PKB/Akt(Ser473) phosphorylation, which is catalyzed by a putative PDK-2, was also suppressed. Notably, expression of constitutively active PKB/Akt restored the normal ISGU pattern in adipocytes treated with either iAs(III) or MAs(III). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that inhibition of the PDK-1/PKB/Akt-mediated transduction step is the key mechanism for the inhibition of ISGU in adipocytes exposed to iAs(III) or MAs(III), and possibly for impaired glucose tolerance associated with human exposures to iAs.     

Testicular apoptosis and histopathological changes induced by a 2.45 GHz electromagnetic field

There is a growing public concern about the potential human health hazard caused by exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of 2450 mhz electromagnetic field on apoptosis and histopathological changes on rat testis tissue. Twelve-week-old male Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. Eighteen rats equally divided into three different groups which were named group I, II and III. Cage control (group I), sham control (group II) and 2.45 GHz EMR (group III) groups were formed. Group III were exposed to 2.45 GHz EMR, at 3.21 W/kg specific absorption rate for 60 minutes/ day for 28 days. There was no difference among the groups for the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, pyknotic, karyolectic and karyotic cells. However, the number of Leydig cells of testis tissue of the rats in group III was significantly reduced comparing with the group I (p < 0.05). Estimation of spermatogenesis using the Johnsen testicular biopsy score revealed that the difference between groups is statistically significant. The level of TNF-α, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were compared, and no significant difference was found between the groups. When Bax apoptosis genes and Caspase-8 apoptosis enzyme were compared, there were significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05). Electromagnetic field affects spermatogenesis and causes to apoptosis due to the heat and other stress-related events in testis tissue.     

分散式饮水中三价砷的去除

在利用硫酸铁去除五价砷 [As(V) ]的基础上研究了三价砷 [As(III) ]的氧化及去除 ,以寻求适合于分散式饮水中 As(III)的氧化方法。结果显示 :水中 As(III)的自然氧化过程相当缓慢 ,曝气 2 4h亦难以加速其氧化 ;通入臭氧 6 0 s,或按 7.5 m l/ L 投加双氧水 ,按投氯量加 2 .5 m g/ L 次氯酸钠或 15 m g/ L 的漂白粉等 ,均可有效氧化 1.0 m g/ L As(III) ,使砷去除率近似于 As(V)的去除率 ;选取次氯酸钠作为氧化剂 ,进一步研究发现其氧化效果不受水质 p H值、硬度、As(III)初浓度、As(III) / As(V)的配比等的影响 ,而且 1.2 5 m g/L 投加量可有效氧化≤ 0 .8mg/ L 的 As(III) ,现场实验亦证实了其氧化效果。本研究结果表明 ,次氯酸钠是一种效果可靠、经济技术可行的分散式饮水三价砷的氧化剂。     

Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant activity and DNA-binding studies of two rare earth(III) complexes with naringenin-2-hydroxy benzoyl hydrazone ligand

Two novel rare earth complexes, Y(III) complex (1) and Eu(III) complex (2), with naringenin-2-hydroxy benzoyl hydrazone ligand were synthesized and characterized. The interaction of the two metal complexes and the free ligand with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) was investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and viscosity measurement. All the experimental evidences indicate that these three compounds can strongly bind to CT DNA via an intercalation mechanism. The intrinsic binding constants of the Y(III) complex (1), Eu(III) complex (2) and the free ligand with CT DNA were 2.1x10(4), 8.5x10(4) and 1.6x10(4)M(-1), respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the metal complexes was determined by hydroxyl radical scavenging method in vitro.     

Effect of simultaneous supplementation of vitamin A and iron on diarrheal and respiratory tract infection in preschool children in Chengdu City,China

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to investigate whether vitamin A combined with iron supplementation for preschool children resulted in improved changes in children's infectious morbidity.MethodIn this randomized placebo-controlled and blinded field intervention trial, totally 445 preschoolers, ages 3 to 6 y old, were randomly selected. All children were randomly divided into four groups: vitamin A supplement-only group (group I), iron supplement-only group (group II), vitamin A and iron supplement group (group III), and no vitamin A and ferrous sulfate as placebo-control (group IV) for 6 mo. The morbidity of diarrhea and respiratory infections, were collected during supplementation.ResultsThere was evidence of the lowest incidence rate of respiratory-related illnesses and fewest symptoms of runny nose, cough, and fever for children in group III compared with children in groups I, II and IV (P < 0.05). Moreover, despite the undistinguished incidence rate of vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, the rate of diarrhea-related illness was significantly lower for children in group III than for those in the other three groups.ConclusionThe beneficial affects on infectious morbidity over 6 mo, highlight the potential of vitamin A plus an iron supplement for preschool-aged children.     

三种适合中国人群代谢综合征诊断标准在江苏省社区人群中应用的比较

目的 比较IDF（2005）、ATPⅢ（2005）和CDS（2004）三个既便于操作又有中国人肥胖指标的代谢综合征（MS）诊断标准在江苏省社区人群中应用的异同。方法 采用“江苏省多代谢异常和MS综合防治研究”资料，对具有MS组分测量值的社区人群（5888人），分别采用IDF（2005）、ATPⅢ（2005）和CDS（2004）诊断MS，并比较MS的患病率及诊断的一致性。结果 IDF（2005）、ATPⅢ（2005）和CDS（2004）诊断出的MS患病率分别为17．48％、21．95％和9．59％。ATPⅢ（2005）与CDS（2004）、IDF（2005）与CDS（2004）和IDF（2005）与ATPⅢ（2005）标准分别同时诊断85．11％、87．35％和95．14％的个体为Ms或非MS者。IDF（2005）与ATPⅢ（2005）标准诊断MS相比，仍有4．5％仅被ATPⅢ（2005）诊断为MS。ATPⅢ（2005）标准诊断出的MS是IDF标准的1．26倍。女性与男性高腰围（男≥90cm，女≥80cm）、MSIDF（2005）和MS_ATPⅢ（2005）患病率比值分别为2．17、1．99和1．54。结论 IDF（2005）与ATPⅢ（2005）标准的诊断一致性高于IDF（2005）、ATPⅢ（2005）与CDS（2004）的一致性，但前两者之间仍存在不一致。IDF（2005）和ATPⅢ（2005）标准对中国人群腰围的取值可能不恰当。     

Effects of postnatal protein malnutrition on learning and memory procedures

Protein malnutrition induces structural, neurochemical and functional changes in the central nervous system leading to alterations in cognitive and behavioral development of rats. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of postnatal protein malnutrition on learning and memory tasks. Previously malnourished (6% protein) and well-nourished rats (16% protein) were tested in three experiments: working memory tasks in the Morris water maze (Experiment I), recognition memory of objects (Experiment II), and working memory in the water T-maze (Experiment III). The results showed higher escape latencies in malnourished animals in Experiment I, lower recognition indexes of malnourished animals in Experiment II, and no differences due to diet in Experiment III. It is suggested that protein malnutrition imposed on early life of rats can produce impairments on both working memory in the Morris maze and recognition memory in the open field tests.     

Relationship of Eating Behaviors with Age,Anthropometric Measurements,and Body Composition Parameters among Professional Indian Women

One hundred volunteer female college teachers were selected from Jalandhar, Punjab, India. General obesity was found in 56.6%, 76.9%, and 76.2%, abdominal obesity in 56.6%, 57.7%, and 81.0%, of 30- to 39-year-old (Group I), 40- to 49-year-old, (Group II) and 50- to 59-year-old (Group III) participants, respectively. A significantly (p ≤ .05) lower mean value of uncontrolled eating domain was observed in the participants belonging to Group I in comparison to Groups II and III. The cognitive restraint was less in Group III (13.71%), followed by Group II (14.04%) and I (13.71%). The mean values of emotional eating domain revealed not much difference in Group I (12.19%), Group II (12.65%), and Group III (12.00%). Adiposity showed a significant (p ≤ .10, .05) relationship with age and eating behaviors. In conclusion, lesser cognitive dietary restraint and emotional eating were the variables associated with adiposity in the participants.     

Chromium(III)-induced 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in DNA and its reduction by antioxidants: comparative effects of melatonin, ascorbate, and vitamin E

Chromium compounds are well documented carcinogens. Cr(III) is more reactive than Cr(VI) toward DNA under in vitro conditions. In the present study, we investigated the ability of Cr(III) to induce oxidative DNA damage by examining the formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) in calf thymus DNA incubated with CrCl(3) plus H(2)O(2). We measured 8-OH-dG using HPLC with electrochemical detection. In the presence of H(2)O(2), we observed that Cr(III)-induced formation of 8-OH-dG in isolated DNA was dose and time dependent. Melatonin, ascorbate, and vitamin E (Trolox), all of which are free radical scavengers, markedly inhibited the formation of 8-OH-dG in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentration that reduced DNA damage by 50% was 0.51, 30.4, and 36.2 microM for melatonin, ascorbate, and Trolox, respectively. The results show that melatonin is 60- and 70-fold more effective than ascorbate or vitamin E, respectively, in reducing oxidative DNA damage in this in vitro model. These findings also are consistent with the conclusion that the carcinogenic mechanism of Cr(III) is possibly due to Cr(III)-mediated Fenton-type reactions and that melatonin's highly protective effects against Cr(III) relate, at least in part, to its direct hydroxyl radical scavenging ability.     

Exceptional pharmacokinetics of trivalent chromium during occupational exposure to chromium lignosulfonate dust

The excretion of chromium in the urine of workers exposed to chromium lignosulfonate was studied. The chromium in the dust was in the trivalent (III) oxidation state, and 30% of the particles were less than 5 micron in diameter. Chromium (III) lignosulfonate dust was rapidly absorbed, and a peak of urinary excretion was seen immediately after exposure. No appreciable accumulation of chromium occurred over 3 d, as evaluated by comparison with preshift urinary chromium concentrations. The addition of ethylenediaminetetra-acetate to the urine of exposed persons greatly enhanced the capacity of chromium to traverse a dialysis membrane; the same effect was seen with chromium (III) chloride. It is concluded that chromium (III) lignosulfonate yields chromium (III), which acts pharmacokinetically like water-soluble hexavalent chromium compounds.     

New lanthanide complexes of 4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin and their pharmacological activity.

Complexes of cerium(III), lanthanum(III) and neodymium(III) with 4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin (Mendiaxon, Hymecromone) were synthesized by the mixing of equimolar amounts of the respective metal nitrates and 4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin sodium salt in water. The complexes were characterized and identified by elemental analysis, conductivities, IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopies and mass spectral data. DTA and TGA have been applied to study the compositions of the compounds. The newly synthesized compounds were assayed for acute intraperitoneal and per oral toxicity, influence on blood clotting time and the most active complex was investigated for spasmolytic activity. The complexes of cerium(III) and neodymium(III) showed marginal cytotoxic activity against transformed leukemic cell lines (P3HR1 and THP-1) as compared to the inorganic salts.     

黑刚玉致铝尘肺75例的临床研究

目的研究黑刚玉粉尘对职业接触工人的健康危害及铝尘肺的临床特征。方法对某砂粉厂1989至2004年诊断的75例铝尘肺病例进行回顾性分析。结果75例铝尘肺病例中，Ⅰ期27例（占36．00％）、Ⅱ期28例（占37．33％）、Ⅲ期20例（占26．67％）。患者发病工龄最短3年、最长17年，10年以下工龄者有37例。铝尘肺患者胸部X射线表现主要为不规则小阴影：t（22／75）、s（4／75）、t／u（1／75）、t/s（2／75），或以不规则影为主的两者混合小阴影：s／p（5／75）、s／r（1／75）、t／p（9／75）、t/q（5／75）；少部分也可表现为圆形小阴影[p（6／75）、q（1／75）、p／q（3／75）、q／p（1／75）]，或以圆形小阴影为主的两者混合表现[p／s（11／75）、q／s（3／75）、q／t（1／75）]。75例患者中，27例X线胸片出现大阴影，其中20例被诊断为Ⅲ期尘肺，他们的胸片可见到融合团块，部位多位于两中上肺区，单侧团块8例（占40．00％），两侧对称出现12例（占60．00％）。CT影像可见，团块由多量不规则小阴影逐渐聚集、融合而成，形态以条形或发辫形居多，具有密度不均、结构松散、边缘不整的特点。患者纵隔、肺门淋巴结普遍增大、钙化，可伴有胸膜增厚。经相关分析，患者肺功能损伤程度与铝尘肺期别无明显相关性（r=0．015，P〉0．05）。结论短期、高浓度接触黑刚玉粉尘可引起严重的铝尘肺。铝尘的危害不容忽视。     

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Malaysians using the International Diabetes Federation, National Cholesterol Education Program and Modified World Health Organization Definitions

The World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program Adults Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) have proposed different criteria to diagnose metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, there is no single definition to accurately diagnose MetS. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of MetS using WHO, NCEP ATP III and IDF in the Malaysian community, and to determine the concordance between these definitions for MetS. 109 men and women aged > 30 years participated in the study, and the prevalence of MetS was determined according to the three definitions. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip circumference, blood pressure, blood lipid profile and plasma fasting glucose were measured. In order to determine the concordance between IDF and the other two definitions, the kappa index (κ-test) was used. The prevalence of MetS (95% confidence interval) was 22.9% (22.8-23.1) by IDF definition, 16.5% (16.3-16.9) by NCEP ATP III definition and 6.4% (6.2-6.6) by modified WHO definition. The sensitivity and specificity of IDF against NCEP ATP III were 88.9% and 90.1% respectively, IDF against WHO definition were 85.7% and 81.4%. The κ statistics for the agreement of the IDF definition was 68.3 ± 0.1 with the NCEP ATP III, and 30.5 ± 0.1 with the modified WHO definition. The prevalence of the MetS among respondents using the IDF definition was highest, followed by NCEP ATP III, and finally modified WHO definition. There was a good concordance between the IDF and NCEP ATP III definitions, and a low concordance between IDF and modified WHO definitions.     

Subcellular location of horseradish peroxidase in horseradish leaves treated with La(III), Ce(III) and Tb(III)

The agricultural application of rare-earth elements (REEs) would promote REEs inevitably to enter in the environment and then to threaten the environmental safety and human health. Therefore, the distribution of the REEs ion, ¹⁴¹Ce(III) and effects of La(III), Ce(III) and Tb(III) on the distribution of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in horseradish mesophyll cells were investigated with electron microscopic radioautography and transmission electron microscopic cytochemistry. It was found for the first time that REEs ions can enter into the mesophyll cells, deposit in both extra and intra-cellular. Compared to the normal condition, after the horseradish leaves treated with La(III) or Tb(III), HRP located on the tonoplast is decreased and HRP is mainly located on the cell wall, while HRP is mainly located on the plasma membrane after the horseradish leaves were treated with Ce(III). This also indicated that REEs ions may regulate the plant growth through changing the distribution of enzymes.