山西省出生缺陷高发区土壤元素分布特征

目的 了解出生缺陷高发区土壤中元素分布特征,为出生缺陷的干预和治疗提供理论依据.方法 于2005年1-5月,选择山西省吕梁山区出生缺陷高发的中阳县和交口县作为出生缺陷高发区,以人口相对集中的河道两侧为采样点,共涉及8个乡镇,79个行政村;选择晋中盆地出生缺陷低发的祁县作为出生缺陷对照区,采样点均匀分布,共涉及6个乡镇,27个行政村.采集距耕地表层10～20cm深的土壤,共采集样品131件.采用ICP-电感耦合等离子发射光谱法,对土壤样品中的16种元素进行测定.结果 高发区土壤中元素总量明显高于低发区.与祁县相比,交口县土壤中元素含量偏高的有As、Mo、Pb、Ni、V,含量偏低的元素有Se,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);中阳县土壤中含量偏高的元素为Sn、Se、Mo、Zn、Sr、Pb、Ni、Fe、V、Ca、Cu、Al,偏低的元素为Mg和Na,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).土壤中元素含量(μg/g)与出生缺陷发病率的(1/万)逐步回归分析显示,交口县土壤中Mo、Al、As、Ni、Pb、Zn元素对病情影响有统计学意义(均P＜0.01),其标准的逐步回归判别方程为:y=-1.321 1.106 Mo-0.509 Al 0.117 As 0.663 Ni-0.429 Pb-0.262 Zn(R2a=0.891);中阳县土壤中Pb、Mg、Ca、Al、Zn元素对病情影响有统计学意义(均P＜0.05),其标准回归方程为:y=-1.757 0.441 Pb-0.264Mg 0.309 Ca-0.186Al 0.162Zn (R2a2=0.839).结论 交口县和中阳县土壤中Pb、Mo、Al等含量异常可能是两县出生缺陷高发的原因之一.     

Improved formulations of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides using wrapped liposomes.

Previously, we demonstrated that wrapping dextran fluorescein anionic/cationic lipid complexes with neutral lipids produced a stable formulation that markedly increased the duration of the compound in plasma after intravenous administration to rats. The improved drug-delivery properties of the wrapped liposomes (WL) relative to other formulations suggested that this technology could offer important advantages for the administration of other polyanionic drugs, including antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN). In the present study, we investigated the value of WL for formulating fluorescence-labeled phosphorothioated ODN (F-ODN). WL encapsulating F-ODN/cationic lipid complexes were prepared efficiently using similar methodology to that used in our earlier study. Studies confirmed that these WL were stable in vitro. Following intravenous administration to mice, free F-ODN and naked F-ODN/cationic lipid complexes were rapidly eliminated whereas administration of the WL resulted in high blood concentrations of drug that were maintained for several hours. Additional studies were conducted in mice that were inoculated with tumor cells (Caki-1 xenograft model, human kidney); in these experiments, intravenous administration of WL delivered 13 times more F-ODN to the tumor site than achieved after injection of free F-ODN.     

Urodynamic studies in the evaluation of young men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of urodynamic study in young men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 50 men with LUTS aged 50 years and below. Those with neurological diseases, urethral trauma or strictures were excluded. All underwent multichannel urodynamic studies (UDS). The pre- and post-UDS diagnoses and treatment modalities were compared. RESULTS: Mean age was 38.1 years (17-49). The main pre-UDS diagnoses included prostatitis in seven (14%), overactive bladder in seventeen (34%) and benign prostatic hyperplasia in nine (18%). Pre-UDS management ranged from anticholingeric agents for thirteen (26%), alpha-adrenergic antagonists for nine (18%), antibiotics for six (12%). Abnormal UDS were noted in 36 (72%), including detrusor overactivity in 9 (18%), detrusor underactivity/acontractility in 5 (10%) and bladder outlet obstruction in 21 (42%). Fourteen (28%) had primary bladder neck dysfunction and five (10%) had benign prostatic hyperplasia. Post-UDS management included anticholingeric agents for ten (26%), alpha-adrenergic antagonists for seventeen (34%), catheterization for four (10%), behavioral therapy for three (6%), surgery for three (6%). None were prescribed antibiotics. Following UDS, the diagnosis had to be updated in 40 (80%) and concomitant change in management was required in 34 (68%). CONCLUSION: Young men presenting with LUTS have different underlying etiologies. Clinical diagnosis and treatment are often empiric and inaccurate. Urodynamic study is useful in the evaluation of this group of patients as it aids in arriving at an accurate diagnosis and guides treatment therapy.     

Genetic linkage analysis of pulmonary fibrotic response to silica in mice.

Inter-individual variations in the development of silicosis, even within the same environments, have been reported, which suggest the contribution of genetic factors in silicosis aetiology. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there is any significant genetic influence on the development of silicosis. Furthermore, which genetic loci are responsible for the pulmonary response to silica exposure? Eight strains of inbred mice were used to examine the genetic influence on the lung fibrotic response to silica exposure. After intercross-breeding between the most susceptible and most resistant strains, a genome-wide linkage analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) was performed. Hydroxyproline was applied as an index, and genotypes of 167 marker genes were analysed by fragment analysis using a capillary-type sequencer. There was significant inter-strain difference in the mean concentration of hydroxyproline contents among the eight strains of mice. Breeding studies were conducted between the most susceptible, C57BL/6J, and the most resistant strain, CBA/J. A genome-wide linkage analysis of silica-exposed intercrossed cohorts identified significant QTL on chromosome 4 and suggestive QTL on chromosomes 3 and 18. The present study demonstrates that genetic factors may play a significant role in fibrotic-lung responses to silica; one significant and two suggestive quantitative trait loci were identified.