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BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests a link between vitamin D and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, whether vitamin D is related to hyperandrogenemia in PCOS is still inconclusive. The aim of our study is to elucidate the relationship between vitamin D and hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS in China.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study including 625 Chinese women with PCOS and 217 controls from January 2016 to June 2020. The anthropometric and biochemical parameters related to 25(OH)D, sex steroids, glucose and lipid profiles were measured.ResultsSerum 25(OH)D levels were lower in women with PCOS than controls (33.99 ± 15.05 vs 36.58 ± 16.49 nmol/L, P = 0.034), especially lower in hyperandrogenic women with PCOS (32.79 ± 14.24 vs 36.21 ± 16.27 nmol/L, P = 0.007). Higher 25(OH)D levels were independently associated with lower risks of hyperandrogenemia after adjusting demographic, metabolic and hormonal confounders (OR = 0.982, 95% CI: 0.969 - 0.995, P = 0.006). Consistent results were observed in subgroup analyses. Among PCOS women with vitamin D deficiency, females with age ≥ 26 years had lower risks of hyperandrogenemia (OR = 0.611, 95% CI = 0.389 - 0.958, P = 0.032), while overweight patients had higher risks of hyperandrogenemia (OR = 2.202, 95% CI = 1.130 - 4.293, P = 0.020) after adjusting multiple confounders.ConclusionsOur study reported lower vitamin D levels in Chinese women with PCOS, especially in those with hyperandrogenemia. An independent negative correlation between 25(OH)D and hyperandrogenemia was noted in PCOS. For PCOS women with vitamin D deficiency, females that have higher BMI with age < 26 years may be prioritized for hyperandrogenemia assessment.

This paper aims to investigate the correlation between high mobility group protein-1 (HMG-b1), antioxidant enzyme-1 (paraoxon-1, PON-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MCP-1),The total sample size comprised of 73 cases in both groups. These patients were further subdivided into 2 groups: the MSAF group and the control group. 38 women were in the MSAF group and 35 women with term amniotic fluid serum were in the control group. The MSAF group was selected as a full-term singleton amniotic fluid fecal infection group. Clinical data were collected, and specimens were collected. Fecal staining of amniotic fluid and full-term amniotic fluid removes the placenta and umbilical cord blood. The expression of HMGB1 in the placenta was observed by immune-histochemical staining of MSAF and control groups. The content of PON-1 in cord blood was determined by ELISA.Correlation between maternal and neonatal clinical data and MSAF was done; MSAF group mean gestational age was 41.38 ± 1.40 weeks; control group mean gestational age was 39.20 ± 1.24 weeks. This study found no correlation between the birth weight, maternal age, sex, first/transmaternal, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and anemia between the MSAF and control group with nonsignificantGestational age and placental abnormalities are clinical high-risk factors for MSAF. HMGB1, PON-1, MCP-1, and Periodontal

This study aimed to understand the characteristics of dietary patterns among children aged 12 to 23 months and discusses the relationship between dietary patterns and the growth of children.Cross-sectional data were selected from the National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for 0 to 18 year-old children in China (Four dietary patterns were identified among the childrenAlthough China is undergoing rapid urbanization and economic development, there is still a phenomenon of insufficient intake of protein-rich foods and dairy-based dietary patterns at the stage of complementary food introduced among children aged 12 to 23 months.

In this study we aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the wristband activity monitor against the accelerometer for children..A total of 99 children (mean age = 13.0 ± 2.5 y) wore the two monitors in a free-living context for 7 days. Reliability was measured by intraclass correlation to evaluate consistency over time. Repeated-measures analyses of variance was used to detect differences across days. Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho), median of absolute percentage error, and Bland-Altman analyses were performed to assess the validity of the wristband against the ActiGraph accelerometer. The optimal number of repeated measures for the wristband was calculated by using the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula.The wristband had high reliability for all variables, although physical activity data were different across 7 days. A strong correlation for steps (rho: 0.72, P0.001), and moderate correlations for time spent on total physical activity (rho: 0.63, P0.001) and physical activity energy expenditure (rho: 0.57, P0.001) were observed between the wristband and the accelerometer. For different intensities of physical activity, weak to moderate correlations were found (rho: 0.38 to 0.55, P0.001).The wristband activity monitor seems to be reliable and valid for measurement of overall children's physical activity, providing a feasible objective method of physical activity surveillance in children.

This study is aimed to report the development, the reliability and validity of the Chinese Children Physical Activity Questionnaire (CCPAQ) which was designed for the assessment of physical activity pattern in young population in China.The CCPAQ was administered for two times in 119 children (mean age 13.1 ± 2.4 years; boys 47%) to examine reliability by using intraclass correlation coefficients. Validity was determined in 106 participants by agreement with the CCPAQ measures and the objective method, the ActiGraph accelerometer. Data on physical activity pattern including time spent on different intensities and total physical activity, sedentary behavior as well as physical activity energy expenditure were used to assess the validity with Spearman's correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman plots.The reliability coefficient of the CCPAQ ranged from 0.63-0.93 (Intra-class correlation coefficient). Spearman's correlation coefficient for validity of time spent on total physical activity and sedentary behavior were all 0.32 (P0.001), and for physical activity energy expenditure was 0.58 (P0.001). Time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and light physical activity showed a relatively low correlation with the accelerometer (rho = 0.20, P = 0.040; rho = 0.19, P = 0.054).The CCPAQ appears to be a promising and feasible method to assess physical activity pattern in Chinese children.

Obesity is recognized as a significant risk factor for diabetes and hypertension. The present study aimed to examine the associations between adults'obesity risk and childhood and parental obesity.A total of 204 children aged 6-17 years were recruited in 2002 with an average follow-up period of 13.2 years. Height and body weight were measured by trained staffs. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the Chinese standard for children and adults. T-test, analysis of variance, and Chi-square analysis were used for single factor analysis. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to perform multifactor analysis.The percentage of non-obese children who grew up to be non-obese adults was 62.6%, and that of obese children who grew up to be obese adults was 80.0%. There was a significant association between childhood body mass index (BMI) and adulthood BMI with a β regression coefficient of 3.76 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-6.16], and between childhood obesity and adulthood obesity with an odds ratio of 5.76 (95% CI: 1.37-24.34). There was no statistical difference between parental obesity at baseline and children's adulthood obesity, after adjustment of confounders. Male participants and those aged 10.0-13.0 years had a higher risk of adulthood obesity with odds ratios of 2.50 (95% CI: 1.12-5.26) and 3.62 (95% CI: 1.17-11.24), respectively.Childhood obesity is an important predictor of adulthood obesity.

Background: Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) is a refractory glaucoma. The management of NVG is very difficult, and it is more difficult when combined with vitreous hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ranibizumab plus combined surgery for NVG with vitreous hemorrhage. Methods: A total of 26 eyes of 26 NVG patients with vitreous hemorrhage were recruited in this study. The patients aged from 36 to 63 years with a mean age of 51.97 ± 7.60 years. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 46.38 ± 5.75 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) while being treated with the maximum medical therapy. The mean best-corrected visual acuities converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR BCVA) was 2.62 ± 0.43. All the patients underwent intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg (0.05 ml) ranibizumab combined with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), pars plana lensectomy (PPL) with a preserved anterior capsule, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), and trabeculectomy (intravitreal ranibizumab [IVR] + PPV + PPL + PRP + trabeculectomy). The IOP and logMAR BCVA were the main outcome measures in this study. Results: The follow-up period was 12 months. The mean postoperative IOPs were 26.38 ± 3.75 mmHg, 21.36 ± 3.32 mmHg, 18.57 ± 3.21 mmHg, and 16.68 ± 2.96 mmHg, respectively at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months after PPV + PPL + PRP + trabeculectomy. At the last follow-up, the mean IOP was significantly lower than the preoperative one ( t = 6.612, P = 0.001). At 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months after PPV + PPL + PRP + trabeculectomy, the mean logMAR BCVA were 1.30 ± 0.36, 1.29 ± 0.37, 1.29 ± 0.39, and 1.26 ± 0.29, respectively. At the last follow-up, the mean logMAR BCVA was significantly improved, and the difference was statistically significant compared with preoperative one ( t = 6.133, P = 0.002). The logMAR BCVA improved in 22 eyes (84.62%), and remained stable in 4 eyes (15.38%). The neovascularization in the iris and the angle regressed significantly in all patients 7 days after ranibizumab injection. No serious complications occurred during 12 months of the study. Conclusions: IVR + PPV + PPL + PRP + trabeculectomy can control IOP well and improve BCVA without severe complication for NVG patients with vitreous hemorrhage.

Background On 5 March 2015, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control was notified of more than 200 students with gastroenteritis at a senior high school during excursion to Kenting. We conducted an outbreak investigation to identify the causative agent and possible vehicle of the pathogen. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study by using a structured questionnaire to interview all students for consumed food items during their stay at the resort. Students were defined as a gastroenteritis case while having vomiting or diarrhea after the breakfast on 4 March. We inspected the environment to identify possible contamination route. We collected stool or vomitus samples from ill students, food handlers and environmental specimens for bacterial culture for common enteropathogens, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for norovirus and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for rotavirus. Norovirus PCR-positive products were then sequenced and genotyped. Results Of 267 students enrolled, 144 (54%) met our case definition. Regression analysis revealed elevated risk associated with iced tea, which was made from tea powder mixed with hot water and self-made ice (risk ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.22–1.98). Ice used for beverages, water before and after water filter of the ice machine and 16 stool and vomitus samples from ill students were tested positive for norovirus; Multiple genotypes were identified including GI.2, GI.4 and GII.17. GII.17 was the predominant genotype and phylogenetic analyses showed that noroviruses identified in ice, water and human samples were clustered into the same genotypes. Environmental investigation revealed the ice was made by inadequate-filtered and un-boiled water. Conclusions We identified the ice made by norovirus-contaminated un-boiled water caused the outbreak and the predominant genotype was GII.17. Adequately filtered or boiled water should be strongly recommended for making ice to avoid possible contamination.

This study investigated the transdifferentiation of stem cells from human amnion tissue into functional acinar cells (ACs) using a co-culture system. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) were isolated from amnion tissue by mechanical mincing and enzymatic digestion. After primary culture, the phenotype of the cells was identified by flow cytometry (FCM) and immunocytochemical staining. hAECs were co-cultured with submandibular gland acinar cells of SD rats using a double-chamber system. The expression of α-amylase was determined by immunocytochemical method and fluorescent real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) after induction for 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. Digestion with trypsin is an effective method for isolating hAECs from amnion tissue. These cells were positive for CD29 and CK19 and weakly positive for CD44 and α-amylase. Within 2 weeks, α-amylase in hAECs increased with induction time. The expression of α-amylase in hAECs was increased 3.38-fold after co-culturing for 1 week. This ratio increased to 6.6-fold, and these cells were positive for mucins, after co-culturing for 2 weeks. hAECs possess the potential to differentiate into ACs in vitro. They might be a stem cell resource for clinical applications of cell replacement therapy in salivary gland dysfunction diseases.

To assess the effect and adverse reaction of total glucosides of paeony capsule (TGPC) in combining with citirizine for the treatment of chronic urticaria. A total of 120 patients were assigned to two groups by lottery, 65 in the treated group and 55 in the control group. They all were orally treated with citirizine tablet 10 mg per day, but to the treated group, additional 0.2 g TGPC was given three times per day, the therapeutic course for both groups was 4 weeks. The effectiveness of treatment was observed, and the changes of total symptom score, serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), and immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured before and after treatment. Moreover, a follow-up was carried out one month after ending the treatment. The dropped cases were two in the treated group and seven in the control group; so, the study was accomplished on 63 patients in the treated group and 48 patients in the control group. The total effective rate was assessed at 73.02% (46/63) in the treated group, which was significantly higher than 47.92% (23/48) in the control group (P

Objective To explore the effect of in-home fortification of complementary feeding on intellectual development of Chinese children aged below 24 months. Methods One thousand and four hundred seventy eight children aged 4-12 months were recruited and divided into study groups (formula 1 group and formula 2 group) and control group. In two study groups, in addition to the usual complementary food, children were fed with a sachet of fortified food supplement each day. Protein and micronutrients were provided in formula 1 group. Formula 2 group had the same energy intake as the formula 1 group . In addition to measurement of physical growth and detection of hemoglobin level, Development Quotient (DQ) or Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was assessed. Results The DQ of children aged below 24 months was 97.2, 95.5, and 93.8 in formula 1 group, formula 2 group and control group, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P

Recent experimental and theoretical data indicate that the functional capabilities of axons with specialized structures are much more diverse than traditionally thought. However, few observations were concerned with the main axons without arborization. In the present study, electrical stimulation of the saphenous nerve at different frequencies (2, 5, 10, 20 Hz) was used to test the role of activity-dependent effects on the pattern of action potentials that propagate along individual unmyelinated fibers (C fibers) within the trunk of the saphenous nerve in rabbits. Three basic types of C fiber responses to repetitive stimulation were observed: type-1 fibers showed an entrained response without conduction failure; type-2 fibers discharged with intermittent conduction failures; while only sporadic conduction failures happened in type 3. The failure modality in type-2 and type-3 fibers is closely related to the conductive distance as well as the frequency and duration of stimuli which lead to a critical level of conduction velocity slowing. A novel fluctuation in interspike intervals was always observed immediately before the occurrence of the failures, implying that the fluctuation of conduction velocity is correlated with imminent failures. Both the 4-aminopyridine-sensitive potassium current and hyperpolarization-activated cation current were recognized to be involved in the regulation of conduction failure patterns. The results confirmed, at least in part, the existence of conduction failures in the main axon of C fibers, suggesting that axonal operations may also be determinants for adaptation phenomenon and information processing in peripheral nervous system.

Background Reconstruction of defects involving the knee and proximal one third of the lower leg presents a challenging problem in plastic surgery. Aim To evaluate the reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap for covering such defects. Methods Between September 2006 and May 2007, one man and four women with defects around the knee and upper calf underwent reconstruction with reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flaps. The patients’ average age was 45 years (25–72 years). The size of the transferred flap ranged from 6 cm × 8 cm to 12 cm × 13 cm. Results Four flaps with overlying skin grafts healed uneventfully; one skin graft showed minor necrosis due to haematoma, but the adipofascial flap survived well. Postoperatively the appearance of the reconstructive flap was acceptable. Conclusions The reversed anterolateral thigh adipofascial flap is an effective option for covering defects of the knee and proximal calf.

Leukocyte numbers and function were assessed in uterus, placenta, and fetus during endotoxin-induced abortion. Tissues initially contained high numbers of macrophages but no granulocytes or lymphocytes. Endotoxin treatment resulted in rapid, transient neutrophil accumulation in uterus and placenta. Moderate increases in macrophage numbers occurred in the uterus but there were no changes in tissue distribution. Myometrial, endothelial, and epithelial cells were unaffected by endotoxin but proliferating, differentiated fibroblasts that made up the primary decidua disappeared. As abortion progressed, the proportional representation of macrophages in placenta and embryo increased until, during the late stages of fetal resorption, they constituted nearly all viable fetal cells. At the same time, overall expression of class II major histocompatibility complex gene products increased in maternal and fetal tissue. Leukocyte distribution and macrophage activation data suggested that endotoxin-induced fetal failure is mediated by products of activated maternal and fetal macrophages acting in concert to destroy actively proliferating maternal and fetal cells.

Objective To examine the effect of different reduced caloric intake on mice transplanted with S180 ascitic tumor. Methods The institute for cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into control group, 3.0 standard feed (SF) group, 2.0 SF group and 1.3 SF group. The mice in control group were fed enough (about 5 g/d) dietary intake, while the amounts of dietary intake in the latter three groups were scaled down in the proportion of 65%, which were 3.0 g, 2.0 g and 1.3 g standard feed respectively. Meanwhile the essential vitamins were added to the latter three groups to keep the amount of intake the same as that of the control's. Results For most of the mice, the caloric intake obviously prolonged the mean survival days and improved the life quality was 7.14 kcal/d, and the fasting blood glucose level was 2-3 mmol/L. Conclusion Properly reduced caloric intake and keeping lower blood glucose level is beneficial to prolonging the survival time of mice transplanted with S180 ascitic cancer.

We have investigated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced senescence in hematopoietic stem cells (HCs). Mouse Sca-1+ HCs were separated and purified using the magnetic activated cell sorting technique. Ox-LDL induced significant senescence in HCs measured by SA-β-Gal staining, and reduced CFU-Mix colony-forming capacity, arresting cells at G0/G1 phase. In agreement with the cell cycle arrest, ox-LDL markedly reduced the expression of CDK4, cyclin D, and cyclin E. As possible contributing factors for cell senescence, ox-LDL also induced cellular oxidative stress and reduced telomerase activity.

Summary Background Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flaps without latissimus dorsi muscle – have been used for reconstruction of the extremities, head and neck as free style flaps, and as pedicled flaps for reconstruction of the chest wall and axillary wounds. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the clinical applications and relevant anatomic findings of TAP flaps. Methods From April 2007 to August 2011, 67 free or pedicled TAP flaps were transferred in 67 patients for reconstruction of wounds of the extremities, chest wall and axilla. Eight were used as free flaps for reconstruction of extremities, and 59 used as pedicled flaps for reconstruction of axillary or chest wounds. Patient ages ranged from 7 to 55 years (26.04 ± 12.83). Perforator arteries were detected and identified with a hand-held Doppler. The size of flaps ranged from 6 by 9 to 14 by 18 cm ((8.66 ± 2.05) by (12.62 ± 2.03)). Flaps were designed with the perforator artery included, with all flaps based on one or two perforator arteries. Results All of the flaps survived. There were no problems with vascular spasm or occlusion. Significant venous congestion was not observed in any of the cases. Two cases developed minor wound dehiscence but healed with conservative therapy. None of the donor sites developed seromas. Conclusions The thoracodorsal artery flap without associated latissimus dorsi muscle can provide a thin, large and reliable flap with robust blood supply. The TAP flap can significantly reduce donor site morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare affect and behavior of 3 groups of nonanemic 4-year-old children: children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in infancy whose anemia was not corrected before 24 months (chronic IDA) (n = 27); children with IDA in infancy whose anemia was corrected before 24 months (corrected IDA) (n = 70); and children who were nonanemic in infancy and at 24 months (n = 64). METHOD: Mother and child dyads were invited to a local clinic room. Children's social referencing, wariness, frustration-tolerance behavior, and affect were observed during a set of situations encountered in the laboratory, including free play, stranger approach, novel toy, and delay of gratification. The whole procedure was videotaped. The children's affective and behavioral displays were coded by using a time-sampling (5-second segments) code scheme. Iron status of children was determined on the basis of hemoglobin concentration measured with the cyanomethemoglobin method in blood samples obtained by fingerstick in infancy and at the ages of 24 months and 4 years. RESULTS: Children who had chronic IDA in infancy displayed less positive affect, less frustration tolerance, more passive behavior, and more physical self-soothing in the stranger approach and delay of gratification. In contrast, the behavior and affect of children whose anemia was corrected before the age of 24 months were comparable to those of children who were nonanemic throughout infancy. CONCLUSION: The results point to the potential benefits of preventing iron deficiency in infancy and treating it before it becomes chronic or severe.

This project aims to investigate the nutrition status of children aged from 6 to 23 months living in Beichuan and Lixian where were seriously affected by the earthquake in 2008.The height, body weight and hemoglobin concentration were measured for 478 children from Leigu township, Qushan township in Beichuan county and Zagunao township, Xuecheng township and Putou township in Lixian county; the number of group 6 - 11, 12 - 17, 18 - 23 months were 190, 144, 144 respectively. The height for age (HAZ), the body weight for age (WAZ) and the weight for height (WHZ) were calculated respectively. The low weight, stunting, wasting prevalence, anemic rate were analyzed.The WAZ scores of 6 - 23 months males and females in Beichuan county and Lixian county ranged from -0.97 to -0.13 and from -0.67 to -0.23, HAZ scores ranged from -1.23 to -0.31 and from -1.25 to -0.38, respectively. The WAZ (-0.89 ± 1.16) and HAZ (-1.20 ± 1.60) of 18 - 23 months infants in Beichuan county were significantly different from the WAZ and HAZ of 6 - 11 months (WAZ: -0.32 ± 0.92; HAZ: -0.58 ± 0.98) and 12 - 17 months (WAZ: -0.47 ± 1.00; HAZ: -0.68 ± 1.34) infants (F values were 7.161 and 4.584, respectively; all P values0.05). The WAZ (-0.63 ± 1.03) and HAZ (-1.11 ± 1.15) of 18 - 23 months in Lixian county infants were significantly different from the WAZ and HAZ of 6 - 11 months (WAZ: -0.23 ± 0.93; HAZ: -0.51 ± 1.55) infants and 12 - 17 months (WAZ: -0.58 ± 0.52; HAZ: -0.80 ± 1.19) (F values were 3.156, 4.345, all P values0.05). The prevalence of low weight infants (18 - 23 months) these two counties were 15.6% (12/77) and 9.1% (6/66), respectively. The prevalence of stunting in Beichuan and Lixian have reached 26% (20/77) and 24.2% (16/66), respectively. The wasting rate of 18 - 23 months infants had reached 9.1% (7/77) in Beichuan. The total anemia prevalence among infants reached 49.6% (123/248) and 78.8% (178/226) in Beichuan and Lixian, respectively. The prevalence of moderate anemia have reached 7.7% (19/248) and 19.9% (45/226), respectively.After the earthquake in Beichuan, Lixian, the growth of infants aged 6 to 23 months old was below average. The prevalence of anemia was high. The malnutrition status of infant and young children aged from 18 to 23 months in Beichuan and Lixian was more serious, should be targeted of nutrition interventions.

To study the effect of sufentanil on acute lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock in rabbits.Fifty-four healthy rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: control group,with only incision of trachea; model group, hemorrhagic shock was produced according to modified Wiggers' method; sufentanil group, intravenous injection of sufentanil at 0.02 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1) after hemorrhagic shock. To all the rabbits, intravenous Ringer lactate solution was given in an amount of 5 ml x kg(-1) x h(-1). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined before shock, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours after resuscitation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and water content of lungs were measured 1, 2 and 4 hours after resuscitation.At same time points, MAP and HR in sufentanil group and model group were lower than that in control group (P0.05) but contents of TNF-alpha in serum, MDA in lung tissue and water content of lungs were elevated gradually. The degree of decrease or increase was less obvious in sufentanil than in model group (P0.05 or P0.01).Hemorrhagic shock could increase arterial plasma TNF-alpha content with lung injury. Sufentanil could alleviate acute lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock in rabbits.

To investigate the effects of complementary food supplements on development of infants and young children in poor rural. METHODS In 5 poor counties of Gansu Province, children aged 4 - 12 months were enrolled and divided into two groups. In addition to the usual home-made complementary food, all the children were fed one package of either formula I or formula UI per day, protein and micronutrient were supplemented in formula I group. Formula II provided the same energy as formula I . Both groups were supplemented with vitamin A, weight and height measurements have been done every 3 months, and hemoglobin tests were done every 6 month. Development quotient was measured when they were aged 24 month.Development quotient of 475 children were tested. The difference of Development quotient between the two groups is statistically significant ( P0.05), gross motor development also is different (P0.05), there are no difference in time of supplements, nutrition status, sex ratio, mother' s education between two group, but hemoglobin and anemia prevalence of children in formula I group is significant lower than Formula II group.Micronutrient fortified complementary food supplement is effective for children aged 4 - 12 month in terms of mental development.

The purpose of this study is to estimate and forecast the minimum consumption expenditure on food of 8 provinces using linear programming model.Analysis was based on the food data of 2000 of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. The linear programming model's target population was 18 - 49 years old adult with different physical activity level. The mathematical model was established and functioned by GAMS.It was not a high consumption expenditure on food of 8 provinces when meet with the 13 nutrients and the required amount of food, even in the year of well-to-do.We should improve the household' s dietary quality by following the viewpoint of lowest cost but enough nutrients in different income level. The study suggested that we should tell the residents about the lowest cost when we engage nutrition education.

The neuron population of the hippocampal forma- tion exhibits oscillatory activity within the theta () frequency band (4-10 Hz), and the intrinsic resonance properties of individual hippocampal neurons contribute to this network oscillation. The subiculum is the pivotal output region of the hippocampal formation and it is involved in many of the physiological and pathological functions of the limbic sys- tem. To study the characteristics and underlying mecha- nisms of resonance activity in subicular pyramidal neurons, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from these neurons in rat horizontal brain slices. We applied sinusoidal currents with constant amplitudes and linearly increasing frequencies to measure the resonance frequency of subicular pyramidal neurons. We found that the resonance frequency of subicular pyramidal neurons was about 2 Hz at room temperature and 4-6 Hz at 32-35 °C. The resonance fre- quency increased at hyperpolarized membrane potentials and decreased at depolarized membrane potentials. We also investigated three sub-threshold currents involved in the res- onance: a slow hyperpolarization-activated cation current; an instantaneously activating, inwardly rectifying potassium current; and an inwardly persistent sodium current. The ap- plication of ZD7288 abolished the resonance hump, indicat- ing that hyperpolarization-activated cation current generated resonance. The application of Ba 2 enlarged the resonance hump at hyperpolarized potentials below 80 mV, indicating that inwardly rectifying potassium current attenuated reso- nance. The application of TTX suppressed the resonance at depolarized potentials, indicating that persistent sodium cur- rent amplified resonance when neurons were depolarized. Thus, there is a -frequency resonance mediated by hyper- polarization-activated cation current in subicular pyramidal neurons. This -frequency resonance of individual subicular pyramidal neurons may participate in the population's os- cillation and contribute to the functions of the subiculum. © 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of IBRO.

The authors describe here the procedures for using the gelatin half-embedding method to obtain thin spinal cord slices with attached dorsal roots and performing visually guided whole-cell patch-clamp recording of postsynaptic currents evoked by primary afferent fibers in rat spinal dorsal horn. A segment of spinal cord with attached dorsal roots was prepared and half-embedded in an agar block with 20% (w/v) gelatin. Thin spinal cord slices with attached dorsal roots were obtained with a vibratome and whole-cell patch-clamp configuration was established under the infrared observation. At the holding potential of -70 mV, spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and dorsal root stimulation-evoked EPSCs were recorded as inward currents. According to the conduction velocity of afferent fibers and stimulus threshold, evoked EPSCs that are mediated by A-like or C-like fibers were distinguished. At the holding potential of 0 mV, spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and dorsal root stimulation-evoked IPSCs were recorded as outward currents. Using 5 micromol/L strychnine or 20 micromol/L bicuculline, GABAergic or glycinergic evoked IPSCs could be isolated. Using visual patch-clamp method synaptic transmission can be accurately assessed by measuring postsynaptic currents of the dorsal horn neurons. More importantly, with the aid of infrared observation, the incidence of failure to establish a clamp configuration can be greatly reduced and it becomes easier to make recordings from the neurons in deep dorsal horn laminae. Thus, the present research approach an effective approach to study the modulation of primary afferent synaptic transmission.

Primary sensory neurons can generate irregular burst firings in which the existence of significant deterministic behaviors of chaotic dynamics has been proved with nonlinear time series analysis. But how well the deterministic characteristics and neural information of presynaptic chaotic spike trains were transmitted into postsynaptic spike trains is still an open question. Here we investigated the synaptic transmission of chaotic spike trains between primary Aδ afferent fiber and spinal dorsal horn neuron. Two kinds of basic stimulus unit, brief burst and single pulse, were employed by us to comprise chaotic stimulus trains. For time series analysis, we defined “events” as the longest sequences of spikes with all interspike intervals less than or equal to a certain threshold and extracted the interevent intervals (IEIs) from spike trains. Return map analysis of the IEI series showed that the main temporal structure of chaotic input trains could be detected in postsynaptic output trains, especially under brief-burst stimulation. Using correlation dimension and nonlinear prediction methods, we found that synaptic transmission could influence the nonlinear characteristics of chaotic trains, such as fractal dimension and short-term predictability, with greater influence made under single-pulse stimulation. By calculating the mutual information between input and output trains, we found the information carried by presynaptic spike trains could not be completely transmitted at primary afferent synapses, and that brief bursts could more reliably transmit the information carried by chaotic input trains across synapses. These results indicate that although unreliability exists during synaptic transmission, the main deterministic characteristics of chaotic burst trains can be transmitted across primary afferent synapses. Moreover, brief bursts that come from the periphery can more reliably transmit neural information between primary afferent fibers and spinal dorsal horn neurons.

To estimate the benefits of reductions in underweight and Vitamin A deficiency for child survival in China that might be expected as a result of lowering the prevalence of these conditions.Profiles, a process of nutrition policy analysis was used to quantify the functional consequences of malnutrition in terms of child survival.Underweight: The actual reduction in underweight between 1992 and 2001 (from 15.7% to the current 10.1%) resulted in saving of 176,000 child lives. As estimated, without improvements, 612,000 children will die due to underweight between 2001 and 2010, 281,000 (46%) of them living in western provinces. Reducing underweight prevalence from 10.1% to 8% could overall save 62,000 lives. The reduction of underweight prevalence in the west alone might save 56,000 lives. Vitamin A in China as a whole, vitamin A deficiency accounts, as estimated, for 7.5% of deaths of children 6-59 months old, representing 206,000 deaths over the past ten years. Halving the prevalence over the period would save 49,000 child lives. The higher prevalence and higher mortality rates in western provinces mean that even with only 28% of the Chinese population, over half of child deaths there are related to vitamin A.