OBJECTIVE: To establish the method of screening the susceptibility to childhood lead poisoning by filter paper. METHODS: The genomic DNA from normal children was extracted with Chelex 100 (the filter paper method) and the chloroform method. The quantity of DNA recovered by the two methods were compared. A rapid PCR based method for precise σ aminolevulinate dehydratase (ALAD) genotyping was also established. RESULTS: The quantity of DNA recovered by the filter paper method (with Chelex 100) and the chloroform method was 17.1 μg/ml and 17.5 μg/ml , respectively. There was no difference between the two methods. Both the two methods were of great practical value in the screening of ALAD genotype in high risk people, but the filter paper method was less sensitive for PCR amplification than the chloroform method.CONCLUSIONS:Technically the filter paper method might be more reliable in screening the susceptibility to childhood lead poisoning.
OBJECTIVE: To study the change and significance of ionic calcium (Ca 2+ ) in renal tissues of the neonatal rat after asphyxia. METHODS: Forty five 7-10 day neonatal Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: the non asphyxiated controls (n=13), 2 h post asphyxia (n=10), 24 h post asphyxia (n=11) and 48 h post asphyxia (n=11). The animal model of the three experiment group was established by normobaric asphyxia. The left renal coefficient (LRC) was calculated; the content of Ca 2+ in the renal tissue was detected; and the scores of tubular injuries were evaluated under the light microscope at 2, 24 and 48 h after asphyxia. RESULTS: The LRC [( 7.64 ± 0.33 ) g/kg], the scores of tubular injuries ( 28.80 ± 7.16 ) and the content of Ca 2+ [( 1.75 ± 0.39 ) mmol/g] in the renal tissue obviously increased from 2 h of post asphyxia compared with the controls [( 4.88 ± 0.90 ) g/kg; ( 5.46 ± 1.76 ); ( 1.44 ± 0.46 ) mmol/g] (P< 0.05 ); and the scores of tubular injuries and the LRC reached to the peak at 24 h of post asphyxia. The content of Ca 2+ in the renal tissue was positively correlated with the LRC at 2, 24 and 48 h of post asphyxia (r= 0.61 , 0.69 , 0.63 , respectively; all P< 0.05 ). It was also positively correlated with the scores of tubular injuries at 2, 24 and 48 h of post asphyxia (r= 0.57 , 0.58 , 0.75 , respectively; all P< 0.05 ). CONCLUSIONS: Ca 2+ may play a role in the development of renal injuries following asphyxia.
OBJECTIVE: To establish the pulmonary hemorrhage model in neonatal rats, which corresponds with the clinical etiology, and to explore its clinical significance. METHODS: Forty 4-7 day newborn Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups: one control group (Group A) and three hypothermia hypoxia groups. Group A rats were placed in an environment of 25℃, and the three hypothermia hypoxia groups were put into an organic glass box, the oxygen concentration of which was 5%-6%. The box was put into a refrigerator of (10±1)℃. According to the time of refrigeration, the rats were assigned into 1 h, 2 h and 4 h hypothermia hypoxia groups (Group B, Group C and Group D, respectively). They were taken out of the refrigerator after 1 h, 2 h and 4 h respectively and then were put into the organic water bath box within which the oxygen concentration remained 99.5% -100% for 2 h. After the rats were sacrificed, the degree of pulmonary hemorrhage was observed and then the gross anatomical findings were divided into five grades: Grade Ⅰ (normal lung), Grade Ⅱ (pulmonary edema), Grade Ⅲ (spotty pulmonary hemorrhage), Grade Ⅳ (local pulmonary hemorrhage) and Grade Ⅴ (diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage). RESULTS: ①There was no difference in the rectal temperature of the four groups before applying hypothermia, before rewarming and after rewarming. ②The pathologic changes of the lungs in Group A revealed Grade Ⅰ, Grade Ⅰ-Ⅲ in Group B, Grade Ⅰ-Ⅴ in Group C and Grade Ⅲ-Ⅴ in Group D. By the RIDIT analysis, a significant difference was found between Group C and Group D and between Group D and Group A, Group B or Group C (P< 0.05 or 0.01 ). ③Under the light and electron microscope, red blood cells were found in alveoli of the Grade Ⅲ-Ⅴ rats; the damage or breakage of the capillary basal membrane appeared in Grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ rats. These changes were found to correspond with the pathologic changes of neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: The pulmonary hemorrhage model of neonatal rats, which corresponds to clinical etiology, can be established with 7 day newborn rats by rewarming and reoxygenating following hypothermia and hypoxia. The best effect comes from the group of hypothermia hypoxia for 4 h.
OBJECTIVE: To study the neuroprotection of mild hypothermia on hypoxic ischemic brain damage (HIBD). METHODS: The HIBD model rats were randomly assigned into the 31℃ and 34℃ mild hypothermia groups, sham operated group and control group. The number of cortical neuron specific endolase (NSE) positive neurons was assayed using immunohistochemistry and the blood glucose level was detected in the four groups. RESULTS: The number of the cortical NSE positive neurons 12 and 24 h after hypoxic ischemia [( 54.3 ± 6.5 ) and ( 34.6 ± 5.6 ), respectively] in the 31℃ mild hypothermia group was significantly lower compared with the control group [( 82.3 ± 6.0 ) and ( 53.3 ± 5.6 ), respectively] (P< 0.01 or 0.05 ). It was also significantly lower in the 34℃ mild hypothermia group at 12 and 24 h [( 56.8 ± 7.1 ) and ( 32.9 ± 4.9 , respectively] compared with the control group (P< 0.01 or 0.05 ). The blood glucose level 12 and 24 h after hypoxic ischemia [( 5.74 ± 1.52 ), ( 5.89 ± 1.62 ) mmol/L, respectively] in the 31℃ mild hypothermia group was significantly higher than that in the control group [( 3.64 ± 1.22 ) and ( 4.16 ± 1.54 ) mmol/L, respectively] (both P< 0.01 ); and so was the 34℃ mild hypothermia group at 12 and 24 h [( 5.69 ± 1.48 ) mmol/L vs ( 3.64 ± 1.22 ) mmol/L; ( 5.91 ± 1.53 ) mmol/L vs ( 4.16 ± 1.54 ) mmol/L] (both P< 0.01 ). No significant difference was found in the number of cortical NSE positive neurons and blood glucose level between the 31℃ and 34℃ mild hypothermia groups. CONCLUSIONS: Mild hypothermia may have a protective effect on hypoxic ischemic neurons by restraining the NSE activity in cortical neurons and increasing the blood glucose level.
OBJECTIVE: To study the change and significance of the urinary uric acid (UA)/creatinine ratio (Cr) in neonatal asphyxia and postasphyxial renal injuries. METHODS: The uric acid /creatinine ratio, the activity of Nacety β D amino glucosidase (NAG) and the level of β 2 microglobulin (β 2 MG) in urine were detected in 38 term neonates with asphyxia (13 cases of mild asphyxia and 25 cases of severe asphyxia) and 15 healthy newborns (controls). RESULTS: Compared with the controls [( 0.56 ± 0.20 ), ( 2.73 ± 2.50 ) U/L, ( 0.10 ± 0.01 ) mg/L], the UA/Cr ratio, and NAG and β 2 MG levels obviously increased in the mild asphyxia group [( 1.19 ± 0.53 ), ( 10.34 ± 8.72 ) U/L, ( 2.80 ± 1.95 ) mg/L](P< 0.01 ). In the severe asphyxia group, the above parameters [( 2.60 ± 1.23 ), ( 26.53 ± 10.54 ) U/L, ( 5.05 ± 2.19 ) mg/L] significantly increased compared with the mild asphyxia group and controls (P< 0.01 ). A significantly negative correlation was found in the asphyxia group between the UA/Cr ratio and the Apgar score (r= -0.63 , P< 0.01 ); while the obviously positive correlation was found between the UA/Cr ratio and NAG activity or β 2 MG level (r= 0.62 or 0.89 , both P< 0.01 ). CONCLUSIONS: Infants with asphyxia have a higher urinary UA/Cr ratio. It might be used as an indicator for early assessment of the severity of asphyxia and postasphyxial renal injuries in neonates.
OBJECTIVE: To study the role of carbon monoxide (CO) in the pathogenesis of neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).METHODS: The plasma CO level was detected in 32 newborns with HIE (10 cases of mild HIE, 16 cases of moderate HIE and 6 cases of severe HIE) in the acute and recovery phases. The brain CT scan was perfomed in 32 cases 5-7 days after birth to assess the degree of brain injury. Thirty healthy neonates served as controls. RESULTS: In the acute phase, the plasma CO levels of the moderate and severe HIE infants [( 1.68 ± 1.25 ) and ( 2.79 ± 0.96 ) mg/L, respectively] were significantly higher than that of the normal controls [( 1.16 ± 0.82 ) mg/L]. The plasma CO level of the severe HIE infants was significantly higher than that of the mild and moderate ones. Moreover, the level of CO significantly increased in the neonates with brain damage compared with that in the patients without brain injury. In the recovery phase, the CO level in all the HIE neonates decreased to the normal level. CONCLUSIONS: The plasma CO level is related to the severity of neonatal HIE and the degree of brain damage. CO might play an important role in the pathogenesis of neonatal HIE.
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of catechin on transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) expression in rats with the nephrotic syndrome. METHODS:Twenty female SD rats were randomly assigned into the normal control group, un treated nephrotic group, dexamethasone treated nephrotic group and catechin treated nephrotic group. The concentrations of serum albumin (Alb), total protein (TP), trilyceride (TG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and TGF β1, and the excretion of 24 h urinary protein were detected by the biochemical assay; the TGF β1 and TGF β1 mRNA expressions in renal intrinsic cells were measured by the immunohistochemical technique and in situ hybridization (ISH) respectively; a semiquantitative score was used to evaluate the degree of glomerular and tubulointerstitium. RESULTS: The serum total TGF β1 [( 59.40 ± 8.12 ) μg/L] and activated TGF β1 [( 47.56 ± 9.88 ) μg/L], TGF β1 and TGF β1 mRNA expressions in renal intrinsic cells [( 45.1 ± 2.0 ) % and ( 51.6 ± 3.2 ) %] in the catechin treated nephrotic group were lower than those in the un treated nephrotic group [( 127.78 ± 16.11 ) μg/L, ( 93.79 ± 12.45 ) μg/L, ( 56.9 ± 3.5 )% and ( 60.4 ± 4.8 )%, respectively](all P< 0.01 ). The serum Alb concentration increased significantly and the TG content obviously decreased in the catechin treated nephrotic group compared with the un treated nephrotic group [( 11.28 ± 4.18 ) g/L vs ( 1.46 ± 0.71 ) g/L; ( 2.89 ± 0.64 ) mmol/L vs ( 6.02 ± 0.90 ) mmolo/L] (both P< 0.01 ). The pathologic lesions of kidneys were remissive in the catechin treated nephrotic group compared with the nephrotic group. CONCLUSIONS: Catechin may alleviate kidney lesions and slow down the progression of kidney lesions by inhabiting the expression of TGF β1 mRNA and decreasing TGF β1 expression in renal intrinsic cells and serum activated TGF β1 expression effectively.
OBJECTIVE: To study the psychosocial status of the parents of children with thalassemia. METHODS: One hundred and six couples whose children had thalassemia (212 cases) were interviewed, including 46 couples of thalassemia minor children (Group 1), 35 couples of thalassemia intermedia children (Group 2), 25 couples of thalassemia major children (Group 3). The parents' psychosocial status was assessed by SCL 90 (a self evaluated table on the clinical psychological syndrome) and questionnaire specifically prepared for parents of children with thalassemia. Forty eight couples (96 cases) of healthy children were used as controls. RESULTS: Of the 212 parents, 132 ( 62.3% ) had little information about thalassemia and some even had a misconception about this disorder; 189 ( 89.2% ) had apprehension about their children's poor growth development, and even had misgivings of a short life span; 176 ( 83.0% ) had a guilty conscience about their children's condition; 126 ( 59.4% ) avoided talking about their children's illness with their friends and relatives for fear that their children would not be accepted socially. Of the 50 parents whose children had major thalassemia, 30 ( 60.0% ) considered that their children's illness affected their work adversely; 48 ( 96.0% ) lacked confidence in the treatment of thalassemia because of poor economic support. Compared with the controls, the general symptomatic index and subscale scores on depression and anxiety in SCL 90 were higher in the three experimental groups (P< 0.05 ). The general symptomatic index and the scores of most SCL 90 subscales including somatization, obsessive compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility and panic were higher in Group 3 than those in Group 1 and Group 2 (P< 0.05 ). CONCLUSIONS: Parents of children with thalassemia are likely to be affected psychologically in various ways.
OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of compliance (CRS) and resistance of the respiratory system (RRS) in infants with pneumonia. METHODS: Seventy nine infants with pneumonia were assigned into two age groups: under 6 months group and over 6 months group. Each group of infants were further assigned into two case groups: severe pneumonia group (n=27) and mild pneumonia group (n=52). Thirty two healthy infants served as controls. CRS and RRS were measured using the passive expiratory flow volume technique (PFV). RESULTS: In the under 6 months group, CRS of the severe pneumonia group, mild pneumonia group and the controls were ( 0.003 ± 0.0008 ), ( 0.004 ± 0.001 ) and ( 0.017 ± 0.005 ) L/kPa, respectively. RRS of the severe pneumonia group, mild pneumonia group and the controls were ( 10.14 ± 1.01 ), ( 9.09 ± 2.32 ) and ( 3.61 ± 0.76 ) kPa·s/L, respectively. There were significant differences in CRS and RRS among the three groups (P< 0.05 ). In the over 6 months group, CRS of the severe pneumonia group, mild pneumonia group and the controls were ( 0.006 ± 0.002 ), ( 0.011 ± 0.002 ) and ( 0.020 ± 0.005 ) L/kPa, respectively. RRS of the severe pneumonia group, mild pneumonia group and the controls were ( 2.05 ± 0.55 ), ( 1.61 ± 0.37 ) and ( 1.11 ± 0.23 ) kPa·s/L, respectively. There were significant differences in CRS and RRS among the three groups (P< 0.05 ). CONCLUSIONS: CRS decreased and RRS increased in infants with pneumonia. Moreover, the more serious the pneumonia, the more significant the changes.
OBJECTIVE: To study the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of childhood paroxysmal headache. METHODS: The clinical data of 122 children with paroxysmal headache, including the case history, manifestation and physical examination, electroencephalography (EEG), video electroencephalography (V EEG) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) findings, were studied retrospectively.RESULTS: Migraine was found in 85 of the 122 patients, nervous headache in 35, headache epilepsy in 1, and intracranial tumour in 1. Most patients displayed normal EEG and V EEG; the others showed mainly an increase of diffused inactive echoes in EEG and only 1 showed scattered epileptic waves. The TCD of 74 patients showed a significant increase of cerebral blood flow velocity. CONCLUSIONS: Migraine and nervous headache are frequent causes of childhood paroxysmal headache. Diagnosis should be made based on clinical manifestations, EEG and TCD findings. Headache epilepsy is a rare clinical condition and it is not reliable to make a diagnosis of childhood epilepsy for the child who only has heahache as the chief complaint.
OBJECTIVE: To study the level of serum calcium and the method of calcium supplement in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) accompanied by hypocalcemia. METHODS: Sixty four neonates with HIE accompanied by hypocalcemia were randomly assigned into the treatment group (n=32) and control group (n=32). The treatment group received calcium supplement immediately after hospitalization, and the control group at the second week after hospitalization. The serum calcium level was estimated in the two groups on admission, the seventh day and fourteenth day respectively.RESULTS: Serum free calcium levels were ( 0.78 ± 0.10 ), ( 0.72 ± 0.13 ) and ( 0.56 ± 0.09 ) mmo1/L, respectively, in the 18 cases with mild HIE, 30 cases with moderate HIE and 16 cases with severe HIE. There was no difference between the mild cases and the moderate cases, while significant difference was found between the severe cases and mild cases or the moderate cases (both P< 0.01 ). The serum free calcium level at admission and on the fourteenth day in the two groups was not different; but the serum free calcicum of the seventh day in the treatment group was obviously higher than that in the control group (P< 0.01 ). CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing calcium routinely was safe in HIE neonates with a lower serum free calcium level. The prognosis will not be influenced by the timing of calcium supplement.
No abstract available
