Arginine-rich peptides as crystallization inhibitors for sodium urate.

Inhibiting the formation of urate crystals is the key to prevent hyperuricemia from developing into gout. Although many studies have focused on the influence of biomacromolecules in the crystallization behavior of sodium urate, the role of peptides with specific structures may contribute to unprecedented regulatory effects. Here, for the first time, we studied the effects of cationic peptides on the phase behavior, crystallization kinetics, and size/morphology of urate crystals.

[Psychological status of congenital microtia patients and relative influential factors: analysis of 410 cases].

Objective: To investigate the psychologic status of congenital microtia patients and related influential factors.

Methods: In a cross-sectional survey for congenital microtia, 410 patients, 314 males and 96 females, aged 12 +/- 6 (5 - 37), underwent psychological survey with the symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) or Achenbach child behavior checklist (CBCL), centering on the 3 main psychological problems: depression, interpersonal sensitivity or social difficulties, and hostility or aggression. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the influencing factors, such as the patients' own factors, and psychological factors of the patients' families Chi square test and logistic regression analysis were performed to find the factors contributing to those psychological problems.

[Case control study on risk factors of congenital microtia].

Objective: To identify the risk factors associated with congenital microtia.

Methods: A case-control, retrospective study was performed. A total of 207 cases of congenital microtia and 209 age-frequently-matched controls were interviewed individually according to the uniform questionnaire.

[Psychologic status and their influencing factors in congenital microtia patients and their families].

Objective: To study the psychologic status and their influencing factors in congenital microtia patients and their families.

Methods: Totally one hundred and two congenital microtia patients (79 men, 23 women, mean age 13.62 +/- 7.