Which preventive measures might protect health care workers from SARS?

Background: Despite the use of a series of preventive measures, a high incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was observed among health care workers (HCWs) during the SARS epidemic. This study aimed to determine which preventive measures may have been effective in protecting HCWs from infection, and which were not effective.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed among 758 'frontline' health care workers who cared for SARS patients at the Second Affiliated Hospital and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.

Betaine supplementation attenuates atherosclerotic lesion in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Background: Betaine serves as a methyl donor in a reaction converting homocysteine to methionine. It is commonly used for the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia in humans, which indicates it may be associated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis. However, there have been few data regarding its vascular effect.

Potential infections of H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza do exist in Guangdong populations of China.

Background: Southeast China is one of the sites of influenza origin. During 2003--2004, nine avian influenza outbreaks took place in Guangdong Province. But no human case was reported.

[Effect of scavenger receptor class A type I/II on lipid metabolism in mice].

Objective: To observe the effects of scavenger receptor class A type I/II on lipid metabolism in mice.

Methods: TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, and ApoB levels, were measured by enzymatic determination. Lipid accumulation in mice liver was analyzed by the lipid-specific Oil Red O-positive staining of frozen liver sections.

Structurally related cytotoxic effects of flavonoids on human cancer cells in vitro.

Flavonoids exist extensively in the human diet, and a variety of health effects have been ascribed to them. The cytotoxic effects of 23 flavonoids on breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), colorectal carcinoma cells (LoVo and DLD-1) and prostatic cancer cells (PC3) were investigated. By comparing the cytotoxicity (EC(50)) of selected molecules that differ in only one structure element, we identified several structural properties associated with enhanced cytotoxicity, including the presence of the 2,3-double bond, appropriate hydroxyl numbers, 3-OH, 6-OH and ortho-hydroxylation in ring B.

Coffee consumption and risk of coronary heart diseases: a meta-analysis of 21 prospective cohort studies.

Background: A large amount of cohort studies addressed coffee consumption and risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the pooling effects.

Methods: We searched for all published English articles indexed in MEDLINE or PubMed from January 1966 to January 2008.

Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucoside inhibits iNOS and COX-2 expression by inducing liver X receptor alpha activation in THP-1 macrophages.

Anthocyanins belong to a large and widespread group of water-soluble phytochemicals and exhibit potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties; however, the molecular mechanisms of these biochemical actions mediated by anthocyanins remain unclear. In this study, our data show that pretreatment of THP-1 macrophages with Cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucoside (C3G) for 12 h can enhance the expression and transcriptional activities of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha). Furthermore, pretreatment of these cells with C3G for 12 h causes dose-dependent inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at both the mRNA and protein levels together with a decrease in nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production.

Anthocyanin attenuates CD40-mediated endothelial cell activation and apoptosis by inhibiting CD40-induced MAPK activation.

CD40-mediated inflammatory signaling is a potent activator of endothelial cells (ECs) and effective in triggering the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease. Anthocyanin is considered to exert potent cardiovascular-protective effect partially through its anti-inflammatory property, however, the precise mechanism is still unknown. Here we chose cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to explore the influence of anthocyanin on CD40-mediated endothelial activation and apoptosis and the underlying mechanism.

[Study on the impact of related psychological stress and fatigue to different smoking behaviors among undergraduate students].

Objective: To explore the relationship between psychological stress, fatigue and different smoking behaviors among undergraduate students.

Methods: 8138 undergraduate students in grade 1 to 3 were sampled with cluster sampling method from a comprehensive university in Guangzhou, and were studied on their psychological stress, peer and self smoking behaviors, as well as socio-demographic factors with a self-administered questionnaire. Physical and mental fatigue was measured by Chalder fatigue scale.

Plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine is a better biomarker of atherosclerosis than homocysteine in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed high dietary methionine.

Homocysteine (Hcy) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) are critical intermediates of methionine metabolism. To investigate which, if either, of these compounds is more closely related to atherosclerosis, we fed 5 groups of apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient mice different diets for 8 wk to induce changes in their plasma Hcy and AdoHcy concentrations. These included an AIN-93G control diet (C), this C diet supplemented with methionine (M), the M diet deficient in folates, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12 (M-V), this M diet supplemented with these B vitamins (M+V), and a C diet deficient in B vitamins (C-V).

Cyanidin 3-glucoside protects 3T3-L1 adipocytes against H2O2- or TNF-alpha-induced insulin resistance by inhibiting c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation.

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant pigments and exhibit an array of pharmacological properties. Our previous study showed that black rice pigment extract rich in anthocyanin prevents and ameliorates high-fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats. In present study, cyanidin 3-glucoside (Cy-3-G), a typical anthocyanin most abundant in black rice was used to examine its protective effect on insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes exposed to H(2)O(2) (generated by adding glucose oxidase to the medium) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).

Differences in students' smoking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among public, factory, and private secondary schools in Guangzhou, China.

Background: The prevalence of smoking among Chinese adolescents has dramatically increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in smoking-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among Chinese students in 3 types of secondary schools.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,957 students of seventh, eighth, and ninth grades and 2,870 student parents from 3 public, 1 factory, and 2 general-paid private secondary schools at Guangzhou in 2004.

[Effects of flavonoids with different structures on proliferation of leukemia cell line HL-60].

Background & Objective: Flavonoids, with some beneficial biological activities, exist extensively in foods and herbal products. This study was to evaluate the effects of 23 flavonoids on the proliferation of leukemia cell line HL-60, and elucidate the structure-activity relationship (SAR).

Methods: HL-60 cells were treated with 23 flavonoids with high purity and definite structure.

Cystine-glutamate transporter SLC7A11 mediates resistance to geldanamycin but not to 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin.

The cystine-glutamate transporter SLC7A11 has been implicated in chemoresistance, by supplying cystine to the cell for glutathione maintenance. In the NCI-60 cell panel, SLC7A11 expression shows negative correlation with growth inhibitory potency of geldanamycin but not with its analog 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), which differs in the C-17 substituent in that the the methoxy moiety of geldanamycin is replaced by an amino group. Structure and potency analysis classified 18 geldanamycin analogs into two subgroups, "17-O/H" (C-17 methoxy or unsubstituted) and "17-N" (C-17 amino), showing distinct SLC7A11 correlation.

A variant of the Cockayne syndrome B gene ERCC6 confers risk of lung cancer.

Cockayne syndrome B protein (ERCC6) plays an essential role in DNA repair. However, the Cockayne syndrome caused by the ERCC6 defect has not been linked to cancer predisposition; likely due to the fact that cells with severe disruption of the ERCC6 function are sensitive to lesion-induced apoptosis, thus reducing the chance of tumorigenesis. The biological function and cancer susceptibility of a common variant rs3793784:C>G (c.

[Study on the determinants of 'signing agreements' to establish smoke-free homes among 2019 parents of the secondary school students].

Objective: To explore the determinants of 'signing a agreement for establishing smoke-free homes' among the parents of secondary school students.

Methods: 2019 parents were surveyed with self-administered questionnaires on their socio-demographic characteristics, smoking behaviors, attitude toward tobacco control at home and related data of their children. At the same time, parents were asked to sign an agreement for making the 'home as smoking-free'.

[The effect of anthocyanins on cholesterol efflux from mouse peritoneal macrophage-derived foam cells and its possible molecular mechanism].

Objective: To investigate the potential role of anthocyanins on modulating cholesterol efflux in mouse peritoneal macrophage-derived foam cells and related molecular mechanisms.

Methods: The macrophages were isolated from pathogen-free NIH mice and were loaded with 50 microg/ml oxLDL for 24 hours, newly formed foam cells were then treated with anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-glucoside, Cy-3-g; or peonidin-3-glucoside, Pn-3-g) at the concentrations of 1 micromol/L, 10 micromol/L, 100 micromol/L for 0 to 36 hours, respectively. The enzymatic-fluorescent method was used to determine cholesterol content in culture medium.

Lipid rafts regulate cellular CD40 receptor localization in vascular endothelial cells.

Cholesterol enriched lipid rafts are considered to function as platforms involved in the regulation of membrane receptor signaling complex through the clustering of signaling molecules. In this study, we tested whether these specialized membrane microdomains affect CD40 localization in vitro and in vivo. Here, we provide evidence that upon CD40 ligand stimulation, endogenous and exogenous CD40 receptor is rapidly mobilized into lipid rafts compared with unstimulated HAECs.

[Process evaluation on a health promotion model regarding smoking prevention among Chinese secondary school students].

Objective: To evaluate the process of smoking prevention and control among Chinese adolescent with a model on health promotion in junior high school.

Methods: A cluster-randomized, controlled and schooled-based trial on smoking prevention was conducted among 2343 students at four secondary schools in Huangpu District of Guangzhou. Students 'reports and investigators' daily records were used to evaluate the intervention measures.

[Possibility and predictors of successful cigarette purchase attempts by 201 primary school students in Guangzhou, China].

Objective: To explore the access to tobacco and exam the predictors of successful tobacco purchase attempts among Chinese minors.

Methods: A simulative trial of purchasing cigarettes was participated by 201 sixth grade students to assess the prevalence of illegal cigarette sales to minors in Guangzhou. Methods of Chi-square and unconditional logistic regression were used to identify the significant predictors,with the result of tobacco purchase as the dependent variable and the characteristics of stores, retailers and minors as the independent variables.

Modifiable family and school environmental factors associated with smoking status among adolescents in Guangzhou, China.

Objective: To identify modifiable family and school environmental factors associated with Chinese adolescent smoking behaviors including never-smoking, experimental smoking, regular smoking, and attempting to quit.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey using self-reported questionnaires was conducted in Huangpu, Guangzhou in December of 2004. A total of 3957 pupils agreed to complete the questionnaires.

Supplementation of black rice pigment fraction improves antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status in patients with coronary heart disease.

Black rice and its pigment fraction have shown anti-atherogenic activities in several animal models, but whether their beneficial effects will recur in humans remains unknown. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of black rice pigment fraction (BRF) supplementation on selected cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Sixty patients with CHD aged 45-75 years were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China and randomly divided into two groups.

[Study of the association between paraoxonase1 55 Met/Leu, paraoxonase2 148 Ala/Gly and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) 9 Ala/Val genetic polymorphisms and coronary heart disease].

Objective: To study the associations between paraoxonase, 55 Met/Leu (PON1 55 Met/ Leu), paraoxonase2 148 Ala/Gly (PON2 148 Ala/Gly) and manganese superoxide dismutase 9 Ala/Val (MnSOD 9 Ala/Val) genetic polymorphisms and coronary heart disease (CHD), plasma activities of paraoxonase (PON), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), MnSOD, as well as plasma concentration of maleic dialdehyde (MDA).

Methods: Using PCR-RFLP method to identify genotype of PON1 55 Met/Leu, PON2 148 Ala/Gly and MnSOD 9 Ala/Val genetic polymorphisms, and using colorimetry to detect plasma activities of PON, T-SOD, MnSOD and plasma concentration of MDA in 262 CHD patients and 100 controls.

Results: Compared with controls, the plasma activities of PON [(349.

Effect of anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice (Oryza sativa L. indica) on hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of an anthocyanin-rich extract from black rice on hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance in fructose-fed rats. Rats fed fructose diet for 4 weeks exhibited significantly higher plasma insulin levels and lower insulin sensitivity than the control rats fed AIN-93G diet. Dietary supplementation with the anthocyanin-rich extract (5 g/kg of high-fructose diet) prevented the development of fructose-induced insulin resistance.

Anthocyanin prevents CD40-activated proinflammatory signaling in endothelial cells by regulating cholesterol distribution.

Objective: Intracellular tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) translocation to lipid rafts is a key element in CD40-induced signaling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of anthocyanin on CD40-mediated proinflammatory events in human endothelial cells and the underlying possible molecular mechanism.

Methods And Results: Treatment of endothelial cells with anthocyanin prevented from CD40-induced proinflammatory status, measured by production of IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 through inhibiting CD40-induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation.