[Analysis of the prevalence and its influencing factors of diffuse goiter in Zhejiang].

Objective: To evaluate the status of diffuse goiter of population in Zhejiang Province and to analyze the relevant influencing factors.

Methods: A total of 18 188 subjects were recruited in the cross sectional survey, by multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. B ultrasound measurement were carried among the subjects to detect the thyroid volume, and the basic information and life styles were interviewed by questionnaires.

[Study on level of dietary iodine intake and its contribution rate of residents in Zhejiang].

Objective: To assess the level of dietary iodine intake and its contribution in Zhejiang.

Methods: A total of 9798 subjects were recruited in this survey with multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method in April, 2010, the 24-hours dietary recall method and the "food composition table" were used to obtain the dietary iodine intake, and edible salt and drinking water samples were collected to detect the content of iodine.

Results: A total of 9798 subjects were included in this survey.

[A cross-sectional study on iodine nutrition in general population from Zhejiang province, China].

Objective: To understand the current status of iodine nutrition among the community residents to compare the level of iodine nutrition in different areas and groups of populations in Zhejiang province.

Methods: Stratified cluster sampling method was adopted and residents from twenty-two communities in Zhejiang province were selected. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, using questionnaires, laboratory tests, on urinary iodine, water iodine and the concentration of the iodine in salt, which had played positive roles in the calculation of the level of iodine nutrition.

[Analysis of urine iodine level and its influencing factors in Zhejiang from 2009 to 2011].

Objective: To evaluate the iodine nutrition level of population in Zhejiang province and to analyze the relevant influencing factors from 2009 to 2011.

Methods: From October 2009 to October 2011, a total of 19 517 subjects were recruited in this cross sectional survey, by multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. The subjects were all living over three years in Zhejiang province.

National estimates of the pubertal milestones among urban and rural Chinese girls.

Purpose: To provide clinically meaningful, normative reference data that describe pubertal timing indicators among urban and rural Chinese girls.

Methods: Girls of Chinese Han ethnicity from grade 1 in elementary schools through grade 12 in junior high schools in eight regions participated in China Puberty Research Collaboration from October 2010 to May 2011. At examination, stages of breast and pubic hair development were assessed by trained physicians.

Correlations of PCBs, DIOXIN, and PBDE with TSH in children's blood in areas of computer E-waste recycling.

Objective: To study correlations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DIOXIN, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) with thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) in children, and assess the impact on children's health.

Methods: Three hundred and sixty nine children aged from 6 to 8, including 195 from Luqiao, the computer E-waste recycling area, and 174 from Longyou, the control area, were selected for this investigation to elucidate the correlation of PCBs, DIOXIN, and PBDE with TSH in children's blood samples. The children had a physical examination and their blood levels of PCBs, DIOXIN, PBDE, and TSH were detected after sample collection.

Apoptotic-related protein changes induced by hexavalent chromium in mice liver.

Although it has been reported that hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) could induce apoptosis in a variety of cell types, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process is still largely unknown. This study was undertaken to determine effects of single oral 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight doses of potassium dichromate on the expression level of p53, Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3, which are vital regulators of apoptosis, in mice liver. The results showed that Cr(VI) could upregulate the protein expression of p53, Bax, cytochrome c, and caspase-3 and downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 in mice liver.

Immunoregulatory effects of ethyl-acetate fraction of extracts from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et. Gilg on immune functions of ICR mice.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) of extracts from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et. Gilg (TDG) on immune functions of ICR mice.

Methods: ICR mice were exposed to different doses of EAF for 15 or 30 days and then their immune functions were analyzed, including ConA-induced splenic lymphocyte transformation, SRBC-induced delayed type hypersensitivity response, serum hemolysin analysis, antibody-producing cells, peritoneal macrophage phagocytized chicken red blood cells, natural killer cell activity, and serum level of cytokines.

Expression of the human hepatitis B virus large surface antigen gene in transgenic tomato plants.

The original hepatitis B virus (HBV) large surface antigen gene was synthesized. In order to optimize the expression of this gene in tomato plants, the tobacco pathogenesis-related protein S signal peptide was fused to the 5' end of the modified gene and the sequence encoding amino acids S, E, K, D, E, and L was placed at the 3' end. The gene encoding the modified HBV large surface antigen under the control of a fruit-specific promoter was constructed and expressed in transgenic tomato plants.