T-score Research Articles

Automatic Extraction of English Collocations and their Chinese-English Bilingual Examples: A Computational Tool for Bilingual Lexicography

This paper describes the procedures involved in developing EXEC, a web-based system which can automatically extract English collocations and their Chinese-English bilingual examples from parallel corpora. The system draws on statistics, dependency parsing, and Chinese-English parallel corpora of more than 13 million English words and 27 million Chinese characters. By taking a word as well as the parts-of-speech of the word and its collocate as input, the system can automatically generate collocation candidates based on syntactic dependency relations as well as statistical information regarding mutual information, t-scores, and log likelihood ratios. In conjunction with a Chinese-English bilingual concordancer, it can further extract English sentences containing identified collocations along with their Chinese translations. Our evaluations suggest that the proposed system performs reasonably well in terms of accuracy and efficiency. EXEC can be used in facilitating automatic compilation of bilingual collocation dictionaries as well as in overcoming the L2 language barrier for Chinese learners of English.

SUSTAINABILITY OF LITHUANIAN REGIONS: APPLICATION OF COMPOSITE INDEX

Sustainable development has become one of the most discussed issues on national, regional and international levels. Together withpolicy development, the need to assess the current situation and the achieved progress in sustainability has arisen. In Lithuaniaintegrated evaluations of sustainability are rather rare, therefore this paper aims to apply composite index for Lithuanian regions –counties. Research focuses on four regions of Lithuania: ones with the highest and with the lowest GDP values over the period of2000–2010. The analysed indicators were normalized calculating T values and recalculating some of indicators to have them in thesame direction and applying equal weight basis approach. The results reveal rather different development of selected regions. In allareas analysed (economy, environment, health and social issues) Vilnius County has improved most. Meanwhile situation in Tauragėregion has only worsened. Though not only economic issues are important then assessing the development course, regions withhigher economic development favour in general and their development is more stable and sustainable.KEYWORDS: sustainable development, regions, Lithuania, sustainability indicators.

Application of self-efficacy theory in patients of diabetic osteoporosis

To investigate the impact of self-efficacy theory health education in patients of diabetic osteoporosis. We used SPSS 19.0 software to generate random numbers and 260 diabetic osteoporosis patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. There was 130 patients in observation group, 130 in control group. The self-efficacy theory health education was carried out in observation group, and routine health education in control group. SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life. Osteoporosis self-efficacy scale (OSES) was used to assess self-efficacy. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Blood glucose was detected by glucose oxidase method. Glycosylated hemoglobin was detected by high efficiency liquid chromatography to estimate the index change before intervention and after one year's follow up. The number of patients that had completed follow-up was 104 in control group and 107 in observation group. The self-efficacy scores, movement efficiency scores and calcium intake efficiency scores were all higher in intervention group ((82.25 ± 13.54) , (79.26 ± 15.37) , (84.39 ± 17.09) points) than which in the control group ((71.14 ± 14.19), (63.89 ± 19.87), (75.24 ± 10.70) points) after one year's follow up, there were significant differences in two groups (t values were 6.04, 7.95, 5.77, all P values<0.05). The scores of quality of life in the dimension of general health, vitality, social function, role emotional and mental health were all higher in intervention group ((75.29 ± 14.90) , (68.61 ± 17.38) , (75.74 ± 18.50) , (71.22 ± 17.93) , (73.69 ± 14.40 ) points) than in the control group ( (44.25 ± 11.01) , (47.39 ± 18.90) , (63.54 ± 15.95), (49.04 ± 19.36), (55.15 ± 19.74) points), there were significant differences in two groups (t values were 8.45, 8.83, 6.92, 8.79, 8.05, all P values<0.05) . Fasting blood-glucose 2 hour postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were all lower in intervention group ((7.29 ± 1.81) mmol/L, (8.21 ± 2.37) mmol/L, (6.59 ± 0.92) %) than in the control group ((8.53 ± 1.66) mmol/L, (9.41 ± 3.30) mmol/L, (7.66 ± 1.50) %) , there were significant differences in two groups (t values were 5.33, 4.67, 5.49, all P values<0.05). There were 1 (0.93%) fracture case in observation group and 7 (6.73%) cases in control group during one year's follow up, there are significant difference in two groups (χ(2) = 4.86, P = 0.028). The self-efficacy theory health education may improve the quality of life and decreased fracture risk of diabetic osteoporosis patients.

Onset feature and efficacy of early interventional treatment of Artemisia pollinosis

To analyze the clinical feature and treatment methods of Artemisia pollinosis. Skin prick test results of 14 426 cases from Beijing Tongren hospital and pollen concentration of Beijing observatory from 2007 to 2011 were analyzed to identify the clinical feature of Artemisia pollinosis patients and its correlation with the pollen concentration. Patients were given leukotriene receptor antagonists (Montelukast) for 2 weeks, followed by 4 weeks of mometasone furoate nasal spray (EIT group: n = 21), or only 4 weeks of mometasone furoate nasal spray (POT group: n = 16). The nasal symptom score was compared between 2 groups.SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyze the data. Artemisia pollinosis accounted for 30.8% (4 442/14 426) of all SPT positive allergic rhinitis patients, and most Artemisia SPT positive results were strong positive(3 793/4 442, 85.4%); onset age peak of Artemisia pollinosis patients was at the age of 19 to 30, onset time concentrated in August to September, was consistent with the peak period of Artemisia pollen concentration; EIT treatment using leukotriene receptor antagonists two weeks before pollen season significantly improved sneeze, sniveling and rhinocnesmus symptoms (t value was 3.28, 3.92, 3.09, respectively, all P < 0.01) compared with post-onset treatment (POT). But nasal obstruction and cough symptoms had no significant difference between two groups (t value was 0.85, 1.52, respectively, all P > 0.05). Artemisia pollen is the main pollen allergen in Beijing, EIT treatment was effective to pollinosis.

Transplanted vascular endothelial cells to replace corneal endothelial cells by improved anterior chamber injection

To observe form and function changes of vascular endothelial cells (VEC) which were transplanted to the posterior surface of rhesus monkey cornea without Descemet's Membrane by anterior chamber injection, explore the feasibility of transplanting VEC to treat corneal endothelial injury, and find new method of corneal endothelial cell transplantation. Cultured VEC to proliferate in vitro.Rhesus monkeys were randomly divided into two groups: Experimental group (6) and control group (6) according to a random number table. The experimental group:transplant the culured VEC to the posterior surface of rhesus monkey cornea without Descemet's membrane by anterior chamber injection. The control group:Tear out the Descemet's membrane by capsulotomy needle without VEC transplantation. A ultrasound apparatus was adopted to measure the postoperative thicknes of the cornea and Goldman intraocular pressure meter measuring intraocular pressure in the postoperative 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, organize the data and entered into the computer , applicated the software of SPSS 11.5 for data independent samples t-test and analysis of variance. The eyes were removed respectively in postoperative 30, 60, 90 days to do pathological HE dyeing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation of VEC in the posterior surface of cornea graft. Corneal transpareney:In the experimental observation period (3 months), the experimental group had better transparency than the control group with normal anterior chamber depth and without bullous keratopathy. And the corneal neovascularization was exist in the cornea graft in experimental group in the third month. After 3 months, the corneal thickness of experimental group (500 ± 14) µm was significantly lower than the control group (618 ± 11) µm, Corneal thickness values between experimental and control groups were statistically significant differences in changes (all P < 0.05, t-values were -3.256, -4.419, -12.896 postoperative 1, 2, 3 months). Changes of intraocular pressure difference between the experimental group and the control was not statistically significant (all P > 0.05, t-values were -1.179, -2.166, -2.536 postoperative 1, 2, 3 months). The pathological:the cell layer was visible in the posterior surface of cornea graft. The control group:can't find the cell sample structure.SEM:Experimental group showed that VEC with irregular shape uniformly distributed on the inner surface of cornea and growing well, a small amount of white blood cells can be seen between VEC, and part of cellular debris exist in the trabecular meshwork. Control group showed a fiber material without VEC. Ultrasonic emulsification can established a repeatability and simple model of corneal endothelial injury in Rhesus monkeys.VEC can be transplanted to the corneal surface by Anterior chamber injection and the cells can grow on the surface and play a barrier role in maintaining the state of dehydration and transparency of the cornea to a certain extent. After transplantation, organizational structure and morphology of the anterior chamber angle does not produce pathological effects in the short term. Prompt that transplant the culured VEC to the posterior surface of rhesus monkey cornea without Descemet's Membrane by anterior chamber injection to substitute the function of the corneal endothelial cells may be a new idea for treatment of corneal endothelial damage.

Role and mechanism of sinomenine and sulfasalazine in experimental colitis of mice model

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of sinomenine and sulfasalazine (SASP) in experimental colitis of mice.Methods Seventy SPF grade Kunming mice were evenly divided into seven groups.Except control group,all mice were treated with oxazolone to create experimental colitis model.After modeling,the model group,low dose sinomenine group,high dose sinomenine group,low dose sinomenine combined group,high dose sinomenine combined group and SASP group was gavaged once daily with 0.9％ NaC1 solution 1 mL,40 mg/kg sinomenine,120 mg/kg sinomenine,40 mg/kg sinomenine and 400 mg/kg SASP,120 mg/kg sinomenine and 400 mg/kg SASP and 400 mg/kg SASP alone for seven days.The mouse stool characters,changes in body weight and fecal occult blood were recorded and disease activity index (DAI) was scored.The next day after the end of the intervention,all mice were sacrificed and specimens of the colon were obtained aud injury was scored.The specimens of inflammation part and ulcer site of colon were taken for histological examination and injury scoring.The expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MKK5),extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5),mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7),Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK),nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) at mRNA level were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).The t-test was performed for comparison between groups.Results The DAI of low dose sinomenine group,high dose sinomenine group,low dose sinomenine combined group,high dose sinomenine combined group and SASP group was 2.33±0.77,1.03±0.73,2.70±0.67,1.60±0.66 and 2.03±0.79,respectively,the score of injury was 5.50±1.43,4.00±1.49,6.80±1.75,4.80±1.32 and 5.40±1.58,respectively,all were lower than those of model group (3.40±0.66 and 11.40±1.71) and the differences were statistically significant (tDA1 =3.33,7.61,2.34,6.08 and 4.18,t score of injury =8.35,10.31,5.94,9.66 and 8.15 ; all P＜0.05).The score of injury of high dose sinomenine group,high dose sinomenine combined group and SASP group was 1.40 ±± 1.26,1.70 ± 1.06 and 1.80 ± 1.32,respectively,which were lower than that of model group (3.00 ± 1.05) and the differences were statistically significant (t ＝ 3.07,2.75 and 2.25,all P＜0.05).The expression of MKK5,ERKS,MKK7,JNK and NF-κB at mRNA level of SASP group was 24.29±3.40,34.74±3.05,21.34±3.74,18.71±4.12 and 21.68±2.96,respectively,all were lower than those of low dose sinomenine group (51.94±9.16,50.71±11.09,57.98±17.22,55.99±9.65 and 67.41±10.21) and low dose sinomenine combined group (72.03±17.44,119.91±47.26,74.09±21.24,71.83±16.91 and 86.51±18.61).However,those of SASP group were higher than those of high dose sinomenine group (6.53±0.85,17.87±2.74,13.52±2.56,10.41±2.62 and 13.79± 1.43) and high dose sinomenine combined group (16.80±7.15,21.09±3.92,15.81±1.35,14.11±3.10 and 16.62±3.15).All of low dose sinomenine group were higher than those of high dose sinomenine group,all of low dose sinomenine combined group were higher than those of high dose sinomenine combined group,all of low dose sinomenine combined group were higher than those of low dose sinomenine group and all of high dose sinomenine combined group were higher than those of high dose sinomenine group and the differences were statistically significant (tMKK5=8.95,8.49,16.01,2.99,15.61,9.26,3.22 and 4.51,tERK5=4.41,5.69,13.02,12.81,7.82,6.78,4.50 and 2.13,tMKK7 =6.58,7.73,5.80,4.40,8.11,6.32,1.86 and 2.94,tJNK=10.59,7.57,5.37,2.82,13.21,7.57,2.57 and 2.88,tNF-κB =13.60,10.88,7.60,3.70,16.44,11.71,2.85 and 2.59 ; all P＜0.05).Conclusions Sinomenine can efficiently improve the inflammatory reaction in the mouse model of colitis and the mechanism may be related with ERK5,JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways.The higher the dose,the more significant the efficacy.The antagonism may exist between sinomenine and SASP. Key words: Sinomenine; Colitis; Disease models, animal; Mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 ; JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases; NF-kappa B; Sulfasalazine

Signal intensity ratio and signal-to-noise ratio of breast lesions in 3.0 T MR diffusion weighted imaging with different b values

Objective To investigate the signal intensity ratio and signal-to-noise ratio of breast lesions in 3.0 T MR diffusion weighted imaging with different b values.Methods Ninety seven patients with 106 solid breast lesions (44 malignant,62 benign) confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were examined by 3.0 T MR DWI with different b values (b =0,400,800,1 000 s/mm2) before surgery.The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and signal intensity ratio (SIR) of benign and malignant lesions were observed and measured under different b values.One-way ANOVA and t test were used to analyze quantitative data.ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of SIR under different b values.Results Under different b values,class A image was found in 92 cases,class B images was found in 5 cases.While b value were 0,400,800,1 000 s/mm2,SIR of benign lesions were 2.33 ± 1.36,2.25 ± 1.13,2.06 ± 0.84,2.02 ± 0.79 respectively,SIR of malignant lesions were 2.02 ± 0.79,2.27 ± 0.85,2.61±0.78,2.82 ± 1.01 respectively.While b value was 0 or 400 s/mm2,there was no significant differences for SIR between benign and malignant lesions (t value were 1.58,1.26 respectively; P value were 0.12,0.90 respectively),but there were statistically significances between benign and malignant lesions under b value 800 s/mm2 or 1 000 s/mm2 (t value were 3.41,4.29 respectively ;P ＜0.01).There was no differences in SIR for benign and malignant lesions under different b values respectively (F value is 1.21,2.22 respectively; P ＞0.05).While b value were 0,400,800,1 000 s/mm2,the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of SIR for breast benign and malignant lesions were 56.8％ (25/44),56.8％ (25/44),75.0％ (33/44),77.3％ (34/44) and 51.6％ (32/62),54.8％ (34/62),66.1％ (41/62),66.1％ (41/62) respectively.While b value were 0,400,800,1 000 s/mm2,SNR were 170 ±93,145 ±72,84 ±41,70 ± 39 respectively.Different b values,there was statistically significant difference between groups (F =55.89,P ＜ 0.01) ; and there were significant differences between every two b values (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The higher b values (800 s/mm2 and 1 000 s/mm2) are superior to lower b values in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions using 3.0 T MR scanner. Key words: Breast neoplasm; Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging; Comparative study

Endonuclease modified comet assay for oxidative DNA damage induced by detection of genetic toxicants

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of the lesion-specific endonucleases-modified comet assay for analysis of DNA oxidation in cell lines. DNA breaks and oxidative damage were evaluated by normal alkaline and formamidopyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase (FPG) modified comet assays. Cytotoxicity were assessed by MTT method. The human bronchial epithelial cell (16HBE) were treated with benzo (a) pyrene (B(a)P), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), colchicine (COL) and vincristine (VCR) respectively, and the dose is 20 µmol/L, 25 mg/ml, 5 mg/L and 0.5 mg/L for 24 h, respectively. Oxidative damage was also detected by levels of reactive oxygen species in treated cells. Four genotoxicants give higher cytotoxicity and no significant changes on parameters of comet assay treated by enzyme buffer. Cell survival rate were (59.69 ± 2.60) %, (54.33 ± 2.81) %, (53.11 ± 4.00) %, (51.43 ± 3.92) % in four groups, respectively. There was the direct DNA damage induced by test genotoxicants presented by tail length, Olive tail moment (TM) and tail DNA (%) in the comet assay. The presence of FPG in the assays increased DNA migration in treated groups when compared to those without it, and the difference was statistically significant which indicated that the clastogen and aneugen could induce oxidative damage in DNA strand. In the three parameters, the Olive TM was changed most obviously after genotoxicants treatment. In the contrast group, the Olive TM of B(a) P,MMS, COL,VCR in the contrast groups were 22.99 ± 17.33, 31.65 ± 18.86, 19.86 ± 9.56 and 17.02 ± 9.39, respectively, after dealing with the FPG, the Olive TM were 34.50 ± 17.29, 43.80 ± 10.06, 33.10 ± 12.38, 28.60 ± 10.53, increased by 58.94%, 38.48%, 66.86% and 68.21%, respectively (t value was 3.91, 3.89, 6.66 and 3.87, respectively, and all P < 0.05), and the correlation between Olive TM and reactive oxygen species was better than other parameters (r = 0.77, P < 0.05). This study indicates that FPG-comet assay appears more specific for detecting oxidative DNA damage induced by genotoxicants exposure, and the application of comet assay will be expanded. The endonuclease modified comet assay will be used widely in the toxicology and molecular epidemiology study.

Clinical study on the regimen of medicinal wine based on constitution distinction of TCM

Objective To observe the effect of medicinal wine regimen which is guided by the theory of constitution distinction of TCM.Methods 76 patients were selected from all patients enrolled in wine style health experience from February 2011 to December 2011 in line with the corresponding physical characteristics.Among these 76 patients,23 patients were Yang deficiency constitution,34 were phlegm dampness constitution,and 19 were yin deficiency constitution.All these patients were taken a physical and chemical examination after taking the medicinal wine for a month.Results ①Examination index comparison before and after the treatment in different physical constitution patients:in phlegm dampness constitution patients the pulse were slowed (t=2.122,P＜0.05) after taking the blood fat reducing wine,and physical type of conversion points were lowered (t=4.86,P＜0.01); in Yang constitution patients,the systolic blood pressure (FT4),free thyroxine T4,physical type of conversion points were all significantly decreased [t values were 2.735,3.672,12.93,P＜0.05 or 0.01] after taking Guilu Erxian wine; in Yin deficiency patients,adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH),interleukin-1 (IL-1),interleukin-2 (IL-2) were all increased [t values were 2.355,2.645,3.829,P＜0.05 or 0.01] after taking Ziyin-Buxue wine.② Comparison of the clinical curative effect:according to the type of constitution transformation changes,the total effective rate was more than 70％.According to Ridit test,except yin deficiency physique (t=1.85,P＞0.05),patients in both phlegm dampness constitution and yang deficiency constitution groups showed statistical difference after the treatment than before (t=4.86 and 12.93,P ＜0.01).Conclusions Blood fat reducing wine can improve phlegm dampness constitution; Ziyin-Buxue wine can improve Yin deficiency constitution and enhance immune function; Guilu Erxian wine can lower blood pressure and improve Yang deficiency constitution. Key words: Traditional Chinese medicine; Medicinal wine; Constitution distinction of TCM

Correlation between metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis

One-hundred and eighty-eight cases of metabolic syndrome conforming to the criteria of International Diabetes Federation(IDF) were enrolled,and 166 healthy subjects served as control.Phalangeal bone mineral densities in both groups were measured.Osteocacin,bone alkaline phosphatase,and parathyroid hormone were determined with Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Body mass index,waist circumference,waist-tohip ratio,fasting blood glucose,blood pressure,triglycerides,total cholesterol,and low-density lipoproteincholesterol in the group with metabolic syndrome were higher than those in normal control group(all P＜0.01),while high-dcnsity lipoprotein-cholesterol was lower (P ＜ 0.01).T values,Z values,and osteocacin in the metabolic syndrome group were lower than those in control group (all P＜0.05),while parathyroid hormone was higher (P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in levels of bone alkaline phosphatase between the two groups.Metabolic syndrome as an aggregate of multiple metabolic disorders was prone to be accompanied with osteoporosis.Body mass index was an important protective factor of osteoporosis,triglycerides and waist-hip ratio were independent risk factors. Key words: Metabolic syndrome; Osteoporosis; Obesity

The risks of long-term proton pump inhibitors use

To explore the risks of long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPI) use. A total of 79 study subjects were selected from patients seeking health care at outpatient gastroenterology clinic at Peking University People's Hospital during January 2011 to June 2013. Long-term PPI use was defined as taking PPI for at least one year. They were divided into study (n = 79) and control (n = 47) groups after matching for age and gender. The study group had 43 females and 36 males with an average age of (63 ± 10) years. And the control group had 28 females and 19 males with an average age of (63 ± 9) years. Data collected were demographic characteristics, clinical diagnosis, detailed dosing information of PPI. serum hemochrome, serum gastrin, vitamin B(12), serum iron, magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc, bone density of hip joint and lumbar vertebra L(1-4). Statistic analysis was performed with SPSS software (t and χ(2) test). The medium duration of PPI use was 3.07(1-15) years. Daily usage was a full or half amount of pharmaceutical directed dosage. Questionnaires regarding appetite, defecation, infection, otalgia change in long-term PPI use indicated:among them, 77(97.5%) cases had no appetite change and 2 (2.5%) improved. And 73 cases (92.4%) had no change or 2 cases improved (2.5%) in bowel movements habits while another 4 cases (5.1%) changed into loose stools. Lung or intestinal infection was not found. No case had an onset of otalgia related with PPI intake. Among PPI users, 14 cases (17.7%) appeared to have gastric polyps. T value of total bone density of hip and inter-hip was -0.93 ± 1.04 and -0.61 ± 0.91 respectively in the study group. And both were lower than those in the control group (-0.44 ± 1.12, -0.19 ± 0.94; t = -2.49, -2.35; P = 0.014, 0.021). No statistical differences existed in T value of neck of hip, as well as total T value and T value of each L(1-4) between study and control groups (all P > 0.05). Higher serum Mg compared to control group ((1.03 ± 0.08) vs (0.97 ± 0.07) mmol/L, t = 4.13, P = 0.000). No difference of serum calcium, copper, iron, zinc, vitamin B(12), folic acid and Hb,MCV,MCH between study and control groups (all P > 0.05). Higher serum gastrin versus normal range and controls were found in the study group ((108 ± 28) vs 100 vs (79 ± 26) ng/L, t = 2.56, 5.78; both P < 0.05). Taking manual routine dosage have higher hip and lumbar osteoporosis than half-dosage, and bone density decreased and normal bone density ratios are lower(all P < 0.05). Long-term use of PPI with small or average dosage may slightly decrease hip density and increase serum gastrin. However, there is little effect on vitamin B(12) and minerals.

Practice and evaluation on the teaching model of English-journal-based autonomic writing

Objective To explore the form and effect of an after-class autonomic model aiming at improving English writing competence. Methods Objects were chosen through pre-experimental test and were divided into three groups： control class（n=44）,experimental class one （n=47）and ex-perimental class two（n=48）. Objects from the control class did not keep journals while those from the two experimental classes kept journals for twelve weeks. Teacher comments,student＇s mutual com-ments and exhibitions of excellent journals were conducted in experimental class one. All the objects took a post-experimental test at the end of the experiment and a survey was conducted among the ob-jects from the two experimental classes. SPSS16.0 was used for data-processing. T-tests were adopted to compare the pre-experimental and the post-experimental test scores of all classes（P〈0.05 indicates significant difference）. Variance analyses were conducted to compare the post-experimental tests （P〈0.05 indicates significant difference）. Results The T-test results of the control class,experimental class one and experimental class two were respectively as follows：t=1.59,P=0.12;t=13.42,P =0.00;t=11.68,P=0.00. The results of the variance analyses were：F=48.87, P=0.00. The T-value of the SNK comparison between experimental class one and the control class was 9.12（P=0.00）,that between ex-perimental class two and the control class was 7.99 （P=0.00） while that between experimental class one and experimental class two was 1.19（P=0.23）. Results of the survey：98.94%of the objects agreed that keeping English journals could help to improve the fluency and accuracy of English writing;85.11%regarded keeping English journals as an effective way to improve English writing competence;80.85% believed than keeping English journals could help to put the newly-learnt vocabulary to use. 50% of the objects deemed that keeping English journals could improve writing interest and 69.15%thought that it could enhance writing confidence. 70.21% believed that exhibiting excellent journals could create good writing atmosphere and inspire writing motivation. Conclusions Keeping English journals could improve English writing competence significantly through after-class autonomic writing, and it can improve writing interest and confidence. However,the impacts of teacher comments,stu-dent＇s mutual comments and the exhibition of excellent journals on writing competence are not signifi-cant. Key words: English journals; Autonomic writing; Writing competence

Study of comparison in image quality between periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines enhanced reconstruction diffusion weighted imaging and echo-planar imaging diffusion weighted imaging of skull base

Objective To evaluate the role of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) DWI in skull base.Methods Both PROPELLER and echo-planar imaging (EPI) DWI with b values of 500 and 1 000 s/mm2 in skull base were performed in 61 consecutive patients who had been examined with routine head and neck MRI because of symptoms of ear or nose or throat.All of 61 patients were divided into two groups:the normal group without lesion and the lesion group with lesions on MRI.The mean distortion scores and SNRs of structures in skull base with different DWI sequences (PROPELLER and EPI) and b values were compared by paired sample t test in each group.Moreover,the positive rates of PROPELLER DWI were contrasted with those of EPI DWI by paired data x2 test in the lesion group.Results The normal group included 16 patients,and the lesion group included 45 patients.With b values of 1 000 s/mm2,the mean distortion scores of EPI DWI and PROPELLER DWI in normal group were 1.34 ± 0.48,3.94 ± 0.25 respectively,and were 1.57 ± 0.54,3.94 ± 0.23 respectively in the lesion group.With b values of 500 s/mm2,the mean distortion scores of EPI DWI and PROPELLER DWI in nommal group were 1.38 ± 0.49,3.97 ± 0.18,respectively,and were 1.60 ± 0.54,3.97 ±0.18 respectively in the lesion group.There were significant difference in the mean distortion scores between EPI DWI and PROPELLER DWI with b values of 1 000 or 500 s/mm2 in both groups (with t values of-29.40,-40.84,-29.40,and-42.45 respectively,and P ＜0.01).With b value of 1 000 s/mm2,the mean SNRs of PROPELLER DWIs in all of the skull base structures except for cerebellar hemisphere and temporal pole were higher than those of EPI DWIs (P ＜ 0.05).Also,with b value of 500 s/mm2,the mean SNRs of PROPELLER DWIs in all of the skull base structures were higher than those of EPI DWIs except for eerebellar hemisphere,temporal pole and temporalis.Moreover,the positive rate of PROPELLER DWI (97.78％,44/45) in the lesion group with masses was significantly higher (x2 =16.317,P ＜ 0.01) than that of EPI DWI (64.44％,29/45).Conclusions PROPELLER technique can reduce or eliminate distortion and artifacts,increase the image quality and the positive rate of lesion on diffusion-weighted images.Therefore,PROPELLER DWI is regarded useful in the diagnoses and the evaluation of therapeutic effect in patients with lesions in skull base. Key words: Skull base; Magnetic resonance imaging; Image quality

Effects of compound whole grain-soybean on insulin resistance and serum adipocytokines in impared fasting glucose population

To evaluate the effects of compound whole grain-soybean on insulin resistance and serum adipocytokines levels in impared fasting glucose population. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 163 cases of impared fasting glucose (IFG) Chinese Han population from the age of 40 to 75 years old, were screened from 12 community health centers of three main districts of Nanjing city by the multi-stage cluster and simple randomization method from March to September, 2008. The IFG subjects were randomly divided into the intervention group (87 individuals) and control group (76 individuals) by quasi-experimental design. The intervention group was provided with compound whole grain-soybean and health education, while only health education was provided for the control group. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipid profiles, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adipocytokines including leptin, lipocalin 2 (LCN-2) and adiponectin (ADP) levels were measured before and after the half a year intervention period. Chi square test was used to analyze the distribution differences. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences of the two groups before and after the half a year intervention period, and paired t-test was used to compare the differences between before and after intervention in the intervention group or control group. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the differences of all indexes between after and before dietary intervention. After dietary intervention for half a year on the IFG population, BMI ((24.87 ± 3.69) kg/m(2)), FBG((6.27 ± 0.24) mmol/L), FINS((7.14 ± 1.05) mU/L) , HOMA-IR (1.99 ± 0.31), leptin ((13.07 ± 2.22) µg /L), LCN-2 ((67.42 ± 18.20) µg/L) of intervention group were decreased significantly compared to the levels of BMI ((25.16 ± 4.07) kg/m(2)), FBG((6.40 ± 0.28) mmol/L), FINS ((7.32 ± 1.54) mU/L), HOMA-IR (2.08 ± 0.45), leptin ((13.43 ± 2.52) µg/L), LCN-2((74.87 ± 17.81) µg/L) before dietary intervention, t values were 4.48, 7.08, 2.05, 3.39, 3.28 and 6.36, respectively, and all P values were < 0.05, while ADP ((5.07 ± 1.51) mg/L) of intervention group after dietary intervention was increased significantly compared to the level of ADP ((4.92 ± 1.53) mg/L) before dietary intervention, t = -2.47 and P < 0.05. The medians (P25, P 75) of differences after and before dietary intervention in the intervention group were BMI (-0.25(-0.68, 0.02) kg/m(2)), FBG (-0.08 (-0.20, 0.00) mmol/L), FINS (-0.15(-0.32, 0.00) mU/L), HOMA-IR (-0.07(-0.12, -0.03)), leptin (-0.36(-0.77, 0.12) µg/L), LCN-2 (-5.85(-14.29, -0.71) µg/L) and ADP (0.15(-0.13, 0.36) mg/L), and the medians of differences of after and before dietary intervention in the control group were BMI (0.00(-0.23, 0.29) kg/m(2)), FBG (0.00(-0.03, 0.04) mmol/L), FINS (-0.01(-0.13, 0.04) mU/L), HOMA-IR (-0.01(-0.05, 0.02)), leptin (-0.07 (-0.57, 0.46) µg/L), LCN-2 (-0.85(-5.39, 1.63) µg/L) and ADP (0.02(-0.19, 0.13) mg/L). There were significantly statistical differences between them (Z values were -3.65, -4.88, -3.08, -5.23, -2.16, -4.43 and 3.05, all P values were <0.05). Dietary intervention of compound whole grain-soybean can improves glucose level, increase insulin sensitivity and ameliorate insulin resistance state of IFG population.

Effect of vitamin A supplements on iron metabolic homeostasis for preschoolers

To explore the effect of vitamin A (VA) combined iron supplements on iron metabolic homeostasis for preschoolers. About 445 preschoolers with aged 3-6 years old from eight kindergartens in Pixian county, Chengdu were recruited into this trial from March to September, 2011. All subjects met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into four groups using random number table: sole VA supplementation group (VA group, a single oral dose of VA at about 200 000 units), sole iron supplementation group (FE group, daily oral supplementation with the element iron 1-2 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) for five days a week, lasting for 6 months), the combined supplementation of VA and iron group (VF group) and control group (CO group, no VA and iron supplementation). The concentration of serum VA, serum ferritin (SF), serum transferring receptor (sTfR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and hemoglobin (Hb) were measured from 3 ml vein blood. The sTfR-SF index (TFR-F index) and total body iron content (TBIC) before and after intervention were calculated. The differences of these indexes between groups before and after intervention were analyzed. The level of sTfR before intervention in VA group ((1.78 ± 0.17) mg/L) was significantly higher than that of after intervention ((1.18 ± 0.11)mg/L) (t = 28.88, P < 0.01). The levels of TFR-F index and TBIC in FE and VF groups before intervention ( (1.59 ± 0.37), (1.63 ± 0.40) and (9.04 ± 2.71), (9.26 ± 2.33) mg/kg, respectively) were all lower than those of after intervention (TFR-F index:(1.84 ± 0.51), (1.87 ± 0.45) and TBIC:(12.42 ± 3.49), (13.01 ± 2.98)mg/kg) (t values were 3.93, 3.78, 7.57 and 9.41, respectively, all P values were <0.01). The incidence of iron deficiency in VA, FE, and VF groups before intervention were 26% (25/95), 31% (30/98) and 31% (28/90) and were 41% (39/95), 10% (10/98) and 18% (16/90) for after intervention, respectively. The difference of this index in VA, FE and VF groups were significant (χ(2) values were 4.59, 12.50 and 4.31, respectively, all the P values were <0.05). Combined VA and iron was as effective as VA alone or iron alone in decreasing the iron deficiency, the impact of VA intervention on iron metabolic homeostasis was mainly manifested in iron usage and mobilization, but showed no effect on total body iron content.

Clinical study on the regimen of hot spring medicated bath based on constitution distinction of TCM

Objective To observe the effect of hot spring medicated bath regimen which is guided by the theory of constitution distinction of TCM.Methods According to the standard of Constitution Classification and Decision of TCM which is published by China Association of Chinese Medicine to assess the standard-compliant volunteers,then make the volunteers have physical-chemical indexes checked and hot spring medicated bath taken.At last,re-assess the constitution of the individual and re-check the indexes.Results After the drug bath,the levels of total cholesterol (TCH),low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C),thyroid stimulating factor(TSH),and IL-1 of the patients who were both yang deficiency and phlegm-dampness decreased significantly (t values were 2.093,2.045,2.092,and 2.13,respectively; P＜0.05); the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C),cortisol,and free thyroxine T4 (fT4) increased significantly (t values were 3.731,2.571,and 3.027,respectively; P＜0.05) ; the pulse rate raised obviously (t=8.323,P＜0.01) ; both of the systolic (t=4.405,P＜0.01) and diastolic (t=2.782,P＜0.01)blood pressure dropped.After the drug bath,the levels of fT4 and IL-1 of the patients who were yang deficiency significantly increased (t values were 3.709 and 3.339,respectively; P＜0.01); the waist circumference reduced (t=2.831,P＜0.01),the pulse rate rised (t=9.605,P＜0.01) ; both of the systolic (t=5.281,P＜0.01)and diastolic (t=6.573,P＜0.01)blood pressure dropped.After the drug bath,the levels of pulse rate and diastolic blood pressure of the patients who are phlegm-dampness changed significantly:the pulse rate raised (t=4.702,P＜0.01),the diastolic blood pressure dropped(t=6.096,P＜ 0.01).As the effect analysis showed,the Ridit data of the criterion group which consists of summation was 0.5.Compared with the criterion group,the total effective rate of the yang deficiency group was 74.1％,which was statistically significant (R=0.55,P＜0.05).The total effective rate of the phiegm-dampness group was 81.8％,which had no statistical significance (R=0.48,P＞0.05).The total effective rate of the both yang deficiency and phlegm-dampness group was 77.4％,which was statistically significant (R=0.46,P＜0.05).Conclusion The Wuyi hot spring medicated bath regiman is helpful to the constitution type of yang deficient and phlegm-dampness,which can help warming yang and benefiting qi,living blood links contact us nourishing the skin,reducing blood fat,lowering blood pressure,improving the immune function and so on. Key words: Traditional Chinese Medicine; Hot spring; Constitution distinction of TCM; Experiment

Application of left femoral neck radioactive uptake ratio in (99)Tcm-MDP bone scan for evaluation of osteoporosis

Objective To evaluate the value of 99Tcm-MDP uptake by left femoral neck for diagnosing osteopomsis.Methods A total of 58 cases (23 males,35 females,mean age:(66.15±8.45) years) with spondyloarthmpathies from May to December of 2012 were selected.Serum concentrations of type Ⅰ collagen telopeptide (sCTX-1) and bone ALP (BALP) were determined.All patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to detect bone mineral density (BMD).According to the T scores,patients were divided into 2 groups:normal group (NG) (T＞-1.0) and osteoporosis group (OG) (T≤-2.5).99TcmMDP bone scan was further performed.The average radioactive ratio of the left femoral neck to the medial soft tissue of left femur (T/N) was measured.Data differences between the 2 groups were compared by twosample t test and Pearson correlation analysis.Results According to BMD,13 patients (7 males,6 females) were included in NG and 28 patients (10 males,18 females) were included in OG.The mean ages of OG and NG were significantly different ((68.82± 10.41) years vs (62.46± 11.77) years; t =3.560,P＜0.05).The BMD of left femoral neck in OG was significantly lower than that in NG ((0.67±0.08) g/cm2 vs (0.91±0.10) g/cm2 ; t=9.917,P＜0.01).Although BALP level of OG was significantly higher than that of NG ((35.92±11.58) U/L vs (22.38±6.34) U/L; t=-3.397,P＜0.05),no significant difference was observed on sCTX-1 between the 2 groups (t=-0.463,P＞0.05).T/N ratio of OG (11.63±6.22) was higher than that of NG (9.74±4.44) (t =-3.027,P＜ 0.05).There were significant correlations between the T/N ratio of the left femoral neck and the sCTX-1 and BALP concentrations (r=0.376,0.483,both P＜0.01).No correlations between the T/N ratio of the left femoral neck and age,BMI and BMD were observed (r=-2.031,-0.017,0.134,all P＞0.05).Conclusion The uptake ratio of the left femoral neck in 99Tcm-MDP bone scan could evaluate the metabolism of bone,and it is useful for the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. Key words: Osteoporosis ; Radionuclide imaging; MDP

Analysis of procalcitonin in patients with end stage liver disease complicated with acute kidney injury

Objective To explore the role of procalcitonin (PCT) test in patients with end stage liver disease (ESLD) complicated with acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods This is a case control study.Between January 2009 and January 2012,40 ESLD inpatients with AKI were enrolled in AKI group while 50 ESLD inpatients with normal renal function were included in control group.Clinical data such as age,gender,etiology of liver failure,infection rates and types,child-pugh classification,model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) score of the two groups were recorded.Serum renal function were tested via Roche Modular-P800 automatic biochemical analyzer and PCT were tested via Roche E170 automatic electrochemical luminescence analyzer.Count data were analyzed by chi-square test,normal distribution measurement data were analyzed by student t test and non-normal distribution measurement data were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test.Spearman correlation analysis between PCT and renal function was performed in AKI group. Results Infection rates of AKI group (82.5%) was significantly (χ2=25.68,P<0.05) higher than that of control group (26.0%).PCT level and SIRS score of AKI group[8.72 (3.14,31.68) μg/L and 2.15±1.11] were significantly (H and t values were 6.78 and 6.36 respectively,P<0.05) higher than those of control group[0.11 (0.04,0.45) μg/L,and 0.67±0.59].In AKI group,PCT and urea performed were well related (r=0.67,P<0.05). Conclusion Elevated infection rate and PCT level in ESLD patients with AKI suggest that infection and consequent sepsis are closely associate with AKI in ESLD patients and elevated PCT level may indicate the high risk of AKI in patients with ESLD.(Chin J Lab Med,2013,36:1018-1021) Key words: End stage liver disease; Acute kidney injury; Calcitonin; Protein precursors

Empirical study for women and children institutions of infant mental health

The samples of experimental and control groups were obtained by 1:1 matching method and divided into development (242 pairs) and sign (156 pairs) groups. Through a 10-month group and case type intervention, Gesell test was performed for 5 zone development quotients of large motor, fine motor, adaptability, speech and personal-social to determinate the effectiveness of interventions. Before intervention, t values of the development group were 1.07, 1.42, 0.78, 0.62 and 1.67 while those of sign group -1.48, -1.96, 1.82, 1.78 and -1.73 respectively. The inter-group comparison of various developmental quotient differences had no statistical significance (P>0.05). After intervention, t values of the development group were 9.85, 8.92, 3.57, 11.21 and 9.30 for inter-group comparison and -31.65, -36.94, -46.26, -37.56 and -49.85 for intra-group comparison. The results of sign group were 10.91, 9.61, 10.75, 12.01 and 14.36 for inter-group comparison and -23.20, -31.75, -44.94, -33.58 and -54.58 for intra-group comparison. Between intra-group and inter-group, the comparison of the developmental quotient differences had statistical significance (P<0.01). In two experimental groups, the post-intervention developmental quotients in 5 zones are better than those pre-intervention levels. It shows that preventive intervention of infant mental health is effective. Key words: Child psychology; Maternal-child health center

The levels of fluorine in the sediments of the aquifer and their significance for fluorosis in coastal region of Laizhou Bay, China

The levels of fluorine in sediment cores obtained from Changyi County (PZ core) and Laizhou County (TS core) are used to discuss the fluorine sources in groundwater and its enrichment dynamics. The sediments in the aquifer are mainly constituted of granite gravels. The levels of fluorine in the PZ and TS cores range from 130 to 468 mg/kg, 139-528 mg/kg, with average values of 324, 348 mg/kg, respectively, which show relatively lower levels than the national average of fluorine in the soil or sediment. Thus, the fluorosis in this area should not be attributed to the levels of fluorine in sediments. The average fluorine concentrations in the aquifer from top to bottom are 154, 139, 200, 222 mg/kg for the TS core, and 154, 130, 266, 272 mg/kg for the PZ core, respectively, which are the lowest of the cores and extremely lower levels than the fresh granites. Such a fact indicates that a vast amount of fluorine has been leached into the groundwater. Moreover, the fluorine leachability is estimated to be approximately 70 %, although the previous documents showed fluorine contents of the granite surrounding Laizhou Bay were almost equal to or even lower than the average levels of fluorine in fresh granites. Meanwhile, a simulation experiment also reveals that fluorine release from rocks increases with the addition of seawater and brine water. Therefore, the seawater intrusion may potentially enhance the fluorine leachability, and should be an important dynamic of fluorine enrichment.