ABSTRACT Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is economically important in Xinjiang, China, for many years; Verticillium wilt, arid climate, and soil salinization reduce cotton production, which has inhibited development of the cotton economy. Thus, creating a microbial agent specifically for cotton to resisting environmental stress is crucial. In this study, water dispersible granules strains (Bacillus tequilensis C-9 and B. sphingosporium A1) were screened for antagonistic bacteria of Verticillium dahliae from the rhizosphere soil of Ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen, and screened for carrier and auxiliary that could enhance the survival of strains A1+C-9. To test the efficacy and practicality of the water dispersible granules, their growth-promoting effect was examined. Meanwhile, bursts of reactive oxygen species and changes in the physiological indicators related to cotton growth were detected after the application of these granules to cotton that had been subjected to biotic and abiotic stresses to study the ability of the water dispersible granules to induce immunity in cotton. It was found that the treated group could increase the above-ground and below-ground fresh weight of cotton by 20.06% and 22.71% relative to the control group, and the biocontrol effect on cotton was increased by 46.55%. In salt and drought stress, catalase activity could be increased by 14.61% and 15.52%, respectively, relative to the control group. Comprehensive analyses showed that the application of water dispersible granules that contained A1+C-9 helped the cotton to grow and develop, inhibited V. dahliae from infecting cotton plants, reduced the damage from drought and salt stress, and increased the resilience of cotton to stress.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) to the basal diets of chickens at late laying period on clutch trait, reproductive organs, serum reproductive hormones and reproduction-related genes expression. A total of 350 hens (37 weeks old) with similar laying rate and clutch trait were randomly allocated into five groups, and fed 0 (Control, CON), 2.5 (MOLP2.5), 5, 7.5 and 10% MOLP supplemented diets for 6 weeks. The hens supplemented with 2.5% MLOP had the average clutch length, clutches and clutch intensity close to those in CON. The numbers and weight of hierarchal follicle were significantly increased at the supplementation 2.5% MOLP group. The estrogen concentration was highest in MOLP2.5 group and lowest in MOLP10 group. Expression levels of steroidogenesis-related genes of StAR and Cyp19a1 were higher in MOLP2.5, MOLP5 and MOLP7.5 groups compared with that in the control. These findings suggested that dietary supplementation with 2.5% MOLP effectively increased hierarchal follicle numbers, estrogen level and gene expression of StAR and Cyp19a1, which has a potential beneficial effect on laying performance in laying chicken.

Abstract Ligustrazine is widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medication. It has been reported that Ligustrazine decreases the concentration of intracellular calcium ions (Ca2+); however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, the effect of Ligustrazine on adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation was evaluated using a turbidimetric approach. The changes in concentration of intracellular Ca2+ stimulated by ADP was measured using fluo-4, a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dye. The mRNA expression of stromal interaction molecule l (STIM1) and Orai1, calcium sensor, was determined using real-time PCR. In addition, the protein expression of STIM1, Orai1, and serum/glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase 1 (SGK1) was determined using Western blot analysis. The data demonstrated that Ligustrazine significantly suppressed platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the concentration of intracellular Ca2+ triggered by ADP. Our data showed that Ligustrazine treatment inhibited the expression of STIM1 and Orai1 induced by ADP at both mRNA and protein levels, and suppressed the protein expression of SGK1. Taken together, our data indicated that Ligustrazine suppressed platelet aggregation by partly inhibiting the activities of calcium sensors, thereby suggesting that Ligustrazine may be a promising candidate for the treatment of platelet aggregation.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of calcium (Ca) and phytase interaction on growth performance and bone quality in 1-42-day-old broiler chickens. A total of 624 female one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were allotted to 13 treatments with four replicates and 12 birds per replicate. A 2 × 6 factorial experiment was designed to test the combinations of 0.50% and 1.00% Ca with 0, 500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, and 10,000 FTU/kg phytase in the basal diet (0.25% non-phytate phosphorus, NPP). The control diet contained adequate Ca and phosphorus (P). Dietary Ca, phytase, and their interaction affected growth performance and bone mineralization of broilers at 1-42 days of age (p<0.05). The broilers fed with 1.00% Ca had lower body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) compared with the birds fed with 0.50% Ca (p<0.05). The BWG, FI, leg bone weight, and ash weight of the broilers fed with 0.25% NPP were lower than those of birds fed with the control diet (p<0.05). The addition of 500-10,000 FTU/kg phytase improved growth rate and leg bone quality, especially at 1.00% Ca (p<0.05). No differences were observed in growth performance and bone quality of 42-day-old broilers fed with 1.00% Ca + 2,500-10,000 FTU/kg phytase and the control diet (p>0.05). These data indicated that high doses of phytase (2,500-10,000 FTU/kg) alleviate the negative effects of Ca and P imbalance (Ca-to-NPP ratio = 4.0) on growth performance and bone mineralization of broiler chickens.

RESUMO A cetose pode trazer sérios prejuízos ao desempenho da vaca. Este estudo detectou alterações nos parâmetros metabólicos do sangue pré-parto para prever a cetose pós-parto que ocorre em vacas leiteiras. O escore de condição corporal (ECC) foi avaliado antes e após o parto. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 63 vacas entre 10 dias antes e 10 dias após o parto para medir os parâmetros metabólicos, incluindo ácido β-hidroxibutírico (BHBA), ácido graxo não esterificado (NEFA), glicose (GLU), bilirrubina total (TBIL), bilirrubina direta (DBIL), bilirrubina indireta (IBIL), proteína total (TP), albumina (ALB), globulina (GLO), alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e aspartato aminotransferase (AST). Houve uma incidência de cetose subclínica pós-parto de 42,25%. Em comparação com o pré-parto, o plasma, os níveis de BHBA, AST e NEFA aumentaram significativamente no pós-parto, e AST no pré-parto (R = 0,57) e NEFA (R = 0,45) mostraram uma correlação significativa positiva com cetose pós-parto. O nível plasmático de GLU diminuiu significativamente no pós-parto e foi negativamente correlacionado com a cetose de forma significativa (R = -0,21). A análise da curva característica de operação do receptor revelou BSC pré-parto <2,88 e AST plasmático pré-parto> 68,0 U / L, GLU <3,97mmol / L, NEFA> 0,27mmol / L e BHBA> 0,43mmol / L, indicando um alto risco de cetose subclínica pós-parto. Esses níveis podem ser usados como indicadores de risco para prever a ocorrência de cetose subclínica em vacas no pós-parto.

ABSTRACT Ketosis can seriously impair cow performance. This study detected changes in prepartum blood metabolic parameters for predicting postpartum ketosis occurrence in dairy cows. Body condition score (BCS) was assessed before and after delivery. Blood samples of 63 cows were collected from 10 days before calving to 10 days after calving to measure metabolic parameters including β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), glucose (GLU), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). There was a postpartum subclinical ketosis incidence of 42.25%. Compared with prepartum, plasma, levels of BHBA, AST, and NEFA significantly increased postpartum, and prepartum AST (R=0.57) and NEFA (R=0.45) showed a significant positive correlation with ketosis postpartum. Plasma GLU level significantly decreased postpartum and was significantly negatively correlated with ketosis (R=-0.21). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed prepartum BSC < 2.88, and prepartum plasma AST > 68.0 U/L, GLU < 3.97mmol/L, NEFA > 0.27mmol/L, and BHBA > 0.43mmol/L, indicating a high risk of subclinical ketosis postpartum. These levels can be used as risk indicators to predict the occurrence of subclinical ketosis in postpartum cows.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyse the incidence of long and short corrected QT (QTc) in a healthy sample of the population of Changsha in China. Methods: Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were performed on 4025 subjects in Changsha of China, whose age ranged from 6 minutes after birth to 83 years, between January 1993 and December 2012. Heart rate and QT interval were measured and recorded. Corrected QT was calculated with Bazett´s formula (QTc = QT/RR0.5). All recruited individuals had taken healthy examination, ruling out general health issue, in The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 16.0 software (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The incidence of short QTc was 7.13% (287/4025 cases). The peak values of the incidence were in the 30–40 years group (15.71%). The low values were in the 1–3 months group and 3–6 months group (0%, 0.76%), respectively. The incidence of long QTc was 3.16% (127/4025 cases). The values diminished significantly after adulthood. The low values were in the age groups of 18–30 years (0.86%) and 30–40 years (0.71%), respectively. After the age of 50 years, the incidence of long QTc increased with age 50–60 years and 60–70 years and 70–83 years (7.89%, 9.06%, 14.06%), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the genders (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The peak incidences of long and short QTc existed in two separate age groups in the healthy sample. The peak incidence of short QTc was in the age group of 18–40 years, and the peak incidence of long QTc was in the age group beyond the 50 years. For these two age groups, it was recommended to pay close attention to the changes in their QTc in order to prevent cardiovascular events.

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a male patient from Xinjiang with fever of unknown origin and significant weight loss for more than 1 month. He was admitted to hospital with negative Rose Bengal test (RBT) and decreased leucocyte count. Ultrasound revealed splenomegaly and abdominal computed tomography, which showed multiple hypodense splenic nodules. The patient was suspected of lymphoma or tuberculosis. Pathological biopsy suggested brucellosis infection following splenectomy. Anti-Brucella treatment was effective and his temperature gradually returned to normal. During the follow-up, the patient's RBT result turned to positive and he was instructed to continue the anti-Brucella drug regimen. His temperature, weight, white blood cell count, other laboratory examinations, and imaging findings all returned to normal during the 6-month follow-up after the treatment.

ABSTRACT This study explores the differences of appearance and the digestive systems of two birds (Lonchura striata and Copsychus saularis), which have the same eating pattern in staple ingredients. Each bird was caught naturally and euthanized in appropriate manner, followed by morphology survey on bill, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and appearance of the body parts such as Culmen, Claw, Wing, Tarsus, Toe and Tail. The results showed that the appearance feature between them presented significant differences in the beak length, wing length and tail length, which were correlated to their staple feeding habits. In addition, in the digestive system, the length of duodenum and duodenal indexes showed significant differences (p<0.05 or p<0.01), which was considered to be correlated to their predation rate. However, there were no significant differences in jejunum length, ileum length, and the whole digestive tract length and weight, the evidence showed that feeding habits still play a great role in the whole intestine. It is concluded that different staple feeding habits allow the birds to evolve different traits both in appearance and intestine, which aim to improve their predation rate and adapt to different environments. Among all features, duodenum and duodenal were the major objects to get stressed in digestive system, while beak length, wing length and tail length differed most in appearance. And it was speculated that different food compositions lead to different changes in certain positions of the body, thus might shape an explorable trail, which needs to be investigated thoroughly.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of Periplaneta americana extract promoting intestinal mucosal repair of OXZ-induced colitis in rat. Methods: All experiments used an equal number of male and female SD rats (n=48). We injected OXZ into the colon to induce UC rat model. To determine the optimal concentration of P. Americana's extract (PA-40), it was classified into low (L), medium (M), and high (H) doses. After OXZ treatment, each drug was administered by enema for 7 consecutive days. Rats were divided into the following 6 groups: (1) Saline treatment group (NC), (2) OXZ treatment UC model group (MC), (3) OXZ + budesonide group (BUN), (4) OXZ + PA-40 L group, (5) OXZ + PA-40 M group, (6) OXZ + PA-40 H group. Disease activity index (DAI) scores, colon length, histopathological score, serum cytokine level (IL-4, IL-10, iNOS, tNOS), and amount of MPO, EGF, IL-13 in colonic mucosa were measured. Results: PA treatment had a significant healing effect on the OXZ-colitis model and significantly reduced the lesioned area, especially in the PA-40H groups. PA treatment did not alter the expression of IL-10 and MPO level, but increased EGF (epidermal growth factor) and decrease IL-13 in the colonic tissue. PA inhibited the rise of NOSs (nitric oxide synthase) and decreased the serum IL-4 level. Conclusions: The data suggest that Periplaneta americana extract may be a potential compound for the treatment of colonic lesions. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the secretion of IL-13 and promoting the formation of EGF.

ABSTRACT Heat stress induces oxidative stress, and reduces body antioxidant metabolite levels, which can affect poultry production performance. Dietary antioxidants protect birds against the adverse effects of heat stress. The effects of increasing concentrations of dietary curcumin on the antioxidant parameters of layers maintained under high-temperature conditions for nine weeks were evaluated. Roman laying hens (n = 336, 22 weeks old, 1420 g BW) were divided into three treatment groups. The first group served as a thermoneutral control (kept at 25 ± 1 °C). The second group was exposed to high temperatures (32 ± 1 °C, 6 h/d), given a basal diet. The third group was further divided into five treatment groups (100, 150, 200, 250, 300 mg/kg Curcumin) fed a basal diet (treatments H1, H2, H3, H4, H5) under high temperatures conditions (32 ± 1 °C, 6 hours/day). As a result of this study, total superoxide dismutase activity was significantly higher in H2 and H3 groups, and total antioxidant capacity was higher in H2, H3, and H5 groups. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher in the H3 group. Malondialdehyde concentration was lowered in curcumin supplemented hens compared with control groups hens. Laying hens in all curcumin treatment groups had slightly higher activities of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC in the liver, heart, and lungs, compared with heat stressed control group. It was concluded that dietary curcumin given to laying hens under heat stress may enhance their antioxidant status, and alleviate the detrimental effects of stressful environmental conditions.

ABSTRACT The effects of oxidative stress induced by high temperature on the cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis and oxidative status of chicken embryonic fibroblasts (CEF) were analyzed. The viability, proliferation, apoptotic and anti-oxidative status were measured after incubating CEF at the temperatures of 37ºC (control) and 40-44ºC (experimental groups) for 6,12 and 24 hours. The results showed that at high temperature (42-43ºC), the viability of CEF cells decreased after 6, 12 and 24 h of incubation, but the difference was significant only at 43ºC. Cell proliferation was significantly reduced at 44oC/6h. The apoptotic rate of CEF cells was increased following heat treatments in a time-dependent manner. ROS formation increased with increasing temperature, but the difference was only significant at 44ºC/6,12h. Heat stress did not significantly affect the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. CAT activity was significantly decreased at 43ºC/24h and 44ºC/12 and 24h. Malondialdehyde (MDA) formation was significantly increased at 43ºC/12h and 44ºC/12 and 24h. In conclusion, heat stress induced the oxidative stress, decreasing the viability, proliferation and anti-oxidative response of CEF cells.

ABSTRACT In order to investigate the effect of organic trace minerals premix (OTM) on the reproductive performance of breeder roosters, a total of 240 San Huang roosters (23 weeks of age) were randomly divided into two treatments with six replicates of 20 roosters each. The first group (n = 120) was fed a basal diet containing an inorganic trace minerals premix (ITM) and the other group (n = 120) was fed the basal diet in which ITM was replaced by OTM. The experiment period was 22 weeks. Semen from one randomly-selected rooster per replicate was collected two weeks after the beginning of the experiment and other 10 times every two weeks. Another rooster per replicate was randomly selected at 30, 35, and 45 weeks of age, and sacrificed. Results showed that OTM did not affect relative organ weights. There was a significant increase in semen parameters in OTM group (p<0.05), such as semen volume, semen density, and semen motility from 31 to 35 weeks. OTM-fed roosters presented higher serum testosterone levels at 45 weeks of age, as well as higher testicular mRNA expression of the genes 3-beta dehydrogenase 2 (HSD3B2) and cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) in the OTM-fed group at 45 weeks of age compared with those fed ITM (p<0.05). Considering the results of the present study, it was concluded that feeding organic instead of inorganic trace minerals to male broilers breeders improves semen quality, which may be attributed to their better testicular development and higher expression of enzymes related to testosterone synthesis.

ABSTRACT Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common orthostatic blood pressure (BP) regulation disorder. Orthostatic hypertension (OHT), on the other hand, is not so common but has relevancy with autonomic neuropathy and diabetes. Orthostatic hypotension is prevalent in females and elderly person. But prevalence of OHT in age and gender is poorly studied. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Data collection was from January 2000 to August 2012. Inclusion criteria were patients referred for syncope of unknown origin, headache, dizziness, chest tightness or sighing. Comparisons were made between males and females, and those < 12 year and those ≥ 12 years of age. First outcomes included OHT frequency. Secondary outcomes included age and gender differences in head-up tilt test (HUTT) results and its reaction type, the increment of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure at three minutes of HUTT. Results: Out of a total of 2089 children, OHT was noted in 498 cases. Orthostatic hypertension frequency was higher in males (25.93% vs 21.63%, p < 0.05) and those ≥ 12 years of age (20.48% vs 28.05%, p < 0.05). In OHT children, HUTT positive rate was higher in females (48.6% vs 38.1%, p < 0.05) and those ≥ 12 years of age (51.5% vs 33.2%, p < 0.01). No significant age and gender differences were noted in systolic and diastolic BP in OHT children within three minutes during HUTT. Conclusions: Orthostatic hypotension in children was more often seen in males and in those aged ≥ 12.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La hipotensión ortostática (HO) es un trastorno de la regulación ortostática común de la presión arterial (PA). Por otro lado, la hipertensión ortostática (HTO) no es tan común, pero tiene importancia en relación con la neuropatía y la diabetes autonómicas. La hipotensión ortostática es frecuente en mujeres y personas mayores. Pero la prevalencia de HTO con respecto a edad y género no ha sido muy estudiada. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de corte transversal. La recogida de datos se realizó de enero de 2000 hasta agosto de 2012. Los criterios de inclusión fueron los pacientes remitidos por síncope de origen desconocido, dolor de cabeza, mareos, opresión en el pecho o suspiros. Se realizaron comparaciones entre varones y hembras, y aquellos de < 12 y ≥ 12 años de edad. Los primeros resultados incluyeron la frecuencia de HTO. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron diferencias de edad y de género en los resultados de la prueba de inclinación (PI) y sus tipos de reacción, el incremento de la presión sistólica y la presión diastólica a los tres minutos de PI. Resultados: De un total de 2089 niños, se observó HTO en 498 casos. La frecuencia de hipertensión ortostática fue mayor en los varones (25.93% vs 21.63%, p < 0.05) y aquellos con ≥ 12 años de edad (20.48% vs 28.05%, p < 0.05). En niños con HTO, la tasa de PI positivos fue mayor en las hembras (48.6% vs 38.1%, p < 0.05) y en aquellos con ≥ 12 años de edad (51.5% vs 33.2%, p < 0.01). No se observó ningún tipo de depresión cardíaca. El tipo mixto fue visto más a menudo en hembras (25.2% vs 13.2%, p < 0.05). No se observó ninguna diferencia significativa de edad y género en la PA sistólica y diastólica en niños con HTO en el plazo de tres minutos durante la PI. Conclusiones: La hipotensión ortostática en niños fue vista más a menudo en varones y en aquellos de edad ≥ 12.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the protective mechanism of zinc finger protein A20 over-expression in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rats. Methods: Forty-five Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group and observation group. The model and observation groups were injected with normal saline and pcDNA3.1-A20 plasmid in the pre-operative 24 hour, respectively. The AMI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary arteries of the model group and the observation group. The sham group were only treated with left anterior descending coronary artery threading but not ligation. The levels of A20 messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNA) and protein were detected by, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) and Western blot. The levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) proteins in the peripheral blood were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The myocardial infarct size was analysed by triphenyl tetrazolium (TTC) staining. Results: Compared with the sham group, the levels of A20 mRNA and protein in the myocardium of the model and observation groups were significantly increased; the level in observation group was significantly higher than that of model group (p < 0.05). Compared with sham group, the level of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 protein in the myocardium of the model and observation groups was activated into the nucleus, and NF-κB p65 protein in the nucleus in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the model group (p < 0.05). Compared with the sham group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 proteins in the peripheral blood in the model and observation groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The myocardial infarct size was significantly increased in the model and observation groups (p < 0.05), while the myocar-dial infarct size in the observation group was significantly decreased compared with the model group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Zinc finger protein A20 can significantly inhibit the inflammatory injury and cell apoptosis process in AMI rats, which may be related to its inhibition of the expression and activation of nuclear transcription factor NF-κB.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar el mecanismo protector de la sobreexpresión de la proteína con dedos de zinc A20 en ratas con infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). Métodos: Cuarenta y cinco ratas Sprague Dawley (SD) fueron divididas aleatoriamente en un grupo simulado, un grupo modelo, y un grupo de observación. A los grupos modelo y de observación se les inyectó solución salina normal y el plásmido pcDNA3.1-A20 en las 24 horas preoperatorias, respectivamente. El modelo IAM se estableció ligando las arterias coronarias descendentes anteriores izquierdas del grupo modelo y el grupo de observación. El grupo simulado fue tratado enhebrando solamente la arteria coronaria descendente anterior izquierda, sin hacer la ligadura. Los niveles de proteína y ácidos ribonucleicos mensajero (ARNm) A20 fueron detectados mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcripción inversa (RT-PCR, siglas en inglés) y electrotransferencia (Western blot). Los niveles de factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (FNT-α) y las proteínas de interleucina 6 (IL-6) en la sangre periférica fueron detectados mediante ensayo por inmunoabsorción ligado a enzimas (ELISA). El tamaño del infarto del miocardio fue analizado mediante tinción con cloruro de trifenil tetrazolio (TTC). Resultados: En comparación con el grupo simulado, los niveles de ARNm y proteína A20 en el miocardio de los grupos modelo y de observación se incrementaron significativamente; el nivel en el grupo de observación fue significativamente mayor que en el grupo modelo (p < 0.05). En comparación con el grupo simulado, el nivel de proteína factor nuclear κB (NF-κB) p65 en el miocardio de los grupos modelo y de observación fue activado en núcleo, y la proteína NF-κB p65 en el núcleo del grupo de observación fue significativamente menor que la del grupo modelo (p < 0.05). En comparación con el grupo simulado, los niveles de las proteínas TNF-α e IL-6 en la sangre periférica en el grupo modelo y el grupo de observación, se incrementaron significativamente (p < 0.05). El tamaño del infarto de miocardio aumentó significativamente en el grupo modelo y el grupo de observación (p < 0.05), mientras que el tamaño del infarto del miocardio en el grupo de observación disminuyó significativamente en comparación con el grupo modelo (p < 0.05). Conclusión: La proteína con dedos de zinc A20 puede inhibir significativamente la lesión inflamatoria y el proceso de apoptosis celular en ratas con IAM, lo que puede estar relacionado con su inhibición de la expresión y activación del factor de transcripción nuclear NF-κB.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the epidemiology of paediatric hand injuries treated in emergency departments (EDs) in Foshan City, as well as to supply data for the development of preventive strategies in South China and similar developing areas. Methods: From July 2010 to June 2011, a multicentre study was prospectively designed and conducted in five large hospital EDs in Foshan. An anonymous questionnaire was specially designed for data collection. Results: A total of 317 (95.48%) subjects with paediatric hand injuries completed questionnaires within the one-year study period. Most subjects were injured at home or work (40.69% vs 36.60%). The majority of paediatric hand injuries occurred in daily activities (164, 51.74%) or were caused by crushing (144, 45.43%). There were significant statistical differences among age groups and places of occurrence (p < 0.05). Most subjects got their fingers injured (174, 54.89%). About 116 (36.59%) subjects were injured while at work and 106 (91.38%) subjects had medical insurance. About 59 (50.86%) subjects had < 0.5 year of job tenure. However, only less than half of the subjects (46.55%) had the related experience of safety training. Upon the occurrence of hand injuries, the subjects had been working for 4.49 ± 3.05 hours without rest. Among them, 19 (5.99%) subjects were younger than 16 years old and should not be employed, according to the Chinese labour law. Conclusions: Epidemiology data enhance our knowledge of paediatric hand injuries and facilitate prevention and treatment in the future, thus reducing loss of hand function as well as psychological and economic burden.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la epidemiología de las lesiones de mano pediátricas tratadas en departamentos de emergencias (DE) en la ciudad de Foshan, así como suministrar datos para el desarrollo de estrategias preventivas en el sur de China y áreas de desarrollo similar. Métodos: De julio de 2010 a junio de 2011 de junio, se diseñó y realizó prospectivamente un estudio multicéntrico en cinco DE hospitalarios mayores de Foshan. Un cuestionario anónimo fue especialmente diseñado para la recolección de datos. Resultados: Un total de 317 (95.48%) sujetos con lesiones de mano pediátricas completaron cuestionarios dentro del período de estudio de un año. La mayoría de los sujetos recibieron lesiones en el hogar o en el trabajo (40.69% vs 36.60%). La mayoría de las lesiones de mano pediátricas ocurrieron en actividades diarias (164, 51.74%) o fueron causadas por aplastamiento (144, 45.43%). Hubo diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los grupos por edad y los lugares de ocurrencia (p < 0.05). La mayoría de los sujetos se lesionaron los dedos (174, 54.89%). Alrededor de 116 (36.59%) sujetos resultaron heridos durante el trabajo y 106 (91.38%) sujetos tenían seguro médico. Alrededor de 59 (50.86%) sujetos tenían < 0.5 año de permanencia en el empleo. Sin embargo, sólo menos de la mitad de los sujetos (46.55%) tenían experiencia en relación con entrenamiento de seguridad. Cuando ocurrieron las lesiones en las manos, los sujetos habían estado trabajando por 4.49 ± 3.05 horas sin descanso. Entre ellos, 19 (5.99%) sujetos tenían menos de 16 años de edad, y no debían estar empleados de acuerdo con las leyes laborales en China. Conclusiones: Los datos epidemiológicos mejoran nuestro conocimiento sobre las lesiones de mano pediátricas, y facilitan la prevención y el tratamiento futuros, reduciendo así la pérdida de la función de la mano y la consiguiente carga psicológica y económica.