Mechanisms of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. alcohol extracts intreatment of HCC based on network pharmacology and experiment verification / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the molecular mechanisms of alcohol extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through a combination of network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. Methods The active ingredients and targets of alcohol extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. were determined through TCMSP, Swiss ADME, Swiss Target Prediction database and references. The databases DisGeNET and GeneCards were employed to screen potential HCC-related genes. Venny platform, STRING platform and Cytoscape software were applied to construct active ingredient-target-disease and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network maps. Gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database. To assess the effects of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. alcohol extracts on BEL-7402 cells, the proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK-8, EdU and flow cytometry assays, and the related protein levels of JAK2/STAT3 pathway were analyzed by Western blot. Additionally, H22 hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model was used to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. alcohol extracts. Results A total of 916 HCC targeted genes, 30 active ingredients containing the related 567 potential targeted genes, and 115 intersection targets of disease and compounds were obtained. KEGG enrichment analysis identified JAK2/STAT3 signaling as a critical pathway. In vitro experiments showed the alcohol extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana steud. could inhibit proliferation, promote apoptosis and suppress JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner in BEL-7402 cells. In addition, the alcohol extracts of Euphorbia fischeriana steud., either alone or in combination with sorafenib, dramatically blocked tumor growth in in vivo tests. Conclusions Euphorbia fischeriana steud. alcohol extracts have anti-cancer effects in HCC, and the molecular mechanisms may be connected to the regulation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Impact of bicuspid aortic valve or tricuspid aortic valve on hemodynamics and left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To compare the impact of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) on hemodynamics and left ventricular reverse remodeling after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients who underwent TAVR in our hospital from January 2019 to March 2021. Patients were divided into BAV group and TAV group according to aortic contrast-enhanced CT. Each patient was followed up by N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and echocardiography at four time points, namely before TAVR, 24 hours, 1 month and 6 months after TAVR. Echocardiographic data, including mean pressure gradient (MPG), aortic valve area (AVA), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricle mass (LVM) and LV mass index (LVMi) were evaluated. Results: A total of 41 patients were included. The age was (75.0±8.6) years, and male patients accounted for 53.7%. There were 19 BAV patients and 22 TAV patients in this cohort. All patients undergoing TAVR using a self-expandable prosthesis Venus-A valve. MPG was (54.16±21.22) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) before TAVR, (21.11±9.04) mmHg at 24 hours after TAVR, (18.84±7.37) mmHg at 1 month after TAVR, (17.68±6.04) mmHg at 6 months after TAVR in BAV group. LVEF was (50.42±13.30)% before TAVR, (53.84±10.59)% at 24 hours after TAVR, (55.68±8.71)% at 1 month after TAVR and (57.42±7.78)% at 6 months after TAVR in BAV group. MPG and LVEF substantially improved at each time point after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05) in BAV group. MPG in TAV group improved at each time point after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). LVMi was (164.13±49.53), (156.37±39.11), (146.65±38.84) and (134.13±39.83) g/m2 at the 4 time points and the value was significantly reduced at 1 and 6 months post TAVR compared to preoperative level(both P<0.05). LVEF in the TAV group remained unchanged at 24 hours after operation, but it was improved at 1 month and 6 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). LVMi in TAV group substantially improved at each time point after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). NT-proBNP in both two groups improved after operation, at 1 month and 6 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). MPG in TAV group improved better than in BAV group during the postoperative follow-up (24 hours after TAVR: (11.68±5.09) mmHg vs. (21.11±9.04) mmHg, P<0.001, 1 month after TAVR: (10.82±3.71) mmHg vs. (18.84±7.37) mmHg, P<0.001, 6 months after TAVR: (12.36±4.42) mmHg vs. (17.68±6.04) mmHg, P=0.003). There was no significant difference in NT-proBNP between BAV group and TAV group at each time point after operation (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in paravalvular regurgitation and second prosthesis implantation between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: AS patients with BAV or TAV experience hemodynamic improvement and obvious left ventricular reverse remodeling after TAVR, and the therapeutic effects of TAVR are similar between BAV and TAV AS patients in the short-term post TAVR.

Medications regulate autophagy for treatment of Alzheimer's disease / 药学学报

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized clinically as irreversible cognitive dysfunction. Although a significant progress has been made in the study of AD pathogenesis, the effective measures to block AD progress have not been satisfactory. Abnormal autophagy is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD, and regulation of autophagy may become a new strategy for AD treatment. Some medicines, which regulate autophagy by mTOR-dependent and independent (Bcl-2/Beclin-1, GSK-3β, and p-AKT) pathways, have shown excellent effects in alleviating AD symptoms. In addition, certain compounds extracted from plants have also been reported to regulate autophagy and prevent AD progression through multiple pathways and multiple targets. This article reviews the recent advances in the regulation of autophagy and AD treatment. It provides a new theoretical basis for clinical treatment of AD.

Relationship between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among college freshmen in Hangzhou / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) among college freshmen of Hangzhou area, and provide scientific evidence for the prevention of NAFLD in universities.@*Methods@#The 1 752 freshmen students from six universities were selected to perform a questionnaire survey, including general information, and dietary survey in the last year, by using a random sampling method. Factor analysis was used to achieve the major dietary patterns.@*Results@#Three dietary patterns were obtained from the analysis, including the animal food, Western fast food, and traditional Chinese patterns. After adjusting for confounding factors, participants in the highest tertile of the animal food and Western fast food pattern had significantly higher BMI (P<0.01). Besides, participants in the highest tertile of the Western fast-food pattern had higher ALT and AST than those in the lowest tertile(P<0.05). Conversely, participants in the highest tertile of the traditional Chinese pattern had lower BMI, ALT and AST than those in the lowest tertile(P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that Western pattern might increase the risk of NAFLD (OR=1.26, 95%CI=1.09-1.72, P<0.05), whereas the traditional Chinese pattern might decrease the risk of NAFLD (OR=0.51, 95%CI=0.38-0.74, P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#Different dietary patterns are closely related to NAFLD in college freshmen. Chinese traditional food should be kept their diet, red meat and fried food should be reduced to decrease. the risk of NAFLD.

NO donor V-PYRRO/NO inhibits expression of leukotriene C4 synthase in early stage of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore the mechanism underlying a selective liver nitric oxide donor V-PYRRO/NO effects on the gene expression of LTC4 synthase(LTC4S) during hepatic ischemia reperfusion(I/R).Methods Adult male SD rats were divided into 3 groups:control group(sham),ischemic-reperfusion group(I/R) and V-PYRRO/NO group. Liver subjected to 1 hour of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 5 hours of reperfusion, saline or V-PYRRO/NO[1.06 mmol/(kg·h)] administered intravenously. The mRNA expression of LTC4S in rat liver was examined by RT-PCR method,the protein expressions of NF-κB p65,p50 and IκB in liver cell lysates and nu-clear extracts were detected by Western blot analysis. Results Hepatic mRNA expression of LTC4S in I/R group was higher than that in sham group(P<0.05), whereas it was lower in V-PYRRO/NO group than that in I/R group(P<0.05). Moreover,compared with sham group,the protein expressions of NF-κB p65 and p50 in nucleus extract were markedly increased(P<0.01) but significantly decreased in cytoplasm(P<0.01) in I/R group. V-PYRRO/NO reversed completely the increase of these protein expressions in nucleus extract (P<0.05) and the decrease of them in cytoplasm(P<0.01,P<0.05) during hepatic I/R injury.However,IκB protein in three groups did not change. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed that no marked positive staining for NF-κB p65 was found in sham liver,I/R liver exhibited strong cytoplasmic and nuclear positive staining for NF-κB p65,but V-PYRRO/NO I/R group liver presented slight cytoplasmic and nuclear staining. Conclusions V-PYRRO/NO may down-regulate LTC4S mRNA expression by inhibiting NF-κB activation independent of IκB during hepatic I/R injury.

Clinical Observation of Intensive Treatment with Antibiotics and Chinese Medicine Fule Tablets for Treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the short-term clinical effect of intensive treatment with antibiotics and Chinese medicine Fule Tablets for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Methods A total of 240 PID patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group,120 cases in each group. The observation group was given oral use of antibiotics (Cefodizime or Cefixime Granules + Ornidazole)for 14 days (d1-d14)and Fule Tablets orally for 30 days(d1-d30). The control group was only given oral use of antibiotics(Cefodizime or Cefixime Granules+Ornidazole)for 14 days (d1-d14). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)scores for lower abdominal pain, tenderness of the uterus or adnexal region, body temperature, vaginal secretions, and ultrasonogram were observed after treatment for 7, 14 and 30 days in both groups. And the therapeutic effect was also evaluated. Results(1)After treatment,VAS scores for lower abdominal pain,tenderness of the uterus or adnexal region, fever, vaginal secretions, pelvic hydrops, adnexal thickening or adnexal mass in the two groups were much improved after treatment (P < 0.05 compared with those before treatment),and the improvement of VAS scores for lower abdominal pain,tenderness of the uterus or adnexal region,vaginal secretions,and pelvic hydrops in the observation group on day 30 was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05). (2)After treatment for 7,14 days,the differences of the therapeutic effect between the two groups were insignificant(P>0.05). After treatment for 30 days,the therapeutic effect of the observation group was much stronger than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The intensive treatment with antibiotics and Chinese medicine Fule Tablets has stronger effect for the treatment of PID than antibiotics alone, which is effective on relieving clinical symptoms and signs,shortening the course of disease,and reducing or preventing the occurrence of sequelae.

Chimeric rabies glycoprotein with a transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail from Newcastle disease virus fusion protein incorporates into the Newcastle disease virion at reduced levels

Rabies remains an important worldwide health problem. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was developed as a vaccine vector in animals by using a reverse genetics approach. Previously, our group generated a recombinant NDV (LaSota strain) expressing the complete rabies virus G protein (RVG), named rL-RVG. In this study, we constructed the variant rL-RVGTM, which expresses a chimeric rabies virus G protein (RVGTM) containing the ectodomain of RVG and the transmembrane domain (TM) and a cytoplasmic tail (CT) from the NDV fusion glycoprotein to study the function of RVG's TM and CT. The RVGTM did not detectably incorporate into NDV virions, though it was abundantly expressed at the surface of infected BHK-21 cells. Both rL-RVG and rL-RVGTM induced similar levels of NDV virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) after initial and secondary vaccination in mice, whereas rabies VNA induction by rL-RVGTM was markedly lower than that induced by rL-RVG. Though rL-RVG could spread from cell to cell like that in rabies virus, rL-RVGTM lost this ability and spread in a manner similar to the parental NDV. Our data suggest that the TM and CT of RVG are essential for its incorporation into NDV virions and for spreading of the recombinant virus from the initially infected cells to surrounding cells.

Adjuvant effects of fermented red ginseng extract on advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the adjuvant therapeutic effects of fermented red ginseng (FRG) extract on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 patients with advanced NSCLC were divided into two groups using a random number table, i.e., the gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy alone group (26 patients) and the FRG + GP chemotherapy group (34 patients), for 60-day treatment. Patients were then assessed according to the Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Chinese medicine symptoms score, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung. In addition, chemotherapy toxicity and tumor biomarkers were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For NSCLC patients after chemotherapy, FRG extract significantly improved the FSI score, CM symptoms score, psychological status, physical conditions, and quality of life and reduced chemotherapy toxicity, but the expression levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, cytokeratin-19 fragments, and neuron-specific enolase were not significantly different between the chemotherapy alone and the FRG + chemotherapy groups or between pre- and post-treatments.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study demonstrated that FRG extract had an adjuvant effect on advanced NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy. Further studies with a larger sample size will verify the current findings.</p>

Elevated Expression of CD93 in Serous Exosomes from Patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis and Its Significance / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To examine the expression of CD93 in serous exosomes from patients with cryptococcal meningitis,fur-ther explore its clinical significance.Methods The 38 experimental serum samples were from patients who received the diag-nosis with cryptococcal meningitis in Changhai Hospital and Changzheng Hospital in Shanghai from November 2012 to De-cember 2016.The diagnosis standardization was that the cerebrospinal fluid dyeing was positive or the culturing was posi-tive.The 38 controls were collected from the health individuals examined at the same time.The exosomes in serum was sepa-rated by the ultracentrifuge method.Magnetic bead-capture combined with the flow cytometry method was used to identify antigens on the surface of exosomes.The protein level of cytokines in serum was quantified by ELISA method.The compari-son of tested values from experimental and controlled groups was measured by two independent samples't test,and the cor-relation between two variates was showed by Pearson coefficient.Results The results of flow cytometry showed that the ex-pression of CD93 on exosomes in the serum samples from experimental group was higher than that in the controlled group, which was(79.11±19.31 vs 23.98±6.56)%,with difference in statistics(t=16.66,P<0.000 1).The expression levels of IFN-γin serum samplefrom experimental and control groups were(39.78±10.77 vs 58.98±16.99)pg/ml,with differ-ence in statistics(t=5.884,P<0.000 1).The expression levels of IL-17 in serum sample from experimental and control groups were(16.32±4.03 vs 3.11±0.87)pg/ml,with difference in statistics(t=19.75,P<0.000 1).The expression lev-els of IL-1β in serum sample from experimental and control groups were(57.12 ± 12.98 vs 13.45 ± 4.78)pg/ml,with difference in statistics(t=19.46,P<0.000 1).The percentage of CD93+exosomes was positively correlative with IFN-γ, IL-17,IL-1β(r=0.488,0.456,0.532,P<0.01)in serum samples from the experimental group and there was statistical difference.Conclusion In the disease process of cryptococcal meningitis,the expression of CD93 on exosomes might involve in the diseases'processes by affecting the CD4+T cells.

Relationship between anogenital distance and cryptorchidism in human newborns / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relation of the anogenital distance (AGD) with cryptorchidism in male newborns.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study included 350 male infants delivered in two community hospitals between September 2013 and September 2014. Within 24 hours after birth, a pediatric surgeon measured the AGD of the neonates and determined whether they had cryptorchidism. According to the testicular position, we divided the undescended testes into three types: upper scrotal, inguinal, and non-palpable.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 39 cases of cryptorchidism were found in the 350 newborns. The AGD of the cryptorchidism infants was significantly shorter than that of the normal neonates ([2.01 ± 0.22] vs [2.35 ± 0.19] cm, P < 0.01), and statistically significant differences remained even when preterm and low birth-weight infants were excluded ([2.32 ± 0.14] vs [2.06 ± 0.19] cm; (2.37 ± 0.17) cm vs (2.12 ± 0.12) cm, all P < 0.01). The newborns with higher-position cryptorchidism had a shorter AGD, though with no significant difference (F = 0.434, P > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the AGD between unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism ([1.96 ± 0.13] vs [2.02 ± 0.17] cm, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shorter AGD is associated with a higher incidence of cryptorchidism in male newborns. AGD could serve as a potential biomarker for disruption of androgen action during the male programming window period.</p>

Long term outcome of atrial fibrillation patients with KCNA5 and NPPA mutations post circumferential pulmonary vein ablation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The outcome of atrial fibrillation patients with genetic mutations post ablation was not well evaluated.</p><p><b>METHODS AND RESULTS</b>Three atrial fibrillation patients with evidence of mutations in KCNA5 and NPPA post successful circumferential pulmonary vein ablation were included. Mutation in KCNA5 was found in one male patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. He was free of atrial fibrillation post ablation after 46 months follow-up. Mutations in NPPA were found in two male patients with persistent atrial fibrillation and they were free from atrial fibrillation after 64 months and 38 months follow-up post circumferential pulmonary vein ablation, roof line and mitral isthmus line ablation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Satisfactory long term results are observed in atrial fibrillation patients with KCNA5 and NPPA mutations post circumferential pulmonary vein ablation.</p>

Substrate of complex fractionated atrial electrograms: evidence by pathologic analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) is an important adjunctive therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study was to elucidate the substrate underlying CFAE.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine adult mongrel dogs were involved in the present study. AF was induced through rapid atrial pacing with vagosympathetic nerve stimulation. CFAE was recorded during AF. Ablation was performed at CFAE sites. Based on the location of the ablation scar, the atrial specimens were divided into CFAE and non-CFAE sites. Serial sections of the atrium were stained respectively with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and the general neural marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5). We compared the characteristics of the myocardium and the ganglionated plexus (GPs) distribution between the CFAE and non-CFAE sites.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The myocardium of non-CFAE sites was well-organized with little intercellular substance. However, the myocardium in the CFAE site was disorganized with more interstitial tissue ((61.7 ± 24.3)% vs. (34.1 ± 9.2)%, P < 0.01). GPs in the CFAE site were more abundant than in non-CFAE sites ((34.45 ± 37.46) bundles/cm(2) vs. (6.73 ± 8.22) bundles/cm(2), P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The heterogeneity of the myocardium and GPs distribution may account for the substrate of CFAE and serve as a potential target of ablation.</p>

Predictive value of HATCH score on atrial fibrillation recurrence post radiofrequency catheter ablation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the predictive value of HATCH score on recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 123 consecutive AF patients (74 paroxysmal and 49 persistent AF) who underwent RFCA between April 2009 and December 2010 in our department were retrospectively analyzed. Of theses patients, 65 (52.9%) patients had HATCH score = 0, 41 (33.3%) patients had HATCH score = 1, and 17 (13.8%) patients had HATCH score ≥ 2 (HATCH = 2 in 11 patients, HATCH = 3 in 5 patients, HATCH = 4 in 1 patient). The recurrence was defined as atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting more than 30 seconds after 3 months post RFCA. The patients were divided into recurrence group and no recurrence group. Relationship between HATCH score and recurrence was observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 43 cases in recurrence group and 80 cases in no recurrence group. After 12 months follow-up, HATCH score was significant higher in recurrence group than in non-recurrence group [(0.91 ± 0.94) score vs. (0.53 ± 0.80) score, P < 0.05]. The ratio of patients with HATCH ≥ 2 in recurrence group was higher than in non-recurrence group [23.3% (10/43) vs. 8.8% (7/80), P < 0.01]. The sensitivity and specificity of HATCH ≥ 2 to define the risk of recurrence was 25.0%, 92.4% respectively. Cumulative non-recurrence rate of patients with HATCH score ≥ 2 was lower than patients with HATCH score = 0 and 1 (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Higher HATCH score is associated with increased risk of AF recurrence post RFCA.</p>

Efficacy of ibutilide for cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation during radiofrequency ablation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency and safety of ibutilide for cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) during radiofrequency ablation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen patients (16 males) with persistent atrial fibrillation were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent circumferential pulmonary vein ablation guided by a Carto three-dimensional mapping system. In addition, linear ablation at the top of the left atrium and the isthmus of mitral valves and complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CAFE) ablation were performed. All patients were still in either atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter after ablation, the patients were treated with 1 mg intravenous ibutilide injection within 10 minutes after unsuccessful ablation. Intravenous injection was stopped in case of sinus rhythm (SR) restoration or occurrence of severe adverse reactions such as ventricular tachycardia. Cardioversion rate within 30 min and adverse reactions within 4 h were observed. Patients were divided into either conversion group or non-conversion group according to whether AF was converted to sinus rhythm within 30 minutes after injection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eleven patients (61.11%) converted to SR after ibutilide injection. There were no significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, left atrium and left ventricular function between conversion group and non-conversion groups. The average conversion time was (13.80 ± 7.64) min, left atrium scar area ratio was significantly larger in non-conversion group (12.40 ± 11.03)% than in conversion group (5.12 ± 3.83)%, P < 0.05. Ibutilide significantly prolonged the average wavelength of the AF wave (171.8 ± 29.5) ms vs. (242.0 ± 40.0) ms at baseline, P < 0.01. The QT interval at 30 min after ibutilide injection (0.39 ± 0.21) s was significantly longer than before injection (0.51 ± 0.08) s, P < 0.05. There was no serious arrhythmias or other adverse reactions post ibutilide injection.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Ibutilide is highly effective and safe agent for cardioversion in patients underwent unsuccessful ablation. Left atrium scar area ratio is an important determinant for the conversion rate in this cohort.</p>

Effect of ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrogram on vagal modulation in dogs / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Clinical observations have shown that the complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) associates with ganglionated plexus activity in the cardiac autonomic nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CFAE ablation on vagal modulation to atria and vulnerability to develop atrial fibrillation (AF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten adult mongrel dogs were involved. Cervical sympathovagal trunks were decentralized and sympathetic effects were blocked. CFAE was color tagged on the atrial 3-dimensional image and ablated during AF induced by S1S2 programmed stimulation plus sympathovagal trunk stimulation. Atrial effective refractory period (ERP) and vulnerability window (VW) of AF were measured on baseline and at vagal stimulation at 4 atrium sites. Serial tissue sections from ablative and control specimens received hematoxylin and eosin staining for microscopic examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Most CFAE areas were localized at the right superior pulmonary quadrant, distal coronary sinus (CS(d)) quadrant, and proximal coronary sinus (CS(p)) quadrant (21.74%, separately). Sinus rhythm cycle length (SCL) shortening did not decrease significantly after ablation at the sites, including right atrial appendage, left atrial appendage, CS(d), and CS(p) (P > 0.05). ERP shortening during vagal stimulation significantly decreased after ablation (P < 0.01); the VW to vagal stimulation significantly decreased after ablation (P < 0.05). The architecture of individual ganglia altered after ablation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CFAE has an autonomic basis in dogs. The decreased SCL and ERP shortening to vagal stimulation after CFAE ablation demonstrate that CFAE ablation attenuates vagal modulation to the atria, thereby suppressing AF mediated by enhanced vagal activity. CFAE ablation could suppress AF mediated by enhanced vagal activity.</p>

Chronic outcome of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation post catheter ablation / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>High short-term successful rate was reported for catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), we analyzed the long-term outcome (success rate, anticoagulation therapy and embolism event, anti-arrhythmic therapy and death post procedure) of catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF in this study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2000 to December 2004, 106 consecutive patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF underwent catheter ablation and were followed-up for (60.7 + or - 11.8) months. Segmental pulmonary vein isolation (SPVI) was routinely performed by radiofrequency energy under the guidance of circular mapping catheter. The patients were followed up with 24 h-holter, ECG, telephone or letter. Data on recurrence of AF, the anticoagulation medication and the incidence of embolism, anti-arrhythmic therapy were obtained.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 9 patients lost to follow up. In the remaining 97 patients [65 males, (54.8 + or - 11.2) years old], 3 cases died from cancer, sinus rhythm was maintained in 68 patients (Group S, 72.3%) and AF recurrence evidenced in 26 patients (Group R, 27.7%). In Group S, 56 patients (82.4%) discontinued anticoagulation medication, and 12 patients continued to take aspirin. There was no embolism event in Group S during follow-up. In Group R, 1 patient continued to take warfarin; 11 patients continued to take aspirin and 2 patients suffered from cerebral embolism. Anticoagulation medication was discontinued in 14 patients (53.8%) and 1 patient suffered form cerebral embolism. The incidence of embolism event in Group R is significantly higher than in Group S (P < 0.01). More patients discontinued anti-arrhythmic medication in Group S than in Group R (80.9% vs. 56.0%, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Catheter ablation is associated with satisfactory long-term success rate, reduced anti-arrhythmia medication, improved quality of life in patients with paroxysmal AF.</p>

Impact of right upper pulmonary vein isolation on atrial vagal innervation and vulnerability to atrial fibrillation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Based on the hypothesis that pulmonary vein isolation could result in the damage of the epicardial fat pads, this study aimed to investigated the impact of right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV) isolation on vagal innervation to atria.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bilateral cervical sympathovagal trunks were decentralized in 6 dogs. Metoprolol was given to block sympathetic effects. Multipolar catheters were placed into the right atrium (RA) and coronary sinus (CS). RUPV isolation was performed via transseptal procedure. Atrial effective refractory period (ERP), vulnerability window (VW) of atrial fibrillation (AF), and sinus rhythm cycle length (SCL) were measured at RA and distal coronary sinus (CSd) at baseline and vagal stimulation before and after RUPV isolation. Serial sections of underlying tissues before and after ablation were stained with haematoxylin and eosin.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SCL decreased significantly during vagal stimulation before RUPV isolation (197 +/- 21 vs 13 +/- 32 beats per minute, P < 0.001), but remained unchanged after RUPV isolation (162 +/- 29 vs 140 +/- 39 beats per minute, P > 0.05). ERP increased significantly before RUPV isolation compared with that during vagal stimulation [(85.00 +/- 24.29) ms vs (21.67 +/- 9.83) ms at RA, P < 0.001; (90.00 +/- 15.49) ms vs (33.33 +/- 25.03) ms at CSd P < 0.005], but ERP at baseline hardly changed after RUPV isolation compared with that during vagal stimulation [(103.33 +/- 22.50) vs (95.00 +/- 16.43) ms at RA, P = 0.09; (98.33 +/- 24.83) vs (75.00 +/- 29.50) ms at CSd, P = 0.009]. The ERP shortening during vagal stimulation after RUPV isolation decreased significantly [(63.33 +/- 22.51) ms vs (8.33 +/- 9.83) ms at RA, P < 0.005; (56.67 +/- 20.66) ms vs (23.33 +/- 13.66) ms at CSd, P < 0.05]. AF was rarely induced at baseline before and after RUPV isolation (VW close to 0), while VW of AF to vagal stimulation significantly decreased after RUPV isolation [(40.00 +/- 10.95) vs 0 ms at RA, P < 0.001; (45.00 +/- 32.09) vs (15.00 +/- 23.45) ms at CS, P < 0.05]. The architecture of individual ganglia was significantly altered after ablation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The less ERP shortening to vagal stimulation and altered architecture of individual ganglia after right upper pulmonary vein isolation indicate that isolation may result in damage of the epicardial fat pads, thereby attenuating the vagal innervation to atria. The decreased vulnerability window of atrial fibrillation indicates that vagal denervation may contribute to its suppression.</p>

Investigation of sexual function in male kidney transplant recipients / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the change of sexual function in male kidney transplant recipients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty married males, aged 26 to 45 years, who had received kidney transplantations at least half a year before and whose serum creatinine (Scr) was under 200 mumol/L, were selected randomly in the study. Sexual functions were reviewed before and after the patients' renal failure and after kidney transplantations. The results were analyzed in Chi-Square test methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Their sexual functions, significantly aggravated after renal failure, were improved after kidney transplantations, but failed to return to normal. The recipients had a common worry that their sex lives might affect the renal grafts.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Kidney transplantations significantly improve the sexual functions of these renal failure patients. It is quite necessary to provide sexological guidance to kidney transplant recipients and their spouses.</p>

Interaction between opioid receptor and adrenoceptor signaling in ischemia reperfusion of the isolated rat heart / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the interaction between opioid receptor (OR) stimulation and adrenergic receptor (AR) stimulation in the isolated ischaemia/reperfusion (I-R) rat heart.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for Langendoff isolated heart perfusion. Myocardial ischemia for 20 min was followed by 30 min of reperfusion, during which the kappa-OR agonist U50488h and beta(1)-AR agonist norepinephrine (NE) were administered.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) 50488h antagonized the effect of NE in rising left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) in the early phase of myocardial ischemia at 10, 20, 30 min of reperfusion. (2) Arrhythmia scores in the I-R+NE+U50488h group were markedly lower than those in the I-R group during the 10 - 20 min reperfusion period. No significant differences in arrhythmia scores were found in either I-R+U50488h or I-R+NE group when compared with I-R group. (3) Compared with the I-R group, U50488h alone or plus NE decreased reperfusion heart rates after myocardial ischemia while NE alone showed no effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is suggested that the interaction in the signaling pathway between kappa-OR and beta(1)-AR occurred during myocardial I-R of rat heart.</p>

Two Rapid Ana1ysis Methods of BOD5 / 环境与健康杂志

Biochemical oxygen demand of 5 days (BOD 5) was a very important parameter of monitoring ofwater quality. The classical method presented some shortcomings,such as complexity, long period, requirementof high technology and not promptly reflecting the pollution levels of water body, so it was of no significance fortreatment of industrial waste water. In this paper, two rapid methods for determination of BODs, raising incubation temperature and correlative estimation method, were introduced and their advantages, such as short period and simplicity of operation were verified by experiments. Modification of classical method was of certain instructive significance for the practical application to treatment of industrial waste water and forecast of pollutionlevels of water body.