Association of Breastfeeding Duration with Body Composition in Children Aged 3-5 Years / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to assess the relationship between the body composition of children aged 3-5 years and breastfeeding status and duration.@*METHODS@#The study was conducted using data from the National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for children 0-17 years of age in China (CNHSC), a nationwide cross-sectional study. Breastfeeding information and potential confounders were collected using standardized questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews. The body composition of preschool children was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. A multivariate linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between breastfeeding duration and body composition after adjusting for potential confounders.@*RESULTS@#In total, 2,008 participants were included in the study. Of these, 89.2% were ever breastfed and the median duration of breastfeeding was 12 months (IQR 7-15 months). Among children aged 3 years, the height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) for the ever breastfed group was lower than that for never breastfed group (0.12 vs. 0.42, P = 0.043). In addition, the weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) of the ever breastfed group was lower than that of the never breastfed group (0.31 vs. 0.65, P = 0.026), and the WAZ was lower in children aged 4 years who breastfed between 12 and 23 months than in those who never breastfed. Compared to the formula-fed children, the fat-free mass of breastfed infants was higher for children aged 3 years (12.84 kg vs. 12.52 kg, P = 0.015) and lower for those aged 4 years (14.31 kg vs. 14.64 kg, P = 0.048), but no difference was detected for children aged 5 years (16.40 kg vs. 16.42 kg, P = 0.910) after adjusting for potential confounders. No significant difference was detected in the weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ), body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-score (BAZ), fat-free mass index, and body fat indicators in the ever breastfed and never breastfed groups and among various breastfeeding duration groups for children aged 3-5 years.@*CONCLUSION@#No obvious associations were detected between breastfeeding duration, BMI, and fat mass indicators. Future prospective studies should explore the relationship between breastfeeding status and fat-free mass.

Predictors of efficacy of corticosteroid switching from abiraterone plus prednisone to dexamethasone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Corticosteroid switching can reverse abiraterone resistance in some patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Here, we investigated the potential biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of corticosteroid switching during treatment with abiraterone acetate (AA). We retrospectively analyzed 101 mCRPC patients receiving corticosteroid switching from West China Hospital and Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center between January 2016 and December 2018. All cases received AA plus prednisone as first-line therapy during mCRPC. Primary end points were biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) and overall survival (OS). The risk groups were defined based on multivariate analysis. A total of 42 (41.6%) and 25 (24.8%) patients achieved 30% and 50% decline in prostate-specific antigen (PSA), respectively, after corticosteroid switching. The median bPFS and median OS on AA plus dexamethasone were 4.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7-6.0) months and 18.8 (95% CI: 16.2-30.2) months, respectively. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) expression (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.15, 95% Cl: 1.22-3.80, P = 0.008) and baseline serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP; HR: 4.95, 95% Cl: 2.40-10.19, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of efficacy before corticosteroid switching in the multivariate analysis of bPFS. Only baseline serum ALP >160 IU l-1 (HR: 3.41, 95% Cl: 1.57-7.38, P = 0.002) together with PSA level at switch ≥50 ng ml-1 (HR: 2.59, 95% Cl: 1.22-5.47, P = 0.013) independently predicted poorer OS. Based on the predictive factors in multivariate analysis, we developed two risk stratification tools to select candidates for corticosteroid switching. Detection of serum ALP level, PSA level, and tissue AKR1C3 expression in mCRPC patients could help make clinical decisions for corticosteroid switching.

National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for Children 0-17 Years of Age in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

The main purpose of the National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey for children 0-17 years of age in China (CNHSC) was to collect basic data on the nutrition, development, and health status for children in different regions across China using evidence-based, reliable, and cost-effective approaches. Children and their parents or guardians from seven regions (south, southwest, north, northwest, eastern, central, and northeast China) in China were recruited. A multi-stage stratified randomized sampling method was used. Two provinces were randomly sampled from each of the seven regions, from which one urban district and one rural country were also randomly sampled, resulting in a total of 28 survey counties/districts. Dietary surveys, health examinations, laboratory testing, and questionnaires were used to collect dietary intake, nutritional status, child development, and health status information. Nutrition, health, and lifestyle assessment of children and their parents was determined using the Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) survey. Greater than 100,000 children (38,000 children < 6 years of age and 66,000 children 6-17 years of age) completed the survey. The survey provided comprehensive data on child nutrition and health status for future studies and will serve as the basis for an integrated nutrition and health improvement strategies proposal for children in China.

Impact of thymosin α1 as an immunomodulatory therapy on long-term survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients after R0 resection: a propensity score-matched analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#There is limited information about thymosin α1 (Tα1) as adjuvant immunomodulatory therapy, either used alone or combined with other treatments, in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adjuvant Tα1 treatment on long-term survival in margin-free (R0)-resected stage IA-IIIA NSCLC patients.@*METHODS@#A total of 5746 patients with pathologic stage IA-IIIA NSCLC who underwent R0 resection were included. The patients were divided into the Tα1 group and the control group according to whether they received Tα1 or not. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce bias, resulting in 1027 pairs of patients.@*RESULTS@#After PSM, the baseline clinicopathological characteristics were similar between the two groups. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were significantly higher in the Tα1 group compared with the control group. The multivariable analysis showed that Tα1 treatment was independently associated with an improved prognosis. A longer duration of Tα1 treatment was associated with improved OS and DFS. The subgroup analyses showed that Tα1 therapy could improve the DFS and/or OS in all subgroups of age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), smoking status, and pathological tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, especially for patients with non-squamous cell NSCLC and without targeted therapy.@*CONCLUSION@#Tα1 as adjuvant immunomodulatory therapy can significantly improve DFS and OS in patients with NSCLC after R0 resection, except for patients with squamous cell carcinoma and those receiving targeted therapy. The duration of Tα1 treatment is recommended to be >24 months.

A multi-center cross-sectional study on blood purification among adult patients in intensive care unit in China: a study protocol / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Blood purification (BP) is one of the most important rescue measures for patients with critical illness in the intensive care unit (ICU), especially for those with acute kidney injury. The purpose of this nationwide survey was to reveal the real world of current BP practice in different ICUs all over China. This study was designed to be a multi-center cross-sectional study.@*METHODS@#All adult patients (over 18 years of age), who were admitted to ICU and required BP in 35 sub-centers across China were included during 30-day survey period in 2018. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were recorded including the timing of treatment initiation, indications, modality, relative contraindication, establishment of vascular access, selection of filter/membrane, settings, anti-coagulation, executive department, complication, intake, and output.@*DISCUSSION@#This nationwide survey may contribute to reveal the real world of current BP practice in different ICUs all over China.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-EOC-17013119; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=22487.

Food Frequency Questionnaire for Chinese Children Aged 12-17 Years: Validity and Reliability / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#The primary objective of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) among Chinese children aged 12-17 years.@*METHODS@#A semi-quantitative 72-food item FFQ was developed for children aged 12-17 years. The reliability and validity of this FFQ were evaluated against 24-h dietary recalls (24 h DRs) to measure the consumption of foods and nutrients. We administered two FFQs and three DRs to children (N = 160) over a period of 1 month to evaluate the reliability and validity. Reliability was examined by quartile agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and validity was examined by quartile agreement, Bland-Altman plots and correlation with DRs.@*RESULTS@#For reliability, the ICCs between the two FFQs ranged from 0.21 to 0.76 for foods and nutrients, and the quartile agreement ranged from 70.0% to 95.0% in the same or adjacent quartiles. Spearman's correlation coefficients of foods and nutrients between the second FFQ and the 24 h DRs ranged from -0.04 to 0.59. The Bland-Altman plots demonstrated good agreement across the range of intakes among nutrients. The quartile agreement ranged from 50.0% to 100.0%, with infrequent misclassification.@*CONCLUSION@#The FFQ assessment of dietary intakes demonstrated acceptable relative validity and high reproducibility for Chinese children aged 12-17 years.

Validity and Reliability of Chinese Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children Aged 10-17 Years / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study is aimed to report the development, the reliability and validity of the Chinese Children Physical Activity Questionnaire (CCPAQ) which was designed for the assessment of physical activity pattern in young population in China.@*METHODS@#The CCPAQ was administered for two times in 119 children (mean age 13.1 ± 2.4 years; boys 47%) to examine reliability by using intraclass correlation coefficients. Validity was determined in 106 participants by agreement with the CCPAQ measures and the objective method, the ActiGraph accelerometer. Data on physical activity pattern including time spent on different intensities and total physical activity, sedentary behavior as well as physical activity energy expenditure were used to assess the validity with Spearman's correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman plots.@*RESULTS@#The reliability coefficient of the CCPAQ ranged from 0.63-0.93 (Intra-class correlation coefficient). Spearman's correlation coefficient for validity of time spent on total physical activity and sedentary behavior were all 0.32 (P < 0.001), and for physical activity energy expenditure was 0.58 (P < 0.001). Time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and light physical activity showed a relatively low correlation with the accelerometer (rho = 0.20, P = 0.040; rho = 0.19, P = 0.054).@*CONCLUSION@#The CCPAQ appears to be a promising and feasible method to assess physical activity pattern in Chinese children.

A multi-center cross-sectional study on blood purification among adult patients in intensive care unit in China: a study protocol / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background:@#Blood purification (BP) is one of the most important rescue measures for patients with critical illness in the intensive care unit (ICU), especially for those with acute kidney injury. The purpose of this nationwide survey was to reveal the real world of current BP practice in different ICUs all over China. This study was designed to be a multi-center cross-sectional study.@*Methods:@#All adult patients (over 18 years of age), who were admitted to ICU and required BP in 35 sub-centers across China were included during 30-day survey period in 2018. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were recorded including the timing of treatment initiation, indications, modality, relative contraindication, establishment of vascular access, selection of filter/membrane, settings, anti-coagulation, executive department, complication, intake, and output.@*Discussion:@#This nationwide survey may contribute to reveal the real world of current BP practice in different ICUs all over China.@*Trial registration:@#Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-EOC-17013119; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=22487.

Comparison of Undernutrition Prevalence of Children under 5 Years in China between 2002 and 2013 / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe the undernutrition status of children under 5-year in China, and study the trend between 2002 and 2013).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study was based on two national surveys. Undernutrition was determined against WHO's 2006 growth standards. The prevalence in 2013 and 2002 was weighted by China sixth National Population Census (2010). The relationship between undernutrition and gender/age groups/different areas use weighted logistic regression.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results indicated the overall prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting of Chinese children under 5-year was 8.1%, 2.4%, and 1.9% in 2013, respectively. The prevalence of stunting was higher for children aged 12-47 month, while underweight was higher for children aged 48-59 month. The prevalence of undernutrition was higher in rural areas than in urban areas, especially in poor rural areas. There was a decline of stunting, underweight, and wasting between 2002 and 2013 among the children, with greater reduction in rural areas than in urban areas.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence of undernutrition of children under 5-year remains high in rural areas especially in poor rural areas in China. It is urgent to take action to control undernutrition in the vulnerable areas and subgroups.</p>

Application of UPLC-MS/MS Method for Analyzing B-vitamins in Human Milk / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine ten B-vitamins in human milk by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The pretreated human milk samples were adequately separated and quantified within 11 min by UPLC-MS/MS with an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (2.1×100 mm, 1.8 µm). The mobile phase was a gradient of 2.5 mmol/L ammonium formate aqueous solution and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Stable isotope internal standards were used in the analysis, to correct for the method variability, including matrix and ionization effects. The homogenized human milk samples were deproteinzed using methanol, unknown contaminants were extracted with diethyl ether and hydrophobic phase was discarded. The analytes were monitored via ESI+ionization and detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with three acquisition functions.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Calibration curves ranged from 0.5-160 ng/mL (thiamin, riboflavin, biotin, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal), and 2.5-800 ng/mL (pantothenic acid, FAD and nicotinamide) (R2=0.990-0.999). The relative recovery ranged from 80.1% to 120.2%; accuracy was determined to be 98.3% to 108.0%. Intra-day and inter-day variation were 3.4%-19.9% and 5.9%-18.1%, respectively. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for all vitamins was between 0.25 and 3 µg/L.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This method was successfully applied for simultaneous analysis of ten B-vitamins in human milk.</p>

The therapeutic effect of Xiaopi-I on functional dyspepsia / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic efficacy of Xiaopi-I on functional dyspepsia and its effects on gastric emptying.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 134 patients with functional dyspepsia were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The patients in the Xiaopi-I group (66 cases) and the Domperidone group (68 cases) were given Xiaopi-I granules and Domperidone 10 mg, 3 times a day, respectively. Another 20 healthy volunteers were chosen as the negative control group. The severity scores of the symptoms, as well as the gastric emptying, were detected before and after 4-week treatment by barium strip-trial meal.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During therapy, 6 cases from the Xiaopi-I group and 8 cases from the Domperidone group were lost to follow, and 120 cases finally finished the study. Statistical differences were observed from both groups in terms of the symptoms of postprandial fullness early satiety, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning after 4-week treatment (P<0.01). The symptomatic severity scores of the Xiaopi-I group before and after the treatment were 7.48±1.64 and 2.16±1.26, respectively (P<0.01). Gastric emptying rates were also improved in the patients with delayed gastric emptying, and the effective rates were 91.3% and 75.8% in the Xiaopi-I and Domperidone groups, respectively. No obvious adverse effects were found from both groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Xiaopi-I was an effective and safe agent in the treatment of functional dyspepsia and was worth of further development in clinical.</p>

Association between 1019C/T polymorphism of Connexin 37 gene and restenosis after coronary stenting / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the association between 1019C/T polymorphism of Connexin 37 (CX37) gene and susceptibility to restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ethnic Han Chinese patients from Wuxi.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five hundred and thirty-two patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who had undergone PCI underwent coronary angiography (CAG) in 3 months, and were divided into in stent restenosis (ISR) group (n=67) and no instent restenosis (NISR) group (n=465). Five hundred and one healthy individuals have served as the control group. All cases were genotyped with DNA sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with healthy controls, the frequency of CX37 C allele was higher in CAD patients (57.05% vs. 41.32%, P< 0.01). The frequency of C carries (CC+TC) was 79.32% in CAD patients, against 65.47% in healthy controls (P<0.01). The risk for CAD was significantly increased in carriers of C allele (CC+TC) compared with TT homozygotes (OR=2.03, 95% CI: 1.53-2.80). Stratified analysis has indicated a significant difference in the frequency of C allele carriers between both male and female CAD patients and healthy controls (79.63% vs. 72.45%, P=0.02; 78.00% vs. 51.50%, P< 0.01). For both genders, carriers of C allele had a higher risk for CAD compared with TT homozygotes (males: OR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.06-2.09; females: OR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.90-5.86). Compared with NISR group, the frequency of CX37 C allele and C carries (CC+TC) were significantly higher in ISR group (72.39% vs. 54.84%, P< 0.01; 89.55% vs. 77.85%, P=0.027). Compared with TT homozygotes, the risk for restenosis has significantly increased in carriers of C allele (CC+TC) (OR=2.44, 95% CI: 1.08-5.50). Stratified analysis also suggested that the frequency of C carriers was significantly higher in male ISR group compared with male NISR group (92. 86% vs. 77.66%, P=0.008). The risk for restenosis has increased by nearly four fold in carriers of C allele (CC+TC) compared with TT homozygotes (95% CI: 1.32-10.64). However, for female patients, no significant difference was detected in the ISR risk between carriers of CC+TC type and TT homozygotes (P=0.655).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The C allele of 1019C/T polymorphism in the CX37 gene is associated with susceptibility to CAD as well as restenosis after coronary stenting in male patients from Wuxi.</p>

Value of detecting in-stent restenosis by dual source coronary computed tomography coronary angiography / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the value of dual source computed tomography coronary angiography (DSCT-CA) on detecting in-stent restenosis (> 50% luminal narrowing) in symptomatic patients referred for quantitative coronary angiography (QAC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty five patients (43 males) with chest pain after coronary stent implantation within 6 - 12 months were evaluated by DSCT-CA and QAC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of DSCT-CA were calculated using coronary angiography as gold standard.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighty nine stents were implanted. In-stent restenosis was evidenced in 28 stents (31.5%) by QAC. The sensitivity, specificity PPV and NPV of DSCT-CA for the diagnosis of in-stent restenosis was 89%, 87%, 76% and 95%, respectively. Diagnostic efficiency was not affected by heart rate and the sensitivity was 0.94 vs. 0.82, the specificity 0.88 vs. 0.90, the PPV 0.76 vs. 0.75 and the NPV 0.97 vs. 0.93 (all P > 0.05) between patients with heart rate < 70 beats/min and patients with heart rate ≥ 70 beats/min. The sensitivity (84% vs. 100%), specificity (81% vs. 96%), PPV (70% vs. 90%) and NPV (91% vs. 100%) were similar between overlapping or bifurcations stents and single stents. The specificity (100% vs. 80% vs. 66%) and PPV (100% vs. 95% vs. 53%) were significantly higher in the groups with stents ≥ 3.50 mm, stents 3.00 mm than in stents ≤ 2.75 mm (both P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Diagnostic efficiency of in-stent restenosis with DSCT-CA in the large diameter stent is better than in the small diameter stent and the diagnosis efficacy is not affected by heart rate and stent distribution.</p>

Time course of C4a and platelet aggregation rates in no-reflow patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe serum C4a and platelet aggregation rates changes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients before and after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and association with the development of no-reflow phenomenon.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2006 to August 2009, 119 AMI patients underwent PCI (28 cases of no-reflow group, 91 cases of reflow group) and 30 subjects with suspected coronary heart diseases and normal coronary angiography results (control group) were enrolled in this study. C4a and platelet aggregation rate were measured at 30 minutes before PCI, immediately after PCI, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hour, and 6 months post PCI in AMI patients and at before coronary angiography in control subjects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of serum C4a at 30 minutes prior to PCI in control, no-reflow, and reflow groups were similar (P > 0.05). Platelet aggregation rate at 30 minutes prior to PCI was significantly higher in no-reflow group and reflow group than in control group (all P < 0.05). Serum C4a and platelet aggregation rates were significantly higher in no-reflow group at immediate, 30 minutes and 1 hour after PCI than at 30 minutes prior to PCI, two hours and 6 months after PCI (all P < 0.05), and were significantly higher than in reflow group at immediate, 30 minutes and 1 hour after PCI (all P < 0.05). Serum C4a and platelet aggregation rates were similar at different time points in reflow group (all P > 0.05). The levels of C4a in no-reflow group at immediate, 30 minutes and 1 hour after PCI were positively correlated with platelet aggregation rates (r = 0.91, 0.79, 0.60, respectively, all P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The transient increase on levels of C4a and platelet aggregation rate early post PCI are verified in no-reflow patients with AMI undergoing PCI.</p>

Morphology of the soft palate in normal individuals when pronouncing: a digital cephalometric study / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the morphology of the soft palate in normal individuals with digital radiography, when they pronounced the high vowel of "i", and to provide the references for therapy of the cleft palate.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, the sample comprised 27 normal subjects. With the digital cephalometry, the morphology of the soft palate when pronouncing the high vowel of "i" was observed. And the dimensional difference of the soft palate when pronouncing between different gender was studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When pronouncing the high vowel of "i", the morphology of the soft palate was like the shape of the knee. And it could be divided into two parts: horizontal and vertical. The length of the vertical part in male group was (24.92 +/- 2.03) mm, the length of the vertical part in the female group was (20.66 +/- 2.77) mm. The length of the vertical part was different between male and female group (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The morphology of the palate when pronouncing the high vowel of "i" is similar. And the velar length of the vertical part of the male is longer than the female.</p>

Changes of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels on coronary smooth muscle cells from diabetic rats / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BK channel) on coronary smooth muscle cells from diabetic rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Streptozotocin-induced rat diabetic animal model was used. Coronary smooth muscle cells were isolated by enzyme digestion. BK currents in control and diabetic groups were recorded by patch clamp technique in whole cell configuration, and BK channel protein expression was detected by Western blot. Calcium concentration was measured by fluorescence assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with control group, BK current densities in diabetic group were significantly decreased when test potentials > 100 mV (P < 0.05). BK current densities were (275 ± 40) pA/pF in control group (n = 8) and (70 ± 10) pA/pF in diabetic group (n = 6) at 150 mV test potentials. α-subunit protein expression was similar between the groups (P > 0.05), however, β1-subunit protein expression was significantly reduced in diabetic group than in control group (P < 0.05). Calcium concentrations were significantly increased in diabetic group control group (151 ± 18) nmol/L (n = 6) than in control group (92 ± 7) nmol/L (n = 5, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Observed β1-subunit downregulation, BK current density decrease and cytosolic calcium concentration increase in smooth muscle cells of diabetic coronary arteries may be associated with coronary dysfunction in diabetic rats.</p>

Clinical characteristics of severe chronic heart failure patients with normal blood B-type natriuretic peptide / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical features of severe chronic heart failure patients with normal B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 57 patients with severe chronic heart failure (New York Heart Association class III and IV) were included in this prospective control study from Dec. 2002 to Oct. 2009. Group A included 13 patients with normal BNP (< 100 ng/L) and group B included 44 patients with increased BNP (> 100 ng/L). Group A patients were followup for (19.6 ± 14.7) months and group B patients for (72.5 ± 17.1) months.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The baseline clinical characteristics of two groups were comparable. Left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd) of group A was larger than group B [(70.56 ± 4.33) mm vs.(63.73 ± 3.75) mm, P < 0.05], the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of group A was lower than group B [(24.16 ± 2.50)% vs. (28.49 ± 2.63)%, P < 0.05]. The number of patents tolerating metoprolol in group A is lower than in group B (7/13 vs. 39/44, P < 0.05), and the tolerant dose of metoprolol in group A is lower than in group B [(12.5 ± 6.25) mg/d vs. (24.20 ± 11.22) mg/d, P < 0.05]. The level of BNP in group B were significantly higher at acute stages than at remission stages [(962.73 ± 165.00) ng/L vs. (876.24 ± 167.70) ng/L, P < 0.05], but remained unchanged in group A [(74.03 ± 11.18) ng/L vs. (71.38 ± 11.68) ng/L, P > 0.05]. The mortality of group A was higher than group B (11/12 vs. 6/44, P < 0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis (backward) showed that normal B-type natriuretic peptide was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients with severe chronic heart failure (OR = 45.488, 95%CI = 5.322 - 388.791).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Normal BNP in patients with severe chronic heart failure suggests the exhaustion of BNP secretion and associated poor prognosis.</p>

Construction of nano-granule titanium film and study of its surface topography / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct four different micro- and nano-phase titanium film models and investigate the characteristics of their surface micro-topography.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four different titanium films were prepared on commercial titanium discs, by direct current magnetron sputtering, at ambient, 100, 250, 380 degrees C substrate temperature, respectively. Their surface topography and crystal sizes were investigated using atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The size of granule and surface roughness in different group was calculated and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All samples were covered by a thin film consisting of dense round or ovaloid granules. The granules and crystals was growing as the substrate temperature increasing. The Ti substrate had greater effect on the surface topography of film compared with Si substrate. This kind of complex topography caused the surface roughness of Ti substrate group decreased as the granules growing.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In our study, four different micro- and nano-phase titanium film models were constructed for our coming investigation of their topographical influence on biological reaction of proteins and cells. Basic data on surface features was obtained for next in vitro and in vivo experiment.</p>

Effect of nano-granule titanium films on synthesis of osteoblasts / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the synthetic ability of osteoblasts on the surface of different nano-granule titanium films and investigate the correlation between nanophase titanium films and cellular biocompatibility.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four different nano-granule titanium films were produced by direct current magnetron sputtering, at ambient, 100 degrees C, 250 degrees C, 380 degrees C substrate temperature, respectively. Rat osteoblasts were seeded on the surface of four treated groups of titanium film samples and non-treated Ti sample(control group). The production of osteocalcin (OC) in all five groups were detected by using double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The production of OC increased gradually from day 7 to day 14 in all groups. In the control group, it showed significant differences with other five groups on day 7. On day 14, the production of OC in 100 degrees C group was the highest, and it showed significant differences with 380 degrees C, control group and blank group. In 250 degrees C group, the production of OC also showed significant differences with 380 degrees C, control group and blank group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Titanium with nano-modified surface had good biocompatibility and different nano-granule titanium films could affect the synthesis of osteoblasts.</p>

Effects of occupational noise exposure on norepinephrine in peripheral blood and cardiovascular system / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of noise on bioactivity of norepinephrine (NE) and cardiovascular system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 130 workers exposed to the occupational noise in one enterprise were selected as noise exposure group, and 134 workers not exposed to the occupational noise and other poisons served as control group. Fasting venous blood was drawn to determine the content of NE in peripheral blood with ELISA. According to Occupational Health Surveillance Manage regulations, the occupational noise exposures crowd was examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average of NE in exposure group was (0.1387 +/- 0.099) ng/ml, and (0.1019 +/- 0.080) ng/ml in control group. There was significant difference in NE between exposure and control group. There was significant difference in the detection rate of BP, HR and ECG between exposure and control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The occupation noise can increase the NE in peripheral blood, and maybe affects the cardiovascular system in this way.</p>