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Objective: To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on myocardial structure and function in exercise-induced fatigue rats. Methods: A 12-week treadmill running training was performed to create an exercise-induced fatigue rat model. Sixty eligible male specific-pathogen-free grade Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a control group, a model group, a non-meridian non-acupoint group, a Zusanli (ST 36) group and a Shenque (CV 8) group, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group did not receive treadmill running training or moxibustion. Rats in the control group did not receive treadmill running training but received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8). Rats in the model group received treadmill running training but no moxibustion. Rats in the non-meridian non-acupoint group, the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group received moxibustion at the non-meridian non-acupoint points, Zusanli (ST 36) or Shenque (CV 8) immediately after each treadmill running training, 15 min each time, once a day for 5 consecutive days a week at a 2-day interval, 60 times of moxibustion in total. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd), left ventricular diastolic volume (LVDv), left ventricular systolic volume (LVSv), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), early diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (E) and late diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (A) of each group before and after the last treadmill running training were measured. Blood was collected 6 h after the last treadmill running training, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), myoglobin (Mb), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels were detected. Finally, the heart was separated, the heart mass (HM) was measured, the cTnT level of the myocardial tissue was detected, the ultrastructural changes of the left ventricular myocardium were observed by transmission electron microscope, the left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), E/A and heart mass index (HMI) were calculated. Results: Compared with the same group before treatment, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, LVDv, LVSv, SV, E and A were significantly increased (all P<0.01), and the rat LVFS, E/A and EF were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) in the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group after treatment; the rat cardiac SV, LVDv, LVSv, E and A were all increased (all P<0.01), while E/A and EF were decreased (all P<0.01) in the Zusanli (ST 36) group after treatment; the rat cardiac LVDv, E and A were significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and E/A was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the Shenque (CV 8) group after treatment. After treatment, compared with the blank group, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, the serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and the myocardial cTnT were increased (all P<0.01), and the LVFS, E/A and EF were all reduced (all P<0.01) in the model group; compared with the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group, rats in the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group showed decreased LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and myocardial cTnT (P<0.01 or P<0.05), along with increased LVFS, E/A and EF (all P<0.01); compared with the Zusanli (ST 36) group, Mb and A of the Shenque (CV 8) group were decreased (both P<0.01), while both E/A and EF were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy examination showed that myofibrils in the blank group and the control group were neatly arranged with clear light and dark bands; the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group showed different degrees of myofibril disintegration and breakage, increased and aggregated mitochondria of different sizes, and increased electron density. The myofibrils in the Shenque (CV 8) group and Zusanli (ST 36) group were arranged neatly with clear light and dark bands, and compensatory hyperplasia of mitochondria. Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and Zusanli (ST 36) both can effectively improve the occurrence of myocardial remodeling in exercise-induced fatigue rats, and the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) is better in improving cardiac function.
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Objective: To observe the blood perfusion volume variation pattern in the body surface microcirculation at the Yuan-Primary and the Xi-Cleft points during the menstrual cycle in female college students with moderate constitution under normal physiological state of the uterus; to explore the specific laws of the body surface microcirculation at the Yuan-Primary and Xi-Cleft points in response to the uterine qi and blood changes under normal physiological conditions, and to provide the experimental basis for the specificity of acupoints reflecting the uterine function. Methods: Forty-three healthy and moderate constitution female college students with regular menstrual cycles, without dysmenorrhea and not yet giving birth were recruited. Bilateral Yuan-Primary points [Taichong (LR 3), Taibai (SP 3) and Taixi (KI 3)] and Xi-Cleft points [Zhongdu (LR 6), Diji (SP 8) and Shuiquan (KI 5)], belonging to the three yin meridians of foot and adjacent to the spinal cord segment of the uterus, were selected as the detection acupoints; the crossing point of the three yin meridians of foot [Sanyinjiao (SP 6)], the uterus-related meridian acupoint [Xuehai (SP 10)], the uterus-non-related meridian acupoint [Xuanzhong (GB 39)], and the non-meridian non-acupoint point were selected as the control points. The laser speckle blood flow imaging technique was used to monitor the blood perfusion volume in skin microcirculation at the above points at the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases of the subjects. Results: The blood perfusion volume in the body surface microcirculation at the right Zhongdu (LR 6) at the ovulatory phase was higher than that at the menstrual, follicular and luteal phases (all P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the microcirculation blood perfusion volume at the other points among different phases (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The blood perfusion volume in the body surface microcirculation at Zhongdu (LR 6), the Xi-Cleft point of the Liver Meridian, shows a specific response to qi and blood changes in the uterus of women with moderate constitution.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on the immune system in rats with different levels of exhaustive exercise.Methods:Fifty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (n=8),an exhaustive group (n=24),and a moxibustion group (n=24).The exhaustive group was randomly divided into a 1-time exhaustive group,a 4-time exhaustive group and a 7-time exhaustive group,with 8 rats in each group.According to the treatment time,the moxibustion group was randomly divided into a 1-time moxibustion group,a 4-time moxibustion group and a 7-time moxibustion group,with 8 rats in each group.Rats in the exhaustive groups and the moxibustion groups were subjected to replicating the exhaustive swimming models.Rats in each moxibustion group received mild moxibustion for 15 min immediately after the exhaustive modeling,once every other day.Twenty-four hours after the corresponding exhaustive exercise,the rats in each group were tested for the levels of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) G,IgA,IgM and acid phosphatase (ACP),and the morphological changes of spleen tissues were observed.The level of IgA was detected by immunoturbidimetric assay,and the levels of IgG,IgM and ACP were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:Compared with the 1-time exhaustive group,swimming time of rats in the 4-time exhaustive group was significantly prolonged (P＜0.01),and swimming time of rats in the 7-time exhaustive group was significantly shortened (P＜0.01).Compared with the 7-time exhaustive group,exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time moxibustion group was significantly prolonged (P＜0.01).Compared with the blank group,the IgG level in the 1-time exhaustive group was significantly decreased (P＜0.01),and the levels of IgG,IgA and IgM in the 4-time exhaustive group and the 7-time exhaustive group were all significantly decreased (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while the ACP level was increased significantly (both P＜0.01).Microscopically,the number of splenic corpuscles in the 1-time exhaustive group was reduced;the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 4-time exhaustive group was damaged;the number of splenic corpuscles in the 7-time exhaustive group was reduced,and there was no obvious germinal center.Compared with the 4-time exhaustive group,the IgA level in the 4-time moxibustion group was significantly increased (P＜0.01),and the ACP level was significantly decreased (P＜0.01).Compared with the 7-time exhaustive group,the levels of IgG,IgA and IgM in the 7-time moxibustion group were significantly increased (all P＜0.01),and the ACP level was significantly decreased (P＜0.01).Microscopically,the number of splenic corpuscles in the 1-time moxibustion group was reduced;the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 4-time moxibustion group was damaged together with hyperplasia of some splenic corpuscles;blast cells were proliferated in the center of some splenic corpuscles in the 7-time moxibustion group.Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) can improve the levels of igG,igA and igM,reduce the ACP level,repair damaged spleen tissues,and enhance the immunity of the body to some extent in the long-term fatigue rats.
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AIM:To describe the outcomes of corneal stromal lenticules in repairing of corneal ulcer and/or perforation.METHODS:This was a retrospective chart review of 6 eyes of 6 patients from January to June 2017,who underwent corneal ulcer repair with the corneal,stromal lenticules harvested from femtosecond laser refractive surgery and kept in pure glycerin for use.Three cases of infectious corneal ulcers were bacterial,fungal,and infection with foreign bodies in corneal deep layer,one each.The other 3 were corneal ulcer perforation.Making sure no air bubble between donor graft and Descemet membrane.The mean follow-up time was 3.71 ±1.56mo (range 1-6mo).RESULTS:All eyes were successfully treated under control of infection without intra-operative complications,and early postoperative evaluation showed a clear graft in all cases.The last follow-up visit showed the mean best corrected visual acuity (VA) significantly improved after surgery.There was significant difference from 0.48±0.12 to 1.50±0.08 (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:The preliminary results suggest that the use of corneal stromal lenticules may be a safe and effective surgical alternative for corneal ulcer,even though the long-term outcome of the graft needs to be further observed.
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Objective:To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on free radical metabolism in rat's hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise.Methods:A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=8),a model group (n=32) and a moxibustion group (n=32).According to the times of modeling or treatment,the model group was further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time model subgroup,a 4-time model subgroup,a 7-time model subgroup and a 10-time model subgroup (n=8);the moxibustion group was also further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time moxibustion subgroup,a 4-time moxibustion subgroup,a 7-time moxibustion subgroup and a 10-time moxibustion subgroup (n=8).Rats in both model and moxibustion subgroups were subjected to establishing the swimming exhaustive model.Rats in each moxibustion subgroup received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) for 15 min immediately after modeling,once every other day.The concentration of malic dialdehyde (MDA),as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD),glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in rat's hippocampus in each group were detected 24 h after the exhaustive exercise.Results:Compared with the 1-time model subgroup,the exhaustive swimming time of rats was significantly prolonged in the 4-time model subgroup (P＜0.01),while it was significantly shortened in the 7-time and 10-time model subgroups (both P＜0.01).Compared with the matched model subgroup,the exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups was significantly prolonged (both P＜0.01).Compared with the normal group,the MDA concentration was increased significantly (P＜0.01),and the activities stress response of SOD and T-AOC were increased in the 1-time model subgroup (both P＜0.05);the MDA concentration was increased (all P＜0.01),and the activities of SOD,GSH-Px and T-AOC were decreased differently (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01) in the 4-time,7-time and 10-time model subgroups.Compared with the matched model subgroup,the concentration of MDA was significantly reduced (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the activities of SOD,GSH-Px and T-AOC were significantly increased in the 4-time,7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups (all P＜0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) can improve the fatigue status of the body after long-term exhaustive exercise by regulating free radical metabolism in rat's hippocampus.To some extent,this provides an experimental basis for moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) against exercise-induced fatigue.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Zhizi Chuanxiong Capsule (ZCC, ) on abnormal DNA methylation in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis (AS).@*METHODS@#After 1 week of adaptive feeding, 48 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: a control group (n=12) fed with normal diet for 22 weeks; a model group (n=12) fed with high fat diet for 14 weeks followed by 8 weeks of normal diet feeding; a low-dose ZCC group (n=12) fed with high fat diet and low-dose ZCC for 14 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of normal diet and low-dose drug; a high-dose ZCC group (n=12) fed with high fat diet and high-dose drug for 14 weeks, followed by 8 weeks of normal diet and high-dose drug. After 22 weeks of feeding, blood samples were taken from the rabbit ear vein, and the genomic DNA was extracted for methylation immunoprecipitation sequencing (Medip-seq). The aorta tissues were collected for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining.@*RESULTS@#Eight rabbits died during the feeding process. HE staining showed that the size of the lipid deposition on vessel wall and atherosclerotic plaque formation were reduced in both low- and high-dose group. The Medip-seq results showed that there were 146 abnormally methylated genes (including both hypermethylated gene and hypomethylated genes) in the model group, compared with the control group. Gene Ontology (GO) and Pathway analysis showed that these abnormally methylated genes were found to be involved in multiple AS-related functions and pathways, such as protein kinase C activity, cholesterol transport, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, peroxisome proliferater-activated receptor signaling pathway, vascular smooth muscle contraction, inflammation and so on. The abnormal methylated genes in AS model group were altered in both low- and high-dose groups: low-dose ZCC could change 72 of the 146 abnormally methylated genes, high-dose ZCC could change 71. Through GO and Pathway analysis, these altered methylated genes were involved in protein kinase C activity, inflammatory pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway, etc. CONCLUSION: ZCC could treat AS through regulating the abnormal hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes in AS rabbit model.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rabbits , Atherosclerosis , Drug Therapy , Genetics , Capsules , DNA Methylation , Disease Models, Animal , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Pharmacology , Therapeutic Uses , MAP Kinase Signaling System , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A , PhysiologyABSTRACT
This paper described global output of scientific publications on Zika virus disease during 1990 to 2016.Based on its literature search and analysis tools integrated on the Web of Science,we analyzed the year-,country-,affiliation-and author-specific literature production,publication journals,and scopes and citation of publications.A total of 1 818 publications associated with Zika virus disease were retrieved in Web of Science,during the period from 1990 through 2016,92.68％ of the literatures were published in 2016.The 41.09 ％ of the literatures were published as "Original Article".The top 3 productive countries were USA,Brazil and France,and the top 3 productive affiliations were US CDC,Universidade de Sāo Paulo at Brazil and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in USA.The top 3 productive authors were Wiwanitkit Viroj,Musso Didier and Jamieson Denise J,and the most 3 cited authors were Musso Didier,Fischer Marc and Jamieson Denise J.A total of 111 publications by Chinese researchers were retrieved,ranking the fifth around the world,with the total citation of 727,with 6.5 citations per paper.From 1990 to 2016,American,Brazilian and French scientists contribute a lot to the research on Zika virus disease,which plays a very important role in promoting scientific development and academic communication.Chinese scientists also made contributions on Zika virus research in the science community during the past two years.
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This study aimed to explore the short-term efficacy and safety of primary percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] in female diabetic patients complicated with acute myocardial infarction [AMI]. A total of 169 diabetic patients with AMI who underwent primary PCI were selected and divided into group A [52 females] and group B [117 males]. The clinical data, characteristics of coronary artery lesions, lengths of hospital stay, and incidences of complications were then compared between two groups. The average age, history of hyperlipidemia, double branch lesions, triple branch lesions, and left main lesions were significantly higher in group A than in group B [P < 0.05]. Smoking history, PCI history, and pre-infarction angina were distinctly lower in group A than in group B [P < 0.05]. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 3 [TIMI3] flow and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade 3 [TMPG3] after PCI were markedly lower in group A than in group B [P < 0.001]. Group A had a higher incidence of complications, such as severe arrhythmia, cardiac function Killip III/IV, cardiogenic shock, major, moderate and mild bleed event, as well as a 30-day mortality rate, compared with group B [P < 0.05]. In summary, our study demonstrated that female diabetic patients with AMI had lower TIMI3 flow and TMPG3 following PCI than male patients, while there was higher incidence of complications and 30-day mortality rate. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the therapy of diabetic women with acute myocardial infarction as well as the control of risk factors
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Humans , Male , Female , Myocardial Infarction , Diabetes MellitusABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To confirm the efficacy and safety of Wufuxinnaoqing Soft Capsule (, WSC) in the treatment of chronic stable angina (blood stasis syndrome).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with superiority test was designed. A total of 240 patients with chronic stable angina (blood stasis syndrome) from multiple centers were randomly and equally assigned to the treatment group and the control group. Based on standard treatment of Western medicine, the treatment group was given WSC, while the control group was given WSC mimetic, both for 12 weeks. Observed indicators included the efficacy in angina, the efficacy in Chinese medicine syndrome, the withdrawal or reduce rate of nitroglycerin and routine safety indices.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 12-week treatment, the significant effective rate and total effective rate of the treatment group were significantly better than those of the control group (23.5% vs. 9.2%, 64.7% vs. 30.8%), respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.01). After 12-week treatment, the decreased points and the decreased rate of angina symptom score in the treatment group were better than in the control group (5.1±4.2 points vs. 2.8±3.5 points, 44.9%±37.2% vs. 25.4%±30.7%) respectively, with significant difference (P<0.01). After 12-week treatment, the significant effective rate and total effective rate of the treatment group were better than the control group (respectively, 30.3% vs. 15.0%, 67.2% vs. 45.0%,P<0.01). After 8- or 12-week treatment, the decreased points and the decreased rate of Chinese medicine syndrome score in the treatment group were better than the control group (P<0.05 orP<0.01). After 12-week treatment, nitroglycerin withdrawal rate and the withdrawal or reduce rate in treatment group were better than the control group (P<0.01). On safety evaluation, the incidence of adverse events (7.563% vs. 7.500%) and the incidence of cardiovascular events (0.840% vs. 0.000%) in the treatment group were similar with the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In treatment of chronic stable angina (blood stasis syndrome), WSC can reduce angina attacks and consumption of nitroglycerin, decrease angina severity degree, effectively relieve the blood stasis syndromes, such as chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, dark purple tongue and other symptoms. Besides, adverse events and cardiovascular adverse events in the treatment group and the control group showed no difference. All shows that the drug is safe and effective. [This study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), with registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-14005158.].</p>
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Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Angina, Stable , Therapeutics , Double-Blind Method , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Therapeutic Uses , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , PlacebosABSTRACT
Objective To explore the accuracy of heart function assessment of the left single ventricle problems in children by three-dimensionalechocardiography (3 DE),the doppler myocardial performance index (MPI) and tissue doppler imaging(TDI).Methods Twenty-nine healthy children (the healthy control group) and 29 children with problems in the single left ventricles (the case study group) were enrolled in this study.End-diastolic volume (EDV),end-systolic volume(ESV) and ejection fraction(EF) were acquired by using IE 33 system and Q-lab software between 2 groups.MPI was calculated from doppler tracings on the ventricular inflow and outflow,and the velocity profile of atrioventricular annular was obtained by TDI.Max(dp/dt) of the left single ventricle was estimated by atrioventricular regurgitation using simplified Bernoulli equation.Results EDV,ESV and MPI in the case study group were higher than those of the healthy control group(t =2.821,5.287,2.085,all P ＜0.05),and EF of the case study group was lower than that of the healthy control group(t =-13.840,P ＜ 0.05).Em,Am and Em/Am on the side of the left ventricular lateral wall of mitral annulus in the control group were higher than those of the case study group at the nonresidual cardiac cavity side(t =-3.059,2.219,-4.762,P ＜ 0.05) ;Sm and Em/Am in the healthy control group at mitral annular lateral ventricular septal side were higher than those in the case study group at the residual cardiac cavity side(t =-2.200,-2.962,P ＜0.05).Q-Sm interval in healthy control group was lower than that in the case study group(t =2.345,P ＜ 0.05).There was a negative correlation between Max (dp/dt) and MPI in the case study group (r =-0.57,P ＜0.05),there was a positive correlation between Max(dp/dt) and EF and Q-Sm interval in the case study group(r =-0.74,0.62,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Impaired ventricular functions can be found in patients with left single ventricle problems,which can be assessed accurately by 3DE.
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Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of prenatal echocardiography in fetus with tetralogy of Fallot(TOF),and to analyze the reason of misdiagnosed in order to improve the echocardiographic diagnosis.Methods A retrospective echocardiographic review of 36 fetuses with TOF confirmed by prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or postnatal echocardiography.Results Among 36 cases of TOF fetuses,31 cases (86.1 ％) were diagnosed correctly by echocardiography,and in the remaining 5 cases,4 cases(11.1％) were misdiagnosed [2 cases misdiagnosed as ventricular septal defects (VSD),2 cases misdiagnosed as double outlet of right ventricles],and 1 case (2.8％) was missed diagnoses at 20 weeks gestation and confirmed as TOF at 36 weeks gestation based on the echocardiographic findings of malalignment type VSD,overriding aorta,pulmonary stenosis,and right ventricular hypertrophy.Malalignment type VSD,overriding aorta,and pulmonary stenosis were observed in 31 cases with TOF diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography,right ventricular hypertrophy was observed only in 6 cases.The most common associated anomalies were tricuspid regurgitation in 13 cases(36.1％),aortic insufficient in 6 cases(16.7％),absent pulmonary valve in 4 cases(11.1％),right-side aortic arch in 4 cases(11.1％),persistent left superior vena cava in 3 cases(8.3％),and complete atrioventricular septal defect in 1 case (2.8％).Conclusions Combining visualization of TOF in four-chamber view,outflow tract view,and three vessels view,TOF can be accurately diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of combined therapy with Xuezhikang Capsule (XZK) and Valsartan on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) in hypertensive patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety primary hypertensive patients with LVH were randomly assigned to three groups. Basic treatment, including aspirin, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, etc. were administered to all patients. Additionally, Valsartan (VS, 80 mg once a day) was given to the 30 patients in the VS group. Valsartan (in the same dosage) and XZK (600 mg, twice a day) were given to the 32 patients in the Chinese medicine (CM) group, while none was given to the 28 patients in the control group. The therapeutic course lasted for 24 months. Changes in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) measured by cardiac ultrasonic indices, HRT parameters, including the original heart rate (TO) and slope coeffificient (TS), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP), as well as blood cholesterol level (TC) were measured before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, TO and LVMI were lowered, while TS increased in both the VS group and the CM group (P<0.01), but changed insignificantly in the control group. Significant differences between the CM group and the control group were shown in terms of TO, LVMI, SBP, DBP and TS (P<0.01); and between the CM group and the VS group in terms of TO, LVMI and TS (P<0.01). Moreover, HRT parameters showed an evident correlation with LVMI (r=0.519-0.635, P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined therapy with XZK and Valsartan can improve hypertensive LVH and HRT parameters, and lessen the damage on the autonomous nervous system.</p>
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Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Administration, Oral , Antihypertensive Agents , Arrhythmias, Cardiac , Drug Therapy , Capsules , Combined Modality Therapy , Drug Combinations , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Heart Rate , Hypertension , Drug Therapy , Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular , Drug Therapy , Hypolipidemic Agents , Integrative Medicine , Methods , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Methods , Tetrazoles , Treatment Outcome , Valine , ValsartanABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify novel genetic mutations in Chinese patients with congenital patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Clinical data and peripheral blood specimens from a kindred spanning 3 generations in which 5 of 16 individuals had PDA and a cohort of 95 unrelated subjects with PDA were collected, and 100 unrelated healthy individuals were included as controls. The coding exons and flanking introns of TFAP-2B gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers. We aligned the acquired sequences with which publicized in GenBank by the aid of program BLAST. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to amplify the parts of TFAP-2B and sequencing was performed on PCR products forward and reversely directly.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Sequencing of TFAP-2B identified that there was a splice-junction in intron 3 [intron 3(+5)G > A] and a 60 bp deletion was found in exon 3 by nested PCR. Additionally, a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) where a transition of guanine (G) to adenine (A) was identified at 34 bp front of transcription initiation site in TFAP-2B gene. There were significant differences in the prevalence of alleles G and A between controls and PDA patients (Z = -2.513, P = 0.012).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We identified a novel splice-junction in TFAP-2B gene which might lead to hereditary PDA in a Chinese family. However, the mechanism by which this mutation results in PDA is still to be ascertained.</p>
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Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Case-Control Studies , Ductus Arteriosus, Patent , Genetics , Exons , Mutation , Transcription Factor AP-2 , GeneticsABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the operative efficacy of patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From January 2003 to June 2006, CAVSD patients underwent operative closure were included in this study. Color Doppler with apical four-chamber view was used to evaluate the degree of valve insufficiency before surgery and 2 days, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after the surgery. Cardiac catheterization was performed to evaluate pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary arteriolar resistance (PAR) before surgery in patients whose age were over 6 months. The time of staying at ICU, ventilation time after surgery and the occurrence of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>105 CAVSD patients underwent operative closure were enrolled in this study. The mean staying time at ICU was (4.7 +/- 2.4) days, and the mean ventilation time was (1.7 +/- 1.0)days, 9 patients (8.5%) developed pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery. Patients with PAR > 8 Wood unit were older, staying time at ICU and ventilation time were longer compared patients with PAR < 8 Wood unit (all P < 0.05). The incidence of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery was also significantly higher in patients with PAR > 8 Wood unit compared patients with PAR < 8 Wood unit (P < 0.05). Hospital mortality was 3.8% (4/105). Three out of 4 hospital-dead patients had severe hypoplasia of the atrioventricular valve. Compared with preoperative, degree of valve insufficiency in both sides were relieved after surgery (P < 0.05). The valve insufficiency remained unchanged in 81 patients (77.1%), worsened in 14 patients (13.3%) and improved in 10 patients (9.6%) after surgery.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our results suggested that early surgical repair for CAVSD was safe and beneficial. Preoperative PAR > 8 Wood unit was associated with increased risk of pulmonary artery hypertension crisis after surgery in patients with CAVSD.</p>
Subject(s)
Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Follow-Up Studies , Heart Septal Defects , General Surgery , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (FPAH) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by plexiform lesions of endothelial cells in pulmonary arterioles which leads to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, right-sided heart failure and death. Heterozygous mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor gene (BMPR2) have been found to underlie a majority of FPAH cases. More than 140 distinct mutations have been identified in FPAH cases and in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) cases, but only one mutation has been reported in Chinese patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A three-generation pedigree of FPAH and another 10 patients with IPAH were collected. In the family, two of the 9 surviving and one deceased family member were diagnosed as FPAH. The entire protein-coding region and intron/exon boundaries of the BMPR2 gene were amplified by PCR using DNA samples from affected individuals. Direct sequencing of PCR products was performed on both the sense and antisense strands. To confirm the segregation of the mutation within the family and exclude the presence of the mutation in normal subjects, the relevant exon was amplified by PCR, followed by mutation-specific RPLP analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the Chinese pedigree with FPAH an A-to-T transition at position 1157 in exon 9 of the BMPR2 gene was identified which resulted in a Glu386Val mutation. We confirmed the segregation of the mutation within the family and excluded the presence of the mutation in a panel of 200 chromosomes from normal subjects. No mutation was detected in BMPR2 in the other 10 patients with IPAH.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This amino acid substitution occurs at a glutamic acid that is highly conserved in all type II TGF-beta receptors. The nearly invariant Glu forms an ion pair with an invariant Arg at position 491 thereby helping to stabilize the large lobe. Substitution of Arg at position 491 is the most frequently observed missense mutation in FPAH, but until now no mutations at position 386 have been found in FPAH. The predicted functional impact of the Glu386Val mutation and its absence in healthy controls support the mutation as the cause of FPAH.</p>
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Amino Acid Sequence , Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors, Type II , Genetics , Hypertension, Pulmonary , Genetics , Molecular Sequence Data , Mutation , PedigreeABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Severe asphyxia during peripartum may lead to some sequela of the nervous system. Currently the neurologic outcome of asphyxiated neonates is assessed by using imaging techniques such as cranial ultrasound, CT and MRI except for evaluating perinatal abnormal factors and routine physical examinations of nervous system. These assessment approaches are based on the changes of anatomic structures of neonates. Electroencephalography (EEG) can show early abnormal cerebral functions. This study examined the EEG background activity and investigated the parameters associated with the prognostic assessment in full-term neonates with asphyxia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A standard EEG was recorded in 49 asphyxiated full-term neonates aged from 24 hrs to 8 days. Of the 49 neonates, 14 had concurrent mild, 5 had moderate and 9 had severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Thirty-one aged-matched full-term neonates without asphyxia severed as the control group. Forty-three of 49 asphyxiated neonates were followed-up for neurological development for 6-12 months. Important parameters associated with neurological prognosis were evaluated by the principle of data statistics.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean interburst intervals was prolonged, the amplitude of brain electrical activity during all the states were lower, and the incidence of brief burst and sleep-wake cycle disturbance was higher in the asphyxiated group when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the follow-up, 4 infants had poor fine motor function and 7 showed retarded psychomotor development in the asphyxiated group. Gestational age, birth weightamplitude of brain electrical activity, severity of HIE, occurrence of sleep-wake cycle disturbance and imaging abnormality were shown as important parameters for predicting neurological outcomes in asphyxiated neonates. The infants who EEG showed isoelectric tracings or isoelectric tracings accompanied with much abnormal discharge had very poor prognosis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EEG background pattern is valuable in predicting neurological outcomes for term neonates with asphyxia. EEG in combination with clinic data such as gestational age, birth weight, imaging examination, and severity of HIE may provide an accurate evaluation of neurological outcome.</p>
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant, Newborn , Asphyxia Neonatorum , Mortality , Electroencephalography , Methods , PrognosisABSTRACT
Thermostable alpha-amylase from Pyrococcus furious is an important industrial enzyme in brewing and alcohol production. Eexpression of the thermostable a-amylase in plants can reduce greatly costs in the production of alcohol using crop plants. A chloroplast expression vector, p64A, containing the thermostable alpha-amylase gene from Pyrococcus furious, was constructed with clpP-trnL-petB-chlL-rp123-rpl2 as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii plastid homologous recombinant fragments and spetinomycin-resistant aadA gene as select marker. The plasmid p64A was transferred into the chloroplast genome of C. reinhardtii by the biolistic method. Nine independently transformed lines were obtained by 100 mg/L spectinomycin selection. PCR amplification, Southern blot analysis of the transgene and cultivation in the dark all showed that the a-amylase gene had been integrated into chloroplast genome of C. reinhardtii. The activity of amylase expressed in the chloroplast of C. reinhardtii was detected by amylase activity assay and found to be as high as 77.5 u/g fresh weight of cells. These experimental results demonstrated the possibility of using transgenic chloroplasts of plant as bioreactors for production of industrial enzymes.
Subject(s)
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , Genetics , Chloroplasts , Genetics , Enzyme Stability , Plasmids , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Pyrococcus furiosus , alpha-Amylases , Chemistry , Genetics , MetabolismABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the correlation between the plasma unconjugated bilirubin(UCB)and electrical activity of brain in term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia,and explore the parameters that possess the prognostic value and deduce a series of discriminant for prognostic judgment.Methods Thirty-two neonates with hyperbilirubinemia and 31 neonates without hyperbilirubinema(control group)were studied with standard EEG,and they were assessed for their neurological development in 3 and 6 months.A statistical method of Bayes Discriminant analysis was adopted to set up an equation with values of parameters of EEG,clinic datum and consequence.Stepdic and Dis-grim processes were used to pick out the parameters which had great significance for predicting the outcome of nervous system development.A series of discriminant was deduced for prognostic judgment and then cross validation was performed to assess the accuracy of the discriminant.Results 1.The standard EEG and brain electrical activity map records indicated that the hyperbilirubinemia group had longer maximum duration of interburst interval(IBI),longer mean duration of IBI,lower amplitude under all conditions,more anterior dysrhythmia(AD)in wake,and higher incidence of sleep-wake cycle disturbance.2.The plasma concentration of UCB was linear correlated with AD in wake.3.Gestational age,birth weight,plasma concentration of UCB,burst duration of IBI in trace alternate,amplitude in all sleep state,AD in wake,brief burst not in quiet sleep and sleep-wake cycle disturbance might play important roles in predicting the outcome of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.Conclusions Cerebral electrical activity is an effective tool for predicting neurologic outcome of neonates with hyperbi-lirubinemia.Cerebral electrical activity and clinic data will provide a new method for accurately predicting neurological development and prognosis.
ABSTRACT
A strain Escherichia coli with high production of phytase was screened from pig excreta. Phytase gene appA, with 1,299 bp coding region in full length, was cloned from its genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . The gene appA was then cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a ( + ) . In the host BL21, the phytase appA was overexpressed by shaker-cultivation (up to 692 U/mL) . The enzymatic analysis of the prokaryotic derived appA phytase revealed that its optimal pH and temperature was 4.5 and 60℃, respectively.