Neuro-immune interactions in respiratory diseases / 生理学报

The nervous system and the immune system are relatively independent but interactional, and neuro-immune regulation is very important for the respiratory system to resist external harmful stimuli and to maintain homeostasis. Neuro-immune interaction is involved in the occurrence and development of respiratory diseases, and is essential for monitoring and modulating inflammation and tissue repair. This article summaries the neuro-immune regulation of respiratory system and discusses its role in respiratory diseases, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the crosstalk between the nervous and immune systems, to explore the underlying mechanism in respiratory diseases, and to provide new thoughts for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.

Metabolomics analysis reveals the renal protective effect of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey in type 1 diabetic rats / 中国天然药物

The dry root and rhizome of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey has garnered much interest owing to its medicinal properties against diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS)-based metabolomics approach was used to illustrate the therapeutic mechanisms of ginseng extract on the serum and urinary metabolic profiles in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) rats. Pharmacological and renal parameters in response to the administration of ginseng were also evaluated. In total, 16 serum endogenous metabolites and 14 urine endogenous metabolites, including pyruvic acid, indoleacetic acid, and phenylacetylglycine, were identified as potential biomarkers for diabetes. Pathway enrichment and network analysis revealed that the biomarkers modulated by ginseng were primarily involved in phenylalanine and pyruvate metabolism, as well as in arginine biosynthesis. Moreover, the levels of several renal injury-related biomarkers in T1DM rats were significantly restored following treatment with ginseng. The administration of the extract helped maintain tissue structure integrity and ameliorated renal injury. The findings suggest that the regulatory effect of ginseng extract on T1DM involves metabolic management of diabetic rats, which subsequently attenuates T1DM-induced early renal dysfunction.

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment of / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

We aimed to assess the risks of

Anti-placental growth factor antibody ameliorates hyperoxia-mediated impairment of lung development in neonatal rats

This study investigates the effect of the overexpression of the placental growth factor (PGF) and hyperoxia on lung development and determines whether anti-PGF antibody ameliorates hyperoxia-mediated impairment of lung development in newborn rats. After exposure to normoxic conditions for seven days, newborn rats subjected to normoxia were intraperitoneally or intratracheally injected with physiological saline, adenovirus-negative control (Ad-NC), or adenovirus-PGF (Ad-PGF) to create the Normoxia, Normoxia+Ad-NC, and Normoxia+Ad-PGF groups, respectively. Newborn rats subjected to hyperoxia were intraperitoneally injected with physiological saline or anti-PGF antibodies to create the Hyperoxia and Hyperoxia+anti-PGF groups, respectively. Our results revealed significant augmentation in the levels of PGF and its receptor Flt-1 in the lung tissues of newborn rats belonging to the Normoxia+Ad-PGF or Hyperoxia groups. PGF overexpression in these groups caused lung injury in newborn rats, while anti-PGF antibody treatment significantly cured the hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Moreover, PGF overexpression significantly increased TNF-α and Il-6 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of the Normoxia+Ad-PGF and Hyperoxia groups. However, their levels were significantly reduced in the BAL fluid of the Hyperoxia+anti-PGF group. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PGF overexpression and hyperoxia treatment significantly increased the expression of the angiogenesis marker, CD34. However, its expression was significantly decreased upon administration of anti-PGF antibodies (compared to the control group under hyperoxia). In conclusion, PGF overexpression impairs lung development in newborn rats while its inhibition using an anti-PGF antibody ameliorates the same. These results provided new insights for the clinical management of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants.

Research progress on cell signal transduction pathway mediating age-related cataract / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Age-related cataract is a blinding eye disease that affects vision due to opacity of intraocular lens, ranking first in the world. Under oxidative stress, the activation of apoptosis related signal transduction pathways in lens epithelial cells is the main mechanism mediating age-related cataract. There are many related signaling pathways for apoptosis, and it is a complex network system. The purpose of this literature review is to summarize different apoptotic cell signal transduction pathways that mediate age-related cataract, laying the foundation for further researching.

The action and mechanism of ethanol extract of Cichorium glandulosum on type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on systems pharmacology / 药学学报

italic>Cichorium glandulosum has been used to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Uyghur folk medicine. The mechanism of Cichorium glandulosum (CG)on type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (T2DM-NAFLD) remains unclear. The effect of CGextraction on T2DM-NAFLD was determined in animal experiments here (all the experiments here were approved by the Animal Care Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College, Shihezi University). The mechanism of CG for treatment of T2DM-NAFLD was predicted and verified based on systems pharmacology. Based on the active compounds of CGon T2DM-NAFLD, T2DM and NAFLD-related targets, pathways and diseases were screened and predicted. Active compounds-targets, compounds-targets-pathways and compounds-targets-diseases were constructed and analyzed. The results of animal experiments showed that CGextractioncan reduce the levels of blood glucose and blood lipid in T2DM-NAFLD rats. In addition, it can improve the glucose tolerance and relieve liver injury. Total 29 active compounds and 198 targets were screened by systems pharmacology, of which 106 targets were involved in T2DM, 88 were involved in NAFLD, and 56 targets were common between T2DM and NAFLD, mainly related to insulin resistance and inflammation. These 198 targets include those in metabolic pathways, calcium pathway, PI3K/Akt pathway, cAMP pathway, and MAPK pathway. Our study confirmed that CG can be potential phytomedicine for treatment of T2DM-NAFLD. This work provides a reference for studying the treatment of multiple diseases using multiple-targets phytomedicine in systems pharmacology.

Lanqin oral liquid for the treatment of chronic pharyngitis：systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials / 中国中药杂志

To systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of lanqin oral liquid for the treatment of chronic pharyngitis. Databases including PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data were electronically searched in March 2017 for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on Lanqin oral liquid for the treatment of chronic pharyngitis. Two authors independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software. Thirteen RCTs were included with a total of 1 642 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that the efficiency of lanqin oral liquid were significantly higher than those of conventional therapy or other treatments; Besides, lanqin oral liquid could significantly increase the amount of IL-2 further more, lanqin oral liquid could significantly reduce the amount of TNF-α. Safety of lanqin oral liquid was not concerned by any RCT. Current evidence indicates that the efficiency of lanqin oral liquid was better than conventional therapy or other treatments. Due to the poor quality of the included studies, the above conclusion should be verified by more RCTs of high quality.

Relationship of Serum D-dimer, Fibrinogen, C Reactive Protein and Interleukin 6 with Thrombus Dissolution Volume in Acute Iliac Femoral Vein Thrombosis Model Rats / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship among the serum D- two polymer, fibrinogen, C reactive protein and interleukin 6 and thrombus dissolution volume in acute iliac femoral venous thrombosis model rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: deep venous thrombosis group (DVT group), sham operation group and normal control group. In DVT group the single side of the iliofemoral vein incomplete with micro vessel was cliped under chloral hydrate anesthesia; in sham operation group the single side of the iliofemoral vein should be explored without using micro vessel clip under chloral hydrate anesthesia; the and normal control group only experienced chloral hydrate anesthesia. A positive correlation was showed between the 2 time points of D-dimer and the corresponding thrombolytic volume, and the Pearson coefficient was 0.307, and Rwas 0.412 (P<0.05).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The D-dimer, fibrinogen, C reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels before and after treatment of 60 rats were shown to be significantly different (P<0.05) between DVT group, sham operation group and normal control group. The D-dimer and fibrinogen level was first rised and then decreased in DVT group, sham operation group. There was a positive correlation between C reactive protein/interleukin-6 and the level of D-dimer /fibrinogen from T1 to T3 time point (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between C reactive protein/interleukin-6 and the level of D-dimer /fibrinogen from T4 to T6 time point (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The changes of serum D-dimer, fibrinogen, C reactive protein and interleukin 6 in the acute iliac femoral vein thrombosis model firstly increase and then decrease. These changes can reflect the process of blood coagulation and fibrin dissolution in the course of venous thrombosis of iliac vein.</p>

Efficacy Observation of Yiguanjian Decoction Combined Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablet in Treating HBeAg Negative Chronic Viral Hepatitis B Active Compensated Liver Cirrhosis Patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore clinical efficacy of Yiguanjian Decoction (YD) combined Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablet (ADT) in treating HBeAg negative chronic viral hepatitis B (CVHB) active compensated liver cirrhosis (LC) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 68 HBeAg negative CVHB active compensated LC patients initially treated were assigned to the treatment group and the control group using random digit table, 34 in each group. Patients in the control group took ADT alone, 10 mg each time, once per day. Those in the treatment group additionally took YD, one dose per day. The therapeutic course for all was 48 weeks. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil) were detected once in every two weeks. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA and four items of serum liver fibrosis [procollagen type I (PCN), hyaluronidase (HA), procollagen III peptide (PCIII), laminin (LN)] were detected once per every 4 weeks. Abdominal ultrasound B was performed before and after treatment. The inner diameter of the portal vein and the size of spleen were recorded. The fibrosis degree of liver was evaluated using Fibroscan. Efficacy of Chinese medicine (CM) was evaluated between the two groups before and after treatment using CM syndrome integrals. Efficacy of Western medicine (WM) was also evaluated between the two groups using Child-Pugh grading. Results Compared with before treatment in the same group, ALT and AST levels restored to normal levels, HBV-DNA turned negative (HBV-DNA < or = 1 x 10(2)) in the two groups after 48-week treatment. Besides, levels of TBil, ALB, PCIV, HA, PCIII, and LN obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Results of ultrasound B showed the inner diameter of the portal vein and the size of spleen decreased. Fibroscan results showed that the elasticity value of the liver obviously decreased (P < 0.05). Besides, post-treatment levels of PCIV, HA, PCEJ, and LN, and the elasticity value of the liver decreased more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in post-treatment levels of ALT, AST, TBil, ALB, inner diameter of the portal vein, or the size of spleen between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, scores of Chinese medical syndrome and Child-Pugh scores decreased in the two groups after treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Besides, scores of Chinese medical syndrome decreased more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The effective rate was 8824% (30/34) in the treatment group, higher than that of the control group [67.65% (23/34)] with statistical difference (P <0.05). Conclusion Combined treatment of YD and ADT could significantly improve symptoms of CM and fibrosis degree of liver of HBeAg negative CVHB active compensated LC patients.</p>

Endoscopic realignment with drainage via a peel-away sheath for the treatment of urethral rupture: A report of 21 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To study the clinical effect endoscopic realignment with drainage via a peel-away sheath in the treatment of urethral rupture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We treated 21 urethral rupture patients by endoscopic realignment with drainage via a peel-away sheath using normal saline for irrigation under the normal nephroscope or Li Xun nephroscope, followed by analysis of the clinical results.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The operation was successfully accomplished in 20 cases but failed in 1 and none experienced urinary extravasation. In the 14 cases of bulbar urethral rupture, the mean operation time was (5.1±1.6) min and the mean Foley catheter indwelling time was (26.0±5.1) d. Urethral stricture developed in 57.1% (8/14) of the cases after catheter removal, of which 1 was cured by internal urethrotomy and the other 7 by urethral sound dilation, with an average maximum urinary flow rate of (18.8±1.8) ml/s at 12 months after operation. In the 6 cases of posterior urethral rupture, the mean operation time was (15.8±7.5) min and the mean Foley catheter indwelling time was 8 weeks. Urethral stricture developed in all the 6 cases after catheter removal, of which 3 cases were cured by urethral dilation, 1 by internal urethrotomy, and 2 by open urethroplasty. The average maxium urinary flow rate of the 4 cases exempt from open surgery was (17.9±1.9) ml/s at 12 months after operation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Endoscopic realignment with drainage via a peel-away sheath can keep the operative field clear, avoid intraoperative rinse extravasation, shorten the operation time, improve the operation success rate, and achieve satisfactory early clinical outcomes in the treatment of either bulbar or posterior urethral rupture.</p>

Protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on septic rats and its mechanism / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

This study aims to observe the protective effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on liver and lung in rats with septic shock and reveal its mechanism. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and CLP with ginsenoside Rb1. Then, the survival rate, arterial blood pressure, TLR4 mRNA, and TNF-α levels were determined. The liver and lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The overall survival rate of the Rb1 group was significantly higher than that of the CLP group. Mean arterial blood pressure went down in both the CLP and Rb1 groups after CLP, and there was a significant difference both in the sham and Rb1 groups when compared with the CLP group. The Rb1 treatment group had markedly lower TLR4 mRNA expression and TNF-α levels than the CLP group. In the CLP group, pathology showed swelling, degeneration, necrosis, and neutrophil infiltration in the liver and alveolar epithelial cells. However, in the Rb1 group, there was mild degeneration and slight neutrophil infiltration, but no obvious necrosis. Rb1 may improve the survival rate, ameliorate arterial blood pressure, and protect the liver and lung in septic shock rats by downregulating the expression of TLR4 mRNA and inhibiting the production of TNF-α.

Determination of five components in rongxin pills by HPLC / 中国中药杂志

To establish a method for determination contents of schizandrin, tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone II (A) and schizandrin B in rongxin pills. The HPLC method was performed on an Agilent C18. The mobile phase was composed of methnol and water wish gradient elution. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1). The column temperature was 30 degrees C and the detection wavelength wash 240 nm. The linear of schizandrin, tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, Tanshinone II (A) and schizandrin B were 3.000-48.00 (r = 1.000), 3.985-63.76 (r = 0.999 9), 6.370-101.9 (r = 1.000), 8.690-139.0 (r = 0.999 9), 1.700-27.20 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 9), respectively. The average recoveries were 98.44%, 100.3%, 99.29%, 99.07%, 98.42%, and RSDs were 0.61%, 1.1%, 0.52%, 0.72%, 0.97%. The method is convenient, accurate and has good precision. It can be used for determination of the preparation.

Age-related infection with Cryptosporidium species and genotype in pigs in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Pigs, as hosts of zoonotic Cryptosporidium species/genotypes, are domestic animals with public health significance. The present study was to characterize the infection rate and species/genotype of Cryptosporidium in pre-weaned and post-weaned pigs from Shanghai and Shaoxing, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 208 fecal samples (42 from pre-weaned piglets, and 166 from post-weaned pigs) were examined by nested PCR of the 18S rRNA gene and analyzed by phylogenetic DNA fragment sequencing of secondary PCR products.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Infection was detected in 79 samples (19/42 pre-weaned piglets, and 60/166 post-weaned pigs). C. suis (14/79) and Cryptosporidium pig genotype II (65/79) were identified; piglets were more susceptible to the former (13/14) and post-weaned pigs to the latter (59/65).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Infection of Cryptosporidium spp. in pigs was age-specific; piglets were more susceptible to C. suis while pigs were more susceptible to Cryptosporidium pig genotype II. These findings combined with the isolation of the two Cryptosporidium from water suggest that pigs may be a source of zoonotic Cryptosporidium water pollution. Improvements in pig feeding practices, sewage discharge, feces disposal and field worker protection are therefore important to prevent potential public health problems.</p>

The role of Src kinase inhibitor ZD6474 on multi-drug resistant K562/A02 cells / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the role of Src kinase inhibitor ZD6474 on the growth of multidrug-resistant K562/A02 cells and its regulatory mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The possible mechanisms of drug-resistance were tested by Western blot. Proliferation assays and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by WST metric analysis. Western blot were used to investigate the mechanisms of antiproliferative activity induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitor ZD6474. The in vivo anti-tumor activity was evaluated in K562, K562/A02 xenografted nude mice by administration of ZD6474 (25 - 100 mg×kg(-1)×d(-1), PO).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with parental K562 cells, marked high levels of p-Src and Src expression were detected in K562/A02 cells. WST results showed that the IC(50) values of ZD6474 on K562 and K562/A02 after 48 hours incubation were (1.61 ± 0.07) µmol/L and (3.22 ± 0.21)µmol/L, respectively. ZD6474 caused an accumulation of cells in the G(0)/G(1) fraction and apoptosis by inhibiting the expressions of p-Src and Src kinase. Administration of ZD6474 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth. 50 mg/kg ZD6474 produced the growth inhibition rates of 43.7% and 56.3%, respectively in K562 and K562/A02.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our results indicated that inhibiting Src kinase could induce K562/A02 cells apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.</p>

Invasive ductal carcinomas of breast showing partial reversed cell polarity are associated with lymphatic tumor spread / 中华病理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between partial reversed cell polarity (PRCP) and lymphatic tumor spread in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), not othervise specified (NOS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Immunohistochemistry (EnVision method) was used to examine the expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and the reversed cell polarity in 199 cases of IDC.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 199 cases, including five cases with micropapillary differentiation,30 cases with PRCP and 164 cases of IDC-NOS (without micropapillary differentiation and/or PRCP), lymphovascular invasion was seen in four (4/5), 13(43.3%) and 30 cases (18.3%) respectively; nodal metastasis was seen in four (4/5), 19 (63.3%) and 56 cases (34.1%) respectively. The rates of lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis were significantly higher in IDC with PRCP or IMPC than IDC-NOS (P = 0.00); there was however no significant difference between IDC with PRCP and IMPC for lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis (P = 0.18, P = 0.64).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IDC with PRCP, similar to IMPC, is more likely to show lymphovascular invasion and nodal metastasis. Complete or partial reversal of cell polarity may play a significant role in lymphatic tumor spread.</p>

Effect of sphingosine 1-phosphate/sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor signal pathway on function of neutrophils / 中国实验血液学杂志

The aim of this study was to examine the priming effect of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) on fMLP-activated neutrophils, mainly to detect the neutrophil respiratory burst products, and to investigate the signaling pathway involved in S1P activity. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the new isolated neutrophil; the superoxide anion output was detected indirectly by cytochrome C reduction in respiratory burst; the dihydro-rhodamine 123 was used to detect the intensity of respiratory burst; the signal transduction pathways of neutrophil respiratory burst were explored by Western blot. The results showed that after pretreated with S1P, the level of superoxide anion released by fMLP-activated neutrophils significantly increased; the Rhodamine 123 mean fluorescence intensity in S1P primed fMLP-activated neutrophils group was significantly higher than that in fMLP treatment group; PI3K and Akt proteins involved in the signal pathway of neutrophil respiratory burst. It is concluded that S1P is a new priming reagent, which primes respiratory burst of fMLP-activated neutrophils; this signal pathway may be that S1P interacts with its receptor, activates PI3K, then activates Akt-transmitting signals through NADPH oxidase, finally results in the respiratory burst.

Use of covered Cheatham-Platinum stent as the primary modality in the treatment for native coarctation of the aorta / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Bare stent implantation in the treatment for native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta (CoA) has become established as an alternative to surgery and balloon angioplasty. However, this modality still encounters significant complications during the procedure and/or follow-up. The covered Cheatham-Platinum (CP) stent commonly used to be chosen as a rescue treatment in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of covered CP stent as the primary modality in the treatment for native CoA.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-five covered CP stents and 2 bare CP stents were implanted in 25 patients with native CoA. All patients after the intervention were invited for follow-up examinations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The peak systolic gradient across the lesion decreased significantly from a median value of 67.5 mmHg (quartile range, 19.3 mmHg) to 2 mmHg (quartile range, 4.0 mmHg) (P < 0.0001). Stenotic segment diameter increased from a median value of 5.0 mm (quartile range, 1.5 mm) to 17.9 mm (quartile range, 2.5 mm) (P < 0.0001). The median ratio of diameter of the coarctation postprocedure to preprocedure was 4.2 (quartile range, 1.6). All of the CP stents were placed in the suitable position without any acute complications. During a follow-up period of up to 72 months, no complications were encountered. Most of the patients (21/25) were normotensive, apart from four patients requiring antihypertensive medication during the follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The implantation of covered CP stent as the primary modality is safe and effective in the treatment for native CoA in adolescents and adults.</p>

Nasal airway changes after maxillary advancement following Le Fort I osteotomy / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the nasal airway changes after maxillary advancement following Le Fort I osteotomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>13 cases with class III malocclusion, aged 18-35 years old, were studied prospectively. All the patients underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and maxillary advancement. Rhinological inspectrum, acoustic rhinometry (AR) were performed before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale was also completed by 13 patients before and after operation. SPSS was used for statistical assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AR assessment showed that NAR was (1.189 +/- 0.38) cm H2O/L/mi, (1.081 +/- 0.43) cm H2O/L/mi and (1.111 +/- 0.40) cm H2O/L/mi before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation; NV was (14.920 +/- 1.95) ml, (16.380 +/- 4.32) ml and (15.660 +/- 4.25) ml; and MCA was (0.500 +/- 0.09) cm2, (0.570 +/- 0.15) cm2 and (0.560 +/- 0.14) cm2, respectively. However, no significant improvement was showed. For the whole cohort, significant improvement in nasal breathing was documented (by NOSE scores) at 6 months after surgery.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Le Fort I osteotomy with maxillary advancement doesn't cause bad effect on nasal airways in patients with maxillary dysplasia. And the combination of objective (AR) and subjective (NOSE scale) assessment can better evaluate of the structure and function of the nose.</p>

Regional disparity on life expectancy, active life expectancy in the elderly from Beijing / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To explore the regional disparity in life expectancy (LE), active life expectancy (ALE), active life expectancy/life expectancy (ALE/LE) of the elderly in Beijing and to express the impact of hypertension upon those indices. Methods The sample was derived from a 'Beijing multidimensional longitudinal study on aging', including those from urban district (Xuanwu), rural district (Daxing and Huairou) by well-established statistical sampling techniques. Baseline survey comprised 1847 people aged 60 years or over, living in the communities in Beijing in 2004. The subjects under research were investigated with questionnaires at home by well-trained interviews and the contents would include: degree of education, occupation, medical history of hypertension together with repeated blood pressure measurements. Someone being 'active' was defined as the ability in performing activities of daily life (ADL). IMaCH software for multi-state life table method was used to calculate the life expectancy (LE), active life expectancy (ALE) and active life expectancy/life expectancy (ALF/LE) in different district and the hypertensive exert influence on those indices. Results Data from the study showed that people inhabited in the rural district had lower LE, ALE and degree of education (illiteracy account for 66.2 percentage), but with more physical activities (account for 95.5 percentage) and higher ALE/LE than urban district people.Regional disparity in Females was obvious than in males while hypertension would exert more influence on LE of the urban women, which widened the gap in LE, ALE of males and ALE of females between the urban and rural areas. Conclusion Regional disparity was found existing in LE,ALE, ALE/LE of the elderly from Beijing, particularly in females. Hypertension widened the gap and decreased the quality of life on senior citizens in the rural areas. This finding underlined the influence of habitation on the quality of life which manifested the importance of prevention regarding high blood pressure.

Value of cardiac CT examination in middle-aged and elderly patients with atrial septal defect before planned transcatheter closure / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the value of the cardiac CT examination for decision making in middle-aged and elderly patients before planned transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Cardiac CT was performed in 63 adult patients [18 males, aged from 50 to 77 years, mean age (56.87 ± 5.79) years] with ASD before planned transcatheter ASD closure. Coronary CT angiography was made for detection of associated cardiovascular diseases, followed by 3D reconstruction of ASD for determination of the defect size in the GE-workstation, results were compared between transthoracic echocardiography measurement, CT measurement, and atrial septal defect occluder waist diameter.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cardiac CT identified additional cardiovascular diseases in 14 patients and decision making was changed based on cardiac CT results. Coronary artery stenosis was detected in 8 patients by cardiac CT, and proved by coronary angiography, and all of them were given comprehensive management: percutaneous coronary intervention and transcatheter ASD closure were successively performed in 2 cases, and 1 case was referred to surgery for both coronary artery bypass graft and surgical ASD repair, and 5 patients were given pharmacological management for coronary artery disease besides transcatheter ASD closure. Cardiac CT identified large ASD with insufficient rim tissue in 2 cases and transcatheter closures were abandoned. Cardiac CT screened out 1 case from those with insufficient posterior inferior rim by transthoracic echocardiography, and transcatheter ASD closure was successfully performed. Cardiac CT ruled out ASD in 1 patient. In addition, cardiac CT detected 1 partial abnormal pulmonary vein connection and 1 ductus arteriosus in this cohort. A correlation on ASD measurements was found between CT size and TTE size (r = 0.80, P < 0.01; Y = 0.84X + 8.85, R(2) = 0.63, P < 0.05), and between ASO size and CT size (r = 0.92, P < 0.01;Y = 0.93X + 4.78, R(2) = 0.84, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In middle-aged and elderly patients with ASD for possible transcatheter closure, cardiac CT is valuable on determine ASD size and morphology and could provide incremental information for optimizing clinical management for ASD patients.</p>