Waist Circumference of the Elderly over 65 Years Old in China Increased Gradually from 1993 to 2015: A Cohort Study / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#This study aimed to analyze the temporal trends and characteristics associated with waist circumference (WC) among elderly Chinese people.@*Methods@#We used data from 3,096 adults ≥ 65 years who participated in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS), an ongoing cohort study, between 1993 and 2015. We used longitudinal quantile regression models to explore the temporal trends and characteristics associated with WC.@*Results@#WC increased gradually among the elderly Chinese population during the survey. The WC curves shifted to the right with wider distributions and lower peaks in men and women. All WC percentile curves shifted upward with similar growth rates in the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles. The WC means increased from 78 cm to 86 cm during the 22 years of our study. WC significantly increased with age and body mass index and decreased with physical activity (PA). These associations were stronger in the higher percentiles than in the lower percentiles.@*Conclusions@#WC is rising among Chinese adults ≥ 65 years. Factors affecting WC in elderly people may have different effects on different percentiles of the WC distribution, and PA was the most important protective factor in the higher percentiles of the WC distribution. Thus, different interventional strategies are needed.

Suppression of HMGB1 inhibits neuronal autophagy and apoptosis to improve neurological deficits in rats following intracerebral hemorrhage / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of suppressing high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) on neuronal autophagy and apoptosis in rats after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats.@*METHODS@#Rat models of ICH induced by intracerebral striatum injection of 0.2 U/mL collagenase Ⅳ were treated with 1 mg/kg anti-HMGB1 mAb or a control anti-IgG mAb injected via the tail immediately and at 6 h after the operation (n=5). The rats in the sham-operated group (with intracranial injection of 2 μL normal saline) and ICH model group (n=5) were treated with PBS in the same manner after the operation. The neurological deficits of the rats were evaluated using modified neurological severity score (mNSS). TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis of the striatal neurons, and the expressions of HMGB1, autophagy-related proteins (Beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ and LC3-Ⅰ) and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3) in the brain tissues surrounding the hematoma were detected using Western blotting. The expression of HMGB1 in the striatum was detected by immunohistochemistry, and serum level of HMGB1 was detected with ELISA.@*RESULTS@#The rat models of ICH showed significantly increased mNSS (P < 0.05), which was markedly lowered after treatment with anti- HMGB1 mAb (P < 0.05). ICH caused a significant increase of apoptosis of the striatal neurons (P < 0.05), enhanced the expressions of beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.05), lowered the expressions of LC3-Ⅰ and Bcl-2 (P < 0.05), and increased the content of HMGB1 (P < 0.05). Treatment with anti-HMGB1 mAb obviously lowered the apoptosis rate of the striatal neurons (P < 0.05), decreased the expressions of Beclin-1, LC3-Ⅱ, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 (P < 0.05), increased the expressions of LC3-Ⅰ and Bcl-2 (P < 0.05), and reduced the content of HMGB1 in ICH rats (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Down- regulation of HMGB1 by anti-HMGB1 improves neurological functions of rats after ICH possibly by inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis of the neurons.

Research Progress in Pharmacology of Xiaoyaowan / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In traditional Chinese medicine， it is believed that the spleen is the foundation of acquired nature and the source of Qi and blood. All life activities of a person since birth depend on the water and grain essence transported by spleen and stomach. The liver helps the spleen to strengthen the movement， the liver and spleen cooperate with each other. The liver and the spleen are invigorated， so that the Qi and blood are sufficient. The external energy can nourish the limbs， muscles and fur. The Qi and blood can be supplied to the internal organs， meridians and bones， and the body can be nourished both inside and outside to strengthen the acquired foundation. Emotional dissatisfaction can lead to stagnation of liver Qi， loss of spleen Qi， failure to dredge Qi， and deficiency of spleen Qi， forming the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency. Its clinical manifestations include the symptoms of liver Qi stagnation such as depression， stamina， and chest fullness， as well as symptoms of spleen deficiency such as anorexia， abdominal distension， loose stools. Xiaoyaowan is an effective classic prescription for the treatment of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome， which is based on the dosage form of Xiaoyaosan in Prescriptions of the Bureau of Taiping People's Welfare Pharmacy. It has the effect of relieving depression， nourishing blood and invigorating spleen. In modern research， it has been found that Xiaoyaowan has good curative effect in the treatment of endocrine diseases， liver diseases， immune diseases， and neurological diseases， etc. It was praised by the famous medical scientist YE Tian-shi in the Qing Dynasty as "the holy medicine for women"， with a wide range of significant curative effects gynecology. Progress has been also made in pharmacological research. In this article， we have searched and consulted the relevant literature reports of Xiaoyaowan in recent years， summarized the key directions of the pharmacological research literature， and proposed deficiencies to provide relevant basis for the in-depth study of Xiaoyao pill in the future.

Value of body fat mass measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis in predicting abnormal blood pressure and abnormal glucose metabolism in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the value of body fat mass measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in predicting abnormal blood pressure and abnormal glucose metabolism in children.@*METHODS@#Stratified cluster sampling was used to select the students aged 6-16 years, and a questionnaire survey and physical examination were performed. The BIA apparatus was used to measure body fat mass. Body mass index (BMI), body fat mass index (FMI), and fat mass percentage (FMP) were calculated. Fasting blood glucose level were measured.@*RESULTS@#A total of 14 293 children were enrolled, among whom boys accounted for 49.89%. In boys and girls, the percentile values (P, P, P, P, P, P, P, P) of FMI and FMP fitted by the LMS method were taken as the cut-off values. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the P values with a better value in predicting abnormal blood pressure and blood glucose metabolism were selected as the cut-off values for excessive body fat. When FMI or FMP was controlled below P, the incidence of abnormal blood pressure or abnormal glucose metabolism may be decreased in 8.25%-43.24% of the children.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The evaluation of obesity based on FMI and FMP has a certain value in screening for hypertension and hyperglycemia in children, which can be further verified in the future prevention and treatment of obesity and related chronic diseases in children.

Effects of Soluble CD40 Ligand on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cells and Its Relative Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of human non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cells, and analyze its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#NHL CA46 cell and Raji cell were treated with different concentrations of sCD40L for 48 h, CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of sCD40L on cell proliferation in vitro, flow cytometry on apoptosis and cycle of NHL cells, and Western blot on the expression of PTEN, BCL-2, and BAX in NHL cells.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, 4 and 8 μg/ml sCD40L could significantly inhibit the proliferation of lymphoma Raji cell and CA46 cell (P<0.05). The test results of flow cytometry showed that 4 μg/ml sCD40L could significantly promote the apoptosis of CA46 and Raji cells, and significantly inhibit the S phase proportions (P<0.05). Western blot results showed that sCD40L could promote the expression of PTEN and BAX, while inhibit the expression of BCL-2 (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#sCD40L can promote the apoptosis and inhibit the proliferation of NHL cells through the PTEN signaling pathway.

Preliminary finite element analysis of anterior inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries treated with screw and tight-rope fixation / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish finite element models of anterior inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries (AITSI), screw fixation and Tight-rope(TR) fixation, and to compare its force and displacement, so as provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A three-dimensional model of a healthy ankle complex was developed by computed tomography (CT) images, and anterior inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries(AITSI) model also established, then a screw was inserted into AITSI model to obtain a screw fixation model, and a Tight-rope system was put into AITSI model to obtain a TR model. Simulated loads were applied under three conditions:neutral position with single-foot standing, internal and external rotation of the ankle. The focus was on the stress of distal tibia, distal fibula and talus articular surface, and displacement of distal tibia and fibula.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>AITSI increased the stress of distal tibia, distal fibula and talus articular surface, which also increased the displacement of distal tibia and fibula. when AITSI existing, either a screw or TR could restrict excessive displacement of distal tibia and fibula. However, screw fixation severely limited normal physiological activity of ankle, and increased the force of distal tibia, distal fibula and articular surface of talus. The forces were concentrated on the screw. In the screw fixation model, the maximum force of tibia and fibula was more than 1.3 times that of TR model, and the contact force of talus articular surface was about 1.8 times. In the screw fixation model, the displacement of tibial attachment point of anterior tibiofibular ligaments was approximately 0.6 times that of the normal model. While the data in the TR model is about 1.1 times, but TR has poor control of the displacement of fibula.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Severe anterior inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries could cause stress and displacement distribution of ankle joint to change ankle instability and should be treated with internal fixation. Both of the screw and TR could be effective for AITSI. Tight-rope has advantages over screw fixation in terms of skeletal force, activity of ankle joint, and internal fixation fracture, but Tight-rope has disadvantage in fibular rotation. Patients with Weber type C ankle fractures and obesity are more suitable for screw fixation.</p>

Association between diabetic retinopathy with atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective To investigate the association between diabetic retinopathy ( DR) and atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease ( ASCVD) .Methods Clinical data of 654 patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) were collected from a cross sectional , population based survey on chronic diseases and risk factors which was conducted in Beijing Changping district from July 2010 to March 2011.Among 654 T2DM patients, there were 73 patients with ASCVD (ASCVD group) and 581 patients without ASCVD ( non-ASCVD group ) .The association between DR and ASCVD was analyzed .Results Patients with ASCVD had significantly older age [58.5(53.9,65.9) years], more female sex[52(71.2%)], higher proportion of ASCVD history [45(61.6%)], higher levels of PG 2 h[16.26(11.08,19.20) mmol/L], HbA1c[7.20(6.55,8.85)%], systolic pressure [151(133,165) mmHg(1 mmHg＝0.133 kPa)] and lower eGFR[87.2(75.0,103.0) ml· min-1· 1.73 m-2] than non-ASCVD patients[52.4(46.5,58.3) years, Z＝-5.86, P＝0.00; 307(52.8%),χ2＝-8.86, P＝0.00; 256(44.1%),χ2＝8.07, P＝0.01; 13.10(8.99,17.93) mmol/L, Z＝-2.35, P＝0.02; 6.70(6.00, 7.90)%, Z＝-3.33, P＝0.00; 143(131,158) mmHg, χ2＝-2.28, P＝0.02; 94.6(84.8,106.3) ml· min-1· 1.73 m-2, Z＝-3.47, P＝0.00].The trend to develop DR in ASCVD group was significantly higher than that in non-ASCVD group [19.2%(14/74) vs.8.3%(48/581), χ2＝9.01, P ＝0.00] .DR was an independent statistical indicator of the presence of ASCVD [ OR ( 95%CI ): 2.64 ( 1.37 -5.06 ), P ＝0.00 ] . Furthermore, when DR was divided into NPDR and PDR according to its severity , only PDR was significantly associated with incident ASCVD [OR(95%CI): 12.05 (2.63-55.12), P＝0.00].After adjusting for traditional ASCVD risk factors , such an association still existed , with the risk of having ASCVD increasing by 718%[ OR (95% CI): 8.18 ( 1.56 -42.81 ), P ＝0.01] .DR associates strongly with ASCVD in the Chinese population with T 2DM.Conclussion With the severity of DR increasing , the risk of ASCVD also grows.After adjustment for traditional risk factors , PDR is still associated with the risk of prevalent ASCVD.

Emergency preparedness for mass gatherings: Lessons of "12.31" stampede in Shanghai Bund / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

According to WHO, one of these mass gatherings with critical risk is stampedes. Shanghai "12.31" stampede was a preventable tragedy that the government and event planner hold responsibility for. At the same time, it can be a legacy for improvement in the future. The government should draw experience on the implementation of an emergency preparedness system, in order to improve the rapid emergency response during mass gatherings in the future.

Effect of ~(56)Fe~(17+) heavy ion on the expression of phosphorylated histone H2AX of human lymphocytes / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of~(56)Fe~(17+)heavy ion on the expression of phosphorylated histone H2AX( γH2AX) of human lymphccytes. METHODS: The Epstein-Barr virus transformed human B lymphocyte cell lines( PengEBV) were selected and exposed to~(56)Fe~(17+)heavy ion at irradiation dose of 0. 0( control group),0. 1,0. 3,0. 5,0. 7,1. 0 and 2. 0 Gy,respectively,with the dosing rate of 0. 23-0. 55 Gy / min. Flow-cytometry was used to detect the changes of expression of γH2AX at time points of 0,2,4,8,48 and 72 hours after irradiation. RESULTS: The expression of γH2AX showed interaction existed between radiation dose and the treatment time after radiation( P < 0. 01). Compared with the control at the same time points,the expression of γH2AX increased at the dose of 0. 3-2. 0 Gy and the time points of 2-72hours( P < 0. 05). The expression of γH2AX at the dose of 0. 3-2. 0 Gy and time points of 8-72 hours was lower than those at the same dose and time points of 2 and 4 hours( P < 0. 05). When the dose was at 0. 5,1. 0 or 2. 0 Gy,the expression of γH2AX decreased with the increasing time of exposure in 72 hours( P < 0. 05). At the dose of 0. 0-1. 0 Gy and the time points of 2-4 hours,the expression of γH2AX increased with the increasing dose of irradiation( P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: The expression of γH2AX in Peng-EBV cells shows a dose-response relationship within 2-4 hours after 0. 0-1. 0 Gy irradiation of~(56)Fe~(17+).

A perfusion system for preparing canine ureteral acellular matrix / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the feasibility of preparing ureteral acellular matrix (UAM) using perfusion systems.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using the luminal structure of the ureter, the UAM was prepared by perfusing canine ureter with SDS, TritonX-100, or both. The residual nuclei in the UAM were evaluated using HE staining, DAPI staining, DNA quantification, and agarose gel electrophoresis. The three-dimensional ultrastructure and the bioactive components were evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining, Alcian Blue staining, collagen quantification, GAG quantification, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and toxicity detection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HE staining and DAPI staining showed the absence of obvious nuclear materials in the combined group, which was further confirmed by DNA quantification and agarose gel electrophoresis. Masson's trichrome staining, Alcian Blue staining, collagen quantification and GAG quantification all verified that the ultrastructure and the bioactive components were well preserved in the combined group. SEM showed a large amount of porous structure on the surface of the UAM prepared by combined perfusion, and toxicity assay confirmed that the prepared UAM was nontoxic.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Perfusion of canine ureter with SDS and TritonX-100 is feasible to prepare UAM for ureteral reconstruction.</p>

Study of clinical practical model of urinary system injury / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In order to improve the clinical treatment level of urinary system injury, it is necessary to build up an animal model of urinary system wound, which is not only analogous to real clinical practice, but also simple and practical.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We have developed the third generation of firearm fragment wound generator based on the first and the second producer. The best explosive charge of the blank cartridge was selected by gradient powder loading experiments. The firearm fragment injuries were made to the bulbous urethra of 10 New Zealand male rabbits. One week preoperatively and 2, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, all the animals underwent urethroscopy and urethrography. At 2, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, two animals were randomly selected and killed, and the urethra was cut off for pathological examination.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The shooting distance of the third generation of firearm fragment wound generator is 2 cm. The best explosive charge of the blank cartridge is 1 g of nitrocotton. All rabbits survived the procedures and stayed alive until they were killed. Injuries were limited to bulbous urethra and distal urethra. Round damaged areas, 1-1.5 cm in length, on the ventral wall were observed. Ureteroscopy results showed that canal diameter gradually shrank by over 50% in 9 rabbits. The rate of success was 90%. Urethrography result noted that a 1-1.3 cm stricture was formed at the bulbous urethra. Histology results of injured stricture urethra showed that fibrous connective tissue hyperplasia and hyaline degeneration caused further stricture in the canal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The third generation of firearm fragment wound generator imitates the bullet firing process and is more accurate and repeatable. The corresponding rabbit model of traumatic complex urethral stricture simulates the real complex clinical conditions. This animal model provides a standardized platform for clinical researches on treating traumatic injuries to the urinary system.</p>

Investigation and analysis of macular thickness in natural population and diabetes patients in Changping district of Beijing / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective To measure the macular thickness of natural population in Changping district of Beijing by optical coherence tomography (OCT), and to analyze whether there is an increased thickness in diabetic patients.Methods In a cross-sectional population-based study, OCT was performed on 521 subjects (233 with normal glucose homeostasis, 174 with pre-diabetes and 114 with type 2 diabetes (T2D) according to 2011 Health Examination Survey of Changping.The subjects also received physical examination and laboratory measurements including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-2 h plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).Results The results showed that central subfield thickness (CST) of the retina of men ((246±22) μm) was significantly greater than that of women ((235±26) μm) (P＜0.001).Meanwhile, no significant difference was found in the CST in subjects of different age, HbAlc and body mass index (BMI) (P＞0.05).Difference in thickness of different glucose groups was not seen in central subfield, inner subfields and outer subfields(P＞0.05).Conclusions Retina CST of men was significantly greater than that of women.No significant difference was found in the CST in subjects of different age, HbA1c and BMI.

Hybrid operation for acute left leg deep venous thrombosis secondary to left iliac vein compression syndrome: analysis of 36 cases / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the surgical techniques for acute left deep venous thrombosis (LDVT) secondary to left iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-six patients with acute LDVT secondary to IVCS received inferior vena cava filter placement, and in 2 of the cases, stent implantation was canceled for acute episode of obsolete DVT. The remaining 34 patients underwent left femoral venotomy for iliofemoral thrombectomy with Fogarty catheter and distal femoral vein thrombus removal by sequential compression of the legs, followed by implantation of stent-graft (2 cases) or bare-metal stents (32 cases) in the left common iliac veins. With routine anticoagulation and thrombolytic treatments, the patients were regularly examined for postoperative blood flow in the affected limb.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 2 of the cases undergoing bare-metal stent implantation, the residue thrombi were squeezed into the stent by balloon, which was managed subsequently with local thrombolysis. One patient with bare-metal stent implantation received a secondary stenting for posterior stent displacement. Three patients had self-limited bleeding due to decreased serum FBG. Significant improvements were achieved at 3, 6, 30 and 180 days postoperatively in the circumferences of the affected limb (P<0.05) and in the levels of D-dimer (P=0.011), and FBG level showed no significant variations (F=1.163, P=0.345). The total rate of excellent outcomes was 83.3% (26/34) with a total effective rate of 91.2% (31/34) in these cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Thrombectomy to revascularize the inflow tract and stent implantation to enlarge stenosed iliac veins are key issues in treatment of acute LDVT secondary to IVCS.</p>

Effects of lycopene on number and function of human peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells cultivated with high glucose

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of lycopene on the migration, adhesion, tube formation capacity, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) cultivated with high glucose (HG) and as well as explore the mechanism behind the protective effects of lycopene on peripheral blood EPCs. MATERIALS/METHODS: Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. EPCs were identified after induction of cellular differentiation. Third generation EPCs were incubated with HG (33 mmol/L) or 10, 30, and 50 microg/mL of lycopene plus HG. MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess proliferation and apoptosis of EPCs. EPC migration was assessed by MTT assay with a modified boyden chamber. Adhesion assay was performed by replating EPCs on fibronectin-coated dishes, after which adherent cells were counted. In vitro vasculogenesis activity was assayed by Madrigal network formation assay. Western blotting was performed to analyze protein expression of both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated p38 MAPK. RESULTS: The proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity of EPCs treated with 10, 30, and 50 microg/mL of lycopene plus HG were all significantly higher comapred to the HG group (P < 0.05). Rates of apoptosis were also significantly lower than that of the HG group. Moreover, lycopene blocked phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in EPCs (P < 0.05). To confirm the causal relationship between MAPK inhibition and the protective effects of lycopene against HG-induced cellular injury, we treated cells with SB203580, a phosphorylation inhibitor. The inhibitor significantly inhibited HG-induced EPC injury. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene promotes proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity as well as reduces apoptosis of EPCs. Further, the underlying molecular mechanism of the protective effects of lycopene against HG-induced EPC injury may involve the p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway. Specifically, lycopene was shown to inhibit HG-induced EPC injury by inhibiting p38 MAPKs.

Effects of lycopene on number and function of human peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells cultivated with high glucose

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of lycopene on the migration, adhesion, tube formation capacity, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) cultivated with high glucose (HG) and as well as explore the mechanism behind the protective effects of lycopene on peripheral blood EPCs. MATERIALS/METHODS: Mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. EPCs were identified after induction of cellular differentiation. Third generation EPCs were incubated with HG (33 mmol/L) or 10, 30, and 50 microg/mL of lycopene plus HG. MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to assess proliferation and apoptosis of EPCs. EPC migration was assessed by MTT assay with a modified boyden chamber. Adhesion assay was performed by replating EPCs on fibronectin-coated dishes, after which adherent cells were counted. In vitro vasculogenesis activity was assayed by Madrigal network formation assay. Western blotting was performed to analyze protein expression of both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated p38 MAPK. RESULTS: The proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity of EPCs treated with 10, 30, and 50 microg/mL of lycopene plus HG were all significantly higher comapred to the HG group (P < 0.05). Rates of apoptosis were also significantly lower than that of the HG group. Moreover, lycopene blocked phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in EPCs (P < 0.05). To confirm the causal relationship between MAPK inhibition and the protective effects of lycopene against HG-induced cellular injury, we treated cells with SB203580, a phosphorylation inhibitor. The inhibitor significantly inhibited HG-induced EPC injury. CONCLUSIONS: Lycopene promotes proliferation, migration, adhesion, and in vitro vasculogenesis capacity as well as reduces apoptosis of EPCs. Further, the underlying molecular mechanism of the protective effects of lycopene against HG-induced EPC injury may involve the p38 MAPK signal transduction pathway. Specifically, lycopene was shown to inhibit HG-induced EPC injury by inhibiting p38 MAPKs.

Plasma endothelin-1 and nitric oxide correlate with ligustrazine alleviation of pulmonary artery hypertension in patients of chronic cor pulmonale from high altitude plateau during acute exacerbation / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanisms involved in the ligustrazine alleviation of the pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic cor pulmonale (CCP) during exacerbation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy patients of COPD and CCP with acute exacerbation were randomly and equally divided into control group and treatment group. The control group received standard treatment with antibiotics, antiasthmatic and expectorant medications, and oxygenation; and the ligustrazine treatment group received ligustrazine treatment (80 mg/d; i.v.; for 2 weeks) in addition to the standard treatment. Before and at the end of 2 week treatment, the clinic responses of the two regimens were evaluated, plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) were determined; arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), outflow tract of right ventricle (RVOT), and internal diameter of right ventricle (RV) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Good clinic benefits were achieved in both the standard and ligustrazine regimens, plasma level of ET-1, values of mPAP, RV and RVOT decreased significantly, plasma level of NO and PaO2 values decreased (all P < 0.01 vs pre-treatment to all parameters). Compared with the control group, ligustrazine greatly enhanced the clinic efficacy from 77.1% to 97.1% (P < 0.05), and also resulted in more significant changes of all these parameters (P < 0.01 vs control group for all parameters). For both groups, the levels of plasma ET-1 were positively correlated with values of mPAP, RVOT, and RV (r = 0.710, 0.853, and 0.766, respectively, all P = 0.000), and negatively correlated with plasma NO and PaO2 (r = - 0.823, and - 0.752, respectively, all P = 0.000).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Ligustrazine is effective in treating pulmonary artery hypertension during acute exacerbation of COPD and CCP in patients from the plateau area. The observed changes in the plasma levels of NO and ET-1 in response to ligustrazine treatment suggest that ligustrazine may act through the selective effect on pulmonary blood vessels to enhance the synthesis and release of NO and suppress those of ET-1 from lung vascular endothelial cells, thus reducing pulmonary artery pressure and decreasing pulmonary arterial hypertension.</p>

Relationship of high altitude de-adaptation with acute high altitude response and cardiac function / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the relationship of high altitude de-adaptation response (HADAR) with acute high altitude response (AHAR) and cardiac function.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-six military personnel of rapid entering into high altitude (3 700 to 4 800 m) with strong physical work were analyzed, all subjects were male, aged 18 - 35 years. According to the symptomatic scores of AHAR were divided into 3 groups: sever AHAR (group A, 24), mild to moderate AHAR (group B, 47) and non-AHAR (group C, 25) at high altitude. According to the symptomatic scores of HADAR were divided into 3 groups: severe HADAR (group E, 19), mild to moderate HADAR (group F, 40) and non-HADAR (group G, 37) after return to lower altitude (1 500 m). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), right ventricular internal dimension (RVID), outflow tract of right ventricle (RVOT), left ventricular internal dimension (LVID), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac muscle work index (Tei index), creatine kinase isoenzymes-MB (CK-MB), lactic dehydrogenase isoenzyme-1 (LDH-1) were measured at high altitude stayed 50 days and after return to lower altitude 12 h, 15 d, and 30 d. Fifty healthy volunteers (group D) at 1 500 m altitude served as control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Level of mPAP, RVID, RVOT, RVID/LVID ratio, Tei index, CK-MB,and LDH-1 were higher, and LVEF was lower in group A than those in group B, C and D, there were significant differences between group B and C, C and D (all P < 0.01). AHAR scores were positively correlated with HADAR scores (r = 0.863, P < 0.01). Twelve hours after return to lower altitude, level of mPAP, RVID, RVOT, RVI/LVID ratio, Tei index, CK-MB, and LDH-1 were higher, and LVEF was lower in group E than those in group F, G and D, there were significant differences between group F and G, G and D (all P < 0.01). Fifteen days after return to lower altitude, level of mPAP, RVID, RVOT, RVID/LVID ratio were higher in group E than those in group F, G, and D, there were significant differences between group F and G, and D (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), there were no significant differences between group G and D (all P > 0.05), LVEF, Tei index, CK-MB, LDH-1 showed no significant differences among groups (all P > 0.05). Thirty days after return to lower altitude, these parameters in group E, F, and G showed no significantly differences compared with those of group D (all P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The severity of HADAR is associated with severity of AHAR and cardiac injury, the more serious of AHAR and cardiac injury at high altitude, the more serious of HADAR and cardiac injury after return to lower altitude, the more long of restore of right cardiac morphologic injury.</p>

Associations of MRI-lesions and clinical features with disability in Chinese patients with multiple sclerosis

Objective: To analyze associations of MRI-lesions and clinical features with disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Shanghai, China. Methods: We studied patients with MS, identified from a survey in Shanghai, whose sites of lesions in the CNS was based on the MRI examinations. Associations between MRI-lesions, various clinical variables and the severity of disability were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: There were 210 patients in this study. The disability of the patients with lesions confined to the spinal cord was significantly more severe than those with lesions in the brain (p < 0.008). Current age (OR: 1.041, 95% CI: 1.007~1.077), MS duration (OR: 1.082, 95% CI: 1.011~1.159) and MRI-lesions in the spinal cord (OR: 2.441, 95% CI: 1.039~5.737) were significantly associated with severity of disability on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: MRI-lesions in the spinal cord, older age, a longer MS duration were significantly associated with a more severe disability in this MS study in Shanghai China.

High frequency ultrasound scan of lower uterine segment during the third trimester of scar uterus pregnancy: Imaging features and impiications / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To use high frequency ultrasound for scanning the lower uterine segment during the third trimester of scar uterus pregnancy cases were selected. Transabdominal ultrasound scan was done for the fetus between 36th and 40th week of pregnancy, and then the transducer was switched to a high frequency of 7.5-12 MHz to observe the lower uterine segment. The scan results were compared with the obserbations of in complete rupture of lower uterine segment and defective scars in the repeated caesarean section. Results Three types of high frequency ultrasound images were found for the lower uterine segment during the third trimester of scar uterus pregnancy: efficacies of truncation sign (608%,8/118), rat tail sign (44.1%,52/118), and homogeneous echoes (49.1%.58/118). The diagnosis efficacies of truncation sign for incomplete rupture of uterus, rat tail sign for defective scars, and homogeneous echoes for intact cadsarean scars were significantly higher than those of the other two types (X2 valued 20.42, 19.03, and 33.08, respectively, P<0.001). The diagnostic sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the truncation sign were 80.0%, 96.5%, 50.0%, and 99.0%; those of the rat tail sign were 70.0%, 73.8%, 67.3%, and 76.2%; and those of homogeneous echoes were 72.9%, 74.1%, 74.1%, and 73.3%, respectively. Conclusion High frequency ultrasound scan can display the changes of the scars on the lower uterine segment, and may serve as an effective method to diagnose incomplete rupture of uterus, defective and intact scars in the third trimester pregnancy of a caesarean-scarred uterus. To avoid uterine rupture, vaginal trail of labor should be carefully chosen for patients shoeing truncation sign or rat tail sign.

Effects of enriched environment and impoverished environment on learning and memory ability of manganese-exposed mice / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of enriched environment and impoverished environment on the learning and memory ability of manganese-exposed mice and the mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty female Kunming mice were randomly and equally divided into 4 group: control group (CG), standard environment and manganese exposure group (SEG), enriched environment and manganese exposure group (EEG), and impoverished environment and manganese exposure group (IEG). The mouse model of manganese poisoning was established by intraperitoneal injection of manganese chloride. The learning and memory ability was tested by Morris water maze. The expression of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in area CA1 of the hippocampus was measured by immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In place navigation test, the SEG had a significantly longer escape latency than the CG (P < 0.05), and the EEG had a significantly shorter escape latency than the SEG (P < 0.05); there was no significant difference in escape latency between IEG and SEG (P > 0.05). In spatial probe test, the EEG had a significantly greater number of platform crossings than the SEG (P < 0.05), and the IEG had a significantly smaller number of platform crossings than the SEG (P < 0.05). The expression of CREB in area CA1 of the hippocampus was significantly lower in IEG and SEG than in CG (P < 0.05), and it was significantly higher in EEG than in SEG (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In the enriched environment, the learning and memory ability of manganese-exposed mice can be improved, which may be due to the increased expression of CREB in the hippocampus.</p>