[Relationship between sleep duration and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly people in four provinces of China].

Objective: To explore the relationship between sleep duration and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly people. Methods: A total of 11 931 middle-aged and elderly people aged ≥55 years who participated in the baseline survey of the "Community Cohort Study of Specialized Nervous System Diseases" in China from 2018 to 2019 were selected to obtain basic information about their lifestyle, food intake frequency, disease history, sleep duration. The body height and weight were measured, and body mass index (BMI) were calculated. The subjects with depressive symptoms were screened with the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30). Restricted cubic spline model and multivariate logistic regression model were used to analyze the relationship between sleep duration and depressive symptoms. Results: Among the middle-aged and elderly people aged ≥55 years, 17.79% reported sleep duration less than 7 hours, 16.84% reported that their sleep duration ≥9 hours, and the detection rate of depression symptoms was 7.95%. After adjusting for factors such as region, age, gender, the restricted cubic spline results showed the U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and the risk for depressive symptoms, the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk for depressive symptom in middle-aged and elderly people aged ≥55 years with sleep duration ≤5 hours, 6 hours, and ≥9 hours were 1.749(95%CI:1.279-2.392), 1.284(95%CI:1.021-1.615) and 1.260(95%CI:1.033-1.538) times higher compared with the counterparts with sleep duration 7-8 hours, the risk for depressive symptom in women with sleep duration ≤5 hours, 6 hours and ≥9 hours were 2.115 (95%CI:1.473-3.038), 1.605(95%CI:1.213-2.123) and 1.313(95%CI:1.011-1.705) times higher, respectively, compared with counterparts with sleep duration 7-8 hours, the risk for depressive symptoms in 55-64-year-old middle-aged and elderly people with sleep duration ≤5 hours and ≥9 hours were 1.806 (95%CI:1.014-3.217) and 1.478 (95%CI:1.060-2.061) times higher compared with counterparts with sleep duration 7-8 hours, and the risk for depressive symptoms in elderly people aged 65-74 years with sleep duration ≤5 hours was 2.112 (95%CI:1.327-3.361)times higher compared with counterparts with sleep duration 7-8 hours, the differences were all significant (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant association between sleep duration and depressive symptoms in men and in elderly people aged ≥75 years (P>0.05). Conclusion: Insufficient or prolonged sleep was independently associated with depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly people, showing a U-shaped relationship, especially in women and in middle-aged and elderly people aged 55-64 years.

LncRNA LncOGD-1006 alleviates OGD-induced ischemic brain injury regulating apoptosis through miR-184-5p/CAAP1 axis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effect of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) LncOGD-1006 to ischemic stroke and the possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEnd.3) of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was used as a mimic of ischemic stroke in vitro. RESULTS: The results showed that LncOGD-1006 was upregulated in bEnd.3 after OGD-induced. CONCLUSIONS: LncOGD-1006 might act as a ceRNA to inhibit apoptosis in bEnd.3 cells by targeting miR-184-5p/CAAP1 pathway.

[The predictive value of ultrasonic measurement of the diaphragmatic thickening fraction combined with the maximal inspiratory pressure in mechanical ventilation patients].

Objective: To evaluate the value of the diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF) combined with the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) for the prediction of weaning success in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College and on mechanical ventilation for 24 hours from June 2018 to April 2019 were selected as the study subjects. A low-level pressure support ventilation (PSV) method was applied to conduct a spontaneous breathing test (SBT) for 30 minutes after the patients met the screening conditions for clinical weaning; and the patients were weaned when they met the clinical weaning criteria. Before weaning, the patient's MIP was measured. The right hemidiaphragmatic excursion (DE) and the thickness of the diaphragm at the end of inspiration and at the end of exhalation were measured by ultrasound, and the DTF was calculated. The statistical relationship between the DTF, DE and MIP was analyzed. The predictive value for the success of weaning was calculated with the DTF, DE and MIP and was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: A total of 73 patients were included in this study, including 57 patients who were successfully weaned, and 16 patients who experienced failure. The DTF of the successful weaning group (35%, 8%) was significantly higher than that of the failed weaning group (25%±5%), and the difference was statistically significant (t=6.401, P<0.01). The MIP (34±9 cmH(2)O) in the successful weaning group was significantly higher than that in the failed weaning group (23±3 cmH(2)O), and the difference was statistically significant (t=7.186, P<0.01). The ROCs for the DTF, MIP, and diaphragmatic displacement were 0.907, 0.896, and 0.749, respectively. A DTF ≥ 27.78%, with a sensitivity of 92.98%, a specificity of 81.25%, and an AUC of 0.907 (95% CI: 0.816-0.963), was used as the standard to predict the success of weaning. An MIP>26.5 cmH(2)O, with a sensitivity of 80.7%, a specificity of 93.75%, and an AUC of 0.896 (95% CI: 0.803-0.955), was used as the standard to predict the success of weaning. The AUC of DTF ≥ 27.78% and MIP ≥ 26.5 cmH(2)O was 0.920 (95% CI:0.832-0.971), and the specificity increased to 87.7%, but the sensitivity was slightly reduced to 87.5%. Conclusions: The DTF and MIP play a crucial role in determining the appropriate time and predicting the outcome of weaning of mechanical ventilation patients. Compared with the DTF and MIP alone, the DTF combined with MIP greatly improved the accuracy of predicting successful weaning.

Differential expression and analysis of target regulation of microRNAs in alcohol-dependent rats.

This study analyzed the differential expression of miRNAs related to alcohol dependence in rats undergoing continued consumption and withdrawal. Furthermore miRNAs were sought and evaluated for potential use as biomarkers for diagnosis. This study used Exiqon miRCURYTM LNA miRNA microarray on alcohol-dependent and normal rats for the expression of microRNAs in perfluorinated compounds, and the stem-loop qPCR method to validate its expression in brain tissue. We forecast the relevant target genes of differentially expressed miRNA and drew the regulatory network. Comparison of the differential expression between brain tissue and plasma was carried out and the correlation and analyzed.65 miRNA with differential expression with threshold of 1.5 were screened out; among them, most miRNA with differential expression in the dependent group had relatively high expression values. The target genes were found with great confidence: PIK3CA, MAPK, NTF, BDNF, NGFR, IGF-1, and the pair consisting of miRNA- mRNA. Among the three groups, the expression levels of miR-101b (F=8.12, P less than0.05) showed significant difference; no significant difference was found in the expression levels of miRNA in plasma among the groups (F=1.23, P>0.05). No consistency was shown in the changing trend of miRNA in PFC and plasma (r= -.004, p>0.05). The genetic regulatory network of neurotrophic factors, its receptors and the protein kinases that influence metabolism may mediate the incidence of alcohol-dependence. There is a lack of conformity between the expression of miR-101b in the prefrontal cortex and the plasma.

Effect of pioglitazone on expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in ischemic hindlimb of diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To observe effects of the drug pioglitazone on expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in diabetic rats with hindlimb ischemia, and explore the role of pioglitazone in angiogenesis after ischemia and its possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diabetic rat model was established by high-fat and high-sugar diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The diabetic rats with the unilateral hindlimb ischemia were randomly divided into diabetic model group and pioglitazone treated group, and the normal rats with unilateral hindlimb ischemia were selected as the control group. RT-PCR and Western blotting techniques were employed for analysis and detection of HIF-1α and VEGF expression, as well as detection of capillary density by immunohistochemical staining and ischemic hindlimb perfusion by Doppler ultrasonography were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in diabetic rats were significantly increased. This was accompanied by increased mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α and VEGF, and decreased microvessel density (MVD) of the ischemic limb (p < 0.05). The above indicators in pioglitazone-treated diabetic rats were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) with decreased expression of HIF-1α and VEGF (p < 0.01), while the microvessel density (MVD) of the ischemic limb was increased (p < 0.01) and blood perfusion was also increased (p < 0.01). The expression of HIF-1α and VEGF were positively correlated (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats with hind limb angiopathy, while HIF-1α and VEGF were all negatively correlated with the microvessel density (MVD). CONCLUSIONS: HIF-1α and VEGF expression in diabetic rats with hind limb angiopathy were increased. Pioglitazone has a promoting effect on ischemic limb angiogenesis in diabetic rats. It suggested that pioglitazone may improve ischemic limb angiogenesis mechanisms correlated with regulating the HIF-1α/VEGF hypoxia response pathway.

Cough reflex sensitivity is increased in guinea pigs with parainfluenza virus infection.

The purpose of this study was to investigate for the change in cough reflex sensitivity (CRS) caused by parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) infection. Guinea pigs were randomized into a vehicle control, an asthma control, or 1 of 4 PIV3-inoculated groups (referred to as postinfection day [PID] 6, 12, 28, and 42 groups). Evidence of viral protein and nucleic acid within the lung confirmed successful PIV3 infection. Plethysmography was used to assess CRS and airway reaction and airway inflammation was assessed via bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology and lung histopathology. Compared with the vehicle control group, CRS was significantly increased in all PID groups (P <.05) in concert with an obvious airway hyperresponsiveness in the PID 6 group. Though a small increase in CRS in the asthma control group was noted, it was not significant compared to the vehicle control group. Total cell counts from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of all PIV3-inoculated groups increased markedly and the number of lymphocytes was significantly increased in the PID 6 and PID 12 groups. The lung pathology of PIV3-inoculated animals showed airway inflammation without pneumonia in the acute infectious phase. The temporal and spatial variation of CRS may be the essential mechanism of cough caused by PIV3.

An NMR-derived model for the solution structure of oxidized putidaredoxin, a 2-Fe, 2-S ferredoxin from Pseudomonas.

A model for the solution structure of oxidized putidaredoxin (Pdx), a 106-residue globular protein containing a Fe2S2 cluster, has been determined using homonuclear NMR methods. Pdx is the first of the class of Fe2S2Cys4 ferredoxins which act as electron-transfer partners for P-450 monooxygenases to be structurally characterized, and no crystal structure has been determined for Pdx or for any closely homologous protein. Pdx is the physiological redox partner of cytochrome P-450cam. A total of 878 NOE distance constraints, 66 phi angular constraints derived from NH-C alpha H coupling constants, and five paramagnetic broadening constraints were used in simulated annealing structural refinements to obtain a family of structures with pairwise rms deviations of 1.14 A for backbone atoms and 1.80 A for all non-hydrogen atoms. Paramagnetic broadening of resonances within a ca. 8-A radius of the metal cluster prevents the use of NMR-derived constraints in this region of the protein; structural constraints used to model the environment of the metal cluster were obtained from site-directed mutagenesis and model compounds and by comparison with known ferredoxin structures. Pdx retains a similar folding topology to other structurally characterized Fe2S2Cys4 ferredoxins but differs from the other ferredoxins in containing a significantly more compact structure in the C-terminal half of the protein.

Crystallographic refinement of trichosanthin at 2.6A resolution.

The molecule model of trichosanthin has been rebuilt by using the electron density map improved by the solvent flatten and in accordance with the primary structure put forward by Collins. The crystallographic refinement of two trichosanthin molecules (3828 nonhydrogen atoms) in an asymmetric unit has been carried out by means of the restrain least-square procedure and diffraction data to a resolution of 2.6 A. The results are: an R factor 0.223 and the r.m.s. deviation of the bond length = 0.023 A. The new molecular model is in good agreement with the electron density map calculated with the coefficient 2Fo-Fc.

1H NMR sequential assignments and identification of secondary structural elements in oxidized putidaredoxin, an electron-transfer protein from Pseudomonas.

Sequential 1H resonance assignments and secondary structural features of putidaredoxin (Pdx), a 106-residue globular protein consisting of a single polypeptide chain and a [2Fe-2S] cluster, are reported. No crystal structure has been obtained for Pdx or for any closely homologous protein. The sequentially assigned resonances represent ca. 83% of all the protons in Pdx and a large majority of those protons which are unaffected by the paramagnetism of the iron-sulfur cluster. A total of three alpha-helices, two beta-sheets, and two type I beta-turns have been identified from NOE (nuclear Overhauser effect) patterns. Besides the extensive beta-sheet described previously, a second sheet is identified, consisting of two short antiparallel strands (Ile 89-Thr 91 and Val 21-Leu 23), one of which ends in a tight type I turn (Thr 91-Pro 92-Glu 93-Leu 94). One short helix (Ala 26-Gly 31) and a second longer helical region (Glu 54-Cys 73) are present. This second helical region is discontinuous, breaking at Pro 61, resuming at Glu 65, and ending at Cys 73. The functionally important C-terminal tryptophan residue has been identified, and some structural constraints on this residue are described. Previously reported functional data concerning Pdx are discussed in light of present structural information. Finally, approaches to the determination of a high-resolution solution structure of the protein are discussed.

1H NMR identification of a beta-sheet structure and description of folding topology in putidaredoxin.

Putidaredoxin (Pdx), a 106-residue globular protein consisting of a single polypeptide chain and a [2Fe-2S] cluster, is the physiological reductant of P-450cam, which in turn catalyzes the monohydroxylation of camphor by molecular oxygen. No crystal structure has been obtained for Pdx or for any closely homologous protein. The application of two-dimensional 1H NMR methods to the problem of structure determination in Pdx is reported. A beta-sheet consisting of five short strands and one beta-turn has been identified from distinctive nuclear Overhauser effect patterns. All of the backbone resonances and a majority of the side-chain resonances corresponding to protons in the beta-sheet have been assigned sequence specifically. The sheet contains one parallel and three antiparallel strand orientations. Hydrophobic side chains in the beta-sheet face primarily toward the protein interior, except for a group of three valine side chains that are apparently solvent exposed. The potential significance of this "hydrophobic patch" in terms of biological activity is discussed. The folding topology, as determined by the constraints of the beta-sheet, is compared with that of other [2Fe-2S] proteins for which folding topologies are known.

Plasma reproductive hormones in normal and vasectomized Chinese males.

Plasma reproductive hormones (testosterone, LH, FSH and prolactin) were measured in 298 normal healthy males aged 30-73 years from rural areas of Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China, and in 505 similar men vasectomized between 1 year and 25 years previously. Age-related increases in LH and FSH but not in testosterone or prolactin were noted in normal men. No adverse effects of vasectomy were observed apart from a 16% increase in mean LH levels in the vasectomized compared to non-vasectomized men of similar ages.

PIP: The longterm effect of vasectomy on plasma reproductive hormones was investigated in a cross-sectional study conducted in China's Sichuan Province. The study group included 505 men 30-73 years of age who had undergone vasectomy 1-25 years earlier and 298 nonvasectomized controls in the same age group. The mean age of vasectomized men was 48.8 years and that if controls was 46.3 years. The mean duration since vasectomy was 12.4 years in the study group. Study findings revealed a significant increase in plasma testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with time since vasectomy, but no difference was observed between the vasectomized men and nonvasectomized controls when age effects were controlled. The mean testosterone level in men vasectomized 1-11 years earlier (22.8 nmol/1) was significantly below that for nonvasectomized controls (24.9 mmol/1); however, in men vasectomized 12-15, 16-19, and 20+ years earlier the mean testosterone levels were higher (26.4, 24.6, and 29.0 mmol/1, respectively). Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels increased with age in both groups, but the levels did not differ according to time since vasectomy. The rise in plasma LH, without an associated decrease in testosterone levels, in healthy men suggests either that the aging testis requires higher concentrations of gonadotropins to maintain its testosterone biosynthetic efficiency or that the biological to immunological ratio of the circulating LH may decrease with age.

Transformation of the chick oviduct progesterone receptor in the absence of hormone.

Chicken oviduct progesterone receptor in cytosol was found to be transformed from the 8S to 4S form by incubation at 25 degrees C as well as by 0.3 M KCl in the absence of hormone. Heat transformation of ligand-free receptor took place at a much slower rate than that of ligand-bound receptor. The eventual percentage of transformation, however, was almost the same. The 4S form of the receptor transformed by KCl in the absence of hormone could bind to DNA-cellulose, but not to nuclei. However, upon exposure it acquired the ability to bind to nuclei. It was shown that the transformed ligand-free receptor could bind to progesterone to form the normal activated steroid-receptor complex. Conversely, when activated 4S progesterone-receptor complex was treated with DCC to peel off the hormone, a resulting ligand-free receptor was formed which behaved just like the KCl-transformed receptor in the absence of hormone.