Effects of dietary iron sources on growth performance, iron status, Fe-containing enzyme activity and gene expression related to iron homeostasis in tissues of weaned pigs.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of dietary iron sources on growth performance, iron status and activities of Fe-containing enzymes and gene expression related to iron homeostasis in tissues of weaned pigs. A total of 480 piglets at d 28 (Duroc X Landrace) were allotted to four groups as a factorial arrangement of treatments with 30 pigs/pen (male: female = 1:1) and 4 replicate pens/treatment. The treatments for iron in the diets were: control basal diet (Con); Con + 150 mg Fe/kg as inorganic Fe (iFe); Con + 75 mg Fe/kg as inorganic Fe + 75 mg Fe/kg as organic Fe-peptide complex (iFe+oFe) and Con + 150 mg of Fe/kg as organic Fe-peptide complex (oFe). The feeding trial lasted for 36 days. There were no significant differences in final body weight, ADG, ADFI, and G/F as well as blood hemoglobin and MCHC contents between piglets fed the control and iron-supplemented groups (P > 0.05). The iron supplemented groups exhibited increased iron content in the liver, kidney and spleen as well as the CAT and SDH activities in liver compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while piglets in oFe group experienced greater Fe accumulation and activities of CAT and SDH in the liver than piglets in the iFe group. Compared with the control group, dietary supplementation of iron increased the NCOA4 mRNA expression and decreased the TfR1 mRNA expression in liver of piglets. The TfR1, NCOA4 and Ferritin mRNA expressions of bone marrow in both iFe and iFe+oFe groups were greater than both in the Con and oFe groups. These results suggest that dietary supplementation of iron does not influence the growth performance and hematological parameters in weaned pigs fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet (75.8 mg/kg) from d 28 to d 70, but increased tissue iron status and activities of Fe-containing enzymes at d 70. The addition of organic Fe-peptide complexes presents greater beneficial effects on enhancing tissue Fe accumulation and Fe-containing enzyme activities, which may be involved in different gene expression patterns related to iron intake and transport in tissues of weaned pigs.

Vacciniumbangliangense, a new species of Ericaceae from limestone areas in Guangxi, China.

Vacciniumbangliangense, a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to V.pseudotonkinense and V.sciaphilum in having small and dense obovate leaf blades with a retuse apex, hairy young branches and calyx and campanulate corollas, but can be distinguished from them by the distance of basal gland from petiole, the length of peduncle, pedicle and filaments, the indumentum of calyx tube and corolla and the existence of apical glands on calyx lobes. A table to distinguish the new species from other morphologically similar Vaccinium species, as well as colour plates of comparison of key characters, is also provided.

Study on the diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging, advanced dynamic flow and color Doppler flow imaging in breast microcarcinoma and their correlation with pathological microvessel density / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging(SMI), advanced dynamic flow(ADF) and color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI) in breast microcarcinoma, and to compare the correlation coefficients between these three indicators and postoperative pathological tumor microvascular density(MVD).@*Methods@#A total of 85 patients(87 lesions) with BI-RADS 4 and the maximum diameter≤1 cm were selected, of which, 46 lesions were benign(benign group) and 41 lesions were malignant(malignant group). All the patients and the corresponding lesions were examined by SMI, ADF and CDFI. Blood flow grading was performed on the images using Adler grade of blood flow, and the difference of blood flow among the 3 methods was compared. The expression level of MVD in pathological tumor tissues was detected and analyzed for its correlation with Adler classification by three detection techniques.@*Results@#The areas under the ROC curve(AUR) of CDFI, ADF and SMI were 0.694, 0.705 and 0.776 respectively based on the gold standard with pathological diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of CDFI were 78.0%, 54.3%, 60.4%, 73.5%, and 65.5%, respectively; those of ADF were 75.6%, 60.9%, 63.3%, 73.7% and 67.8%, respectively; and those of SMI were 78.0%, 69.6%, 69.6%, 78.0% and 73.6%, respectively. The Adler grades of CDFI, ADF and SMI were positively correlated with MVD(P<0.05), which the highest correlation coefficient between SMI and MVD (r=0.430, P<0.001).@*Conclusions@#SMI is superior to ADF and CDFI in detecting the abundance of breast microcarcinoma, and has the highest correlation coefficient among those 3 detection techniques with tumor pathological MVD, which indicates that SMI may be used for differential diagnosis of breast microcarcinoma and indirectly evaluate the prognosis of patients.

Study on the diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging ,advanced dynamic flow and color Doppler flow imaging in breast microcarcinoma and their correlation with pathological microvessel density / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging ( SM I ) , advanced dynamic flow ( ADF ) and color Doppler flow imaging ( CDFI) in breast microcarcinoma ,and to compare the correlation coefficients between these three indicators and postoperative pathological tumor microvascular density ( M VD ) . Methods A total of 85 patients ( 87 lesions ) with BI‐RADS 4 and the maximum diameter≤1 cm were selected ,of which ,46 lesions were benign ( benign group) and 41 lesions were malignant( malignant group) . All the patients and the corresponding lesions were examined by SM I , ADF and CDFI . Blood flow grading was performed on the images using Adler grade of blood flow ,and the difference of blood flow among the 3 methods was compared . T he expression level of M VD in pathological tumor tissues was detected and analyzed for its correlation with Adler classification by three detection techniques . Results T he areas under the ROC curve( AUR) of CDFI ,ADF and SM I were 0 .694 ,0 .705 and 0 .776 respectively based on the gold standard with pathological diagnosis . T he sensitivity ,specificity , positive predictive value ,negative predictive value ,and accuracy of CDFI were 78 .0% ,54 .3% ,60 .4% , 73 .5% ,and 65 .5% , respectively ; those of ADF were 75 .6% , 60 .9% , 63 .3% , 73 .7% and 67 .8% , respectively ; and those of SM I were 78 .0% ,69 .6% ,69 .6% ,78 .0% and 73 .6% ,respectively . T he Adler grades of CDFI , ADF and SM I were positively correlated with M VD ( P ＜ 0 .05 ) , w hich the highest correlation coefficient between SM I and M VD ( r ＝0 .430 , P ＜0 .001 ) . Conclusions SM I is superior to ADF and CDFI in detecting the abundance of breast microcarcinoma , and has the highest correlation coefficient among those 3 detection techniques with tumor pathological M VD ,which indicates that SM I may be used for differential diagnosis of breast microcarcinoma and indirectly evaluate the prognosis of patients .

Peak Systolic Velocity Measurements with Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound Is a Predictor of Incident Stroke among the General Population in China.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is necessary to develop an effective and low-cost screening tool for identifying Chinese people at high risk of stroke. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) is a powerful predictor of stroke in the pediatric sickle cell disease population, as demonstrated in the STOP trial. Our study was conducted to determine the prediction value of peak systolic velocities as measured by TCD on subsequent stroke risk in a prospective cohort of the general population from Beijing, China. METHODS: In 2002, a prospective cohort study was conducted among 1392 residents from 11 villages of the Shijingshan district of Beijing, China. The cohort was scheduled for follow up with regard to incident stroke in 2005, 2007, and 2012 by a study team comprised of epidemiologists, nurses, and physicians. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine the factors associated with incident stroke. RESULTS: Participants identified by TCD criteria as having intracranial stenosis had a 3.6-fold greater risk of incident stroke (hazard ratio (HR) 3.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.86-6.83, P<0.01) than those without TCD evidence of intracranial stenosis. The association remained significant in multivariate analysis (HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.31-4.87) after adjusting for other risk factors or confounders. Older age, cigarette smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus remained statistically significant as risk factors after controlling for other factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed the screening value of TCD among the general population in urban China. Increasing the availability of TCD screening may help identify subjects as higher risk for stroke.

The genome sequence of the orchid Phalaenopsis equestris.

Orchidaceae, renowned for its spectacular flowers and other reproductive and ecological adaptations, is one of the most diverse plant families. Here we present the genome sequence of the tropical epiphytic orchid Phalaenopsis equestris, a frequently used parent species for orchid breeding. P. equestris is the first plant with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) for which the genome has been sequenced. Our assembled genome contains 29,431 predicted protein-coding genes. We find that contigs likely to be underassembled, owing to heterozygosity, are enriched for genes that might be involved in self-incompatibility pathways. We find evidence for an orchid-specific paleopolyploidy event that preceded the radiation of most orchid clades, and our results suggest that gene duplication might have contributed to the evolution of CAM photosynthesis in P. equestris. Finally, we find expanded and diversified families of MADS-box C/D-class, B-class AP3 and AGL6-class genes, which might contribute to the highly specialized morphology of orchid flowers.

[Relationship of genetic variants and cardiovascular risk factors with interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 secreted by monocytes].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 genetic variants and cardiovascular factors [oxygenized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), lower physical activity, overweight, etc.] with IL-6 and IL-10 secreted by monocytes. METHODS: In the study, 40 health persons, aged from 51 to 80 years, without stroke and myocardial infarction, were randomly sampled from a community-based population in Beijing in 2010. Their data on smoking, drinking, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid were collected. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-6 (rs1800796, rs1524107, rs2066992) and IL-10 (rs1800872, rs1554286, rs3021094) were genotyped. The human monocytes were cultivated in RPMI 1640 medium for 24 h; then divided into two equal parts, in which ox-LDL (50 mg/L) and phosphate buffer solution (PBS) were added for another 48 h. Finally, the secretions of IL-6 and IL-10 in the culture supernatants were measured with ELISA. RESULTS: Paired Wilcoxon tests showed that the IL-6, IL-10, and IL-6/IL-10 were significantly higher in ox-LDL medium than in PBS one (all P < 0.01). The concentrations in PBS/ox-LDL taken as repeated measurements, and adjusted for age and gender, the repeated general linear models showed: IL-10 was significantly lower for those overweight (BMI ≥ 26 kg/m(2)) than for those normal weight (P = 0.007), and IL-6/IL-10 was significantly higher in those overweight (P = 0.003). The IL-6/IL-10 was significantly higher in those with lower physical activity [metabolic equivalent of energy, METS < 166 kJ/(kg.d)] than those with higher physical activities (P = 0.046). IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly higher in alcohol drinkers (P = 0.049 and P = 0.006). IL-6 was significantly higher in those with higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c, ≥ 56.4 mg/dL, P = 0.027). There were significant interactions between IL-10 SNPs and ox-LDL on IL-10 (all P < 0.05), but no significant interactions between IL-6 gene SNPs and ox-LDL on IL-6. CONCLUSION: The ox-LDL together with lower physical activity and overweight shifts the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory in the direction of pro-inflammatory. The interaction between IL-10 gene and ox-LDL is intensively correlated with the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Total triterpene acids, isolated from Corni Fructus, ameliorate progression of renal damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether total triterpene acids (TTAs), isolated from Cornus Fructus, attenuates renal function by reducing oxidative stress and down-regulating the expression of transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1). METHODS: Diabetes was induced by an injection of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg intravenously). Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, diabetic model group and TTAs treatment group (50 mg/kg, intragastrically) administrated for 8 weeks from 5th to 12th week. All rats were anaesthetized and then were killed to remove kidneys. The renal function and redox enzyme system parameters were tested. Glomerular morphology was observed by a light microscopy. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays were employed to determine the protein levels of TGF-ß1. RESULTS: TTAs attenuated the levels of urinary protein, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, although it did not significantly reduce the level of glucose. In addition, TTAs decreased the malondialdehyde while increased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxide activities in diabetic rats. The renal pathological changes in TTAs treatment group were ameliorated. Furthermore, TTAs also ameliorated the expression of TGF-ß1. CONCLUSION: TTAs improved renal function via reducing oxidative stress and down-regulation the expression of TGF-ß1 in diabetic rats.

Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in China and its risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and the relation with its risk factors in China. METHODS: A total of 19 363 participants (8635 males and 10 728 females) aged ⋝35 years in geographically dispersed urban and rural regions of China were included in this cross-sectional survey. All participants received questionnaire, physical and blood examination. Echocardiography were performed for AF patients found in the survey. RESULTS: Of the 19 363 participants, 199 were diagnosed with AF. The estimated age-standardized prevalence of AF was 0.78% in men and 0.76% in women. The prevalence of AF in participants aged <60 years was 0.41% in men and 0.43% in women, and was 1.83% in both men and women aged ⋝60 years. About 19.0% of males and 30.9% of females with AF were diagnosed with valve disease. Age- and sex-adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), obesity, and alcohol consumption were associated with a increased risk of AF(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The age standardized prevalence of AF is 0.77% in the participants enrolled in the present study. The number of AF cases aged ⋝35 years is 5.26 million according to 2010 Chinese Census. Most risk factors for AF, identified mainly in Western countries, are also detected in China.

Discrimination of cis-trans isomers by dinuclear metal cryptates at physiological pH: selectivity for fumarate vs. maleate.

Cryptand L (L = N[(CH2)2NHCH2(2,6-C10H6)CH2NH(CH2)2]3N) and its dinuclear metal cryptates [Zn2L](NO3)4 (1) and [Cu2L](ClO4)4 (2) have been prepared, and the binding properties of the cryptates with fumarate and its cis isomer maleate were investigated using fluorescent spectra, (1)H NMR titrations and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for [(Cu2L)(fum)][ClO4]2 (3) (fum = fumarate). Thanks to the size and shape matching effect, the cryptates can selectively recognize fumarate at physiological pH, with an association constant almost 18-fold larger than that of maleate, forming a cradle-like cascade complex.

[Amelioration of icariin for the epididymis impairment induced by streptozocin (STZ) in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of icariin on the streptozocin (STZ)-induced epididymis impair in rats. METHODS: The epididymis impair was induced by injection of streptozocin at dosage of 60 mg/kg ip in SD rats. Animals were randomly divided into six groups (n = 14): normal control, model group, three icariin treated group with different dosages (P.O, 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg especially) and rosiglitazone group (P.O, 3 mg/kg), 12 weeks later, animals were sacrificed. The level of serum glucose, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT), alpha-glucosidase activity as well as sialic acid (SA), fructose level in the epididymis were determined. The pathological examination was performed under microscope after the epididymis was fixed by 4% poly-formalin and stained by HE. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control, the activity of LDH, ACP, gamma-GT and alpha-glucosidase in the epididymis revealed a decline, with lower level of SA and fructose. Histological examination showed that mature spermatocytes in the epididymis markedly decreased. These alterations were ameliorated in the groups with the treatment of icariin at 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg, but not at 20 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: Icariin ameliorated the signs of epididymis in diabetic rats induced by streptozocin, this effect might carry out by promoting the elevation of special enzyme and energy metabolism in the epididymis.

[Protective effect of total flavonoids of herba epimedii on testis degeneration in diabetic mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effects and investigate the possible mechanism of total flavonoids of herba epimedii (TFE) on diabetic testopathy in mice. METHODS: Diabetic animal model was produced by a single injection of alloxan ( 70 mg/kg, i.v.) in mice. The mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10): control group, model group and TFE group (100 mg/kg, p.o.), administrated for 8 weeks continuously. The level of serum testosterone and blood glucose were measured after 24 hours in the last administration. Detect the specific biochemical indicators of testis: superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA). Meanwhile, the morphology of testis was observed under light microscope by HE and MASSION dyeing. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the level of matrix metalloprotein (MMP)9. RESULTS: Compared with control group, glucose and the content of MDA in testicular tissues increased while the levels of serum testosterone and SOD decreased remarkably in model group. Detection of pathology showed that the diameters of seminiferous tubules, various grades of spermatogenic cell decreased and collagen fibrosis hyperplasia in testicular tissues, the expression of (MMP9) were decreased in model group. These alterations were significantly improved in TFE group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: TFE ameliorated the alterations of testis inalloxan-induced mice through promoting the testosterone release, anti-oxidation and improving the expression of MMP9.

[Ecosystem's soil conservation function and its spatial distribution in Lancang River Basin, Southwest China].

Based on the RUSLE model, this paper analyzed the ecosystem's soil conservation function and its spatial distribution in Lancang River Basin. This Basin could be one of the regions having the highest ecosystem' s soil conservation capability in China, with an annual ecosystem's soil conservation amount being 2.36 x 10(10) t x a(-1) and the soil conservation amount per unit area being 1453.72 t x a(-1) per hectare. The total amounts of the N, P, and K conserved in soils were 5.74 x 10(7), 3.07 x 10(7), and 3.75 x 10(8) t x a(-1), respectively, and presented an increasing trend from upstream to downstream. Among the ecosystems in the Basin, forest ecosystem had the highest soil conservation capability, followed by grassland and farmland, while desert ecosystem had the lowest one. The soil conservation capability of the ecosystems was linearly increased with the increase of vegetation coverage. Averagely, a 10% increment in the vegetation coverage could result in a 35.3% increment in soil conservation capability. To rationally increase the vegetation coverage by reliable ecosystem management based on local conditions would make good effect in preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil nutrients in the Basin.

Sinocurculigo, a new genus of Hypoxidaceae from China based on molecular and morphological evidence.

BACKGROUND: The monocot family Hypoxidaceae consists of nine genera with nearly 200 species. They occur mostly in the Southern Hemisphere with only a few species in the Northern Hemisphere, of which three genera, Hypoxis, Molineria, and Curculigo, with eight species are distributed in China. Recently, we have found a hypoxid-like plant in China that is quite different in floral structure from any of the three genera and even of the known taxa in Hypoxidaceae. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In addition to morphological analysis, we performed maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference analyses based on fragments of the chloroplast matK and rbcL genes of 60 taxa in 12 families representing all major clades of the Hypoxidaceae alliance. Results showed that Hypoxidaceae is monophyletic and and that the new plant belongs to it, forming a distinct clade within the family Hypoxidaceae as a sister of Molineria. Phylogeny of the Hypoxidaceae family was constructed based on a combined matrix of the chloroplast rbcL, trnS-G, and trnL-F regions of 59 taxa in Hypoxidaceae and its alliance. Findings of the molecular investigation is consistent with those of the morphological analysis. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Based on the results of our molecular and morphological analyses in the present study, we propose a new genus, Sinocurculigo.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal association of cigarette smoking with carotid atherosclerosis in Chinese adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of cigarette smoking with carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. METHODS: The study population consisted of 1132 residents in Beijing (748 women and 384 men) aged 35 to 64 years. Information on baseline smoking characteristics, including smoking status and pack-years was collected in 1993-1994. The cohort was resurveyed in 2002 and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid plaques were measured by B-mode ultrasound. RESULTS: The multivariable-adjusted mean CCA-IMT at resurvey was significantly associated with smoking status at both resurvey and baseline, and was 0.72 mm for consistent current smokers, 0.71 mm for former and inconsistent smokers, and 0.70 mm for consistent never smokers at both surveys, respectively (p-trend<0.01). The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [OR, 95% confidence interval (CI)] of having carotid plaques was 1.5 (1.0-2.1) for consistent current smokers vs consistent never smokers. In addition, there was a significant dose-response relationship between baseline smoking pack-years and multivariable-adjusted mean CCA-IMT and risk of having carotid plaques at resurvey. CONCLUSION: Smoking is associated with carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older Chinese adults both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Smoking cessation may play a significant role in prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases in China.

[Different effects of inflammation and lipid levels on coronary lesions after PCI].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the different effects of inflammation and lipid levels before and after PCI on in-stent restenosis and lesion progression. METHODS: Patients were studied who successfully underwent PCI with stent implantation and were received coronary angiography again after three months to one year. In-stent restenosis was observed in 94 patients and lesion progression in 65 patients. No restenosis and lesion progression occurred in 307 cases. Total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), C reactive protein (CRP) and high sensitive CRP (hsCRP) were determined before PCI and at time of re-angiography. RESULTS: The levels of CRP and hsCRP before PCI in restenosis group were higher than those with no restenosis (CRP: median = 3.61 mg/L and 2.86 mg/L respectively, hsCRP: median = 1.56 mg/L and 0.89 mg/L respectively, P < 0.05). There was also difference between two groups in CRP levels at post-PCI follow-ups (median = 1.92 mg/L and 1.14 mg/L respectively, P < 0.05). The rate of restenosis in patients with hsCRP > 2 mg/L before PCI was higher than that in patients with hsCRP < or = 2 mg/L (Chi(2) = 4.32, P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that the risk of restenosis markedly increased in patients with hsCRP > 2 mg/L (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.031-3.465). During the follow-up angiography the levels of TC, LDL-C and non-HDL-C were higher in lesion progression group than those in control group [TC (4.62 +/- 1.14) mmol/L and (4.26 +/- 1.01) mmol/L, LDL-C (2.51 +/- 0.93) mmol/L and (2.25 +/- 0.75) mmol/L, non-HDL-C (3.52 +/- 1.12) mmol/L and (3.20 +/- 0.98) mmol/L, respectively, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Inflammation state before and after PCI are the risk factors for in-stent restenosis, while the levels of TC, LDL-C and non-HDL-C are the important risk factors for other coronary lesion progression. Secondary prevention should be long-term emphasized and strengthened after PCI.

[Body mass index and prognosis in patients with systolic heart failure].

OBJECTIVE: In individuals without cardiovascular disease, elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of death. However, in patients with certain chronic diseases, including heart failure, low BMI has been associated with increased mortality. We investigated the association between BMI and prognosis in patients with systolic HF. METHOD: Follow-up was made on 540 patients (mean age 58.53 years, 84.2% men) with systolic HF (LVEF < or = 45%) and association between BMI and adverse cardiac events was analyzed. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 24 months, 92 patients died including 87 cases of cardiac death and 92 patients were rehospitalized. Compared with patients with BMI higher than 28.0 kg/m(2), patients in lower BMI categories (BMI < or = 18.5 kg/m(2) and > or = 18.5 kg/m(2) < 24.0 kg/m(2)) had a graded increase in the all cause death rate [5.44 (1.78 - 16.66), 4.30 (1.71 - 10.82)], cardiac death rate [OR(95%CI): 5.42 (1.77 - 16.59), 4.00 (1.59 - 10.10)], HF death rate [8.94 (2.37 - 33.74), 4.97 (1.52 - 16.20)] and MACE rate [2.10 (1.09 - 4.07), 1.79 (1.14 - 2.82)]. After adjustment for age, gender, LVEF and NYHA grade using cox regression analysis, BMI categories still significantly associated with all cause death rate (OR = 0.77, P < 0.05), cardiac death rate (OR = 0.78, P < 0.05) and HF death rate (OR = 0.79, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with systolic heart failure, lower BMI was an independent predictor of increased all cause death rate, cardiac death rate and HF death rate.

[Profile and associations of carotid femoral pulse wave velocity in a community-based Beijing population of middle and old age].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the profile and related factors of carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV) in a community-based Beijing population of middle and old age. METHODS: A total of 1519 residents aged 44 - 79 years old from Shijingshan district, Beijing, were recruited for the cardiovascular risk factor survey and CFPWV measurements. One way ANOVA, pearson correlation and partial correlation, stepwise multi-linear regression were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: (1) The age-adjusted mean value of CFPWV was significantly higher in men than that in women (11.4 vs. 11.1 m/s, P = 0.007). CFPWV increased significantly with age both for men and women (all P < 0.01). (2) After adjusting for age and gender, CFPWV was significantly higher in people with hypertension, diabetes and higher heart rate (> 70 beats/min) than people without these factors (P < 0.01). (3) CFPWV significantly correlated with age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and heart rate (correlation coefficient ranged from 0.12 - 0.46, all P < 0.01). In female, CFPWV was positively correlated with total cholesterol and triglycerides (correlation coefficient 0.11 and 0.13, all P < 0.01). Multi-linear regression analysis showed age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and heart rate were independent predictors of CFPWV. CONCLUSION: In this middle and old age Chinese population, age, sex, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and heart rate but not HDL-cholesterol and body mass index were associated with CFPWV.

[Evolvement of ecological footprint model representing ecological carrying capacity].

Ecological footprint (EF) is an important index of ecological carrying capacity. The original EF model is excellent in simplicity, aggregation, comparability, and lifelikeness in presenting results, but short in predictability, configuration, and applicability. To overcome these shortcomings, many researches were conducted to modify and promote the EF model, and developed it from static with single time scale to diversified ones, which included: 1) time series EF model, 2) input-output analysis based EF model, 3) integrated assessment incorporated EF model, 4) land disturbance degree based EF model, and 5) life cycle analysis based EF model, or component EF model. The function of EF as a measurement of ecological carrying capacity was significantly improved, but its accuracy and integrality still need to be advanced.