AIM:To observe the change of nitric oxide(NO)and hydrogen sulfide(H_2S)in blood and lung homogenate of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension(HPH)rat model,and to discuss the meaning of inhalation sodium nitrite and these factors in the treatment of HPH. METHODS:Fifty healthy male Wistar rats were assigned randomly into 5 groups(10 rats each):normoxia control group(NC),normoxia sodium nitrite group(NNI),hypoxic control group(HC),hypoxic normal saline group(HNS)and hypoxic sodium nitrite group(HNI). The mean pulmonary arterial pressure(mPAP),weight of right ventricle,weight of left ventricle plus septum,and the ratio of the weight of right ventricle to that of left ventricle plus septum(right ventricle hypertrophy index,RVHI)were also determined. The serum level of NO and plasma level of H_2S were measured,and at the same time the levels of NO in the lung homogenate were detected. The structures in pulmonary arteries were examined using optical microscope. RESULTS:After model established,compared to that in the normoxia groups,the body weight decreased significantly in hypoxia groups(P<0.05),although no difference of body weight in five groups before producing model was observed. Compared to that in normoxia groups,the levels of mPAP and RVHI increased significantly in hypoxia groups,and compared to that in hypoxia control groups and hypoxia normal saline group,mPAP and RVHI levels decreased significantly in hypoxia sodium nitrite group(P<0.05). Compared to that in normoxia groups,the serum level of NO decreased significantly in hypoxia groups(P<0.05). NO level in lung homogenate decreased significantly in hypoxia control group and hypoxia normal saline group as compared to that in normoxia groups(P<0.05),and no obvious difference between hypoxic sodium nitrite group and normoxia groups was found. The plasma level of H_2S was decreased significantly in hypoxia groups(P<0.05)as compared to that in normoxia groups. H_2S level increased significantly in hypoxia sodium nitrite group as compared to that in hypoxia control groups and hypoxia normal saline group(P<0.05). Observation under optical microscope,the lumen structure of lung in normoxia control group was normal. No significant change in normoxia sodium nitrite group was found. The proliferation of smooth muscle cells(SMCs),the collagen fiber deposition in the vessel wall and every caliber thickening was observed in hypoxic control group. The same changes were also observed in hypoxic normal saline group. The thickened caliber was relieved significantly in hypoxic nitrite group. CONCLUSION:Pulmonary hypertension and right ventricle reconstitution can be relieved by inhalation of sodium nitrite,and can be regulated by the level of NO and H_2S in rats. Above all,inhalation of sodium nitrite may degrade HPH directly or by affecting the externalization and synthesizing of gas signaling molecule indirectly.

Objective:To study the effect of IL-24 on the differentiation and function of osteoclasts.Methods:Mature osteoclasts were isolated from long bones of neonate rats.Optimal multiplicity of infection(MOI)of AdCMV-EGFP was determined.Then osteo-clasts and RAW264.7 cells were transfected with AdCMV-EGFP and AdCMV-IL-24 respectively.The function of osteoblasts was studied by the observation of bone resorption lacunae,the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells was evaluated by the expression of osteo-clast related genes examined with real-time PCR.Results:Osteoclasts were TRAP positive with more than 2 neclei.MOI=400 was suitable for AdCMV-EGFP transfection.The resorption lacunae area in AdCMV-IL24 transfected cells was larger than that in AdCMV-EGFP transfected cells(P<0.05).Real-time PCR showed that under induced conditions,osteoclastic related genes NFATc1,CTSK and TRAP were changed in RAW264.7 cells transfected with AdCMV-IL-24.Conclusion:IL-24 may promote the differentiation and function of osteoclasts.

A total of 169 patients with short-duration type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM) were divided into atherosclerosis (AS) group and non-AS group according to the intima-media thickness (IMT) of three conducting arteries.The level of serum amyloid A (SAA) was assayed by ELISA.The results showed that SAA level of type 2 DM patients increased significantly, patients in AS group showed higher SAA level than that in non-AS group, and SAA level was positively correlated with age, body mass index, waist hip ratio and IMT of common carotid artery.Age, C-reactive protein and SAA level are the major risk factors for IMT of common carotid artery.

Objective:To develop and validate a clinical prediction model for the risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during hospitalization, and evaluate the effect of the prediction model.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 2 649 patients with AMI admitted to cardiology department of Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from December 2012 to August 2020 were enrolled. The clinical characteristics including gender, age, medical history, discharge diagnosis, vital signs during hospitalization, electrocardiogram characteristics at admission, laboratory examination indexes, interventional treatment, drug usage, malignant ventricular arrhythmias [mainly included sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular flutter or ventricular fibrillation (VF)], and death were recorded. All patients were divided into two groups according to whether VT/VF occurred during their hospitalization. Independent risk factors for VT/VF during hospitalization were evaluated by multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and a clinical prediction model was constructed. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was plotted, and the area under ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the accuracy of the prediction model.Results:A total of 2 649 eligible patients with AMI were enrolled, of whom 134 (5.06%) developed VT/VF during hospitalization. The in-hospital mortality rate in VT/VF group was significantly higher than that in non-VT/VF group (38.1% vs. 1.7%, P < 0.01). Compared with the non-VT/VF group, the patients in the VT/VF group with lower systolic blood pressure [SBP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 125.9±28.2 vs. 132.0±24.2], higher random blood glucose (mmol/L: 8.6±4.8 vs. 7.4±3.7), worse cardiac function [Killip heart function grade ≥ 3: 36.6% vs. 10.7%, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 0.50: 56.7% vs. 33.6%, frequent premature ventricular contractions: 12.7% vs. 1.2%] and more hypokalemia (46.3% vs. 17.3%), with significant differences (all P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that Killip classification of cardiac function ≥ 3 [odds ratio ( OR) = 3.540, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 2.336-5.363], random blood glucose > 11.1 mmol/L ( OR = 1.841, 95% CI was 1.171-2.893), LVEF < 0.50 ( OR = 0.546, 95% CI was 0.374-0.797), frequent premature ventricular contractions ( OR = 12.361, 95% CI was 6.077-25.144), potassium < 3.5 mmol/L ( OR = 4.268, 95% CI was 2.910-6.259), SBP < 90 mmHg ( OR = 0.299, 95% CI was 0.150-0.597) and creatinine (Cr) > 100 μmol/L ( OR = 2.498, 95% CI was 1.170-5.334) were independent risk factors for VT/VF in patients with AMI (all P < 0.05). The clinical prediction model of VT/VF risk was constructed based on the variables selected by multivariate regression analysis. The ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of the model in predicting VT/VF was 0.779 (95% CI was 0.735-0.823, P < 0.001); the optimal cut-off value of the model was 17, the sensitivity was 76.1%, the specificity was 67.3%. Conclusions:The incidence of VT/VF during hospitalization of AMI patients significantly increases the risk of in-hospital death. The independent risk factors of VT/VF are Killip grade ≥ 3, random blood glucose > 11.1 mmol/L, LVEF < 0.50, frequent ventricular premature beats, potassium < 3.5 mmol/L, SBP < 90 mmHg and Cr > 100 μmol/L. The newly constructed clinical prediction model has certain predictive value for the occurrence risk of VT/VF.

The transcriptional repressor RE1 silencer transcription factor(NRSF/REST) is an important factor that restricts some neuronal traits in neurons.Since these traits are also present in pancreatic islet cells,NRSF-regulated genes involved in islet function are searched.A NRSE-like motif was analysed in human insulin promoter.The role of NRSE was evaluated by generating a model of insulin-secreting cells that firmly express NRSF.The presence of NRSF led to a decrease in activity of human insulin promoter by stable or transient transfection with human insulin-promoter luciferase.The predicted NRSE-like motif also confers NRSF-dependent transcriptional repression in the context of a surrogate gene promoter.Specific binding activity of NRSF/REST to the NRSE-like motif was confirmed by EMSA.Moreover,the binding activity is competed by consensus NRSE sequence.These data showed that human insulin promoter is regulated by the transcriptional repressor NRSF/REST via the NRSE-like motif.

Objective:To observe the anatomical characteristics of the semispinalis capitis plane (SCP) to provide a reference for clinically effective implementation of ultrasound-guided SCP block.Methods:Ultrasound scanning was performed in six certain districts of SCP in 30 healthy volunteers (60 sides). The key point was to examine and describe the anatomical characteristics of semispinalis capitis (SCA), deep space of SCA and structures within the space.Results:(1) Transverse scanning at the posterior arch of atlas revealed that the SCA was separated into medial and lateral head by an oblique thick septum; in the space between SCA and obliquus capitis inferior (SCA-OCI), the third occipital nerve (TON) and the greater occipital nerve (GON) were separated by a fascia.There was often a branch of occipital vein between them.The distance from TON to GON was (12.9±0.6) mm.(2) Transverse scanning at the lamina of axis revealed that the axial image of SCA and the structures in SCA-OCI space were similar to the results previously described in (1). The distance from TON to GON was (12.1±0.5) mm.(3) Sagittal scanning beside the spinous process of axis revealed that SCA was separated into superior and inferior belly by a septum which connected to the end of axis spinous process.(4) Sagittal scanning at the C 2, 3 facet joint revealed that in the space between OCI and C 2, 3 facet joint (OCI-C 2, 3) beneath SCA, there was no septum between TON and GON.The distance from TON to GON was (8.0±0.5) mm.(5) Transverse scanning at the lamina of C 4 revealed that in the space between SCA and semispinalis cervicis, the deep cervical artery and vein were observable except medial branch of C 4, and the characteristics of the short axis of the SCA belly were similar to the results previously described in (1). (6) Transverse scanning at the lamina of C 5 revealed that the view was similar to the results previously described in (5). The posterior branch of C 5 nerve was not found. Conclusions:SCP is rich in fascia, and blood vessels often pass through the deep surface space of SCA under ultrasound.The anatomical structure is complex, and there is individual variation.Grasping its ultrasonic anatomical characteristics is helpful in safely and effectively implementing ultrasound-guided SCP block.

Objective To investigate the retrobulbar hemodynamic changes in elderly patients with ischemic ophthalmopathy(IOP).Methods Three groups of 35 elderly unilateral IOP(n=35 patients),32 elderly normal eye(n=32 volunteers)and 30 non-elderly normal eye(n=30 volunteers) were recruited in our hospital for the IOP or not,for elderly(aged≥60)or not(aged ＜60).The peak systolic velocity(PSV),end-diastolic velocity(EDV),resistance index(RI),color Doppler blood stream spectrum form and arm-retinal circulation time(A-RCT) in both ophthalmic artery(OA) and central retinal artery(CRA)were measured on three groups by color Doppler flow imaging(CDFI)and fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA).Results Compared with elderly normal eye group,or with non-elderly normal eye group,the elderly unilateral IOP group showed that PSV and EDV of both OA and CRA were decreased,RI was increased,CD blood stream spectrum form was changed and A-RCT was prolonged(all P＜0.05).Compared the non-elderly normal eye group,the elderly normal eye group showed that the difference in PSV,EDV,RI,A-RCT had no statistical significance(all P ＞0.05),while CD blood stream spectrum form was changed(P＜0.05).Conclusions In the elderly unilateral IOP patients,PSV and EDV of both OA and CRA are decreased,RI is increased,blood stream spectrum form is changed,and A-RCT is prolonged.The color Doppler uhrasound-detected hemodynamic changes are displayed clearly so that CDFI can provide a reliable evidence for clinical diagnosis of IOP.

Objective To explore the prevalence and epidemic characteristics of overweight, obesity, and central obesity in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Methods Multi-stage stratified random sampling method was conducted in Pudong New Area in 2013. Residents over 15 years old were randomly selected from 13 communities and participated in the cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information and physical examination, biochemical assays were also conducted. SPSS 20. 0 was used to analyze the results. Results The averagebodymassindexofparticipantswas(25.04±3.79)kg/m2andtheaveragewaistcircumferencewas(82.44± 9. 51) cm. The prevalences of overweight, obesity, and central obesity were 41. 67%, 17. 70%, and 31. 32%respectively. Standardized prevalences of overweight, obesity, and central obesity were 34. 39%, 16. 96%, and 25. 66% respectively, according to 2010 national age composition of population. Statistically significant sex differences were found among the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and central obesity groups(all P<0. 05). The prevalence of central obesity in female was raised by increasing age. Residents with hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and metabolic disorders had higher prevalences in overweight, obesity, and central obesity ( all P<0. 05). Conclusion The prevalences of overweight, obesity, and central obesity among the residents in Shanghai Pudong New Area were relatively high. Relevant risk factors should be explored to promote health education that may enhance people′s awareness of weight management.

Objective:To investigate the effect of preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level on the risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods:A retrospective study was conducted. The hospitalized patients diagnosed with AMI who underwent PCI from May 2015 to May 2020 in the department of cardiology in the Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled. According to the serum creatinine (SCr) level before and after interventional therapy, the patients were divided into an AKI group and a non-AKI group. The difference in patients' Hb levels between the AKI and non-AKI groups was compared. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the effects of Hb levels on the risk of AKI after interventional therapy in patients with AMI. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to evaluate the effects of Hb levels on patients with AMI in all-cause death in the hospital.Results:A total of 922 AMI patients were enrolled in this study, of which 165 patients (17.9%) developed AKI. Compared with the non-AKI group, female patients in the AKI group had a higher proportion [35.8% (59/165) vs. 26.9% (204/757)], older (age: 69.78±14.56 vs. 66.61±13.44), with a lower rate of smoking [42.4% (70/165) vs. 51.7% (391/757)] and a higher prevalence of hypertension [73.3% (121/165) vs. 63.5% (481/757)], however, the patients in AKI group also had a worse cardiac function [the proportion of Killip grade 3 or above was higher: 33.9% (56/165) vs. 13.9% (105/757)], lower Hb level (g/L: 127.61±22.18 vs. 132.79±19.45), and there were less patients using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin Ⅱreceptor blocker [ACEI/ARB, 60.0% (99/165) vs. 74.5% (564/757)] and more patients using diuretics [24.8% (41/165) vs. 17.7% (134/757)] in AKI group, the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with non-AKI group, patients in AKI group had a longer operation time [operation time > 60 minutes: 4.2% (7/165) vs. 1.5% (11/757)] and received more contrast media during the operative procedure [contrast media > 100 mL: 16.4% (27/165) vs. 3.6% (27/757)], the individuals had a higher rate of intra-operative hypotension [16.4% (27/165) vs. 8.2% (62/757)], and more patients were implanted more than 2 stents [8.5% (14/165) vs. 3.6% (27/757), all P < 0.05]. Univariate Logistic regression analysis suggested that each 1 g/L increase in preoperative Hb level was associated with a 1.2% decrease in the risk of postoperative AKI [odds ratio ( OR) = 0.988, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.980-0.996, P = 0.003]. Meanwhile, for every 1 standard deviation increase in preoperative Hb level, the risk of postoperative AKI decreased by 22.1% ( OR = 0.779, 95% CI was 0.661-0.918, P = 0.003). The patients were divided into low, medium and high concentration groups according to Hb levels (Hb levels were < 110 g/L, 110-150 g/L, ≥ 150 g/L, respectively), and multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of AKI was significantly reduced in the high concentration group compared with that in the low concentration group ( OR = 0.463, 95% CI was 0.241-0.888, P = 0.020). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis indicated that the short term survival after coronary intervention in AMI patients with low Hb concentration was significantly lower than that in patients with medium and high Hb concentration (Log-Rank: χ2= 23.215, P < 0.001). Conclusions:Preoperative lower Hb level is an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI in AMI patients. AMI patients with lower Hb levels have an increased risk of all-cause mortality within 1 month after AMI.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the status of radiological Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet, through a 3-year monitoring survey, providing epidemiological evidence for prevention and control strategies.Methods:The target areas for this study were Luolong, Bianba, and Basu counties in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, identified as having the most severe historical cases of KBD. Children aged 7-12 years attending school were enrolled as study subjects. Anteroposterior X-ray films of the right-hand were taken, and radiological diagnoses were made based on the "Diagnosis of Kashin-Beck Disease" criteria (WS/T 207-2010). Two experienced researchers independently reviewed the X-rays, and intra- and inter-group consistency were assessed using weighted Kappa values and percentage agreement. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2017 and 2020 to describe the X-ray detection rates of KBD, and logistic regression analysis was employed to construct a predictive model of risk factors for radiological KBD cases.Results:In 2017, a total of 5,711 children aged 7-12 years in Chamdo City, Tibet, participated in the baseline cross-sectional survey (average age 9.2 years, 48.0% female), with 28 cases of radiological KBD. The age- and gender-standardized prevalence rate was 0.527%. In 2020, 6,771 participants (average age 9.3 years, 49.5% female) underwent a second cross-sectional survey, with 9 cases of radiological KBD and a standardized prevalence rate of 0.134%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older age [ OR=2.439, 95% CI(1.299, 4.580), P=0.006] and female gender [ OR=8.157, 95% CI(1.016, 65.528), P=0.048] were independent risk factors for radiological KBD cases. Conversely, higher residential altitude, under the premise of Tibet's high altitude, was a protective factor [ OR=0.995, 95% CI(0.990, 0.999), P=0.032). Conclusion:The radiographically positive detection rate of KBD among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, is at an extremely low level and showing a declining trend, reaching the historical standard in 2020. Considering the absence of positive signs in affected children, it suggests that local KBD has been effectively eliminated.