Objective To investigate the influence and clinical significance of single and dual-chamber pacing on central aortic pressure (CAP) and augmentation index (AI) in non-smoking individuals. Methods Totally, 83 non-smokers with pacemaker-implanted were consecutively enrolled in this study, and they were divided into three groups:dual-chamber pacemaker group (DDD, n=35), single-chamber pacemaker group (VVI, n=33) and control group (n=15). Heart rate (HR), CAP, AI, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured in three groups of patients. Finally, DDD pacing mode was turned into VVI pacing mode in patients of DDD group and the indexes were measured again. All of the indexes were recorded and analyzed. Results There were no significant changes in baseline characteristics and laboratory data between three groups (P>0.05). Left atrial diameters were significantly higher in VVI group than those of control group (P<0.05). Values of CAP were significantly higher in DDD group than those of control group and VVI group (P<0.05). Values of AI, corrected AI (AIc) and brachial BP were significantly higher in DDD group than those of VVI group (P<0.05). Values of CAP and brachial BP were significantly lower in VVI group than those of control group (P<0.05), while no significant changes were found in AI and AIC between VVI group and control group (P>0.05). All of these indexes (CAP, AI and brachial BP) were significantly reduced after the pacing mode was changed (P<0.05). Conclusion In non-smokers, dual-chamber pacing mode can increase CAP and AI.

Objective It is well known that diethylstilbestrol ( DES ) can result in testicular oxidative injury , and one of its mechanisms of action is leading to dysfunction of steroidogenesis .The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between testicular oxidative injury caused by DES and the key synthetase activities for the synthesis pathway of steroidogenesis and the possible mechanism .Methods Twenty-four 4-wk-old male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups , 6 rats each.Three doses of DES (0.1, 1.0 and 10 μg/kg· d) groups and a vehicle (corn oil) control group , were respectively administered by subcutaneous injection once a day for eight weeks .The rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks treatment and the body weight , testis, epididymis, prostate were weighed, respectively.The testicular tissues were homogenized and the oxidation of MDA and ROS , the activity changes of antioxidases SOD, CAT and GPx, as well asthe activities of steroid synthetases 3β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD3 were determined by biochemical measurement.The levels oftestosterone and LH in peripheral blood were measured by radioimmunoassay .The intensities of expression of StAR,P450scc, 3β-HSD1, 17β-HSD3-mRNA were detected by PCR.Results In the 10.0 μg/kg dose group, the weights andorgan coefficients of testis and prostate were decreased significantly , the oxidation of MDA and ROS was increased distinctlyand the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, 3β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD3 were reduced.The concentration of serum testosterone wasdecreased in the 10.0 μg/kg dose group.In the 10.0 μg/kg and 1.0 μg/kg dose groups, the decline of LH levelpresented a dose-dependent manner, and the intensities of immunochemical positive staining for StAR , P450scc, 3β-HSD1and 17β-HSD3 mRNA were decreased.Conclusions DES exposure results in disturbance of the oxidant /antioxidantbalance and decline of testosterone level that induces reproductive impairment in male rats .DES induces reductions of bothGPx and 3β-HSD activities which cause the decrease of testosterone synthesis .The expression of P450scc and 3β-HSDmRNA,which are the key synthetases in biosynthetic pathway of steroidogenesis , are inhibited by DES, and it isspeculated that the disturbance of steroidogenic synthesis enzymes may be one of the mechanisms of toxic effects of DES .

Objective To investigate the potential relationship between the paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation(PAF) and serum uric acid level.Methods Consecutive patients with (patient group,n =65) and without(control group,n =41) PAF,who were hospitalized in the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from September 2011 to June 2012,were included in this study.We excluded subjects with congestive heart failure,acute coronary syndrome,congenital heart disease,valvular heart disease,cardiomyopathy,thyroid dysfunction and acute infection or inflammatory conditions.Baseline clinical data,complications and laboratory examination results were collected.Left atrium diameter (LAD),left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined by echocardiography.Univariate and logistic regression was conducted to detect risk factors for PAF.Results Serum uric acid level were significantly increased in patients with PAF compared with controls ((360.2 ± 103.9) μmol/L vs (296.0 ±68.1) μmol/L,P =0.001).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher level of serum uric acid (OR:1.007,95％ CI:1.000-1.015) and LAD (OR:1.142,95％ CI:1.031-1.265) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of PAF.Conclusion High serum uric acid level is an independent risk factor for the development of PAF.Future larger studies should further evaluate this potential association as well as the underlying mechanisms.

OBJECTIVETo research the effects of Guizhi Fuling capsule on sex hormones levels in blood serum and breast issue morphology of hyperplasia of mammary glands model rats.

METHODThe unpregnancy SD rat models of hyperplasia of mammary glands were established by injecting 0.5 mg x kg(-1) benzoate estradiol. After five weeks doses,the effects of Guizhi Fuling capsule 2.0, 1.0, 0.5 g x kg(-1) and Rupixiao tablet 0.5 g x kg(-1) on the changes of papilla diameter, height and breast issue morphology of the naimal models were explored, and sex hormones levels in blood serum were measured.

RESULTGuizhi Fuling capsule can inhibitnipple swell, improve breast tissue morphology pathological profiles of the animal models, and decrease oestradiol (E2) level and increase progesterone (P) level in blood serum.

CONCLUSIONThese results suggested that Guizhi Fuling capsule could, improve mammary gland pathological profiles. Regulating sex hormone levels may be its important mechanism for treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands.

Animals ; Capsules ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; blood ; Hyperplasia ; Mammary Glands, Animal ; drug effects ; pathology ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo study the chemical constituents from the active fractions against HIV in vitro, a crude ethanolic extract of Illicium simonsii.

METHODThe compounds were isolated with column chromatography methods. MS and NMR spectroscopic methods were used to determine the structures of the compounds.

RESULTSeven compounds were isolated from the active fractions against HIV in vitro of the 90% ethanol extract and their structures were elucidated as (+)-catechin (1), (-)-epicatechin (2), (+)-catechin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (3), kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (4), quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (5), erigeside C (6) and daucosterol (7).

CONCLUSIONSeven compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time, but none of them exhibited active against HIV in vitro. Compounds 3 and 6 were isolated from this genus for the first time.

Catechin ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Ethanol ; chemistry ; Glycosides ; chemistry ; Illicium ; chemistry ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Mass Spectrometry ; Rhamnose ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; Sitosterols ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the potential molecular mechanisms for Bushen Tiaojing Recipe (BTR) improving the endocrine function of ovarian granular cells by observing the effect of BTR containing serum on follicle stimulating hormone/cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A (FSH/ cAMP-PKA) pathway in in vitro cultured human ovarian granular cells.

METHODSThe primary ovarian granular cells collected from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer patients were cultured for 24 h. The human and rat serum containing different concentrations of BTR (low, medium, high dose), and their normal serums were co-incubated with ovarian granular cells for 48 h respectively, and then they were divided into the low, medium, high dose BTR groups and the control group. The levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the culture medium were measured by radioimmunoassay. The protein expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells was detected by Western Blot. The mRNA expression of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and P450 aromatase (P450arom) in ovarian granular cells were detected by Real-time PCR.

RESULTSIn human BTR containing serum groups: Compared with control group, the levels of E2 and cAMP in the culture medium were higher (both P < 0.05) in the medium and high dose BTR groups; the levels of P in the culture medium decreased in the medium dose BTR group (P < 0.01). The protein and mRNA expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells increased (all P < 0.01), the mRNA expressions of P450arom in ovarian granular cells were higher (P < 0.05, P< 0.01) in the medium and high dose BTR groups. In rat BTR containing serum groups: Compared with the control group, the levels of E2 in the culture medium were higher (all P < 0.01), cAMP in the culture medium were higher (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in the medium and high dose BTR group; the levels of P in the culture medium decreased in the medium dose BTR group (P < 0.01). The protein and mRNA expression of FSHR in ovarian granular cells were higher (all P < 0.01), the mRNA expression of P450arom in ovarian granular cells increased in the medium and high dose BTR groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBTR could possibly improve the endocrine function of ovarian granular cells by regulating main effector molecules FSHR, cAMP, P450arom, and E2 in FSH/cAMP-PKA pathway of ovarian granular cells.

Cells, Cultured ; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Type I ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; metabolism ; Granulosa Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Serum ; chemistry ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects

China implemented the public hospital reform in 2012.This study utilized bootstrapping data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the technical efficiency (TE) and productivity of county public hospitals in Eastern,Central,and Western China after the 2012 public hospital reform.Data from 127 county public hospitals (39,45,and 43 in Eastern,Central,and Western China,respectively) were collected during 2012-2015.Changes of TE and productivity over time were estimated by bootstrapping DEA and bootstrapping Malmquist.The disparities in TE and productivity among public hospitals in the three regions of China were compared by Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test.The average bias-corrected TE values for the four-year period were 0.6442,0.5785,0.6099,and 0.6094 in Eastern,Central,and Western China,and the entire country respectively,with average non-technical efficiency,low pure technical efficiency (PTE),and high scale efficiency found.Productivity increased by 8.12％,0.25％,12.11％,and 11.58％ in China and its three regions during 2012-2015,and such increase in productivity resulted from progressive technological changes by 16.42％,6.32％,21.08％,and 21.42％,respectively.The TE and PTE of the county hospitals significantly differed among the three regions of China.Eastern and Western China showed significantly higher TE and PTE than Central China.More than 60％ of county public hospitals in China and its three areas operated at decreasing return scales.There was a considerable space for TE improvement in county hospitals in China and its three regions.During 2012-2015,the hospitals experienced progressive productivity;however,the PTE changed adversely.Moreover,Central China continuously achieved a significantly lower efficiency score than Eastern and Westem China.Decision makers and administrators in China should identify the causes of the observed inefficiencies and take appropriate measures to increase the efficiency of county public hospitals in the three areas of China,especially in Central China.

Objective To explore the changes in plasma melatonin (MT) and glucocorticoid (GC) and the expressions of melatonin receptor 1 (MR1) and glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GR alpha) after neonatal asphyxia. Methods Full-term asphyxia neonates (22 cases of mild asphyxia, 28 cases of severe asphyxia) hospitalized from May 2014 to December 2015 were selected. Another 50 non-asphyxiated full-term newborns hospitalized with single disease such as infection and jaundice at the same time were selected as the control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected within 24 hours after birth and 7 days after birth, and plasma and mononuclear cells were separated. The plasma MT and GC expression levels were detected by ELISA. Real-time PCR was used to detect MR1 and GRα mRNA expression. Results The plasma GC concentrations in mild and severe asphyxia group increased significantly within 24 hours after birth, higher than that in control group. In addition, the plasma GC concentration in severe asphyxia group was significantly higher than that in mild group (P<0.05). The concentration of plasma GC in mild and severe asphyxia group decreased on the 7th day after birth (P<0.05) and was significantly lower than that at 24 hours after birth, but it was still higher in the severe asphyxia group than that in mild group; both the mild and severe asphyxia group had higher GC level than that in control group; the differences are statistically significant (P<0.05). Within 24 hours after birth, the plasma MT concentration in severe asphyxia group was lower than that in mild asphyxia group and control group, and there were significant differences (P<0.05). Compared with 24 hours after birth, the concentrations of plasma MT in severe and mild asphyxia groups increased significantly, higher than that in control group on the 7th day, and there were significant differences (P<0.05). The level of GR alpha mRNA expression decreased within 24 hours after birth in severe asphyxia group, but was increased in the mild asphyxia group, and there were significant differences among the three groups (P<0.05). The expression levels of GRα in both mild and severe asphyxia groups recovered on the 7th days after birth, and there were no significant differences compared with control group (P>0.05). Compared with 24 hours after birth , the expression level of MR1 mRNA in severe asphyxia group increased on the 7th day after birth, higher than that in control group and in mild asphyxia group, and there were significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusions The stress caused by severe asphyxia exceeds the adaptation range in the newborn, and results in the high expressions of MR1 and endogenous MT.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy between pedicle screws combined with vertebroplasty (PSV) and pedicle screws combined with intermediate screws (PSIS) for the treatment of osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture (OTLF).Methods:PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang database were searched for all randomized controlled trial (RCT) or case-control trial (CCT) studies that comparing PSV and PSIS for the treatment of OTLF. Two reviewers independently screened the studies in the light of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and evaluated the quality of the included studies. The Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.4 software. The subjects were divided into PSV group and PSIS group according to different treatment methods. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative incision infection rate, postoperative short-, mid- and long-term visual analogue scale (VAS) score, postoperative short- and mid-term Oswestry disability index (ODI), hospitalization time, postoperative short-, mid- and long-term Cobb angle, postoperative short-, mid- and long-term anterior vertebral height ratio (VBH) and implant failure rate were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 12 studies were enrolled for review, involving 870 subjects (433 in PSV group and 437 in PSIS group). The results showed insignificant difference between the two groups in operation time ( WMD=7.07, 95% CI -4.00, 18.13, P>0.05), intraoperative blood loss ( WMD=0.62, 95% CI -7.19, 8.43, P>0.05), postoperative incision infection rate ( OR=0.65, 95% CI 0.10, 4.08, P>0.05), postoperative short-term Cobb angle ( WMD=-0.19, 95% CI -0.43, 0.05, P>0.05) and postoperative short-term VBH ( WMD=0.91, 95% CI -1.30, 3.13, P>0.05). However, there was significant difference between the two groups in postoperative short-term VAS score ( WMD=-0.59, 95% CI -1.02, -0.15, P<0.05), mid-term VAS score ( WMD=-0.41, 95% CI -0.65, -0.16, P<0.05), long-term VAS score ( WMD=-0.51, 95% CI -0.59, -0.43, P<0.05), postoperative short-term ODI ( WMD=-6.26, 95% CI -9.65, -2.87, P<0.05), postoperative mid-term ODI ( WMD=-2.44, 95% CI -3.43, -1.45, P<0.05), hospitalization time ( WMD=-2.65, 95% CI -4.61, -0.68, P<0.05), postoperative mid-term Cobb angle ( WMD=-1.40, 95% CI -2.41, -0.39, P<0.05), postoperative long-term Cobb angle ( WMD=-1.06, 95% CI -1.59, -0.52, P<0.05), postoperative mid-term VBH ( WMD=3.06, 95% CI 1.31, 4.81, P<0.05), postoperative long-term VBH ( WMD=4.11, 95% CI 2.44, 5.77, P<0.05) and implant failure rate ( OR=2.06, 95% CI 0.11, 0.59, P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with PSIS, PSV can not reduce the operation time, intraoperative blood loss and incision infection in the treatment of OTLF, but it can significantly relieve pain, improve function, decrease reduce hospitalization time, help to maintain Cobb angle and anterior vertebral height after operation, and reduce implant failure rate.

Provirus integration site Moloney murine leukemia virus (Pim-1) is a proto-oncogene reported to be associated with cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. This study was to explore the neuroprotective role of Pim-1 in a rat model subjected to optic nerve crush (ONC), and discuss its related molecules in improving the intrinsic regeneration ability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Immunofluorescence staining showed that AAV2- Pim-1 infected 71% RGCs and some amacrine cells in the retina. Real-time PCR and Western blotting showed that retina infection with AAV2- Pim-1 up-regulated the Pim-1 mRNA and protein expressions compared with AAV2-GFP group. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, γ-synuclein immunohistochemistry, Cholera toxin B (CTB) tracing and TUNEL showed that RGCs transduction with AAV2-Pim-1 prior to ONC promoted the survival of damaged RGCs and decreased cell apoptosis. RITC anterograde labeling showed that Pim-1 overexpression increased axon regeneration and promoted the recovery of visual function by pupillary light reflex and flash visual evoked potential. Western blotting showed that Pim- 1 overexpression up-regulated the expression of Stat3, p-Stat3, Akt1, p-Akt1, Akt2 and p-Akt2, as well as βIII-tubulin, GAP-43 and 4E-BP1, and downregulated the expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3, Cleaved caspase 3, Bad and Bax. These results demonstrate that Pim-1 exerted a neuroprotective effect by promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery of RGCs. In addition, it enhanced the intrinsic regeneration capacity of RGCs after ONC by activating Stat3, Akt1 and Akt2 pathways, and inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. These findings suggest that Pim-1 may prove to be a potential therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of optic nerve injury.