AIM:To compare the effects of atorvastatin at different doses on the function of endothelial proge-nitor cells (EPCs) in the patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).METHODS:The patients of STEMI (n=40) were chosen.According to treatment with different doses of atorvastatin calcium tablet, they were randomly divided into a group of 20 mg and a group of 40 mg (20 cases in each group).The EPCs isolated from the patients were identified and quantitatively analyzed at different time points (before the treatment and on days 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 90 and 120 after the treatment) by flow cytometry.The surface markers of the EPCs, CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), were also detected.RESULTS:On the 5th day, the group of 40 mg demonstrated stronger cell proliferation capability and higher expression levels of CXCR4, VEGF and bFGF than the group of 20 mg (P<0.05).From the 10th day to 120th day, the group of 20 mg revealed stronger cell proliferation capability and higher expression levels of CXCR4, VEGF and bFGF than the group of 40 mg (P<0.05).Within 30 d, the expression of SIRT1 showed no significant diffe-rence between the 2 groups, yet it witnessed a marked change after that and peaked on the 60th day with a drop afterwards.At each time point, the SIRT1 expression level in the group 20 mg was observed higher than that in the group of 40 mg (P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In the acute phase, the repair function of the body treated with atorvastatin at dose of 40 mg is better than that with 20 mg.However, in a long term the low concentration of statin therapy works better in improving the vascular intima and promoting the angiogenesis than high concentration.

In order to investigate the interactions between first- and second-order motion perception systems, 14 adult subjects with normal or correct to normal visual acuity were recruited and divided into two groups. Then these two groups were trained, in their parafovea, to discriminate the direction of first- and second-order motion gratings respectively. The spatial frequency of the gratings used in study was fixed at 2 cycles/degree and the temporal frequency was fixed at 8 Hz during training. Contrast sensitivity of subjects in these two training groups for first- and second- order motion was measured before and after 7 days' training to estimate the effects of training. In addition, the differences between the two training groups(14 subjects) and another control group (11 subjects) were studied. The results showed that: 1) the training with first-order motion gratings can improve subjects' performance in first-order motion direction discrimination but the improvement can't be transferred to the performance in second-order motion task; 2) the training with second-order motion gratings can improve subjects' performance in both first- and second-order motion direction discrimination tasks. In conclusion, an " asymmetric transfer" occurred between the training effect of first- and second-order motion gratings. These results indicate that there are two mechanisms for perceiving first- and second-order motion respectively. However, they are not completely different from each other but only partly separated.

Objective To investigate the changes of A20 expression stimulated by free fatty acids (FFA) and its pathway.Methods HepG2 cells and U937 cells were stimulated by 0.5 mmol/L mixed FFA.The expression of A20,phosphor-p65 and phosphor-IκBα of neclear factor (NF)-κB pathway and phosphor-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK),JNK,phosphor-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK),ERK,phosphor-p38 and p38 of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were detected by Western blotting.The level of interleukin (IL)-12p,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α,IL-6,IL-10 and IL-8 cytokines in the supernatant of cell culture were detected by flow cytometry.T-test was performed for statistical analysis.Results The level of A20 changed along with the stimulated time of FFA.NF-κB and MAPK pathways were activated after FFA stimulation.The secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 increased after HepG2 cells stimulated by FFA and both reached peak at 24 hour.Compared with control group,the difference in IL-8 was statistically significant ((423.8 ± 8.9) pg/mL vs (12.4 ± 4.5) pg/mL,t=41.28,P＜0.01).The difference in IL-6 was also statistically significant ((4 082±423.6) pg/mL vs (52.9±29.5) pg/mL,t=9.49,P＜0.01).After U937 cells were stimulated by FFA,the secretion of IL-8 increased compared with control group.And in a certain period of time the secretion was time dependence.The maximum secretion of 24 hours was (200.6±5.7) pg/mL vs (5.0±3.9) pg/mL,and the difference was statistically significant (t=28.16,P＜0.01).IL-10,IL-12p,IL-1β and TNF-α were detected.Both NF-κB pathway and MAPK pathway were detected.Conclusions The in vitro FFA mediated steatotic cell model could induce the expression change of A20 and secretion of inflammatory cytokines.NF-κB and MAPK pathways involved in the response to FFA in HepG2 cells and U937 cells.

Objective To investigate the clinical value of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1),insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and mean height standard deviation score(HtSDS) in recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH)-treated small for gestational age (SGA) children.Methods 32 cases of SGA failed of catch-up growth were subcutaneously injected with rhGH every night before bed at a dose of 0.15-0.20u· kg-1 · d-1.And the variation of serum IGF-1,IGFBP-3,HtSDS,body height and growth velocity (GV) were monitored at 3,6,9 and 12 months of the treatment and compared.Results The GV (cm/years) increased to (12.4 ± 3.2),(11.0 ± 2.3),(10.1 ± 3.5),(9.4 ± 1.8) versus (4.1 ± 0.5) before treatment,suggesting a significant catch-up growth after treatment (F =51.35,P ＜ 0.01).Accordingly,HtSDS increased to (-2.55 ± 0.73),(-2.39 ± 0.65),(-2.21 ± 0.58),(-2.09 ± 0.94) versus (-2.81 ± 0.64),suggesting that height gaps were reduced compared to the normal children of the same age and sex after rhGH treatment (F =4.99,P ＜0.01).The serum levels of IGF-1,IGFBP-3 were significantly increased compared to pre-treatment (F =34.52,14.04,all P ＜ 0.01),especially for serum IGF-1,which maintained at a high level after 3 months of treatment and up to peak after 6 months.However,the ratio of IGF-1/IGFBP-3 showed no increase after treatment (F =1.82,P ＞ 0.05).There was a significant positive correlation between the serum level of IGF-1 and △HtSDS after the rhGH treatment within six months (r3 =0.72,r6 =0.91),while there was no correlation between them after 9 months (r9 =0.26,r12 =0.33).There were no serious adverse events during the rhGH treatment.Conelusion The serum levels of IGF-1,IGFBP-3 were significantly increased after the rhGH treatment,especially for serum IGF-1.There was a significant positive correlation between the serum level of IGF-1 and △HtSDS within six months,but not after 9 months.The rhGH treatment could be a safe and effective strategy for SGA children.

Objective: To understand the relationships between video time, exercise time and the mental sub-health of Chinese adolescents, and to assist the development of Chinese adolescents’ mental health. Methods: In this study, 16 545 adolescents aged 13-22 years in six administrative regions of China were surveyed using an adolescent sub-health multi-dimensional assessment questionnaire (MSQA), and daily physical exercise time, video screen time and other indicators were recorded. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to understand adolescents’ mental sub-health and the correlation between video time and exercise time. Results: Detection rate of mental sub-health status in adolescents with video time ≤2 h/d was lower than that of adolescents with video time >2 h/d(19.1%，22.1%), and the detection rate of adolescents with exercise time ≤60 min/d(22.1%，17.7%) was higher than that of adolescents with exercise time >60 min/d. These differences were statistically significant (χ2=14.47, 6.97, P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of mental sub-health status for Chinese adolescents whose screen time was more than 2 h/d was 1.20 times that of those with screen time ≤2 h/d, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The risk of mental sub-health for students whose exercise time was > 60 min/d was 0.86 times that of students who exercised ≤ 60 min/d, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Screen time >2 h/d and exercise time <60 min/d were negative factors leading to mental sub-health symptoms in Chinese adolescents.It is proposed to jointly promote the healthy adolescent development through health education,as well as positive family and social environment.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of oxymatrine on experimental liver fibrosis and to reveal its mechanism.

METHODSBy establishing D-galactosamine-induced rat liver fibrosis model, we observed the effect of oxymatrine on serum and tissue biochemical indexes, content of liver hydroxyline, expression of TGF?1 mRNA and changes of tissue pathology.

RESULTSThere was a decline of liver hydroxyline and serum AST and ALT in oxymatrine group compared to those of the D-GalN group. The hydroxyline content in oxymatrine pretreatment group was (0.50 0.11)mug/mg compared with (0.99 0.14)mug/mg in D-GalN group (t=8.366, P<0.01). The content in oxymatrine treatment group was (0.44 0.04)mug/mg compared with 0.70 0.06 in D-GalN group (t=9.839, P<0.01). The SOD activity was (149.81 15.28) NU/mg in oxymatrine pretreatment group and (95.22 16.33) NU/mg in the model group (t=7.309, P<0.01); (157.68 19.54) NU/mg in the treatment group compared with (119.88 14.94) NU/mg in the model group (t=4.348, P<0.01). MDA in the pretreatment group was (2.06 0.17) nmol/mg, lower than (4.57 0.37) nmol/mg in the model group (t=17.529, P<0.01). In the treatment group, it was (1.76 0.24)nmol/mg, lower than (3.10 0.17) nmol/mg in the model group (t=12.697, P<0.01). TGF?1 mRNA reduced in the pretreatment and treatment groups as compared with that in the model group (0.21 0.01 vs 0.50 0.01, t=48.665, P<0.01; 0.18 0.02 vs 0.38 0.01, t=22.464, P<0.01). Electron microscopy showed that oxymatrine group had milder hepatocyte degeneration and less fibrosis accumulation than did the model group. Microscopy revealed wide septa expansion from the portal area to the central venous, piecemeal and confluent necrosis and pseudo-nodular formation in part of the lobular in the model group. While in oxymatrine group these lesions were much improved.

CONCLUSIONSOxymatrine shows prophylactic and therapeutic effect in D-galactosamine induced rat liver fibrosis. This is partly by protecting hepatocyte and suppressing fibrosis accumulation through anti-lipoperoxidation.

Alkaloids ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents ; therapeutic use ; Calcium Hydroxide ; metabolism ; Chemoprevention ; Disease Models, Animal ; Galactosamine ; Liver Cirrhosis ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Liver Function Tests ; Male ; Quinolizines ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective: To understand the results of tuberculin skin test (PPD) in preschool children after the vaccination of BCG, and to analyze the effect of BCG vaccination on latent tuberculosis infection in children. Methods: From January to November 2018, a total of 1 359 preschool children from 14 kindergartens in 8 districts and cities of Jiangsu Province were selected for tuberculin test(PPD), and chest X-ray examination was performed on children with strong PPD results. Results: The positive rate of PPD in preschool children in Jiangsu Province was 23.33%, of which strong positive and moderate positive (PPD≥10 mm) were totaled 6.47%. There were 149 boys (21.29%) with PPD positive reactions and 168 girls(25.50%) with PPD positive reactions, and differences of PPD positive reactions with different genders were of no statistical significance (χ2=3.36, P>0.05) And there were 201 children (25.35%) with PPD positive reactions in northern Jiangsu, 116 children (20.50%) with PPD positive reactions in southern Jiangsu. There were significant differences in the results of PPD positive and negative reactions between different regions(χ2=4.35, P<0.05). There was 1 case of PPD positive reactions among 3-year-old children(0.71%), 19 cases among 4-year-old children(3.89%), 31 cases among 5-year-old children(8.96%), and 37 cases among 6-year-old children(9.63%), and the differences of PPD positive reactions of different age groups were of statistical significance(χ2=21.69, P<0.01). Conclusion The positive rate of PPD in preschool children in Jiangsu Province is very low, indicating that PPD can be used as a detection method for latent infection in children. The overall positive rate of PPD in preschool children in Jiangsu Province is also low, and appropriate measures should be taken to protect susceptible children and effectively prevent and control childhood tuberculosis.

BACKGROUNDPrimary systemic light chain amyloidosis (AL) is a rare plasma cell disease, our purpose was to analyze the immunophenotypic characteristics of the plasma cells in bone marrow in AL patients, and explore whether the detection of abnormal plasma cell clones in bone marrow by flow cytometry (FCM) could be used as an important indicator of AL diagnosis.

METHODSFresh bone marrow samples were collected from 51 AL, 21 multiple myeloma (MM), and 5 Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM) patients. The immunophenotype of bone marrow cells were analyzed and compared by FCM using a panel of antibodies including CD45, CD38, CD138, CD117, CD56, and CD19.

RESULTSIn AL, light chain restriction could be identified in 31 cases (60.9%), in which the λ light chain restriction was found in 24 cases (77.4%). In MM, κ light chain restriction was found in 13 cases (61.9%), and λ light chain restriction in eight cases. CD45 on abnormal plasma cells was negative to weakly positive in both AL and MM, but was positive to strongly positive in WM. In the bone marrow plasma cells of the 51 AL, 78.4% were CD56+, 68.6% were CD117+, and 88.2% were CD19-. While in the 21 MM cases, 66.7% were CD56+, 38.1% were CD117+, and 90.4% were CD19-. The plasmacytoid lymphocytes in the five WM patients were CD19+ and CD56-, CD117-.

CONCLUSIONDetection of abnormal plasma cell clones in bone marrow by FCM is valuable for the diagnosis of AL.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Amyloidosis ; immunology ; metabolism ; CD56 Antigen ; metabolism ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin Light-chain Amyloidosis ; Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains ; metabolism ; Immunophenotyping ; Leukocyte Common Antigens ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; immunology ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; metabolism ; Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia ; immunology ; metabolism