BACKGROUND:Liver fibrosis is a kind of chronic and active disease that is caused by various causes and characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracelular matrix. At present, use of Chinese herbs for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis has obvious advantages. Salvia miltiorrhiza has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanism needs further investigation. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of TanshinoneⅡA on the expression levels of transforming growth factor-β/Smads signaling pathway related factors transforming growth factor-β, bone morphogenetic protein 7, Smad6 and Smad7 in the liver tissue of rats with hepatic fibrosis. METHODS:SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): normal control, model and TanshinoneⅡA-treated groups. Rats in the model and TanshinoneⅡA-treated groups were subtaneously injected with olive oil-diluted 10% CCl4 ( 5 mL/kg) twice a week, 8 weeks in total, to build rat models of hepatic fibrosis. Four weeks after hepatic fibgrosis induction, rats in the TanshinoneⅡA-treated group received subtaneous injection of TanshinoneⅡA til eight weeks. Rats in the normal control group were subcutaneously injected with olive oil. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detection showed that in the model group, the expression of transforming growth factor-β in the rat liver tissue was significantly increased (P < 0.01) and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-7, Smad6 and Smad7 was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) compared with the normal control group. TanshinoneⅡA could obviously reverse the expression of those factors above-mentioned (P < 0.01). The results suggest that TanshinoneⅡA can be used for treatment of hepatic fibrosis by decreasing the expression of transforming growth factor-β and increasing the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-7, Smad6 and Smad7.

Objective To analyze and evaluate the efficacy of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and deceased
donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Methods The clinical data of prognosis and influencing factors of 320 children with liver transplantation were analyzed retrospectively. The 320 children were divided into LDLT group (n=252) and DDLT group (n=68) based on their operation styles. In LDLT group, all donors to recipients were immediate relatives within three generation. In DDLT group, all livers were obtained from cardiac death or brain death donors. The survival and incidence of complications were observed between two groups. Results The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year cumulative survival rates for recipients were 95.1%, 93.5% and 93.5% in LDLT group, and 92.3%, 92.3% and 82.4% in LDLT group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (Log-rank χ2=0.69,P=0.41). During the follow-up period,14 cases died (5.56%) in LDLT group, in which 8 deaths due to respiratory complication, 3 deaths due to multiple organ failure, and 3 deaths due to graft failure. In DDLT donor group, 5 cases died (7.35%), in which 1 death due to respiratory complication, 2 deaths due to multiple organ failure, 1 death due to intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and 1 case of unknown cause of death. There were no significant differences in portal vein thrombosis (PVT), outflow tract obstruction, biliary tract complications and pulmonary infection between the two groups (P>0.05). The ratio of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) was lower in LDLT group than that of DDLT group (1.98%vs. 10.29%,χ2=10.245,P<0.01). Conclusion Living donor liver transplantation is an effective method to treat end-stage liver disease.

Objective To investigate the effect of thyroxine replacement therapy with residual subclinical hypothyroidism on the success rate of catheter ablation in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods Among the consecutive patients with AF who underwent a first AF ablation in our center between 2009 and 2012,we identified 56 patients(41 paroxysmal AF,15 persistent AF)with subclinical clinical hypothyroidism after receiving thyroid hormone replacement therapy as study group.The control group consisted of 56 patients with euthyroidism and no history of thyroid dysfunction.All patients underwent catheter ablation.Results At the end of follow up,37.5%(21/56)patients were AF free after the first procedure in the study group,in comparison to 64.3%(36/56)in control group(χ2=8.655,P=0.003).Last procedure was performed in 27 patients of study group and in 15 patients of control group.After the last performed ablation,62.5%(35/56)study group patients and 80.4%(45/56)controls group patients had no recurrence(χ2=4.653,P=0.031).The major complications rate did not differ between two groups(P=0.642).Conclusions Thyroid hormone replacement therapy with residual subclinical hypothyroidism reduces catheter ablation success rate in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective To identify the electrophysiological charateristics and cause of ridge gap related reentry after MI ablation in atrial ifbrillation patients. Methods Activation and entrainment mapping was performed in 82 redo cases for OAT recurrence in whom MI was ablated during the index produre. Once ridge gap related reentry was conifrmed, detailed mapping was performed in MI and ridge region. In addition, in 36 cases undergoing MI ablation and fulfilling criterion for bidirectional block, differential pacing was repeated at the ridge to identify a ridge gap. Results Out of 82 redo cases for OAT recurrence in whom MI was ablated during the index produre, 7 (8.5%) was found to be ridge gap related reentry. TCL was (247.9±19.2) ms, and the left atrial endocardial activation time was (145.4±17.7) ms, accounting for (58.5±3.2)%of TCL. However, wide double potential was recorded along the previous ablated MI line where PPI was (34.3±6.6) ms longer than TCL, while PPI was signiifcantly shorter at the ridge[PPI-TCL (11.4±3.9) ms, P<0.001]. Tachycardia was terminated at the ridge in 6 cases and at the corresponding site in coronary sinus in 1 case. No recurrence was found during follow-up for (11.1±4.5) months. In addition, in 36 patients undergoing MI ablation in whom criterion of bi-directional block was fuliflled, conduction gap located at the ridge was found in 5 (13.9%) cases. Conclusions MI ridge gap related reentry is a distinctive OAT, in which the ridge was used as the critical isthmus, whereas the previous ablated MI line is not part of the reentry. MI pseudo-block due to the ridge gap may lead to this type of recurrent tachycardia.

Objective:To investigate the effects of moxibustion on the serum metabolism in healthy human body based on the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) metabolomics technology, and to find the differences in metabolites, as well as to elucidate the effects of moxibustion on healthy human body from the viewpoint of global metabolism. Methods:Sixty subjects of healthy young men from the enrolled students were randomly divided into a moxibustion group and a control group using random number table, with 30 cases in each group. Subjects in the moxibustion group accepted mild moxibustion on the right Zusanli (ST 36), once a day, 15 min for each time, and continuous treatment for 10 d; those in the control group did not receive any intervention. There were 28 cases in the moxibustion group and 23 cases in the control group after interventions. On the 1st day, 5th day and 10th day of the intervention, serum samples were collected from subjects of the two groups, and metabolic spectra were obtained by the1H NMR technology. Results: Before and after the intervention, serum1H NMR of the moxibustion group was significantly different, while the difference was insignificant in the control group. Metabolite changes in the moxibustion group were mainly in low density lipoprotein (LDL)/very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), valine, isoleucine, leucine, lactic acid, glutamine, citric acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, creatine, glycine, glycerol, glucose, tyrosine, histidine, formic acid, alanine, lysine, acetic acid, and glutamic acid. Conclusion:Moxibustion can cause changes of serum metabolic patterns in healthy human by influencing the concentrations of branched-chain amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other metabolites to strengthen body's metabolisms of amino acids and fatty acid.

Objective The recurrence of perimitral atrial tachycardia is common after initial ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study is to explore a preferable ablation approach for perimitral atrial tachycardia in the redo ablation of persistent AF. Methods Seventy-four patients with perimitral atrial tachycardia after initial ablation for persistent AF were included in our study. Patients were distinguished into either the group of having ablation during tachycardia (Group A) or the group having ablation after cardioversion to sinus rhythm (Group B) according to the different ablation strategies. The procedural endpoints were pulmonary vein isolation and bidirectional conduction block of all the ablated lines. The primary endpoint of the study was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence during the follow-up period. Results There were statistical differences in baseline clinical data between the 2 groups. During the redo procedure, conduction recovery rate across the mitral isthmus (MI),cavotricuspid isthmus and left atial roofline were 100％, 40.5％ and 48.6％ respectively. The procedural time, fluoroscopy time, mapping time were longer in the patients of group A. During a mean follow-up of (16.9±6.3) months, 31 (72.1％) patients in group A and 21(67.7％) patients in group B maintained in sinus rhythm in the absence of antiarrhythmic durgs (P =0.771) . Conclusion In patients with perimitral atrial tachycardia after initial ablation for persistent AF,ablation in sinus rhythm is a more simplified method and as effective as ablation during tachycardia.

Objective Cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary vein (PV) ostia often induces a vagal response.This prospective study was designed to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic intravenous administration of atropine on hemodynamic impairment induced by cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods Twenty-five patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing cryoballoon ablation were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either the trial group on the control group.First twelve patients (the trial group) were administered 1 mg of atropine before deflation of the cryoballoon,while the following 13 patients (the control group) were given atropine only after the onset of the hemodynamic variation (decrease in heart rate and/or blood pressure).Treatment was considered effective when the hemodynamic variations were restored.Results In the trial group,three patients with transient hypotension did not require further supportive care throughout the procedures and one patient with hypotension required supportive management.In the control group,hypotension,bradycardia and mixed bradycardia with hypotension requiring supportive care occurred in six,three,and three patients,respectively.Overall,the rate of marked vagal responses was significantly lower when prophylactic atropine was administrated (4/12 vs.12/13 patients,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Atropine is effective in the prevention of all types of vasovagal responses induced by cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective:To investigate the composition of the renal disease spectrum and epidemiological characterisics for renal biopsy cases in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.Methods:The clinical and pathological data of 10 684 renal biopsy cases from 12 hospitals in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from August 1986 to December 2019 were collected and the composition of renal diseases and pathological types were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Among the 10 684 renal biopsy cases with 5 595 males and 5 089 females, 7 804 cases (73.04%) were Han nationality, 2 357 cases (22.06%) were Uygur nationality and 523 cases (4.90%) were other nationalities. Among the 10 684 cases of renal biopsy, primary glomerular disease, secondary glomerular disease, tubulointerstitial disease, end-stage renal disease, genetic and congenital disease and post transplant glomerular disease were 8 533 cases (79.87%), 1 740 cases (16.29%), 229 cases (2.14%), 121 cases (1.13%), 46 cases (0.43%) and 15 cases (0.14%), respectively. The distribution of kidney diseases in Han, Uygur and other nationalities (except Han and Uygur in this region) was the same as that in general. There was no significant difference in disease type composition between Han and Uygur, Han and other nationalities, and Uygur and other nationalities (all P>0.05). Among the 8 533 cases of primary glomerular diseases, the top five pathological types were IgA nephropathy (3 095 cases, 36.27%), mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (2 008 cases, 23.53%), membranous nephropathy (1 503 cases, 17.61%), minimal glomerulopathy (567 cases, 6.64%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (494 cases, 5.79%). The top five pathological types of primary glomerular diseases were different between Han and Uygur, and Han and other nationalities (both P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between Uygur and other nationalities in the top five pathological types of primary glomerular diseases ( P=0.113). Among 1 740 cases of secondary glomerular diseases, the top five pathological types were lupus nephritis (517 cases, 29.71%), Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura nephritis (304 cases, 17.47%), diabetic glomerulosclerosis (285 cases, 16.38%), benign renal arteriosclerosis (196 cases, 11.26%) and systemic vasculitis (101 cases, 5.80%). It was different between Han and Uygur, Han and other nationalities, and Uygur and other nationalities in the top five pathological types of secondary glomerular diseases. Conclusions:Primary glomerular disease accounts for 79.87% of renal diseases in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. IgA nephropathy is the main pathological type, followed by mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and membranous nephropathy. The most common pathological type of secondary glomerular disease in this region is lupus nephritis, followed by Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura nephritis and diabetic glomerulosclerosis. The top five pathological types of primary glomerular diseases and secondary glomerular diseases are different in different ethnic groups in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Objectives: This study explored the relationship between weight control and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients. Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive 333 overweight and obese patients aged 28 to 87 years old, who underwent catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Data of patients′ characteristics, laboratory examination and treatment were collected at baseline. Each patient was followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after ablation to collect information on weight, AF recurrence, stroke, major bleeding, hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons and death, etc. Patients were divided into weight controlled group (ΔBMI<-1 kg/m²) and weight uncontrolled group (ΔBMI≥-1 kg/m²), according to the changes in the most recent exposure BMI before AF recurrence in patients with recurrence or the BMI at 12 months′ follow-up in patients without recurrence and the BMI at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust other known risk factors of AF recurrence and to explore the association between weight control and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Results: There were 54 patients in weight controlled group and 279 patients in weight uncontrolled group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, education level, left atrial size and history of hypertension between the two groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers was higher in the weight controlled group (50.0%(27/54) vs. 34.8%(97/279), P=0.034). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with obesity (33.3% (18/54) vs. 29.7% (83/279)), paroxysmal AF (59.3% (32/54) vs. 56.6% (158/279)) and AF duration less than 5 years (76.9% (40/52) vs. 65.4% (178/272)) between the weight controlled group and the uncontrolled group. During 1-year follow-up after ablation, the recurrence rate of AF was significantly lower in the weight controlled group than that in the weight uncontrolled group (14.8% (8/54) vs. 32.6%(91/279), P=0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that weight control is independently associated with a lower postoperative AF recurrence rate (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.18-0.90, P=0.026). Conclusion Weight control is strongly associated with a lower AF recurrence rate after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients.

GI (GIGANTEA) is one of the output key genes for circadian clock in the plant. The JrGI gene was cloned and its expression in different tissues was analyzed to facilitate the functional research of JrGI. RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) was used to clone JrGI gene in present study. This gene was then analyzed by bioinformatics, subcellular localization and gene expression. The coding sequence (CDS) full length of JrGI gene was 3 516 bp, encoding 1 171 amino acids with a molecular mass of 128.60 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 6.13. It was a hydrophilic protein. Phylogenetic analysis showed that JrGI of 'Xinxin 2' was highly homologous to GI of Populus euphratica. The result of subcellular localization showed that JrGI protein was located in nucleus. The JrGI, JrCO and JrFT genes in female flower buds undifferentiated and early differentiated of 'Xinxin 2' were analyzed by RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative PCR). The results showed that the expression of JrGI, JrCO and JrFT genes were the highest on morphological differentiation, implying the temporal and special regulation of JrGI in the differential process of female flower buds of'Xinxin 2'. In addition, RT-qPCR analysis showed that JrGI gene was expressed in all tissues examined, whereas the expression level in leaves was the highest. It is suggested that JrGI gene plays a key role in the development of walnut leaves.
Juglans/genetics* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Leaves ; Cloning, Molecular ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Proteins/metabolism*