Objective To investigate the prognostic factors for chronic heart failure and the prognostic ability of copeptin,big endothelin-1(Big ET-1)and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)in patients with chronic heart failure. Methods To study 1 5 9 consecutive patients hospitalized for chronic heart failure.Serum concentration of copeptin,NT-proBNP,cTnI,CKMB and plasma Big ET-1 as well as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)and NYHA classⅠtoⅣ on admission were measured.Cardiac events were found by patients to discharge after 360~490 days,prospectively.Results During a median follow-up period of 385 days,the endpoint of recurrence for cardiac events was reached in 65 patients with 159 heart failure.Multivarlate canonical correlation analysis shows the older and the higher NYHA classification as well as the lower LVEF in patients with heart failure.There were higher concentration of copeptin,Big ET-1 and NT-proBNP.On a Cox proportional hazards regression models analyses,age,copeptin,Big ET-1 and NT-proBNP were found to be the inde-pendent predictors of cardiac events.Risk ratio (RR)were 1.215,1.236,4.031 and 13.052,respectively.Logistic regression models analyses,copeptin,Big ET-1 and NT-proBNP were found independent predictors of death.Odd ratio (OR)were 4.003,2.477 and 1.235,respectively.Conclusion Measurement of copeptin,Big ET-1 and NT-proBNP in patients with chronic heart failure can help to identify patients at higher risk for cardiac events and patients for prognosis.

Animals ; Antibodies, Bacterial ; blood ; Campylobacter Infections ; complications ; microbiology ; Campylobacter jejuni ; isolation & purification ; Child, Preschool ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fatal Outcome ; Humans ; Male ; Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating ; etiology ; Swine

Objective To observe the changes of cardiac function and carotid artery structure in elderly hypertensive patients with different left ventricular geometric patterns. Methods Seventy-eight elderly patients with essential hypertension were divided into 4 groups according to left ventricular geometric patterns by ultrasonography: normal ventricular geometry group(n=34),concentric remodeling group(n=18),concentric hypertrophy group(n=11)and eccentric hypertrophy group(n=15).The 24-h ambulatory blood pressure,left ventricular function,carotid artery intima-media thickness(IMT),hemodynamic parameters and incidence of plaque were measured and compared among groups.Results Patients in concentric hypertrophy group had higher 24-h average systolic blood pressure in comparison with those in normal ventricular geometry group and concentric remodeling group(P

Objective: To understand the relationship between coxsackievirus B and pediatric diseases. Methods: The infectious state of coxsackievirus B in hospitalized children were studied. Among 796 children studied, there were 218 upper respiratory tract infection cases, 179 pneumonia, 106 asthma, 155 myocarditis, 19 allergic purpura and 89 other diseases. The antigen (CVB-Ag) and IgM (CVB-IgM) were detected using ELISA method. Results: (1)There were 47% positive of CVB in upper respiratory tract infection and 48% positive of CVB in pneumonia(no difference between them, P>0.05). (2) There were 62% positive of CVB in asthma, 61% positive of CVB in myocarditis and 68% positive of CVB in allergic purpura(no difference among them, P>0.05)； But the positive rate of CVB in asthma, myocarditis and purpura were higher than in upper respiratory tract infection and pneumonia, (P<0.05). (3) There were lower positive rate of CVB in other kinds of diseases (16%) and in healthy children (3%)(no difference between them, P>0.05). Conclusion: CVB infection was related to several kinds of diseases, the relationship between CVB infection and diseases such as asthma, myocarditis, and allergic purpura should be further studied.

There have been many studies on the nutrition and the growth status of children from rural and remote western regions of China,whereas researches on children from urban low-income families are scarce.This study aimed to investigate the growth and nutritional status of children under five years of age from urban low-income families in China.There were 169 children aged 25-60 months recruited from Xiangtan and Jilin,two cities with a population of 2.81 million and 4.26 million respectively,in China in this cluster cross-sectional study.Data were collected on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics,the feeding practices and the incidence of anemia and diarrhea.The results showed that the prevalence of low birth weight and macrosomia was 7.l％ and 9.5％ for the two cities,respectively,which was higher than that for other cities in China (1.5％ and 5.9％).Of all the sampled children,14.6％ and 8.2％ suffered anemia and diarrhea,respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that legumes or nuts fed in a 24-h recall increased the risk of anemia (OR=4.9).Children whose caregivers began to introduce complementary foods relatively late would have high diarrhea prevalence (OR=1.4).In conclusion,the prevalence of anemia and diarrhea in under-five children from urban low-income families in China is relatively high.The growth and nutritional status of these children is greatly affected by feeding practices.A series of measures should be taken by relevant government departments to improve the health of these children.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Shanxian granule on proliferation of Lewis lung cancer cells and anti-tumor immunity and immune microenvironment of Lewis lung cancer-bearing mice in order to explore the molecular mechanism of anti-tumor of Shanxian Granule and improve the anti-tumor immunity of the body, and provide further theoretical basis for its clinical application. Methods:Lewis lung cancer cells was transplanted to axillary skin to establish mouse tumor model. The mice divided into blank group,model group,chemotherapy group and Shanxian granule group. The tumor tissue of Lewis lung cancer tumor bearing mice was weighed and the tumor inhibition rate was calculated. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of CD and CD8 in spleen tissue. The effect of lymphocytes on the proliferation of Lewis lung cancer cells was detected by CCK-8 method. The level of IFN-γ,TNF-βand IL-10 in peripheral blood were detected by ELISA. Results:①The tumor inhibition rate of Lewis lung cancer was 45. 99% in Shanxian Granule group,which was significantly higher than that of chemotherapy group (P<0. 05).②The lymphocytes of mouse can inhibit the proliferation of Lewis lung cancer cells and have a positive correlation with lymphocyte concentration and duration of action. Moreover,CD4+ T cells,CD4+/CD8+ratio and lymphocyte inhibition rate of Lewis lung cancer cells in model group and chem-otherapy group were significantly lower than those in blank group (P<0. 05). Shanxian granule group was significantly higher than the model group and chemotherapy group ( P<0. 05 ) . However, there was no significant difference between Shanxian granule group and blank group(P>0. 05).③The levels of IFN-γand TNF-βin peripheral blood of model group and chemotherapy group were significantly lower than those in blank group,while IL-10 was significantly higher than that in blank group (P<0. 05). The levels of IFN-γand TNF-βin peripheral blood of mice in Shanxian granule group were significantly higher than those in model group and chemotherapy group, while IL-10 was significantly lower than that in model group and chemotherapy group (P<0. 05). There was no significant difference in IFN-γ,TNF-β and IL-10 in peripheral blood of mice between Shanxian granule group and blank group. Conclusion:Shanxian granule can significantly inhibit the growth of tumor tissue of Lewis lung cancer tumor bearing mice,increase the spleen index of mice,enhance the activity of T lymphocytes,upregulate IFN-γ and TNF-β in peripheral blood and decrease IL-I. These suggested that the anti-tumor effect of Shanxian granule may be achieved by regulating the content of CD4+ T lymphocyte,the ration of CD4+/CD8+ and Th1/Th2 ratio,in order to restore the immune steady function of tumor patients,improve the immune system and enhance the immune surveillance function.

Objective: To observe the effect of coxsackie virus B3 on airway tract and lung morphology, and to study the relation between CVB infection and asthma. Methods: We established CVB3 infective model: 5 d neonatal rats inhaled CVB3 by ultrasonic brume. CVB3-IgM was examined 10 d after inoculating of CVB3, and LW/BW, airway tract and lung pathological change 10 d and 30 d after inoculation of CVB3 were observed. Results: Rats from the virus group had higher D of CVB3-IgM than control's (+2s ) and had higher LW/BW 10 d after inoculation of CVB3 than control (P<0.01). Neonatal rats had acute inflammatory changes 10 d after inoculation of CVB3 and persistent changes in morphology and cytology. Conclusion: Neonatal rats virus model is established. Respiratory infection by CVB3 in neonatal rats has persistent changes in airway tract inflammatory and morphology.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of PLK1 gene silence by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) on PLK1 expression and apoptosis in K562 cells, and explore the role of PLK1 in the pathogenesis of leukemia.

METHODSThe shRNA fragment targeting at 1416-1436 bp of PLK1 mRNA was synthesized and cloned into pEGFP-H1 vector, named as pEGFP-H1/PLK1. The empty control, pEGFP-H1 and pEGFP-H1/PLK1 were transfected into K562 cells respectively via electroporation. 24 h or 48 h after transfection, gene and protein expression of PLK1 in the cells were assayed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis respectively, cells viability by MTT assay, caspase-3 activity by colorimetry, cell cycle and apoptosis by FACS.

RESULTS24 and 48 h after transfection, PLK1 expression in K562 cells was 1.25 +/- 0.07 for control group, 0.52 +/- 0.04 and 0.25 +/- 0.02 for pEGFP-H1/PLK1 group, and 1.24 +/- 0.08 and 1.23 +/- 0.09 for pEGFP-H1 group respectively. The alteration status of PLK1 protein levels were similar to that of PLK mRNA levels. The apoptosis rate was (8.3 +/- 0.6)% in control group, (8.7 +/- 0.7)% in pEGFP-H1 group and (49.7 +/- 3.8)% and (82.3 +/- 6.9)% in pEGFP-H1/PKLK1 group at 24 and 48 h, respectively. In addition, cell fraction at G(2)/M phase was increased obviously compared with control and pEGFP-H1-transfected group.

CONCLUSIONThe constructed shRNA can remarkably inhibit PLK1 expression and transfected K562 cell proliferation, increase apoptosis and block cell-cycle, suggesting that PLK1 play important roles in apoptosis and cell-cycle control of leukemia cells.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Cycle Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; K562 Cells ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; genetics ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Cornus Officinalis total glycosides (COTG) and Cornus polysaccharides (CP) on myocardial mitochondria and expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rats.

METHODSThe AMI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of coronary artery. Rats were divided into 5 groups according to random digit table, i.e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the COTG prevention group, the CP treatment group, the COTG treatment group, 12 in each group. Normal saline was administered to rats in the normal control group and the model group by gastrogavage. Corresponding medication was respectively administered to rats in the rest 3 groups by gastrogavage. The cardiac function was detected by echocardiography and hemodynamics. The infarct size was determined by Masson trichrome staining. The expression of mitochondrial biogenesis genes such as a subunit of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 (PGC-1α), PGC-1β, nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1), and GSK-3P mRNA were detected by Real-time PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the sham-operation group, the myocardial infarction size increased, cardiac function decreased, the expression of PGC-1α, PGC-1β, and NRF-1 mRNA decreased, and the expression of GSK-3β mRNA increased (all P <0. 05). Compared with the model group, myocardial infarction sizes were reduced, cardiac function was improved, the expression of NRF-1 mRNA was elevated in the COTG prevention group, the CP treatment group, the COTG treatment group; the expression of the PGC-1α and PGC-1β mRNA was elevated in the COTG prevention group and the CP treatment group; the expression of GSK-3β mRNA was reduced in the CP treatment group (all P <0. 05). Compared with the CP prevention group, fractional shortening (FS) and aortic systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased in the CP treatment group; ejection fraction (EF) decreased in the CP treatment group; the expression of PGC-1α, PGC-1β, NRF-1 mRNA were reduced in the the CP treatment group and the COTG treatment group; the expression of GSK-3β mRNA decreased in the CP treatment group (all P <0. 05). Compared with the COTG treatment group, FS, EF, left ventricular end systolic pressure (LVESP), SBP, and the expression of GSK-3β mRNA were reduced in the CP treatment group (P <0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSCOTG and CP could improve cardiac function, reduce the myocardial infarction area, and promote biogenesis of myocardial mitochondria. Their protective effects on the mitochondria of cadiocytes might be achieved by GSK-3β signalina pathway.

Animals ; Cornus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta ; Glycosides ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; Mitochondria, Heart ; physiology ; Myocardial Infarction ; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha ; Polysaccharides ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transcription Factors

AIMTo explore the physiopathological mechanisms of airway injury and the effect on the airway responsiveness of rat by inhaled sulfur dioxide(SO2).

METHODSSixteen SD male rats were divided randomly into 2 groups (n = 8): the control group and SO2 group. The control group was exposed o pure air. SO2 group was exposed to SO2 of the content 1.0 mg/(m(3) x h) 6h daily for consecutive 3 d. At 4th day, we determined the airway responsiveness, collected the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), plasma and lung tissue. Then we counted the total cellular score in BALF, measured the plasma SP content and made the immunohistochemistry staining on the lung tissue (HE and SP methods).

RESULTSCompared with the control group, the total cellular score in BALF and plasma SP content in SO2 group's increased significantly ( P < 0.01). HE staining showed there were a great deal of inflammatory cells infiltration under the tunica mucosa bronchiorum; and SP immunohistochemistry staining indicated there were significant changes in numbers of SP-IR positive fibers of SO2group.

CONCLUSIONExposure to low concentration of SO2 would injure healthy rat's airway, and induce airway hyperresponsiveness, neurogenic inflammation is one of its critical pathophysiological mechanisms.

Air Pollutants ; adverse effects ; Animals ; Asthma ; chemically induced ; Bronchi ; drug effects ; innervation ; physiopathology ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; Bronchitis ; chemically induced ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; cytology ; Male ; Nerve Fibers ; drug effects ; physiology ; Neurogenic Inflammation ; chemically induced ; physiopathology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Substance P ; blood ; Sulfur Dioxide ; adverse effects