OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of both fermented Cordyceps powder (CS) and prednisone on the Notch2/hes-1 signaling activation in the kidney tubules of rats with acute aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAAN).

METHODSTotally 50 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the normal group, the model group, the CS group, the prednisone group, and the CS plus prednisone group, 10 in each group. The AAAN rat model was induced by intragastric administration of pure aristolochic acid A at the daily dose of 100 mg/kg for 3 days. Rats in the CS group were administered with CS at the daily dose of 5.0 g/kg by gastrogavage, while those in the prednisone group were administered with prednisone at the daily dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Rats in the CS plus prednisone group were treated by CS and prednisone. All treatment lasted for 3 successive weeks. Kidney functions [urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr)] were detected. The pathological changes of kidneys were observed by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. The apoptosis of the renal tubular epithelial cells was detected by TUNEL. The protein expressions of Notch2 and Hes-1 in the renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemical assay and Western blot.

RESULTSResults of HE staining showed the structure in the nephridial tissue was regular in rats of the normal group. The renal tubular necrosis occurred in the rats of the model group. The pathological changes of kidneys were obviously improved in the CS group, the prednisone group, and the CS plus prednisone group. Compared with the normal group, levels of BUN and SCr, semi-quantitative score of the tubular interstitial tissue, ratio of apoptotic cells, and expressions of Notch2 and Hes-1 proteins significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the aforesaid indices significantly decreased in the 3 treatment groups (P < 0.01). All indices decreased most obviously in the CS plus prednisone group (P < 0.05, P < 0. 01).

CONCLUSIONSNotch2/hes-1 signaling activation might be associated with apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. Both CS and prednisone could play a nephroprotective role for AAAN. But CS plus prednisone could achieve the best effect. Inhabiting the Notch2/hes-1 signaling activation could be its nephroprotective mechanism.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Aristolochic Acids ; toxicity ; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Cordyceps ; Female ; Homeodomain Proteins ; metabolism ; Kidney ; metabolism ; Kidney Diseases ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; Kidney Function Tests ; Kidney Tubules ; metabolism ; Male ; Prednisone ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Notch2 ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Transcription Factor HES-1

OBJECTIVETo investigate the molecular pathology in families with long QT syndrome (LQTS) including Jervell-Longe-Nielsen syndrome (JLNS) and Romano-ward syndrome (RWS) and Brugada syndrome (BS) in Chinese population.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used to screen for KCNQ1, KCNH2, KCNE1, and SCN5A mutation.

RESULTSWe identified a novel mutation N1774S in the SCN5A gene of the BS family, a novel mutation G314S in a RWS family which had also been found in Europe, North America, and Japan, and a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) G643S in the KCNQ1 of the JLNS family. In this JLNS family, another heterozygous novel mutation in exon 2a was found in KCNQ1 of the patients.

CONCLUSIONNew mutations were found in our experiment, which expand the spectrum of KCNQ1 and SCN5A mutations that cause LQTS and BS.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Base Sequence ; ERG1 Potassium Channel ; Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Jervell-Lange Nielsen Syndrome ; genetics ; KCNQ1 Potassium Channel ; genetics ; Long QT Syndrome ; congenital ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Muscle Proteins ; genetics ; Mutation ; NAV1.5 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel ; Pedigree ; Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated ; genetics ; Romano-Ward Syndrome ; genetics ; Sodium Channels ; genetics

Objectives:To explore the possible mechanisms of ischemic postconditioning on alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, focusing on the inflammatory-thrombus related mechanisms. Methods:Rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=10 each):sham group, ischemia-reperfusion injury group, postconditioning group, SB203580 group, anisomycin+postconditioning (Ani+postconditioning) group and anisomycin (Ani) group. After establising the model of myocardial ischemia reperfusion in rats, the levels of myocardial injury markers troponin I (TnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), level of leukocyte-platelet aggregation (PLA) were detected by flow cytometry at different time points, myocardial infarction area was measured by using TTC staining and the level of phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (P-p38 MAPK) was determined by Western blot. Results:Compared with the I/R group, the levels of CK-MB, TnI, the infarct size and the expression of PLA at 60 min and 3 h reperfusion were significantly reduced in the postconditioning group and SB203580 group (P＜0.05). Compared with the postconditioning group, the levels of above parameters were significantly higher in the SB203580 group, Ani+postconditioning group and Ani group (P＜0.05). Compared with the I/R group, the expression of P-p38 MAPK in the postconditioning group, SB203580 group, Ani+postconditioning group was significantly reduced (P＜0.05), while it was significantly upregulated in the Ani group (P＜0.05). Furthermore, compared with the postconditioning group, the expression of P-p38 MAPK in the Ani+postconditioning group and Ani group was significantly upregulated (P＜0.05). SB203580 group presented the similar protection effect as the postconditioning group. Cardioprotective effects of postconditioning was partially reduced in the Ani+postconditioning group. Conclusions:Ischemia postconditioning can reduce the expression of PLA during reperfusion by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38MAPK, thereby attenuating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

We studied the effects of Chinese traditional medicine rhynchophylline (Rhy) on human ether-a-go-go related gene (HERG) channel and characterized the electrophysiological properties of Rhy's pharmacological effect on HERG channel using Xenopus oocytes. Xenopus oocytes were injected with either 23 nl (5.75 ng) HERG cRNA or 23 nl distilled water. Xenopus oocytes were randomly assigned to receive one of the following different concentrations of Rhy: (1) control, (2)10 mumol/L Rhy, (3)100 mumol/L Rhy, (4) 500 mumol/L Rhy, (5) 1 000 mumol/L Rhy, (6) 10 000 mumol/L Rhy. Cell currents were recorded in oocytes. The peak tail currents of HERG channel were inhibited by Rhy. The inhibition was in a dose-dependent manner [IC(50)=(773.4 +/- 42.5) mumol/L]. Experiment with 100 mumol/L Rhy indicated that the degree of HERG blockade showed some voltage dependence (within -40 mV to -20 mV ). Kinetic analyses revealed that Rhy decreased the rate of channel activation. The findings indicate that Rhy inhibits HERG encoded potassium channels. It may underline the molecular mechanism of myocardial electrophysiological characteristics associated with this drug.
Animals ; Depression, Chemical ; ERG1 Potassium Channel ; Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels ; drug effects ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Indole Alkaloids ; pharmacology ; Oocytes ; drug effects ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; methods ; RNA, Complementary ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Xenopus

OBJECTIVETo identify the mutation of a Chinese family with inherited long QT syndrome(LQTS).

METHODSThe disease-causing gene was tentatively determined in light of the clinical manifestations and electrophysiological properties, and then polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing were used for screening and identifying mutation.

RESULTSA missense mutation G940A(G314S) in the KCNQ1 gene was identified, which was the 'hot spot' of long QT syndrome mutation.

CONCLUSIONThe mutation that is involved with long QT syndrome in Chinese patients is the same as that in the European, American and Japanese patients.

China ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Family Health ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; KCNQ1 Potassium Channel ; genetics ; Long QT Syndrome ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Mutation, Missense ; Pedigree ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUNDFor partial-thickness tears of the rotator cuff, double-row fixation and transtendon single-row fixation restore insertion site anatomy, with excellent results. We compared the biomechanical properties of double-row and transtendon single-row suture anchor techniques for repair of grade III partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears.

METHODSIn 10 matched pairs of fresh-frozen sheep shoulders, the infraspinatus tendon from 1 shoulder was repaired with a double-row suture anchor technique. This comprised placement of 2 medial anchors with horizontal mattress sutures at an angle of ≤ 45° into the medial margin of the infraspinatus footprint, just lateral to the articular surface, and 2 lateral anchors with horizontal mattress sutures. Standardized, 50% partial, articular-sided infraspinatus lesions were created in the contralateral shoulder. The infraspinatus tendon from the contralateral shoulder was repaired using two anchors with transtendon single-row mattress sutures. Each specimen underwent cyclic loading from 10 to 100 N for 50 cycles, followed by tensile testing to failure. Gap formation and strain over the footprint area were measured using a motion capture system; stiffness and failure load were determined from testing data.

RESULTSGap formation for the transtendon single-row repair was significantly smaller (P < 0.05) when compared with the double-row repair for the first cycle ((1.74 ± 0.38) mm vs. (2.86 ± 0.46) mm, respectively) and the last cycle ((3.77 ± 0.45) mm vs. (5.89 ± 0.61) mm, respectively). The strain over the footprint area for the transtendon single-row repair was significantly smaller (P < 0.05) when compared with the double-row repair. Also, it had a higher mean ultimate tensile load and stiffness.

CONCLUSIONSFor grade III partial articular-sided rotator cuff tears, transtendon single-row fixation exhibited superior biomechanical properties when compared with double-row fixation.

Animals ; Orthopedic Procedures ; methods ; Rotator Cuff ; surgery ; Sheep ; Suture Anchors

Objective To observe the effect of postconditioning (PostC) on the expression of platelet-leukocyte aggregation (PLA) during the process of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion in rats, and to explore the mechanisms of ischemic postconditioning (PostC) alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into six groups:sham,reperfusion injury(I/R),postconditioning(PostC),SP600125(inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase,I-JNK),anisomycin and postconditioning(Ani+PostC)and anisomycin(Ani)groups.After constructing the model of myocardial ischemia reperfusion in rats,the levels of myocardial injury markers were detected by using the CK-MB kits and TnI kits. The levels of PLA at different time points were detected by using flow cytometry.The myocardial infarction area were measured by using 2.3.5-Triphenyte-trazoliumchloride(TTC)staining,and the level of phosphorylation of JNK(P-JNK) was determined by using Western blot method. Results (1) The levels of CK-MB, TnI and the infarct size were significantly higher in the I/R group than those in the Sham group(P<0.05).The levels of CK-MB,TnI and the infarct size were significantly lower in the PostC group and I-JNK group than those in the I/R group(P<0.05).Compared with the PostC group,the levels of CK-MB,TnI and the infarct size were significantly higher in the Ani+PostC group and Ani group(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the Sham group,the expression levels of PLA significantly increased in the I/R group at different time points after ischemia (P<0.05). At different time points of MIRI, the expressions of PLA increased gradually in I/R group, Ani+PostC group and Ani group (P<0.05). At the time point of reperfusion for 60 minutes and reperfusion for 3 hours,the expressions of PLA were significantly lower in the PostC group and I-JNK group compared with those of I/R group (P<0.05).Compared with the PostC group,the expressions of PLA were significantly higher in the Ani+PostC group and Ani group (P<0.05). (3) Compared with the Sham group, the expression levels of P-JNK were significantly higher in the I/R group(P<0.05).PostC and I-JNK inhibited the production of P-JNK(P<0.05),while Ani promoted the increase of P-JNK (P<0.05).Compared with the PostC group,the expression levels of P-JNK were significantly higher in the Ani+PostC group and Ani group (P<0.05). Conclusion PostC can reduce the expression of PLA during reperfusion by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK,thereby reducing myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

To investigate the cause of death of a pregnant woman with undefined pneumonia reported from the People's Hospital of Tongling City in Anhui Province on November 8, 2005, the patient's tracheal aspirates and serum samples were collected and tested by RT-PCR and Real-time PCR to detect viral nucleic acids of HA of A/H5N1, A/H7N7, A/H9N1 and A/M. Tracheal aspirates were inoculated into special pathogen free (SPF) embryonated eggs for cultivation and identification of virus. The HA gene of the virus was sequenced and analyzed. Serum samples were tested by HI assay to detect antibody of H5N1. The results showed that HA gene of A/H5N1 virus and A/M were positive in tracheal aspirates by both PCR tests. The serum sample collected on Nov. 9 was A/M gene positive by Real-time PCR. The analysis of HA gene of A/AnHui/1/2005 sequence showed that the receptor specificity and the connecting peptide between HA1 and HA2 were still avian influenza origin. The HI antibody of H5N1 was negative at 7th, 8th, 9th d of disease onset. This undefined pneumonia case was confirmed as the first pregnant woman case of avian influenza (H5N1) virus infection by etiology in the mainland of China.
Adult ; Antibodies, Viral ; blood ; Female ; Hemagglutination Inhibition Tests ; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus ; genetics ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human ; etiology ; virology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious ; etiology ; virology ; Trachea ; virology

This data article describes data acquired from the Database of Youth Health (DYH) program. The DYH program consisted of a multi-wave survey conducted annually in the academic year 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2020/2021 to investigate the status quo of health and health-related behaviors of Chinese junior and senior high school students. A total of 99,327 students from 186 secondary schools in 17 cities of Shandong province participated in the survey. The dataset is longitudinal and consists of rich parameters in aspects of individual information, social-economic status, social interaction, nutrition and diet, psychological cognition, mental health, school adaptation, quality of life, spare-time physical activity, risk behaviors, and physical fitness evaluation results based on the National Student Physical Fitness and Health 2014. It is the first open shared dataset about Chinese adolescents' health and health-related behaviors. It would be valuable and beneficial for policy makers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to generate or adjust the existing strategies for improving Chinese adolescents' wellbeing.
Adolescent ; China ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Quality of Life ; Schools ; Students

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression level and clinical significance of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) in bone marrow of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). METHODS: The clinical data of 147 MDS patients who accepted real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the expression level of WT1 in bone marrow before treated in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University from January 2017 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the expression level of WT1, the patients were divided into WT1⁺ group and WT1^- group, their clinical characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: The positive rate of WT1 in 147 MDS patients was 82.3%. There were significant differences in bone marrow blast count, aberrant karyotypes, WHO 2016 classification, and IPSS-R stratification between WT1⁺ group and WT1^- group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the higher the malignant degree of MDS subtype and the risk stratification of IPSS-R, the higher expression level of WT1. Compared with WT1^- group, there were no differences in overall survival (OS) time and the time of transformation to AML in WT1⁺ group (both P>0.05). In patients who did not accept transplantation, the median OS time of WT1⁺ patients was significantly shorter than that of WT1^- patients (P=0.049). Besides, regarding WT1⁺ group, patients who underwent transplantation had longer OS time and lower mortality than those who received hypomethylating agents (P=0.002, P=0.005). CONCLUSION WT1 expression level directly reflects the disease progression, and it is also associated with prognosis of MDS patients.
Bone Marrow/metabolism* ; Humans ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes/diagnosis* ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; WT1 Proteins/metabolism*