Objective: To investigate the relationship between 24-hour ambulatory pulse pressure (24hPP), 24-hour ambulatory pulse pressure index (24hPPI), night-time ambulatory pulse pressure index (NPPI) and coronary artery disease (CAD) occurrence in hypertension patients. Methods: A total of 305 subjects received ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in our hospital from 2016-05 to 2016-07 were enrolled. Base on ABPM information, 24hPP, 24hPPI and NPPI were calculated to analyze their relationship to CAD occurrence. 24hPP was defined by 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure (24hSBP) minus 24hDBP, 24hPPI by the ratio of 24hPP/24hSBP and NPPI by the ratio of night (22:00-6:00) PP/SBP. Results: There were 222/305 (72.8%) subjects with hypertension. Compared with normotension subjects, hypertension patients had increased 24hPP: (49.0±11.6) mmHg vs (42.2±7.4) mmHg, P<0.001, 24hPPI: (0.39±0.06) vs (0.37±0.05), P=0.004 and NPPI: (0.40±0.07) vs. (0.38±0.06), P=0.009 respectively. 116/222 (52.3%) hypertension patients suffered from CAD. Compared with non-CAD patients, CAD patients presented elevated 24hPP: (50.9±12.2) mmHg vs (47.0±10.6) mmHg, P=0.013, 24hPPI: (0.41±0.07) vs. (0.38±0.06), P<0.001 and NPPI: (0.42±0.07) vs. (0.38±0.06), P<0.001 respectively. Among 83/305 (27.2%) normotension subjects, the above indexes were similar between CAD patients and non-CAD subjects. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that with adjusted age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and antihypertensive medication, 24hPPI [OR=1.95, 95% CI 1.11-3.44, P=0.020] and NPPI [OR=2.21, 95% CI 1.28-3.82, P<0.01] were related to CAD occurrence. ROC curve analysis showed that 24hPPI and NPPI were superior to 24hPP for CAD screening and prediction in hypertension patients. Conclusion: 24hPPI and NPPI were closely related to CAD occurrence in hypertension patients, they were both helpful for CAD screening and prediction in hypertension patients.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the significance of chromosome 6 aberrations for the occurrence and prognosis of hematopathies. METHODS: Clinical data and the cytogenetic results of 99 patients with hematopathies and aberrations of chromosome 6 were analyzed. RESULTS: The patients mainly had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndrome. ALL was the most common among the selected disorders. Based on their main abnormalities, ALL patients were divided into +6/-6, 6p and 6q groups. No significant difference was found in the gender, hemoglobin and platelet count between the three groups (P> 0.05). The age and white cell count in those with 6q aberrations were significantly higher compared with the +6/-6 group (P< 0.05). Multivariate COX analysis suggested that the 6p/6q aberrations and age are risk factors for the prognosis. The 1-year overall survival rate of the 6p and 6q groups were lower than that of the +6/-6 group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION Aberrations of chromosome 6 are common in B-cell disease, and patients with ALL and 6q aberration have a poorer prognosis. Analysis of chromosome 6 aberration has a significance for the prognosis.

OBJECTIVETo observe the expressions of Wnt/beta-catenin and the effects of tanshinone IIA (TII A) on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in high glucose induced renal tubular epithelial cell transdifferentiation.

METHODSHuman kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were divided into three groups, i. e., the normal glucose group, the high glucose group, and the high glucose plus tanshinone IIA group. The expression of beta-catenin was observed using immunocytochemical staining. The protein expression of beta-catenin, E-cadherin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were detected by Western blot. The mRNA levels of beta-catenin and E-cadherin were detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSCompared with the normal glucose group, both the protein and the mRNA expressions of beta-catenin were significantly enhanced (P < 0.01), the expression of E-cadherin significantly decreased (P < 0.01), the expression of beta-catenin increased in the cytoplasm and nucleus in the high glucose group. TIIA at the final concentration of 100 micromol/L significantly reduced the ectopic expression of beta-catenin. At that concentration, the protein and mRNA expressions of beta-catenin in the nucleus significantly decreased, while the protein and mRNA expressions of E-cadherin were up-regulated. Meanwhile, the expression of alpha-SMA obviously decreased.

CONCLUSIONSWnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway participated in the high glucose induced renal tubular epithelial cell transdifferentiation. TIIA inhibited the transdifferentiation process possibly through down-regulating the activities of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, thus further playing a role in renal protection.

Cadherins ; metabolism ; Cell Line ; Cell Transdifferentiation ; drug effects ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; pharmacology ; Epithelial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Glucose ; adverse effects ; Humans ; Kidney Tubules, Proximal ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; drug effects ; beta Catenin ; metabolism

Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral diseases and a prime reason for adult tooth loss. One of the goals of periodontal therapy is to regenerate and restore the periodontal tissues affected by periodontitis to their original architectural form and function. Cementum is an important component of periodontal tissue that plays a significant role in periodontal tissue regeneration. Explorations of the characteristics and components of cementum and the potential of growth factors related to cementum formation, especially the roles played by cementum-specific proteins and their potential in promoting periodontal regeneration, have become popular in current research. Here, we review the characteristics and components of cementum and the potential roles played by cementum-specific proteins during cementum formation and periodontal regeneration.

Objective: Anesthesia-induced cognitive impairments are common for elder patients after surgery. Oxidative stress is the predominant factor contributing to the impairments. This study was to assess the therapeutic potential of an anti-oxidative naturally occurring flavonoid, chrysin, in attenuating sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairments in rat models. Methods: Rat models of cognitive impairments were constructed by exposing aged rats (18 months old) to sevoflurane for 2 h. Chrysin was administered via oral gavage at the dose of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day for seven days. The elevated plus maze test was used to assess anxiety and explorative behaviors. Spatial memory tests were performed using novel object recognition test, object location memory task, and water maze experiments. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring levels of malondialdehyde, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, 4-hydroxynonenal, and glutathione using colorimetric assays. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to analyze how chrysin affects nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf) signaling. Results: While sevoflurane anesthesia led to significant decline in cognitive performance in object recognition test, object location memory task, and water maze test, chrysin exerted significant effects in alleviating the impairments. Oxidative stress was also reduced in the hippocampus tissue of rats after chrysin intake. Nrf signaling was activated by chrysin treatment in sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment models. Conclusion Chrysin was effective in alleviating cognitive impairments induced by sevoflurane anesthesia, which was at least in part facilitated by its effects in reducing oxidative stress via activating Nrf signaling.

The study was purposed to investigate the effects of C-MYC siRNA on the proliferation and apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic Jurkat cell line. siRNA targeting the site 1545-1565 of C-MYC mRNA was designed and chemically synthesized, then C-MYC siRNA was transfected into Jurkat cells by the transfer agent (HiPerFect Transfection Reagent), the morphological changes were observed under inverted microscope; the tetrazole compound (MTS) was applied to draw the cell growth curve; the cell colony test was used to detect the effect of C-MYC siRNA on the proliferation of Jurkat cells; the flow cytometry and TUNEL method were used to analyze the apoptosis of Jurkat cells. The results showed that after Jurkat cells were treated with different concentrations of C-MYC siRNA, the growth of Jurkat cells was inhibited to various degrees, inhibitory rate was enhanced as C-MYC siRNA concentration increased. C-MYC siRNA also could obviously inhibit the cell clony formation. The apoptosis of cells could be detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL method, the apoptosis rate of cells increased along with prolonging of treatment with C-MYC siRNA. It is concluded that the chemically synthesized C-MYC siRNA can inhibit significantly the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of Jurkat cells.
Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cell Proliferation ; Humans ; Jurkat Cells ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; RNA, Small Interfering ; genetics ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo identify the activin A receptor type II-like 1 gene (ACVRL1) mutations in a Chinese family with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT2).

METHODSThe exons 3, 7 and 8 of ACVRL1 gene of the proband and her five family members were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the PCR products were sequenced.

RESULTSThe proband had obvious telangiectasis of gastric mucosa, and small arteriovenous fistula in the right kidney. All the patients in the HHT2 family had iterative epistaxis or bleeding in other sites, and had telangiectasis of nasal mucosa, tunica mucosa oris and finger tips. ACVRL1 gene analysis confirmed that there is frameshift mutation caused by deletion of G145 in exon 3 in the 4 patients, but the mutation is absent in 2 members without HHT2.

CONCLUSIONThe HHT2 family is caused by a 145delG mutation of ACVRL1 gene, resulting in frameshift and a new stop codon at codon 53.

Activin Receptors, Type II ; genetics ; Exons ; genetics ; Female ; Frameshift Mutation ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic ; genetics ; pathology

How to obtain ideal regeneration of periodontal tissue remains a challenge in the clinical treatment of periodontitis. Three-dimensional printing technology is based on computer-aided design, which produces materials with specific 3D shapes by layer-by-layer superposition, and has been applied to periodontal tissue regeneration therapy, this method offers hope to achieve ideal periodontal regeneration. This article reviews the application of 3D printing technology in the field of periodontal tissue regeneration. The literature review results show that 3D printing technology can design three-dimensional structures using computer software in advance and produce materials with specific three-dimensional structures. 3D printing technology mainly includes selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, extrusion forming printing and 3D bioprinting. At present, the support materials prepared by 3D printing technology include ceramic materials, polymer materials and metals. Submaterials have been extensively studied given their high adjustability, and 3D-printed personalized titanium mesh has been applied in the clinic. Multiphase materials prepared by 3D-printing technology can regenerate periodontal tissue in animal experiments, but the effect is not good in patients with periodontitis. In addition, 3D printing of composite scaffolds for periodontal tissue regeneration need to be further studied.

BACKGROUND: Links between alterations in gut microbiota composition and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have previously been reported. This study aimed to examine the microbiota in the nasal cavity of ALS. METHODS: Sixty-six ALS patients and 40 healthy caregivers who live in close proximity with patients were enrolled. High throughput metagenomic sequencing of the 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) gene V3-V4 region of nasal microbiota was used to characterize the alpha and beta diversity and relative abundance of bacterial taxa, predict function, and conduct correlation analysis between specific taxa and clinical features. RESULTS: The nasal microbiome of ALS patients showed lower alpha diversity than that of corresponding healthy family members. Genera Gaiella , Sphingomonas , Polaribacter _1, Lachnospiraceae _NK4A136_group, Klebsiella , and Alistipes were differentially enriched in ALS patients compared to controls. Nasal microbiota composition in ALS patients significantly differed from that in healthy subjects (unweighted UniFrac P = 0.001), while Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes dominated healthy nasal communities at the phylum level, whereas Actinobacteria was the predominant phylum and Thermoleophilia was the predominant class in ALS patients. Genus Faecalibacterium and Alistipes were positively correlated with ALS functional rating scale revised (ALSFRS-R; rs = 0.349, P = 0.020 and rs = 0.393, P = 0.008), while Prevotella -9 and Bacteroides operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were positively associated with lung function (FVC) in ALS patients ( rs = 0.304, P = 0.045, and rs = 0.300, P = 0.048, respectively). Prevotella -1 was positively correlated with white blood cell counts (WBC, rs = 0.347, P = 0.021), neutrophil percentage (Neu%, rs = 0.428, P = 0.004), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, rs = 0.411, P = 0.006), but negatively correlated with lymphocyte percentage (Lym%, rs = -0.408, P = 0.006). In contrast, Streptococcus was negatively associated with Neu% ( rs = -0.445, P = 0.003) and NLR ( rs = -0.436, P = 0.003), while positively associated with Lym% ( rs = 0.437, P = 0.003). No significant differences in nasal microbiota richness and evenness were detected among the severe and mild ALS patients. CONCLUSIONS ALS is accompanied by altered nasal microbial community composition and diversity. The findings presented here highlight the need to understand how dysbiosis of nasal microbiota may contribute to the development of ALS.
Humans ; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/microbiology* ; Feces/microbiology* ; Microbiota/genetics* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Bacteria/genetics* ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*

The Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) is an ancillary transcription initiation complex which is highly conserved. The ADA1 (alteration/deficiency in activation 1, also called histone H2A functional interactor 1, HFI1) is a subunit in the core module of the SAGA protein complex. ADA1 plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as stress resistance. In this paper, we performed genome-wide identification of banana ADA1 gene family members based on banana genomic data, and analyzed the basic physicochemical properties, evolutionary relationships, selection pressure, promoter cis-acting elements, and its expression profiles under biotic and abiotic stresses. The results showed that there were 10, 6, and 7 family members in Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana and Musa itinerans. The members were all unstable and hydrophilic proteins, and only contained the conservative SAGA-Tad1 domain. Both MaADA1 and MbADA1 have interactive relationship with Sgf11 (SAGA-associated factor 11) of core module in SAGA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that banana ADA1 gene family members could be divided into 3 classes. The evolution of ADA1 gene family members was mostly influenced by purifying selection. There were large differences among the gene structure of banana ADA1 gene family members. ADA1 gene family members contained plenty of hormonal elements. MaADA1-1 may play a prominent role in the resistance of banana to cold stress, while MaADA1 may respond to the Panama disease of banana. In conclusion, this study suggested ADA1 gene family members are highly conserved in banana, and may respond to biotic and abiotic stress.
Musa/genetics* ; Phylogeny ; Fungal Proteins ; Cell Nucleus ; Histones ; Stress, Physiological/genetics*