Aim To confirm the inhibitory effect of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia ( CIHH) on my-ocardial apoptosis induced by metabolism syndrome ( MS) , and to investigate its mechanism. Methods A rat model of MS induced by fructose was used. The blood pressure and the plasma content of glucose, tri-glyceride, cholesterol, and insulin after 12 h fasting were detected. HE stain were used to detect the cardi-ac structure. The TUNEL staining and activity of caspase-3 were used to detect the apoptosis of myocar-dium. The protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was detected by Western blot . Results Compared with the control rats, the blood pressure and the plasma content of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and insu-lin were all increased in rats with MS. In rats with MS, the impairment of cardiac structure and the increase of apoptosis were also observed. The protein expression of Bcl-2 was significantly down-regulated, and that of Bax was significantly up-regulated in MS rats. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was also significantly decreased. Interest-ingly, CIHH could ameliorate all of the above issues. There was no significant difference between control group and CIHH group. Conclusion CIHH may im-prove the increased apoptosis in rats with MS via inhib-iting the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. This stud-y might provide new targets for therapy and the preven-tion of MS patients.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms and dietary behaviors among middle school and college students in Beijing，so as to provide the basis for carrying out related research and intervention. Methods: A total of 18 130 middle school and college students from 16 districts in Beijing were collected through stratified cluster sampling from October to December, 2020. The relationship between middle school and college students depressive symptoms and dietary behaviors was analyzed by conducting a questionnaire. Results: The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 18.2%. The detection rate of depressive symptoms in girls was 19.0%, which was higher than 17.4% in boys( P <0.05), and the differences were of statistical significance( χ 2=8.47, P <0.01). The detection rate of depressive symptoms in city was 17.9%, and in 10 urban areas was 18.5 %( P > 0.05 ), and the differences were of statistical significance( χ 2=1.15, P =0.28). The detection rates of depressive symptoms in vocational high school (21.8%) and high school students(20.6%) were and, higher than that in college students (18.2%) and in junior high school students(15.2%), and the differences were of statistical significance( χ 2=100.38, P <0.01). The rates of students with depressive symptoms drinking sugary drinks(14.4%), eating sweets (22.1%) and eating fried foods every day (12.4%) were higher than that of students without depressive symptoms(7.6%, 12.0%, 5.9%), and the differences were of statistical significance( χ 2=154.62, 215.67, 164.49, P <0.01). The rates of eating fresh fruits(63.3%), vegetables (81.7%) and breakfast every day (53.4%) of the students with depressive symptoms were lower than those without depressive symptoms (72.0%, 88.1%, 74.1%), and the differences were of statistical significance( χ 2=90.77, 90.59, 518.69, P <0.01) Logistic regression analysis showed that the detection rate of depression was the important factor of influencing dietary behaviors( P <0.05). Conclusion The detection rates of depressive symptoms of vocational high school students and senior high school students in Beijing are higher than those of junior high school students and college students. Depression is closely related to dietary behaviors. Promoting students mental health may help promote students healthy eating.

OBJECTIVETo construct plasmid expressing pacemaker gene pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 and study its effects in transfected atrial myocytes in vitro and in canine model of sick sinus syndrome (SSS).

METHODSmHCN2 gene was isolated from PTR plasmids and cloned into eukaryotic expression plasmid pIRES2-EGFP. Recombinant plasmids pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 was transfected with by electroporation into neonatal atrial cardiomyocytes or injected to the sinoatrial (SA) region of canines with SSS induced by catheter and chemical ablation. pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 expression was detected under fluorescence microscope and confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Spontaneous beating rate in atrial cardiomyocytes was detected with light microscope.

RESULTSEGFP expression was seen in transfected atrial cardiomyocytes 24 to 48 hours after transfection and the spontaneous beating rate was significantly increased than that in non-transfected atrial cardiomyocytes [(180 +/- 11) bpm vs (140 +/- 14) bpm, P < 0.05]. Heart rate was significantly increased 24 hours post recombinant plasmids pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 injection compared to saline injection in canines with SSS [(150 +/- 13) bpm vs (105 +/- 17) bpm, P < 0.05]. Green fluorescence was also detected in frozen SA tissue sections of canines injected with recombinant plasmids pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 and the production amplified by RT-PCR was about 300 bp which is consistent with mHCN2 gene fragment.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pIRES2-EGFP-HCN2 can improve pacing function in atrial myocytes and in canine model of SSS.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dogs ; Gene Expression ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Therapy ; Genetic Vectors ; Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels ; In Vitro Techniques ; Ion Channels ; genetics ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; metabolism ; Plasmids ; Sick Sinus Syndrome ; therapy

Most patients with esophageal cancer have advanced disease at presentation. The efficacy of surgical resection alone is often unsatisfactory in patients with stage III or more advanced cancer according to the seventh edition of UICC staging system for esophageal cancer. The systematic multidisciplinary treatment is important. Mounting evidence indicates that preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the most effective induction therapy to down-stage tumor and increase radical resection rate. For the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with multi-stations and multi-fields lymph node metastasis, preoperative induction chemotherapy would be a viable option. For locally advanced cancers which have been surgically resected, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy maybe helpful to improve local control for the insufficient surgical dissection. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy also needs further studies. Thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and lower esophageal adenocarcinoma which is common in western countries are different. We need more prospective clinical studies to establish our treatment modalities for esophageal cancer.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant

Objective To analyze the clinical features of recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP).Methods The clinical data of patients diagnosed as RAP were collected in Changhai Hospital, the Second Military Medical University between January 2016 to July 2016, and chronic pancreatitis(CP) patients and RAP patients to matching, as control group.A prospective cohort study about the clinical features of RAP and CP was set.The survival analysis model was established by Kaplan-Meier′s method, to calculate the cumulative rate of RAP which progressed into CP.Results The morbidity of male patients was 69.0% in the RAP group(n=100) and 60% in the CP group(n=100).The average first onset age of RAP and CP was 38 and 21 years old, respectively;and the teenagers accounted for 12% and 38.6%.The incidence of diabetes was 49.5% and 9%;and the incidence of fatty diarrhea was 46.6% and 19% of the two groups.The cumulative incidence of CP was 2% within 1 year, 4.6% in 3 years, and 12.4% in 5 years.Conclusions Men has higher morbidity in both RAP group and CP group.RAP patients′ first onset age was older than that of CP.Teenagers had a low incidence in RAP group.The risk of diabetes and fatty diarrhea was lower in RAP group than CP group.A certain proportion of RAP patients can progress to CP.

Objective To investigate the effect of 4-hydroxytamoxifen on the expression of pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) in GH3 prolactinoma cells. Methods RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to detect the expressions of PTTG mRNA and protein in human GH3 prolaetinoma cells. Different concentrations of estradiol (E2) or 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHTam) were addedl into the hormone-depleted medium, and the viable cell number and expression levels of PTTG mRNA and protein were measured. Results The growth of OH3 prolaetinoma cells was significantly inhibited in hormone-depleted medium. E2 at a concentration of 1×10<'-8> mol/L obviously promoted the cell growth, the effect of which was inhibited by the application of OHTam (1×10<'-6> mol/L) to cause slowed cell growth. The expressions of PTTG at both the mRNA and protein levels were detected in detected in untreated GH3 prolactinoma cells, and OHTam at the concentration of 1×10<'-6> mol/L significantly inhibited their expressions. Conclusion The growth of GH3 cells is estrogen-dependant and can be inhibited by estrogen antagonist OHTam, which also results in reduced expression of PTTG gene in the cells.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression status of the P450arom mRNA in breast tissue of pubertal mammary hypertrophy and then explore the possible etiology of pubertal mammary hypertrophy.

METHODS15 patients were selected for pubertal mammary hypertrophy group. Breast hypertrophy tissue specimens were collected from the gland excised during reduction mammaplasty. 15 patients with pathologically simple fibroadenoma were used as another control group. Patient approval of participation in this study was obtained preoperatively. The expression of P450arom mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in all the cases above.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference between the pubertal mammary hypertrophy groups and normal groups on the expression rates of P450arom mRNA. But among the positive cases, the expression of P450arom mRNA within breast tissue were 0.202 +/- 0.048 in pubertal mammary hypertrophy group; and 0.159 +/- 0.068 in normal group. There was significant difference between the pubertal mammary hypertrophy and normal groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of P450arom mRNA in pubertal mammary hypertrophy are significantly higher than in normal mammary glandular tissue. The pubertal mammary hypertrophy may be related to the expression status of P450arom mRNA within breast tissue.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aromatase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Breast ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Puberty ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the levels of pollutions caused by fine particulate matter (PM(2.5)) in the public places and investigate the possible influencing factors.

METHODSA total of 20 public places in four types such as rest room in bath center, restaurant, karaoke bars and cyber cafe in Tongzhou district in Beijing were chosen in this study; indoor and outdoor PM(2.5) was monitored by TSI sidepak AM510. Data under varying conditions were collected and analyzed, such as doors or windows or mechanical ventilation devices being opened, rooms cramped with people and smoking.

RESULTSThe average concentration of indoor PM(2.5) in 20 public places was (334.6 +/- 386.3) microg/m(3), ranging from 6 microg/m(3) to 1956 microg/m(3); while in bath center, restaurant, karaoke bars and cyber cafe were (116.9 +/- 100.1)microg/m(3), (317.9 +/- 235.3) microg/m(3), (750.6 +/- 521.6)microg/m(3) and (157.5 +/- 98.5) microg/m(3) respectively. The concentrations of PM(2.5) in restaurant (compared with bath center: Z = -10.785, P < 0.01; compared with karaoke bars: Z = -10.488, P < 0.01; compared with cyber cafe: Z = -7.547, P < 0.01) and karaoke bars (compared with bath center: Z = -16.670, P < 0.01; compared with cyber cafe: Z = -15.682, P < 0.01) were much higher than those in other two places. Single-factor analysis revealed that the average concentration of indoor PM(2.5) in 20 public places was associated with the number of smokers per cube meters(9.13 x 10(-3); r = 0.772, F = 26.579, P < 0.01) and ventilation score [(2.5 +/- 1.5) points; r = 0.667, F = 14.442, P < 0.01], and there were significant correlation between the average indoor and outdoor levels in restaurant [(317.9 +/- 235.3) microg/m(3), (67.8 +/- 78.9) microg/m(3); r = 0.918, F = 16.013, P = 0.028] and cyber cafe [(157.5 +/- 98.5) microg/m(3), (67.7 +/- 43.7) microg/m(3); r = 0.955, F = 30.785, P = 0.012]. Furthermore, significant correlation was observed between the average concentration of indoor PM(2.5) [(157.5 +/- 98.5) microg/m(3)]and the number of people per cube meters (288.7 x 10(-3)) in cyber cafe (r = 0.891, F = 11.615, P = 0.042). Multiple regression analysis showed that smoking (b' = 0.581, t = 3.542, P = 0.003) and ventilation (b' = -0.348, t = -2.122, P = 0.049) were the major factors that may influence the concentration of indoor PM(2.5) in four public places. With cluster analysis, the results showed that the major factors that influence the concentration of indoor PM(2.5) was the outdoor PM(2.5) levels [(49.6 +/- 39.5) microg/m(3); b = 1.556, t = 3.760, P = 0.007] when ventilation (score > 2) was relatively good. The number of smokers per cube meters (14.7 x 10(-3)) became the major influence factor when the ventilation score

CONCLUSIONThis study indicated that smoking was the main source of indoor PM(2.5) in public places. Outdoor PM(2.5) should be correlated with indoor PM(2.5) concentration under drafty situation.

Air Pollution, Indoor ; analysis ; Environmental Monitoring ; methods ; Particulate Matter ; analysis ; Public Facilities ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo investigate risk factors associated with prognosis in patients with radiation proctitis (RP).

METHODSBetween August 2007 and February 2010, 33 patients diagnosed with radiation proctitis were identified. Data pertaining to treatments and quality of life(QOL) were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSIndication for radiation included cervical cancer(n=22), prostate cancer (n=3), ovary cancer (n=2), rectal cancer (n=2), endometrial cancer(n=2), cervical cancer (n=1), and vaginal cancer(n =1). Data regarding radiation were available in 18 patients, and the mean dose was (61.3±12.9) Gy with a median dose of 61 Gy. Eleven were treated with enema therapy, 9 formalin dab, 12 surgical operations. Clinical improvement was noticed in 75% of the patients with a mean QOL score of 63.79±20.92. Prognosis was favorable in 75% of the patients. Surgical treatment was effective in 91.7% of the patients with severe complications. Univariate analysis showed that gender was associated with the prognosis of RP, while the severity of RP and treatment method were not predictive for RP prognosis.

CONCLUSIONSGender but not disease severity is associated with the prognosis of radiation proctitis. Surgery may be beneficial to RP patients with severe complications.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proctitis ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Prognosis ; Radiation Injuries ; complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo examine the temporal and spatial expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Ang) in rat brain after cerebral ischemia, and to elucidate the roles they played in angiogenesis and vascular permeability.

METHODSRats were subjected to either middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or sham operation. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of VEGF, Ang-1 and Ang-2 at different time points after ischemia. CD31 was used to label endothelial cells after MCAO. Vascular permeability was determined by Evans blue.

RESULTSVEGF was markedly increased at 2 h, had an initial peak at 12 h (0.7249 ± 0.1933, P < 0.01), and a second peak at 7 days (0.5264 ± 0.1519, P < 0.01). Ang-2 mRNA and protein significantly increased after MCAO, both of them peaked at 12 h (0.6747 ± 0.2416, P < 0.01; 1.1197 ± 0.1780, P < 0.01). In contrast, Ang-1 mRNA and protein gradually decreased after MCAO, respectively reaching a minimum at 3 d (0.3220 ± 0.1427, P < 0.01) and 1 d (0.1298 ± 0.0293, P < 0.01). Changes in the expression of these factors correlated with the progress of angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Evans blue test revealed that the vascular permeability gradually increased, and peaked at day 1 after ischemia [(6.219 ± 0.887) µg/g, P < 0.01].

CONCLUSIONDynamic temporal changes in VEGF, Ang-1 and Ang-2 expression stimulate the cerebral angiogenesis after focal cerebral ischemia.

Angiopoietin-1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Angiopoietin-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Capillary Permeability ; Immunohistochemistry ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Male ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; genetics ; metabolism