AIM: To investigate the change of estrogen receptor (ER) in hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary of female rats exposed to psychological stress, and to illuminate the mechanism of dysfunction on ovarian reproductive endocrine function. METHODS: Sound, light and electricity were combined into a psychological stressful stimulus to induce female rat dysfunction on ovarian reproductive endocrine function. Immunohistochemical technique and image analysis were used to assess the expression levels of ER in hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary. RESULTS: When exposed to compound stressful stimulus of sound, light and electricity for 20 days in female rats, the expression levels of ER in hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary dropped. CONCLUSION: The decrease in estrogen receptor expression in hippocampus, hypothalamus and pituitary of female rats exposed to psychological stress may be one of the mechanisms of ovarian reproductive endocrine dysfunction.

Objective:To study the curative efficacy of wenxin granule combined with propafenone in the treatment of arrhythmia and its effects on the serum levels ofhs-CRP,TNF-α,IL-6 and heart function.Methods:96 patients of arrhythmia who were treated from July 2014 to October 2016 in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into the observation group (n=48) and the control group (n=48).The control group was treated with propafenone,while the observation group was treated with wenxin granuleon.Then the serum levels of hs-CRP,TNF-α and IL-6,heart function,clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions were observed and compared between the two groups before and after the treatment.Results:After treatment,the total effective rate of observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P＜0.05).The serum levels of hs-CRP,TNF-α and IL-6 of observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P＜0.05);the left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) of observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group,and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly higher than that of control group(P＜0.05);the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P＜0.05).Conclusion:Wenxin granule combined with propafenone was effective for arrhythmia,it could effectively improve the heart function and high safety,which might be related to the decrease of serum hs-CRP,TNF-and IL-6 levels.

Objective To study the inhibitory effect of verapamil and nicardipine on human scar fibroblast in serum-free culture and to compare the effectness of the two drugs.Methods We used MTT method to detect the effect of two drugs on human scar fibroblast proliferation:adding verapamil and nicardipine with different concentrations in the culture of fibroblasts which were in logarithmic growth phase (150,100,50,10,0μmol/L).After 24,72,and 120 h,we used MTT method to detect the cell proliferation,and converted the absorbance into growth inhibitory ratio.Results Verapamil and nicardipine showed the definite inhibition on the hypertrophic scar fibroblast (HSFB) and keloid fibroblast (KDFB) which were cultured in vitro.There was some difference in the action feature.In the earlier period,the effect of verapamil was powerful than that of nicardipine.With time,the effect did not reinforce.When fibroblast had been cultured for three to five days,the inhibition became weak.But nicardipine showed lasting inhibition on fibroblast proliferation.Conclusion Combination of verapamil with nicardipine may be a valuable method in the treatment of scar.

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of the serum new molecular markers, soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1(sTREM-1)and soluble hemoglobin scavenger receptor(sCD163), in the diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients with burns. Methods: A total of 58 inpatients with burns from Jun 2017 to June 2018 were enrolled in the study.Patients were divided into three groups: the sepsis group(n=12), the localized infection group(n=21)and the non-infection group(n=29). The levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISAs). The clinical diagnostic value of sTREM-1 and sCD163 was assessed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 at day 1 between the three groups(F=20.994 and 38.363, P<0.01). Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were higher in the sepsis group than in the localized infection group and the non-infection group.Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were higher in the localized infection group than in the non-infection group.Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 were lower at day 7 than those at day 1 in all groups(F=21.242 and 41.035, P<0.01). Serum sTREM-1 levels were positively correlated with serum sCD163 levels(r=0.609, P=0.000). The AUC of sTREM-1 and sCD163 for the diagnosis of sepsis was 0.880(95%CI: 0.816~0.926). Conclusions Serum levels of sTREM-1 and sCD163 are elevated with increasing degrees of infection.Monitoring serum sTREM-1 and sCD163 levels is helpful for the diagnosis of sepsis in elderly patients with burns.

Objective:To analyze the effects of different blood sampling methods on the incidence of iatrogenic blood loss, anemia, transfusion, and complications in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) during hospitalization.Method:A retrospective analysis was performed on VLBWIs (birth weight <1 500 g) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Second Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Hubei province, from January 2014 to December 2018. According to the first blood sampling method, these infants were subjected to the umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood groups. Blood sampling, transfusion, complications, and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Independent samples t-test, rank-sum test, and Chi-square (or Fisher's exact) test were used for statistical analysis. Results:(1) Totally 240 neonates enrolled, including 104 cases in the umbilical cord blood group and 136 in the peripheral blood group. There was no statistical significance in the general information and blood test results for the first time between the two groups. (2)The blood volume collected in the first week in the umbilical cord blood group was lower than that in the peripheral blood group [6.5 ml (1-23 ml) and 10 ml (1-30 ml), Z=－4.706, P<0.01]. Differences between the two groups in the blood volume at 2-9 weeks were insignificant (all P>0.05). The number of blood collection procedures in each of the first four weeks after birth in the umbilical cord blood group was less than that in the peripheral blood group ( Z value was－9.124,－2.272,－4.688, and－2.017, respectively, all P<0.05), but no statistical difference was found at the fifth week ( P>0.05). The time of the first red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) in the umbilical cord blood group was later than that in the peripheral blood group [4 weeks (1-7 weeks) vs 3 weeks (1-5 weeks), Z=－2.839, P<0.05]. The proportion of infants who have received RBCT twice or more times in the umbilical cord blood group was lower than that in the peripheral blood group [39.7% (25/63) vs 56.8% (50/88), χ2=4.312, P<0.05]. The rate of RBCT during the first three weeks in the umbilical cord blood group was lower than that in the peripheral blood group [34.9% (22/63) vs 59.1% (52/88), χ2=8.583, P<0.05]. There were no significant differences in the volume of RBCT per time, adverse reactions after transfusion, and the erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit before and after the first RBCT between the two groups. (3) The incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and intraventricular hemorrhage (grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ) and their outcomes were similar between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Blood sampling methods show no significant effect on the total incidence of anemia and RBCT in VLBWIs during hospitalization. Umbilical cord blood sampling may delay the first RBCT time of VLBWIs and reduce the rate of RBCT in the first three weeks, but do not affect the incidence of complications.

Objective:To observe the effect of bacteroides fragilis BF839 intervention on learning, memory and social novelty of fragile X-mental retardation gene 1 ( Fmr1) knockout (KO) mice. Methods:Thirty three-week-old Fmr1 KO mice were randomly divided into Fmr1 KO group ( n=15) and Fmr1 KO+BF839 group ( n=15). Mice in the Fmr1 KO group freely drank autoclaved tap water everyday; mice in the Fmr1 KO+BF839 group drank BF839 bacterial liquid (10 mL/d) everyday;11 wild-type mice freely drank autoclaved tap water everyday were set as controls (WT group). After 4 weeks of intervention, Morris water maze test was used to observe the differences in escape latency and frequencies of crossing the original platform among mice in each group; Three-chamber Social Interaction Test was used to observe the differences in contact frequencies and contact durations with unfamiliar mice among mice in each group. Results:On the 4 th d of experiment, the escape latency of mice in the Fmr1 KO group ([46.06±10.29] s) was significantly longer than that in the WT group ([33.39±12.02] s, P<0.05); the escape latency of mice in the Fmr1 KO+BF839 group ([28.39±9.07] s) was significantly shorter than that in the Fmr1 KO group ( P<0.05); the escape latency of mice in the Fmr1 KO+BF839 group was slightly shorter than that in the WT group without significant difference ( P>0.05). The frequencies of crossing through the original platform of mice in Fmr1 KO group (0.00[0.00, 1.00] time) was slightly less than that in WT group (1.00 [0.00, 1.00] time) without significant difference ( P>0.05); that in the Fmr1 KO+BF839 group (1.50[1.00, 2.00] times) was significantly larger than that in the Fmr1 KO group and WT group ( P<0.05). The contact frequencies of the mice in the Fmr1 KO group with unfamiliar mice (5.50[0.50, 12.75] times) was less than that in the WT group (7.00[4.00, 17.00] times) without significant difference ( P>0.05); that in the Fmr1 KO+BF839 group (23.00[16.00, 36.00] times) was significantly increased as compared with that in the Fmr1 KO group and WT group ( P<0.05). The contact duration of mice in the Fmr1 KO group with unfamiliar mice (9.50[0.50, 41.95] s) was significantly shorter than that in the WT group (142.00[65.00, 171.60] s, P<0.05); Fmr1 KO+BF839 group had significantly longer contact duration with unfamiliar mice (69.60 [50.40, 98.40] s) than Fmr1 KO group ( P<0.05); the contact duration of mice in Fmr1 KO+BF839 group with unfamiliar mice was shorter than that in WT group without significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Early BF839 intervention can significantly improve the learning, memory abilities and social novelty of Fmr1 KO mice, and even restore the Fmr1 KO mice to normal levels, which suggests that BF839 may become a new tool for treatment of fragile X syndrome and autism.

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis through analyzing the data of pneumoconiosis cases in Liuzhou from 2006 to 2018, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis in Liuzhou. Methods The information of pneumoconiosis cases in Liuzhou was collected through the ^“health hazard factors monitoring information system^”, a subsystem of China's disease prevention and control system, and the epidemiological characteristics of pneumoconiosis were statistically analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results A total of 160 cases of pneumoconiosis was collected, mainly stage I silicosis, accounting for 70.0% of total cases (n=112). Most of the cases were from the metal smelting and rolling industry, accounting for 82.5% of total cases (n=132). The occupation of patients was mainly smelting and auxiliary work, sintering, and mining, accounting for 23.13% (n=37), 27.50% (n=44) and 18.13% (n=29) of the total number of pneumoconiosis cases, respectively. Among them, 83.75% (n=134) were from large-scale enterprises. Most of the pneumoconiosis cases had 15 to 35 years of dust exposure, with an average dust exposure of 23.78±10.36 years. The age of onset was mainly concentrated in 45 to 60 years old, and the average age of onset was 55.61±10.28 years. Conclusion The cases of pneumoconiosis in Liuzhou existed in sporadic form in recent years, and the cases were mainly concentrated in large metal smelting enterprises, with smelting and auxiliary workers and sintering workers being the most serious. It is necessary to strengthen the occupational health management of large metal smelting enterprises to effectively prevent and control the occurrence of pneumoconiosis.

Objective:To investigate the effect of sleep on physical performance and the correlation between sleep quality and physical performance in the elderly.Methods:In this prospective multicenter case-control study, 472 elderly people aged 60-80 years were recruited from three regions in China, Beijing, Tianjin, and Hainan Province.Basic information of study participants was collected through face-to-face interviews, and physical performance of study participants was assessed by the time up and go(TUG)test on site, with 106 cases(22.5%)in the normal physical performance group and 366 cases(77.5%)in the abnormal group.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)were applied to assess sleep quality of study subjects.Correlation analysis was performed to examine factors affecting subjects' physical performance.Results:Age, history of alcohol consumption, BMI, past medical history, the ESS score, daytime sleepiness, and some components of PSQI, such as sleep quality, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping drugs and daytime dysfunction, were influencing factors of the TUG score.Two components of PSQI, sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency, and the ESS score were positively correlated with physical performance.Logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors for decreased physical performance in the elderly included increased age( OR=1.125, 95% CI: 1.083-1.168, P<0.01), history of alcohol consumption( OR=0.482, 95% CI: 0.384-0.605, P<0.001), abnormally high body mass index( OR=1.663, 95% CI: 1.340-2.063, P<0.01), hyperlipemia( OR=0.156, 95% CI: 0.077-0.318, P<0.01), digestive system diseases( OR=0.154, 95% CI: 0.044-0.532, P<0.01), use of sleeping drugs( OR=0.415, 95% CI: 0.202-0.854, P<0.05), daytime sleepiness( OR=4.234, 95% CI: 2.800-6.403, P<0.01), a high habitual sleep efficiency score of PSQI( OR=1.425, 95% CI: 1.214-1.672, P<0.01)and a high sleep disturbances score in PSQI( OR=3.356, 95% CI: 2.337-4.819, P<0.01). Conclusions:The incidence of physical performance decline is high in the elderly.There is a correlation between physical performance and sleep quality.

cFos is one of the most widely-studied genes in the field of neuroscience. Currently, there is no systematic database focusing on cFos in neuroscience. We developed a curated database-cFos-ANAB-a cFos-based web tool for exploring activated neurons and associated behaviors in rats and mice, comprising 398 brain nuclei and sub-nuclei, and five associated behaviors: pain, fear, feeding, aggression, and sexual behavior. Direct relationships among behaviors and nuclei (even cell types) under specific stimulating conditions were constructed based on cFos expression profiles extracted from original publications. Moreover, overlapping nuclei and sub-nuclei with potentially complex functions among different associated behaviors were emphasized, leading to results serving as important clues to the development of valid hypotheses for exploring as yet unknown circuits. Using the analysis function of cFos-ANAB, multi-layered pictures of networks and their relationships can quickly be explored depending on users' purposes. These features provide a useful tool and good reference for early exploration in neuroscience. The cFos-ANAB database is available at www.cfos-db.net .
Animals ; Fear ; Mice ; Neurons ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos ; Rats