This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of total extracts from Anthriscus sylvestris on pulmonary hypertension in rats. Sixty male SD rats were divided into normal(NC) group, model(M) group, positive drug sildenafil(Y) group, low-dose A. sylvestris(ES-L) group, medium-dose A. sylvestris(ES-M) group, and high-dose A. sylvestris(ES-H) group. On day 1, rats were intraperitoneally injected with monocrotaline(60 mg·kg~(-1)) to induce pulmonary hypertension, and the rat model was established on day 28. From days 15 to 28, intragastric administration of the respective treatments was performed. After modeling and treatment, small animal echocardiography was used to detect the right heart function of the rats. Arterial blood gas was measured using a blood gas analyzer. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe cardiopulmonary pathological damage. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis in the lung and myocardial tissues and reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels. Western blot was applied to detect the expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3(p-Smad3), Smad3, tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) in lung tissue. A blood routine analyzer was used to measure inflammatory immune cell levels in the blood. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of P-selectin and thromboxane A2(TXA2) in plasma. The results showed that, compared with the NC group, right heart hypertrophy index, right ventricular free wall thickness, right heart internal diameter, partial carbon dioxide pressure(PaCO_2), apoptosis in cardiopulmonary tissue, and ROS levels were significantly increased in the M group. In contrast, the ratio of pulmonary blood flow acceleration time(PAT)/ejection time(PET), right cardiac output, change rate of right ventricular systolic area, systolic displacement of the tricuspid ring, oxygen partial pressure(PaO_2), and blood oxygen saturation(SaO_2) were significantly decreased in the M group. After administration of the total extract of A. sylvestris, right heart function and blood gas levels were significantly improved, while apoptosis in cardiopulmonary tissue and ROS levels significantly decreased. Further testing revealed that the total extract of A. sylvestris significantly decreased the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), and PAI-1 proteins in lung tissue, while increasing the expression of t-PA. Additionally, the extract reduced the levels of inflammatory cells such as leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes in the blood, as well as the levels of P-selectin and TXA2 in plasma. Metabolomics results showed that the total extract of A. sylvestris significantly affected metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. In conclusion, the total extract of A. sylvestris may exert an anti-pulmonary hypertension effect by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating immune-inflammatory responses and thrombosis.
Animals ; Male ; Smad3 Protein/metabolism* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/genetics* ; Thrombosis/immunology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

Objective:To explore the risk factors of all-cause death in hypertensive patients in the community.Methods:A cohort of 4 049 hypertensive patients who participated in annual health checkups at Xinzhuang Community Health Service Centre of Shanghai Minhang district from January to December 2012 were enrolled in the study. All-cause death was the endpoint event of this study, and patients were divided into a fatal group and a survival group. The collection date for the endpoint event was December 2022. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyse the independent risk factors of all-cause mortality among hypertensive patients in the community.Results:Among 4 049 patients aged (67.9±7.1) years, 1 856 (45.8%) were males. There were 610 cases in the fatal group and 3 439 cases in the survival group. Multivariate Cox proportional regression showed that male gender ( HR=1.446, 95% CI: 1.200-1.742, P<0.001), older age ( HR=1.130, 95% CI: 1.118-1.143, P<0.001), higher waist-to-height ratio ( HR=8.117, 95% CI: 2.235-29.481, P=0.001), positive urinary protein ( HR=2.974, 95% CI: 2.202-4.016, P<0.001), high fasting blood glucose ( HR=1.070, 95% CI: 1.012-1.131, P=0.017), and history of stroke ( HR=1.819, 95% CI: 1.414-2.340, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in hypertensive patients, while exercise≥1/week ( HR=0.816, 95% CI: 0.668-0.996, P=0.046) and taking lipid-lowering medications ( HR=0.459, 95% CI: 0.223-0.947, P=0.035) were protective factors for all-cause mortality. Conclusion:For hypertensive patients, male gender, older age, higher waist-to-height ratio, positive urinary protein, high fasting blood glucose, and history of stroke are risk factors for all-cause mortality, while exercise≥1/week and taking lipid-lowering medications are protective factors.

Objective    To explore the mechanism of volume-related mitral regurgitation (MR) from the anatomy of mitral valve. Methods    A total of 32 patients with ventricular septal defect (VSD) combined MR meeting inclusion criteria in West China Hospital from September 2018 to November 2019 were enrolled in this study. The direction relative to the cardiac axis: the deviation of the MR bundle along the left atrial wall was eccentric, otherwises it was central. There were 23 patients of VSD and eccentric MR (EMR, a VSD-EMR group), including 10 males and 13 females aged 21 (10, 56) months, and 9 patients of VSD and central MR (CMR, a VSD-CMR group), including 4 males and 5 females aged 26 (12, 87) months. Besides, 9 healthy children were enrolled in a control group, including 4 males and 5 females aged 49 (15, 72) months. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) examination at 2 weeks before surgery and 6 months after surgery, respectively, The MR degree, end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), antero-posterior diameter (AP), annulus circumference (AC), commissural diameter (CD) were assessed. Results    Before operation, EDV, ESV, SV, AP, AC and CD in the VSD-EMR and VSD-CMR groups were significantly larger or longer than those in the control group (P<0.05); after operation, EDV, ESV, SV, AP and CD decreased compared with those before operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference compared with the control group (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, AC was slightly decreased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in EF between and within groups before and after operation (P>0.05). The improvement rate of MR was 78.9%(15/19) in the VSD-EMR group and 100.0% (9/9) in the VSD-CMR group. Conclusion    After unloading of volume, the valve structure is back to normal except AC. The improvement rate of MR in the VSD-EMR group is lower than that in the VSD-CMR group, which may indicate that the mechanism of VSD-EMR is more complicated.

Objective: To prospectively explore the relationship between resting heart rate (RHR) and risk of new-onset heart failure. Methods: It was a prospective cohort study. People who attended the physical examination of Kailuan Group Company in 2006 and with complete electrocardiography (ECG) recordings were eligible for this study. A total of 88 879 participants aged 18 years old or more who were free of arrhythmia, a prior history of heart failure and were not treated with β-blocker were included. Participants were divided into 5 groups according to the quintiles of RHR at baseline (Q(1) group, 40-60 beats/minutes (n=18 168) ; Q(2) group, 67-70 beats/minutes (n=18 970) ; Q(3) group, 71-74 beats/minutes (n=13 583) ; Q(4) group, 75-80 beats/minutes (n=22 739) ; and Q(5) group,>80 beats/minutes (n=15 419) ) .The general clinical data and laboratory test results were collected. The outcome was the first occurrence of heart failure at the end of follow-up (December 31, 2016) .We used Cox regression model to examine the association between RHR and the risk of new-onset heart failure. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox regression modeling. Results: Among the included patients 68 411 participants were male, mean age was (51.0±12.3) years old, and RHR was (74±10) beats/minutes. Statistically significant differences among the RHR quintiles were found for the following variables: age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, body mass index, the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, education status, physical activity, smoking status, drinking status, history of diabetes, history of hypertension and history of use antihypertensive drugs (all P<0.01) . Higher RHR was linked with higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension history, and higher systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and FBG levels (all P<0.01). After a mean follow-up of 9.5 years, the incidence of new-onset heart failure in Q(1), Q(2), Q(3), Q(4) and Q(5) groups was 1.60%(290/18 168), 1.36%(258/18 970), 1.80%(245/13 583), 1.76%(400/22 739) and 2.35%(362/15 419),respectively (P<0.01) . The person-year incidence of heart failure in Q(1), Q(2), Q(3), Q(4) and Q(5) groups was 1.7, 1.5, 1.9, 1.9 and 2.6 per 1 000 person-years respectively. Compared with the Q(2) group, multivariate analysis with adjustment for major traditional cardiovascular risk factors showed that HRs of Q(3),Q(4),and Q(5) group were 1.23 (95%CI 1.03-1.48, P<0.05) , 1.19 (95%CI 1.01-1.41, P<0.05) , 1.39 (95%CI 1.18-1.65, P<0.01) , respectively. In the absence of hypertension, diabetes, smoking and acute myocardial infarction, the Cox regression model showed that compared with Q(2) group, the HR of new-onset heart failure in Q(5) group was 1.58 (95%CI 1.02-2.45, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Increased RHR is associated with increased risk of new-onset heart failure in this cohort.
Adult ; Blood Pressure ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Heart Failure ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Purpose: This study aimed to establish whether computed tomography (CT)–determined sarcopenia is a useful imaging biomarker for postoperative outcome in elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, and construct sarcopenia-based nomograms to predict individual outcomes after surgery. Materials and Methods: CT imaging data of 298 elderly CRC patients who underwent surgery in 2012-2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Skeletal muscle mass was determined by CT, and sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the optimal cutoff value determined by X-tile program. The correlation between sarcopenia and risk of preoperative nutrition and postoperative complications was evaluated. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine survival predictors. Sarcopenia-based nomograms were developed based on multivariate analysis, and calibrated using concordance index and calibration curves. Results: A total 132 patients (44.3%) had sarcopenia based on the optimum cutoff values (29.9 cm2/m2 for women and 49.5 cm2/m2 for men). Sarcopenia was an independent risk factor for preoperative nutrition (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR], 3.405; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.948 to 5.954) and postoperative complications (p=0.008; OR, 2.192; 95% CI, 1.231 to 3.903). Sarcopenia was an independent predictor for poor progression-free survival (p < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR], 2.175; 95% CI, 1.489 to 3.179) and overall survival (p < 0.001; HR, 2.524; 95% CI, 1.721 to 3.703). Based on multivariate analysis, we produced four nomograms that had better predictive performance. Conclusion CT-determined sarcopenia is a useful imaging biomarker for predicting preoperative nutritional risk, postoperative complications, and long-term outcomes in elderly CRC patients. The sarcopenia-based nomograms can provide a scientific basis for guiding therapeutic schedule and follow-up strategies.

Objective To investigate effect of high dose irradiation on the performances of thermolumines-cence detectors (LiF:Mg, Cu, P). Methods The high-dose irradiated thermoluminescence detector was annealed by a thermoluminescence annealing furnace until the annealing was completed, and then the annealed thermoluminescent detector was irradiated 0.5Gy by 137Cs irradiator to verify the accuracy of the thermoluminescentdetector. Results The thermoluminescence detector after high-dose irradiation could not be completely annealed under the temperature condition of 240 ℃, and it could be completely annealed at a high temperature as 400℃. After 0.5 Gy irradiation by 137Cs irradiator, the measurement results of the annealed thermoluminescence detector were significantly smaller, and the dose response and dispersion of the detector were also changed significantly. Conclusions After a more than 5 Gy irradiation, the crystal structure of the thermoluminescence detector has changed, and a high temperature peak above 240 ℃ has appeared, which leads to the failure to completely anneal at normal temperature. Therefore, the thermoluminescence detector can no longer be used for dosimetry after high-dose irradiation.

[Objective]To investigate the effects of continuous long-term sleep deprivation on rat's behavior,memory and neurotransmitters in hippocampus,as well as determine the effects of prevention of electro-acupuncture.[Method]We used multi-platform water environment to make the rat model of insomnia.The experiment was divided into two sections.Sec-tion one:thirty rats were divided into 5 groups(six rats each group):tank control group(TC),sleep-deprived for continu-ous 7 days group(SD group),three days of recovery after SD group(3d after SD group),six days of recovery after SD group (6d after SD group),eleven days of recovery after SD group(11d after SD group).The term of recovery refers to normal feed-ing and sleeping when rats return to cages after sleep-deprivation.The open-field test was performed following the end time of each group experiment and then the rats were perfused and fixed.Section two:Eighteen rats were divided into three groups (six rats each group):tank control group(TC),sleep-deprived for continuous 7 days group(SD group),sleep-deprived rats treated with electro-acupuncture group(SD+EA group).Rats of SD group and SD+EA group were deprived sleep for con-tinuous 7 days. During the period of sleep deprivation,the rats of SD+EA group were treated with electro-acupuncture 20 minutes every morning.At the end time of experiment,rats were tested by the Morris water maze and then perfused and get specimens.[Results]Section one:the statistical analysis of outcome of open-field test showed:as compared to the TC group,the scores of rat's horizontal movement and vertical movement were significantly fewer in the SD group(P<0.05).Af-ter 3,6,or 11 days recovery of sleep,the scores increased significantly as compared with SD group(P<0.05). Although, the outcome of open-field test in the 3d after SD and 6d after SD groups had the significant difference with TC group(P<0.05),there was no different between the 11d after SD group and TC group(P>0.05).The quantitative analysis of gamma aminobutyric acid(GABA)expression in the hippocampus showed:the SD group shows lower level of GABA when com-pared to the TC group(P<0.05).After 3 days or 6 days of recovery,the expression of GABA is higher than the SD group(P<0.05),and similar to the TC group(P>0.05).In the 11days after SD group,the expression of GABA declined as compared to the TC group and the 6d after SD group(P<0.05).Section two:In the Morris water maze experiment,when compared to the TC group and the SD+EA group,the escape latency period was significantly prolonged and the times of across the plat-form were significantly reduced in the SD group(P<0.05).On the contrary,there were no statistical differences in the escape latency period or the across platform times between the SD+EA group and the TC group(P>0.05).The results of serotonin(5-HT)and GABA in the hippocampus showed:the 5-HT level in the SD group was no significant difference as compared to the TC group and the SD group on 5-HT level,while the 5-HT level in the SD+EA group was reduced as compared to the TC group(P<0.05). In the opposite,the GABA level in the SD group was decreased as compared to the TC group(P<0.05),while the SD+EA group and the TC group appear similarly level(P>0.05).[Conclusions]The effect of 7 days'contin-uous long-term sleep-deprivation may lead to the reduction in the ability of learning and memory behavior of rats.Our results is different with 4 days'continuously sleep-deprivation which was reported on the rats'expression of GABA and 5-HT. Electro-acupuncture stimulating the Sishengcong Acupoints seems preventing the harming of long-term sleep-deprivation on the ability of learning and memory,which probably is through adjusting the disorder of central neurotransmitter expression caused by sleep deprivation.

BACKGROUND:Gene-enhanced tissue engineering can promote the proliferation and differentiation of seed cells,reduce allogeneic immunity,promote vascularization,and facilitate the repair of osteochondral defects.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of lentivirus-mediated human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) transfected rebbit adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) cultured on polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer scaffold (PLGA) on osteochondral defect repair.METHODS:Thirty male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into control group (n=15) and experimental group (n=15).Animal models of bilateral femoral cartilage defects were made in all rabbits.The experimental group was implanted with BMP-2-enhanced ADSCs/PLGA copolymer scaffold,and the control group was implanted with ADSCs/PLGA copolymer scaffold.In both groups,autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty was then performed.After 3 months of implantation,bone tissues at defect region were taken for biomechanical and proteoglycans detection.Histological observation was done at 3,6,12 months after implantation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The compressive modulus and proteoglycan content of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group at 3 months after implantation (P ＜ 0.01).(2) At 3,6 and 12 months after implantation,with the increase of postoperative time,the joint surface in the experimental group became more and more smooth,the color became more and more shallow,and the healing degree of the defect increased to different extent.However,there were no obvious changes in the joint surface,color,morphology and histomorphology in the control group.To conclude,BMP-2-enhanced ADSCs/PLGA copolymer scaffold could significantly promote the repair of osteochondral defects.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prevalence, current treatment, and clinical characteristics of asthma, as well as the risk factors for this disease, among children aged 0-14 years in 2010 in urban Zhongshan, China.

METHODSA total of 10 336 children aged 0-14 years were selected from urban Zhongshan by cluster random sampling. The Third National Childhood Asthma Epidemiological Questionnaire 2010 was used to analyze the prevalence, current treatment, and clinical characteristics of childhood asthma, as well as the risk factors for this disease.

RESULTSAsthma was diagnosed in 179 cases (1.73%). The prevalence of asthma in male children was significantly higher than that in female children (2.25% vs 1.16%; P<0.01). Of the 179 patients, severe attacks were common in 104 cases (58.1%), 110 cases (61.5%) had slow onset, 102 cases (57.0%) had gradually relieved conditions, 61 cases (34.1%) suffered from asthma during seasonal transition, and 150 cases (83.8%) developed asthma due to respiratory tract infection. Among all asthmatic children, 71.5% had been treated with inhaled corticosteroids, and 71.5% had been treated with bronchodilator. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a history of penicillin allergy, a family history of allergy, food allergy, eczema, allergic rhinitis, cesarean delivery, family mould, and perinatal passive smoking were independent risk factors for childhood asthma.

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of childhood asthma in urban Zhongshan is on a high level, and is associated with gender. The treatment of asthma has been standardized, but still needs further improvement. The onset of asthma attack is influenced by various factors.

Adolescent ; Asthma ; epidemiology ; etiology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Seasons ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo study the association between serum-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) allergens and asthma in children.

METHODSThe serum sIgE allergens were determined using Western blot in 2239 children aged 1-14 years, consisting of 1415 children with asthma alone and 824 children with non-allergic diseases between December 2004 and April 2013. The case-control models of asthma alone and non-allergic diseases were established. The association between allergens and asthma was investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSIn the 2239 children, 1028 children (45.91%) were serum sIgE-positive, and the allergen with the highest positive rate was house-dust mite (15.68%), followed by house dust (14.29%) and moulds (13.40%). The results of the case-control analysis showed that house-dust mite, moulds, house dust, and cashew nut/peanut/soybean were significantly associated with the development of asthma. House dust was associated with the development of asthma in the 1-2 years old group (P<0.05). House dust and house-dust mite as allergens were identified as the risk factors for the development of asthma in the 3-14 years old group (P<0.05). In the 6-14 years old group, moulds as allergens were identified as the risk factors for the development of asthma (P<0.05). House dust and house-dust mite as allergens increased the risk of asthma in boys and girls, while moulds and cashew nuts/peanuts/soybeans as allergens increased the risk of asthma in boys.

CONCLUSIONSHouse-dust mite, house dust, and moulds are the most common allergens in children with asthma, and they are closely associated with the development of asthma.

Adolescent ; Age Factors ; Allergens ; blood ; Animals ; Asthma ; blood ; etiology ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dust ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Pyroglyphidae