Objective To evaluate global left ventricular(LV) strain of patients with chronic renal failure(CRF) by three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging(3D-STI) and discuss the possible association between global peak strain and ejection fraction of LV.Methods The study includes 22 patients in the renal failure period,25 patients with uremia (pre-dialysis),and 20 healthy controls.Global peak longitudinal strain (GPSL),global peak area strain(GPSA) and global peak radial strain(GPSR) were measured by 3D-STI.Then possible association between GPSL,GPSA,GPSR and LVEF were discussed by the Pearson correlation analysis.Results The GPSL,GPSA,GPSR were statistically different in the control group,patients in the renal failure period and patients with uremia.There were significant differences between groups(F =13.28,4.65,4.68,P ＜ 0.01) as following,all of GPSL,GPSA,GPSR were lower in uremia group compared with control group [q =7.48(GPSL),4.19(GPSA),4.72(GPSR),P ＜0.01],GPSL was lower in renal failure group compared with control group [q =4.9 (GPSL),P ＜0.01].The Pearson correlation analysis revealed GPSL,GPSA,GPSR were strongly associated with LVEF(r =-0.679,-0.781,0.719,P ＜0.01).Conclusions In patients with CRF,the global peak strain can reveal the systolic function of left ventricle and the global peak longitudinal strain can recognize systolic dysfunction more sensitively.

Objective To investigate the MR characteristics of ulnar nerve and muscles in cubital tunnel syndrome.Methods Twenty eight patients with cubital tunnel syndrome and 28 asymptomatic volunteers underwent MR imaging,MR neurography was performed by using an isotropic three dimensions T2 sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions (3D T2 SPACE)on 15 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.To evaluate changes in T2 signal intensity of the ulnar nerve,regions of interest were placed in the center of the location of the highest apparent ulnar nerve signal intensity on the axial FS T2WI images and in normal muscle within the same image slice,and the ratio of signal intensity was calculated.The sensitivity of 3D T2 SPACE sequence in detecting cubital tunnel syndrome was determined.The standard t tests were used to assess whether ulnar nerve size and relative signal intensity in symptomatic patients were statistically different from normal volunteers.Results The cross-sectional area of ulnar nerve in 24 patients and 2 volunteers was enlarged,the signal intensity of ulnar nerve in 26 patients and 16 volunteers was increased.Increased signal and muscle atrophy adjacent to the ulnar nerve were detected in 4 patients.Cubital tunnel syndrome was detected in 14 patientson 3D T2 SPACE sequence.The mean ulnar nerve sizes in the symptomatic and normal group were (0.15±0.06)and (0.06±0.01)cm2 respectively,the mean relative signal intensities in the symptomatic and normal groups were (2.86± 1.45) and 1.57±0.39 respectively (t values were 2.220 and 4.546,P＜0.05).Conclusions Ulnar nerve size and T2 signal intensity were increased,in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.In addition,muscles innervated by the ulnar nerve showed atrophy with increased T2 signal intensity.

ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of left ventricular (LV) twist and discuss the relationship between LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV twist in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI).MethodsForty-six patients with CKD and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. After conventional echocardiography, LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) were measured by Biplane Simpson method and the LVEF was calculated. And relevant parameters of LV rotation and twist were measured by speckle tracking imaging. Correlation analysis of LVEDV, LVESV and LV peak rotation and twist were analyzed respectively. ResultsCompared with the control group, LV peak twist and the apical rotation were decreased in CKD patients, which was statistically significant (t=0.002 and 0.020, bothP<0.05). The inferior wall and posterior intermediate septum of basal segment were significantly decreased (t=0.044 and 0.041, both P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed LV apical peak rotation had a relationship with LVEDV and LVESV (r= 0.355 and 0.409, bothP<0.01).Conclusion2D-STI is an practical noninvasive method which can analyze LV twist accurately and recognize LV systolic dysfunction of CKD patients sensitively.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of intention to smoke and current smoking and identify its influencing factors among middle school students in Ningbo City, so as to provide insights into the development and implementation of tobacco control among adolescents. Methods: The epidemiological data of tobacco use among adolescents in Ningbo City in 2021 were collected, including demographics, tobacco use, parents' and close friends' smoking status, secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco advertisement exposure. The intention to smoke, current smoking, secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco advertisement exposure were descriptively analyzed among middle school students, and the factors affecting intention to smoke, current smoking were identified using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Totally 1 591 questionnaires were allocated to middle school students, and 1 574 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 98.93%. The respondents included 787 junior high school students, 535 high school students and 252 vocational high school students, and the prevalence was intention to smoke and current smoking was 6.73% and 1.78% among the respondents, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified boys (OR=2.398, 95%CI: 1.466-3.922), high school students (OR=2.051, 95%CI: 1.212-3.470), vocational high school students (OR=2.011, 95%CI: 1.108-3.650), more than 100 yuan disposable pocket money per week (OR=2.534, 95%CI: 1.301-4.935) and close friends' smoking (OR=4.310, 95% CI: 2.755-6.757) as risk factors of intention to smoke, and boys (OR=12.420, 95%CI: 1.645-93.753), close friends' smoking (OR=11.628, 95%CI: 4.348-31.250) and parents' smoking (OR=2.667, 95%CI: 1.029-6.897) as risk factors of current smoking among middle school students. The prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco advertisement exposure was 76.43% and 51.65%, and television/video/cinema was the most likely route of tobacco advertisement exposure (42.06%). Conclusions The prevalence of intention to smoke and current smoking is low among middle school students in Ningbo City; however, the proportions of exposure to secondhand smoke and tobacco advertisement are relatively high. Tobacco control interventions are recommended to be intensified targeting high-risk populations, such as vocational high school students.

Objective: To investigate the e-cigarette use and its influencing factors among middle school students in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide insights into e-cigarette control among adolescents. Methods: Students of junior high schools, high schools and vocational high schools in Ningbo City were sampled using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method from September to October 2021. Students' general information, cigarette and e-cigarette use and e-cigarette advertising exposure were collected using 2021 China Youth Tobacco Survey Questionnaire, and proportions of e-cigarette current use and attempt to use were analyzed. Factors affecting the attempt to use e-cigarettes were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Totally 1 591 questionnaires were allocated, and 1 574 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 98.93%. The respondents included 863 males (54.83%) and 711 females (45.17%); 787 junior high school students (50.00%), 535 high school students (33.99%) and 252 vocational high school students (16.01%). The proportion of current e-cigarette use was 1.91% and the proportion of attempt to use e-cigarettes was 6.61%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified males (OR=2.544, 95%CI: 1.438-4.501), living in rural areas (OR=2.084, 95%CI: 1.195-3.634), having close friends who were smokers (OR=4.828, 95%CI: 2.936-7.940), witnessing teachers smoking at school (OR=2.766, 95%CI: 1.642-4.659), e-cigarette advertising exposure (OR=2.155, 95%CI: 1.315-3.532), current cigarette use (OR=9.365, 95%CI: 2.610-33.603) and attempt to use cigarettes (OR=7.519, 95%CI: 4.115-13.737) as promoting factors for the attempt to use e-cigarette. Conclusions There are e-cigarette use behaviors among middle school students in Ningbo City. Having teachers or close friends who were smokers, cigarette use behaviors and e-cigarette advertising exposure may increase the risk of attempt to use e-cigarettes among middle school students.

Objective To study the protective role of pre-resolving mediator lipoxin A4(LXA4) in the NA+ -K+-ATPase in alveolar type Ⅱ (AT Ⅱ ) epithelial cells of rats exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Method The AT Ⅱ cells were isolated and purified, and divided randomly into control group (PBS), vehiculum (alcohol 0.7 μL/mL) group, LPS (1 μg/mL) group, LXA4(1/10 mol/mL) group and LPS (1 μg/mL LPS) + LXA4(1/10 mol/mL) group. After exposure to LPS and/or LXA4 for4 hours, NA+-K+ -ATPase and β1-subunits mRNA in AT Ⅱ epithelial cells were detected by using RT-PCR, and ATP, ADP, AMP, total adenine nucleotides (TAN) and energy charge (EC) were measured by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and then the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase were calculated accordingly. Results The NA+-K+-ATPase α-subunit and β-subunit mRNA were significantly decreased in LPS group ( P ＜ 0.05 vs. control group). However, the expressions of NA+ -K+-ATPase mRNA were significantly enhanced by application of LXA4 to AT Ⅱ epithelial cells exposed to LPS (P ＜0.05 vs. LPS group). The activities of NA+ -K+ -ATPase were enhanced in LPS group (P ＜0.05 vs. control group). Compared with control group and LPS group, the activities of NA+-K+-ATpase in LPS + LXA4 group were significantly increased (P ＜0.01 vs. control group; P ＜0.05 vs. LPS group). The EC of AT Ⅱ epithelial cells were higher in LPS group ( P ＜ 0.01 vs. control group). There were no significant differences in EC between control group and LPS + LXA4group(P ＞0.05). Conclusions The pro-resolving mediator LXA4 can enhance the expressions of NA + -K + -ATPase α-subunit and β-subunit mRNA, and the activities of NA + -K + -ATPase in AT Ⅱ epithelial cells or rats exposed to LPS, and ca also balance the metabolism of AT Ⅱ epithelial cells. These findings suggest that LXA4 plays an important role in lung edema clearance in lung injury induced by endotoxin, and the role is likely associated with the enhancement of the expressions of Na+ -K+ -AT-Pase α-subunit and β-subunit, and the activities of Na+ -K* -ATPase, maintaining the balance of metabolism of AT Ⅱ epithelial cells.

Objective The aim is to observe the role and mechanism of estradiol ( E2 ) on the proliferation of rat hippocampal neural stem cells ( NSCs ) .Methods Twenty hippocampi from embryonic 17-day ( E17 ) SD rats were dissociated and plated into culture flasks with NSCs specific medium containing different concentrations of estradiol .The proliferation and the vitality of NSCs were detected by immunofluorescence against BrdU and MTT assay .The expression of estrogen receptors ( ERαand ERβ) was measured by immunofluorescence staining combined with Nestin double labeling . Results BrdU and MTT assay results showed that the cell number increased when the concentration of estradiol increased from 10 -10 to 10 -8 mol/L.The number of cell proliferation and the viability of cells were best at the concentration of 10 -8 mol/L compared to the other groups .However, when the estradiol concentration was increased from 10-8 to 10 -6 mol/L, the cell proliferative capacity declined gradually .Double immunofluorescence labeling showed that the two types of estrogen receptors ( ERαand ERβ) were expressed in the cultured hippocampal NSCs .Conclusion Estradiol promotes the proliferation of hippocampal NSCs in a certain concentration range , and ERαand ERβmay be involved in the estradiol-induced proliferation .

Objective:To investigate the wear resistance of four low-shrinkage commercial composite resins and two traditional composite resins in vitro and discuss the relative influencing factors, and to illustrate the inner relationship of the wear resistance of resins and material composition.Methods:Four low-shrinkage commercial composite resins including CLEARFIL MAJESTY Posterior(CMP), Filtek LS(LS), Admira(AD), Kalore(KA) and two traditional composite resins including Filtek Z350XT (Z350), Solitaire2(S2) were chosen.The bar-shaped specimens were fabricated and mounted in a UMT-2 wear testing machine and abraded with the two-body media (distilled water) with a Si3N4 ball as antagonist.The maximum wear depth was determined after 14 400 cycles.The friction coefficient was determined during the test.The worn surfaces were examined with SEM.Results:CMP showed the lowest maximum wear depth and KA presented the highest maximum wear depth.The maximum wear depth ranked as follows: CMP

Objective To explore facial characteristics of patients with different organ diseases; To provide some references for objective study on TCM inspection information. Methods Smart TCM-I type Life Information Analysis Systems was used to detect facial characteristics of 510 patients with five zang-organs diseases. 36 specific quantitative parameters including red ?, green (G), blue (B) and hue (H), saturation (S), value (V) of the face, forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose and chin were collected, and the Kruskal M-Wallis H and Nemenyi test were used for statistical analysis. Results Among the 510 patients with five zang-organs diseases, 96 patients belonged to lung system diseases, 105 heart system diseases, 101 liver system diseases, 107 spleen and stomach system diseases and 101 kidney system diseases. There was statistical significance in R, G, B, H, S, and V in forehead, eyes, cheeks and nose. Conclusion Facial characteristics can provide objective references for the facial division of five zang-organs diseases.

Objective To examine the separate or combined effects of aerobic exercise and AlaGln administration on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods T2DM was induced in rats by feeding a high-fat diet and injecting a low dose of streptozocin.Then they were trained for 8 weeks with or without administration of alanyl glutamine(Ala-Gln).At the end of training,the content of fasting serum glucose (FBG),insulin (INS),C-peptide and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were measured and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated.Results Compared with the normal rats,significant increase was observed in the FBG concentration(P＜0.05)and HOMA-IR(P＜0.05),but significant decrease in C-peptide(P＜0.05) and GLP-1(P＜0.01) of the type 2 diabetic rats.Aerobic exercise resulted in significant decrease in the FBG and HOMA-IR levels,but significant increase in the concentration of C-peptide(P＜0.01).Ala-Gln administration reduced FBG (P＜0.05),and promoted the concentrations of serum insulin (P＜0.05),C-peptide (P＜0.01) and GLP-1(P＜0.05) significantly.The combination of aerobic exercise with Ala-Gln administration had a significant interaction on promoting serum insulin(P＜0.05),but not on decreasing FBG and HOMA-IR,or increasing C-peptide and GLP-1.Conclusion The aerobic exercise or Ala-Gln administration can significantly lower blood glucose levels by improving the impaired insulin secretion in type 2 diabetic rats,and their combination has a synergistic effect on promoting insulin secretion.