OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of chronic lead exposure on mRNA and protein expression of ASIC1a, ASIC2a, ASIC2b in hippocampus of baby-rats.

METHODSThe Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups fed with distilled water or lead contained water (0.2% and 1.0% lead acetate) respectively, 5 rats in each group. The lead-exposure ranged from the 0 day of pregnancy to the offspring weaned. Then the baby-rats were fed with lead water like their mothers and killed at postnatal day 8 or 50. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine lead content in the brain. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to observe mRNA and protein expression of ASIC1a, ASIC2a and ASIC2b in their hippocampus respectively.

RESULTSThe brain lead content of test groups was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01), and the lead content of the postnatal day 50 was higher than that in postnatal day 8 (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, ASIC1a mRNA expression of 1.0% lead exposure in the hippocampus was uptrend (P < 0.01), ASIC1a protein expression of each test group was downtrend (P < 0.05), while for ASIC2a and ASIC2b mRNA and protein, there was no significant differences observed (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONASIC1a expression in hippocampus can be changed by chronic lead exposure.

Acid Sensing Ion Channels ; Animals ; Female ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Lead ; toxicity ; Nerve Tissue Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sodium Channels ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of benazepril tablets combined with metoprolol tablets in the treatment of elderly hypertension complicated with heart failure.Methods One hundred elderly hypertension complicated with heart failure were randomly divided into A group (n =33 cases),B group (n =33 cases) and C group (n =34 cases).A group received benazepril 10 mg each time,qd,orally.B group received metoprolol 100 mg each time,bid,orally.C group received benazepril 10 mg each time,qd,orally + metoprolol 100 mg each time,bid,orally.Three groups were treated for 6 months.The clinical efficacy,blood pressure,cardiac ftmction indexes,and adverse drug reactions were compared between the three groups.Results After treatment,the total effective rates of A,B and C groups were 75.76％ (25 cases/33 cases),72.73％ (24 cases/33 cases) and 91.18％ (31 cases/34 cases),respectively.The differences between C group and A,B groups were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).After treatment,the main indexes in A,B,C groups were compared:systolic blood pressure were (141.61 ± 17.22),(142.23 ± 15.34) and (121.73 ± 13.23) mmHg,diastolic blood pressure were (88.04 ± 9.38),(86.96 ± 9.54) and (79.81 ± 9.19) mmHg,left ventricular ejection fraction were (41.03±4.31)％,(41.10 ± 4.32)％ and (51.54 ± 5.38)％,left ventricular end systolic diameter were (53.41 ±5.04),(52.83 ±5.13) and (43.41 ±4.17)mm,left ventricular end diastolic diameter were (45.93 ±4.86),(45.80 ±4.93) and (38.92 ±3.81)mm,distance of 6 min walking test were (328.95 ±68.50),(319.61 ±67.83) and (360.80 ± 69.89) m.The differences between C group and A,B groups were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.05).The adverse drug reactions in three groups were gastrointestinal reactions and dry cough.The incidences of adverse drug reactions in A,B,C groups were 12.12％,15.15％ and 14.70％ without significant differences (all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Benazepril tablets combined with metoprotol tablets have a definitive clinical efficacy in the treatment of elderly hypertension complicated with heart failure,which can significantly reduce the patient's blood pressure and improve the patient's heart function,without increasing the incidence of adverse drug reactions.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of chronic lead contaminant on protein expression of protein kinase (PKC) and calmodulin (CaM) in hippocampus of baby-rats.

METHODSThe Wistar pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups fed with distilled water and lead-contained water (0.2% and 1.0% lead acetate) respectively. The lead exposure period ranged from the 0 day of pregnancy to the offspring weaned. Then the baby-rats were fed with lead water the same as their mothers. Pups were killed at postnatal day 8 and 50 respectively. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine lead content of rats' brain. Western-blotting was used to observe protein expression of PKC and CaM in hippocampus of baby-rats.

RESULTSThe brain lead content of test groups was much higher than that of the control group in the same growth period (P < 0.01). The content of brain lead in rats of postnatal day 50 was significantly higher than that of rats of postnatal day 8 (P < 0.01). Compared with control group, PKC and CaM protein expressions of chronic lead exposure baby-rats in the hippocampus were down trend (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe decrease of PKC and CaM protein expression level in hippocampus might be one of the molecular mechanisms of lead induced impairment of learning and memory.

Animals ; Calmodulin ; metabolism ; Female ; Hippocampus ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Lead ; toxicity ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Protein Kinase C ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo discuss the efficacy of Qingkailing soft capsules in treating acute fever, and the relationship between symptoms-effect and time effect.

METHODQingkailing soft capsules was taken orally, 4 times a day, 1.6 g each time. Shuanghuanglian kou fu liquid was taken as control. 129 patients with acute upper respiratory tract infection were recruited.

RESULTThere were 73.34% of patients cured by Qingkailing soft capsules and 43.59% cured by Shuanghuanglian kou fu liquid. The efficacy of the former was better than that of the latter (P < 0.05). The efficacy of Qingkailing soft capsules in treating Fengrexing was better than that in Fenghanxing (P < 0.05). The efficacy of Qingkailing soft capsules in reducing rapid pulse and adding moderate pulse was more remarkable than Shuanghuanglian kou fu liquid (P < 0.05). Taking Qingkailing soft capsules seldom induced mild gastrointestinal disturbance.

CONCLUSIONQingkailing soft capsules showed good result in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infection with less adverse effect.

Adult ; Capsules ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Materia Medica ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical characteristics, image findings, laboratory examination, the therapeutic methods and clinical outcomes of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) in pediatric patients.

METHODTwenty-six pediatric patients with BO were reported. All data were collected from cases who were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College from June 1(st), 2009 to the April 30(th), 2011, and infectious agents, clinical manifestations, risk factors, changes in imageology, laboratory examination, therapeutic methods and treatment responses were analyzed.

RESULTThe ranges of age at onset was 4.5 months-8 years in 26 cases (18 boys and 8 girls). The course of disease was (6.2 ± 3.5) months. The period of followed-up ranged from 2 to 24 months. The common clinical characteristics were persistent wheezing of different severity (26 cases, 100%), cough (24 cases, 92%), intolerance to exercise (22 cases, 85%), short of breath (21 cases, 81%), retraction (20 cases, 77%), wheezy phlegm (16 cases, 62%), keeping with crackles (10 cases, 38%), cyanosis around the mouth (3 cases, 12%) and no clubbed fingers (toes). In 18 cases the etiology was detected, mycoplasma (11 cases, 42%), respiratory syncytial virus (4 cases, 15%), parainfluenza virus (2 cases, 8%), influenza virus A (2 cases, 8%) and influenza virus B (2 cases, 8%), human bocavirus (HBoV) (1 case, 4%). There were 8 cases (31%) with combined infection. Chest X-ray in 10 cases indicated changes suggestive of bronchopneumonia (38%), in only 1 case there was an image of interstitial pneumonia disease (4%). All the patients were diagnosed by high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT). All cases were demonstrated to have air retention, poor blood perfusion in lung, just like "Westemark sign" with HRCT. In 19 cases antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was determined and 10 patients (53%) were positive for P-ANCA, and 8 cases (42%) were positive for C-ANCA. All patients received oral corticosteroid and low doses azithromycin. In 13 cases (50%) the treatment effectively reduced the severity of disease and the frequency of cough and wheezing. The average number of days for symptom improvement was (7.1 ± 4.8) days.

CONCLUSIONRespiratory infection plays an important role in BO in children. The chronic and persistent wheezing, cough, intolerance to exercises, short breath, retraction were the main clinical manifestations. But these symptoms are non-specific. Chest X-ray can not provide enough information for diagnosis. Classical "Westemark sign" with HRCT is an important sign. ANCA with a high positive rate (approximately 50%) suppose immuno-lesion in BO. Oral corticosteroid and methotrexate may relieve clinical symptoms.

Bronchiolitis Obliterans ; diagnosis ; etiology ; therapy ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Prognosis ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical value of serum neuroglobin in evaluating hypoglycemic brain injury in neonates. METHODS: A total of 100 neonates with hypoglycemia were enrolled as subjects. According to amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) findings and/or clinical manifestations, they were divided into symptomatic hypoglycemic brain injury group (n=22), asymptomatic hypoglycemic brain injury group (n=37) and hypoglycemic non-brain injury group (n=41). The three groups were compared in terms of blood glucose, duration of hypoglycemia, levels of neuroglobin and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and modified aEEG score. The correlation of neuroglobin with NSE and modified aEEG score was analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted. RESULTS: Compared with the asymptomatic hypoglycemic brain injury and hypoglycemic non-brain injury groups, the symptomatic hypoglycemic brain injury group had significantly lower blood glucose and modified aEEG score, significantly higher neuroglobin and NSE levels, and a significantly longer duration of hypoglycemia (P<0.05). Compared with the hypoglycemic non-brain injury group, the asymptomatic hypoglycemic brain injury group had significantly lower blood glucose and modified aEEG score, significantly higher neuroglobin and NSE levels, and a significantly longer duration of hypoglycemia (P<0.05). Neuroglobin was positively correlated with NSE and duration of hypoglycemia (r=0.922 and 0.929 respectively; P<0.05) and negatively correlated with blood glucose and modified aEEG score (r=-0.849 and -0.968 respectively; P<0.05). The areas under the ROC curve of neuroglobin, NSE and modified aEEG score were 0.894, 0.890 and 0.941 respectively, and neuroglobin had a sensitivity of 80.8% and a specificity of 95.8% at the optimal cut-off value of 108 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS Like NSE and modified aEEG score, serum neuroglobin can also be used as a specific indicator for the assessment of brain injury in neonates with hypoglycemia and has a certain value in clinical practice.
Brain Injuries ; Electroencephalography ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; Infant, Newborn ; Neuroglobin ; blood ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase

Objective To observe the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao populations.Methods A toLal of 1170 subiects of Bai Ku Yao aged 15 and over were surveyed by a stratified randomized cluster sampling.Blood pressure,body height,weight,waist circumference,serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels were measured, and body mass index(BMI)were calculated,matched 1173 subjects of Han Chinese from the same region served as control.Results The standardized prevalence of hypertension in Bai Ku Yao was significantly lower than that in Han(11.53% vs.16.79%,P<0.01).The mean levels of systolic,diastolic blood pressure,and pulse pressure in Bai Ku Yao were also signifieanfly lower than those in Han[(115.7 ±16.3)vs.(120.0±16.3)mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa),P<0.01;(74.1 ±9.4)vs.(75.9 ±10.4)mm Hg,P<0.01;and(41.6 ± 12.0)vs.(44.2 ±11.2)mm Hg,P<0.01;respectively].Hypertension was positively correlated with male,age,physical activity,BMI,waist circumference,and the intakes of total energy,total fat,and sodium,and negatively associated with education level in both ethnic groups(P<0.05-0.01),but was positively associated with alcohol consumption only in Han.The rates of awareness,treatment and control of hypertension were significantly lower in Bai Ku Yao than those in Han population[(11.81%vs.21.76%),P<0.05;(5.51%vs.12.95%),P<0.05;and(2.36%vs.8.29%),P<0.05;respectively].Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension was significantly lower in Bai Ku Yao population than in Han population and diet,low sodium inmke,life style,and genetic factors might be responsible for the lower hypertension prevalence in Bai Ku Yao population.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of implantable D-shant atrial shunt device in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)and right heart failure.A 53-year-old female patient diagnosed with severe idiopathic PAH and right heart failure,her WHO FC grade was Ⅳ.The right heart catheter and implantation of D-shant atrial shunt device were performed under local anesthesia on November 30,2021.A 6 mm×4 cm peripheral artery balloon was selected to dilate the atrial septum and a D-shant atrial shunt device with a fixed 4 mm diameter orifice was implanted into the heart.The clinical symptoms and hemodynamics of the patient was improved after the intervention.Implantation of atrial shunt device as a palliative therapy to established a right to left shunt is another strategy for treating patients with severe PAH in late period,which has good effectiveness and safety.It could be the last replacement therapy to improve symptoms and prolonged lives to drug resistant and severe PAH patients.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of Yiqi Huoxue recipe on rats with cerebral ischemia injury by using oxidative stress injury as an entry point. Method:SD rats were randomly divided into model group, sham operation group, nimodipine group (20 mg·kg^-1), Yiqi Huoxue recipe high, medium and low dose group (2.916,1.458,0.729 g·kg^-1). After 14 days of stomach, acute cerebral ischemic injury model was established by ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries. Ultrasound of synapse was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and dialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), horizontal adenine nucleoside triphosphate (ATP) levels were detected by biochemical method. Western blot and Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein and mRNA in the ischemic cortex of rats. Result:Transmission electron microscopy showed that Yiqi Huoxue recipe had a significant improvement on the degree of cerebral ischemic injury. Compared with sham operation group, MDA levels in the brain homogenate of model group increased significantly, T-SOD and GSH-Px levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The activity of LDH, Na⁺-K⁺-ATP ase, Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATP ase and ATP was significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The levels of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein and the expression of HO-1 and Nrf2 mRNA in brain tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the medium and high dose group of Yiqi Huoxue recipe significantly decreased MDA content in brain tissue and increased the levels of T-SOD and GSH-Px(P<0.05,P<0.01). Yiqi Huoxue recipe high dose group can significantly increase LDH, Na⁺-K⁺-ATP ase, Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-ATP ase and total ATP activity(P<0.05,P<0.01). The contents of HO-1 and Nrf2 protein in the brain of rats with middle and high-dose Yiqihuoxue recipe group were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01). The expressions of HO-1 and Nrf2 mRNA in high-dose Yiqi Huoxue recipe group were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01). Conclusion:Yiqi Huoxue recipe may protect against cerebral ischemic injury by inhibiting oxidative stress through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate short-term safety, efficacy and the learning curve of this self-developed novel transcatheter valve repair system (Neonova?) in patients with mitral regurgitation, and explore the role of perioperative echocardiography.Methods:Ten patients who visited the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2021 to March 2022 and met the inclusive criteria were prospectively enrolled. All the patients were at high risk of surgery with moderate to severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Clamps of Neonova? were implanted under guidance of transesophageal echocardiography and digital subtraction angiography. Clinical outcomes, echocardiography indexes and learning curves of this technique were evaluated immediately after intervention, 7 d, 1 month and 3 months post-intervention.Results:The technical success rate was 100% with MR relieved in all patients immediately after intervention. The device and procedural success rates were both 90.0% with 1 patient received surgical replacement at 37 days post-intervention while the others′ reduced to mild (8/9) and moderate (1/9) MR. New York Heart Association class and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire improved significantly (all P<0.001). Mean mitral valve pressure gradient didn′t increase significantly after intervention when compared with that before intervention( P=0.324), and no mitral stenosis was observed. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased significantly ( P=0.008) during follow up.Procedure duration ranged from 60 to 300 (175.8±75.2)minutes. The simple linear regression model between procedure volume and duration showed that procedure duration decreased significantly with the increase of procedure volume ( F=15.857, P=0.004). Conclusions:Neonova? implantation can improve MR severity and clinical symptoms safely and effectively. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography are essential for perioperative management of transcatheter mitral valve repair.