Long-term potentiation(LTP)is a typical model of synaptic plasticity which has great relationship with learning and memory mechanisms:The induction of LTP depends on the activation of the calcium channels and LTPs generated by calcium ions influx through different channels play different roles in memory.This paper reviews the progress of the research on LTPs induced by activations of N-methyl-D-aspanate receptor(NMDAR)channels and voltage-dependent calcium channels(VDCC).Finally,it gives an example of new forms of low frequency stimulation for induction of LTP.

Objective To explor the value of Tei index for evaluation the cardiac function of patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods Tei index in 60 patients with CHF(CHF group) and 30 normal controls(control group) were evaluated and compared with the levels of NT-ProBNP and the NYHA class,and the sensitivity and specificity of Tei index for CHF diagnosis were appraised.Results (1) Tei index in CHF group was significantly higher than that in control group.When Tei index was more than and equal to 0.45,the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value of Tei index for diagnosing CHF were 85.6％,90.4％,89.8％ and 78.0％.(2)There was a remarkable positive correlation between Tei and Log NT-ProBNP(r =0.84,P ＜ 0.01).(3)There were significant differences in Tei index among NYHA Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅳ class [(0.47 ± 0.06),(0.56 ± 0.08),(0.64 ±0.13)].Conclusion Tei index can be used to diagnose CHF and evaluate the degree of it.

Objective To evaluate the role of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway in mitigation of anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R)-induced damage to rat cardiomyocytes by emulsified isoflurane postconditioning.Methods Primarily cultured cardiomyocytes obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 16-20 weeks,were seeded into the laminin pre-treated 6-well plates at a density of 104/cm2 and cultured for 20 h.The cells were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =12 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),group A/R,and emulsified isoflurane postconditioning group (group EI).The cells were cultured for 110 min without any treatment in group C.The cells were exposed to 45 min anoxia followed by 60 min reoxygenation in A/R and EI groups.After 45 min of hypoxia,the cells were cultured with emulsified isoflurane 1.68 mmol/L for 5 min before onset of reoxygenation in group EI.At the end of reoxygenation,transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of myocardial cells,and mitochondrial function was scored.The mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2,heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1),superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1),and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot.Laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to detect Nrf2 nuclear translocation at the end of incubation,and Nrf2 activity was recorded in the nucleus of myocardial cells.Results Compared with group C,the mitochondrial function score was significantly increased,the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2,HO-1,SOD1 and NQO1 was down-regulated,and Nrf2 activity in the nucleus was enhanced in A/R and EI groups.Compared with group A/R,the mitochondrial function score was significantly decreased,the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2,HO-1,SOD1 and NQO1 was up-regulated,and Nrf2 activity in the nucleus was enhanced in group EI.Conclusion The mechanism by which emulsified isoflurane postconditioning mitigates A/R-induced damage to rat cardiomyocytes is related to induced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and activated Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.

AIM: To study the effect of ginsenoside Rg 2 on cardiac hemodynamics in dog. METHODS: The parameters of cardiac hemodynamics were determined by using anesthetized open chest dog. RESULTS: In dogs treated with ginsenoside Rg 2 in a dose of 0.5、 1.0、2.0mg?kg -1 respectively, the heart rate (HR) slowed, the diastolic blood pressure (DBP)、 left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and maximum decreasing rate ( dp/dtmax) increased; the cardiac output (CO)、 cardiac index (CI) and stroke index (SI) decreased; The coronary vascular resistance (CVR)、 the renal vascular resistance (RVR) and total periphery resistance (TPR) increased. CONCLUSION: Effect of ginsenoside Rg 2 on cardiac hemodynamics in dogs is similar to strophanthin K(SK), and can support the blood circulation of important organs.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of hypothyroidism, possible related lifestyle and metabolic risk factors of hypothyroidism in adults of Gansu province, and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention of hypothyroidism. Methods Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling with probability proportionate to size method was used to collect data from 10071 residents aged 18 to 79 years and who had lived in the local area for more than 5 years. All participants were asked to fill in the questionnaire, and to take physical examination including anthropometric measurements and venous blood samples. Risk factors of hypothyroidism were analyzed by Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Result The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 10.1％ (overt hypothyroidism: 1.5％, subclinical hypothyroidism: 8.7％). Female (12.1％) had a higher percentage when compared to male (7.5％). In addition to the increased odds with older age and female gender, current or previous smoking history (OR: 0.467, 95％CI: 0.289-0.754, P=0.002), salty taste preference (OR:0.355, 95％CI:0.162-0.776, P=0.022) and a frequent seafood intake (OR:0.148, 95％CI:0.057-0.385, P<0.001) were tended to be associated with reduced risk of hypothyroidism. Logistic regression analysis showed that positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies (OR:1.976, 95％CI:1.037-3.768, P=0.039), positive thyroglobulin antibodies (OR:2.419, 95％CI:1.160-5.043, P=0.018) and triglycerides (OR:1.241, 95％CI:1.044-1.474, P=0.014) were associated with increased risk of hypothyroidism. Conclusion The prevalence of hypothyroidism in Gansu province was high, affecting approximately one in ten adults, and majority of which were SCH. Both lifestyle factors and metabolic factor were associated with hypothyroidism. Developing a healthy lifestyle at work and home, and paying attention to the control of blood lipids are conducive to the prevention of hypothyroidism.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated metabolic risk factors in the healthy adults in Gansu Province, a western province of China.Methods Through stratified, multistage probability population sampling, 11 300 adults (4 740 men and 6 417 women aged 18-79 years) who had been living in their current residence for at least 5 years were arbitrarily chosen from seven representative geographical cities in Gansu Province from June 2014 to December 2015.The data obtained from a questionnaire-based survey, anthropometric and biochemical assessments, and areal bone mineral density measurement were collected and analyzed.Results The overall mean serum 25(OH)D was (16.07±9.40) μg/L.The prevalence of severe deficiency (<10 μg/L), deficiency (≥10 μg/L and <20 μg/L), insufficiency (≥20 μg/Land <30 μg/L), and sufficiency (≥30 μg/L) among these adults were 17.3％, 64.6％, 11.8％, and 6.3％, respectively.The significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency included younger age and female sex(P<0.05), whereas sun exposure, physical activity, and calcium supplementation were protective (P<0.05).Serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with parathyroid hormone (r=-0.279, P<0.001) and positively associated with serum calcium (r=0.239, P<0.001), serum phosphorus (r=0.090, P=0.018), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(r=0.100, P=0.008), and body mass index (r=0.093, P=0.014).The 25(OH)D concentration showed no significant correlation with bone mineral density (P>0.05).Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among adult populations in Gansu, northwestern of China, and is largely attributed to younger age and female sex.The cumulative effects of factors including sun exposure, physical activity, and calcium supplementation play an influential role in maintaining vitamin D levels.

Objective The purpose of this study was to use diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) alone or in combination to observe the distribution of white matter lesions and cortical malfunctional areas in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients with mild cognitive decline and to explore the relationship between the DTI and the rs-fMRI methods.Methods Twenty-six HIV infected patients with mild cognitive impairment and 30 healthy volunteers were selected by Montreal Cognitive Asessment (MoCA) scale evaluation.DTI data and rs-fMRI data were obtained,fractional anisotropy (FA) value images were obtained with voxel based analysis and the resting-state default mode network (DMN),functional connectivity images were obtained with cingulate gyrus as a seed point.Overlay images were obtained with FA,DMN and Ch2 standard images.Results Compared with the control group,the white matter FA values were significantly decreased in the left precuneus(t=4.0499,P＜0.005) and right precuneus (t=5.1553,P＜0.005),right superior frontal gyrus(t=5.1517,5.1484,P＜0.005),right middle frontal gyrus (t=4.1444,P＜0.005),right precentral gyrus (t=3.7395,P＜0.005),right occipital lobe (t=7.2236,P＜0.005),and right inferior parietal lobule (t=4.1450,P＜0.005) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.In resting-state default mode network,areas significantly related to cingulate gyrus seed point included the left cingulate gyrus (t =32.78,P＜0.005),left precuneus (t =4.51,P＜0.005),left superior frontal gyrus (t =14.33,4.53,P＜0.005),left middle temporal gyrus (t =10.01,5.72,P＜ 0.005),left inferior temporal gyrus (t =5.99,P＜0.005),left parahippocampal gyrus (t =7.63,P＜0.005),right posterior cingulate (t =34.81,P＜0.005),right precuneus (t=32.09,P＜0.005),right superior frontal gyrus(t =14.12,P＜0.005),right middle frontal gyrus (t=17.71,P＜0.005),right superior temporal gyrus (t=14.59,P＜0.005),and right middle temporal gyrus (t=11.83,P＜0.005); while areas not significantly related to the cingulate gyrus seed point included the left precuneus (t =5.39,P＜0.01),left anterior cingulate gyrus (t =3.66,P＜0.01),left cerebellar tonsils (t =7.51,P＜0.01),right superior parietal lobule (t=4.44,P＜0.01),right parahippocampa gyrus (t =3.69,P＜0.01),and right cerebellar tonsil (t=6.15,P＜0.01).Overlayed images showed that the white matter FA value of the left precuneus were decreased and the functional activitis of the corresponding cortex were significantly decreased; while the white matter FA values of the left precuneus,right precuneus,right superior frontal gyrus,right middle frontal gyrus were decreased without affection of the functional activity of the corresponding cortex in AIDS patients.Conclusion White matter nerve fiber disconnection of multiple brain regions and its corresponding cortical function decline with compensatory activity co-participated in the pathogenesis of AIDS mild cognitive decline.

BACKGROUND:B-lymphocytes are an important participant in the immunity system. Currently, magnetic beads and complement methods are mainly used to isolate and purify B-lymphocytes. However, these methods are costly or cause large cel damage and low purity, which need further improvement. OBJECTIVE: To explore the isolation and culture methods of B-lymphocytes from mouse spleen and to study suitable conditions for B-lymphocyte isolation and culture in vitro by using interleukin-4, lipopolysaccharide, CD3 monoclonal antibody or their combination. METHODS:B-lymphocytes from mouse spleen were isolated and randomly divided into seven groups, respectively treated with interleukin-4, CD3 monoclonal antibody, lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-4+CD3, interleukin-4+lipopolysaccharide, CD3+lipopolysaccharide, and no stimulation (control group). Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in the number and proportion of T-lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and their subpopulations under different culture conditions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The number of lymphocytes peaked at 3-5 days after addition of interleukin-4. In the lipopolysaccharide group, the number of lymphocytes began to increase at 3 days, and then peaked at 5 days. T-lymphocytes disappeared after addition of CD3 monoclonal antibody, so relatively pure B-lymphocytes could be obtained after 2 days and the number of B-lymphocytes reached the peak at 3 days. The number of mature B-lymphocytes (B220+IgD+) increased significantly after addition of CD3 antibody. In al the conditions we tested, transitional B cel subset (B220+CD93+) disappeared completely after 24 hours of culture. Experimental results indicate that after addition of CD3 monoclonal antibody and interleukin-4, T-lymphocytes can be removed in mouse spleen cels cultured, but mature B-lymphocytes remain to survive and proliferate.

Objective To investigate the clinical distribution and change in antimicrobial resistance of Acinetobact-er baumannii (A.baumannii)from a hospital between 2011 and 2013,so as to provide guidance for clinical treat-ment.Methods Sources and antimicrobial susceptibility testing results of A.baumannii from a hospital were ana-lyzed statistically.Results A total of 14 705 bacterial isolates were isolated in 2011 —2013,13.59%(n=1 999)of which were A.baumannii isolates,the percentage of A.baumannii in isolated pathogens in 3 years was 12.74%, 13.05%,and 14.85% respectively,which showed a rising trend (χ2 =9.458,P =0.002).The main specimen was sputum (n = 1 541 ,77.09%),bacteria were mainly isolated from patients in respiratory disease department (21 .71 %),surgical intensive care unit (16.26%),and emergency intensive care unit (8.26%).Antimicrobial re-sistance rates of A.baumannii increased year by year(all P <0.05);multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resist-ant A.baumannii also increased year by year (all P <0.001).Conclusion Isolation rate and antimicrobial resistance rate of A.baumannii strains increase year by year,multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant A.baumannii strains are obvious,which should be paid more attention in clinical department.

Objective To evaluate the effect of emulsified isoflurane postconditioning on nuclear factor?E2 related factor 2 ( Nrf2 )?antioxidant response element ( ARE ) signaling pathway during myocardial ischemia?reperfusion ( I∕R ) in rats in vitro. Methods Healthy male Sprague?Dawley rats, aged 4-5 months, weighing 250-300 g, were heparinized and anesthetized with intraperitoneal 1% amobarbital sodium 40 mg∕kg. Their hearts were excised and perfused in a Langendorff apparatus with K?H solution. Thirty?two isolated rat hearts were randomly divided into 4 groups ( n=8 each ) using a random number table: control group (group C), group I∕R, emulsified isoflurane postconditioning group (EIP group) and fat emulsion group ( group F) . After 20 min of equilibration, group C was continuously perfused with K?H solusion for 100 min. Group I∕R underwent 40 min of ischemia at 32 ℃, followed by reperfusion for 60 min. In EIP and F groups, after undergoing 40 min of global ischemia, the isolated hearts were perfused for 2 min with K?H solution containing 1.68 mmol∕L emulsified isoflurane and 712 mg∕L intralipid, respectively, starting from the onset of reperfusion, and then were continuously perfused with K?H solution containing oxygen at 37 ℃ for 58 min. Heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), left ventricular end?diastolic pressure ( LVEDP ) , and positive maximal pressure of left ventricular increase (+dp∕dtmax ) were recorded at the end of equilibration and reperfusion. At the end of reperfusion, myocardial specimens were obtained from the left ventricle for examination of the ultrastructure of myocardial cells and for determination of Nrf2, heme oxygenase?1 ( HO?1) , quinone oxidoreductase 1 ( NQO1) , and superoxide dismutase 1 ( SOD1) and mRNA expression using Western blot and real?time PCR. Results Compared with group C, HR, +dp∕dtmax and LVDP were significantly decreased, and LVEDP was increased at the end of reperfusion in I∕R and F groups, LVDP was significantly decreased, LVEDP was increased, and no significant changes were found in HR and +dp∕dtmax at the end of reperfusion in EIP group, and Nrf2, HO?1, NQO1 and SOD1 and mRNA expression was down?regulated at the end of reperfusion in I∕R, EIP and F groups. Compared with group I∕R, HR, +dp∕dtmax and LVDP were significantly increased, and LVEDP was decreased at the end of reperfusion in EIP and F groups, Nrf2, HO?1, NQO1 and SOD1 and mRNA expression was significantly up?regulated at the end of reperfusion in EIP group, and Nrf2, HO?1, NQO1 and SOD1 mRNA expression was significantly up?regulated, Nrf2 and HO?1 expression was up?regulated, and no significant changes were found in NQO1 and SOD1 expression at the end of reperfusion in group F. Compared with group EIP, HR, +dp∕dtmax and LVDP were significantly decreased, LVEDP was increased, and Nrf2, HO?1, NQO1 and SOD1 and mRNA expression was down?regulated in group F. Conclusion Emulsified isoflurane postconditioning attenuates myocardial I∕R injury probably by activating Nrf2?ARE signaling pathway in isolated rat hearts.