Objective To establish a human activity recognition （HAR）model based on human activity signals obtained by built-in sensors of the mobile phone, so as to support daily physical state assessment, special population monitoring and other biomedical researches. Methods The mobile signal was collected using the mobile phone built-in sensor, and the public data set UCI HAR and WISDM were used as experimental data. The HAR model was established by using the feature extraction method combined with convolutional neural network and autoregressive model. Results The models all achieved more than 90% recognition accuracy in the self-collected dataset, UCI HAR and WISDM. Conclusions The introduction of autoregressive model can avoid the manual design eigenvalues and effectively reduce the computational complexity of large-scale stacked convolutional layers. The research findings prove that the method based on feature fusion can effectively recognize human activity.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the cathartic effect of total anthraquinone (AQ) from rhubarb on SD rats and its regulatory effect on aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression in rat colon and in vitro cultured LoVo cell line.

METHODSTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into the normal control group treated with distilled water, and the two AQ groups administered with AQ suspension in cathartic and high dose (AQcd and AQhd) respectively via gastrogavage for 5 days. Water content in colonic stool was detected and the expression of AQP4 in rat's proximal colon was measured using Western blot and RT-PCR. LoVo cells cultured in vitro were used in the experimental study. The AQP4 protein and mRNA expressions in the cells were detected by Western blot and semiquantitative RT-PCR after they were cultured for 24 h with RPMI-1640 medium containing rhein/emodin in different concentrations, and those cultured with RPMI-1640 containing 20 mg/L rhein/emodin for different time points.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the stool water content in the AQcd and AQhd groups was higher than that in the control group and the AQP4 expression in rats treated with AQ decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The study showed that rhein/emodin could significantly down-regulate the protein and mRNA expressions of AQP4 in cultured LoVo cells, with the effectiveness related with dose and acting time.

CONCLUSIONAt the same time of playing cathartic action, total AQ of rhubarb can effectively down-regulate the expression of AQP4 in rat's proximal colon; rhein/emodin can suppress the AQP4 expression in LoVo cells in vitro. One mechanism of cathartic effect of rhubarb AQ is possibly its down-regulation on AQP4 expression.

Animals ; Anthraquinones ; administration & dosage ; Aquaporin 4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Colon ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; drug effects ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Plant Extracts ; administration & dosage ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rheum ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of rhubarb on expressions of aquaporin-2 and 4 (AQP2 and AQP4) in rat's kidney.

METHODSThirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, the normal control group, and the three rhubarb groups medicated via gastrogavage with low, mid and high dose of rhubarb extract (total anthraquinone) respectively. The 6 h and 24 h urine volume were measured, and the protein and mRNA expressions of AQP2 and AQP4 in renal tissue were determined with immunohistochemistry, Western blot and RT-PCR.

RESULTSNo significant difference between the control group and the low dose rhubarb treated group was found in urine volume, as well as in AQP2 and AQP4 protein and mRNA expressions. But the urine volume was obviously higher, the protein and mRNA expressions of AQP2 and AQP4 were markedly lower in rats after mid/high dose rhubarb medication respectively when compared with those in the normal controls (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONRhubarb can inhibit the protein and mRNA expressions of AQP2 and AQP4 in rats' kidney, which probably is one of the mechanisms of rhubarb for diuresis.

Animals ; Aquaporin 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Aquaporin 4 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Kidney ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rheum ; chemistry

Objective　To investigate the protective effects of alcoholic extracts of Ganoderma lucidum (GL) and its combination with Rad ix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RSM), Radix Bupleuri (RB), and Fructus Schisandrae Chi nensis (FSC) respectively on experimental hepatic injuries. Methods　Hepatic injury models were established with the injections of carbon tetrac hloride (CCl4) or D-galactosamine(D-GlaN) into mouse, and then the therapeut ic agents at same dose were given respectively. The activity of cholinesterase(C hE) and alaline aminotransferase(ALT) in the serum and hepatic homogenate, the c ontents of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and reduced glut athione (GSH) in hepatic homogenate from all mouse were determined. The morpholo gic changes of the livers were also observed with VG staining. Results 　In CCl4 treated mice, serum ALT activity was increased markedly wh ile ChE acti vity decreased significantly. GL and GL+RB, GL +FSC could relieve these changes ; GL combined with all other agents could inhibit the GSH accumulation, but only GL+FSC had a suppressive effect on MDA increase and made it return to normal. For D-GlaN treated mice, all agent groups had little effect on the activity of ChE; Only GL dramatically reduced the increased activity of ALT; GL +RSM could e liminate the GSH, but not significant; GL and all GL combinations could decrease the increased MDA (P<0.01). Pathological observation showed that hepatocyte damage in GL group and GL+FSC group incline d to recover. Conclusion　The results indicate that Ganoderma lucidum is an effective agent against hepatic injuries, especially combined wi th F ructus Schisandrae Chinensis, which may be associated with its anti-hepatocyte oxidation.

Objective: To investigate the representability and etiological diagnostic value of myocardium samples obtained from patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by transthoracic echocardiography-guided percutaneous intramyocardial septal biopsy (myocardial biopsy of Liwen procedure). Methods: This study was a retrospective case-series analysis. Patients with HCM, who underwent myocardial biopsy of Liwen procedure and radiofrequency ablation in Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University from July to December 2019, were included. Demographic data (age, sex), echocardiographic data and complications were collected through electronic medical record system. The histological and echocardiographic features, pathological characteristics of the biopsied myocardium of the patients were analyzed. Results: A total of 21 patients (aged (51.2±14.5) years and 13 males (61.9%)) were enrolled. The thickness of ventricular septum was (23.3±4.5)mm and the left ventricular outflow tract gradient was (78.8±42.6)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Eight patients (38.1%) were complicated with hypertension, 1 patient (4.8%) had diabetes, and 2 patients (9.5%) had atrial fibrillation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of myocardial samples of HCM patients before radiofrequency ablation evidenced myocytes hypertrophy, myocytes disarray, nuclear hyperchromatism, hypertrophy, atypia, coronary microvessel abnormalities, adipocyte infiltration, inflammatory cell infiltration, cytoplasmic vacuoles, lipofuscin deposition. Interstitial fibrosis and replacement fibrosis were detected in Masson stained biopsy samples. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of myocardial samples of HCM patients after radiofrequency ablation showed significantly reduced myocytes, cracked nuclear in myocytes, coagulative necrosis, border disappearance and nuclear fragmentation. Quantitative analysis of myocardial specimens of HCM patients before radiofrequency ablation showed that there were 9 cases (42.9%) with mild myocardial hypertrophy and 12 cases (57.1%) with severe myocardial hypertrophy. Mild, moderate and severe fibrosis were 5 (23.8%), 9 (42.9%) and 7 (33.3%), respectively. Six cases (28.6%) had myocytes disarray. There were 11 cases (52.4%) of coronary microvessel abnormalities, 4 cases (19.0%) of adipocyte infiltration, 2 cases (9.5%) of inflammatory cell infiltration,6 cases (28.5%) of cytoplasmic vacuole, 16 cases (76.2%) of lipofuscin deposition. The diameter of cardiac myocytes was (25.2±2.8)μm, and the percentage of collagen fiber area was 5.2%(3.0%, 14.6%). One patient had severe replacement fibrosis in the myocardium, with a fibrotic area of 67.0%. The rest of the patients had interstitial fibrosis. The myocardial specimens of 13 patients were examined by transmission electron microscopy. All showed increased myofibrils, and 9 cases had disorder of myofibrils. All patients had irregular shape of myocardial nucleus, partial depression, mild mitochondrial swelling, fracture and reduction of mitochondrial crest, and local aggregation of myofibrillary interfascicles. One patient had hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, but the arrangement of muscle fibers was roughly normal. There were vacuoles in the cytoplasm, and Periodic acid-Schiff staining was positive. Transmission electron microscopy showed large range of glycogen deposition in the cytoplasm, with occasional double membrane surround, which was highly indicative of glycogen storage disease. No deposition of glycolipid substance in lysozyme was observed under transmission electron microscope in all myocardial specimens, which could basically eliminate Fabry disease. No apple green substance was found under polarized light after Congo red staining, which could basically exclude cardiac amyloidosis. Conclusion: Myocardium biopsied samples obtained by Liwen procedure of HCM patients are representative and helpful for the etiological diagnosis of HCM.
Biopsy/adverse effects* ; Cardiomegaly/pathology* ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/diagnosis* ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Fibrosis ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; Hematoxylin ; Humans ; Lipofuscin ; Male ; Myocardium/pathology* ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo assess the feasibility of evaluation of CFR for LAD and right coronary artery (RCA) as well as diagnostic accuracy for patency of each vessel by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE).

METHODS65 consecutive patients (age 58 +/- 14, ejection fraction 49% +/- 8%, 48 men and 17 women) were studied for CFR by TTDE with adenosine infusion (140 microg.kg(-1).min(-1)). LAD flow was interrogated nearby the apex in modified 2-ch apical view. RCA flow was interrogated at mid posterior wall on distal part of the posterior descending branch (PDA) in modified 2-ch apical view for PDA.

RESULTSFlow for LAD was detected in all patients (4 with use of contrast agent) and for RCA in 55 patients (5 with contrast agent). Two patients had an occluded RCA. Feasibility of RCA flow detection was 55/63 (87%). In all patients maximal flow of each branch was detected in less than 2 min of adenosine infusion (140 mg.kg(-1).min(-1)). Total time for both CFR estimation was 7.3 +/- 1.6 min. Selecting 2.0 or 1.8 as CFR cut-off value for diagnosis of coronary stenosis (> or = 50% in diameter) or severe stenosis (> or = 70%) was found fitted for both LAD and RCA with similar diagnostic performance (sensitivity 89%/93%, specificity 86%/84%, area under curve 0.89/0.92 respectively, in stenosis diagnosis and sensitivity 88%/89%, specificity 90%/83%, area under curve 0.94/0.95 respectively in severe stenosis diagnosis).

CONCLUSIONSCFR evaluation of both distal LAD and PDA is of high feasibility and can provide high diagnostic yield for relevant vessel patency.

Adult ; Coronary Circulation ; Coronary Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; Coronary Vessels ; diagnostic imaging ; Echocardiography, Doppler ; methods ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the biomechanical changes in skin after employing the skin stretch.

METHODSSkin samples were took from the test group which was stretched for 7 days and control group without stretch respectively in the end of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 week. The biomechanical index were measured by tensiometer.

RESULTSThe mean destroy stress, breaking load, stretch rate of the test group decreased obviously in the first week (the breaking load was increasing at the beginning) and the three index increased subsequently, they reached the climax during the fourth week and turned to normal subsequently to the level of some higher than control group and normal value in the sixth week. The stiffness of the test group reached the climax at the first week and than decreased gradually to the level of some higher than normal value and control group. The biomechanical changes of te control group was not evident by comparing with the test gropu.

CONCLUSIONSSkin stretch may injured the biomechanical property during the early time and turned to normal soon afterwards. The stiffness of the skin was increased and its elasticity was decreased after performing skin stretch.

Biomechanical Phenomena ; Elasticity ; Humans ; Materials Testing ; methods ; Rupture ; Skin ; Skin Physiological Phenomena

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of Xuebijing injection on dendritic cells (DCs) and T lymphocytes, and the potential mechanisms of its therapeutic effect on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODSA widely used mouse model, SLE-prone BLLF1 mice aged 8-10 weeks, was employed. Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: a normal group, a model group and two treatment groups treated with Xuebijing Injection with a dose of 6.4 mL/kg via intraperitoneal administration for SLE-prone BLLF1 mice aged 8 weeks (treatment A group) and 10 weeks (treatment B group). Renal tissue sections were stained with Masson's trichrome and periodic acid-silver methenamine. Histopathological changes in the kidney were evaluated by a light microscopy. The capacity of the DCs isolated from the spleen to stimulate the T cell proliferation in response to concanavalin A (Con A) was determined.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, levels of anti-dsDNA antibodies in the two treatment groups decreased remarkablly (P<0.01, P<0.05), and levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Pathological changes were found in the kidney in the model group. Histopathological abnormalities were alleviated in the two treatment groups. Treatment with Xuebijing injection also significantly upregulated the expression of CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility class II by DCs compared with the model group (P<0.05). When splenic T lymphocytes from BLLF1 mice were co-cultured with DCs at ratios of 1:100, 1:150 and 1:200 for 3 and 5 days, the proliferation of T lymphocytes was suppressed compared with the normal group (P<0.05), but this was restored by Xuebijing Injection under the same conditions. In the model group, levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in supernatants were significantly elevated compared with the normal group (P<0.01), interleukin-2 levels decreased (P<0.05), while these changes were significantly alleviated in the Xuebijing treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONSXuebijing Injection alleviated renal injury in SLE-prone BLLF-1 mice. The mechanism might be through influencing T cell polarization mediated by DCs, and Xuebijing Injection might be a potential drug that suppresses immune dysfunction in patients with SLE.

Animals ; Antibodies, Antinuclear ; blood ; Cell Differentiation ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Concanavalin A ; pharmacology ; Dendritic Cells ; drug effects ; immunology ; pathology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Injections ; Interleukin-2 ; metabolism ; Kidney ; drug effects ; pathology ; physiopathology ; ultrastructure ; Kidney Function Tests ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; blood ; drug therapy ; immunology ; physiopathology ; Mice ; Phenotype ; T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; pathology ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the biomechanical effect of major extremity vessels to choose appropriate repair methods for vascular injuries of the extremities.

METHODSThe data of 385 patients (337 males and 48 females, aged 18-71 years, mean=32.6 years) including 403 injured vessels, who suffered from vascular injuries of the extremities and were treated in our hospital from October 1960 to August 2005, were studied retrospectively in this article. We compared the results of different repair methods for the defect of vessels and evaluated different injured vessels for repairing arterial injuries with anastomosis and venous graft, respectively.

RESULTSA significant difference was found between the defect lengths of the arteries repaired with anastomosis and venous graft (P less than 0.0001). The upper limits of the confidence interval in the defect lengths of the brachial artery, the femoral artery and the popliteal artery were 3.43 cm, 2.38 cm and 2.42 cm, respectively, when repaired with anastomosis. The lower limits were 2.16 cm, 2.16 cm and 1.63 cm, respectively, when repaired with venous graft. The defect length of each artery repaired with venous graft had linear correlation with the graft length.

CONCLUSIONBecause of the longitudinal biomechanical difference of human peripheral vessels, different options of repair are necessary for different arterial injuries.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Arteries ; injuries ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Blood Vessels ; injuries ; Extremities ; blood supply ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Veins ; transplantation

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical and pathological features of progressive muscular dystrophy (PMD) in children and to provide help for the early and accurate diagnosis of PMD.

METHODSRetrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 99 hospitalized children with PMD, including clinical manifestations, age of onset, family history, creatase, electromyogram (EMG) and pathological changes of muscles.

RESULTSOf the 99 children with PMD, the age of onset was 0.5-14.5 (4.7 ± 3.1) years. Eleven cases (11%) had a family history of PMD. Twenty-six (26%) were misdiagnosed as other diseases. All patients presented with muscle weakness when seeing the doctor, and 66 (67%) of them had muscle atrophy and/or hypertrophy. All patients had elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels. The 2-7-year-old group (n=51) had a mean CK level of 9965 ± 8876 U/L, and the 7-15-year-old group (n=48) had a mean CK level of 5110 ± 4498 U/L, with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). The EMG examination performed on 66 patients showed that 54 cases (82%) had myogenic damage and 10 cases (15%) had neurogenic damage. Light microscopy revealed coexistence of atrophy and hypertrophy of muscle fibers, hyaline degeneration and granular degeneration. Electron microscopy showed that muscle fibers were different in thickness, some atrophic or hypertrophic; muscle cell nuclei moved inwardly, myofilaments dissolved and disappeared mildly under the sarcolemma, there were scattered melting lesions within muscle fibers, the numbers of glycogen granules and mitochondria increased, mild hyperplasia and expansion of sarcoplasmic reticulum were seen, and a small number of muscle fibers had necrosis.

CONCLUSIONSWeakness of both lower extremities remains the main reason for PMD patients seeing the doctor. CK is the main laboratory indicator for diagnosis of PMD. PMD is mainly manifested as myogenic damage in the early stage and may be accompanied by neurogenic damage in the late stage, according to the EMG examination. With a high misdiagnosis rate, PMD may be misdiagnosed as many other diseases. Pathological examination under light microscope and electron microscope is the main means for confirming a PMD diagnosis.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Creatine Kinase ; blood ; Electromyography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle, Skeletal ; pathology ; Muscular Dystrophies ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Retrospective Studies