Objective To explore the relationship between plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level and the location and prognosis of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in elderly people.Methods From May 2012 to April 2014, the 137 elderly patients (aged≥60 years) with acute STEMI within 24 h after symptoms onset admitted in cardiovascular department of Ningbo First Hospital were selected as acute myocardial infarction group (AMI group), and 40 elderly healthy people (age≥60 years) as control group.The plasma NT-proBNP levels were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and compared between the two groups.The patients in AMI group were classified into four subgroups: anterior AMI group (A group, n=44), anterolateral AMI group (B group, n=21), anterior septal AMI group (C group,n=18) and inferior AMI group (D group, n=54), and the changes of plasma NT-proBNP levels in different infarction location were explored.Meanwhile, all patients were followed up for 30 days and 1 year to observe major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and mortality rate, then to explore the relationship between plasma NT-proBNP level and prognosis in elderly people with STEMI.Results The plasma NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in AMI group than in control group [(1 406.2±1 322.5)ng/L vs.(63.7±18.5) ng/L, P＜0.01].The changes of plasma NT-proBNP levels in high-to-low sequence were from A group to B group to C group to D group and to control group (P＜0.05).At 30 days, the plasma NT-proBNP levels were higher in death group than in survival group (P＜0.05), and were higher in MACE group than in non-MACE group (P＜0.05).At one year, there were no significant differences in plasma NT-proBNP levels between death group and survival group (P＞0.05), and the plasma NT-proBNP levels were higher in MACE group than in non-MACE group (P＜0.05).Conclusions In elderly STEMI patients, there is a correlation between plasma NT-proBNP levels and infarct location, with the highest NT-proBNP level in anterior AMI.The plasma NT-proBNP level could predict MACE.

Objective To study the relationship between the genetic polymorphism of interleukine-6 (IL-6)-174 and the response to benazepril treatment in patients with hypertensive renal damage. Methods Two hundred and eighty-four patients with hypertension were enrolled in this study. The hypertensive renal damage was defined by the measurement of urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER). One hundred and sixty healthy subjects were enrolled simultaneously as control group. Blood samples were obtained from all the subjects, and plasma levels of IL-6 and the genotype of gene IL-6-174 were detected. The patients with hypertensive renal damage were treated with benazepril for 16 weeks. The responses were evaluated by the changes of UAER level to benazepril in different genotypes. Results Genotype CC was the most common of the gene IL-6-174 in patients with hypertension, followed by GG and GC successively, with the G/C allele frequency of 47%and 53%(P<0.05), while in patients with hypertensive renal damage, GG was the most common genotype of the gene IL-6-174, followed by GC and CC successively, with the G/C allele frequency of 68%and 32%(P<0.05). After benazepril treatment, the UAER was decreased most in patients with genotype CC, followed by GC and GG successively ( P<0.05). Conclusion The G allele frequency of the gene IL-6-174 is related with hypertensive renal damage in patients in Ningxia, with GG as the most common genotype. The patients with CC genotype have the best response to benazepril treatment, with most decreased UAER.

OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effect of grain-sized moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) on early-stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) in transgenosis AD mice.

METHODSThe genotyping of amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1(APP/PS1I) double-transgenic AD mice were detected by PCR method. Seventeen 1.5-month female transgenic (Tg 6799) mice were randomly divided into a model group (9 cases) and a treatment group (8 cases). Nine female C57BL/6J wild-type mice with identical age and background were selected into a normal group. The treatment group was treated with grain-sized moxibustion at bilateral "Xinshu" (BI. 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23), once a day, ten treatments were considered as one course, and total 9 courses were given. The model group and normal group were treated with stimulus such as grabbing, immobilization and non-ignited moxa cone. Morris water maze (escape latency, crossing times and dwell time in the target quadrant) was applied to evaluate the learning and memory ability. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphology changes in the brains of AD mice. beta-amyloid protein 1-42 (Abeta(1-42)) in the area of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTSAfter the treatment of grain-sized moxibustion, learning and memory ability in the treatment group was increased; compared with the model group, the escape latency was shorten, crossing times was increased, and dwell time in the target quadrant was prolonged (all P<0. 05). The crossing times and dwell time in the target quadrant in the treatment group were not significantly different from those in the normal group (both P>0.05). Compared with the normal group, the positive area and integral optical density of Abeta(1-42) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the model group were increased (all P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive area and integral optical density of Abeta(1-42) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the treatment group were reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe grain-sized moxibustion at "Xinshu" (BL 15) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) could significantly improve the learning and memory ability in APP/PS1 double- transgenic AD mice, and inhibit the over expression and accumulation of Abeta(1-42).

Alzheimer Disease ; genetics ; metabolism ; psychology ; therapy ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Hippocampus ; metabolism ; Humans ; Learning ; Male ; Memory ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Transgenic ; Moxibustion ; Peptide Fragments ; genetics ; metabolism ; Prefrontal Cortex ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: Chitosan is one of the most significant non-viral vector materials with the advantages of outstanding biocompatibility. Quarternary chitosan derivatives can improve transfection efficiency and solubility of chitosan in a broader range of pH values. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize a new vector of quarternary chitosan and to study its complex conditions with plasmid and transfection efficiency compared with chitosan. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: A contrast observational study was performed in Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine of Zhejiang University between August and October 2008. MATERIALS: Quarternary chitosan was synthesized in Polymer Materials Lab of Beijing Institute of Technology. Plasmid pEGFP-C1 was presented friendly by Mr. Zheng of School of Medicine of Zhejiang University. Hela cells were provided by Miss. Cheng of School of Medicine of Zhejiang University. METHODS: Quarternary chitosan was prepared according to mass concentration of 0.2 g/L, pH value 5.5 (or 6.9, 7.6) and sodium acetate concentration of 50 mmol/L, and rapidly mixed with pEGFP-C1. The mixture was swirled for 15-30 second and stood at room temperature for 30 minutes at least. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The impacts of pH values and time on complex ability of quarternary chitosan and plasmid were studied by gel retardation test. Transfection efficiency of quarternary chitosan on Hela cells was observed by inversed fluorescence microscope and also compared with chitosan. RESULTS: Quarternaty chitosan could form complex with plasmid in acidic, neutral and basic conditions. It could be used in a broader range of pH values. In an acidic condition, the combination of quarternary chitosan with plasmid was superior to chitosan. A stable complex was formed via a combination of quarternary chitosan or chitosan with plasmid within 30 minutes, and the stability lasted for 12 hours. Transfection efficiency of quarternary chitosan on Hela cells demonstrated that transfection efficiency of quarternary chitosan was superior to chitosan. CONCLUSION: Quarternary chitosan has a broader range in use and higher transfection efficiency than chitosan; however, there is no significant difference in stability between quarternary chitosan and chitosan. Additionally, transfection efficiency of quarternary chitosan on Hela cells is superior to chitosan, which needs a further research.

Objective: To investigate whether grain-sized moxibustion at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) can alleviate cognitive decline and other pathologic features in early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) using transgenic mice with 5 familial AD mutations (5XFAD). Methods: The genotype of transgenic mice was detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 40 transgenic mice (1.5 months old) were randomly and equally allocated to an AD model group (5XFAD group) or a grain-sized moxibustion group (5XFAD + GM group), with 20 wild-type (WT) mice (C57BL/6J) serving as the normal control group (WT group). Mice in the 5XFAD + GM group were treated by grain-sized moxibustion at bilateral Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23). Mice in the WT group and 5XFAD group received no treatment but were restrained to ensure exposure to a similar experimental condition. Cognitive function and memory were assessed with the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests. The amyloid β 40 (Aβ40) and amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) levels in the brain were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; amyloid plaque deposition in brain tissue sections was detected by thioflavin-S staining; the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: In the Morris water maze test, compared with the 5XFAD group, mice in the 5XFAD + GM group had a shorter escape latency and more target area crossings and spent more time in the target quadrant (P<0.05). In the Y-maze test, compared with the 5XFAD group, the number of training times of the 5XFAD + GM group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), together with more correct responses (P<0.05). Compared with the 5XFAD group, the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the brain tissue of the 5XFAD + GM group were significantly lower (P<0.05); in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, the total number of amyloid β plaque deposition were significantly lower (P<0.05); the expression levels of GFAP and CD11b were significantly reduced (P<0.05); and the expression levels of ChAT and BDNF were significantly increased (P<0.05).Conclusion: Grain-sized moxibustion at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) greatly improves learning and memory functions, decreases the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42, inhibits amyloid β plaque deposition, decreases the expression of GFAP and CD11b, and increases the expression of ChAT and BDNF in AD mice to inhibit the progression of AD.

Objective:To observe the intervention mechanism of phlegm-stasis co-treatment for the JNK signaling pathway in the myocardium of diabetes rats.Methods:Totally 50 male SD rats of SPF grade were selected. Diabetes model was established by single intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) solution. After continued feeding for 3 weeks, the rats were divided into normal group, model group, alachloramine group, blood stasis removing group, phlegm removing group and phlegm-blood stasis co-treatment group according to random number table method, with 6 rats in each group. Xiaoxianxiong Decoction (4.05 g/kg), Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (7.02 g/kg), Didang Xianxiong Decoction (8.10 g/kg) were administered to the stomach respectively in the phlegm removing group, the blood stasis removing group and the phlegm-blood stasis co-treatment group. Alachloramine (3 mg/kg) was administered to the stomach by gavage in the alachloramine group. After 8 weeks, HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of myocardial tissue in diabetic rats. Masson staining was used to observe the deposition of collagen fibers in the myocardial interstitium in rats. The expression of JNK1 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. JNK1 mRNA, IRS1 mRNA and NLRP3 expression levels were detected by Real-time PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of IRS-1, p-Akt and NLRP3.Results:The myocardial cells in the model group were disorganized, with hypertrophy, blurred texture, inflammatory infiltration of interstitium, increased collagen fibers, and focal necrosis. All treatment groups could improve fibrosis, inflammatory infiltration and reduce myocardial collagen deposition in different degrees. Compared with the model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK1 and NLRP3 bodies decreased ( P<0.01), the IRS-1 mRNA and protein increased ( P<0.01), and p-Akt protein expression increased ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The phlegm and stasis co-treatment can effectively improve the cardiomyopathy of diabetes rats, and the effect is better than the phlegm-resolving method or the stasis resolving method alone. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of JNK signaling pathway activation, reduce the expressions of JNK1 and NLRP3, and increase the IRS-1 and Akt.

Objective To explore effect of early moxibustion intervention on cerebral Aβ1-40 in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease (AD) and the mechanism of action of moxibusion in preventing and treating AD.Method Gene phenotype in transgenic AD passage mice was identified using PCR. One and a half-month-old female Tg6799 transgenic mice were randomly allocated, including nine mice to a model group and eight mice to a treatment group. Nine C57BL/6J wild type female mice of the same age and background constituted a normal control group. Wheat-grain-sized moxa cone moxibustion on bilateral points Xinshu(BL15) and Shenshu(BL23) was given to the treatment group. After the completion of treatment, Aβ1-40 expression in mouse frontal cortex and hippocampal region was determined using the immunohistochemical method.Result Aβ1-40 expression in mouse frontal cortex and hippocampal region decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the model group (P<0.01,P<0.05). Conclusion Early moxibustion intervention can decrease cerebral Aβ1-40 expression and delay AD pathological process in a mouse model of AD.

The preventative treatment theory is a very important part of traditional Chinese medicine. When this theory is used in the treatment of common cold disease, it focuses on the prevention of common cold disease. The preventative treatment theory is very important and can be applied in the whole process of the treatment common cold disease.

Based on the literatures published from January 1994 to December 2008 on chronic respiratory diseases treated by the therapy of “Dongbing-Xiazhi” (which means treating diseases occurred in winter but treated in summer),the time,region,specific therapies,herbs,and acupoints of these literature were reviewed end analyzed by bibliometric methods to explore its distribution and trends.The research showed that the therapy was effective and widely used in recurrent chronic respiratory diseases.It also demonstrated that such studies as focusing on the scientific design and the mechanism were needed.

OBJECTIVETo study the epidemiology of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in children and its relations with meteorological conditions in Suzhou.

METHODSamples obtained from 6655 children hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) during the period from 2006 to 2009, were tested for virus pathogens. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from the children according to a standard protocol and were tested for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses (IFV) A and B, parainfluenza virus (PIV) types 1, 2, and 3 and adenovirus (ADV) with direct immunofluorescence assay. Samples were tested for hMPV with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Meteorological conditions including mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall amount, sum of sunshine and mean wind velocity were collected monthly. The relationship between activity of the virus and meteorological conditions was analyzed by linear regression and stepwise regression analysis.

RESULTViral pathogens were identified in 32.2% of 6655 specimens. The positive rate of hMPV was 8.9%, RSV was 15.7%, IFV, PIV and ADV detection rates were less than that of hMPV. The annual positive rate of hMPV from 2006 to 2009 was 8.2%, 8.1%, 12.7%, 7.4% respectively (χ(2) = 33.23, P < 0.05). The hMPV positive rate of the four seasons was 11.6%, 7.6%, 4.7% and 11.7%, respectively, detection rate in winter and spring was significantly higher than those in summer and autumn (χ(2) = 74.67, P < 0.001). The positive rate of hMPV and the monthly mean temperature was moderately correlated (r = -0.43), and the monthly average rainfall (r = -0.29), monthly mean relative humidity (r = -0.27), monthly average sunshine duration (r = -0.11), the monthly average wind speed (r = -0.13) had low correlations.

CONCLUSIONhMPV was the second most common viral pathogen of acute respiratory tract infection in children in Suzhou, which prevailed predominantly in the winter and spring. Climatic factors, especially temperature and rainfall may affect the prevalence of hMPV.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Climate ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Metapneumovirus ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; epidemiology ; virology ; Seasons