Objective:To investigate the role of reactive astrocytes expressing aromatase(ARO)in the penumbra during ischemic stroke.Methods:A mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO/R)was prepared using the suture method.Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression of ARO in the penumbra after ischemia reperfusion.We generated a glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter-driven aromatase knock-out(GFAP-ARO-KO)mouse model in vivo.Neurologic impairment scores,rotarod test,grip strength test and adhesive removal test on the plantar surface of the paw were performed after MCAO/R modeling.Results:In wild type mice,the expression of ARO was significantly increased in astrocytes in the penumbra after MCAO/R(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the expression of ARO in the GFAP-ARO-KO group was significantly reduced in astrocytes in the penumbra after MCAO/R.And loss of ARO increased cerebral infarction volume and aggravated sensorimotor impair-ment.Conclusion:After ischemic stroke,reactive astrocytes in the penumbra highly express ARO and play a protective role in post-ischemia reperfusion injury.

Objective:To investigate the role of reactive astrocytes expressing aromatase(ARO)in the penumbra during ischemic stroke.Methods:A mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO/R)was prepared using the suture method.Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression of ARO in the penumbra after ischemia reperfusion.We generated a glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter-driven aromatase knock-out(GFAP-ARO-KO)mouse model in vivo.Neurologic impairment scores,rotarod test,grip strength test and adhesive removal test on the plantar surface of the paw were performed after MCAO/R modeling.Results:In wild type mice,the expression of ARO was significantly increased in astrocytes in the penumbra after MCAO/R(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the expression of ARO in the GFAP-ARO-KO group was significantly reduced in astrocytes in the penumbra after MCAO/R.And loss of ARO increased cerebral infarction volume and aggravated sensorimotor impair-ment.Conclusion:After ischemic stroke,reactive astrocytes in the penumbra highly express ARO and play a protective role in post-ischemia reperfusion injury.

Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated uric acid levels， often caused by purine metabolism disturbances or abnormalities in uric acid （UA） excretion. Currently， western medicine is the primary treatment approach for gout， but it often comes with significant side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has gained significant development in the field of gout treatment due to its safety and effectiveness. This article aimed to explore TCM strategies in the management of gout， providing insights for the development and application of TCM in the field of gout treatment. Relevant literature retrieved from PubMed， Web of Science， China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Wanfang Data， and VIP databases was systematically analyzed with such keywords as "Chinese herbal medicine"， "traditional Chinese medicine"， "TCM"， and "gout". The findings suggest that TCM can treat gout through a syndrome differentiation approach that encompasses four pathological mechanisms： phlegm， blood stasis， dampness， and deficiency， simultaneously addressing both excess and deficiency syndromes in gout. Based on the pathological characteristics of four syndromes， namely dampness-heat retention， blood stasis-heat obstruction， phlegm-turbidity obstruction， and liver and kidney Yin deficiency， TCM adopts specific treatment approaches including clearing heat and promoting diuresis， activating blood and resolving stasis， resolving phlegm and reducing turbidity， and nourishing the liver and kidneys. These targeted approaches have proven to be effective in gout management. The main mechanisms of TCM in gout management include inflammation resistance ［regulating inflammatory pathways such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， and other chemokines， as well as inflammatory signaling pathways like nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） and NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）］， uric acid reduction （modulating uric acid transporters and inhibiting xanthine oxidase （XOD） activation）， antioxidant stress mitigation （suppressing reactive oxygen species and regulating nitric oxide， malondialdehyde， and other oxidative markers）， and immune system regulation.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a complex disease caused by interactions between environmental and genetic factors. This study investigated whether genetic variability in protocadherin related 15 (PCDH15) underlies an increased susceptibility to the development of NIHL in a Chinese population. The results showed that compared with the TT genotype of rs11004085, CT/CC genotypes were associated with an increased risk of NIHL [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-6.11, P = 0.024]. Additionally, significant interactions between the rs11004085 and rs978842 genetic variations and noise exposure were observed in the high-level exposure groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the risk haplotype TAGCC was observed when combined with higher levels of noise exposure (P < 0.05). Thus, our study confirms that genetic variations in PCDH15 modify the susceptibility to NIHL development in humans.
Cadherins ; genetics ; China ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genetic Variation ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Humans ; Risk Factors

Objective: To analyze the incidence rate of occupational noise-induced hearing loss in noise-exposed workers in an iron and steel plant from 2006 to 2015. Methods: Using a cohort study method, workers exposed to occupational noise from Jan 1, 2006 to Dec 12, 2015 were followed up and the pure tone hearing test was conducted. In total, 6 297 subjects completed two or more physical checks and the pure tone hearing test and were included in the analysis. The noise exposure level at the workplace and the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level for workers was monitored and the cumulative noise exposure dose was evaluated. The subjects were divided into low, middle and high exposure groups according to the noise exposure level, and the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level for 8 hours for each group was 80.6-85.0, 85.1-90.0 and 90.1-103.4 dB (A), respectively. While the RR and 95% CI were derived from unconditional logistic regression models. In logistic regression analysis, confounding factors such as age, gender, smoking habit, drinking habit, high temperature exposure and chemical hazards exposure level were controlled. Results: During the follow-up period, 392 cases of occupational noise-induced hearing loss were diagnosed among the 6 297 subjects, with an incidence rate of 6.23%; 318 cases of high-frequency hearing loss were diagnosed, with an incidence rate of 5.05%; and 74 cases of occupational noise-induced deafness were diagnosed, with an incidence rate of 1.18% . The incidence rates of hearing loss among the high, medium and low exposure groups were 9.22% (158/1 737), 6.49% (204/3 142) and 2.08% (30/1 442), respectively; the rates of high-frequency hearing loss were 7.41% (127/1 737), 5.25% (165/3 142) and 1.80% (26/1 442), respectively; and the rates of occupational noise-induced deafness were 1.81% (31/1 737), 1.24% (39/3 142) and 0.28% (4/1 442), respectively. For the groups corresponding to cumulative noise exposure doses of ≤84.99, 85.00- 87.99, 88.00- 90.99, 91.00- 93.99, 94.00- 96.99, 97.00- 100.99, 101.00- 102.99 and ≥103.00 dB (A) · year, the incidence rates of hearing loss were 0 (0/185), 1.22% (2/164), 2.52% (17/674), 3.83% (35/913), 5.80% (106/1 827), 6.02% (67/1 113), 9.20% (95/1 003) and 18.04% (70/388), respectively. Compared with the low exposure group, the RR of hearing loss, high-frequency hearing loss and occupational noise-induced deafness for the high exposure group were 4.78 (95% CI: 3.22- 7.11), 4.36 (95% CI: 2.84- 6.69) and 6.63 (95% CI: 2.33- 18.82), respectively; and for the medium exposure group were 3.27 (95% CI: 2.22-4.82), 3.02 (95% CI: 1.99-4.59) and 4.52 (95% CI: 1.61-12.67), respectively. Conclusion The incidence rate of hearing loss for workers exposed to noise in an iron and steel plant was related to the cumulative noise exposure dose, gender, age, educational level, smoking habits, drinking habits and exposure to high temperature.

Objective To evaluate diagnostic value of mitral regurgitation jet volume(MRvol) in the quantification of mitral regurgitation severity by general imaging three-dimensional quantification (GI3DQ) using the guideline recommended 2D integrative method as a reference.Methods Ninety-three patients with MR were divided into central MR group(n =41) and eccentric MR group(n =52).The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)-recommended 2D integrative method was used as a reference for MR grading and MRvol was directly measured by GI3DQ method.Results In central MR,as assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis,the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.87(P <0.0001), and MRvol by GI3DQ at a cutoff value of 16.2 ml yielded 96.2% of sensitivity and 63.6% of specificity to differentiate mild from moderate MR;the AUC was 0.98(P < 0.0001),and a cutoff value of 47.8 ml yielded 98.6% of sensitivity and 96.2% of specificity to differentiate moderate from severe MR. In eccentric MR,the AUC was 0.76(P =0.086),and MRvol at a cutoff value of 14.8 ml yielded 90.9% of sensitivity and 60.0% of specificity to differentiate mild from moderate MR;the AUC was 0.84(P <0.0001) and a cutoff value of 40.7 ml yielded 80.0% of sensitivity and 79.7% of specificity to differentiate moderate from severe MR.Conclusions MRvol measured directly by GI3DQ could more exactly evaluate MR severity,and have better sensitivity and specificity to differentiate moderate from severe MR in central MR.

To explore the feasibility and accuracy for evaluating mitral regurgitation (MR) severity with MR jet volume (MRvol) by means of general imaging three-dimensional quantification (GI3DQ). Methods: A total of 93 MR patients were divided into 2 groups: Central MR group, n=41 and Eccentric MR group, n=52. According to real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) examined planimetry of effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA), the patients were graded into mild MR, moderate MR and severe MR. MRvol was directly measured by GI3DQ. Results: In Central MR group, ROC analysis showed that as GI3DQ measured MRvol>16.2 ml, AUC=0.93, P<0.0001, the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing mild MR and moderate MR were 96.0% and 70.0%respectively; as MRvol>44.5 ml, AUC=0.96, P<0.0001, the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing moderate MR and severe MR were 97.6% and 91.7% respectively. In Eccentric MR group, as MRvol>14.2 ml, AUC=0.77, P=0.0243, the sensitivity and specificity for differentiating mild MR and moderate MR were 91.8% and 62.5% respectively; as MRvol>40.5 ml, AUC=0.83, P<0.0001, the sensitivity and specificity for differentiating moderate MR and severe MR were 82.3% and 77.9% respectively. Conclusion: Taking RT3DE examined EROA as reference, GI3DQ directly measured MRvol could more accurately assess MR severity especially in patients with central MR, it may distinguish moderate MR and severe MR with the higher sensitivity and specificity.

ObjectiveTo explore the value of conventional echocardiography and transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in diagnosis of Ebstein anomaly.MethodsWe investigated the morphology and function of right ventricle (RV) as well as the structure, morphology and regurgitation of tricuspid valve in 61 adult patients with Ebstein anomaly before surgery by using conventional echocardiography and transthoracic RT3DE. Twenty normal adults were enrolled as control group. ResultsThe surface of the tricuspid leaflets, the morphology of the tricuspid annulus as well as the three-dimensional structure of the tricuspid valve were displayed stereoscopically by RT3DE. Complete RV volume data could be acquired in 32 patients of Ebstein anomaly. The apex or part of RV could not be contained in the remaining 29 patients. Thirty-four (55.7%) patients with Ebstein anomaly had severe tricuspid regurgitation,
16 (26.2%) patients had moderate to severe regurgitation, and 11 (18.1%) patients had moderate regurgitation. Compared with the normal adults, patients of Ebstein anomaly showed higher RV end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), end-systolic volume index (ESVI), stroke volume (SV), RV anterior-posterior diameter (RV), tricuspid valve annular transverse diameter (TV-R), and lower RV ejection fraction(EF) [(273.5±77.7) mlvs (74.3±15.9) ml, (187.1±96.8) mlvs (31.1±9.2) ml, (177.4±53.6) ml/m2vs (43.4±8.2) ml/m2, (121.7±65.5) ml/m2vs (18.4±5.1) ml/m2, (95.9±20.2) ml vs (43.6±8.8) ml, (48.1±13.3) ml/m2vs (19.0±1.9) ml/m2, (56.4±8.9) ml/m2vs (28.5±4.3) ml/m2, (38.3±12.8) %vs (59.3±5.1) %, allP<0.05). The tricuspid regurgitant orifice flow cross-sectional area (EROA) were correlated positively with RV anterior-posterior diameter (r=0.691), ratio of RV and LV anterior-posterior diameter (RV/LV) (r=0.6471).ConclusionTransthoracic RT3DE is a feasible method in addition to conventional two-dimensional echocardiography in evaluation of tricuspid valve mophology and function, as well as RV volume and EF in adult patients with Ebstein anomaly.

PurposeObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to structure and function damages of multiple organs. OSA is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate left ventricular function in OSA patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction.Materials and MethodsSixty OSA patients were divided into mild, moderate and severe group according to the clinical diagnosis, with 20 patients in each group. Another 20 healthy volunteers were recruited as normal control group. Strain (S), systolic strain rate (SRS), early diastolic strain rate (SRE) and late diastolic strain rate (SRA) values in longitudinal, circumferential and radial directions of all the subjects were measured by using speckle tracking imaging. The SRE/SRA rates in three directions were calculated.ResultsLeft ventricular longitudinal systolic function showed significant lower in moderate and severe groups than in the control and mild groups (P<0.05). Circumferential and radial contraction reduced in the severe group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The longitudinal, circumferential, and radial diastolic functions of the myocardial fibers in the left ventricle decreased in moderate and severe OSA patients when compared with that of the mild OSA patients and healthy individuals (P<0.05).ConclusionThe speckle tracking imaging has the potential to detect the subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in OSA patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction and might provide useful information for risk stratification.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine which allergens were prevalent in patients with allergic rhinitis and respiratory disease in Qingshan Wuhan. METHOD: A total of 700 cases, which were diagnosed as allergic rhinitis and respiratory disease by history and clinical presentation, underwent ELISA test with 7 standardized allergens, and the most important sensitizing allergens were assessed. The samples were stratified on two age groups: AR and respiratory disease group and the positive rate of two main allergens in two groups were contrast analyzed. RESULT: For patients with allergic rhinitis, the positive rate of the top seven aeroallergen were dermatophagoides (47%), herbs (19.7%), tree (18%), animal dander (8.9%), house dust (6.5%), mold (4.9%) and wormwood (3%). There was no significant difference in higher sensitivity to dust mite and ragweed between allergic rhinitis and respiratory disease group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Dust mite, Tree and Herbs are the most important three aeroallergens in Qingshan region of Wuhan.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Allergens ; analysis ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides ; analysis ; China ; epidemiology ; Dust ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; analysis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pollen ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis ; epidemiology ; Young Adult