OBJECTIVE To screen the best compatibility ratio and administration conditions of Panax ginseng -Poria cocos pair against aging ，and investigate its mechanism . METHODS P. ginseng-P. cocos pair extracts with different compatibility ratios （1∶1，1∶2，2∶1，1∶4，4∶1，m/m）were prepared ；taking Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the aging model organism ，the S. cerevisiae growth curve was drawn by MTT method ，the best compatibility ratio ，administration concentration and administration time point of P. ginseng-P. cocos pair were screened out ；the activities of antioxidant related enzymes [superoxide dismutase （SOD），peroxidase （POD），catalase（CAT）]，the levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS）and malondialdehyde （MDA），the content of adenosine triphosphate（ATP），and the mitochondrial membrane potential （MMP）in S. cerevisiae cells were detected ；mRNA expressions of SOD1，CTT1，GSH1，ATP1，MRS1 and CDC 19 were also detected . RESULTS The optimal ratio of P. ginseng-P. cocos pair for anti-aging activity was 1∶4（m/m），the optimal administration concentration was 220 μg/mL，and the optimal administration time point was the 28th hour . The extracts of P. ginseng-P. cocos pair（1∶4，m/m）could significantly increase the activities of SOD ， POD and CAT ，ATP content ，MMP，mRNA expression of CTT 1，GSH1 and MRS 1（P＜0.01），but decrease the levels of MDA and ROS ，mRNA expressions of SOD 1，ATP1 and CDC 19（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS P. ginseng-P. cocos pair（1∶4， m/m）has a good anti -aging effect on S. cerevisiae ，its mechanism may be related to the positive regulation of oxidative stress and energy metabolism of S. cerevisiae cell.

Objectives: This study explored the relationship between weight control and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients. Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive 333 overweight and obese patients aged 28 to 87 years old, who underwent catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Data of patients′ characteristics, laboratory examination and treatment were collected at baseline. Each patient was followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after ablation to collect information on weight, AF recurrence, stroke, major bleeding, hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons and death, etc. Patients were divided into weight controlled group (ΔBMI<-1 kg/m²) and weight uncontrolled group (ΔBMI≥-1 kg/m²), according to the changes in the most recent exposure BMI before AF recurrence in patients with recurrence or the BMI at 12 months′ follow-up in patients without recurrence and the BMI at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust other known risk factors of AF recurrence and to explore the association between weight control and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Results: There were 54 patients in weight controlled group and 279 patients in weight uncontrolled group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, education level, left atrial size and history of hypertension between the two groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers was higher in the weight controlled group (50.0%(27/54) vs. 34.8%(97/279), P=0.034). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with obesity (33.3% (18/54) vs. 29.7% (83/279)), paroxysmal AF (59.3% (32/54) vs. 56.6% (158/279)) and AF duration less than 5 years (76.9% (40/52) vs. 65.4% (178/272)) between the weight controlled group and the uncontrolled group. During 1-year follow-up after ablation, the recurrence rate of AF was significantly lower in the weight controlled group than that in the weight uncontrolled group (14.8% (8/54) vs. 32.6%(91/279), P=0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that weight control is independently associated with a lower postoperative AF recurrence rate (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.18-0.90, P=0.026). Conclusion Weight control is strongly associated with a lower AF recurrence rate after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients.

Objectives This study explored the relationship between weight control and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients. Methods We prospectively enrolled consecutive 333 overweight and obese patients aged 28 to 87 years old, who underwent catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Data of patients′ characteristics, laboratory examination and treatment were collected at baseline. Each patient was followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after ablation to collect information on weight, AF recurrence, stroke, major bleeding, hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons and death, etc. Patients were divided into weight controlled group (ΔBMI<-1 kg/m2) and weight uncontrolled group (ΔBMI≥-1 kg/m2), according to the changes in the most recent exposure BMI before AF recurrence in patients with recurrence or the BMI at 12 months′ follow?up in patients without recurrence and the BMI at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust other known risk factors of AF recurrence and to explore the association between weight control and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Results There were 54 patients in weight controlled group and 279 patients in weight uncontrolled group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, education level, left atrial size and history of hypertension between the two groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of patients using angiotensin?converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers was higher in the weight controlled group (50.0%(27/54) vs. 34.8%(97/279), P=0.034). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with obesity (33.3% (18/54) vs. 29.7% (83/279)), paroxysmal AF (59.3% (32/54) vs. 56.6% (158/279)) and AF duration less than 5 years (76.9% (40/52) vs. 65.4% (178/272)) between the weight controlled group and the uncontrolled group. During 1?year follow?up after ablation, the recurrence rate of AF was significantly lower in the weight controlled group than that in the weight uncontrolled group (14.8% (8/54) vs. 32.6%(91/279), P=0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that weight control is independently associated with a lower postoperative AF recurrence rate ( OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.18-0.90, P=0.026). Conclusion Weight control is strongly associated with a lower AF recurrence rate after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients.

OBJECTIVE:To establish HPLC fingerprint of Qingbi granules.METHODS:HPLC method was adopted.The determination was performed on Diamonsil C18 column with mobile phase consisted of methanol-0.3％ phosphoric acid (gradient elution) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min.The detection wavelength was set at 260 nm,and column temperature was 25 ℃.The sample size was 10 μL.Using baicalin as reference,HPLC chromatograms of 10 batches of samples were determined.Common peak identification and similarity evaluation were performed by using TCM Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation Software (2.0 edition).RESULTS:There were 29 common peaks in HPLC chromatograms of 10 batches of samples.The similarity among the 10 batches was more than 0.90.After validation,HPLC chromatograms of 10 batches of samples were in line with control fingerprints.CONCLUSIONS:Established fingerprints can provide reference for identification and quality evaluation of Qingbi granules.

Objective Cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary vein (PV) ostia often induces a vagal response.This prospective study was designed to assess the effectiveness of prophylactic intravenous administration of atropine on hemodynamic impairment induced by cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods Twenty-five patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing cryoballoon ablation were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either the trial group on the control group.First twelve patients (the trial group) were administered 1 mg of atropine before deflation of the cryoballoon,while the following 13 patients (the control group) were given atropine only after the onset of the hemodynamic variation (decrease in heart rate and/or blood pressure).Treatment was considered effective when the hemodynamic variations were restored.Results In the trial group,three patients with transient hypotension did not require further supportive care throughout the procedures and one patient with hypotension required supportive management.In the control group,hypotension,bradycardia and mixed bradycardia with hypotension requiring supportive care occurred in six,three,and three patients,respectively.Overall,the rate of marked vagal responses was significantly lower when prophylactic atropine was administrated (4/12 vs.12/13 patients,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Atropine is effective in the prevention of all types of vasovagal responses induced by cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective The recurrence of perimitral atrial tachycardia is common after initial ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study is to explore a preferable ablation approach for perimitral atrial tachycardia in the redo ablation of persistent AF. Methods Seventy-four patients with perimitral atrial tachycardia after initial ablation for persistent AF were included in our study. Patients were distinguished into either the group of having ablation during tachycardia (Group A) or the group having ablation after cardioversion to sinus rhythm (Group B) according to the different ablation strategies. The procedural endpoints were pulmonary vein isolation and bidirectional conduction block of all the ablated lines. The primary endpoint of the study was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence during the follow-up period. Results There were statistical differences in baseline clinical data between the 2 groups. During the redo procedure, conduction recovery rate across the mitral isthmus (MI),cavotricuspid isthmus and left atial roofline were 100％, 40.5％ and 48.6％ respectively. The procedural time, fluoroscopy time, mapping time were longer in the patients of group A. During a mean follow-up of (16.9±6.3) months, 31 (72.1％) patients in group A and 21(67.7％) patients in group B maintained in sinus rhythm in the absence of antiarrhythmic durgs (P =0.771) . Conclusion In patients with perimitral atrial tachycardia after initial ablation for persistent AF,ablation in sinus rhythm is a more simplified method and as effective as ablation during tachycardia.

OBJECTIVE:To establish a method for the content determination of verbascoside in Naosaitong honeyed pill. METHODS:HPLC was performed on the column of Zorbax ODX with mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid(16∶84, V/V)at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min,the detection wavelength was 334 nm,column temperature was 30 ℃,and the injection volume was 10 μl. RESULTS:The linear range of verbascoside was 0.200-1.000 μg(r=0.999 8);RSDs of precision,stability and repro-ducibility tests were lower than 1%;recovery was 95.16%-99.78%(RSD=1.80,n=6). CONCLUSIONS:The method is simple and accurate,and suitable for the content determination of verbascoside in Naosaitong honeyed pill.

Fast pyrolysis experiments of corn stalk were performed to investigate the optimal pyrolysis conditions of temperature and bed material for maximum bio-oil production under flue gas atmosphere. Under the optimized pyrolysis conditions, furfural residue, xylose residue and kelp seaweed were pyrolyzed to examine their yield distributions of products, and the physical characteristics of bio-oil were studied. The best flow rate of the flue gas at selected temperature is obtained, and the pyrolysis temperature at 500 degrees C and dolomite as bed material could give a maximum bio-oil yield. The highest bio-oil yield of 43.3% (W/W) was achieved from corn stalk under the optimal conditions. Two main fractions were recovered from the stratified bio-oils: light oils and heavy oils. The physical properties of heavy oils from all feedstocks varied little. The calorific values of heavy oils were much higher than that of light oils. The pyrolysis gas could be used as a gaseous fuel due to a relatively high calorific value of 6.5-8.5 MJ/m3.
Biofuels ; Biomass ; Bioreactors ; Furaldehyde ; chemistry ; Hot Temperature ; Kelp ; Temperature ; Xylose ; chemistry ; Zea mays

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of rapamycin and 3-methyladenine on autophagy impairment, oxidative stress and premature senescence induced by high-glucose in primarily cultured rat mesangial cells.

METHODSRat glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) were isolated and cultured in normal glucose, high glucose, high glucose with 3-methyladenine (3-MA), or high glucose with rapamycin. At 24 h, 72 h and 10 days of culture, the cells were examined for expression levels of autophagy markers LC3 and p62/SQSTM1, malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl, β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and heterochromatin foci (SAHF).

RESULTSCompared with those of normal cell culture, the cells exposed to high glucose for 72 h and 10 days showed down-regulated LC3 expression, up-regulated p62/SQSTM1 expression, elevated MDA and protein carbonyl levels, and increased SAHF formation and percentage of SA-β-gal-positive cells. These changes were reversed in GMCs exposed to high glucose and rapamycin for 72 h and 10 days, but exacerbated in cells incubated with 3-MA.

CONCLUSIONHigh glucose can suppress autophagic function of rat GMCs to result in oxidative damage and cell senescence. Rapamycin can attenuate autophagy impairment, oxidative damage and senescence induced by high glucose, whereas 3-MA can further aggravate high glucose-induced cell injuries in rat GMCs.

Animals ; Autophagy ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Senescence ; drug effects ; Glomerular Mesangium ; cytology ; Glucose ; adverse effects ; Male ; Mesangial Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sirolimus ; pharmacology

AIM: To study the effects of over-expression of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates transporter NaDC3 (high affinity sodium-dependent dicarboxylate transporter) on energy metabolism and ROS generation in human renal tubular cells. METHODS: Recombinant retrovirus vector containing NaDC3 gene was constructed and used for infecting human renal tubular epithelial cell HKC. Control vector containing Neo gene was also constructed and infected cells. Liquid scintillation method was used to determine the level of [~3H]-succinate (as a transport substrate of NaDC3) in the cells. Clark electrode method and reverse phase HPLC were used to detect oxygen consumption and ATP content intracellularly, respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in HKC were determined with laser confocal microscope after treatment with fluorescent probe JC-1 and CM-H_2DCFDA, respectively. RESULTS: Western blotting analysis showed that the expression of NaDC3 protein in uninfected- and control vector-infected cells was at lower level. After infection with recombinant NaDC3 vector, expression level of NaDC3 protein in HKC cells was increased markedly. Transport assay revealed that the level of [~3H]-succinate in NaDC3-infected cells was noticeably increased. Oxygen consumption and ATP content in NaDC3-infected HKC were significantly higher than those in uninfected- and control vector-infected cells. Laser confocal analysis revealed that mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS level in NaDC3-infected HKC were increased, compared with uninfected- and control vector-infected cells. CONCLUSION: Over-expression of NaDC3 accelerates the speed rate of energy metabolism and increases intracellular ROS generation by transporting an overdose of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates in human renal tubular epithelial cells.