Background::Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter, stiffness, and wave reflections, are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants.Methods::A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults (1922 women) aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022. The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency (RF) ultrasound system. The IMT, diameter, compliance coefficient, β stiffness, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), local systolic blood pressure, augmented pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx) were then automatically measured and reported. Data were stratified by age groups and sex. The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions. The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and analyses of covariance.Results::All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories. Women showed thinner IMT, smaller carotid diameter, larger AP, and AIx than men. The β stiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties, but the differences reversed after that. The increase rate of carotid IMT (5.5 μm/year in women and 5.8 μm/year in men) and diameter (0.03 mm/year in both men and women) were similar between men and women. For the stiffness and wave reflections, women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes (all P for age by sex interaction <0.05). The blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex. Conclusions::The age- and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established. The blood pressures, BMI, and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

Objective: To explore the relationship between coronary tortuosity and coronary microvascular disease (CMVD). Methods: Patients with typical angina symptoms and without serious coronary artery stenosis by coronary angiography were enrolled from June 2014 to December 2016, and CMVD was diagnosed by single photon emission tomography (SPECT). According to the SPECT results, patients were divided to the CMVD group and non-CMVD group. The baseline clinical characteristics, results of coronary angiography were compared between the two groups. The logistic analysis was used to analyze the relationship between coronary tortuosity and CMVD. Result: A total of 117 cases were enrolled, with 69 cases in the CMVD group and 48 cases in the non-CMVD group. No differences were found in gender distribution, age, hypertension, lipid abnormality, hyperuricemia and uses of statins between the two groups (all P>0.05). Incidence of diabetes (78.26%(54/69) vs. 35.42% (17/48) , P<0.05), hs-CRP ((4.29±2.15)mmol/L vs. (2.63±1.20)mmol/L, P<0.001), LDL-C ((2.98±0.96)mmol/L vs. (2.52±0.83)mmol/L, P=0.008) and homocysteine ((13.7±5.61)mmol/L vs. (11.5±4.38)mmol/L, P=0.025) levels were higher in the CMVD group than in the non-CMVD group. The data derived from echocardiographic examination were similar between the two groups. The Corrected TIMI frame counts were higher in the CMVD group than in non-CMVD group (LAD: 31.56±4.92 vs. 27.31±3.75, LCX: 29.47±4.18 vs. 26.62±3.19, RCA: 29.09±5.05 vs. 26.24±3.28, all P<0.001). The incidences of coronary atherosclerosis (76.81% (53/69) vs. 27.08% (13/48) , P<0.001) and coronary tortuosity ( (60.87% (42/69) vs. 33.33% (16/48) , P=0.035) were also higher in the CMVD group than in non-CMVD group. Logistic analysis found that coronary tortuosity (OR=6.111, 95%CI 2.707-13.794, P<0.001), diabetes (OR=6.565, 95%CI 2.883-14.948, P<0.001) and coronary atherosclerosis (OR=8.918, 95%CI 3.822-20.808, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of CMVD. Conclusion Coronary tortuosity, diabetes and coronary atherosclerosis are related to CMVD in this patient cohort.

Objective: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is seldom achieved with nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients but may be enhanced by switching to finite pegylated-interferon (Peg-IFN) alfa-2a. We assessed HBsAg loss with 48- and 96-week Peg-IFN alfa-2a in chronic hepatitis B patients with partial response to a previous NA. Methods: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients who achieved HBeAg loss and hepatitis B virus DNA < 200 IU/mL with previous adefovir, lamivudine or entecavir treatment were randomized 1:1 to receive Peg-IFN alfa-2a for 48 (n = 153) or 96 weeks (n = 150). The primary endpoint of this study was HBsAg loss at end of treatment. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT01464281. Results: At the end of 48 and 96 weeks' treatment, 14.4% (22/153) and 20.7% (31/150) of patients, respectively, who switched from NA to Peg-IFN alfa-2a cleared HBsAg. Rates were similar irrespective of prior NA or baseline HBeAg seroconversion. Among those who cleared HBsAg by the end of 48 and 96 weeks' treatment, 77.8% (14/18) and 71.4% (20/28), respectively, sustained HBsAg loss for a further 48 weeks. Baseline HBsAg < 1 500 IU/mL and week 24 HBsAg < 200 IU/mL were associated with the highest rates of HBsAg loss at the end of both 48- and 96-week treatment (51.4% and 58.7%, respectively). Importantly, extending treatment from 48 to 96 weeks enabled 48.3% (14/29) more patients to achieve HBsAg loss. Conclusion Patients on long-term NA who are unlikely to meet therapeutic goals can achieve high rates of HBsAg loss by switching to Peg-IFN alfa-2a. HBsAg loss rates may be improved for some patients by extending treatment from 48 to 96 weeks, although the differences in our study cohort were not statistically significant. Baseline and on-treatment HBsAg may predict HBsAg loss with Peg-IFN alfa-2a.

Objective To explore the role of mouse dermis-derived mesenchymal stem cells (mdMSC) on skin repair. Methods mdMSC and human dermal fibroblasts were isolated and identified. Human dermal fibroblasts were cultured alone or eoeultured with mdMSC in Transwell chambers with the density ratio of human dermal fibroblasts to mdMSC being 2/5, 1/1, and 2/1. On day 4 and 8 of culture, the expression levels of hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) 1 were measured in the supematant of monoculture and coculture by alkaline hydrolysis and ELISA respectively. Results The level of hydro-xyproline was significantly higher in the supematants of coculture system with a density ratio of 2/5 and 1/1 than that in monoculture supematants of human dermal fibroblasts on day 8 (both P < 0.05). Elevated level of TGF-betal was observed in all coculture supematants on day 8 (all P < 0.01) and in the supernatants of coculture system with a density ratio of 1/1 on day 4 (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the expression level of TGF-betal and hydroxyproline in the coculture supernatants (r = 0.108, P ＞ 0.05). Conclusion In vitro coculture with mdMSC can increase the production of hydroxyproline and TGF-betal by fibroblasts, which may be a mechanism underlying the facilitation of skin repair by mdMSC.

Objective To observe the correlation between the changes of neural cell apoptosis arid caspase-3 gene expression in brain tissues following acute severe traumatic injury to brain(TIB).Method A total of 120 adult Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into a control group(n=8)，TIB group(n=56)and TIB with administration of caspase-3 inhibitor group(n=56).TIB models of rats were made with Feeney's method.The z-DEVDfmk(5 μg)，caspase-3 inhibitor，was administered by intracerebral infusion，and the rats were sacrificed 1，6，24，48 hours and 3，7，14 days postinjury(n=8 for each interval).The specimens of the injured cerebral cortex，suhcerticai white matter，hippocampus，dentate gyrus and contrahteral corresponding brain tissues were taken for detecting apoptesis of neural cells by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated DUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)methods and flow cytomeay.Caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression were detected by using RT-PCR，immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.The caspase-3 activity was detected by using caspase-3 fluorescent assay kit.Student t-test and Spearman correlation analysis were used to analyze the data with SPSS version 10.1 software package.Results Apoptesis indexes(AI)and the apoptesis percentage(AP)of neural cells in the injured brain regions increased quickly after injury，and reached its peak 24 to 48 hours later，then decreased slowly,but it remained at higher level above that of normal till 14 days later(P＜0.01).The levels of caspase-3 mRNA,eastme-3 protein and caspase-3 activity were increased significantly post injury，and reached its peak at 24 to 48 hours，then it gradually decreased.Compared with control group，the levels ofoptical density of caspase-3 proteins in the injured hippocampus and subcortical white matter at 24 and 48 hours post injury increased 1484% and 1690%，caspase-3 mRNA expressiom increased 1043%and 1180%，and the degreas of caspase-3 activity increased 148% and 183%，respectively.The expression of caspase-3 proenzyme and its P17 subarrit increased.After trealment with caspase-3 inhibitor z-DEVD-fmk，the levels of caspase-3 mRNA，protein expression and caspase-3 activity were significantly decreased.and AI and AP were significantly decreased as well.The correlation between caspase-3 mRNA and level of neural apoptesis was positive(r=0.821，P＜0.01)，and it was likewise between caspase-3 protein and level of neural apoptosis(r=0.638.P＜0.01).Interestingly enough，a positive correlation was found between caspase-3 mRNA and easpase-3 proteins(r=0.945，P＜0.01).Conclusions The activation of caspase-3 leads to apoptosis of neural cells after acute TIB.The expression of caspase-3 are consistent with apoptosis of neural cells following TIB.The regulation of caspase-3 induced by TIB occurs at a ceriain critical link before transduction.Caspase-3 inhibitor can efficiently inhibit apoptosis of neural cells following TIB.

BACKGROUND: There is a great debate but little research addressing the cell suspension obtained from the digested mantle tissues can effective amplify and form pearl sac in vitro, thus producing pearl. OBJECTIVE: To establish an effective technique and method of in vitro separation and culture of mantle of the pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii), and to determine the optimal method of forming pearl sac with the intact structure and secretion function, thus producing pearl. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Single sample observation was performed at the School of Basic Medicine, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University, between August and December in 2008. MATERIALS: Pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii) aged 1.0 2.0 years, were offered by Yingpan Pearl Industrial Co., Ltd. Of Beihai City, China; the self-modified marine shellfish balanced salt solution; the self-prepared concha pteriae serum and concha pteriae body fluid; keratinocyte growth factor was purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS: The mantle of pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii) was digested with 2.5 g/L trypsin, the harvested cells were cultured using M199 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and supplemented with 10 μg/L keratinocyte growth factor, 10% self-prepared concha pteriae serum and concha pteriae body fluid. The cultivation was performed for 30 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cell growth characteristics and growth state. RESULTS: The pearl mantle epithelial cells cultured in vitro were shown to proliferate rapidly, secrete productively, and the muscle cells showed a great proliferation, finally encapsulated the mantle epithelial cells to form pear sac with the intact structure and strong secretion function. CONCLUSION: Using the modified culture technology and culture system, the addition of keratinocyte growth factor can obtain the well growing and secreting pearl sac during in vitro culture of mantle cells.

Objective To investigate the expression and secretion of mice DNaseI gene plasmid transfected into bone marrow (BM-MSCs) mesenchymal stem cells. Methods The plasmids of mouse DNaseI gene had been transfected into the BM-MSCs of mice by liposomes. The expression of DNaseI gene in the BM-MSCs was detected by western blotting and the DNaseI activity was measured by DNA-methyl green substrate colorimetry. Results About 30% BM -MSCs were transfected with mice plasmid DNaseI gene, DNaseI was expressed in the transfected BM-MSCs and active DNaseI could be detected in the supernatant of cell culture. Conclusion The mice DNaseI gene plasmid can be transfected into mice BM -MSCs by liposomes and DNaseI gene can be expressed by the transfected BM-MSCs and active DNaseI can be secreted. This may provide potential target for the treatment of SLE.

Objective To study the effect of plant Coleus forskohlii active elements Isoforskolin(ISOF)and CT-E(analogs mixture of Isoforskolin)on human neutrophill(PMN)in vitro in order to uncover the mechanism of their properties of mitigating acute lung injury(ALI).Method The effects of ISOF and CF-E on PMN aggregation induced by N-formyl-methiony-leucyl-phenylalanine(fMLP)was performed by using a 4-channel platelet aggregometer.Cytometry Was applied to analyze the effect of tested samples on adhension between PMN and endothelial cells(ECV-304)activated by using lipopolysaccharides(LPS).Expression of LPS-induced PMN adhension molecules was determined with flow cytometry.Radioimmunoassay Was applied to detect the level of TNT-α liberated bv PMN and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)level of PMN.Results It was found that ISOF(25,50,100 μmnol/L)and CF-E(1.25,2.5,5 mg/ml)inhibitted PMN aggregation induced by fMLP,PMN adhemion to ECV-304 indeed by LPS,expression of PMN adhesion molecules,and TNF-α level released by PMN.ISOF and CF-E also increased intracellular cAMP level of PMN.Condusions ISOF and CF-E inhibit PMN aggregation,adhension and adhension molecules,and TNF-α released by PMN,while they increase intracellular cAniP level of PMN.It suggests that their specific alleviating the ALI by the mechanism of the modulation of PMN function.

100 ?g/L), 36(2.90%)male and twenty four (2.09%)female. BLLs(G) in Baiyuen (suburb) children(60.33 ?g/L) was the highest among three districts, Yuxiu (downtown) was 58.09 ?g/L and Zengcheng (countryside)was 56.72 ?g/L. Linear regressions (stepwise) were taken with geometric BLLs as dependent, 34 items as independents in SPSS 11.5. Fathers with lower diploma, narrower houses, better aired houses, fewer hand washings and sucking fingers were the risk factors for children high BLLs. Conclusion BLLs in suburb children become the highest after unleaded gasoline used in Guangzhou. The housing circumstance and hygienic behavior of children may effect the blood lead level.

BACKGROUND:Hereditary factor occupies a certain position in suicidal behavior of depression. The researches in the past are focused on the hereditary effect on bipolar depression suicide.How do hereditary patterns and effects work in suicidal behavior in unipolar depression?OBJECTIVE: To probe into hereditary patterns and effects on suicidal behavior in unipolar depression.DESIGN:Retrospective investigation.SETTING:A municipal psychiatric hygienic centerPARTICIPANTS:Unipolar depression group included 115 outpatients and inpatients diagnosed in Wuxi Psychiatric Hygienic Center from June 1st 1983 to May 31st 2002.The diagnosis tallied with Standards on Depression Onset in Categories and Diagnostic Standards on Psychiatric Disturbance in China of 3rd Edition and with Standards on Severe Depression Onset in Manual of Diagnosis and Statistics of Psychiatric Disturbance in America of 4th Edition.The attack frequency of all the cases ≥ 3 times or the cases had been relieved ≥8 years after a couple of attacks.METHODS:The patients who tallied with the standards on unipolar depression received the investigation in every family tree under the instruction of 2 physicians-in-charge and more than 2 physicians and filled up the self-made investigation form of psychiatric family tree,including mainly the data of social demography of patients and their first grade relatives,characters of disease onset,frequency of attack,history of treatment and suicide. After re-diagnosed by 2 physicians-incharge and more than 2 physicians and checked by one physician-incharge,the cases were collected in patient group. The interview was carried on for the patients with suicidal behavior among all of the survived patients (107 cases) and first grade relatives (14 cases).The interview (337 cases) and investigation with letter (380 cases) were carried on for the first grade relatives without suicidal behavior. The investigation forms of 13 dead cases (8 cases of patients, 5 cases of first-grade relatives) were provided and filled-up by one or two first grade relatives. Two researchers interviewed the cases in the control,inquired the first grade relatives and filled up the investigation form of family tree.Single factor analysis was used for all the data and Falconer pattern of polygenetic threshold-value theory was used to estimate hereditary rate and standard error in suicidal behavior.Separation analysis in medical hereditary mathematic method and polygenetic threshold-value theory were applied to discuss the hereditary patterns.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Hereditary effects and patterns of suicidal behavior in unipolar depressed patients.RESULTS:Suicidal risk of unipolar depressed patients(51.30%,59/115)was higher than their first grade relatives (2.58%,19/736) (x2=283.16,P ＜ 0.01).Suicidal risk of the first grade relatives (2.58%,19/736) of unipolar depressed patients was higher than the control (0.12%,3/2469)(x2=50.36,P ＜ 0.01).Suicidal risk of the first grade relatives of the patients with suicidal behavior (3.8%,14/372) was higher than that of the first grade relatives of the patients without suicidal behavior (1.4%,5/363)(x2=4.14,P＜ 0.05).The weighted average hereditary rate and standard error was (70.16±0.79)% for suicidal behavior in unipolar depression.The predictive morbidity of suicidal behavior in the first grade relatives was 3.1% and the real morbidity was 2.6%,which did not indicate significant difference (u =0.766, P ＞ 0.05).CONCLUSION:Suicidal behavior of unipolar depression presents obvious hereditary effects and its hereditary patterns tally with polygenetic inheritance.