Evaluation of a new frequency-volume chart for children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: a prospective, comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: To improve compliance with voiding diaries in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE), a new modified 3-day weekend frequency-volume chart (FVC) was designed, and the compliance and validity of this modified FVC was evaluated by comparing with the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) recommended voiding diary. METHODS: A total of 1200 patients with PMNE were enrolled in the study from 13 centers in China and were randomly assigned to record this modified FVC or the ICCS-recommended voiding diary. The primary outcome measure was the compliance, assessed by comparing the completing index and the quality score of diaries between two groups. The secondary outcome measure was the validity, evaluated by comparing the constituent of subtypes, micturition parameters and response rate to desmopressin. RESULTS: Among the 1200 participants enrolled in the study, 447 patients completed the ICCS-recommended voiding diary and 469 completed the modified diary. The diurnal completing index and the quality score of the modified FVC group were better than those of the ICCS group. In addition, there was no significant difference between these two groups in the subtype classification, or in the response rate to desmopressin. CONCLUSIONS: The modified FVC could be applied to obtain the voiding characteristics of children with PMNE as the ICCS-recommended voiding diary does and offers a reasonable and better choice for children with PMNE from the unselected population in the future.

Dent disease: classification, heterogeneity and diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Dent disease is a rare tubulopathy characterized by manifestations of proximal tubular dysfunction, which occurs almost exclusively in males. It mainly presents symptoms in early childhood and may progress to end-stage renal failure between the 3rd and 5th decades of human life. According to its various genetic basis and to clinical signs and symptoms, researchers define two forms of Dent disease (Dent diseases 1 and 2) and suggest that these forms are produced by mutations in the CLCN5 and OCRL genes, respectively. Dent diseases 1 and 2 account for 60% and 15% of all Dent disease cases, and their genetic cause is generally understood. However, the genetic cause of the remaining 25% of Dent disease cases remains unidentified. DATA SOURCES: All relevant peer-reviewed original articles published thus far have been screened out from PubMed and have been referenced. RESULTS: Genetic testing has been used greatly to identify mutation types of CLCN5 and OCRL gene, and next-generation sequencing also has been used to identify an increasing number of unknown genotypes. Gene therapy may bring new hope to the treatment of Dent disease. The abuse of hormones and immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of Dent disease should be avoided to prevent unnecessary harm to children. CONCLUSIONS: The current research progress in classification, genetic heterogeneity, diagnosis, and treatment of Dent disease reviewed in this paper enables doctors and researchers to better understand Dent disease and provides a basis for improved prevention and treatment.

Effect of the Resveratrol Rice DJ526 on Longevity.

Resveratrol is the best-known chemical for extending the lifespan of various organisms. Extensive recent research has shown that resveratrol can extend the lifespan of single-celled organisms, but its effects on the extension of animal lifespans are marginal. Despite the limited efficacy of pure resveratrol, resveratrol with the endogenous property of the DJ rice in the resveratrol rice DJ526 previously showed profound health benefits. Here, we report that the resveratrol rice DJ526 markedly extended the lifespan of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 41.4% compared to that of the control. The resveratrol rice DJ526 also improved age-related symptoms such as locomotive deterioration, body weight gain, eye degeneration and neurodegeneration in D. melanogaster upon aging. This result shows the most significantly improved lifespan in animal experiments to date, meaning that the resveratrol rice DJ526 will assist in the development of a therapeutic agent for longevity or addressing age-related degeneration.

Blood Ammonia as a Possible Etiological Agent for Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by cognitive decline and devastating neurodegeneration, is the most common age-related dementia. Since AD is a typical example of a complex disease that is affected by various genetic and environmental factors, various factors could be involved in preventing and/or treating AD. Extracellular accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ) and intracellular accumulation of tau undeniably play essential roles in the etiology of AD. However, interestingly enough, medications targeting Aβ or tau all failed and the only clinically efficient medications for AD are drugs targeting the cholinergic pathway. Also, a very intriguing discovery in AD is that the Mediterranean diet (MeDi), containing an unusually large quantity of Lactobacilli, is very effective in preventing AD. Based on recently emerging findings, it is our opinion that the reduction of blood ammonia levels by Lactobacilli in MeDi is the therapeutic agent of MeDi for AD. The recent evidence of Lactobacilli lowering blood ammonia level not only provides a link between AD and MeDi but also provides a foundation of pharmabiotics for hyperammonemia as well as various neurological diseases.

Pharmabiotics as an Emerging Medication for Metabolic Syndrome and Its Related Diseases.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic risk factors associated with central obesity, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure. In recent decades, because of the remarkable increase in both prevalence and severity, MetS and its related diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), obesity, hypertension and diabetes have become the main global burden and challenge in strategic management involving prevention and treatment. However, currently, the preventions and treatments based on pharmaceutical interventions do not provide a solution for MetS and its related diseases. Recently, gut microbiota showed clear evidence of preventing and/or treating MetS, shedding light on treating MetS and its related diseases through a completely different approach. In this review, we will interpret the effects of current pharmaceutical drugs used in preventing and treating MetS and its related diseases to understand remaining issues of those interventions. We will explore the possibility of developing gut microbiota as pharmabiotics in a completely new medication option for treating MetS and its related diseases.

Shenfu Injection () inhibits inflammation in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiac shock.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of Shenfu Injection (, SFI) on inflammatory factors in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) treated with and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). METHODS: This study enrolled 60 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) complicated by CS. Patients underwent IABP and emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomly divided into two groups by random number table with 30 cases in each group, one given Sfitreatment (100 mL/24 h), one not. The two groups were then compared in a clinical setting for left ventricular function, biochemical indicators and Inflammatory factors, including C-reactive proteins (CRP), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) events were compared between patients of the two groups both in-hospital and in follow-ups. RESULTS: The IABP support treatment times of patients in the IABP+Sfigroup were signifificantly shorter than the IABP group (52.87±28.84 vs. 87.45±87.31, P=0.047). In the patients of the IABP+Sfigroup, the CRP peak appeared in 24 h after PCI operation. The CRP peak in the patients of the IABP+Sfigroup was signifificantly lower than that in the IABP group (31.27±3.93 vs. 34.62±3.47, P=0.001). The increases in range of TNF-α in the patients of the IABP+Sfigroup were signifificantly lower than those of the IABP group (182.29±22.79 vs. 195.54±12.02, P=0.007). The increases in range of IL-1 in the patients of the IABP+Sfigroup were signifificantly lower than those of the IABP group (214.98±29.22 vs. 228.60±7.03, P=0.019). The amplitude elevated TNF-α 72 h after admission was an independent risk factor of in-hospital MACCE events (OR 0.973, 95% CI 0.890-0.987, P=0.014) in patients with STEMI and CS. CONCLUSION: Patients with STEMI complicated by CS treated by IABP and Sfihad a reduced inflammatory reaction, a reduced dependence of CS on IABP and shortened the course of disease.

Dysregulation of calcium channels decreases parasecretion in pancreatic ß-cells in rats born small for gestational age.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of intrauterine malnourishment in the development and function of pancreatic islet ß-cells. METHODS: Whole-cell patch clamping was used to record voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC)-mediated currents. Insulin secretion was detected by measuring capacitance using a sequence of sine wave stimuli. VGCC currents and insulin secretion were measured in the small for gestational age (SGA) group treated with human recombinant growth hormone (hGH). RESULTS: The membrane capacitance in the SGA group (6.4 ± 0.9 fF/Pf) was significantly reduced. Calcium current density and peak current density in the SGA group were also markedly decreased, whereas other measurements of calcium channels were unaltered. Treatment with hGH significantly rescued the membrane capacitance, whereas calcium channels were not affected. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that decreased ß-cell secretion is caused by a decreased expression of calcium channels and reduced calcium currents. hGH restores ß-cell secretion in SGA animals, possibly independently of VGCC.

ATP regulates sodium channel kinetics in pancreatic islet beta cells.

Pancreatic beta cells act as glucose sensors, in which intracellular ATP ([ATP](i)) are altered with glucose concentration change. The characterization of voltage-gated sodium channels under different [ATP](i) remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that increasing [ATP](i) within a certain range of concentrations (2-8 mM) significantly enhanced the voltage-gated sodium channel currents, compared with 2 mM cytosolic ATP. This enhancement was attenuated by even high intracellular ATP (12 mM). Furthermore, elevated ATP modulated the sodium channel kinetics in a dose-dependent manner. Increased [ATP](i) shifted both the current-voltage curve and the voltage-dependent inactivation curve of sodium channel to the right. Finally, the sodium channel recovery from inactivation was significantly faster when the intracellular ATP level was increased, especially in 8 mM [ATP](i), which is an attainable concentration by the high glucose stimulation. In summary, our data suggested that elevated cytosolic ATP enhanced the activity of Na(+) channels, which may play essential roles in modulating ß cell excitability and insulin release when blood glucose concentration increases.

[Investigation on wild resources of Dendrobium officinale distribution and ecological envirment in Anhui].

The wild resources of Dendrobium officinale in Anhui province were studied by textural research, data collection, interview survey and regional survey, in order to investigate the resources distribution and ecological characters and provide the reference for Anhui Dendrobium industry. In this paper, a part of producing areas of wild D. officinale in Anhui province was selected to analyze the ecological characters. As a result, we find that the wild resources of D. officinale in Anhui distributed only sporadic and the conditions of growth environment were harsh. Our findings may provide some suggestions on wild resources protection and artificial cultivation in suitable environments because the wild resources of D. officinale in Anhui are decreasing rapidly and facing an endangered situation.

Reversible cataract as the presenting sign of diabetes mellitus: report of two cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is the most common form of diabetes in young children. Serious optic complications, e.g. diabetic retinopathy and diabetic cataract involvement, are not usually detected in T1DM patients at the onset of the disease. CASE PRESENTATION: Two girls aged 11 years and 9 years were hospitalized in our unit in 2008 and 2009. They presented cataracts 1 and 6 months before the diagnosis of T1DM, respectively. After blood glucose level was controlled by insulin therapy, the cataract was resolved, totally in one and partly in the other girl. Meanwhile, visual acuity of both cases recovered, closely associated with fluctuation of plasma glucose level. In this study, we describe the symptoms, probable mechanism and treatment of diabetic cataract. CONCLUSION: Early antihyperglycemic therapy and maintenance of stable blood glucose level may reverse acute diabetic cataract or prevent it from getting worse.

[Impact of pre-procedural plasma brain natriuretic peptide level on atrial fibrillation recurrence post radiofrequency catheter ablation].

OBJECTIVE: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are elevated in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between the pre-procedural BNP level and the incidence of recurrence AF after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA). METHODS: Plasma BNP level was measured before CPVA in 69 consecutive symptomatic paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients without heart failure symptom. Atrial thrombus was detected by transesophageal echocardiography in 15 patients and CPVA was not performed in these patients. CPVA was successful in the remaining 54 patients and followed up for 3 months. All patients were asked to keep a log of the duration and frequency of their symptoms and underwent 24 h ECG monitoring at least once per month after the ablation. RESULTS: At the end of follow up, 39 patients were free of AF recurrence (successful group) and 15 patients experienced AF recurrence (failure group). BNP concentration was below the heart failure range (< 500 ng/L) in 69.6% patients, but exceeded the normal range (0 - 144 ng/L) in 59.4% patients. Median baseline BNP level was significantly higher in failure group than in successful group (371.6 ng/L vs. 97.4 ng/L, P = 0.001). Left atrial (LA) dimension was also larger in failure group than in successful group [(53.3 ± 15.1) mm vs. (45.2 ± 11.2) mm, P = 0.036]. Moreover, BNP level was positively correlated with LA dimension (r = 0.574, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The pre-procedural BNP level and LA dimension are predictive of successful CPVA for PAF patients.

[The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incident and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes in obese children in the last ten years. METHODS: The clinical data of hospitalized children with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) or obesity between October 2000 and September 2011 were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: A total of 503 newly onset cases were diagnosed as DM in the past ten years, of which 31 were diagnosed as T2DM. The prevalence of T2DM in the second five-year duration increased significantly compared with that in the first five-year duration (0.18‰ vs 0.05‰; P<0.01). The number of cases of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and T2DM increased by 1.35 fold and 4.20 fold, respectively in the second five-year duration. A total of 1301 obese patients received oral glucose tolerance tests, and 29 cases were diagnosed with T2DM and 255 cases with prediabetes. Of the 255 cases of prediabetes, 133 had dyslipidemia, 138 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and 53 had hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rates of T1DM and T2DM increased significantly in the last 5 years. The prevalence of T2DM increased more significantly than T1DM. There was a higher prevalence of prediabetes in obese children. Childhood obesity predicts a higher risk of T2DM and cardiovascular disease in the future.

[C-reactive protein and non-valvula atrial fibrillation combining with thrombosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the alteration of plasma C-reactive protein(CRP) count in patients with non-valvula atrial fibrillation combining thrombosis. METHODS: A total of 154 patients with non-valvula atrial fibrillation were divided into thrombus group (n = 46) and non-thrombus group (n = 108) in accordance with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) results. The concentration of CRP by scattering turbidimetry, D-dimer by immunoturbidmetry, left atrium diameter (LAd), fraction shortening (FS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by TEE or echocardiography were detected. Logistic multi-factors regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: There were significant differences in CRP [(5.77 ± 6.37) mg/L vs (1.73 ± 2.39) mg/L, P = 0.003], LAd [(59.86 ± 10.70) mm vs (47.97 ± 13.19) mm, P < 0.001] and LVEF [(58.75 ± 8.28)% vs (64.10 ± 6.75)%, P < 0.001] between thrombus group and non-thrombus group. The results of logistic regression analysis found CRP ≥ 1.33 mg/L (OR 2.856, 95%CI 1.235 - 6.600, P = 0.014) and LAd ≥ 54.5 mm (OR 4.236, 95%CI 1.877 - 9.562, P = 0.001) were independent risk factors of patients with non-valvula atrial fibrillation combining with thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: CRP and LAd are independent risk factors for patients with non-valvula atrial fibrillation combining with thrombosis. Inflammation may involve with the formation of thrombosis.