Research Progress on Echocardiographic First-Phase Ejection Fraction in Assessing Early Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

First-phase ejection fraction （EF1） is the volume change rate of left ventricle （LV） from end-diastole to the time of peak aortic velocity. This article reviewed the research progress of EF1 in detecting early left ventricular systolic dysfunction （LVSD） of patients with aortic stenosis （AS）， stable coronary artery disease （SCAD）， Coronavirus Disease 2019 （COVID-19） and so on， analyzed the advantages and limitations of EF1 in clinical application， and envisioned the future development of EF1 as a novel predictor of early LVSD in clinical use.

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS USING DIFFERENT TONOMETERS IN PATIENTS OF VARIOUS REFRACTIVE ERRORS

Background: Intraocular pressure (IOP)is an important ?rst indicator of probability and suspicion of Glaucoma. The virtual IOP status is grossly in?uenced by multiple factors including Refractive errors ,corneal biomechanics ,central corneal thickness(CCT) and Scleral rigidity. To compare relative IOP measurements and Aim: its variability in Emmetropes, myopic and hypermetropic patients using Schiotz, Goldmann Applanation(GAT)and I-Care Rebound tonometer to establish an equation between virtual and real time IOP. This observational Materials and Methods: prospective study comprised of 100 subjects above the age of 18 years inclusive37 Emmetropes , 31 Hypermetropes and remaining 32 belonged to myopia . Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS for Windows Statistical Analysis : version 17.0 to calculate the demographic characteristics of the study cohort. The data were expressed as mean values including the standard deviation (SD) and the 95% con?dence interval (CI). Mean IOP measurements between Schiotz, I-Care and GAT were compared by One way ANOVA along with Individual pair wise comparison by applying Post Hoc Tukey Test for comparison of IOP measurements using a particular method of Tonometry in individuals of myopia, hypermetropia and emmetropia. The highest mean value of CCT 536.667 mum was in Hypermetropes whereas the lowest CCT value of Results: 507.031mum was in myopic eyes with statistically signi?cant (P<0.05). The mean value for IOP in Emmetropes was16.665 mm Hg for Schiotz , 15.027 Hg for GAT and 15.081 mm Hg for I –Care .Whereas Hypermetropes revealed mean value of 15.055 mm Hg for Schiotz , 14.323 mm Hg for GAT and 14.065 mm Hg for I –Care . The mean value for IOP in Myopic eyes was 16.875 mm Hg for Schiotz , 14.375 mm Hg for GAT and 14.688 mm Hg for I –Care . The study had revealed higher mean Conclusion : value of IOP in Myopic eyes as compare to Emetropic and Hypermetropic subjects.IOP measurements by the Schiotz tonometer were signi?cantly higher as compare to GAT and I-Care tonometer. Whereas recordings by GAT and I Care tonometers were almost in agreement .De?nitive correlation could not be established between pachymetry readings and adjusted IOP following GAT and I –Care tonometry .

Efficacy of low intensity pulsed ultrasound in the treatment of erectile dysfunction / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). 【Methods】 A total of 121 ED patients treated during June 2020 and June 2022 were selected as the research objects. According to the International Erectile Index Score (IIEF-EF), the patients were divided into three subgroups:mild (17-25 points), moderate (11-16 points), and severe (0-10 points). The total effective rate, erectile hardness scale (EHS), sex life log questions (SEP), general assessment questionnaire (GAQ), peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and adverse reactions of the three groups before treatment, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment were analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 119 patients completed the follow-up. There were significant increases in IIEF-EF and EHS at week 4 and 12 (P<0.05), and the total effective rate was 69.75% and 76.47%, respectively. The total effective rate was significantly higher in the mild and moderate groups than in the severe group at week 4 and 12 (P<0.05). The patients who answered "yes" to SEP2 and SEP3 accounted for 91.60% and 71.43%, respectively at week 4, and 92.44% and 78.15% at week 12, both significantly higher than the rates before treatment (52.10% and 27.73%, P<0.05). The proportion of patients who answered "yes" to GAQl and GAQ2 at week 4 were 84.87% and 71.43%, respectively, and were 82.35% and 70.59% respectively at week 12, with no significant difference. The PSV level significantly increased at week 12 compared to that before treatment [(48.85±14.11) cm/s vs. (41.42±14.90) cm/s] (P<0.05), while the EDV level significantly decreased [(-0.57±7.01) cm/s vs. (2.25± 5.68)cm/s] (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 LIPUS can improve erectile function in ED patients without obvious adverse reactions.

Research on Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of primary immune-privileged site large B-cell lymphoma / 中国肿瘤临床

Primary immune-privileged site large B-cell lymphoma(IP-DLBCLs)is a general term introduced in the 5th edition of the World Health Organization(WHO)Classification of Lymphoid Tumors and refers to a group of aggressive B-cell lymphomas that originate in sites behind the immune barrier in immunocompetent patients.Anatomical-derived immune sanctuaries(such as the blood-brain,blood-retinal,and blood-testicular barriers)and immunomodulatory systems that share the same immunophenotype and molecular characteristics cur-rently include the central nervous,vitreoretinal,and testes systems and large B-cell lymphomas.The primary immune-privileged site large B-cell lymphoma prognosis is relatively poor,with no standard treatment plan.Toll-like receptor-mediated nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)(via MYD88 mutation)and B-cell receptor(BCR)(via CD79B mutation)pathway activation was the core pathogenesis mechanism in all three sys-tems(central nervous,vitreoretinal,and testes),presenting a potential common treatment target.Bruton's tyrosine kinase(BTK)is a central molecule in the above signaling pathway,thus BTK inhibitors present a reasonable therapeutic drug choice for such diseases.This article re-views the mechanism of action,clinical studies,adverse reactions,and drug resistance of BTK inhibitors in primary immune-priviledged site large B-cell lymphoma treatment.

Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with rehabilitation for dysphagia caused by achalasia of cricopharyngeal muscle after stroke / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with rehabilitation for dysphagia caused by achalasia of the cricopharyngeal muscle after stroke.Methods:Sixty patients with dysphagia caused by achalasia of the cricopharyngeal muscle after stroke who received treatment in Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2019 to March 2020 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group ( n = 30). All patients received routine drug treatment and swallowing rehabilitation training. The control group underwent routine acupuncture treatment. The treatment group received wrist-ankle acupuncture based on routine acupuncture treatment. Both groups were treated for 4 consecutive weeks. The clinical efficacy in the two groups was evaluated using the Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS), Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA), and Swallow Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL). Results:Before treatment, there were no significant differences in VFSS, SSA, and SWAL-QOL scores between the two groups. After treatment, VFSS, SSA, and SWAL-QOL scores in the treatment group were (8.21 ± 0.77) points, (21.19 ± 1.42) points, (200.24 ± 11.12) points, and they were (6.01 ± 0.36) points, (23.31 ± 1.45) points, and (182.37 ± 12.06) points in the control group ( t = 3.26, 5.50, 6.31, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with rehabilitation is an effective treatment method for dysphagia caused by achalasia of the cricopharyngeal muscle after stroke. It can alleviate dysphagia and improve quality of life.

Clinical efficacy of ear acupoint pressing beans combined with escitalopram tablets in the treatment of depression / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of ear acupoint pressing beans combined with escitalopram tablets in the treatment of depression.Methods:A total of 100 patients with depression who received treatment in the Department of Psychiatrics, The Third People's Hospital of Yongkang from October 2021 to February 2023 were included in this randomized controlled study. These patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 50 patients in each group, using a random number table method. The control group was treated with escitalopram tablets, while the observation group was treated with ear acupoint pressing beans combined with escitalopram tablets. The two groups were treated for 8 weeks. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), serotonin levels, clinical efficacy, and adverse reactions were recorded in each group.Results:After treatment, the HAMD scores in each group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.001). After treatment, the HAMD scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(15.89 ± 1.08) points vs. (19.24 ± 1.27) points, t = 14.21, P < 0.001]. After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores in each group were significantly lower than those before treatment (both P < 0.001). After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(6.83 ± 1.24) points vs. (9.78 ± 1.80) points, t = 9.54, P < 0.001]. After treatment, the PSQI scores in each group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.001). After treatment, the PSQI scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group [(7.00 ± 1.34) points vs. (9.48 ± 1.82) points, t = 7.76, P < 0.001]. After treatment, the levels of serotonin in each group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.001). The levels of serotonin in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(40.65 ± 5.37) μg/L vs. (32.52 ± 4.20) μg/L, t = 8.43, P < 0.001]. The total effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [94% (47/50) vs. 80% (40/50), χ2= 4.33, P = 0.037]. The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [8% (4/50) vs. 10% (5/50), χ2= 0.12, P = 0.727]. Conclusion:The combination of ear acupoint pressing beans and escitalopram tablets shows good clinical efficacy in the treatment of depression. This combined therapy can reduce symptoms, improve sleep quality, increase serotonin levels and also has fewer adverse reactions, making it a worthy candidate for clinical promotion.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF AZILSARTAN IN PATIENTS OF HYPERTENSION WITH DIABETES IN GWALIOR DISTRICT.

Background: Angiotensin receptor blockers are well established drugs for the treatment of hypertension with or without renal disease. Azilsartan is a new angiotensin receptor blocker being used in the treatment of hypertension. Present study is done to evaluate efficacy and safety of azilsartan in patients of hypertension with diabetes mellitus in Gwalior district. Methods: The study was conducted in department of pharmacology, Gajra raja medical college, Gwalior Madhya Pradesh during February 2018 to march 2019. It is a longitudinal, prospective, randomized study and total 90 patients of hypertension with diabetes were enrolled out of which 83 patients completed study with a follow up of 1 year period and were divided equally into two groups. Group I received Azilsartan 40- 80 mg once daily and group II received another drug once daily for 12 weeks. Baseline Systolic blood Pressure and diastolic blood pressure were recorded at the start and then at 4th, 8thand 12th weeks after therapy. Fasting and post prandial blood sugar, HDL, LDL-C , total cholesterol values were recorded at start and after 12 weeks of therapy. All the patients were screened for any adverse drug reactions on each visit. Result: Azilsartan effectively lowered the levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure from baseline (p=0.00001) confirming the antihypertensive efficacy also there was overall significant improvement in HDL values from baseline (p=0.000) and also significant improvement was shown in LDL Total cholesterol levels from baseline (p =0.005). There was significant improvement in FBS and PPBS from baseline (p value 0.00). Conclusion: Azilsartan effectively lowered the levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients of hypertension with diabetes and the difference was significant. Azilsartan showed overall improvement in HDL, LDL, TC values with significant difference in hypertensive with diabetes patients.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain imaging in identifying subclinical myocardial dysfunction among covid-19 survivors

Background: Covid-19 is multi-system viral infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Apart from having acute severe respiratory illness causing high mortality, the disease also has a variety of cardiovascular manifestations contributing to morbidity as well as mortality. Cardiac dysfunction and myocarditis are well established complications of Covid-19 as evident in multiple studies after the Covid-19 pandemic. However it is not sufficiently studied in Indian patients either by Echocardiography or by any other imaging modalities like cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methodology: In this study, we analysed the severity of Left ventricular(LV) dysfunction in Covid-19 survivors. A total of 100 consecutive patients of Covid-19 after one month of discharge who had no underlying cardiovascular diseases underwent echocardiography and global longitudinal strain (GLS) imaging. This study cohort included patients with mild 42 (42%),moderate 46(46%) and severe 12(12%) Covid-19 disease as defined by computerised tomography (CT) severity score. Result: We observed that total 36(36%) patients had reduced ejection fraction(EF) which included 11 patients having EF <40% and remaining 25(25%) having EF 40e50% (p<0.002). Also 22 (22%) patients had abnormal global longitudinal strain (GLS) values with normal ejection fraction which is suggestive of subclinical myocarditis. We observed LV dysfunction in 7(19.5%) patients who had severe Covid-19 while mild to moderate LV dysfunction observed in 29(80.5%) non critical patients. Conclusion: In conclusion our study demonstrates that myocardial dysfunction is common in covid-19 regardless of disease severity. 2D-echocardiography with GLS is likely to detect early LV dysfunction among these patients.

As relações entre o ciclo de vida profissional dos docentes e a prática pedagógica na disciplina curricular de Educação Física escolar / The relationships between the professional life cycle of teachers and pedagogical practice in school Physical Education / Las relaciones entre el ciclo de vida profesional del docente y la prática pedagógica en la disciplina curricular de Educación Física en la escuela

Este estudo de abordagem qualitativa teve como objetivo caracterizar artigos publicados de 2014 até 2021 que analisam as relações entre o ciclo de vida profissional e a prática pedagógica na Educação Física escolar. Foi feita uma revisão sistemática buscando artigos nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO e em periódicos da área qualificados entre A1 e B3 a partir da Plataforma Sucupira. Foram encontrados 14 artigos que, após analisados, permitiram concluir que o tempo de profissão é um elemento importante para aprimoramento didático, tendo em vista as limitações da formação inicial. As experiências práticas e a formação continuada trazem grandes contribuições para a carreira docente e assim o indivíduo constrói gradativamente a sua identidade profissional a partir da fase em que ele se encontra (AU).

This qualitative study aimed to characterize articles published from 2014 to 2021 that analyze the relationships between the professional life cycle and pedagogical practice in Physical Education. A systematic review was carried out looking for articles in the LILACS, SciELO databases and in journals in the area qualified between A1 and B3 from the Sucupira Platform. Fourteen articles were found, which, after being analyzed, allowed us to conclude that time in the profession is an important element for didactic improvement, in view of the limitations of initial training. Practical experiences and continuing education bring great contributions to the teaching career and thus the individual gradually builds his professional identity from the stage in which he finds himself (AU).

Este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo caracterizar artículos publicados entre 2014 y 2021 que analizan las relaciones entre el ciclo de vida profesional y la práctica pedagógica en Educación Física. Se realizó una revisión sistemática buscando artículos en las bases de datos LILACS, SciELO y en revistas del área calificadas entre A1 y B3 de la Plataforma Sucupira. Se encontraron catorce artículos que, luego de ser analizados, permitieron concluir que el tiempo en la profesión es un elemento importante para la mejora didáctica, frente a las limitaciones de la formación inicial. Las experiencias prácticas y la formación continua aportan grandes aportes a la carrera docente y así el individuo va construyendo su identidad profesional desde la etapa en la que se encuentra (AU).

As relações entre o ciclo de vida profissional dos docentes e a prática pedagógica na disciplina curricular de Educação Física escolar / The relationships between the professional life cycle of teachers and pedagogical practice in school Physical Education / Las relaciones entre el ciclo de vida profesional del docente y la prática pedagógica en la disciplina curricular de Educación Física en la escuela

Este estudo de abordagem qualitativa teve como objetivo caracterizar artigos publicados de 2014 até 2021 que analisam as relações entre o ciclo de vida profissional e a prática pedagógica na Educação Física escolar. Foi feita uma revisão sistemática buscando artigos nas bases de dados LILACS, SciELO e em periódicos da área qualificados entre A1 e B3 a partir da Plataforma Sucupira. Foram encontrados 14 artigos que, após analisados, permitiram concluir que o tempo de profissão é um elemento importante para aprimoramento didático, tendo em vista as limitações da formação inicial. As experiências práticas e a formação continuada trazem grandes contribuições para a carreira docente e assim o indivíduo constrói gradativamente a sua identidade profissional a partir da fase em que ele se encontra.

This qualitative study aimed to characterize articles published from 2014 to 2021 that analyze the relationships between the professional life cycle and pedagogical practice in Physical Education. A systematic review was carried out looking for articles in the LILACS, SciELO databases and in journals in the area qualified between A1 and B3 from the Sucupira Platform. Fourteen articles were found, which, after being analyzed, allowed us to conclude that time in the profession is an important element for didactic improvement, in view of the limitations of initial training. Practical experiences and continuing education bring great contributions to the teaching career and thus the individual gradually builds his professional identity from the stage in which he finds himself.

Este estudio cualitativo tuvo como objetivo caracterizar artículos publicados entre 2014 y 2021 que analizan las relaciones entre el ciclo de vida profesional y la práctica pedagógica en Educación Física. Se realizó una revisión sistemática buscando artículos en las bases de datos LILACS, SciELO y en revistas del área calificadas entre A1 y B3 de la Plataforma Sucupira. Se encontraron catorce artículos que, luego de ser analizados, permitieron concluir que el tiempo en la profesión es un elemento importante para la mejora didáctica, frente a las limitaciones de la formación inicial. Las experiencias prácticas y la formación continua aportan grandes aportes a la carrera docente y así el individuo va construyendo su identidad profesional desde la etapa en la que se encuentra.

The expression of leucine zipper EF-hand domain transmembrane protein 1, sodium hydrogen exchange protein 1 and adenylate cyclase related protein 2 in gastric cancer tissues and their predictive value for postoperative recurrence / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of leucine zipper EF-hand domain transmembrane protein 1 (LETM1), sodium hydrogen exchange protein 1 (NHE-1) and adenylate cyclase related protein 2 (CAP2) in gastric cancer tissues and the predictive value for postoperative recurrence.Methods:The clinical data of 92 patients with early gastric cancer who underwent surgical treatment from January 2017 to January 2020 in Jiangsu Haimen People′s Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to the recurrence condition 6 months after operation, the patients were divided into recurrence group (16 cases) and non recurrence group (76 cases). The expression levels of LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA in cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were detected by real time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Multifactor Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the related influencing factors of postoperative recurrence. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the effectiveness of LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA in predicting recurrence was analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn, and the survival rate was analyzed in patients with different expression levels of LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA.Results:The LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA in cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent tissues (0.41±0.12 vs. 0.22±0.07, 0.85±0.27 vs. 0.49±0.15 and 0.31±0.10 vs. 0.19±0.06), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). The proportion of N 1 stage in recurrent group was significantly higher than that in non recurrent group: 9/16 vs. 22.37% (17/76), and there was statistical difference ( P<0.05); the LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA of cancer tissues in recurrent group were significantly higher than those in non recurrent group (0.61±0.20 vs. 0.37±0.13, 1.24±0.38 vs. 0.77±0.21 and 0.60±0.19 vs. 0.25±0.10), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). Multifactor Logistic regression analysis result showed that, after controlled N stages, the LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA were still independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with gastric cancer ( OR = 1.52, 3.11 and 1.21; 95% CI 1.26 to 1.82, 2.36 to 4.09 and 1.04 to 1.41; P<0.01). ROC curve analysis result showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA for predicting postoperative recurrence in patients with gastric cancer were 0.768, 0.802 and 0.850, respectively. The AUC of combination the indexes for predicting postoperative recurrence in patients with gastric cancer was 0.965. According to the cut-off value of ROC curve, the patients were divided into LETM1 mRNA high expression (>0.54, 30 cases) and low expression (≤0.54, 62 cases), NHE-1 mRNA high expression (>1.09, 35 cases) and low expression (≤1.09, 57 cases), CAP2 mRNA high expression (>0.49, 28 cases) and low expression (≤0.49, 64 cases). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis result showed that the survival rates in patients with high expression of LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA were significantly lower than those in patients with low expression (73.33% vs. 98.39%, 80.00% vs. 96.49% and 78.57% vs. 95.31%), and there were statistical differences ( χ2 = 15.08, 6.95 and 6.75, P<0.01). Conclusions:LETM1, NHE-1 and CAP2 mRNA are related to the recurrence of early gastric cancer after surgery. The detection of the 3 markers is expected to provide a new strategy for the prediction of postoperative recurrence.

Construction of EF-G knockdown strain of Mycobacterium smegmatis and drug resistance analysis / 生物工程学报

As the only translational factor that plays a critical role in two translational processes (elongation and ribosome regeneration), GTPase elongation factor G (EF-G) is a potential target for antimicrobial agents. Both Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis have two EF-G homologous coding genes, MsmEFG1 (MSMEG_1400) and MsmEFG2 (MSMEG_6535), fusA1 (Rv0684) and fusA2 (Rv0120c), respectively. MsmEFG1 (MSMEG_1400) and fusA1 (Rv0684) were identified as essential genes for bacterial growth by gene mutation library and bioinformatic analysis. To investigate the biological function and characteristics of EF-G in mycobacterium, two induced EF-G knockdown strains (Msm-ΔEFG1(KD) and Msm-ΔEFG2(KD)) from Mycobacterium smegmatis were constructed by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) technique. EF-G2 knockdown had no effect on bacterial growth, while EF-G1 knockdown significantly retarded the growth of mycobacterium, weakened the film-forming ability, changed the colony morphology, and increased the length of mycobacterium. It was speculated that EF-G might be involved in the division of bacteria. Minimal inhibitory concentration assay showed that inhibition of EF-G1 expression enhanced the sensitivity of mycobacterium to rifampicin, isoniazid, erythromycin, fucidic acid, capreomycin and other antibacterial agents, suggesting that EF-G1 might be a potential target for screening anti-tuberculosis drugs in the future.

Effects of EFHD2 protein deletion on tight junction proteins in mouse Sertoli cells / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To study the effect of EFHD2 protein deletion in Sertoli cells on Occludin，a component of tight junction protein and the localization and expression of EF-hand domain family member D2 (EFHD2) in mouse testis．@*Methods @#Total RNA and protein were extracted from adult mice's heart ，liver ，spleen ，lung ，kidney， brain and testis tissues．The mRNA and protein levels of EFHD2 in each organ tissue were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot．Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry detected the localization and expression of EF- HD2 in testicular tissues．SiRNA interference was used to reduce EFHD2 in Sertoli cells to detect Occludin protein expression. @*Results @#qRT-PCR showed that the expression of EFHD2 was the highest in the testis．Western blot results showed that the expression level increased in testis tissue．Indirect immunofluorescence and immunohisto- chemistry results showed that the protein was mainly distributed in Sertoli cells and co-localized with cytoskeletal Vimentin，indicating that the protein was expressed in Sertoli cells．After the decrease of EFHD2 protein expres- sion，Occludin protein expression also decreased．@*Conclusion @#The expression of EFHD2 protein in the testis is relatively high，mainly distributed in Sertoli cells of the testis，co-localized with Vimentin，and can affect the nor- mal expression of tight junction protein Occludin．It is suggested that EFHD2 can promote and maintain the junction structure of Sertoli cells and provide a stable microenvironment for spermatogenesis.

Clinical profile of patients presenting with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background: Evaluate the clinical profile of patients presenting with heart failure having normal or preserved ejection fraction and to determine the prevalence of comorbid illnesses in these patients.Methods: The study was carried out on patients that presented with heart failure at the Vadilal Sarabhai hospital, Ahmedabad between September 2014-2016. Heart failure patients with normal ejection fraction (>50%) were selected. Socio-demographic, vital signs, data of 2D Echocardiography and Tissue Doppler study were collected. The patients were classified as per the Echocardiographic study into four categories. Different laboratory parameters were compared in patients with respect to (a) grade of Hypertension (b), grade of anemia (c), HbA1c levels. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software v20. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare the means between different study groups.Results: Out of the 70 patients, a majority (47%) belonged to the Grade 2 (pseudo-normalized) group of diastolic dysfunctions with most of them having only dyspnea and pedal edema (33%). 58.6% patients required intensive care for at least one day. Regarding co-morbidities 27 (38.6%) had hypertension, 34 (48.6%) were diabetic and 49(70%) had anemia. Patients with higher grade of dysfunction had higher HbA1c (p=0.023) and worsening anemia (p=0.003).Conclusions: Authors concluded that it is of prime importance to find, prevent and treat the comorbidities along with targeted therapies for HFpEF. Further evaluation can be done for clinical applicability of different markers including HbA1c and U.ACR for renal dysfunction in HFpEF.

Effects of electroacupuncture pretreatment on cardiac function and immune inflammatory response in mice with acute myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on the cardiac ejection fraction (EF), the number of macrophages in spleen and heart, and the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in myocardium in mice with acute myocardial ischemia, and to explore the possible mechanism of EA pretreatment on promoting myocardial protection.@*METHODS@#A total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EA pretreatment group, 10 rats in each group. The acute myocardial ischemia model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery in the model group and EA pretreatment group, while threading but no ligating at left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery was applied in the control group. In the EA pretreatment group, mice were intervented with EA at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6), disperse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz, intensity of 2 mA; each EA treatment last for 20 min, once a day, and 3-day treatment was given before model establishment. The EF value was evaluated by ultrasonic cardiogram; the number of macrophages in spleen and heart was measured by flow cytometry; the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in myocardium was measured by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the EF value was decreased in the model group (<0.001), the number of macrophages in the heart and spleen was increased (<0.001), and the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the myocardium was increased (<0.001, <0.01). Compared with the model group, the EF value was increased in the EA pretreatment group (<0.01), the number of macrophages in the heart and spleen was decreased (<0.01), and the expression level of NLRP3 and IL-1β in the myocardium was decreased (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA pretreatment could reduce the number of macrophages in spleen and heart, down-regulate the expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β in myocardial tissue in mice with acute myocardial ischemia, which could relieve the local inflammatory response and achieve the myocardial protective effect.

Correlation between content of saikosaponin and expression of key enzyme genes in different parts of Bupleurum chinense / 中草药

Objective: To select reference genes suitable for the expression analysis of Bupleurum chinense, and analyze the relationship between the content of saikosaponin and the gene expression of key enzymes in different tissues of B. chinense. Methods The roots, stems, leaves and fruits of B. chinense were used as test materials, and five commonly used internal reference genes of Actin, α-tubublin, β-tubulin, Cyclophilin and EF-1α were selected as candidates by real-time quantitative PCR. Based on the selected internal reference gences, tissue expression pattern of ACAT, FPS, HMGR, IPPI, PMD, PMK, SE, SS, β-AS, UGT1, UGT3, UGT6, UGT8, UGT10, P450-7 and P450-12 genes in B. chinense was analyzed. The content of saikosaponin a, saikosaponin c and saikosaponin d were determined by HPLC, and correlation analysis was performed by SPSS. Results:The EF-1α gene with the best stability in the five candidate genes (EF-1α, Cyclophilin, Actin, β-tubulin, α-tubublin) was selected as the internal reference gene. The expression levels of 16 key enzymes in the roots of B. chinense were measured. The results showed that ACAT, PMK, IPPI, SS, SE, UGT1, UGT3, UGT6, and UGT8 were the highest in the aboveground parts, the levels of HMGR, β-AS, P450-7 and P450-12 were higher in the roots than those in the aboveground parts, but PMD, FPS and UGT10 were not significantly different in the tissues. The content of saponins in the root was much higher than that in the aerial parts (stem, leaf and fruit) by HPLC. The results of correlation analysis showed that 16 key enzyme genes in the upstream ACAT, HMGR, PMD, SE and so on were significantly correlated with downstream P450-7, P450-12, UGT3, UGT6 and UGT8 (P < 0.05). It showed that the key enzyme genes were closely related to each other and regulated the synthesis of saikosaponin in common. The correlation analysis between the 16 key enzyme genes and the content of saikosaponin showed: HMGR, P450-7, p450-12 and the total of three saponins were significantly positively correlated (P < 0.01), and β-AS was significantly correlated with the total content of three saponins (P < 0.05), and HMGR, P450-7, P450-12, and β-AS were significantly correlated with the monomer saponins a, c, d (P < 0.05). These four genes jointly regulated the synthesis of saikosaponin and had an important effect on the accumulation of saponin. Conclusion:The HMGR, β-AS, P450-7 and P450-12 genes in the saikosaponin synthesis pathway have a consistent distribution in saikosaponin synthesis and play an important role in the regulation of saponin synthesis.

Bioactive compounds; eggs; nutraceuticals; proteins

Traditional methods for soil remediation are often expensive and energy consuming and this has given rise to a new and ecologically safer method known as mycoremediation. A field experiment was carried out at the University of Ilorin Dam site to isolate and identify fungi present in organic amended plots which are capable of remediating heavy metal polluted soil of Asa River. Randomized Complete Block design in split plot arrangement was adopted using two treatments: Poultry Dropping (PD) and Abattoir Effluent (AE) at five levels i.e control, 1.3 t/ha, 2.6 t/ha, 1.3t/ha+NPK120KgN, 2.6t/ha+NPK120KgN for abattoir effluent, and poultry droppings at control, 10t/ha, 15t/ha, 10t/ha+NPK120KgN and 15t/ha+NPK120KgN having three (3) replicates. Soil samples collected before and after planting were analysed for heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd) using Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer. Result obtained showed thatorganic waste are effective in bioremediation of Asa River sediment with abattoir effluent having a reduction of 99.04% and poultry dropping 98.72% of heavy metal concentration in the soil which varied in the order of: Mn>Fe>Pb>Zn>Cu>Co>Ni>Cr>Cd. Result obtained also showed that eleven metal resistant Fungi were identified from abattoir effluent and poultry dropping amended plots i.e Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride,Fusarium solani, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichophyton verrusocum, Fusarium oxysporum, Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus ustus andMicrosporum nanum. Aspergillus niger was observedtohave the highest population (19% in poultry droppings and 19.6% in abattoir effluent).

Comparative Characterization of Four Calcium-Binding EF Hand Proteins from Opisthorchis viverrini

Four isoforms of calcium binding proteins containing 2 EF hand motifs and a dynein light chain-like domain in the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, namely OvCaBP1, 2, 3, and 4, were characterized. They had molecular weights of 22.7, 21.6, 23.7, and 22.5 kDa, respectively and showed 37.2–42.1% sequence identity to CaBP22.8 of O. viverrini. All were detected in 2- and 4-week-old immature and mature parasites. Additionally, OvCaBP4 was found in newly excysted juveniles. Polyclonal antibodies against each isoform were generated to detect the native proteins in parasite extracts by Western blot analysis. All OvCaBPs were detected in soluble and insoluble crude worm extracts and in the excretory-secretory product, at approximate sizes of 21–23 kDa. The ion-binding properties of the proteins were analyzed by mobility shift assays with the divalent cations Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²+. All OvCaBPs showed mobility shifts with Ca²⁺ and Zn²⁺. OvCaBP1 showed also positive results with Mg²⁺ and Cu²⁺. As tegumental proteins, OvCaBP1, 2, and 3 are interesting drug targets for the treatment of opisthorchiasis.

Function of Mycobacterium tuberculosis EF4 in response to stress / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the function of Mycobacterium tuberculosis EF4 protein in re-sponse to stress. Methods The plasmid pSMT-EF4 encoding Mycobacterium tuberculosis EF4 protein was transformed into Escherichia coli ( E. coli) BL21 to make it express EF4 protein. The successfully trans-formed E. coli BL21 strains were cultured under different stress conditions and the growth curves were recor-ded to study the function of EF4 protein in response to stress. Results In three media containing ampicil-lin, G418 and streptomycin respectively, the growth of E. coli BL21 expressing Mycobacterium tuberculosis EF4 protein was better than that of untransformed E. coli BL21, and significant differences were observed after culturing for 6 h, 9 h and 2 h, respectively. No significant difference in bacterial growth was found be-tween experimental and control groups cultured under the condition of H2 O2-containing medium, pH3, 20℃or 45℃. Conclusion E. coli BL21 overexpressing Mycobacterium tuberculosis EF4 protein showed certain resistance to antibiotics. Mycobacterium tuberculosis EF4 protein was not directly involved in responses to oxi-dative, acidic and temperature stresses.

New Report of Three Unrecorded Species in Trichoderma harzianum Species Complex in Korea

The genus Trichoderma (Hypocreaceae, Ascomycota) consists of globally distributed fungi. Among them, T. harzianum, one of the most commonly collected Trichoderma species, had been known as a polyphyletic or aggregate species. However, a total of 19 species were determined from the polyphyletic groups of T. harzianum. Thus, we explored Korean “T. harzianum” specimens that were collected in 2013–2014. These specimens were re-examined based on a recent study with translate elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1α) sequences to reveal cryptic Trichoderma species in Korea. As a result, four different species, T. afroharzianum, T. atrobruneum, T. pyramidale, and T. harzianum, were identified. Except T. harzianum, the other three species have not been reported in Korea. In this work, we describe these species and provide figures.