[The Japanese emperors' view of epidemic and medical relief in the 8th-10th centuries].

At the end of the 7th century, Chinese medicine was widely spread in the upper class of Japanese society, and Japanese emperors developed a medical based view on epidemics. At the beginning of the 8th century, emperors determined to reform by imitated the Tang to build a state ruled by law.They determine the way of TCM to relieve the epidemic in the form of legislation, and used medical measures in outbreaks on many occasions.However, with the spread of smallpox and other epidemics during the Tenpei year, Japan's backward medical level and poor medical resources were unable to cope with the epidemic, and the emperors turned to the epidemic as calamity. From the late 8th century to the end of 10th century, Japanese emperors responded with Buddhist, Shinto, and Confucian measures. Medical relief gradually became obsolete at the national level. But at the individual level of the emperors, they attached great importance to the use of Chinese medicine for epidemic prevention and treatment, in the mid to late 9th century, medical prevention measures were established in the court through legal means.

[Clinical observation of Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure].

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in acute left heart failure patients 7 days after onset as well as the effects of plasma MDA and ET-1. Methods: In total, 240 hospitalized patients with acute left heart failure from October 2017 to May 2021 were selected from the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Center of Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University and the Department of Cardiology of the Jilin Provincial People's Hospital. They were randomly divided into routine treatment group and combined treatment group, with 120 cases in each group. The routine treatment group was treated with vasodilation, diuresis, cardiotonic and recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide. The combined treatment group was treated with Qiliqiangxin capsules based on the routine treatment group. One week later, the changes in clinical efficacy, ejection fraction, left ventricular commoid diameter, and plasma BNP, MDA, and ET-1 were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. SPSS 11.5 statistical software was used. The measurement data was expressed in x¯±s, the independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups, and the paired t-test was used for comparison before and after treatment within groups. Counting data was expressed as case (%), and the rank sum test was used for inter-group comparison. Result: In terms of clinical efficacy, the total effective rate of the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of the conventional treatment group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the routine treatment group, the left ventricular ejection fraction in the combined treatment group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The levels of plasma BNP, MDA and ET-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with rhBNP treatment can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of acute heart failure, as well as reduce the lipid peroxidation product MDA content and endothetin ET-1 level in blood. The clinical application value of the Qiliqiangxin capsule needs to be further confirmed by further trials.

Incidence and risk factors associated with progression to mild cognitive impairment among middle aged and older adults.

OBJECTIVE: We performed this longitudinal 2-year follow-up study to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with MCI in middle-aged and older adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This community-based longitudinal study was conducted in adults aged ≥ 50 years with normal cognitive function in Shanghai community, China, over a period of two years. Information about the socio-demographic, behavioral, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters was obtained at the baseline and cognitive function was assessed at the end of the follow-up period using the Montreal cognitive assessment tool. RESULTS: A total of 985 participants aged ≥ 50 years were included in the analysis. Incidence of MCI during the 2-year follow-up period among the study participants was 26.7% (95% CI: 24.0%-29.6%). Participants with lower level of education [primary - adjusted RR=2.79 (95% CI: 1.38-5.64 and secondary - adjusted RR=1.62 (95% CI: 1.17-2.24)], with history of cerebral infarction (adjusted RR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.05-2.12), history of cerebral hemorrhage (adjusted RR=3.20; 95% CI: 1.22-8.40) were found to have significantly higher risk of MCI. Regular tea consumption was associated with significantly reduced risk of MCI development (adjusted RR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.49-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that one in four participants developed MCI during the 2-year follow-up period. Lower educational level, history of cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage and tea consumption were significant determinants of MCI incidence. The target groups identified in this study should be closely monitored with regular follow-up investigations for early diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.

[Exploring Japanese Kampo medicine in fighting epidemics: discovering and popularising croton and satou as 'specific drugs' to treat cholera].

Japanese Kampo medicine (medicine with Han Fang) was found effective to treat some epidemic diseases.Historical records show that Namikawa Saimin, a Kampo medicine (Han Fang Medicine) practitioner during the cholera pandemic in the period of Ansei in Japan (1858-1860), discovered that the treatment effect of croton fruit against cholera was remarkable. Another physician in Naniwa also found that satou (Zhǎ Dá, visceral stones of animals and livestock) had the same effect in treating cholera. Subsequently, Wani Tadatane, an official physician in Komatsu Han of Iyo Province, learned about Namikawa Saimin and the use of croton fruit, and a medical officer in Kohofu, Masugi Fuminori, also heard of the story of the physician from Naniwa. Wani Tadatane and Masugi Fuminori verified the effect of croton fruit and satou on cholera treatment respectively. They regarded these two medical materials as the 'specific drugs' for cholera treatment by drawing on the interpretation and understanding of traditional Chinese medicine in terms of the efficacy of these two drugs. In this sense, croton fruit as a 'specific drug' for cholera treatment was widely accepted in the Kampo medical field (Han medicine area in Japan). The development of the use of satou by Masugi Fuminori could not be traced back because of the lack of historical records.

A review on the Role of Oral Nutritional Supplements in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Due to the high smoking rate in developing countries and the rising aging population in high-income countries, the global prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), estimated to be 11.7%, is increasing and is the third-leading cause of mortality. COPD is likely to be present in elderly individuals with impaired gastro-enteric functions. Gastrointestinal congestion, dyspnea, and anxiety are pathophysiological characteristics of COPD, contributing to poor appetite, reduced dietary intake, and high-energy expenditure. These factors are implicated in the progression of malnutrition in COPD patients. Malnutrition is detrimental to lung functions and is associated with an increased risk of infection, exacerbation and mortality, and a longer duration of hospitalization. Therefore, nutritional support to treat malnutrition in COPD patients is very vital. Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) may hold the key to COPD treatment. To clarify this statement, we review current evidence for ONS in COPD patients to benefit from clinical outcomes.

Effects of honeycomb extract on the growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, antioxidant function and intestinal microorganisms of yellow bantam broilers.

Although many studies have already described the physiological effects of bee products, such as honey, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly, on livestock farming, the health benefits of the honeycomb are still not fully understood. The problem of drug residues and bacterial resistance caused by the abuse of antibiotics is becoming increasingly serious. For this reason, a safe, green substitute has to be sought. We conducted a comparative study of honeycomb extract (HE) and an antibiotic on growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, antioxidant function and intestinal microorganisms of yellow bantam broilers. A total of four hundred eighty 21-day-old female yellow bantam broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 replicates of 16 birds each. The 5 groups were as follows, with birds receiving a basal diet supplemented with 150 ppm (mg/kg) of chlortetracycline (CTE), a basal diet without HE (control group), and a basal diet with 0.1%, 0.15%, or 0.2% HE for 60 days. The results showed that HE addition significantly increased average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), decrease feed gain ratio (F/G) from 21 to 80 and 51 to 80 days of age compared to the control group, with all 3 HE addition groups having statistically identical values to the antibiotic group. HE implementation dramatically increased spleen index, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM,), glutathione peroxide (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and total cecum bacteria and Lactobacillus compared to the control group, numerically at the same level as, or even better than, the antibiotic group. HE and CTE both markly reduced serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to the control group, with higher concentrations of HE reducing the effect more dramatically than antibiotics. Both HE and CTE significantly raised dressed yield compared to the control group. In summary, HE, as a potential antibiotic alternative, improved growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, serum antioxidant capacity and intestinal microorganisms in yellow bantam broilers. According to the cubic regression analyses, the recommended supplemental dose of HE was calculated to be 0.15 to 0.17% for female yellow bantam broilers between 21 and 80 d of age.

Effects of phenylpyruvate on the growth performance and intestinal microbiota in broiler chicken.

1. The purpose of this study was to see how dietary supplementation with phenylpyruvate affected broiler growth, slaughter performance, gut health microbiota and immunity. This information can be used to develop alternative approaches to antibiotic replacement in modern poultry production and health.2. A total of 288, one-day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned to one of four groups (six replicates each replicate has 12 chickens). A control basal diet (NC), basal diet plus antibiotic virginiamycin 15ppm (PC), basal diet plus phenylpyruvate 1 kg/t or 2 kg/t, respectively (LCP and HCP).3. Results showed that the birds in the PC group had higher ADFI during the first 21 d, and better FCR than the NC group. The HCP-fed group had a higher all-eviscerated ratio than the NC group and less abdominal fat than the birds fed LCP. The birds fed HCP had increased villus length and crypt depth in the ileum compared to the NC group.4. The bursa index was lower in the HCP group whereas the thymus index was lower in LCP and PC groups. In contrast, birds fed HCP has lower pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1, as well as lower TLR4. Phenylpyruvate improved number in the Selenomonadaceae, genus Megamonas bacteroides spp., which are known for their beneficial effects on the maintenance of the cell surface structure, regulating aromatic amino acids and Clostridia jejuni-suppressive treatment respectively.5. It was concluded that phenylpyruvate can be utilised in feed to improve growth performance and positively modulate gut microbiota. However, this was less efficient than antibiotics in improving growth performance, although more efficient in improving productive performance and gut morphology. Moreover, a high dose of phenylpyruvate is more effective than a low dose.

[Protective effect of vitamin D in mice with acute liver failure].

Objective: To explore the protective effect of vitamin D in acute liver failure through a mouse model. Methods: Acute liver failure was induced by combining D-galactosamine (D-GalN) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to observe the effect of long-term vitamin D deficiency on liver injury and inflammatory signals in a mouse model. Acute liver failure was induced by thioacetamide (TAA) to observe the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the survival rate, and further high-dose of vitamin D supplementation protective effect was determined in a mouse model. Liver function was evaluated by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and liver inflammation by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1ß, NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP-3), chemokines (CCL2, CXCL1 and CXCL2), etc. in liver tissues were detected by RT-qPCR. The quantitation of macrophages in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The comparison between groups were performed by t-test. The survival curve was analyzed by log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. Results: Long-term vitamin D deficiency had increased acute liver failure sensitivity in mice, which was manifested by increased blood cell extravasation, massive necrosis of parenchymal cells, up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NLRP-3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), and increased macrophages quantitation (P < 0.05) in liver tissues. At the same time, vitamin D deficiency had increased the mice mortality rate because of liver injury (P < 0.01). On the contrary, pre-administration of high dose of vitamin D (100 IU/g) had significantly reduced liver injury, inhibited ALT and AST rise (P < 0.01), alleviated liver necrosis, and down-regulated the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in liver tissues (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Mouse model shows that long-term vitamin D deficiency can aggravate drug-induced acute liver failure and reduce survival rates. Furthermore, high-dose of vitamin D has a certain hepatoprotective effect, which can significantly improve liver necrosis condition and inhibit inflammation. Therefore, adequate vitamin D can retain liver physiological balance to resist liver injury.

Effects of dietary chromium propionate on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant status of laying ducks under heat stress.

Recent studies have shown that chromium (Cr) could alleviate the negative effects of heat stress on livestock and poultry, but there is little information available to laying ducks. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary addition of chromium propionate on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant status of laying ducks under hot (average 32 °C) and humid (average 75% relative humidity) summer conditions. A total of 900 66-week-old weight- and laying-matched Shanma laying ducks were randomly divided into five treatments, each with 6 replicates of 30 individually caged birds. The birds were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with either 200, 400, 600, or 800 µg/kg Cr as chromium propionate. All laying ducks were given feed and water ad libitum for 5 weeks. The results showed that dietary supplementation with chromium propionate significantly increased the laying rate and yolk colour score (P < 0.05). Treatment with 400 µg/kg Cr as chromium propionate significantly decreased the feed/egg ratio by 5.4% (P < 0.05). Increased supplemental Cr from 0 to 800 µg/kg resulted in an increase in albumen height and the Haugh unit linearly (P < 0.05). Increased supplemental Cr decreased serum cortisol (P < 0.001, linear; P = 0.008, quadratic), heat shock protein-70 (P < 0.001, linear; P = 0.007, quadratic) and glucose (P = 0.007, linear), whereas it increased serum insulin (P = 0.011, Linear), total protein (P = 0.006, linear; P = 0.048, quadratic) and albumin (P = 0.035, linear; P = 0.088, quadratic). Dietary Cr levels increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, the total antioxidant capacity linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05). A linear and quadratic (P < 0.05) decrease of the malondialdehyde concentrations in response to dietary Cr level was observed. These results indicated that dietary supplementation of Cr as chromium propionate, particularly at 800 µg/kg could beneficially affect the laying rate, egg quality and antioxidant function, as well as modulate the blood biochemical parameters of laying ducks under heat stress conditions.

Coronavirus disease 2019: a clinical review.

In December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in Wuhan, China, and it subsequently spread in many countries around the world. Many efforts have been applied to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19, and many scientific studies have been conducted in a short period of time. Here we present an overview of the viral structure, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and clinical features of COVID-19 based on the current state of knowledge, and we compare its clinical characteristics with SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Current researches on potentially effective treatment alternatives are discussed. We hope this review can help medical workers and researchers around the world contain the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Utilizing integrating network pharmacological approaches to investigate the potential mechanism of Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction in treating COVID-19.

Beginning in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), due to 2019-nCoV infection, emerged in Wuhan and spread rapidly throughout China and even worldwide. Employing combined therapy of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine has been proposed, in which Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction (MXSGD) was recommended as a basic prescription and applied widely in the clinical treatment of COVID-19. We investigated the underlying mechanism of MXSGD in treating COVID-19 utilizing the approaches of integrating network pharmacology. A total of 97 active ingredients of MXSGD were screened out, and 169 targets were predicted. The protein-protein interaction network exhibited hub targets of MXSGD, such as Heat shock protein 90, RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, Transcription factor AP-1, Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, Cellular tumor antigen p53, Vascular endothelial growth factor A, and Tumour necrosis factor. Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the biological processes altered within the body after taking MXSGD were closely related to the regulation of such processes as the acute inflammatory response, chemokine production, vascular permeability, response to oxygen radicals, oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, T cell differentiation involved in the immune response, immunoglobulin secretion, and extracellular matrix disassembly. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the targets of MXSGD were significantly enriched in inflammation-related pathways, immunomodulation-related pathways, and viral infection-related pathways. The therapeutic mechanisms of MXSGD on COVID-19 may primarily involve the following effects: reducing inflammation, suppressing cytokine storm, protecting the pulmonary alveolar-capillary barrier, alleviating pulmonary edema, regulating the immune response, and decreasing fever.

[Zhu Yilin and his medical works].

Zhaixinglou Zhidou Quanshu (, Encyclopedia of Smallpox from the Star-Picking Pavilion) is considered as the epitome of theory and the experience collected of the doctors treating smallpox in Ming dynasty. There exists some mistakes and lack of detailed introductions about it and its author Zhu Yilin in some bibliographies. Zhu's style name is"Jixiang", and"Yingwo"is his art name. His most active time was during the reigns of Wanli and Chongzhen emperors. He learned medicine because of his illness and became good at treating smallpox. After failing to pass the Imperial examinations, he focused on practicing medicine. Zhu Yilin's printed medical works include Douyan Qulu Ji, Lundou Youxi Pian, Zhidou Dachengji (, Collections of Treating Smallpox), and his medical records. There are the preface of 1st Year of Tianqi Reign wood-block edition, and 2 copied manuscripts, one in Japan and the other in Taiwan. Zhu's descendant Zhu Fa and Zhu Cun collected his works above and compiled as one book, renamed its name to Zhaixinglou Zhidou Quanshu during Qianlong and Daoguang Reign and printed it in 1826, which is called the Daoguang Gengletang edition. Some reference books and textbooks mistake it as compiled in 1619, printed in 1743 or 1765. In addition, Fu Zhichao Zhongdouxinfa (, Supplemented Extracts of Variolation Methods) in Zhaixinglou Zhidou Quanshu was mainly based on Youke Zhongdou Xinfa Yaozhi (, Pediatric Variolation Essentials), and extracted many books like Douzhen Dinglun (, Verdict on Smallpox).

[Foreign members and their researches on Chinese medical history in early Chinese Society of Medical History].

Foreign members of Chinese Society of Medical History were more than one-third in Republic of China. But they have not gotten enough attention. This paper introduces their life, and researches on history of medicine of 13 foreign members, includes B. E. Read, Edward.H.Hume, L. S. Huizenga, W. W.Cadbury, H. G.Earle, Frederick Reiss, Maxwell, J.L, W. R.Morse, C. N. Frazier, T. C.Greene, Franz Hübotter, L. G.Kilborn, H. E.Sigerist. Their researches on Chinese medical history played an important role in the western society knowing about traditional Chinese medicine and its medical culture.

Protein-rich extract of Musca domestica larvae alleviated metabolic disorder in STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rat model via hepatoprotective and pancreatic ß-cell protective activities.

The study was designed to explore the beneficial effect of Musca domestica larvae extract (MDLE) on a metabolic disorder using a diabetic rat model. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with or without MDLE. Blood glucose, insulin levels, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress markers were measured. The morphological changes in the pancreas and liver were determined, as well as insulin expression. The expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/total AMPK, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) were detected. Compared with untreated diabetic rats, MDLEtreated rats had decreased urine volume, food intake, and water intake, along with significantly lower levels of blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol. MDLEtreated rats also had higher levels of SOD activity, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and insulin. MDLE treatment partially restored the ß-cell population, improved the liver necrosis and islet cell damage, reversed the decreased expression of GLUT4, phospho-AMPK, SOD1, and CAT in the liver, skeletal muscle and pancreatic tissue, and also increased the expression of PPARγ in the liver and adipose tissue in diabetic rats. In conclusion, the obtained results suggest that MDLE could possibly be used pharmacologically as an adjuvant for the treatment of diabetes.

Gene-based GWAS analysis for consecutive studies of GEFOS.

By integrating the multilevel biological evidence and bioinformatics analyses, the present study represents a systemic endeavor to identify BMD-associated genes and their roles in skeletal metabolism. INTRODUCTION: Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have already identified about 100 loci associated with bone mineral density (BMD), but these loci only explain a small proportion of heritability to osteoporosis risk. In the present study, we performed a gene-based analysis of the largest GWASs in the bone field to identify additional BMD-associated genes. METHODS: BMD-associated genes were identified by combining the summary statistic P values of SNPs across individual genes in the two consecutive meta-analyses of GWASs from the Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis (GEFOS) studies. The potential functionality of these genes to bone was partially assessed by differential gene expression analysis. Additionally, the consistency of the identification of potential bone mineral density (BMD)-associated variants were evaluated by estimating the correlation of the P values of the same single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)/genes between the two consecutive Genetic Factors for Osteoporosis Studies (GEFOS) with largely overlapping samples. RESULTS: Compared to the SNP-based analysis, the gene-based strategy identified additional BMD-associated genes with genome-wide significance and increased their mutual replication between the two GEFOS datasets. Among these BMD-associated genes, three novel genes (UBTF, AAAS, and C11orf58) were partially validated at the gene expression level. The correlation analysis presented a moderately high between-study consistency of potential BMD-associated variants. CONCLUSIONS: Gene-based analysis as a supplementary strategy to SNP-based genome-wide association studies, when applied here, is shown that it helped identify some novel BMD-associated genes. In addition to its empirically increased statistical power, gene-based analysis also provides a higher testing stability for identification of BMD genes.

Intra-articular injection of microRNA-140 (miRNA-140) alleviates osteoarthritis (OA) progression by modulating extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Disruptions of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis are key events in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). MicroRNA-140 (miRNA-140) is expressed specifically in cartilage and regulates ECM-degrading enzymes. Our objective in this study was to determine if intra-articular injection of miRNA-140 can attenuate OA progression in rats. DESIGN: miRNA-140 levels in human normal and OA cartilage derived chondrocytes and synovial fluid were assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After primary human chondrocytes were transfected with miRNA-140 mimic or inhibitor, PCR and western blotting were performed to quantify Collagen II, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-5 expression. An OA model was induced surgically in rats, and subsequently treated with one single intra-articular injection of miRNA-140 agomir. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery, OA progression were evaluated macroscopically, histologically, and immunohistochemically in these rats. RESULTS: miRNA-140 levels were significantly reduced in human OA cartilage derived chondrocytes and synovial fluid compared with normal chondrocytes and synovial fluid. Overexpressing miRNA-140 in primary human chondrocytes promoted Collagen II expression and inhibited MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 expression. miRNA-140 levels in rat cartilage were significantly higher in the miRNA-140 agomir group than in the control group. Moreover, behavioural scores, chondrocyte numbers, cartilage thickness and Collagen II expression levels in cartilage were significantly higher, while pathological scores and MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5 expression levels were significantly lower in the miRNA-140 agomir group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular injection of miRNA-140 can alleviate OA progression by modulating ECM homeostasis in rats, and may have potential as a new therapy for OA.

Electroacupuncture ameliorates spatial learning and memory impairment via attenuating NOX2-related oxidative stress in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by Aß1-42.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive deterioration of cognition and memory, in which oxidative stress has been played a crucial role in the pathology of AD. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a widely used therapy based on traditional acupuncture combined with modern electrotherapy in Asia. The present study aimed to determine the effects of EA treatment on spatial learning and memory impairment, and to elucidate the status of NOX2-related oxidative stress in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by Beta-amyloid1-42 (Aß1-42). Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, sham+EA, AD and AD+EA. The rats in Sham+EA and AD+EA groups were respectively administrated EA treatment at Baihui and yongquan acupoints, once a day for 30 min, lasting for 28 days. The spatial learning and memory functions were assessed by Morris water maze (MWM) test. The activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) were evaluated. Moreover, the neuronal injury was detected by Nissl staining. Meanwhile, the NeuN expression was examined in the hippocampus, the expression levels of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase2(NOX2) was detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The results showed that EA treatment significantly improved spatial learning and memory impairment in rats induced by Aß1-42. Concomitantly, EA treatment markedly restored T-AOC and attenuated the abnormal increase in levels of ROS, MDA and 8-OH-dG in the hippocampus of the AD rats. More notably, EA treatment also effectively ameliorated neuronal injury and counteracted the aberrant increase of NOX2 levels in the hippocampus of AD rats. Our findings suggested that EA is a potential strategy for the treatment of AD, and the possible mechanism is associated with the alleviation of neuronal injury and inhibition of NOX2-related oxidative stress.

Vitamin D nutritional status and the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. CVD has a significant impact on health care systems worldwide and over 23 million individuals are expected to succumb to the disease by 2030. Early onset of atherosclerosis in childhood along with other risk factors of CVD, including elevated circulating lipids, have been shown to persist in adulthood and lead to CVD. Vitamin D deficiency is considered a risk factor for the pathogenesis of CVD, with childhood nutritional status of vitamin D being an important determinant of the development of CVD. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D can arise due to reduced intake as well as geographical location, and other diseases/conditions such as chronic kidney disease and obesity. Childhood vitamin D deficiency can progress and lead to atherosclerosis and other CVDs in adulthood. Early intervention with vitamin D supplementation is an ideal approach towards preventive therapy. However, there is no clear consensus regarding the role of vitamin D in childhood CVD. In the present study, we reviewed the available evidence in favor of and against such a role for this vitamin.

Risk factors for pulmonary hypertension in patients receiving maintenance peritoneal dialysis

We investigated the risk factors for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients receiving maintenance peritoneal dialysis (MPD). A group of 180 end-stage renal disease patients (124 men and 56 women; mean age: 56.43±8.36) were enrolled in our study, which was conducted between January 2009 and June 2014. All of the patients received MPD treatment in the Dialysis Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Clinical data, laboratory indices, and echocardiographic data from these patients were collected, and follow-ups were scheduled bi-monthly. The incidence and relevant risk factors of PH were analyzed. The differences in measurement data were compared by t-test and enumeration data were compared with the χ2 test. Among the 180 patients receiving MPD, 60 were diagnosed with PH. The remaining 120 were regarded as the non-PH group. Significant differences were observed in the clinical data, laboratory indices, and echocardiographic data between the PH and non-PH patients (all P<0.05). Furthermore, hypertensive nephropathy patients on MPD showed a significantly higher incidence of PH compared with non-hypertensive nephropathy patients (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the proportion of internal arteriovenous fistula, C-reactive protein levels, and ejection fraction were the highest risk factors for PH in patients receiving MPD. Our study shows that there is a high incidence of PH in patients receiving MPD and hypertensive nephropathy patients have an increased susceptibility to PH.

Risk factors for pulmonary hypertension in patients receiving maintenance peritoneal dialysis.

We investigated the risk factors for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients receiving maintenance peritoneal dialysis (MPD). A group of 180 end-stage renal disease patients (124 men and 56 women; mean age: 56.43±8.36) were enrolled in our study, which was conducted between January 2009 and June 2014. All of the patients received MPD treatment in the Dialysis Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Clinical data, laboratory indices, and echocardiographic data from these patients were collected, and follow-ups were scheduled bi-monthly. The incidence and relevant risk factors of PH were analyzed. The differences in measurement data were compared by t-test and enumeration data were compared with the χ2 test. Among the 180 patients receiving MPD, 60 were diagnosed with PH. The remaining 120 were regarded as the non-PH group. Significant differences were observed in the clinical data, laboratory indices, and echocardiographic data between the PH and non-PH patients (all P<0.05). Furthermore, hypertensive nephropathy patients on MPD showed a significantly higher incidence of PH compared with non-hypertensive nephropathy patients (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the proportion of internal arteriovenous fistula, C-reactive protein levels, and ejection fraction were the highest risk factors for PH in patients receiving MPD. Our study shows that there is a high incidence of PH in patients receiving MPD and hypertensive nephropathy patients have an increased susceptibility to PH.