Phylogenetic analysis of combined mitochondrial genome and 32 nuclear genes provides key insights into molecular systematics and historical biogeography of Asian warty newts of the genus Paramesotriton (Caudata: Salamandridae).

The Paramesotriton Chang, 1935 genus of Asian warty newts is the second most diverse genus in the family Salamandridae, currently containing 14 recognized species from northern Vietnam to southwest-central and southern China. Although species of this genus have been included in previous phylogenetic studies, the origin and interspecific relationships of the genus are still not fully resolved, especially at key nodes in the phylogeny. In this study, we sequenced mitochondrial genomes and 32 nuclear genes from 27 samples belonging to 14 species to reconstruct the interspecific phylogenetic relationships within Paramesotriton and explore its historical biogeography in southern China. Both Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood analyses highly supported the monophyly of Paramesotriton and its two recognized species groups ( P. caudopunctatus and P. chinensis groups) and further identified five hypothetical phylogenetic cryptic species. Biogeographic analyses indicated that Paramesotriton originated in southwestern China (Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau/South China) during the late Oligocene. The time of origin of Paramesotriton corresponded to the second uplift of the Himalayan/Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau (QTP), rapid lateral extrusion of Indochina, and formation of karst landscapes in southwestern China. Principal component analysis (PCA), independent sample t-tests, and niche differentiation using bioclimatic variables based on locations of occurrence suggested that Paramesotriton habitat conditions in the three current regions (West, South, and East) differ significantly, with different levels of climatic niche differentiation. Species distribution model (SDM) predictions indicated that the most suitable distribution areas for the P. caudopunctatus and P. chinensis species groups are western and southern/eastern areas of southern China. This study increases our knowledge of the taxonomy, biodiversity, origin, and suitable distribution areas of the genus Paramesotriton based on phylogenetic, biogeographic, and species distribution models.

Description of a new species of the genus Uropsilus (Eulipotyphla: Talpidae: Uropsilinae) from the Dabie Mountains, Anhui, Eastern China.

During a terrestrial vertebrate survey of the Dabie Mountains in Anhui Province, eastern China, we collected four Asian shrew mole specimens (hereafter, shrew moles). Based on published literature and comparison with previously collected materials, the four specimens were similar to shrew moles from the mountains of Southwest China; however, no species in this group has been previously recorded from the Dabie Mountains. The genetic and morphological characteristics of the specimens were analyzed, based upon which a new species of shrew mole is described, named Uropsilus dabieshanensis sp. nov.

Molecular and morphological evidence for a new species of the genus Typhlomys (Rodentia: Platacanthomyidae).

In this study, we reassessed the taxonomic position of Typhlomys (Rodentia: Platacanthomyidae) from Huangshan, Anhui, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Results suggested that Typhlomys is comprised of up to six species, including four currently recognized species ( Typhlomys cinereus, T. chapensis, T. daloushanensis, and T. nanus), one unconfirmed candidate species, and one new species ( Typhlomys huangshanensis sp. nov.). Morphological analyses further supported the designation of the Huangshan specimens found at mid-elevations in the southern Huangshan Mountains (600 m to 1 200 m a.s.l.) as a new species.

Impact of sympatric carnivores on den selection of wild giant pandas.

Interspecific killing is a primary reason for the low survival rates of some animal species. The giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an altricial eutherian mammal and thus, in comparison to other infants, panda cubs are highly vulnerable, which may significantly influence the selection of breeding sites by females. Here, we used infrared camera traps to monitor giant panda dens for 5.5 years in Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR) to determine how interspecific factors affect den selection by wild female pandas. Results indicated that Asian black bears ( Ursus thibetanus), yellow-throated martens ( Martes flavigula), leopard cats ( Prionailurus bengalensis), and masked palm civets ( Paguma larvata) visited the dens frequently, and the presence of these species negatively influenced den selection by female pandas. Interestingly, the presence of rodents and terrestrial birds appeared to indicate den safety, and female giant pandas were not averse and even preferred dens with a high abundance index of rodents and terrestrial birds. The den suitability index (DSI) was a reliable tool for evaluating whether dens were suitable for female giant pandas to give birth to and rear cubs, with preference for dens with high DSI values. This study increases our understanding of the den selection criteria of female giant pandas and the main threats to the survival of their cubs, thus providing important guidance for the conservation and management of this species.

Grade 3 Echocardiographic Diastolic Dysfunction Is Associated With Increased Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction is common and may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. This study investigated the hypothesis that, in patients with isolated left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, higher grade diastolic dysfunction was associated with greater risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Data of adult patients with isolated echocardiographic diastolic dysfunction (ejection fraction, ≥50%) who underwent noncardiac surgery from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 were collected. The primary end point was the occurrence of postoperative MACEs during hospital stay, which included acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, nonfatal cardiac arrest, and cardiac death. The association between the grade of diastolic dysfunction and the occurrence of MACEs was assessed with a multivariable logistic model. RESULTS: A total of 2976 patients were included in the final analysis. Of these, 297 (10.0%) developed MACEs after surgery. After correction for confounding factors, grade 3 diastolic dysfunction was associated with higher risk of postoperative MACEs (odds ratio, 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-2.27; P < .001) when compared with grades 1 and 2. Patients with grade 3 diastolic dysfunction developed more non-MACE complications when compared with grades 1 and 2 (uncorrected odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.95; P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction undergoing noncardiac surgery, 10.0% develop MACEs during hospital stay after surgery; grade 3 diastolic dysfunction is associated with greater risk of MACEs.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for Rhododendron shanii (Ericaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: We developed microsatellite primers for Rhododendron shanii (Ericaceae), a narrowly distributed species found in the Dabie Mountains, China, to study the genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary history of the species. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two terminal sequencing modes of the Illumina HiSeq platform were used to mine simple sequence repeat markers from large-scale transcriptional groups. In this study, 24 microsatellite loci were screened. The number of alleles ranged from one to 20, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and 0.000 to 0.918, respectively. Most of these primers were successfully amplified in eight congeneric species (R. annae, R. chihsinianum, R. decorum, R. denudatum, R. fortunei, R. neriiflorum, R. rex, and R. simiarum). CONCLUSIONS: These newly developed microsatellite loci will be useful for studying the genetic diversity and population structure of R. shanii and congeneric species.

Long-term sky islands generate highly divergent lineages of a narrowly distributed stream salamander (Pachyhynobius shangchengensis) in mid-latitude mountains of East Asia.

BACKGROUND: Climate oscillation may have a profound effect on species distributions, gene flow patterns and population demography. In response to environmental change, those species restricted to montane habitats experienced expansions and contractions along elevation gradients, which can drive differentiation among sky islands. RESULTS: The Shangcheng stout salamander (Pachyhynobius shangchengensis) is a cool stream amphibian restricted to high-elevation areas in the Dabie Mountains, East China. In the present study, we used mtDNA genes (Cyt b and ND2) of 193 individuals and 12 nuclear microsatellite loci genotyped on 370 individuals, representing 6 populations (JTX, KHJ, MW, TTZ, BYM and KJY) across the taxon's distribution area, to investigate their genetic variation and evolutionary history of P. shangchengensis. Most populations showed unusually high levels of genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analyses revealed five monophyletic clades with divergence times ranging from 3.96 to 1.4 Mya. Accordingly, significant genetic differentiation was present between these populations. Bayesian skyline plot analyses provided that all populations underwent long-term population expansions since the last inter-glacial (0.13 Mya ~ 0.12 Mya). Msvar analyses found recent signals of population decline for two northern populations (JTX and KHJ) reflecting a strong bottleneck (approximately 15-fold decrease) during the mid-Holocene (about 6000 years ago). Ecological niche modelling has shown a discontinuity in suitable habitats for P. shangchengensis under different historical climatic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the niche conservatism of P. shangchengensis and sky island effects may have led to long-term isolation between populations. In sky island refuges, the mid-latitude Dabie Mountains have provided a long-term stable environment for P. shangchengensis, which has led to the accumulation of genetic diversity and has promoted genetic divergence.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for Prunus mongolica (Rosaceae).

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite primers were developed in Prunus mongolica (Rosaceae), a relict flora endemic in arid areas of the Asian interior, to investigate the genetic diversity, phylogeography, population structure, and history of the species. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-one microsatellite loci, including di-, tri-, and tetranucelotide repeats, were identified using transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic screening. The number of alleles ranged from seven to 11 and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.545 to 1.000 and 0.600 to 0.989, respectively. Most of the primers also amplified in a group of congeneric species (P. triloba, P. davidiana, P. persica, P. cerasifera, and P. serrulata). CONCLUSIONS: This set of microsatellite loci is useful for studying the genetic diversity of P. mongolica. In addition, they can also be used to investigate the population structure, phylogeography, and landscape genetic patterns of congeneric species.

3-Bromopyruvate inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in CD133+ population in human glioma.

The study was aimed to investigate the role of 3-bromopyruvate in inhibition of CD133+ U87 human glioma cell population growth. The results demonstrated that 3-bromopyruvate inhibited the viability of both CD133+ and parental cells derived from U87 human glioma cell line. However, the 3-bromopyruvate-induced inhibition in viability was more prominent in CD133+ cells at 10 µM concentration after 48 h. Treatment of CD133+ cells with 3-bromopyruvate caused reduction in cell population and cell size, membrane bubbling, and degradation of cell membranes. Hoechst 33258 staining showed condensation of chromatin material and fragmentation of DNA in treated CD133+ cells after 48 h. 3-Bromopyruvate inhibited the migration rate of CD133+ cells significantly compared to the parental cells. Flow cytometry revealed that exposure of CD133+ cells to 3-bromopyruvate increased the cell population in S phase from 24.5 to 37.9 % with increase in time from 12 to 48 h. In addition, 3-bromopyruvate significantly enhanced the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 in CD133+ cells compared to the parental cells. Therefore, 3-bromopyruvate is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of glioma by targeting stem cells selectively.

[Speckle tracking analysis of left atrial phasic function in patients with hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To assess left atrial (LA) phasic function in hypertension (HT) and to evaluate its relationship with left ventricular diastolic function. METHODS: Cross-sectional data of 738 population (149 non-HT as control, and 589 HT were further grouped into normal left ventricular diastolic function, mild diastolic dysfunction and moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction sub-groups) in an urban community of Beijing were used. LA global longitudinal strain in late diastole (Sa), early diastole (Se), and total strain (Stot = Sa+ Se), strain rate in late diastole (SRa), systole (SRs), and early diastole (SRe) were measured using off-line speckle-tracking echocardiography analyzing software, and were compared between non-HT and HT groups, and among HT sub-groups. RESULTS: LA reservoir [Stot: 22.7% ± 5.9% vs. 21.0% ± 5.8%, P = 0.002; SRs: (1.1 ± 0.3)/s vs. (1.0 ± 0.3)/s, P = 0.033] and conduit [Se: 11.1% ± 4.8% vs. 9.6% ± 4.2%, P = 0.001; SRe: (1.0 ± 0.4)/s vs. (0.9 ± 0.3)/s, P < 0.001] indexes were reduced significantly in HT, while contraction (Sa & SRa) indexes were similar to those of non-HT. CONCLUSION: LA reservoir and conduit functions are impaired in HT and deteriorate with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. LA contraction is preserved in HT with normal and mild diastolic dysfunction while impaired in moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction.

[Correlation between anthropometric parameters and arteriosclerosis biomarker in the middle-aged and the elderly].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between anthropometric indices and arteriosclerosis detection indicators in the middle-aged and the elderly. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was made of 1 626 individuals (diabetics patients 23.37%, hypertensive subjects 39.48% and healthy individuals 37.15%), aged 45 to 90 years [mean age: (61.60 ± 10.22) years)] in Shijingshan District, Beijing. Their measurements: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist to height ratio (WHtR). Arterial stiffness was assessed according to brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), intima-media thickness (IMT), augmentation index (AI) and ankle-brachial index (ABI), which were measured by noninvasive detectors and equipment. The correlations between the various indicators were analyzed. RESULTS: The percentages of the hypertensive and diabetic groups of central obesity (male WC>85 cm, female WC>80 cm or WHtR>0.5) and of general obesity (BMI>28 kg/m²) were significantly higher than those of the healthy group (P<0.01). The difference between the two disease groups was not significant (P>0.05). There was a moderate positive correlation between the measures of abdominal obesity (WHtR and WC) and the general obesity indicators (BMI) (r=0.710 and 0.716). In the healthy group, WC and WHtR showed positive correlation with baPWV, IMT and ABI, and negative correlation with AI75. BMI showed positive correlation with IMT and negative correlation with AI75, and no correlation with baPWV and ABI. There was negative correlation between BMI and baPWV in the diabetic group. In the hypertension group, we found negative correlation between BMI and baPWV, maximum IMT, AI75, and also between WC and AI75. The simple regression straight line of baPWV versus the anthropometric parameters showed that the regression equations were y=0.949+1.379 x (baPWV vs. WHtR, R² = 0.046, P<0.001) and y=1.133+0.006x (baPWV vs. WC, R² = 0.027, P<0.001), respectively. baPWV and BMI did not have a linear relationship (P=0.62). CONCLUSION: WHtR and WC are superior to BMI indices in predicting arteriosclerosis. Anthropometric measurements for central obesity are good predictors of cardiovascular risk.

[Left atrial size predicts adverse cardiac events in patients with non-obstruction hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between left atrial size and the risk of cardiac events in patients with non-obstruction hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: In the study, 39 patients who met inclusion criteria were followed up for (28.0±7.7) months. The patients were divided into two groups with or without major adverse cardiac events (a composite of arrhythmia, angina, syncope and congestive heart failure). Clinical and echocardiographic data of the two groups were compared. The predictive value of left atrial diameter (LAD) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) were reviewed by using receive operating characteristic curve (ROC). The events analysis was performed by using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Cardiac events occurred in 11 patients (28.2%). LAD, LAD index (LADI), LAV and LAVI were significantly greater in the patients with cardiac events than those without cardiac events [LAD: (4.28±0.63) cm vs. (3.85±0.48) cm, P=0.025; LADI: (0.048 9±0.011 1) cm/m(2) vs. (0.040 8±0.005 8) cm/m(2), P=0.005; LAV: (60.8±16.2) mL vs. (46.2±14.0) mL, P=0.008; LAVI: (66.5±23.8) mL/m(2) vs. (49.6±15.9) mL/m(2), P=0.014]. An LAD of >4.29 cm identified patients with cardiac events with a sensitivity of 63.6% and a specificity of 89.3%. An LAVI of >53.1 mL/m(2) identified patients with cardiac events with a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 71.4%. The Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the patients with LAD>4.29 cm or LAVI>53.1 mL/m(2) had higher incidence of cardiac events. CONCLUSION: LAD and LAVI may be effective markers for predicting adverse cardiac events in patients with non-obstruction hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

[Relationship between radial augmentation index and other indices for evaluating arteriosclerosis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between radial augmentation index (AI) and other noninvasive indices for evaluating arteriosclerosis. METHODS: From April to June 2010, a cross-sectional survey was performed in two communities of Shijingshan District, Beijing, China. This study involved 1 752 subjects (aged 23 to 90 years). AI was measured using Colin pulse wave detection device HEM9000AI. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were measured using Colin noninvasive arteriosclerosis tester VP-1000. Color Doppler flow imaging was used to measure intima-media thickness (IMT) of the bilateral carotid arteries. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, baPWV≥14 m/s, ABI≤0.9 and IMT≥0.9 mm groups showed no significant difference in AI75 (P>0.05). Hypertensive individuals had significantly higher baPWV than the healthy group. Elderly hypertensive individuals with diabetes mellitus or (and) dyslipidemia had lower ABI than the control group. There was no significant difference of AI75 between the disease groups and the healthy group (P>0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that AI75 was associated with women, central aortic systolic pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and inversely associated with body mass index, waist hip ratio, triglycerides, fasting serum glucose, and not associated with age (r=0.045, P=0.064). There was negative correlation between AI75 and ABI, IMT. AI75 was positively correlated with baPWV in the male group (r=0.101, P=0.005), but not correlated in the female group. Partial correlation analysis found that AI75 was inversely associated with ABI, baPWV and IMT. There was negative correlation between AI75 and baPWV, IMT in the female and male groups, and no correlation between AI75 and ABI (P>0.05). Multivariate gradual regression analysis demonstrated that the independent positive correlation factors of AI75 included female, age, waist hip ratio, central aortic systolic pressure, and the negative correlation factors were body mass index, height, fasting serum glucose (R(2)=0.372). CONCLUSION: The lack of correlation of radial augmentation index with indices for evaluating arteriosclerosis suggests that AI is not a sensitive and reliable index for evaluating the degree of arterial stiffness.

Valsartan/amlodipine compared to nifedipine GITS in patients with hypertension inadequately controlled by monotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Current hypertension guidelines recommend single-pill combinations because they not only improve convenience and compliance to therapy and thus blood pressure (BP) control, but also reduce health-care costs. This study compared the efficacy and safety of valsartan/amlodipine single-pill combination with nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) in Chinese patients with hypertension who were inadequately controlled with monotherapy. METHODS: In this multicenter, open-label, active-controlled, parallel-group study, 564 patients with hypertension not adequately controlled by prior monotherapy were randomized to receive valsartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg or nifedipine GITS 30 mg once daily for 12 weeks. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat analysis (n = 540), valsartan/amlodipine (n = 272) showed a least-square mean reduction of -16.6 versus -10.8 mmHg by nifedipine GITS (n = 268; mean between-treatment difference: -5.8 mmHg; P < 0.0001) from baseline to week 12. The corresponding results for mean sitting diastolic BP were -8.6 and -4.6 mmHg, respectively (difference: -4.0 mmHg; P < 0.0001). The percentage of patients achieving the BP target (<140/90 or <130/80 mmHg in the absence or presence of diabetes mellitus, respectively) was significantly higher with valsartan/amlodipine (79.0%) versus nifedipine GITS (57.4%; P < 0.0001). The overall incidence rate of adverse events was lower with valsartan/amlodipine (19.2%) than with nifedipine GITS (29.4%; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The valsartan/amlodipine 80/5 mg single-pill combination is well tolerated and more effective than nifedipine GITS 30 mg for BP control in Chinese patients with hypertension.

Plasma catestatin level in patients with acute myocardial infarction and its correlation with ventricular remodelling.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of ventricular remodelling and functional recovery is essential in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). OBJECTIVE: To determine the plasma catestatin level in patients with AMI, and investigate the association between plasma catestatin and heart function, and with left ventricular remodelling (LVR). METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive patients who were admitted within 12 h of the onset of their ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction symptoms between 1 October 2009 and 30 June 2011 were prospectively recruited. Circulating catestatin was measured by ELISA. All patients underwent an echocardiography examination during the first week; 31 patients had a second echocardiography examination 3 months after the myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Plasma catestatin at the time of admission was significantly higher in patients than in normal controls. The level increased further in the first week after AMI. Three months after AMI, the plasma catestatin level of patients was comparable to that of normal controls. The plasma level of catestatin correlated with anterior AMI and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the acute stage. Compared with patients without LVR, those with LVR had significantly higher level of plasma brain natriuretic peptide on day 7 and a significantly higher level of plasma catestatin on admission and on days 3 and 7 (p=0.033, p=0.001, p=0.006, p=0.021, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma catestatin levels were raised after AMI. An early increase of catestatin correlated with anterior AMI and LVEF. Plasma catestatin after the onset of AMI might be associated with the magnitude of progressive ventricular remodelling 3 months after AMI.

[Association between left ventricular twist/untwist and diastolic dysfunction of high cardiovascular risk population in the community].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between left ventricular (LV) twist and untwist with the severity of diastolic dysfunction of high cardiovascular risk population in the community. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was performed in high cardiovascular risk people with normal left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction in an urban community of Beijing (n = 620). Normal LV diastolic function was defined in 305 subjects, mild diastolic dysfunction in 266 subjects and moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction in 49 subjects. Peak LV twist, peak twist velocity, peak untwist velocity and untwist rate were measured in apical and basal short-axis images using speckle tracking echocardiography. RESULTS: Peak LV twist was similar among subjects with normal diastolic function, mild diastolic dysfunction and moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction. Peak twist velocity [(129.3 ± 45.3)°/s vs. (118.0 ± 36.2)°/s] and untwist velocity [(-132.9 ± 50.4) °/s vs. (-121.2 ± 41.4)°/s] were significantly higher in mild diastolic dysfunction group than in normal diastolic function group (all P < 0.01) and similar between normal diastolic function and moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction group (P > 0.05). Untwist rate of moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction decreased significantly than that of normal diastolic function [(41.9 ± 32.9)°/s vs. (57.7 ± 36.2) °/s, P < 0.01] and mild diastolic dysfunction group [(41.9 ± 32.9)°/s vs. (60.9 ± 39.9) °/s, P < 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: Twist and untwist parameters are increased/preserved in population with normal systolic function and mild diastolic dysfunction and "normalized" or reduced in those with advanced diastolic dysfunction. The maintaining (if not increasing) of LV twist in early diastolic dysfunction might serve as a compensatory mechanism in case of reduced myocardial relaxation in these subjects.

[Association between serum uric acid and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity in Beijing community residents].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the relationship between serum uric acid and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) in Beijing community individuals. METHODS: This epidemiological survey was performed in residents of two communities from Shijingshan District in Beijing from 2007 to 2008. Cardiovascular risk factors and ba-PWV were measured. Two thousand five hundred and forty three individuals with both ba-PWV and serum uric acid measurements were included. Ba-PWV ≥ 1400 cm/s was defined as abnormal. The individuals were divided into four groups (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 group) according to the gender-specific quartiles of serum uric acid. Univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the relation between various cardiovascular risk factors and ba-PWV abnormality. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the relation between serum uric acid and ba-PWV abnormality after adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Body mass index, triglyeride and prevalence of hypertension increased with increasing levels of serum uric acid (all P < 0.01). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, smoking, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, diabetes, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglyeride and estimated glomerular filtration rate were related with ba-PWV abnormality (all P < 0.01). Compared with Q1 group, ba-PWV abnormality OR value of Q4 group was 1.73 (95%CI: 1.34 - 2.22, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that ba-PWV abnormality OR value of Q4 group was 1.66 (95%CI: 1.16 - 2.37, P < 0.01 ) after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, hypertension, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, diabetes, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglyeride and estimated glomerular filtration rate when compared with Q1 group and OR values were 1.55 (95%CI: 0.88 - 2.74, P > 0.05) and 1.65 (95%CI: 1.04 - 2.64, P < 0.05) in male and female respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased serum uric acid was independently associated with ba-PWV abnormality in Beijing community residents.

[Evaluation of bond strength of three resin cements on CAD/CAM ceramic-dentin].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the bond strength of 3 resin cements on ceramic-dentin. METHODS: Thirty sound human posterior tooth were selected for this study and the flat dentin surfaces were prepared. The specimens were divided into 3 groups(n=10) randomly, which were bonded to the CAD/CAM ceramics with RelyX ARC(etch-and-rinse adhesive), Clearfil DC Bond(self-etching resin cement) and RelyX Unicem(self-adhesive resin cement). The bond strengths were tested and the bond surfaces were observed under stereoscopic microscope.SPSS 11.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The shear bond strength of RelyX ARC and Clearfil DC Bond was (15.90±6.15)MPa and (14.41±5.07)MPa, respectively. The shear strength of RelyX Unicem was(23.29±7.39)MPa, significantly higher than the others.The shear strength between the three resin cements was significantly different (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Clearfil DC Bond and RelyX Unicem can achieve a successful bond on CAD/CAM ceramic crowns.

Elevated serum cystatin C is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in people with relatively normal renal function.

BACKGROUND: Serum level of cystatin C could predict morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular disease in patients with coronary heart disease. However, the predictive value of cystatin C for cardiovascular events in subjects with relatively normal renal function, especially in Asian populations, has rarely been investigated. The current study investigated the relationship between cystatin C and cardiovascular events in a community-based population in Beijing. METHODS: Residents (n=724) with relatively normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] =60 ml/min per 1.73 m2), who attended a community hospital in an urban district of Beijing, were recruited in the study. Risk factors for cardiovascular events were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with subjects without cardiovascular events, those with cardiovascular events were older (p<0.000001) and had a higher proportion of males (p<0.01), those with diabetes (p<0.05) and smokers (p<0.05). Subjects with cardiovascular events had lower levels of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and eGFR than those without (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). The serum level of cystatin C was significantly higher in subjects with cardiovascular events than in subjects without cardiovascular events (p<0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the independent predictors of cardiovascular events were age, hypertension and serum level of cystatin C (higher than 0.88 mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Besides the traditional risk factors, a higher level of serum cystatin C might be another independent risk factor for cardiovascular events, even in those with relatively normal renal function.