Confirmatory factor analysis and gender invariance of Persian version of the modified Yale food addiction scale (mPYFAS) 2.0: insight from a large scale Iranian sample.

BACKGROUND: The Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) was developed with the primary objective of evaluating food addiction (FA). The present study aimed to undertake the translation, pilot testing, and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the mYFAS 2.0 within the Persian-speaking population. METHODS: The transcultural adaptation of the mYFAS 2.0 to the Persian language was conducted. Data collection was carried out through an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants completed the Persian versions of the mYFAS 2.0, Binge Eating Scale (BES), Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The assessment encompassed the evaluation of internal consistency reliability, factor structure, as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the aforementioned questionnaires. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the single-factor model of the Persian translation of mYFAS 2.0 performed satisfactorily, with comparative fit index (CFI) and Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) values exceeding 0.95, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) less than or equal to 0.09, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) below 0.03. The internal consistency and composite reliability of the mYFAS 2.0 were favorable in the entire sample, as well as in both male and female groups, with alpha (α) values of 0.83, ordinal alpha (αord) of 0.93, and composite reliability (CR) of 0.86. Additionally, significant relationships were observed between the total score of BES (r = 0.59, p < 0.001), BIS-11 (r = - 0.16, p < 0.001), and CD-RISC (r = 0.22, p < 0.001) with mYFAS 2.0-diagnosed FA presence, severity, and symptom count. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of the mYFAS 2.0 exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties.

In this study, researchers developed a Persian version of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) to assess food addiction in Persian-speaking individuals. They translated and tested the scale's reliability and validity through an online survey with 9606 Persian speaking participants. The results showed that the Persian mYFAS 2.0 performed well, with a reliable single-factor model. The internal consistency and reliability were good across the entire sample and in both male and female groups. The relationships between mYFAS 2.0 and other scales measuring binge eating, impulsivity, and resilience were significant. The findings suggest that the Persian version of mYFAS 2.0 is a reliable tool for assessing food addiction in the Persian-speaking population. The study used statistical analyses like confirmatory factor analysis, indicating the scale's robustness. Overall, the psychometric properties of the Persian mYFAS 2.0 were satisfactory, providing a valuable instrument for researchers and healthcare professionals studying and addressing food addiction in this population. The study contributes to cross-cultural research and enhances our understanding of food addiction in diverse linguistic communities.

Body appreciation around the world: Measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age.

The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely used measure of a core facet of the positive body image construct. However, extant research concerning measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across a large number of nations remains limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset - with data collected between 2020 and 2022 - to assess measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated that full scalar invariance was upheld across all nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups, suggesting that the unidimensional BAS-2 model has widespread applicability. There were large differences across nations and languages in latent body appreciation, while differences across gender identities and age groups were negligible-to-small. Additionally, greater body appreciation was significantly associated with higher life satisfaction, being single (versus being married or in a committed relationship), and greater rurality (versus urbanicity). Across a subset of nations where nation-level data were available, greater body appreciation was also significantly associated with greater cultural distance from the United States and greater relative income inequality. These findings suggest that the BAS-2 likely captures a near-universal conceptualisation of the body appreciation construct, which should facilitate further cross-cultural research.

Inhibition of DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission by Mdivi-1 alleviates atherosclerosis through the modulation of M1 polarization.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and immune dysfunction with classically activated macrophages(M1) infiltration are important mechanisms in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1)-dependent mitochondrial fission is a novel target for alleviating inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DRP1 inhibitor Mdivi-1 on AS. METHODS: ApoE-/- mice were fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with or without Mdivi-1. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by ox-LDL, pretreated with or without MCC950, Mito-TEMPO, or Mdivi-1. The burden of plaques and foam cell formation were determined using ORO staining. The blood lipid profles and inflammatory cytokines in serum were detected by commercial kits and ELISA, respectively. The mRNA expression of macrophage polarization markers, activation of NLRP3 and the phosphorylation state of DRP1 were detected. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mito-ROS), mitochondrial staining, ATP level and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by mito-SOX, MitoTracker, ATP determination kit and JC-1 staining, respectively. RESULTS: In vivo, Mdivi-1 reduced the plaque areas, M1 polarization, NLRP3 activation and DRP1 phosphorylation at Ser616. In vitro, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) triggered M1 polarization, NLRP3 activation and abnormal accumulation of mito-ROS. MCC950 and Mito-TEMPO suppressed M1 polarization mediated foam cell formation. Mito-TEMPO significantly inhibited NLRP3 activation. In addition, Mdivi-1 reduced foam cells by inhibiting M1 polarization. The possible mechanisms responsible for the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Mdivi-1 on reducing M1 polarization were associated with suppressing mito-ROS/NLRP3 pathway by inhibiting DRP1 mediated mitochondrial fission. In vitro, similar results were observed by DRP1 knockdown. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission by Mdivi-1 alleviated atherogenesis via suppressing mito-ROS/NLRP3-mediated M1 polarization, indicating DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission as a potential therapeutic target for AS.

Facial Emotion Recognition Deficit in Children with Moderate/Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Although previous studies have reported a facial expression classification deficit among adults with SDB, we do not know whether these findings can be generalized to children. In our study, children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) were divided into three groups: primary snoring (n = 51), mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (n = 39), and moderate/severe OSA (n = 26). All participants, including 20 healthy controls, underwent an overnight polysomnography recording and the Emotional Expression Recognition Task. Psychosocial problems were evaluated using the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). There was a borderline significant interaction between expression category and group on reaction times. Further analysis revealed that positive classification advantage (PCA) disappeared in the moderate/severe OSA group, whereas it persisted in the control, primary snoring, and mild OSA groups. Emotional symptoms were positively correlated with OAHI. In both the happy and sad conditions, RT was negatively related to age and body mass index (BMI) but was independent of the obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (OAHI), arterial oxygen (SaO2) and total sleep time. The accuracy of identifying a sad expression was negatively related to conduct problems. Children with moderate/severe OSA exhibited dysfunction in facial expression categorization, which could potentially affect social communication ability.

[Effect on ankylosing spondylitis at early-middle stage and bone marrow edema of sacroiliac joint treated with acupuncture and governor vessel moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of the combined treatment with acupuncture and governor vessel moxibustion on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at early-middle stage and investigate the effect on bone marrow edema of sacroiliac joint. METHODS: Seventy patients of AS at early-middle stage were randomized into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (35 cases, 1 case dropped off ). In the control group, the recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor-antibody of type Ⅱ fusion protein for injection was injected subcutaneously, 25 mg each time, once on every Monday and Friday, consecutively for 3 weeks. In the observation group, on the base of the intervention as the control group, acupuncture combined with governor vessel moxibustion were provided. Acupuncture was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Changqiang (GV 1), Zhibian (BL 54), Baihui (GV 20), etc.; the thermal needling technique was adopted at Dazhui (GV 4) and Changqiang (GV 1) for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel, and the ginger-isolated moxibustion on the governor vessel was combined. Such intervention measure was provided once daily. One treatment session contained 7 treatments and 3 sessions were required. Before and after treatment, the scores of Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC), Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis patient global score (BAS-G) were observed in the two groups separately. The efficacy and adverse effects were assessed in the two groups after treatment. RESULTS: The scores of SPARCC, BASDAI, BASFI and BAS-G were all reduced after treatment compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 97.1% (34/35) in the observation group, higher than 82.4% (28/34) in the control group (P<0.05). There were 4 cases of gastrointestinal reactions and 1 case of skin rashes in the control group; and 3 cases of local skin redness and pruritus after governor vessel moxibustion, no any drug adverse effect was found in the observation group. CONCLUSION: Based on the western medicine treatment, the combined therapy of acupuncture and governor vessel moxibustion may relieve bone marrow edema of sacroiliac joint in patients with AS at early-middle stage, control the progression of disease and improve the daily life activity. This therapy is relatively safe and effective.

Stereotypes of Social Groups in Mainland China in Terms of Warmth and Competence: Evidence from a Large Undergraduate Sample.

The Stereotype Content Model (SCM) has been validated in multiple countries and regions. However, previous validation studies in China have been limited by small sample size. The current research increased the sample size (n = 184 in the pilot study; n1 = 1315 and n2 = 268 in the formal study) to validate the SCM in mainland China in study 1. Supporting the SCM, 41 social groups were clustered into four quadrants based on warmth and competence dimensions. 35 of the 41 target groups (85.37%) receive ambivalent stereotype. Perceived warmth and competence were positively correlated (r = 0.585, p < 0.001). Status and competence were positively related (r = 0.81, p < 0.001), and competition and warmth were negatively related (r = -0.77, p < 0.001). In addition, 24 typical social groups were selected and a list of stereotype words for these groups was developed in study 2 (n1 = 48, n2 = 52). The implications of the emerging social groups and the applications of this stereotype word list are discussed.

Ghrelin attenuate cerebral microvascular leakage by regulating inflammation and apoptosis potentially via a p38 MAPK-JNK dependent pathway.

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone with strong anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, Ghrelin was reported to improve endothelial dysfunction caused by excessive fat. However, its role in preserving the integrity of brain microvascular, under conditions of lipid dysregulation and inflammation, is not known. The objective of this study is to characterize the role of Ghrelin in the protection of cerebral microvascular integrity, during atherosclerosis, and uncover its underlying molecular mechanism. Our results demonstrated that an atherosclerotic condition, brought on by a high fat diet (HFD), can produce massive increases in serum inflammatory factors, blood lipids, cerebral microvascular leakage, and activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) (p38 MAPK-JNK) pathway. It also produced significantly damaged pericytes morphology, resulting in pericyte decrease. Ghrelin treatment, on the other hand, protected against cerebral microvascular leakage and pericytes damage. Ghrelin effectively downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it also suppressed the p38 MAPK-JNK signaling pathway. Additionally, in isolated mouse cerebral microvascular pericytes, ox-LDL lead to increased apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory factors, along with an elevation in phosphorylated p38 MAPK-JNK proteins. Alternately, Ghrelin administration markedly lowered expression of inflammatory factors, suppressed the p38 MAPK-JNK signaling path, and halted cell apoptosis. However, pretreatment of Hesperetin, a p38 MAPK-JNK agonist, abrogated the Ghrelin-mediated suppression of inflammation and apoptosis in pericytes. Taken together, these results suggest that Ghrelin restored cerebral microvascular integrity and reduced vascular leakage in atherosclerosis mice, in part, by its regulation of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways in pericytes.

Differences in Explicit Stereotype Activation among Social Groups Based on the Stereotype Content Model: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Evidence in Chinese Sample.

The stereotype content model (SCM; Fiske, Cuddy, Glick and Xu, 2002) identifies four basic categories of stereotyped social groups: high warmth-high competence (HW-HC), high warmth-low competence (HW-LC), low warmth-high competence (LW-HC), and low warmth-low competence (LW-LC). However, many of these groups have not been directly examined in stereotype activation research. The purpose of the present research was to extend stereotype activation research to groups that more fully represent those identified under the SCM. Employing explicit sequential priming task, participants responded to prime-target stimulus pairs that were either congruent or incongruent with stereotypes of social groups from all four SCM quadrants in two studies in the current investigation. Study 1 was to determine the behavioral pattern of explicit stereotype activation among four quadrants (the sample included 60 Chinese undergraduate students, 51%-female). Study 2 further employed event-related brain potentials (ERPs) technique to track the time course and electrophysiological underpinnings of explicit stereotype activation (the sample included 22 right-handed Chinese undergraduate students, 76%-female). In Study 1, participants responded more quickly and accurately on stereotype congruent trials than incongruent trials for all social groups except LW-LC groups. This reverse priming effect on LW-LC social groups in RTs was also replicated in Study 2. ERPs findings further showed that incongruent targets elicited larger N400 amplitudes than congruent targets for all four SCM quadrants. Moreover, congruent targets elicited larger P2 than incongruent targets, but only found for the LW-LC social groups. In addition, congruent targets elicited larger amplitudes of late positive component than incongruent targets for the low warmth (LW-LC and LW-HC) groups. Together, these results highlight the unique processing that LW-LC groups receive throughout the cognitive stream, ultimately manifesting in distinctive behavioral responses. Unconscious activation of egalitarian goals, disgust, and distrust accounts are discussed.

Seven new 1-oxygenated cholestane glycosides from Ornithogalum saundersiae.

As the continuous scientific research, seven new 1-oxygenated cholestane glycosides named osaundersiosides 1 A - 1 G were isolated from an EtOH extract of the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae. Their structures were deduced by means of spectroscopic data, chemical evidence and the results of hydrolytic cleavage. The cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects of osaundersiosides 1 A - 1 G were evaluated, but none of them displayed significant activities. [Formula: see text].

Spectral data for cholestane glycosides from the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker.

Herein, the spectral data, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectral data, and gas chromatography data of eight cholestane glycosides from Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker (Asparagaceae) bulbs are described. The data are linked with the article entitled "Structure and bioactivity of cholestane glycosides from the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker" (Chen et al., 2019).

Structure and bioactivity of cholestane glycosides from the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker.

Eight undescribed cholestane glycosides named osaundersioside A-H, along with three previously known compounds named osaundersioside I-K were isolated from Ornithogalum saundersiae Baker bulbs (Asparagaceae). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. All isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity and inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. Osaundersioside C was thus determined to exhibit specific cytotoxicity towards MCF-7 cell line with an IC50 value of 0.20 µM, Osaundersioside H exhibited inhibitory effect on NO production in macrophages at the concentration of 10-5 M, with inhibition rate of 56.81%.

Evaluation of frailty and influencing factors in old people in hospital institution: Evidence for a phenotype of frailty.

We assessed the frailty status of inpatients and analyzed the factors influencing frailty status to explore the reasons for frailty and identify feasible intervention strategies.A total of 1494 geriatric patients aged ≥60 years were recruited as subjects. All patients were hospitalized between September 2014 and August 2015 in the internal medicine units of 3 hospitals in Chongqing and Zunyi in the southwestern area of China. Patients' frailty status was evaluated using the Phenotype of Frailty scale, via face-to-face interviews coupled with physical examinations using simple equipment.Of the 1494 cases, 1400 (93.71%) were eligible for analysis. Participants' mean age was 75.52 ±â€Š9.28 years. The overall prevalence of frailty was 18.0%, and was higher for frail females (9.4%) than males (8.6%). Increasing age and body mass index, low income (<1000 Ren Min Bi for per month), poor self-rated health, cognitive impairment, depression, polypharmacy (≥5 medications), disability, and a history of fall in the past 1 year were independently significantly correlated with frailty (P < .05 for each comparison).Numerous factors were associated with frailty. As treatment for frailty is focused on prevention in this study, intervention strategies should target a comprehensive list of physiological and psychological aspects of the older people.

Gender Stereotype Activation versus Lexical Semantic Activation: An ERP Study.

It is an open question whether social stereotype activation can be distinguished from nonsocial semantic activation. To address this question, gender stereotype activation (GSA) and lexical semantic activation (LSA) were directly compared. EEGs were recorded in 20 participants as they identified the congruence between prime-target word pairs under four different conditions (stereotype congruent, stereotype incongruent, semantic congruent, and semantic incongruent). We found that congruent targets elicited faster and more accurate responses and reduced N400 amplitudes irrespective of priming category types. The N400 congruency effect (i.e., the difference between incongruity and congruity) started earlier and had greater amplitude for GSA than for LSA. Moreover, gender category priming induced a smaller N400 and a larger P600 than lexical category priming. These findings suggest that the brain is not only sensitive to both stereotype and semantic violation in the post-perceptual processing stage but can also differentiate these two information processes. Further, the findings suggest superior processing (i.e., faster and deeper processing) when the words are associated with social category and convey stereotype knowledge.

Multi-Sensor Fusion with Interaction Multiple Model and Chi-Square Test Tolerant Filter.

Motivated by the key importance of multi-sensor information fusion algorithms in the state-of-the-art integrated navigation systems due to recent advancements in sensor technologies, telecommunication, and navigation systems, the paper proposes an improved and innovative fault-tolerant fusion framework. An integrated navigation system is considered consisting of four sensory sub-systems, i.e., Strap-down Inertial Navigation System (SINS), Global Navigation System (GPS), the Bei-Dou2 (BD2) and Celestial Navigation System (CNS) navigation sensors. In such multi-sensor applications, on the one hand, the design of an efficient fusion methodology is extremely constrained specially when no information regarding the system's error characteristics is available. On the other hand, the development of an accurate fault detection and integrity monitoring solution is both challenging and critical. The paper addresses the sensitivity issues of conventional fault detection solutions and the unavailability of a precisely known system model by jointly designing fault detection and information fusion algorithms. In particular, by using ideas from Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) filters, the uncertainty of the system will be adjusted adaptively by model probabilities and using the proposed fuzzy-based fusion framework. The paper also addresses the problem of using corrupted measurements for fault detection purposes by designing a two state propagator chi-square test jointly with the fusion algorithm. Two IMM predictors, running in parallel, are used and alternatively reactivated based on the received information form the fusion filter to increase the reliability and accuracy of the proposed detection solution. With the combination of the IMM and the proposed fusion method, we increase the failure sensitivity of the detection system and, thereby, significantly increase the overall reliability and accuracy of the integrated navigation system. Simulation results indicate that the proposed fault tolerant fusion framework provides superior performance over its traditional counterparts.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells with CD47 high expression via the signal transducer and activators of transcription signaling pathway preventing myocardial fibrosis.

UNLABELLED: This study was initiated to investigate the efficacy of myocardial fibrosis intervention via signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling using bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in which being over-expressed with the aid of bispecific antibody (BiAb) and ultrasound-mediated microbubbles (MB). BiAb was prepared and combined with isolated MSC with CD47 overexpression from male mice and trans-fused into female mice with isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis via the tail vein, followed by MB. This study included five groups. Five weeks after treatment, expression levels of the sex-determining region of Y-chromosome (SRY), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in myocardium were detected by fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) 1 and STAT 3 was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The highest homing number of MSC was in the CD47 + MSC + BiAb + MB group, second highest in the CD47 + MSC + BiAb group, and lowest in MSC alone. Compared with the Control group, CD47 + MSC + BiAb + MB, CD47 + MSC + BiAb, CD47 + MSC and MSC groups had decreased levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, STAT 1 and collagen deposition, and increased levels of STAT 3. Up regulated STAT 3 and down regulated TIMP-1 were significantly different in CD47 + MSC + BiAb + MB compared with CD47 + MSC or CD47 + MSC + BiAb. CONCLUSION: CD47 can enhance the homing rate and repairing efficacy of MSC. MSC can improve MMP-TIMP expression in injured myocardium and interfere with myocardial fibrosis after homing, a mechanism that may be related to the STAT-mediated signaling pathway.

Analysis of Small Fragment Deletions of the APC gene in Chinese Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, a Precancerous Condition.

BACKGROUND: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease mainly caused by mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene with almost complete penetrance. These colorectal polyps are precancerous lesions that will inevitable develop into colorectal cancer at the median age of 40-year old if total proctocolectomy is not performed. So identification of APC germline mutations has great implications for genetic counseling and management of FAP patients. In this study, we screened APC germline mutations in Chinese FAP patients, in order to find novel mutations and the APC gene germline mutation characteristics of Chinese FAP patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FAP patients were diagnosed by clinical manifestations, family histories, endoscope and biopsy. Then patients peripheral blood samples were collected, afterwards, genomic DNA was extracted. The mutation analysis of the APC gene was conducted by direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing for micromutations and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large duplications and/or deletions. RESULTS: We found 6 micromutations out of 14 FAP pedigrees, while there were no large duplications and/or deletions found. These germline mutations are c.5432C>T(p. Ser1811Leu), two c.3926_3930delAAAAG (p.Glu1309AspfsX4), c.3921_3924delAAAA (p.Ile1307MetfsX13), c3184_3187delCAAA(p.Gln1061AspfsX59) and c4127_4126delAT (p.Tyr1376LysfsX9), respectively, and all deletion mutations resulted in a premature stop codon. At the same time, we found c.3921_3924delAAAA and two c.3926_3930delAAAAG are located in AAAAG short tandem repeats, c3184_3187delCAAA is located in the CAAA interrupted direct repeats, and c4127_4128 del AT is located in the 5'-CCTGAACA-3' ,3'-ACAAGTCC-5 palindromes (inverted repeats) of the APC gene. Furthermore, deletion mutations are mostly located at condon 1309. CONCLUSIONS: Though there were no novel mutations found as the pathogenic gene of FAP in this study, we found nucleotide sequence containing short tandem repeats and palindromes (inverted repeats), especially the 5 bp base deletion at codon 1309, are mutations in high incidence area in APC gene.

Association of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CD14+-EPC) with renal function in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: The relationships between the endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)-CD34(+) and CD14(+) and coronary artery disease (CAD) were reported and the association of CD34(+) cells with renal function was studied previously. Another kind EPC-CD14(+) cell and its association with renal function in patients with CAD have not been reported yet. Our aim was to assess CD14(+) cell counts versus renal function in CAD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 242 patients with severe angiographic CAD and 30 healthy control participants. The CD14(+) cells were enumerated by flow cytometry. With lowering glomerular filtration rate (GFR), CD14(+) cell numbers (percentage of lymphocytes, median and interquartile range) decreased: 0.04 (0.03-0.06), 0.03 (0.02-0.05), 0.02 (0.01-0.03) for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥90, 60 to 89, and 30 to 89 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), respectively (P < .001 for trend). The CD14(+) cell counts correlated with eGFR (r = .27, P = .03). By multivariate liner regression analysis, the difference remains significant (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The CD14(+) cell depletion is associated with renal dysfunction in CAD.

[Investigation on the sensitivity of Anopheles sinensis to insecticide].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sensitivity of Anopheles sinensis to DDT, cyfluthrin, malathion and deltamethrin. METHODS: In June 2009, 417, 421 and 433 mosquitoes were respectively captured from the fields of Tongbai county, Huaibin county, Yongcheng city, and tested by the adult Anopheles filter contact method recommended by WHO. The KT50 and the mortality rate of 24 h-post-exposure to 4% DDT (1.428 g/m2), 0.15% cyfluthrin (0.0 534 g/m2), 5% malathion (1.78 g/m2), 0.05% deltamethrin (0.0 178 g/m2) were calculated. The resistance level was graded as sensitive group (S) with a mortality rate of 98%-100%, preliminary resistance group (M) with mortality rate of 80%-97%, and resistance group (R) with mortality rate lower than 80%. RESULTS: The KT50 of An. sinensis to DDT in Tongbai, Huaibin and Yongcheng were 206.13, 877.04 and 826.81 min, respectively; the KT50 to cyfluthrin was 206.43, 85.39, and 427.60 min, respectively; the KT50 to malathion was 19.98, 48.05 and 97.79 min, respectively; the KT50 to deltamethrin was 1122.50, 89.65, and 960 min, respectively. The mortality rate of An. sinensis in 24h-post-exposure to 4% DDT was 82.52%, 57.41%, and 65.69%, and the resistance degree was judged as M, R and R, respectively. That to 0.15% cyfluthrin was 91.89%, 85.00%, and 72.73%, with a resistance degree of M, M, and R, respectively. That to 5% malathion was 95.10%, 95.37%, and 93.16%, all with a resistance degree of M. That to 0.05% deltamethrin was 92.08%, 77.14%, and 63.46%, with a resistance degree of M, R and R, respectively. CONCLUSION: An. sinensis in Henan Province has developed high degree of resistance to DDT, cyfluthrin and deltamethrin, and certain degree of resistance to malathion

[Ghrelin stimulates in vitro angiogenic capacity of rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether ghrelin could promote in vitro rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) angiogenesis and related mechanisms. METHODS: CMECs were isolated from myocardial tissue of adult male SD rats and characterized by the immunocytochemistry staining with Factor VIII and the capacity of in vitro capillary tube-like formation. The mRNAs and protein expressions of ghrelin and its receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHS-R) of CMECs were determined by RT-PCR, Immunofluorescence, ELISA and Western blot. Proliferation, migration and in vitro angiogenesis as well as ERK2 phosphorylation of CMECs were tested in the presence of ghrelin (10(-9) - 10(-7) mol/L) with or without pretreatment with specific MAPK/ERK2 inhibitor PD98059. RESULTS: Purity of CMECs characterized by immunocytochemistry staining with Factor VIII was about 95%, and the cells showed a high ability to form the capillary tube-like structures on Matrigel. Ghrelin and GHS-R were constitutively expressed in CMECs. Proliferation, migration and in vitro angiogenesis capacities of CMECs (72.20 ± 5.72 vs. 28.60 ± 5.13, P < 0.001; 71.00 ± 7.78 vs. 28.60 ± 5.13, P < 0.001) as well as ERK2 phosphorylation (0.92 ± 0.13 vs. 0.29 ± 0.04, P < 0.001; 1.15 ± 0.16 vs. 0.29 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) were significantly enhanced by exogenous ghrelin (10(-8) - 10(-7) mol/L). PD98059 abolished ghrelin-induced ERK2 phosphorylation and in vitro angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Ghrelin and its receptor are expressed in CMECs and ghrelin could stimulate CMECs in vitro angiogenesis through activation of MAPK/ERK2 signaling pathway.

Procollagen III N-terminal peptide predicts short-term prognosis and cardiac remodeling in coronary heart disease patients with metabolic syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) also have metabolic syndrome (MS); however, little is known about the condition of cardiovascular remodeling in these patients. The objective of this study to explore the role of plasma procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) in predicting the prognosis and cardiac remodeling in patients with CHD with MS. METHODS: One hundred eight patients were classified into high and low PIIINP groups according to the median value of plasma PIIINP. Cardiovascular examinations including echocardiogram, carotid color ultrasound examination, coronary angiography and the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were performed before and after a 1-year follow-up. Readmission for cardiac and cerebrovascular events was assessed during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Plasma PIIINP level was significantly correlated with age, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and body mass index in a multiple stepwise regression model. There was a positive correlation between the LnPIIINP and an increased left ventricular mass index in partial correlation analysis. The Cox proportional hazard model analysis indicated that the level of PIIINP, left ventricular ejection fraction and hs-CRP were independent predictors of readmission owing to cardiac and cerebrovascular events during the follow-up. A PIIINP value of 4.0 µg/L was the best threshold value for determining the need for readmission. CONCLUSIONS: PIIINP levels rise with increases in age, hs-CRP and body mass index in patients with CHD with MS, and a high level of PIIINP indicates recent deterioration of cardiac remodeling and exercise tolerance and a poor prognosis.