Maize catalases are recruited by a virus to modulate viral multiplication and infection.

Given the detrimental effects of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in plant cells, various antioxidant mechanisms have evolved to maintain cellular redox homeostasis, encompassing both enzymatic components (e.g., catalase, superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic ones. Despite extensive research on the role of antioxidant systems in plant physiology and responses to abiotic stresses, the potential exploitation of antioxidant enzymes by plant viruses to facilitate viral infection remains insufficiently addressed. Herein, we demonstrate that maize catalases (ZmCATs) exhibited up-regulated enzymatic activities upon sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) infection. ZmCATs played crucial roles in SCMV multiplication and infection by catalysing the decomposition of excess cellular H2 O2 and promoting the accumulation of viral replication-related cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein through interaction. Peroxisome-localized ZmCATs were found to be distributed around SCMV replication vesicles in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Additionally, the helper component-protease (HC-Pro) of SCMV interacted with ZmCATs and enhanced catalase activities to promote viral accumulation. This study unveils a significant involvement of maize catalases in modulating SCMV multiplication and infection through interaction with two viral factors, thereby enhancing our understanding regarding viral strategies for manipulating host antioxidant mechanisms towards robust viral accumulation.

A cross-sectional study of the interaction between night shift frequency and age on hypertension prevalence among female nurses.

Night shift is a common work schedule. This study aimed to analyze the interaction between age and frequency of night shift on the hypertension prevalence. A census questionnaire was conducted in 512 medical institutions in 11 cities of Hebei Province. One lakh twenty-one thousand nine hundred three female nurses were included in this study. Binary Logistic regression analysis was done by SPSS Version 26.0. The youngest age group without night shift was used as the reference group. The odds ratio was calculated by different combinations of interaction items. Interaction coefficients were calculated by an Excel table designed by Andersson. Compared with the 18-25 year old ones without night shift, there existed an additive interaction between the age of 36-45 and more than 5-10 night shifts per month on hypertension prevalence. Odds ratio, the relative excess risk of interaction, the attributable proportion of interaction, and the synergy index and their 95% confidence intervals were 2.923(2.292-3.727), 0.631(0.309-0.954), 0.216(0.109-0.323), 1.488(1.158-1.913). Additive interaction was also found between the age of 36-45 and more than 10 night shifts per month. OR, RERI, API, SI, and their 95% confidence intervals were 3.430(2.273-5.175) 1.037(0.061-2.013), 0.303(0.089-0.516), and 1.746(1.093-2.788). There also existed an additive interaction between the age of 46-65 and more than 5-10 night shifts per month on hypertension prevalence. OR, RERI, API, SI, and their 95% confidence intervals were 7.398(5.595-9.781) 1.809(0.880-2.739), 0.245(0.148-0.341), and 1.394(1.199-1.622).There existed interaction between specific age groups and night shift frequency on the prevalence of hypertension among female nurses.

The lncRNA DANCR promotes development of atherosclerosis by regulating the miR-214-5p/COX20 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Although long non-coding RNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) has been reported to be involved in atherosclerosis (AS) development, its specific mechanism remains unclear. METHODS: DANCR expression levels in blood samples of AS patients and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The small interfering RNA targeting DANCR (si-DANCR) was used to silence DANCR expression. Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. Levels of inflammatory cytokines, anti-oxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malonaldehyde (MDA) were detected by specific commercial kits. An animal AS model was established to confirm the role of DANCR/microR-214-5p/COX20 (the chaperone of cytochrome c oxidase subunit II COX2) in AS development. RESULTS: DANCR was significantly increased in the blood samples of AS patients and ox-LDL treated VSMCs and HUVECs. DANCR downregulation obviously increased viability and reduced apoptosis of ox-LDL-treated VSMCs and HUVECs. Meanwhile, DANCR downregulation reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6 (IL-6), IL-1beta (IL-1ß), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (TNF-α) and MDA while increasing the SOD level in ox-LDL-treated VSMCs and HUVECs. DANCR regulated COX20 expression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-214-5p. Rescue experiments demonstrated that miR-214-5p downregulation obviously attenuated si-DANCR-induced protective effects on ox-LDL-caused endothelial injury. CONCLUSIONS: Our results revealed that DANCR promoted AS progression by targeting the miR-214-5p/COX20 axis, suggesting that DANCR might be a potential therapeutic target for AS.

Effect of frequency and pattern of night shift on hypertension risk in female nurses: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Understanding the effect of night shift on hypertension risk in nurses is important to improve the health of nurses and ensure patient safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the frequency and pattern of night shift on hypertension risk and the interaction of them in female nurses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study constituted 84 697 female nurses in 13 cities in China. The main contents of the survey included SBP, DBP, the frequency and pattern of night shift, and some other factors that might be associated with hypertension. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate ORs and 95% CIs to estimate the effect of the frequency and pattern of night shift on hypertension risk and the interaction of them in relation to hypertension risk. RESULTS: Having more than 5 to 10 or more than 10 night shifts per month were significantly more likely to be hypertensive (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.10-1.28; OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.54), whereas having less than or equal to 5 night shifts per month was not (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.95-1.16). The patterns of night shift were all associated with a higher probability of hypertension and participants engaging in rapidly rotating night shift had a lower OR (1.14) than those having slowly rotating night shift (1.23) and permanent night shift (1.46). No significant interaction was observed between the frequency and the pattern of night shift (Pinteraction = 0.281). CONCLUSION: The frequency and pattern of night shift were associated with hypertension risk in female nurses and no significant interaction was observed between them.

A case of hypokalemia-induced bidirectional ventricular tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (BVT) is a rare, but serious, arrhythmia. Hypokalemia is commonly found in clinical practice, but hypokalemia-induced BVT has rarely been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old male patient with the symptoms of chest distress and palpitations was admitted owing to frequent discharge of his implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for 4 days. Before admission, the patient experienced diarrhea after intake of crabs, and felt frequent discharge of his ICD with a total of approximately 17 discharges in 4 days. He had no history of digitalis use. The serum potassium level after admission was 3.1 mmol/L and an electrocardiogram was consistent with BVT. The diagnosis was ventricular tachycardia, electrical storm, and hypokalemia. His ventricular tachycardia was completely relieved after correction of hypokalemia. CONCLUSIONS: After correction of hypokalemia in this patient, the episode of BVT was terminated and no recurrence of BVT was observed during long-term follow-up. Our findings suggest the diagnosis of hypokalemia-induced BVT.

Hypertension prevalence alteration in 92 815 nurses based on the new standard by 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline: observational cross-sectional study from China.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to elucidate the status of hypertension and to analyse the hypertension changes in prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rate among the portion of Chinese nursing staff based on the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) High Blood Pressure Guideline and the 2010 Chinese Guideline for the Management of Hypertension. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: 512 medical institutions in 13 cities in Hebei Province. PARTICIPANTS: The candidates of registered nurses from 512 medical institutions in 13 cities in Hebei Province (N=143 772) were invited to participate in the survey, and few of them who refused to participate were excluded from the research group based on the reasons that 93 603 incumbent nurses at the age of 18-65 accepted to the survey and submitted questionnaires online. Undoubtedly, a response rate of 65.11% was achieved. After excluding 788 individuals with incomplete information in the questionnaires, 92 815 participants were included in the final analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rates of hypertension. RESULTS: 92 815 participants were included in the final analysis, among which consisted of 3677 men (3.96%) and 89 138 women (96.04%). The mean age of the participants was 31.65 (SD=7.47) years.We demonstrated that 26 875 nursing staff were diagnosed as having hypertension according to the new standard by the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, more than 20 551 cases compared with the previous threshold on the 2010 Chinese guideline. The prevalence of hypertension among nursing staff was 28.96% in the context of the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, 3.25 times higher than that (6.81%) evaluated by the criteria of the 2010 Chinese guideline. However, the awareness, treatment and control rate (13.50%, 10.73% and 0.81%) were 3.25, 3.22 and 17.48 times lower than those (57.37%, 45.30% and 14.97%) based on the 2010 Chinese guideline, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This research illustrated that it was crucial to improve the awareness rate, drug treatment rate and control rate of hypertension for nurses. Meanwhile, according to the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline, the prevalence of hypertension in China will increase significantly, which poses a more severe challenge to the management of hypertension in China.

Comparison of bisoprolol to a metoprolol CR/ZOK tablet for control of heart rate and blood pressure in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients: the CREATIVE study.

This open-label study investigated the long action of bisoprolol compared with metoprolol CR/ZOK for controlling the mean dynamic heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in patients with mild-to-moderate primary hypertension. Patients from seven centers in China were treated with either bisoprolol 5 mg or metoprolol CR/ZOK 47.5 mg once daily for 12 weeks. The primary end points were the mean dynamic HR reduction and the mean dynamic diastolic BP (DBP) control in the last 4 h of the treatment period. Secondary end points included ambulatory monitoring of the BP and HR, safety and compliance. A total of 186 patients, with 93 patients in each group, were enrolled and analyzed. In the last 4 h of the treatment period, patients receiving bisoprolol demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in the mean dynamic HR compared with patients receiving metoprolol CR/ZOK (least squares means (LSmeans) of difference: -3.79 b.p.m.; 97.5% confidence interval (CI): -7.45, -0.14; P=0.0202). Furthermore, in the last 4 h of the treatment period, bisoprolol demonstrated non-inferiority vs. metoprolol CR/ZOK in lowering the mean dynamic DBP (LSmeans of difference: -1.00; 97.5% CI: -4.79, 2.78; P=0.5495). Bisoprolol further significantly lowered the 24-h mean ambulatory, mean daytime and mean nighttime HR. The overall adverse event rate was similar between the two groups. Noncompliance was reported in 3 (3.53%) and 6 (7.32%) patients in the bisoprolol and metoprolol CR/ZOK groups, respectively. In conclusion, bisoprolol provided superior dynamic HR reduction and non-inferior dynamic BP reduction vs. metoprolol CR/ZOK in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. No new safety concerns were found.

Recombinant Brain Natriuretic Peptide for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Nonemergent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention or Coronary Angiography: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The role of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is unknown. This study aimed to investigate BNP's effect on CIN in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary angiography (CAG). The patients were randomized to BNP (0.005 µg/kg/min before contrast media (CM) exposure and saline hydration, n = 106) or saline hydration alone (n = 103). Cystatin C, serum creatinine (SCr) levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were assessed at several time points. The primary endpoint was CIN incidence; secondary endpoint included changes in cystatin C, SCr, and eGFR. CIN incidence was significantly lower in the BNP group compared to controls (6.6% versus 16.5%, P = 0.025). In addition, a more significant deterioration of eGFR, cystatin C, and SCr from 48 h to 1 week (P < 0.05) was observed in controls compared to the BNP group. Although eGFR gradually deteriorated in both groups, a faster recovery was achieved in the BNP group. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that using >100 mL of CM (odds ratio: 4.36, P = 0.004) and BNP administration (odds ratio: 0.21, P = 0.006) were independently associated with CIN. Combined with hydration, exogenous BNP administration before CM effectively decreases CIN incidence in CKD patients.

Brain natriuretic peptide for prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Many methods reportedly prevent contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), but the effect of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on CIN is unknown. In this study we investigated recombinant BNP use before coronary angiography (CA) or nonemergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with unstable angina. METHODS: One thousand patients with unstable angina were prospectively evaluated. The patients were randomly assigned to: group A, isotonic normal saline (NaCl 0.9%, 1 mL/kg/h) for 24 hours before CA or PCI; and group B, human recombinant BNP (rhBNP; 0.005 µg/kg/min). Serum creatinine (Scr) levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate were measured before and 24, 48, and 72 hours, and 7 days after the procedure. The primary outcome was CIN incidence defined according to a relative (≥ 25%) or absolute (≥ 0.5 mg/dL and 44 µmol/L, respectively) increase in Scr from baseline within 48 hours. The secondary end points were the changes in the Scr and estimated glomerular filtration rate, before and after the procedure. RESULTS: Contrast volume, a history of diabetes mellitus, and BNP administration independently predicted CIN. The incidence of CIN was significantly greater in group A than in group B (14.8% vs 5.6%; P < 0.01). Renal function was less compromised in patients who received rhBNP. The Scr of all patients with CIN remained increased for 24 hours, but it was lower and recovered faster in patients who received rhBNP. CONCLUSIONS: rhBNP administration before CA or PCI protects renal function and can significantly decrease CIN incidence.

[Efficacy and safety of fluvastatin extended-release tablets in Chinese patients with hyperlipidemia: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, double dummy, active-controlled, parallel-group study].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of fluvastatin sodium extended-release tablets (fluvastatin XL) 80 mg once daily compared to fluvastatin sodium immediate-release capsules (fluvastatin IR) 40 mg twice daily in Chinese hyperlipidemic patients with moderate or high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: In this multi-center, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled, parallel-group study, after 6-week open-label treatment with fluvastatin IR 40 mg once daily, patients who did not reach their lipid goals were randomized to 12-week double-blind treatment with fluvastatin XL 80 mg once daily or fluvastatin IR 40 mg twice daily. RESULTS: (1) There were 218 patients enrolled in each group. At the study endpoint, no statistical difference was found in the mean percent change from baseline for LDL-C with -8.69% [from (3.504 ± 0.060) mmol/L to (3.153 ± 0.065) mmol/L] in the fluvastatin XL group and -7.89% [from (3.491 ± 0.050) mmol/L to (3.181 ± 0.060) mmol/L] in the fluvastatin IR group (P > 0.05). The 95%CI for difference between the two groups in adjusted mean percent change from baseline was (-4.70%-3.09%), which was within the pre-specified non-inferiority margin. In the fluvastatin XL group, the proportion of patients with moderate cardiovascular (CV) risk and high CV risk achieving their LDL-C treatment goals at endpoint was 50.0% and 31.5% respectively, while the proportion was 42.5% and 24.5% respectively in the fluvastatin IR group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the proportion of patients who reached their lipid goals and the changes from baseline with other lipid parameters. (2) Similar safety profiles were observed in the two treatment groups, with 21.1% adverse event (AE) (8.3% study-drug related AE) in the fluvastatin XL group and 17.0% AE (6.3% study-drug related AE) in the fluvastatin IR group. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of fluvastatin XL 80 mg once daily is comparable to fluvastatin IR 40 mg twice daily in Chinese hyperlipidemic patients with moderate or high cardiovascular risk and both treatments are safe and well-tolerated.

[Status of glucose metabolism in Chinese essential hypertensive patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate glucose metabolism status and its relationship with blood pressure, obesity, renal function and cardio-cerebral vascular events in Chinese essential hypertensive patients. METHODS: Essential hypertensive patients without diabetic history were enrolled in this cross-sectional survey. All patients filled in questionnaires and received physical examination and laboratory tests. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT, fasting and 2 hours glucose level after drinking the 75 g glucose solution) was performed in patients who signed the informed consent. RESULTS: (1) The control rate of systolic BP was lower in patients with dysglycemia than in patients without dysglycemia (41.0% vs. 46.4%, P = 0.000). (2) The albuminuria detection rate and the abnormal rate of estimated glumerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased significantly with the deterioration of glucose metabolism. (3) Multifactor-analysis showed that abnormal waist circumference, decreased eGFR and presence of albuminuria were independent risk factors for abnormal glucose metabolism. Cardiovascular events was significantly higher in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism than patients with normal glucose metabolism. CONCLUSION: Abnormal glucose metabolism is common in Chinese essential hypertensive patients. When complicated with abnormal glucose metabolism, essential hypertensive patients had poor blood pressure control rate and were related to higher cardiovascular risk.

Fractional systolic and diastolic pressures act as predictors of coronary artery disease.

AIMS: This study was designed to determine if fractional systolic/diastolic pressures act as predictors of the extent of coronary artery disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 545 consecutive patients (305 men, 240 women, with mean age 54.2 years) were involved in the study. The patients were diagnosed with coronary and non-coronary artery disease confirmed by angiography. RESULTS: 353 patients were confirmed to have coronary artery disease, with 134 cases involving one vessel, 101 two vessels and 118 three vessels. There were significant differences between brachial and ascending aortic systolic blood pressures, fractional systolic blood pressures and fractional diastolic blood pressures in the patients with coronary artery disease compared with patients with non-coronary artery disease. Blood pressure measured in the brachial artery was higher than the pressure measured in the ascending artery. Ascending aortic fractional systolic/diastolic pressures were associated with coronary Gensini score, and were significantly related to the number of diseased vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional systolic and diastolic pressures in the ascending aorta were strong predictive factors for the extent of coronary artery disease. Central pressures measured invasively in the ascending aorta were more predictive than peripheral pressures for the evaluation of coronary artery disease.

Efficacy and tolerability of a single-pill combination of amlodipine/valsartan in Asian hypertensive patients not adequately controlled with valsartan monotherapy.

This randomized, double-blind study evaluated efficacy of a single-pill combination of amlodipine/valsartan (Aml/Val) in Asian patients with hypertension not responding to Val 80 mg. Patients with mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90-≤110 mmHg were randomized to Aml/Val 5/80, Val 80, or Val 160 mg for 8 weeks. At week-8 endpoint, significantly greater reductions in BP were seen with Aml/Val 5/80 mg than valsartan monotherapies (p < 0.0001). The BP control was greater with Aml/Val 5/80 (70.5%) than Val (44.1-58.6%) monotherapies. The combination was well tolerated. In conclusion, single-pill combination with Aml/Val provided significant additional BP reduction and control in hypertensive patients not responding to Val 80 mg.

[Efficacy and safety of intravenous levosimendan compared with dobutamine in decompensated heart failure].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous levosimendan and dobutamine in patients with decompensated heart failure refractory to conventional medications. METHODS: Patients were recruited into this multicentre, randomised, positive-controlled and parallel-group study to receive either levosimendan or dobutamine therapy. In the levosimendan group, an initial loading dose of levosimendan of 12 microg x kg was infused over 10 min, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 1 h and then 0.2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 23 h. In the control group, dobutamine was infused for 1 h at an initial dose of 2 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) without a loading dose, followed by a continuous infusion of 4 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 23 h. Hemodynamic responses at 24 h were evaluated by echocardiography (in both groups) and Swan-Gans catheter (in the levosimendan group). Clinical assessment was performed to evaluate efficacy and safety of the medications. RESULTS: A total of 225 patients from 12 medical centers were evaluated; 119 assigned to levosimendan and 106 assigned to dobutamine group. The effectiveness rate was 31.9% (38 patients) in the levosimendan group and 17.9% (19 patients) in the dobutamine group (P < 0.01). At 24 h, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was improved by 6. 4% in the levosimendan group, compared with 4.6% in the dobutamine group (P > 0.05). Stroke volume (SV) was increased by 11.1 ml in the levosimendan group and 2.8 ml in the dobutamine group respectively (P < 0.05). Dyspnea and clinical manifestations improvements were more significant in levosimendan therapy group compared to dobutamine group. There were less adverse effects including hypokalemia, hypotension and ventricular premature beats in the levosimendan group than in the dobutamine group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Levosimendan was well tolerated and superior to dobutamine for patients with decompensated heart failure refractory to conventional medications.

[Clinical predictability of the waist-to-hip ratio in assessing the risk factors of cardiovascular disease among public servants in Shijiazhuang city].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical predictability of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) among female civil servants who had experienced risk factors of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Data was gathered from 4153 female civil servants aged 21-91 y working at universities who were enrolled in health screening centre at the Second Hospital Attached to Hebei Medical University, in 2006. WHR quartiles were determined., as: < 0.80, 0.80- < 0.84, 0.84- < 0.90 and > or = 0.90. Subjects were placed into high-risk categories for cardiovascular disease on the basis of national health reference on range norms of protocol including hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. RESULTS: Participants had an increased likelihood of hypertension (systolic blood pressure), dyslipidemia (elevated triacylglycerol and descending HDL-C) and diabetes mellitus at WHR > or = 0.84. All aforementioned variables had a significant odds ratio at WHR > or = 0.84. This trend was further persisted after adjustment had been made on smoking, age, and BMI. Descended HDL-C was observed at the 0.80 < or = WHR < 0.84 when compared with WHR < 0.80. CONCLUSION: These data indicated an upward shift in the critical threshold for WHR to > or = 0.84. Above which point, there was an elevation of risk factors on cardiovascular diseases among all the female civil servants. The trend persisted regardless of smoking, BMI < or > or = 28 and at what age group, among the civil servants population.

[Effects of remote preconditioning induced by skeletal muscle ischemia on myocardial cells apoptosis and roles of opioid receptors in pigs].

AIM: To investigate the effect on myocardial apoptosis and Bcl-2/Bax induced by remote preconditioning (RP) and to discuss the hypothesis from opioid receptors in pigs. METHODS: Skeletal muscle ischemia was performed in pigs by occlusion of the femoral artery (FAO) for 15 min followed by a 10 min of reperfusion. Infarction of the heart was induced by 40 min of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) occlusion followed by 120 min reperfusion. In the RP model induced by FAO, the role of opioid receptors was investigated by using antagonist of the opioid receptors (naloxone). The signal transduction pathway of RP was investigated by using hexamethonium. Apoptosis of left ventricular samples from nonischemic and ischemic areas was detected in situ with end-labeling (TUNEL) method and measured by flow cytometry. Bcl-2 and Bax was also measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: (1) The apoptosis rate in ischemic myocardium in RP group measured by flow cytometry was lower (4.43% +/- 0.74%) compared with that in CONT group (15.4% +/- 1.15%), but Bcl-2/Bax was higher (1.36 +/- 0.09, CONT group: 0.56 +/- 0.08). (2) The protective effect could be prevented by naloxone used before RP protocol (apoptosis rate: 13.0% +/- 0.56% and Bcl-2/Bax: 0.69 +/- 0.18, P < 0.05). (3) Naloxone had no effect on apoptosis rate in CONT group. (4) Hexamethonium used before RP protocol had no effect on apoptosis rate and bcl-2/bax. Apoptotic cardiomyocytes detected in TUNEL correspond to the above. CONCLUSION: RP induced by skeletal muscle ischemia could prevent myocardium from apoptosis, in which Bcl-2 and Bax might take part in regulation and control. Furthermore opioid receptors could take part in triggering the course and a neuronal signal transmission from the remote area to heart could be excluded.

The relation between His bundle and the first septal perforating artery: implications for percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation.

The present study shows that in about 12.4% of subjects the first septal artery (FSA) is very near from the His bundle. Routine measurement of His-FSA distance during percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) procedure might be helpful to stratify which patient would be at higher risk of developing complete AV block.