[Dual-specificity Phosphatase 1 Suppresses Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification by Optical Atrophy 1-related Pathway].

Objective To investigate the effect of dual-specificity phosphatase 1/optical atrophy 1 (DUSP1/OPA1) signaling pathway on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification.Methods An in vitro model of VSMC calcification was induced by exposure to ß-glycerophosphate and calcium chloride.VSMC calcification was assessed by Alizarin Red S staining and calcium content by ELISA.Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL.Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of DUSP1,OPA1,Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2),bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2),and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3).The effects of DUSP1 overexpression and OPA1 knockdown on cell calcification were investigated.Results Calcium chloride and ß-glycerolphosphate induced VSMC calcification and down-regulated the expression levels of DUSP1 (t=11.951,P<0.001) and OPA1 (t=8.487,P<0.001).DUSP1 overexpression promoted OPA1 expression (t=-8.921,P<0.001),attenuated VSMC calcification,reduced calcium content and apoptosis rate,and down-regulated the expression of Runx-2,BMP-2,and active Caspase-3 (all P<0.001).OPA1 knockdown increased calcium content and apoptosis rate,up-regulated the expression of Runx-2,BMP-2,and active Caspase-3,and promoted VSMC calcification (all P<0.001).Conclusion DUSP1 may inhibit the VSMC calcification through the OPA1 signaling pathway.

Clinical Observation of Bupi Qingfei Decoction in Treatment of Bronchiectasis Colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Bupi Qingfei decoction in the treatment of bronchiectasis colonized by<italic> Pseudomonas aeruginosa</italic> （PA） （lung-spleen Qi deficiency syndrome and phlegm heat accumulating in lung syndrome）. Method:A total of 72 bronchiectasis patients colonized with PA （ lung-spleen Qi deficiency syndrome and phlegm heat accumulating in lung syndrome ） were randomly divided into the observation group （36 cases， two cases were lost to follow-up and three dropped out） and control group （36 cases， three cases were lost to follow-up and four dropped out）. There were 31 cases in the observation group and 29 cases in the control group completing the trial. Patients in the observation group were treated with Bupi Qingfei decoction orally，once in the morning and again in the evening， one bag every other day， and simulated azithromycin tablet at the dose of 0.5 g，once every other day， while those in the control group with azithromycin tablet at 0.5 g，once every other day， and simulated Bupi Qingfei decoction， once in the morning and again in the evening， one bag every other day. Patients in both groups received health education and postural expectoration. The treatment lasted for 24 weeks，followed by a 24-week follow-up. The frequency of acute exacerbation，quality of life （St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire） score，traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score，lung function ［forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted（FEV₁%pred） and FEV₁/forced vital capacity（FVC）］， and serum immunoglobulin （Ig）A，IgE，IgG，and IgM levels of the two groups were evaluated after treatment. Result:The frequencies of acute exacerbation after 24 weeks of treatment and during the 24-week follow-up in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The total quality of life （St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire） score and symptom scores in the observation group after 24 weeks of treatment were significantly decreased as compared with those before treatment （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. There was no significant improvement in the quality of life in the control group either after 24 weeks of treatment or during the 24-week follow-up. The effective rate against TCM syndrome in the observation group was 64.52%（20/31） after 12 weeks of treatment，which was obviously higher than 31.03%（9/29） in the control group （<italic>χ</italic>²=6.726，<italic>P</italic><0.05）. After 24 weeks of treatment，the effective rate in the observation group was 83.87%， slightly higher than 68.97% in the control group. After 12 and 24 weeks of treatment，the scores of cough，expectoration，fatigue，anorexia，spontaneous sweating，abdominal distension， and loose stool in the observation group were better than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. There were no significant changes in lung function and serum immunoglobulin classes in the two groups. Conclusion:Bupi Qingfei decoction is effective in reducing the frequency of acute exacerbation， alleviating the symptoms， and improving the quality of life of bronchiectasis patients colonized by PA （lung-spleen Qi deficiency syndrome and phlegm heat accumulating in lung syndrome）.

Melatonin attenuates vascular calcification by inhibiting mitochondria fission via an AMPK/Drp1 signalling pathway.

Mitochondrial fission plays a role in cardiovascular calcification. Melatonin has previously been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease, so this study sought to explore whether it attenuates vascular calcification by regulating mitochondrial fission via the AMP-activated protein kinase/dynamin-related protein 1 (AMPK/Drp1) signalling pathway. The effects of melatonin on vascular calcification were investigated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Calcium deposits were visualized by Alizarin red staining, while calcium content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were used to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. Western blots were used to measure the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Drp1 and cleaved caspase 3. Melatonin markedly reduced calcium deposition and ALP activity. Runx2 and cleaved caspase 3 were down-regulated, Drp1 was reduced in response to melatonin, and this was accompanied by decreased apoptosis. Melatonin also reduced levels of mitochondrial superoxide, reversed ß-glycerophosphate (ß-GP)-induced ΔΨm dissipation and decreased mitochondrial fragmentation. The effects of melatonin in ß-GP-treated VSMCs were similar to those of mitochondrial division inhibitor 1. Melatonin significantly activated the expression of AMPK and decreased Drp1 expression. Treatment with compound C ablated the observed benefits of melatonin treatment. These findings indicate that melatonin protects VSMCs against calcification by inhibiting mitochondrial fission via the AMPK/Drp1 pathway.

Melatonin Attenuates Calcium Deposition from Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Activating Mitochondrial Fusion and Mitophagy via an AMPK/OPA1 Signaling Pathway.

Mitochondrial fusion/mitophagy plays a role in cardiovascular calcification. Melatonin has been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease. This study sought to explore whether melatonin attenuates vascular calcification by regulating mitochondrial fusion/mitophagy via the AMP-activated protein kinase/optic atrophy 1 (AMPK/OPA1) signaling pathway. The effects of melatonin on vascular calcification were investigated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Calcium deposits were visualized by Alizarin Red S staining, while calcium content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were used to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. Western blots were used to measure expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), mito-light chain 3 (mito-LC3) II, and cleaved caspase 3. Melatonin markedly reduced calcium deposition and ALP activity. Runx2 and cleaved caspase 3 were downregulated in response to melatonin, whereas Mfn2 and mito-LC3II were enhanced and accompanied by decreased mitochondrial superoxide levels. Melatonin also maintained mitochondrial function and promoted mitochondrial fusion/mitophagy via the OPA1 pathway. However, OPA1 deletion abolished the protective effects of melatonin on VSMC calcification. Melatonin treatment significantly increased p-AMPK and OPA1 protein expression, whereas treatment with compound C ablated the observed benefits of melatonin treatment. Collectively, our results demonstrate that melatonin protects VSMCs against calcification by promoting mitochondrial fusion/mitophagy via the AMPK/OPA1 pathway.

Koumine Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in IPEC-J2 Cells by Regulating Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway.

Gelsemium elegans Benth. (G. elegans), a traditional Chinese medicine, has great potential as an effective growth promoter in animals, however, the mechanism of its actin remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the protective effects of koumine extract from G. elegans against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in IPEC-J2 cells through alleviation of inflammation and oxidative stress. MTT and LDH assays revealed that koumine significantly reduced LPS cytotoxicity. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell monolayer permeability assays showed that koumine treatment attenuated the LPS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction with no particularly different effects in tight junction proteins such as ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin. LPS-triggered inflammatory response was also suppressed by koumine, as evidenced by the downregulated inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, NO, iNOS, and COX-2, which was closely connected with the inhibition of NF-κB pathway for the decrease of phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB and nuclear translocation of p-p65. Amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MDA induced by LPS was also reduced by koumine through activation of Nrf2 pathway, and increased in the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 degradation of keap-1 to promote anti-oxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). To summarize, koumine-reduced the oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction triggered by LPS through regulation of the Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway and preventing intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Melatonin Attenuates ß-Glycerophosphate-Induced Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via a Wnt1/ß-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Melatonin has been demonstrated to protect against calcification in cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. The wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 1 (Wnt1)/ß-catenin pathway is associated with cardiovascular calcification. This study aimed to explore whether melatonin could attenuate VSMC calcification through regulating the Wnt1/ß-catenin signaling pathway. METHODS: The effects of melatonin on vascular calcification were investigated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Calcium deposits were visualized by Alizarin Red Staining. Calcium content and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were used to evaluate osteogenic differentiation. Western blots were used to measure the expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and cleaved caspase-3. RESULTS: Melatonin markedly ameliorated calcium deposition and ALP activity. Runx2 and cleaved caspase-3 were found to be reduced and α-SMA was found to be increased by melatonin, together with a decrease in apoptosis. Immunofluorescence assay revealed a lower Runx2 protein level in the melatonin group. Melatonin treatment significantly decreased the expression of Wnt1 and ß-catenin. Treatment with lithium chloride or transglutaminase 2 abrogated the protective effects of melatonin. CONCLUSION: Melatonin can attenuate ß-GP-induced VSMC calcification through the suppression of Wnt1/ß-catenin system.

Melatonin Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Autophagy Via an AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Melatonin has been demonstrated to protect cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) against ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Autophagy plays different roles in the heart during ischemia and reperfusion. The AMP activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathway is associated with autophagy. This study sought to explore whether melatonin regulates CMEC autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. METHODS: The effects of melatonin in IRI were investigated in vivo rat models and in vitro neonatal CMECs. Myocardial infarct size was achieved by Evans blue and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The severity of cell injury was evaluated by cell vitality and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, and autophagy was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and the assessment of autophagy-related gene expression, such as that of Beclin 1 and light chain 3-II. RESULTS: In vivo, melatonin markedly reduced infarcted area, improved cardiac function and decreased LDH release. However, the AMPK activator AICAR and the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin reduced the protective effects of melatonin on IRI. In vitro, Beclin1 and light chain 3-II protein were found to be down-regulated and autophagosomes were found to be reduced in response to melatonin, together with an increase in cell vitality and a decrease in LDH. Treatment with AICAR or rapamycin ablated the benefit observed with melatonin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin played an important and protective role in CMECs by inhibiting autophagy against IRI via the AMPK/mTOR system.

Research on patient perception on quality of care in primary medical institutions in medical groups: A case study of Zhenjiang city,Jiangsu province / 中国卫生政策研究

Objective: To compare and analyze the patient perceived quality of care in primary health institutions within medical groups from the experience of Zhenjiang city in Jiangsu Province. Methods : Random selection was used picking the districts and community health centers. In this paper, one district was randomly selected from each medical group,and then one community health center (CHC) was randomly selected in the sample district. The Primary Care Assessment Tool survey (PCAT) was conducted in the sample primary health institutions. Thereafter, data analysis was conducted using the ddescriptive statistics and multi-linear regression methods. Results : Research results showed that the PCAT total score of CHC in Rehabilitation Medical Group (25. 21 ) was significantly higher than that in Jiangbin Medical Group (23.06) with the variation coefficient of β =2. 191. Except for the "extent of affiliation with a place" and " coordination (information systems),,,PCAT scores in all the other core domains were significantly higher in Rehabilitation Medical Group than those in Jiangbin Medical Group. Conclusion : Given the PCAT results, patients perception on quality of care in primary health institutions figuring in Rehabilitation Medical Group was better than those in Jiangbin Medical Group. The close relationship in management and technical skills, and the formation of interest allocation mechanism probably probably contributed into the way towards the results.

Effects of Statin on Arrhythmia and Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Persons With 48-Hour Sleep Deprivation.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that sleep deprivation is associated with cardiac autonomic disorder, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Statins have significant cardiovascular protective effects in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of statins on arrhythmia and heart rate variability in young healthy persons after 48-hour sleep deprivation. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study enrolled 72 young healthy participants aged 26.5±3.5 years. All participants received 48-hour continuous ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring. Arrhythmia, time, and frequency domain parameters were analyzed for all participants. The primary end point, low/high frequency ratio, was significantly lower in the statin group than in the control group (2.48±1.12 versus 3.02±1.23, P<0.001). After 48-hour sleep deprivation, low frequency-the frequency of premature atrial complexes and premature ventricular complexes-was significantly decreased in the statin group compared with the control group (P<0.05). There was also a significant increase in high frequency in the statin group compared with the control group (P<0.05). There was a significant decrease in serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde levels after 48-hour sleep deprivation in the statin group compared with the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Statin use might be associated with improvement in arrhythmia and heart rate variability in healthy persons with 48-hour sleep deprivation. This finding should be confirmed by larger scale trials. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02496962.

Effects of Psychological Abnormalities on Life Quality,Sleep Quality and Symptom Severity in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome / 胃肠病学

Background:Irritable bowel syndrome( IBS)patients are often accompanied by anxiety,depression and other psychological abnormalities,but the effects of psychological abnormalities on daily life have not yet been fully clarified. Aims:To investigate the effects of psychological abnormalities on life quality,sleep quality and symptom severity in IBS patients. Methods:A total of 101 IBS patients admitted from Nov. 2014 to May 2015 at Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University were enrolled in this study. Zung self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)and Zung self-rating depression scale(SDS)were used to evaluate the mental state;IBS-quality of life(IBS-QOL)was used to evaluate the life quality;Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)was used to evaluate the sleep quality;IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS)was used to evaluate the symptom severity. Correlations between psychological factors,life quality,sleep quality and symptom severity were analyzed. Results:57. 4%(58 / 101)of IBS patients were accompanied by varying degrees of anxiety and/ or depression. The IBS-QOL score of 101 patients was 73. 28 ± 12. 79,in which anxiety,loss of appetite and health concerns were the most severely affected. 73. 3%(74 / 101)of IBS patients were accompanied by varying degrees of sleep disorders,in which daytime dysfunction,sleep quality and sleep efficiency were the most severely affected. Of the 101 IBS patients,the symptom of 13 cases was mild,63 cases was moderate and 25 cases was severe. IBS-SSS score was 253. 00 ± 72. 58. Correlation analysis showed that anxiety,depression were negatively correlated with life quality(r = - 0. 426,P < 0. 001;r = - 0. 501,P < 0. 001)and positively correlated with sleep quality(r = 0. 556, P = 0. 000;r = 0. 513,P = 0. 000)and symptom severity(r = 0. 231,P = 0. 020;r = 0. 357,P < 0. 001). Life quality was negatively correlated with symptom severity(r = - 0. 417,P < 0. 001). Conclusions:IBS patients have psychological abnormalities and their life and sleep qualities are decreased,the more serious the psychological abnormalities,the more damage on life and sleep qualities and the more severe the IBS symptoms.

Transcriptomic analyses of regenerating adult feathers in chicken.

BACKGROUND: Feathers have diverse forms with hierarchical branching patterns and are an excellent model for studying the development and evolution of morphological traits. The complex structure of feathers allows for various types of morphological changes to occur. The genetic basis of the structural differences between different parts of a feather and between different types of feather is a fundamental question in the study of feather diversity, yet there is only limited relevant information for gene expression during feather development. RESULTS: We conducted transcriptomic analysis of five zones of feather morphologies from two feather types at different times during their regeneration after plucking. The expression profiles of genes associated with the development of feather structure were examined. We compared the gene expression patterns in different types of feathers and different portions of a feather and identified morphotype-specific gene expression patterns. Many candidate genes were identified for growth control, morphogenesis, or the differentiation of specific structures of different feather types. CONCLUSION: This study laid the ground work for studying the evolutionary origin and diversification of feathers as abundant data were produced for the study of feather morphogenesis. It significantly increased our understanding of the complex molecular and cellular events in feather development processes and provided a foundation for future studies on the development of other skin appendages.

Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and risk factors for coronary artery disease in an elderly Chinese population.

AIMS: Low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with coronary artery disease; most studies have involved in adults, but few have involved elderly people. We planned to research the association between vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and coronary artery disease in elderly people. METHODS: A population-based study was conducted among 1245 Chinese participants, aged 60-102 years, in the spring of 2013. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH)D) was measured by chemiluminescence assay. The levels of PTH were measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) method. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and forty-five participants, including 543 women (43.6%), were evaluated in 2013. The median concentrations of serum 25 (OH)D and PTH for the entire group were 16.8 ng/ml and 41.0 pg/ml, respectively. The prevalence rates of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease were significantly different across the 25 (OH)D quartiles. The prevalence rates of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease were also significantly different across the PTH quartiles. In logistic regression analyses, serum 25 (OH)D levels were associated with risk of coronary artery disease in single and multiple regression models (P < 0.05). Serum PTH levels were also associated with the risk of coronary artery disease in single and multiple regression models (P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses stratified by sex or age yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Serum vitamin D and PTH levels are independently associated with risk of coronary artery disease in a Chinese elderly population.

Vitamin D and nifedipine in the treatment of Chinese patients with grades I-II essential hypertension: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with hypertension. We planned to research the effect of vitamin D and nifedipine in the treatment of patients with essential hypertension. METHODS: Patients with grades I-II essential hypertension were enrolled in this single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Beijing. All patients received a conventional antihypertensive drug (nifedipine, 30 mg/d). One hundred and twenty-six patients were randomly assigned to receive vitamin D (n=63, 2000 IU/d) or a placebo (n=63) as an add-on to nifedipine, by the method of permutated block randomization. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was performed at baseline (month 0), at month 3 and at month 6. RESULTS: In vitamin D supplementation group, there was a significant increase in mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from baseline (19.4 ± 11.6 ng/ml) to 6 months (34.1 ± 12.2 ng/ml; p<0.001). At 6 months, the primary end points, a difference in the fall of 24-h mean blood pressure, between the groups was -6.2 mmHg (95% CI -11.2; -1.1) for systolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and -4.2 mmHg (95% CI -8.8; -0.3) for diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001) under intention to treat analysis. In patients with vitamin D <30 ng/ml at baseline (n=113), 24-h mean blood pressure decreased by 7.1/5.7 mmHg (p<0.001). Safety and tolerability were similar among the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation can reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension, it can be an adjuvant therapy for patients with grades I-II essential hypertension. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, it is available in Website: http://www.chictr.org/cn/; REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-ONC-13003840.

Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and serum lipid profiles in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the associations of serum vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with serum lipid profiles and the risk of hyperlipidemia in a middle-aged and elderly population. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the spring of 2012 among 1,203 Chinese participants, aged 52 to 101 years. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by chemiluminescence assay. (PTH) levels were measured with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) method. RESULTS: A total of 1,203 participants, including 526 women (43.7%), were evaluated in 2012. The median concentrations of serum 25(OH)D and PTH for the entire group were 17.3 ng/mL and 38.3 pg/mL, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D and PTH levels were not independently associated with serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in a multivariate adjusted linear regression analysis of 1,027 participants not receiving antihyperlipidemic treatment (P>.05). In logistic regression analyses, serum 25(OH)D and PTH levels were not associated with a risk of hyperlipidemia after adjustment for age, sex, heavy drinking, smoking, diabetes, obesity, family history of hyperlipidemia, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), fasting glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), calcium, and hemoglobin. CONCLUSIONS: Serum 25(OH)D and PTH levels are not independently associated with serum lipid levels or an increased risk of hyperlipidemia in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population.

Relation of low vitamin D to nonvalvular persistent atrial fibrillation in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D status has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. We evaluated the association between low vitamin D and AF. METHODS: We analyzed data from 162 Chinese patients with nonvalvular persistent AF and no other cardiovascular disease whose serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured in our hospital (AF group). Healthy subjects without AF who underwent health screening at our hospital served as controls (non-AF group, n = 160). 25(OH)D was measured by chemiluminescence assay. RESULTS: The serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in the AF group than in the non-AF group (18.5 ± 10.3 vs 21.4 ± 10.7 ng/mL, P < 0.05). The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level was significantly higher in the AF group than in the non-AF group (0.35 ± 0.19 vs 0.2 ± 0.17 mg/dL, P < 0.01). The average left atrial diameter was significantly larger in the AF group than in the non-AF group (P < 0.01). The serum 25(OH)D level showed a negative correlation with left atrial diameter, hsCRP level, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. Logistic regression analysis identified that 25(OH)D was related to AF. Patients whose vitamin D levels were in the lowest 25(OH)D category (<20 ng/mL) were more often in the AF group, with their incidence about twofold higher than those in the highest 25(OH)D category (>30 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Low vitamin D levels are associated with AF. It may be involved in its development.

The effects of low vitamin D on coronary artery disease.

PURPOSE: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Low vitamin D status has been shown to be associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, hypertension and obesity. We planned to research the association between low vitamin D status and the severity of CAD. PROCEDURES: A total of 348 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for evaluation of CAD were included in this study. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by chemiluminescence assay. CAD severity was assessed by using the SYNTAX scores. The data presented are the mean levels/values and standard deviation. FINDINGS: The serum 25(OH)D level of CAD patients was 18.2 ± 10.6 ng/ml. The SYNTAX scores were 27.8 ± 8.5. In a multivariate linear regression analysis (adjusted for age, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, SYNTAX score, parathyroid hormone, body mass index, haemoglobin and creatinine), the serum 25(OH)D level showed a negative correlation with SYNTAX score and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level. Logistic regression analysis identified 25(OH)D as an independent factor related to high SYNTAX scores. Patients whose vitamin D levels were in the lowest 25(OH)D category (<20 ng/ml) were more often in the high SYNTAX scores group, with their incidence about two-fold higher than those in the highest 25(OH)D category (>30 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D is associated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis.

Risk Factors and Hygiene Hypothesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease / 胃肠病学

Till now,the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease( IBD)is still not very clear. Some genetic risk loci have been identified that predispose people to IBD,however,they increase the risk of IBD by only a small magnitude. Therefore,environmental risk factors have been the focus of recent researches. This article reviewed the association of environmental factors( hygiene and dietary factors etc. ),especially childhood hygiene with IBD,and concluded that rural environment,higher number of siblings and having pets decreased the risk of IBD,while urban environment and small household size/sibship were risk factors for IBD. Currently,population-based study focusing on hygiene and IBD is deficient domestically,further epidemiological surveys are warranted to confirm their associations.

Cis-trans isomerization of chemically activated 1-methylallyl radical and fate of the resulting 2-buten-1-peroxy radical.

The cis-trans isomerization of chemically activated 1-methylallyl is investigated using RRKM/Master Equation methods for a range of pressures and temperatures. This system is a prototype for a large range of allylic radicals formed from highly exothermic (∼35 kcal/mol) OH + alkene reactions. Energies, vibrational frequencies, anharmonic constants, and the torsional potential of the methyl group are computed with density functional theory for both isomers and the transition state connecting them. Chemically activated radicals are found to undergo rapid cis-trans isomerization leading to stabilization of significant amounts of both isomers. In addition, the thermal rate constant for trans → cis isomerization of 1-methylallyl is computed to be high enough to dominate reaction with O(2) in 10 atm of air at 700 K, so models of the chemistry of the (more abundant and more commonly studied) trans-alkenes may need to be modified to include the cis isomers of the corresponding allylic radicals. Addition of molecular oxygen to 1-methylallyl radical can form 2-butene-1-peroxy radical (CH(3)CH═CHCH(2)OO(•)), and quantum chemistry is used to thoroughly explore the possible unimolecular reactions of the cis and trans isomers of this radical. The cis isomer of the 2-butene-1-peroxy radical has the lowest barrier (via 1,6 H-shift) to further reaction, but this barrier appears to be too high to compete with loss of O(2).

Interleukin-27 affects IFN-gamma and IL-4 activities in children with asthma / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of interleukin (IL)-27 on INF and IL-4 activities in children with asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The levels of IFN-gamma and IL-4 in culture supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 23 asthmatic children were measured using ELISA. PBMCs were cultured with recombinant IL-27 (5 ng/mL or 0.5 ng/mL) for 12 hrs in vitro.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>IFN-gamma levels in both 5 ng/mL and 0.5 ng/mL IL-27 treatment groups (85.9+/-12.2 and 8.9+/-2.3 microg/L, respectively) increased compared with those in the cytokine stimulated control group (P<0.01, P<0.05 respectively). The group treated with 5 ng/mL IL-27 had decreased significantly IL-4 levels compared with the cytokine stimulated control group (15.0+/-1.9 microg/L vs 77.0+/-15.6 microg/L; P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>IL-27 may be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. It may affect Th1/Th2 cell activities and might be a new option for the treatment of asthma.</p>

Concentrations of serum iron and transferrin in children with nephrotic syndrome / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by marked urinary excretion of albumin and other intermediated-size plasma proteins such as transferrin. The aim of this study was to determine the changes of serum iron and transferrin and the relationship between the serum and urinary transferrin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The indexes related to iron metabolism, including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation and hematological parameters (Hb, MCV, MCH), and urinary transferrin were measured in 37 children with NS before treatment and at the remission stage. Thirty-five age-matched healthy children served as controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum iron levels (18.8 +/- 3.8 micromol/L) in NS patients before treatment were significantly lower than in the healthy controls (22.2 +/-3.8 micromol/L) and those measured at the remission stage (21.0 +/- 3.5 micromol/L) (P < 0.01). Serum transferrin levels in NS patients before therapy (1.9 +/- 0.3 g/L) also decreased compared with those in the healthy controls (3.1 +/- 0.5 g/L) and those measured at the remission stage (2.9 +/- 0.6 g/L) (P < 0.01). In contrast, serum total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation were noticeably higher in NS patients before treatment than those in the healthy controls (total iron-binding capacity 56.4 +/- 9.2 micromol/L vs 50.7 +/- 6.8 micromol, P < 0.01; transferrin saturation 55.7 +/- 9.2 % vs 46.4 +/- 8.2%, P < 0.01) and were also higher than those measured at the remission stage (51.9 +/-7.7 micromol/L and 47.4 +/- 13.3%) (P < 0.01). Serum transferrin positively correlated to serum albumin (r = 0.609, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated to urinary transferrin (r = -0.550, P < 0.01) in NS patients before treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Serum iron and transferrin levels markedly decreased in NS patients, which may be partially related to the urinary loss of transferrin.</p>