Soil microbial community characteristics and the influencing factors at different elevations on the eastern slope of Helan Mountain, Northwest China.

As an important bridge connecting aboveground communities and belowground biological processes, soil microorganisms play an important role in regulating belowground ecological processes. The altitudinal changes and driving factors of soil microbial community in mountain ecosystem in arid region are still unclear. We measured soil physicochemical properties at seven altitudes in the range of 1300-2800 m in Helan Mountains, and investigated the understory community composition, soil physicochemical properties, and soil microbial community. The driving factor for soil microbial community was explored by variance partitioning analysis and redundancy analysis. The results showed that the total amount of soil microorganisms and bacterial biomass first increased and then decreased with the increases of altitude, fungi, actinomyces, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Gram-positive bacteria, and Gram-negative bacteria groups showed a gradual increase. The variation of fungal-to-bacterial ratio (F/B) along the altitude showed that the cumulative ability of soil bacteria was stronger than that of fungi at low altitudes, while the pattern is opposite at high altitudes. The ratio of Gram-positive bacteria to Gram-negative bacteria (GP/GN) showed an overall decreasing trend with the increases of altitude, indicating that soil bacteria and organic carbon availability changed from "oligotrophic" to "eutrophication" and from "low" to "high" transition as the altitude increased. Vegetation properties, soil physical and chemical properties jointly accounted for 95.7% of the variation in soil microbial community. Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil water content (SWC), and total nitrogen (TN) were significantly correlated with soil microbial community composition. Our results revealed the distribution pattern and driving factors of soil microbial communities at different elevations on the eastern slope of Helan Mountain, which would provide theoretical basis and data support for further understanding the interaction between plant-soil-microorganisms in arid areas.

Expression of Ceruloplasmin in the Peripheral Blood of Patients With Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.

This study was performed to detect the expression of ceruloplasmin in the peripheral blood of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and explore the mechanisms of iron metabolism disorder in drug-resistant epilepsy. Peripheral blood was collected from 32 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, labeled the drug-resistant group; 30 patients who were drug responsive, labeled the drug-responsive group; and 34 healthy people, named the normal group.The expression levels of ceruloplasmin mRNA and ceruloplasmin protein in the peripheral blood of the 3 groups were detected using real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The differences in the expression of ceruloplasmin mRNA of different seizure frequencies and types, electroencephalogram abnormal discharges, and different medication methods were analyzed and compared. The relative expression of ceruloplasmin mRNA and ceruloplasmin protein in the drug-resistant epilepsy group was significantly higher than that in the drug-responsive group (P = .002 and .010, respectively) and higher in the drug-responsive group compared with the normal group (P = .014 and .005, respectively). The relative expression of ceruloplasmin mRNA in patients with epilepsy using different medication methods was statistically significant (P = .001). Patients who received a combination of 2 or 3 drugs exhibited a higher expression than those treated with single-drug treatment, whereas those who received a combination of 3 drugs had a higher expression than those with 2 drugs (P = .013, .001, and .011, respectively). There was no significant difference in the relative expression of Cp mRNA in patients with epilepsy with different seizure frequencies and types and abnormal electroencephalogram discharges (all P > .05). The increased expression of ceruloplasmin in the peripheral blood of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy was closely related to the different medication methods, but no obvious correlation with epileptic seizure frequencies or types and abnormal electroencephalogram discharges was identified. The increased expression of ceruloplasmin enhanced iron oxidative damage and may be the potential mechanism of drug-resistant epilepsy and may be one of the drug resistance indicators for combination drugs when treating drug-resistant epilepsy.

[Responses of soil microbial community structure to litter inputs.] / åœŸå£¤å¾®ç”Ÿç‰©ç¾¤è½å¯¹æž¯è½ç‰©è¾“å ¥çš„å“åº”.

Litter decomposition is one of the most important ecosystem processes, which plays a critical role in regu-lating nutrient cycling and energy flow in terrestrial ecosystems. The influence of litter inputs on soil microbial community is helpful for understanding the relationship between soil microbial diversity and terrestrial ecosystem function. We conducted a meta-analysis to examine how litter inputs affect soil microbial activity (fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes) and microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen in China. The results showed that compared with non-litter input, soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen were significantly increased by 3.9% and 4.4% respectively after litter inputs. Soil fungal PLFA, bacterial PLFA, and total microbial PLFA were increased by 4.0%, 3.1% and 2.4%, respectively. The effects of litter inputs differed significantly with climatic region, annual precipitation, vege-tation type, and soil pH. Under different climate conditions, the responses of soil microbe showed the trend of subtropical monsoon climatic region > temperate monsoon climatic region > temperate continental climatic region, which increased first and then decreased with increasing annual precipitation. Under different vegetation types, the responses of soil microbes showed the trend of broad-leaved forest > grassland ≈ mixed forest > coniferous forest.

Risk Predictors of 3-Month and 1-Year Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients with Prior Ischemic Stroke.

Background: Despite available therapy, mortality, and readmission rates within 60-90 days of discharge for patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF) are higher compared to the 1-year rates. This study sought to identify the risk factors of the combined endpoint of all-cause readmission or death among HF patients. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of HF aged 65 or older were included in this prospective observational cohort study. The outcomes were estimated within 3-months and 1 year of discharge. Risk modeling was performed using a multivariable Cox regression analysis of HF patients older than 65 who had experienced ischemic stroke. Results: A total of 951 HF patients enrolled, of whom 340 (35.8%) had suffered a prior ischemic stroke. Significant predictors of increased 3-month all-cause readmission or death included DBP (p = 0.045); serum albumin (p = 0.025), TSH (p = 0.017); and discharge without ACE-inhibitor/ARB/ARNI (p = 0.025), ß-blockers (p = 0.029), and antiplatelet drugs (p = 0.005). Heart rate (p = 0.040), laboratory parameters-including serum albumin (p = 0.003), CRP p = 0.028), and FT4 (p = 0.018)-and discharge without ß-blockers (p = 0.003), were significant predictors of increased 1-year all-cause readmission and death. Conclusions: Without ß-blockers, lower serum albumin and abnormal thyroid function increase the risks of readmission and death in elderly HF patients who have had an ischemic stroke by 3 months and 1 year after discharge. The other factors, such as being without ACEI/ARB and a high heart rate, only increase risks before 3 months or 1 year, not both.

The safety and efficiency of fluoroless site-specific transseptal puncture guided by three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Although fluoroless transseptal puncture (TSP) guided by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has been used for many years, there are no reports of an accurate site-specific method for TSP in detail, especially about the safety and efficiency of the method. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of TSP guided by three-dimensional ICE using a fluoroless site-specific method with that of the conventional fluoroless method in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: This prospective study included 60 patients with AF scheduled for radiofrequency ablation who were assigned to undergo modified fluoroless site-specific TSP (SS-ICE group, n = 30) or conventional fluoroless TSP (C-ICE group, n = 30). TSP was guided by three-dimensional ICE in both study groups. RESULTS: All fluoroless TSP were performed successfully in both groups. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, Pre-TSP time (11.3 ± 1.7 min vs. 11.1 ± 1.6 min, P = 0.822) and TSP time (3.4 ± 0.9 min vs. 3.5 ± 1.1 min, P = 0.772) between the SS-ICE group and the C-ICE group. The distance between the actual traversing point and the presetting point in the fossa ovalis was less than 5 mm in 87% of patients (26/30, 3.1 ± 1.2 mm) in the SS-ICE group. There were no TSP-related complications in either group. CONCLUSION: SS-ICE method is a simple, safe, and effective approach for fluoroless site-specific TSP.

Comprehensive analysis of CXCR family members in lung adenocarcinoma with prognostic values.

BACKGROUND: The expression profiles and molecular mechanisms of CXC chemokine receptors (CXCRs) in Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have been extensively explored. However, the comprehensive prognostic values of CXCR members in LUAD have not yet been clearly identified. METHODS: Multiple available datasets, including Oncomine datasets, the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), HPA platform, GeneMANIA platform, DAVID platform and the tumor immune estimation resource (TIMER) were used to detect the expression of CXCRs in LUAD, as well as elucidate the significance and value of novel CXCRs-associated genes and signaling pathways in LUAD. RESULTS: The mRNA and/or protein expression of CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5 and CXCR6 displayed predominantly decreased in LUAD tissues as compared to normal tissues. On the contrary, compared with the normal tissues, the expression of CXCR7 was significantly increased in LUAD tissues. Subsequently, we constructed a network including CXCR family members and their 20 related genes, and the related GO functions assay showed that CXCRs connected with these genes participated in the process of LUAD through several signal pathways including Chemokine signaling pathway, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. TCGA and Timer platform revealed that the mRNA expression of CXCR family members was significantly related to individual cancer stages, cancer subtypes, patient's gender and the immune infiltration level. Finally, survival analysis showed that low mRNA expression levels of CXCR2 (HR = 0.661, and Log-rank P = 1.90e-02), CXCR3 (HR = 0.674, and Log-rank P = 1.00e-02), CXCR4 (HR = 0.65, and Log-rank P = 5.01e-03), CXCR5 (HR = 0.608, and Log-rank P = 4.80e-03) and CXCR6 (HR = 0.622, and Log-rank P = 1.85e-03) were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS), whereas high CXCR7 mRNA expression (HR = 1.604, and Log-rank P = 4.27e-03) was extremely related with shorter OS in patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings from public databases provided a unique insight into expression characteristics and prognostic values of CXCR members in LUAD, which would be benefit for the understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis prediction and targeted treatment in LUAD.

[Soil enzyme activities and their stoichiometry at different altitudes in Helan Mountains, Northwest China]. / è´ºå °å±±ä¸åŒæµ·æ‹”åœŸå£¤é ¶æ´»æ€§åŠå ¶åŒ–å­¦è®¡é‡ç‰¹å¾.

Understanding altitudinal variation characteristics and driving mechanism of soil enzyme activities and their stoichiometry is of great significance for studying nutrient cycling in fragile mountain forest ecosystems. In this study, we collected soil samples from different altitudes (1380-2438 m) in Helan Mountains to analyze the altitudinal changes in soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activities and their stoichiometry and its influencing factors. The results showed that the activities of ß-glucosidase (ßG) and ß-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) and the enzyme activities ratios of soil C/N and soil C/P firstly increased and then decreased with increasing altitude, which all peaked at 2139 m. Alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities increased with the increases of altitude, with the maximum being found at 2438 m. However, L-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activities and soil N/P enzyme activities ratios did not change with increasing altitude. Compared with the soil enzyme stoichiometry in other regions of the world, Helan Mountains showed a certain degree of N limitation. Except for LAP, the activities of the other three enzymes were significantly positively correlated with the ratios of soil organic carbon/total nitrogen, soil organic carbon/total phosphorus, and total nitrogen/total phosphorus, and negatively correlated with pH. The LAP, soil C/P enzyme activities ratios and soil N/P enzyme activities ratios showed significant negative correlation with TP. In addition, AKP was significantly negatively correlated with soil bulk density.

[Changes of the concentrations and stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in soil aggregates along different altitudes of Helan Mountains, Northwest China.] / è´ºå °å±±ä¸åŒæµ·æ‹”åœŸå£¤å›¢èšä½“ç¢³æ°®ç£·å«é‡åŠå ¶åŒ–å­¦è®¡é‡ç‰¹å¾å˜åŒ–.

Exploring the distribution patterns of soil nutrients in aggregates of forests along different altitudes in arid and semi-arid areas can provide a theoretical basis for understanding nutrient cycling in vulnerable mountain ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed the distribution and stability of aggregates in the 0-20 cm soil layer along different altitudes (1380-2438 m) of Helan Mountains and measured the storage and stoichiometric characteristics of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in soil aggregates. Results showed that the main soil aggregates of Helan Mountains changed from micro-aggregates (0.25-0.053 mm) to macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm) with increa-sing elevation. The mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of soil aggregates in high altitude (2139-2248 m) were significantly higher than those in low altitude (1380-1650 m). The content and storage of organic carbon and total nitrogen in soil aggregates of different size fractions were positively correlated with altitude, while the content of total phosphorus fluctuated with the increase in elevation and distributed uniformly in aggregates. Macro-aggregates and micro-aggregates had more contribution to soil nutrient storage than the silt and clay fractions, indicating that the proportion of aggregates with different size fractions was the key factor affecting soil nutrient storage and that macro-aggregates and micro-aggregates were the main carriers of soil nutrients. Moreover, the C:N ratio in aggregates of different size fractions did not change across different altitudes, whereas the C:P and N:P ratio were higher at mid and high elevations than those at low elevations. Our results indicated that the mid and high elevations of Helan Mountains had higher nutrient storage in the surface soil layer, and that higher content of macro-aggregates and micro-aggregates would help to retain organic carbon and nutrients in the soil. Soil nitrogen limitation was strong at low altitude in our study, suggesting that the appropriate amount of nitrogen addition in low altitudes could improve total nitrogen status during forest cultivation.

Acupuncture for persistent atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation: study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia, which is closely related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although acupuncture is used in the treatment of AF, the evidence is insufficient. The objective of this pilot trial is to evaluate the feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and safety of acupuncture in reducing AF burden for persistent AF after catheter ablation (CA). METHODS AND DESIGN: This will be a multi-center, 3-arm, pilot randomized controlled trial in China. Sixty patients in total will be randomly assigned to the specific acupoints group, the non-specific acupoints group, or the non-acupoints group in a 1:1:1 ratio. The whole study period is 6 months, including a 3-month treatment period and a 3-month follow-up period. All patients will receive 18 sessions of acupuncture over 12 weeks after CA and appropriate post-ablation routine treatment. The primary outcome is AF burden at 6 months after CA measured by electrocardiography patch that can carry out a 7-day continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. The secondary outcomes include AF burden at 3 months after CA, recurrence of AF, quality of life, etc. The adverse events will also be recorded. DISCUSSION: This pilot study will contribute to evaluating the feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and safety of acupuncture in reducing AF burden for persistent AF after CA. The results will be used for the sample size calculation of a subsequent large-scale trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000030576 . Registered on 7 March 2020.

Remodeling of myocardial energy and metabolic homeostasis in a sheep model of persistent atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common progressive cardiac arrhythmia and is often associated with rapid contraction in both atria and ventricles. The role of atrial energy and metabolic homeostasis in AF progression is under-investigated. OBJECTIVES: To determine the remodeling of energy metabolism during persistent AF and the effect of eplerenone (EPL), an aldosterone inhibitor, on metabolic homeostasis. METHODS: A nonsustained atrial pacing sheep model was developed to simulate the progression of AF from paroxysmal to persistent. Metabolomic and proteomic analyses at termination of the experiment were used to analyze atrial tissues obtained from sheep in sham, sugar pill (SP) and EPL-treated groups. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis indicated that compared to the sham group, in SP group, fatty acid (FA) synthesis, FA oxidation, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle processes and amino acids (AAs) transport and metabolism were reduced, while glycolytic processes were increased. In metabolomic analysis, the levels of intermediate metabolites of the glycolytic pathways, including 2-phosphoglyceric acid (2 PG), 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid (1,3 PG), and pyruvate, HBP (uridine diphosphate-N-acetylglucosamine, UDP-GlcNAc), TCA (citrate) and AAs were greater while the levels of the majority of lipid classes, including phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), glycerophosphoglycerophosphates (PGP), glycerophosphoinositols (PI) and glycerophosphoserines (PS), were decreased in the atria of SP group than in those of sham group. EPL-pretreatment decreased the expression of glut4 and increased the content of acylcarnitines and lipids, such as lyso phospholipids, phospholipids and neutral lipids. CONCLUSION: In the metabolic remodeling during AF, glucose and lipid metabolism were up- and down-regulated, respectively, to sustain TCA cycle anaplerosis. EPL partialy reversed the metabolic shifting.

Percutaneous management of atrium and lung perforation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac perforation by a transvenous lead is an uncommon but serious complication. Delayed perforation, defined as migration and perforation of an implanted lead at least 1 mo after implantation, is exceedingly rare and prone to underdiagnosis, and its optimal management is currently unclear. We report an uneventful transvenous extraction of an active fixation lead that led to delayed perforation of the right atrium, pericardium, and lung, disclosed 2 mo after implantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 61-year-old woman with atrial lead perforation was transferred to our center. She had a dual-chamber pacemaker with active fixation leads implanted 8 mo previously. At 2 mo after implantation, she complained of chest pain and hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography revealed atrial lead migration into the lung. No pericardial or pleural effusion was detected. She underwent transvenous lead extraction in the electrophysiology room with surgical backup. The percutaneous subxiphoid pericardial puncture was performed first, and a pigtail catheter was left in the pericardial sac throughout the procedure. Then, a new active fixation lead was implanted at a different site with less tension. After the active screw was retracted, the culprit atrial lead was explanted successfully with simple traction. There were no complications during or after the procedure. The patient recovered well and follow-up was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous management of perforated active fixation lead outside the pericardial sac under surgical backup is safe and effective.

Clinical effects and safety of electroacupuncture for the treatment of post-stroke depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of post-stroke depression (PSD). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search in the Pubmed, Embase, CENTRAL, ISI Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang databases was conducted, and all relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool and Jadad score were used to assess the risk of bias of included studies, and only RCTs scoring ≥3 were included in a meta-analysis. RESULTS: 18 RCTs involving a total of 813 participants (mean age 61.6 years) in the EA groups and 723 participants (mean age 61.9 years) in the control groups were included. The included studies had an average 3 point Jadad score. PSD was diagnosed according to the Chinese Classification of Cerebrovascular Disease (CCCD) and the Chinese Classification of Mental Disease (CCMD) criteria. There was no significant difference between EA and antidepressants (fluoxetine 10-40 mg/day, citalopram 20 mg/day, sertraline 50 mg/day) in terms of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores at week 4 after treatment (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.11, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.10), at week 6 after treatment (SMD 0.04, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.51) or at week 8 after treatment (SMD -0.01, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.22). However, the combined incidence of adverse events in the EA groups was significantly lower than in the antidepressant groups (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.33). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between EA and antidepressants in the severity of depression, however EA caused fewer adverse events than antidepressants. Additional larger scale RCTs with rigorous study design are required.

Change of Peripheral Blood Treg/Thl7 in Cognitive Impairment with Chronic Renal Failure Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the changes in peripheral blood Treg/Th17 cell balance and its significance in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) and cognitive impairment. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with CRF were enrolled as a study group. The patients were divided into a cognitive impairment group and a normal cognitive function group according to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Peripheral blood Treg and Th17 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and their relevant cytokines (IL-17, IL-10 and TGF-ß) and other biochemical indicators, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6, were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Thepatients with both CRF and cognitive impairment were older than the cognitive normal groups. Peripheral blood Treg cells by Flow cytometry (the CRF cognitive impairment group 5.57±1.3%, CRF group with normal cognitive function 7.5 ± 0.9% and normal control group 9.7 ± 1.7%,P<0.05) and its related cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-ß) by ELISA detection were lower in the group with cognitive impairment than in the group without cognitive impairment ( IL-10, 7.4±4.2 pg/mL, 13.8±3.9 pg/mL, 18.3±3.2 pg/mL; TGF-ß 335.6±175.3 pg/mL, 512.7 ± 114.6 pg/mL, 953.8±373.4 pg/mL P < 0.05, respectively).However, Th17 cell numbers (the CRF cognitive impairment group 3.3 ± 0.7%, CRF group with normal cognitive function2.2 ± 0.5% and normal control group 1.5 ± 0.3%),and cytokine levels (IL-17, IL-6 and CRP) were higher in the group with cognitive impairment IL-6 (21.3 ± 5.1 pg/mL), IL-17 (18.5 ± 4.2 pg/mL) and CRP (20.3 ± 5.9 mg/L) in the CRF group with cognitive impairment when compared with the CRF group and normal cognitive function (12.2 ± 4.5 pg/mL, 12.1 ± 3.7 pg/mL and 13.5 ± 4.6 mg/L, respectively) or the normal control group (9.2 ± 5.8 pg/mL, 7.4 ± 2.6 pg/mL and 3.2 ± 1.3 mg/L, respectively, P<0.05). The frequencies of Treg in patients with CRF were positively correlated with the MMSE scores ((r = 0.518, P < 0.05), but the Th17 numbers were negatively correlated (r = -0.435, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An imbalance of peripheral blood Treg/Th17 cells is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with CRF.

Imaging grading system for the diagnosis of dural ossification based on 102 segments of TOLF CT bone-window data.

Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (TOLF) complicated with dural ossification (DO) is a severe clinical disease. The diagnosis of DO preoperatively remains challenging. The current study retrospectively analyzed imaging features of 102 segments with TOLF from 39 patients and proposed a grading system for evaluating DO risk. Logistic regression results showed that unilateral spinal canal occupational rate (UCOR), tram track signs, and C-signs were all risk factors for DO (odds ratios of 5.393, 19.734 and 72.594, respectively). In validation analyses for the TOLF-DO grading system, sensitivity was 76.0% (19/25), specificity was 91.0% (70/77), and Youden's index was 0.66. Thus, implementation of the TOLF-DO grading system has the potential to improve the diagnosis of DO.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms increase the risk of post-stroke depression.

Recent reports have shown that apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms are involved in neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear whether APOE affects post-stroke depression. Accordingly, we hypothesized that APOE polymorphisms modify the risk of post-stroke depression. Here, we performed a hospital-based case-control study (including 76 cerebral infarction cases with post-stroke depression, 88 cerebral infarction cases without post-stroke depression, and 109 controls without any evidence of post-stroke depression or cerebral infarction) to determine possible association between APOE rs429358 and rs7412 polymorphisms and risk of post-stroke depression. Our findings show no difference among the groups with regards genotype distribution of the rs7412 polymorphism. In contrast, APOE genotypes with rs429358-C alleles increased the risk of post-stroke depression. Further, the rs429358 polymorphism was associated with significantly decreased regional cerebral blood flow values in the left temporal lobe of post-stroke depression cases. Additionally, the rs429358 polymorphism was not only associated with depression severity, but with increasing serum levels of total cholesterol. These results suggest that the APOE rs429358 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of developing post-stroke depression, and that APOE rs429358-C allele genotypes may be detrimental to recovery of nerve function after stoke. Indeed, these findings provide clinical data for future post-stroke depression gene interventions.

SNCA rs3822086 C>T Polymorphism Increases the Susceptibility to Parkinson's Disease in a Chinese Han Population.

OBJECTIVE: Protofibrils of alpha-synuclein mediate neuronal cell death and propagate Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we investigated the relationship between the rs3822086 C>T polymorphism located in the fourth intron of the alpha-synuclein (SNCA) gene and susceptibility to PD in a Chinese Han population. METHODS: 146 PD patients and 144 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals (control group) were selected for this study. The SNCA rs3822086 polymorphism was examined in all 300 study subjects by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. RESULTS: The genotype and allele frequencies of the SNCA rs3822086 polymorphism showed significant differences between the PD group and control group (TT: 25.3% vs. 18.8%, p=0.035; CT+TT: 77.4% vs. 66.0%, p=0.031; T allele: 51.4% vs. 42.4%, p=0.030; respectively). Stratified analyses based on gender indicated that male PD patients exhibited higher genotype and allele frequencies of the SNCA rs3822086 polymorphism compared to healthy male controls (TT: 26.7% vs. 13.2%, p=0.011; CC+CT: 73.3% vs. 86.8%, p=0.024; T allele: 51.2% vs. 37.9%, p=0.012; respectively). Age-stratified analyses indicated that the genotype and allele frequencies of the SNCA rs3822086 polymorphism were significantly higher in PD patients older than 60 years in comparison to healthy controls (TT: 32.2% vs. 20.5%, p=0.014; CT+TT: 77.0% vs. 60.2%, p=0.017; T allele: 54.6% vs. 40.3%, p=0.008; respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the SNCA rs3822086 C>T polymorphism correlates with increased susceptibility to PD among the Chinese Han population.

Identification of bacteriology and risk factor analysis of asymptomatic bacterial colonization in pacemaker replacement patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent researches revealed that asymptomatic bacterial colonization on PMs might be ubiquitous and increase the risk of clinical PM infection. Early diagnosis of patients with asymptomatic bacterial colonization could provide opportunity for targeted preventive measures. OBJECTIVE: The present study explores the incidence of bacterial colonization of generator pockets in pacemaker replacement patients without signs of infection, and to analyze risk factors for asymptomatic bacterial colonization. METHODS: From June 2011 to December 2013, 118 patients underwent pacemaker replacement or upgrade. Identification of bacteria was carried out by bacterial culture and 16S rRNA sequencing. Clinical risk characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: The total bacterial positive rate was 37.3% (44 cases), and the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus detection rate was the highest. Twenty two (18.6%) patients had positive bacterial culture results, of which 50% had coagulase-negative staphylococcus. The bacterial DNA detection rate was 36.4 % (43 cases). Positive bacterial DNA results from pocket tissues and the surface of the devices were 22.0% and 29.7%, respectively. During follow-up (median, 27.0 months), three patients (6.8%, 3/44) became symptomatic with the same genus of microorganism, S. aureus (n=2) and S. epidermidis (n=1). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that history of bacterial infection, use of antibiotics, application of antiplatelet drugs, replacement frequency were independent risk factors for asymptomatic bacterial colonization. CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of asymptomatic bacterial colonization in pacemaker patients with independent risk factors. Bacterial culture combined genetic testing could improve the detection rate.

Genetic identification and risk factor analysis of asymptomatic bacterial colonization on cardiovascular implantable electronic devices.

Asymptomatic bacterial colonization of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is widespread and increases the risk of clinical CIED infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of bacterial colonization of generator pockets in patients without signs of infection and to analyze the relationship with clinical infection and risk factors. From June 2011 to December 2012, 78 patients underwent CIED replacement or upgrade. Exclusion criteria included a clinical diagnosis of CIED infection, bacteremia, or infective endocarditis. All patients were examined for evidence of bacterial 16S rDNA on the device and in the surrounding tissues. Infection cases were recorded during follow-up. The bacterial-positive rate was 38.5% (30 cases); the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus detection rate was the highest (9 cases, 11.5%). Positive bacterial DNA results were obtained from pocket tissue in 23.1% of patients (18 cases), and bacterial DNA was detected on the device in 29.5% of patients (23 cases). During follow-up (median 24.6 months), two patients (6.7%, 2/30) became symptomatic with the same species of microorganism, S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that the history of bacterial infection, use of antibiotics, application of antiplatelet drugs, replacement frequency, and renal insufficiency were independent risk factors for asymptomatic bacterial colonization.

[Types and risk factors of arrhythmia on young patients with acute coronary syndrome in Henan province].

OBJECTIVE: The types and risk factors of arrhythmia were analyzed on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients under the age of 44 years who were hospitalized in Henan province between September 2009 to June 2012. METHODS: Medical records of eligible patients were obtained from the information system of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University teleconsultation information center. Middle aged and elderly ACS patients who were hospitalized at the same period served as controls. Data on arrhythmia types, blood pressure, thyroid disease, respiratory sleep apnea syndrome, smoking history, history of alcohol consumption, eating habits, family history of early-onset arrhythmia, laboratory tests were analyzed. RESULTS: (1) Arrhythmia was detected in 110 out of young ACS patients (55%), which was significantly lower than that in the elderly ACS patients (71.05%, P < 0.01). (2) The top three arrhythmias in young ACS patients were: sinus tachycardia (30.50%), the premature ventricular contractions (19.00%), atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation (16.50%). Incidence of sinus tachycardia, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation were significantly higher while incidence of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were significantly lower in young ACS patients than in middle-aged ACS patients (all P < 0.05). The incidence of sinus tachycardia was higher while incidence of ventricular premature accelerated ventricular spontaneous cardiac rhythm, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, non-paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, nodal escape, atrioventricular block were significantly lower in young ACS patients than in elderly ACS patients (all P < 0.05). (3) Body mass index, incidence of smoking, coronary three-vessel disease, drinking, eating salty foods, thyroid dysfunction, sleep apnea were significantly higher in youth ACS patients with arrhythmia than in young ACS patients without arrhythmia (all P < 0. 05). (4) Logistic regression analysis found that number of diseased coronary vessels (OR = 24.293), smoking (OR = 1.112) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.039) were independent risk factor for developing arrhythmia in young ACS patients from Henan province. CONCLUSIONS: The main types of arrhythmia are sinus tachycardia, premature ventricular contractions, atrial flutter/atrial fibrillation and the major risk factors related to the arrhythmia are number of diseased coronary vessels, smoking and alcohol consumption in young ACS patients from Henan province.

Re-evaluation of transvenous lead extraction with modified standard technique: a prospective study in 229 patients.

As new-type powered sheaths are expensive and unavailable, the standard lead extraction techniques remain the mainstay in clinical applications in many countries. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the clinical application of the standard lead extraction techniques and equipment, and make some procedural modifications and innovations. In our center, between January 2006 and May 2012, 229 patients (median, 66 years) who underwent lead extraction due to infection and lead malfunction were registered and followed up prospectively with respect to clinical features, reasons for lead extraction, technical characteristics, and clinical prognosis. A total of 440 leads had to be extracted transvenously by using special tools from 229 patients (male, 72.1%). Vegetations ≥1 cm were detected in six patients. Locking Stylets were applied for 398 (90.5%) leads. Telescoping dilator polypropylene sheaths and counter traction technique were used for 202 (45.9%) leads due to lead adhesion, and the mean implant duration of the 202 leads was longer than the other 238 leads (48.9±22.6 vs. 26.6±17.8 months; P <0.01). In addition, modified isolation and snare techniques were used for 56 leads (12.7%). Minor and major procedure-related complications occurred in three (1.3%) and four (1.7%) cases respectively, including one death (0.4%). Severe lead residue occurred in one case. Complete procedural success rate was 96.1% (423/440), and clinical success rate was 98.9% (435/440). The median follow-up period was 18 (1-76) months. No infection- and procedure-related death occurred in our series. Our data demonstrated that high clinical success rate of transvenous lead extraction can be guaranteed by making full use of the standard lead extraction techniques and equipment with individualized modifications.