bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metformin ameliorates insulin resistance in L6 rat skeletal muscle cells through upregulation of SIRT3
Authors: Yuping Song , Jingli Shi , Ying Wu , Chong Han , Junjie Zou , Yongquan Shi , Zhimin Liu
Published: January 2024

Background

SIRT3 is an important regulator in cell metabolism, and recent studies have shown that it may be involved in the pharmacological effects of metformin. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are unclear.

Methods

The effects of SIRT3 on the regulation of oxidative stress and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle were evaluated in vitro. Differentiated L6 skeletal muscle cells were treated with 750 μmol/L palmitic acid to induce insulin resistance. SIRT3 was knocked down and overexpressed in L6 cells. SIRT3, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) p65, c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were evaluated by Western blotting.

Results

Over expression of SIRT3 increased glucose uptake and decreased ROS production in L6-IR cells as well as in L6 cells. Knock-down of SIRT3 induced increased production of ROS while decreased glucose uptake in both L6 and L6-IR cells, and these effects were reversed by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Metformin increased the expression of SIRT3 (1.5-fold) and SOD2 (2-fold) while down regulating NF-κB p65 (1.5-fold) and JNK1 (1.5-fold). Knockdown of SIRT3 (P<0.05) reversed the metformin-induced decreases in NF-κB p65 and JNK1 and the metformin-induced increase in SOD2 (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Upregulated SIRT3 is involved in the pharmacological mechanism by which metformin promotes glucose uptake. Additionally, SIRT3 may function as an important regulator of oxidative stress and a new alternative approach for targeting insulin resistance-related diseases.
Development and evaluation of a patching treatment questionnaire for Chinese amblyopic children
Authors: Xu Jinling , Lu Qun , Huang Ying , Chen Yuanyuan , Chen Jie , Yu Xinping
Published: January 2024

Background

Amblyopia is a common disease for children. The main treatment approach for amblyopia is to patch the normally sighted eye and force the use of the amblyopic eye. However, patching treatment in children may negatively impact psychological well-being of both the child and family. At present, no specific questionnaire is available to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of amblyopic treatment for children and their families in China. The purpose of our study was to develop a Chinese version of patching treatment questionnaire, and evaluate its reliability and validity.

Methods

The original patching treatment questionnaire of amblyopia treatment index (ATI) was translated into Chinese. Amblyopic patients aged 4–9 years receiving patching 4–8 hours per day or full-time were recruited. The reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the patching treatment questionnaire were determined by internal consistency, test-retest reliability, item-scale correlations, and construct validity. The associated baseline factors and the questionnaire responses were assessed.

Results

One hundred and nine children with amblyopia treated with patching were enrolled. Distribution of response options for individual items and correlation with the respective subscale were calculated. Factor analysis revealed that 16 of the 21 items were loaded in the three subscales as follows: “adverse effects” of treatment, “difficulties with compliance” and “‘social stigma” of treatment. Internal consistency values measured by Cronbach's α coefficient (0.768) and split-half coefficient (0.790) were satisfactory for the total scales. The intra-class correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.998. No significant difference was found between the overall questionnaire scores and children's age, sex, baseline visual acuity of amblyopic eyes, improvement of the amblyopic eye, or patching time.

Conclusions

We developed a Chinese version of the patching treatment questionnaire with satisfactory reliability and validity. Validation in a patch-treated pediatric amblyopic population indicated that the questionnaire may be useful for Chinese children.
Radioactive probe-guided parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Fei Yuan , Weijia Yu , Ahmad Waqas , Zhixue Yang , Hua Cao , Juncheng Li , Guoqin Jiang
Published: January 2024

Background

The value of gamma probes in the surgical treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) was determined. The aim of this study was to enhance the rate of successful total parathyroidectomy in patients with sHPT using intraoperative gamma probe investigations.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 48 sHPT patients between May 2007 and September 2011. Preoperative 99Tcm- methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy and high-frequency ultrasonography were used for parathyroid localization. Thirty-five patients (group I) underwent conventional neck exploration and open parathyroidectomy. Thirteen patients (group II) underwent gamma probe-guided total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid transplantation. The two groups were compared in terms of the number of parathyroid resections, operative time, and postoperative changes in the blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphate.

Results

The clinical manifestations, PTH and calcium levels, age distribution, and clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The accuracy of preoperative 99Tcm-MIBI scintigraphy (89.74%) for the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism did not differ from that of ultrasonography (81.25%). However, the accuracy of 99Tcm-MIBI scintigraphy (66.67%) for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroids was significantly lower than that of ultrasonography (76.86%). The operation time was significantly longer in group I ((120±25) minutes) than in group II ((90±30) minutes). The accuracy of parathyroid identification was significantly higher in group II (92.59%) than in group I (80.39%). On average, significantly fewer parathyroid specimens were obtained in group I (2.5±0.5) than in group II (3.5±0.5). Compared with group I, group II showed a significant increase (15.4%) in the number of parathyroid resections. The PTH, calcium, and phosphate levels significantly decreased postoperatively in all patients.

Conclusions

Intraoperative gamma probe examination confirmed that the excised specimen was parathyroid tissue and improved the accuracy of parathyroid resection. The parathyroidectomy rate was increased by 15.4% due to the use of these probes. However, the probes did not detect all ectopic parathyroids, and further research is required to clarify the underlying reasons.
Effect of maternal age on pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Weiyuan
Published: January 2024

Background

In the last few decades, there has been a delay in first-time pregnancies, and the average age of women at the time of delivery has increased in many countries. Advanced maternal age is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine the present trends and pregnancy outcomes related to maternal age in China.

Methods

Data were collected from 39 hospitals in mainland of China. All deliveries were performed after 28 completed weeks of gestation and between January 1 and December 31, 2011. In total, 110 450 of 112 441 cases were included in the study. All enrolled cases were divided into 6 age groups with 5-year intervals. The χ2 test or Fisher's exact test and unadjusted binary-Logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean age at the time of delivery was 28.18±4.70 years (range, 14–52 years). The teenage group (15–19 years) had a higher risk than the 25–29-year old group for anemia (odds ratio (OR), 1.4), preeclampsia (OR, 1.6), preterm birth (OR, 2.1), low birth weight neonates (OR, 2.3), and perinatal mortality (OR, 3.6). The 35–39-year old group and ≥40-year-old group had a higher risk than the 25–29-year-old group for leiomyoma (OR, 4.2 vs. 5.8), pregestational diabetes (OR, 2.2 vs. 3.8), chronic hypertension (OR, 4.6 vs. 6.5), gestational diabetes (OR, 2.6 vs. 3.5), preeclampsia (OR, 2.5 vs. 3.6), premature delivery (OR, 1.8 vs. 2.4), postpartum hemorrhage (OR, 1.5 vs. 1.7), placenta previa (OR, 2.7 vs. 4.0), placental abruption (OR, 1.4 vs. 2.5), cesarean delivery (OR, 2.1 vs. 2.5), macrosomia (OR, 1.2 vs. 1.2), low birth weight neonates (OR, 1.6 vs. 2.3), and perinatal mortality (OR, 1.6 vs. 3.7).

Conclusion

Maternal and neonatal risks are higher during the teenage years and at an advanced maternal age; 20–30 years of age is the lowest risk period for pregnancy and delivery.
Effects of the aqueous extract of Schizandra chinensis fruit on ethanol withdrawal-induced anxiety in rats
Authors: Wu Yiyan , Zhao Zhenglin , Yang Yupeng , Yang Xudong , Jang Eun Young , Schilaty Nathan D , Hedges David M , Kim Sang Chan , Cho Il Je , Zhao Rongjie
Published: January 2024

Background

We previously demonstrated that the aqueous extract of the Schizandra chinensis fruit (AESC) ameliorated Cd-induced depletion of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain through antioxidant activity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of AESC on anxiety-like behavior and the levels of norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (a metabolite of norepinephrine) in different brain regions during ethanol withdrawal in rats.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 3 g/kg of ethanol (20%, w/v) or saline by daily intraperitoneal injection for 28 days followed by three days of withdrawal. During withdrawal, rats were given AESC (100 mg· kg -1·d-1, or 300 mg· kg -1·d-1, P.O.) once a day for three days. Thirty minutes after the final dose of AESC, the anxiogenic response was evaluated using an elevated plus maze, and the plasma corticosterone levels were examined by radioimmunoassay. Meanwhile, the concentrations of norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and hippocampus were also measured by high performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Rats undergoing ethanol withdrawal exhibited substantial anxiety-like behavior, which was characterized by both the decrease in time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and the increased level of corticosterone secretion, which were greatly attenuated by doses of AESC in a dose-dependent manner. The high performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that ethanol withdrawal significantly increased norepinephrine and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol levels in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, while not significantly altering them in the hippocampus. Similar to the results from the elevated plus maze test, the AESC significantly inhibited the elevation of norepinephrine and its metabolite in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

These results suggest that AESC attenuates anxiety-like behavior induced by ethanol withdrawal through modulation of the hypothalamic norepinephrine system in the brain.
Decrease in myostatin by ladder-climbing training is associated with insulin resistance in diet-induced obese rats
Authors: Tang Liang , Luo Kai , Liu Chentao , Wang Xudan , Zhang Didi , Chi Aiping , Zhang Jing , Sun Lijun
Published: January 2024

Background

Suppression of myostatin (MSTN) has been associated with skeletal muscle atrophy and insulin resistance (IR). However, few studies link MSTN suppression by ladder-climbing training (LCT) and IR. Therefore, we intended to identify the correlation with IR between LCT and to analyze the signaling pathways through which MSTN suppression by LCT regulates IR.

Methods

The rats were randomly assigned to two types of diet: normal pellet diet (NPD, n=8) and high-fat diet (HFD, n=16). After 8 weeks, the HFD rats were randomly re-assigned to two groups (n=8 for each group): HFD sedentary (HFD-S) and high-fat diet ladder-climbing training (HFD-LCT). HFD-LCT rats were assigned to LCT for 8 weeks. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and enzyme assays were used to measure expression levels and activities of MSTN, GLUT4, PI3K, Akt and Akt-activated targets (mTOR, FoxO1 and GSK-3β).

Results

The LCT significantly improved IR and whole-body insulin sensitivity in HDF-fed rats. MSTN protein levels decreased in matching serum (42%, P=0.007) and muscle samples (25%, P=0.035) and its receptor mRNA expression also decreased (16%, P=0.041) from obese rats after LCT. But the mRNA expression of insulin receptor had no obvious changes in LCT group compared with NPD and HFD-S groups (P=0.074). The ladder-climbing training significantly enhanced PI3K activity (1.7-fold, P=0.024) and Akt phosphorylation (83.3%, P=0.022) in HFD-fed rats, significantly increased GLUT4 protein expression (84.5%, P=0.036), enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR (4.8-fold, P <0.001) and inhibited phosphorylation of FoxO1 (57.7%, P=0.020), but did not affect the phosphorylation of GSK-3β.

Conclusions

The LCT significantly reduced IR in diet-induced obese rats. MSTN may play an important role in regulating IR and fat accumulation by LCT via PI3K/Akt/mTOR and PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway in HFD-fed rats.
Risk factors affecting nasal colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus when admitted in intensive care unit
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhuang Taifeng , Lin Ying , Xi Jingjing , Yao Gaiqi
Published: January 2024

Background

Colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a risk factor for subsequent invasive MRSA infection, particularly in patients admitted for critical care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors affecting nasal colonization of MRSA in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU).

Methods

Between August 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, we screened for MRSA nasal colonization in 350 patients by Real-time PCR within 24 hours of admission by means of swab samples taken from the anterior nares. According to the results of PCR, the patients were divided into 2 groups: the positive group with nasal MRSA colonization and the negative group without nasal MRSA colonization. The 31 (8.86%) patients were MRSA positive. The risk factors evaluated included thirteen variables, which were analyzed by t test for continuous variables and χ
2 test for discrete variables. The variables with significance (P <0.05) were analyzed with stepwise Logistic regression.

Results

There were differences (P <0.05) in four variables between two groups. The duration of stay in hospital prior to ICU admission in the positive group was (35.7±16.1) days, vs. (4.5±3.1) days in the negative group. The average blood albumin level was (28.4±2.9) g/L in the positive group, vs. (30.5±4.3) g/L in the negative group. Of 31 patients in the positive group, seven had been treated with antibiotics longer than seven days vs. 34 of 319 patients in the negative group. In the positive group, four of 31 patients received treatment with more than two classes of antibiotics prior to admission in ICU, contrasted to 13 of 319 patients in the negative group. Furthermore, stepwise Logistic regression analysis for these four variables indicates that the duration of stay in hospital prior to ICU admission may be an independent risk factor.

Conclusions

MRSA colonization in ICU admission may be related to many factors. The duration of stay in hospital prior to ICU admission is an independent risk factor.
Epidemiological characteristics of thyroid nodules and risk factors for malignant nodules: a retrospective study from 6 304 surgical cases
Authors: Huan Qin , Wang Kun , Lou Fuchen , Zhang Li , Huang Qingxian , Han Yunfeng , Sun Hancheng , Zhu Lei , Lin Peng , Song Jun , Liu Fuqiang , Wang Qian , Hou Weikai
Published: January 2024

Background

The prevalence of thyroid nodules (TN) is increasing rapidly. This study analyzed the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of TN in surgically treated patients and identified the risk factors for malignant nodules (MN) to provide more understanding of the differential diagnosis of TN.

Methods

A total of 6 304 TN cases who underwent thyroid surgery were included in this retrospective study. The clinical data were collected to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and related risk factors for MN. The nature of TN (benign nodules (BN) or MN), medical records, laboratory data, and imaging data were analyzed. The risk factors for MN were screened using Spearman's rank correlation analysis and nonconditional binary Logistic regression analysis.

Results

The number of surgically treated TN cases increased yearly. A total of 34.33% of cases were MN and 65.67% were BN. Up to 56.74% of these cases underwent unnecessary surgery. Among the MN cases, papillary thyroid carcinoma accounted for 94%, in which 46.71% coexisted with benign thyroid disease and 32.28% with multiple foci. Single-related factor analysis showed that age, employment, disease duration, history of breast nodules and/or hypertension, the levels of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPoAb), and ultrasound features of TN were related to MN. Stepwise nonconditional binary Logistic regression analysis showed that 13 factors may be the independent risk factors for MN, including <40 years old, previous history of breast nodules and/or hypertension, disease duration <1 month, employment, hypoechoic nodule, irregular nodules, nodule calcification, solid echo nodule, fuzzy boundary, rich blood flow within nodules, abnormal lymph nodes around the neck, nodule diameter <1 cm, and abnormally high TgAb.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a rapid increase in surgically treated TN cases and ratio of MN and indicate unnecessary surgeries in some cases. This study also suggest that age, duration of thyroid disease, history of breast disease and/or hypertension, the levels of serum TSH, TgAb, and TPoAb, and ultrasound features of TN are related to MN, and some of these factors may be the risk factors for MN.
Three transcription factors and the way immune cells affected by different plasma change in opposite ways in the development of the syndrome of pre-eclampsia
Authors: Liang Zhou , Zhu Jing , Wang Yunfei , Wang You , Zhang Yu , Lin Jianhua , Di Wen
Published: January 2024

Background

How the transcriptional factors regulated the innate and adaptive immune system in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia are less understood. Nevertheless, what the plasma work in the development of this disease was not sure. The present study was design to evaluate what the transcriptional factors change in innate and adaptive immune system and what the plasma do in this filed.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from non-pregnant women (n=18), women with clinically normal pregnancies (n=23) and women with pre-eclampsia (n=20) were separated from peripheral blood to isolate monocytes and T cells. The purity of monocytes and T cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Monocytes and T cells were stimulated in either lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA), respectively. Transcription Factor Arrays were used to screen the transcription factors of interest in comparing of different groups. PBMC were isolated from another 8 non-pregnant samples were co-incubated with different groups of plasma. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using whole cell extractions of the samples.

Results

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells-1 (NFAT-1), signal transducers and activators of transcription-1 (STAT-1) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) are up-regulated in monocytes in pregnancy and more so in pre-eclampsia. On the the contrary, NFAT-1, STAT-1 and AP-1 are down-regulated in T cells in pregnancy and more so in pre-eclampsia. A reduction was observed in interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 expression in T cells incubated with pre-eclamptic plasma. An elevation was observed in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1 and IL-12 expression in monocytes incubated with pre-eclamptic plasma.

Conclusions

Innate immunity is over activated and adaptive immunity is over suppressed in the development of pre-eclampsia. NFAT-1, STAT-1 and AP-1 might be the central transcription factors in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia. They induced some changes in plasma and “educate” the monocytes and T cells for relevant cytokine production. Successful completion of this study will enhance our understanding of pre-eclampsia and will discover new knowledge beyond pregnancy. The work will inform future therapies for the treatment of a wide range of condition such as transplantation immunology and a wide range of immune and inflammatory conditions.
Effect of the disruption of three cytoskeleton components on chondrocyte metabolism in rabbit knee cartilage
Authors: Duan Wangping , Wei Lei , Cao Xiaoming , Guo Heng , Wang Lei , Hao Yongzhuang , Wei Xiaochun
Published: January 2024

Background

Chondrocytes' phenotype and biosynthesis of matrix are dependent on having an intact cytoskeletal structure. Microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments are three important components of the cytoskeletal structure of chondrocytes. The aims of this study were to determine and compare the effects of the disruption of these three cytoskeletal elements on the apoptosis and matrix synthesis by rabbit knee chondrocytes in vitro.

Methods

Chondrocytes were isolated from full-thickness knee cartilage of two-month-old rabbits using enzymatic methods (n=24). The isolated cells were stabilized for three days and then exposed to low, medium, and high doses of chemical agents that disrupt the three principal cytoskeletal elements of interest: colchicine for microtubules, acrylamide for intermediate filaments, and cytochalasin D for actin microfilaments. A group of control cells were treated with carrier. Early apoptosis was assessed using the Annexin-FITC binding assay by flow cytometry on days 1 and 2 after exposure to the disrupting chemical agents. The components and distribution of the cytoskeleton within the cells were analyzed by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) with immunofluorescence staining on day 3. The mRNA levels of aggrecan (AGG) and type II collagen (Col-2) and their levels in culture medium were analyzed using real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA) on days 3, 6, and 9.

Results

In the initial drug-dose-response study, there was no significant difference in the vitality of cells treated with 0.1 μmol/L colchicine, 2.5 mmol/L acrylamide, and 10 μg/L cytochalasin D for two days when compared with the control group of cells. The concentrations of colchicine and acrylamide treatment selected above significantly decreased the number of viable cells over the nine-day culture and disrupted significantly more cell nuclei. Real-time PCR and ELISA results showed that the mRNA levels and medium concentrations of AGG and Col-2 were significantly decreased for cultures treated with colchicine and acrylamide when compared with untreated cells at three, six, and nine days, and this inhibition was correlated with higher matrix metalloprotease-13 expression in these cells. Cellular proliferation, monolayer morphology, and matrix metabolism were unaffected in cytochalasin D-treated cells when compared with control cells over the nine-day culture period.

Conclusions

The disruption of the microtubulin and intermediate filaments induced chondrocyte apoptosis, increased matrix metalloprotease expression, and decreased AGG and Col-2 expression in rabbit knee chondrocyte cultures. Our findings suggest that microtubulin and intermediate filaments play a critical role in the synthesis of cartilage matrix by rabbit knee chondrocytes.
Corneal refractive surgery and phakic intraocular lens for treatment of amblyopia caused by high myopia or anisometropia in children
Authors: Tian Chunyu , Peng Xiujun , Fan Zhengjun , Yin Zhengqin
Published: January 2024

Objective

A systematic review of literature was performed to compare various visual function parameters including the final visual acuity outcome and/or adverse events between corneal refractive surgery (CLRS) and phakic intraocular lens implantation (p-IOLi) in the treatment of refractive amblyopic children.

Data sources

Two reviewers independently searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Controlled Trials Register databases for publications from 1991 to 2013.

Study selection

There were 25 articles, including 597 patients and 682 eyes, was included in CLRS group. Among them, 21 articles reported the use of CLRS in the treatment of myopic anisometropia for 318 patients (13 photorefractive keratectomy or laser epithelial keratomileusis and eight laser in situ keratomileusis). And 11 articles had the results of CLRS in treating hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia children. Eleven articles reported the effect of p-IOLi for treating high myopia or anisometropic amblyopia, including 61 patients (75 eyes). Age, pre- and postoperation best-corrected vision acuity (BCVA), and spherical equivalent (SE) were compared in CLRS and p-IOLi groups.

Results

The average age of CLRS group and p-IOLi group has no statistically significant difference. The SE in CLRS group for myopic anisometropia amblyopia patients was (-10.13±2.73) diopters (D) and for hyperopic anisometropia amblyopia patients was (5.58±1.28) D. In p-IOLi group the SE was (-14.01±1.93) D. BCVA was improved significantly in both groups, and even better in p-IOLi group. Refractive errors were corrected in both groups, but there was no clinically significant difference in final SE between each group. More than one-half of the children had improved binocular fusion and stereopsis function in both groups.

Conclusions

Both CLRS group and p-IOLi group showed their advantage in treating refractive amblyopia in children. In comparing p-IOLi with CLRS for treatment of refractive amblyopia, no statistically significant difference in final BCVA was observed.
Effects of different doses in continuous veno-venous hemofiltration on plasma lactate in critically ill patients
Authors: Liu Yongjun , Bin Ouyang , Chen Juan , Chen Minying , Ma Jie , Wu Jianfeng , Huang Shunwei , Li Lifen , Liu Zimeng , Guan Xiangdong
Published: January 2024

Background

Many studies have shown that continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) could clean lactate and treat the hyper-lactatemia. On the contrary, some other studies found that filter lactate clearance only accounted for a very small part of total lactate clearance and the hemofilter's contribution to the overall lactate clearance was negligible. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various doses of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) on plasma lactate elimination in critically ill patients.

Methods

Patients were divided into three groups according to their incipient plasma lactate concentration. Group A: lactate≤2 mmol/L, group B: lactate 2—5 mmol/L, group C: lactate ≥5 mmol/L. Three different doses (20 ml·kg-1·h-1, 35 ml·kg-1·h-1 and 45 ml·kg-1·h-1) of CVVH were applied to critically ill patients who experiencing CVVH. The concentrations of plasma lactate in pre-(A), post-dialyzer (V) sites and ultrafiltrate were measured after each dosage of CVVH was carried out for 30 minutes. Rate of lactate clearance by the filter (RLC) and filter lactate clearance (FLC) and Lactate-Sieving Coefficient (LSC) were calculated under different circumstances, including different doses of CVVH and different incipient lactate levels.

Results

Fifteen patients were enrolled and 104 blood samples were drawn and lactate concentrations were measured in this study. RLC was found increased ((9.36±9.73) mmol/h, (13.92±12.56) mmol/h and (16.52±12.71) mmol/h, P <0.05 respectively) with the dose of CVVH increased. RLC was also increased ((3.46±1.46), (10.38±5.50) and (24.53±14.69) mmol/h, P <0.05 respectively) with the incipient lactate increased. FLC was increased ((1.95±0.63), (2.95±0.74) and (3.45±0.54) L/h, P <0.05 respectively) with the dose of CVVH increased. There was no significant difference of LSC in different doses of CVVH and different incipient lactate levels.

Conclusions

Plasma lactate can be eliminated by CVVH and different doses of CVVH affect the rate of lactate clearance in critically ill patients.

Chin Med J 2014;127 (10): 1827-1832
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA and age-at-onset of patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Yaling Bai , Zhanjun Guo , Jinsheng Xu , Junxia Zhang , Liwen Cui , Huiran Zhang , Shenglei Zhang , Xiaolu Ai
Published: January 2024

Background

The mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) accumulates mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at a higher frequency than other regions of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We previously identified disease riskassociated SNPs in the D-loop of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients; in this study, we investigated the association of age-at-onset and D-loop SNPs in CKD patients.

Methods

The D-loop region of mtDNA was sequenced in 119 CKD patients attending the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between 2002 and 2008. The age-at-onset curve of the CKD patients was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method at each SNP site, and compared using the log-rank test.

Results

The mean age of 119 CKD patients was (55.6±14.2) years, and 56.3% were males. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was (81.2±12.4) ml·min−1·1.73 m−2, with 79.8% (n=95) of patients having an eGFR <60 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2. All participants had an eGFR >30 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2. The age-at-onset for CKD patients who smoked was significantly lower than that of non-smoking CKD patients. The SNP sites of nucleotides 150C/T were identified for their association with age-at-onset using the log-rank test. The age-at-onset of patients with the minor allele T genotype was significantly lower than that of patients with the C genotype at the 150 SNP site (P=0.010).

Conclusions

Genetic polymorphisms in the D-loop appear to be predictive markers for age-at-onset in CKD patients. Accordingly, the analysis of genetic polymorphisms in the mitochondrial D-loop may help identify CKD patient subgroups at high risk of early onset disease.
Regulation of lovastatin on a key inflammation-related microRNA in myocardial cells
Authors: Weizao Guo , Huichen Liu , Lin Li , Man Yang , Aihua Du
Published: January 2024

Background

Advances in the understanding of cardiovascular pathogenesis have highlighted that inflammation plays a central role in atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. Therefore, exploring pharmacologically based anti-inflammatory treatments to be used in cardiovascular therapeutics is worthwhile to promote the discovery of novel ways of treating cardiovascular disorders.

Methods

The myocardial cell line H9c2(2-1) was exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in culture and resulted in a cellular pro-inflammation status. miR-21 microRNA levels were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR). The influence of lovastatin on miR-21 under normal and pro-inflammatory conditions was tested after being added to the cell culture mixture for 24 hours. Conditional gene function of two predicted cardiovascular system relevant downstream targets of miR-21, protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 3A (PPP1R3A) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), were analyzed with immunoblotting.

Results

Forty-eight hours of LPS treatment significantly increased the miR-21 to 170.71%±34.32% of control levels (P=0.002). Co-treatment with lovastatin for 24 hours before harvesting attenuated the up-regulation of miR-21 (P=0.013). Twenty-four hours of lovastatin exposure up-regulated PPP1R3A to 143.85%±21.89% of control levels in cardiomyocytes (P=0.023). Lovastatin up-regulated the phosphorylation level of STAT3 compared to the background LPS pretreatment (P=0.0077), this effect was significantly (P=0.018) blunted when miR-21 was functionally inhibited.

Conclusions

miR-21 plays a major role in the regulation of the cellular anti-inflammation effects of lovastatin.
Influence of preoperative coronary collateral circulation on in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery with intra-aortic balloon pump support
Authors: Gungor Hasan , Zencir Cemil , Samuel Babu Abraham , Akgullu Cagdas , Eryilmaz Ufuk , Zorlu Ali , Selvi Mithat , Onay Sevil , Kurtoglu Tunay
Published: January 2024

Background

Outcomes in patients requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been improved with devices such as the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). Good coronary collateral circulation (CCC) has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to investigate whether poor preoperative CCC grade is a predictor of in-hospital mortality in CABG surgery requiring IABP support.

Methods

Fifty-five consecutive patients who were undergoing isolated first time on-pump CABG surgery with IABP support were enrolled into this study and CCC of those patients was evaluated.

Results

Twenty-seven patients had poor CCC and 28 patients had good CCC. In-hospital mortality rate in poor CCC group was significantly higher than good CCC group (14 (50%) vs. 4 (13%), P=0.013). Preoperative hemoglobin level (OR: 0.752; 95% CI, 0.571–0.991, P=0.043), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 6.731; 95% CI, 1.159–39.085, P=0.034) and poor CCC grade (OR: 5.750; 95% CI, 1.575–20.986, P=0.008) were associated with post-CABG in-hospital mortality. Poor CCC grade (OR: 4.853; 95% CI, 1.124–20.952, P=0.034) and preoperative hemoglobin level (OR: 0.624; 95% CI, 0.476–0.954, P=0.026) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality after CABG.

Conclusion

Preoperative poor CCC and hemoglobin are predictors of in-hospital mortality after CABG with IABP support.
Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaves extract enhances cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation through upregulation of intrinsic factors in the dentate gyrus of the aged gerbil
Authors: Ahn Ji Hyeon , Chen Bai Hui , Park Joon Ha , Kim In Hye , Cho Jeong-Hwi , Lee Jae-Chul , Yan Bing Chun , Choi Jung Hoon , Hwang In Koo , Park Ju-Hee , Han Sang-No , Lee Yun Lyul , Jo Kim Myong , Won Moo-Ho
Published: January 2024

Background

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (HL) exerts antioxidant activities against various oxidative stress conditions. In this study, we investigated effects of extract from HL leaves (HLE) on cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG) of aged gerbils.

Methods

Aged gerbils (24 months) were divided into vehicle (saline)-treated- and HLE-treated-groups. The vehicle and HLE were orally administered with 200 mg/kg once a day for 20 days before sacrifice. Cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation were examined in the DG using Ki67 and doublecortin (DCX), respectively. We also observed changes in immunoreactivities of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3-beta (p-GSK-3β) to examine their relation with neurogenesis using immunohistochemistry.

Results

The administration of HLE significantly increased the number of Ki67-positive cells and DCX-positive neuroblasts with well-developed processes in the SGZ of the DG of the HLE-treated-group. In addition, immunoreactivities of SOD1, SOD2, BDNF, and p-GSK-3β were significantly increased in granule and polymorphic cells of the DG in the HLE-treated-group compared with those in the vehicle-treated-group.

Conclusions

HLE treatment significantly increased cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation, showing that immunoreactivities of SOD1, SOD2, BDNF, and p-GSK-3β were significantly increased in the DG. These indicate that increased neuroblast differentiation neurogenesis may be closely related to upregulation of SOD1, SOD2, BDNF, and p-GSK-3β in aged gerbils.
Engineering skeletal muscle tissue in bioreactor systems
Authors: An Yang , Li Dong
Published: January 2024

Objective

To give a concise review of the current state of the art in tissue engineering (TE) related to skeletal muscle and kinds of bioreactor environment.

Data sources

The review was based on data obtained from the published articles and guidelines.

Study selection

A total of 106 articles were selected from several hundred original articles or reviews. The content of selected articles is in accordance with our purpose and the authors are authorized scientists in the study of engineered muscle tissue in bioreactor.

Results

Skeletal muscle TE is a promising interdisciplinary field which aims at the reconstruction of skeletal muscle loss. Although numerous studies have indicated that engineering skeletal muscle tissue may be of great importance in medicine in the near future, this technique still represents a limited degree of success. Since tissue-engineered muscle constructs require an adequate connection to the vascular system for efficient transport of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and waste products. Moreover, functional and clinically applicable muscle constructs depend on adequate neuromuscular junctions with neural cells. Third, in order to engineer muscle tissue successfully, it may be beneficial to mimic the in vivo environment of muscle through association with adequate stimuli from bioreactors.

Conclusion

Vascular system and bioreactors are necessary for development and maintenance of engineered muscle in order to provide circulation within the construct.
Minimum 5-year follow-up study on the effects of the Wallis dynamic stabilization system in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease
Authors: Zheng Chen , Baogan Peng , Duanming Li , Xiaodong Pang , Hong Yang
Published: January 2024

Background

Short-term outcomes of the Wallis system in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease (LDD) have been shown to be effective, whereas there is a paucity of studies on the mid-long-term effects of the treatment of the Wallis system. This study was to evaluate the mid-long-term effects of the Wallis dynamic stabilization system in the treatment of LDD.

Methods

A total of 26 patients who received the treatment of the Wallis system between February 2008 and January 2009 were included in the study, with 14 patients (Group 1) with L4/5 disc herniation and 12 patients (Group 2) with L5/S1 disc herniation and L4/5 intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes and lumbar X-rays and MRI were obtained to observe imaging changes before and after operation.

Results

The mean follow-up period was (63.50±2.12) months. The mean ODI and VAS scores decreased obviously three months and five years after operation (P<0.05). In Groups 1 and 2, L4/5 Cobb angle and range of motion (ROM) decreased and L4/5 posterior disc height increased at the last follow-up (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in L4/5 anterior disc height and L3/4 University of California at Los Angeles grading before and after operation. There was no statistically significant change in Pfirrmann grading system of L4/5 IDD in Group 2 before and after operation. Adjacent segment degeneration at the last follow-up was found in two patients (2/26, 7.69%) and Modic changes in L4/5 endplates were detected in one patient (1/26, 3.85%).

Conclusions

The mid-long-term effects of the Wallis system in the treatment of LDD were satisfied. The Wallis system, as a dynamic stabilization system, which can preserve some ROM of the fixed segment, sustain the lumbar stabilization, and prevent adjacent segment disease and fixed segment degeneration, is an effective instrument to treat LDD.
Association of renal function with cardiac reverse remodeling and long-term outcome in heart failure patients following cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Cai Chi , Hua Wei , Ding Ligang , Wang Jing , Chen Keping , Yang Xinwei , Liu Zhimin , Zhang Shu
Published: January 2024

Background

Renal insufficiency (RI) is significantly associated with clinical prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF), but direct evidences on the relation between renal function and clinical outcome in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are limited. The aim of the current study was to systematically evaluate the association of baseline and 6-month renal function with cardiac reverse remodeling and long-term outcome after CRT.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 190 consecutive patients who underwent CRT at Fuwai Hospital from January 2008 to April 2013. Renal function tests, echocardiographic measurement, and clinical parameters at baseline and after 6 months of CRT were performed. Primary endpoint events included all-cause mortality, cardiac transplantation, and unplanned hospitalizations for HF.

Results

At baseline, compared with normal renal function or mild RI (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2), moderate-to-severe RI (eGFR <60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2) exerted a negative influence on cardiac reverse remodeling parameters. At 6-month follow-up, 114 (60.0%) patients were classified as responders and showed significant renal function improvement, whereas renal function deteriorated in non-responders and subsequently 41 (25.6%) patients developed worsening renal function (WRF). During the mean follow-up of (24.3±17.1) months, both patients with baseline eGFR <60 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2 and those with WRF experienced worse event-free survival (P <0.01, respectively).

Conclusions:

This analysis identified that baseline eGFR as well as WRF after CRT were found to be independent determinants of the combined endpoints of all-cause mortality and HF-related hospitalizations in CRT recipients.
Role of Mediterranean diet in prevention and management of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hidayat Khemayanto , Bimin Shi
Published: January 2024

Objective

To summarize the importance of Mediterranean diet in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

Data sources

We searched electronic database on PubMed up to 14 April 2014, we identified these articles with following key words: “Mediterranean diet” and “diabetes”. The initial search resulted in 451 entries. The search strategy had no language and publication date restrictions. The relevance of the studies was assessed based only on the title and abstract. The studies included in our review had to match the following inclusion criteria: (1) randomized clinical trials and meta-analysis or systematic review, and (2) provided strong evidence for the diet as a way to prevent type 2 diabetes, and improve glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients. We reviewed 49 manuscripts and only 22 met our inclusion criteria.

Study selection

Relevant literatures including randomized control trials, meta-analysis or systematic review.

Results

Based on several studies, Mediterranean diet is inversely related to type 2 diabetes and plays important roles in the management of type 2 diabetes. Based on the evidence gathered and evaluated from various studies, we concluded combination and interaction of Mediterranean diet components, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fish and moderate intakes of red wine, which contain essential nutrients and health promoting properties, including high fibers, high magnesium, high anti-oxidant and high monounsaturatal fatty acids (MUFA). Interaction and combination of these essential nutrients and health promoting properties found to lower body weight, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), low density lipoprotein (LDL), oxidative-stress and improve high density lipoprotein (HDL) level; which are beneficial for prevention and prognosis improvement of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

In the modern society, poor dietary habits accompanied by inadequate physical activity are associated with the risk of having obesity and type 2 diabetes. Promoting healthy lifestyle and diet are not only beneficial in the prevention and treatment of various diseases but also important in maintaining the overall health. Switching from unhealthy diet to health-friendly diet such as Mediterranean diet represents healthy lifestyle choice.
Incidence of coronary artery disease before valvular surgery in isolated severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Jeong Cho Eun , Park Sung-Ji , Chang Sung-A , Dong Seop Jeong , Lee Sang-Chol , Woo Park Seung , Won Park Pyo
Published: January 2024

Background

Angina pectoris has been recognized as one of the principal symptoms of aortic valve stenosis (AS), even in patients without significant coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the incidence of angina pectoris and related CAD in such patients is controversial. There is continuing debate as to whether coronary angiography is necessary before aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with severe AS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of CAD in patients with severe AS in a Korean population.

Methods

Data from all consecutive patients with severe AS undergoing AVR at a major tertiary cardiac and vascular center in Korea were entered in a prospective registry beginning in 1995. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up data were recorded into the database annually. Significant CAD was defined as one or more major coronary arteries having an estimated narrowing of ≥70% and left main coronary arteries having an estimated narrowing of ≥50% on coronary angiography. We excluded patients with multiple valve disease, significant aortic regurgitation, or prior CAD or valve surgery.

Results

Totally 574 patients with severe AS (mean age, (65.9±9.6) years) were enrolled in this study. Significant CAD was found in 61 patients (10.6%). Factors associated with increased likelihood of CAD were age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, carotid disease, and aorta calcification. In Logistic regression analysis, the independent predictor of the presence of CAD was age (P=0.011). The incidence of CAD increased significantly at 69.2 years of age. Having two risk factors for cardiovascular disease was the most useful cutoff to predict whether a patient was going to have significant CAD.

Conclusions

There was a low incidence of significant CAD in a population of Korean patients with severe AS. Therefore, coronary angiography before AVR will be considered in patients with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease or in patients more than 69 years of age without risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Th and Treg response induced by Aspergillus fumigatus pulsed dendritic cells in vitro
Authors: Runchao Wang , Zhe Wan , Ruoyu Li
Published: January 2024

Background

Dendritic cells (DCs) can recognize the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) of Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus), activating the immune response. During A. fumigatus infection, a Th and Treg response induced in the fungi-pulsed DCs is not yet well understood.

Methods

In this study, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were separated and proliferated from C57BL/6 mice. A. fumigatus pulsed DCs were generated and cultured with CD4+ T cells derived from the spleen of C57BL/6 mice in vitro. CD4+ T cells differentiation after co-culture were analyzed by flow cytometry, ELISA, and real-time PCR analysis.

Results

The A. fumigatus pulsed DCs exhibited increased Th1 and Treg frequency, Th1-related cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-12), Treg-related cytokines (TGF-β) and T-bet, and Foxp3 mRNA levels compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between A. fumigatus pulsed DCs group and the control group about Th17 and Th2 frequency.

Conclusions

The inactivated conidia of A. fumigatus were able to activate BMDCs and made them capable of triggering T cell responses in vitro. A. fumigatus loaded DCs was a weak inducer of Th17 and Th2, but induced a strong Th1 and Treg response.