[Association between congenital hypothyroidism and in-hospital adverse outcomes in very low birth weight infants]

Objective: To investigate the association between congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and the adverse outcomes during hospitalization in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational cohort study was conducted based on the data from the Sino-northern Neonatal Network (SNN). Data of 5 818 VLBWI with birth weight <1 500 g and gestational age between 24-<37 weeks that were admitted to the 37 neonatal intensive care units from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2022 were collected and analyzed. Thyroid function was first screened at 7 to 10 days after birth, followed by weekly tests within the first 4 weeks, and retested at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age or before discharge. The VLBWI were assigned to the CH group or non-CH group. Chi-square test, Fisher exact probability method, Wilcoxon rank sum test, univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between CH and poor prognosis during hospitalization in VLBWI. Results: A total of 5 818 eligible VLBWI were enrolled, with 2 982 (51.3%) males and the gestational age of 30 (29, 31) weeks. The incidence of CH was 5.5% (319 VLBWI). Among the CH group, only 121 VLBWI (37.9%) were diagnosed at the first screening. Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CH was associated with increased incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) (OR=1.31(1.04-1.64), P<0.05) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) of stage Ⅲ and above (OR=1.74(1.11-2.75), P<0.05). However, multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed no significant correlation between CH and EUGR, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in stage Ⅱ or above, and ROP in stage Ⅲ or above (OR=1.04 (0.81-1.33), 0.79 (0.54-1.15), 1.15 (0.58-2.26), 1.43 (0.81-2.53), 1.12 (0.70-1.80), all P>0.05). Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between CH and in-hospital adverse outcomes, possibly due to timely diagnosis and active replacement therapy.

Danhong Injection Up-regulates miR-125b in Endothelial Exosomes and Attenuates Apoptosis in Post-Infarction Myocardium

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the involvement of endothelial cells (ECs)-derived exosomes in the anti-apoptotic effect of Danhong Injection (DHI) and the mechanism of DHI-induced exosomal protection against postinfarction myocardial apoptosis.

METHODS

A mouse permanent myocardial infarction (MI) model was established, followed by a 14-day daily treatment with DHI, DHI plus GW4869 (an exosomal inhibitor), or saline. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-induced ECs-derived exosomes were isolated, analyzed by miRNA microarray and validated by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). The exosomes induced by DHI (DHI-exo), PBS (PBS-exo), or DHI+GW4869 (GW-exo) were isolated and injected into the peri-infarct zone following MI. The protective effects of DHI and DHI-exo on MI hearts were measured by echocardiography, Masson's trichrome staining, and TUNEL apoptosis assay. The Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate the expression levels of miR-125b/p53-mediated pathway components, including miR-125b, p53, Bak, Bax, and caspase-3 activities.

RESULTS

DHI significantly improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size in MI mice (P<0.01), which was abolished by the GW4869 intervention. DHI promoted the exosomal secretion in ECs (P<0.01). According to the results of exosomal miRNA microarray assay, 30 differentially expressed miRNAs in the DHI-exo were identified (28 up-regulated miRNAs and 2 down-regulated miRNAs). Among them, DHI significantly elevated miR-125b level in DHI-exo and DHI-treated ECs, a recognized apoptotic inhibitor impeding p53 signaling (P<0.05). Remarkably, treatment with DHI and DHI-exo attenuated apoptosis, elevated miR-125b expression level, inhibited capsase-3 activity, and down-regulated the expression levels of proapoptotic effectors (p53, Bak, and Bax) in post-MI hearts, whereas these effects were blocked by GW4869 (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

DHI and DHI-induced exosomes inhibited apoptosis, promoted the miR-125b expression level, and regulated the p53 apoptotic pathway in post-infarction myocardium.

[Current use of oral anticoagulation therapy and influencing factors among coronary artery disease patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in China]

Objective: To investigate current use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy and influencing factors among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in China. Methods: Results of this study derived from "China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study", the study prospectively enrolled atrial fibrillation (AF) patients from 31 hospitals, and patients with valvular AF or treated with catheter ablation were excluded. Baseline data such as age, sex and type of atrial fibrillation were collected, and drug history, history of concomitant diseases, laboratory results and echocardiography results were recorded. CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and HAS-BLED score were calculated. The patients were followed up at the 3rd and 6th months after enrollment and every 6 months thereafter. Patients were divided according to whether they had coronary artery disease and whether they took OAC. Results: 11 067 NVAF patients fulfilling guideline criteria for OAC treatment were included in this study, including 1 837 patients with CAD. 95.4% of NVAF patients with CAD had CHA₂DS₂-VASc score≥2, and 59.7% of patients had HAS-BLED≥3, which was significantly higher than NVAF patients without CAD (P<0.001). Only 34.6% of NVAF patients with CAD were treated with OAC at enrollment. The proportion of HAS-BLED≥3 in the OAC group was significantly lower than in the no-OAC group (36.7% vs. 71.8%, P<0.001). After adjustment with multivariable logistic regression analysis, thromboembolism(OR=2.48,95%CI 1.50-4.10,P<0.001), left atrial diameter≥40 mm(OR=1.89,95%CI 1.23-2.91,P=0.004), stain use (OR=1.83,95%CI 1.01-3.03, P=0.020) and β blocker use (OR=1.74,95%CI 1.13-2.68,P=0.012)were influence factors of OAC treatment. However, the influence factors of no-OAC use were female(OR=0.54,95%CI 0.34-0.86,P=0.001), HAS-BLED≥3 (OR=0.33,95%CI 0.19-0.57,P<0.001), and antiplatelet drug(OR=0.04,95%CI 0.03-0.07,P<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of OAC treatment in NVAF patients with CAD is still low and needs to be further improved. The training and assessment of medical personnel should be strengthened to improve the utilization rate of OAC in these patients.

[Efficacy and safety of belimumab treatment in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Methods: The clinical data of 49 cSLE patients admitted into the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital affiliated to the Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from August 2018 to December 2021 were collected. They were divided into the belimumab treatment group (18 cases) and the traditional treatment group (31 cases) according to whether they received belimumab treatment. The cSLE patients in the traditional group had similar baseline SLEDAI scores with the belimumab group and were treated with traditional immunosuppressive drugs. The clinical symptoms and improvements before and after treatment, as well as the differences in adverse events during follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results: In belimumab group, the age was (11.9±1.8) years old, the median (Q₁, Q₃) of disease duration was 7.5 (2.0, 16.8) months, 3 patients were male, and 15 patients completed 24 weeks of treatment. In the traditional treatment group, 31 patients with cSLE were enrolled, with an average age of (11.3±2.4) years, a median (Q₁, Q₃) of disease duration of 7.0 (2.5, 10.5) months, among whom 6 patients were male, and 25 patients completed 24 weeks of treatment. At baseline, the belimumab treatment group had a significantly lower oral prednisone dose than the conventional treatment group [(29.58±12.43) mg/d vs (38.20±14.11) mg/d, P=0.037]. After 24 weeks of treatment, the dosage of prednisone in both groups was reduced, and the dosage of prednisone in the belimumab group was (14.12±5.86) mg/d, which was lower than that in the traditional treatment group [(23.51±9.79) mg/d] (P=0.002). After 24 weeks of treatment, the levels of complement C3 and C4 increased, the dsDNA levels and SLEDAI score decreased in both groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of adverse events in belimumab group (3/15, 3 cases) was lower than that in traditional treatment group (32.0%, 8/25) (P>0.05). Conclusions: Belimumab in the treatment of cSLE can reduce the initial dose of prednisone and facilitate the reduction of prednisone dose, significantly improve the clinical symptoms and organ involvement, and reduce the disease activity. The incidence of adverse events was low during belimumab treatment.

[Investigation on status of dyslipidemia in Chinese females aged 35 years or above]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control status of dyslipidemia among females aged ≥35 years old across China. Methods: Participants were selected by stratified multistage random sampling method in the "Twelfth Five-Year Plan" National Science and Technology Support Project "Survey on the Prevalence of Important Cardiovascular Diseases and Key Technology Research in China" project. This study is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. A total of 17 418 females aged 35 years and over were included in the current study. The basic information such as age, medical history and menopause was collected by questionnaire. The blood lipid parameters were derived from clinical laboratory examinations. The prevalence of dyslipidemia and the rate of awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia were analyzed in females aged 35 years and over. Results: The age of participants was (56.2±13.0) years old, and the prevalence of dyslipidemia was 33.1% (5 765/17 418). The prevalence rates of high total cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-C and high LDL-C were 9.7% (1 695/17 418), 11.1% (1 925/17 418), 10.9% (1 889/17 418) and 7.3% (1 262/17 418), respectively. The prevalence of dyslipidemia increased with age and the prevalence of dyslipidemia in women who were not married, Han, menarche age>16 years, obesity, central obesity, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension and family history of cardiovascular disease were higher than those without such characteristics (P<0.05). There were 10 432 (59.9%) menopausal females in this cohort and prevalence of dyslipidemia of these participants was 38.8% (4 048/10 432), which was higher than that of non-postmenopausal females (24.6%, 1 717/6 986) (P<0.05). The awareness rates, treatment rates and control rates of dyslipidemia were 33.9% (1 953/5 765), 15.1% (870/5 765) and 2.5% (143/5 765) respectively among females aged 35 years and over in China. Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in Chinese females aged 35 years and over is high, and its awareness, treatment, and control rates need to be optimized.

[Characteristics of heart rate variability in patients with vestibular migraine]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with vestibular migraine (VM) and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: Forty-eight patients with VM [17 males and 31 females, age (36.2±9.2) years], 44 patients with migraine [15 males and 29 females, age (34.4±9.0) years], and 30 patients with health check-ups during the same period [12 males and 18 females, age (34.6±6.5) years old] were selected as study subjects. Ambulatory ECG monitoring was performed in all subjects, and the HRV characteristics of each group were analyzed from both daytime and nighttime time phases. Time domain parameters were analyzed: standard deviation of normal to normal (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and percentage of normal to normal intervals differing by more than 50 ms (pNN50). The parameters in the frequency domain were analyzed: high frequency power (HF), low frequency power (LF), and the ratio of low frequency to high frequency power (LF/HF). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 26.0 software. Results: At night, RMSSD (F=6.694) and HF (F=9.434) were lower in the VM and migraine groups compared to the control group, while LF/HF (F=16.049) and LF (F=9.434) were elevated compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while LF was significantly elevated in the VM group compared to the migraine group, with a statistically significant (P<0.05). On the daytime measurements, mainly LF was elevated in the vestibular migraine group compared with the control group, while RMSSD was decreased compared with the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Conclusion: Autonomic dysfunction characterized by sympathetic hyperfunction and vagal hypofunction is present in VM patients and is more pronounced at night. In addition, the degree of autonomic dysfunction may be more pronounced in VM patients than in migraine patients.

[Clinical analysis of 5 cases of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis with coronary artery dilatation]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis combined with coronary artery dilatation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data, including clinical manifestations, blood routine, inflammatory factors, echocardiography, vascular ultrasound and CT angiography, treatment and outcomes, etc, of 5 cases with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis combined with coronary artery dilation admitted to Department of Rheumatology in the affiliated Children's Hospital of Capital Institute of Pediatrics from May 2019 to June 2021. Results: There were 2 males and 3 females among 5 cases. The onset age ranged from 7 months to 4 years 7 months.The diagnostic time ranged from 1.5 months to 3.0 months.Four cases were diagnosed as atypical Kawasaki disease. Three cases showed unilateral coronary artery dilation.Two cases showed bilateral coronary artery dilation.Four cases developed multiple organ injuries.Three cases developed macrophage activation syndrome.Three cases developed lung injury.Two cases developed pericardial effusion.One case developed pulmonary hypertension.As for treatment, 3 cases treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy and methotrexate combined with cyclosporine, improved after the final application of biological agents, and have stopped prednisone. The other 2 cases were treated with adequate oral prednisone and gradually reduced, and methotrexate was added at the same time, 1 case relapsed in the process of reduction. No other vascular involvement was found in 5 cases. Coronary artery dilation recovered completely after 1 to 3 months of treatment. Conclusions: Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis combined with coronary artery dilatation has the clinical characteristics of small onset age, long diagnostic time, prone to multiple organ injuries. Corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppressive agents are not sensitive, and biological agents should be used as soon as possible.The prognosis of coronary artery dilation is good after timely treatment.

[The relationship between fasting blood glucose level and thromboembolism events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To explore the relationship between fasting blood glucose level and thromboembolism events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: This was an observational study based on data from a multicenter, prospective Chinese atrial fibrillation registry cohort, which included 18 703 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in 31 hospitals in Beijing from August 2011 to December 2018. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to status of comorbid diabetes and fasting glucose levels at admission: normal blood glucose (normal glucose group), pre-diabetes group, strict glycemic control group, average glycemic control group and poor glycemic control group. Patients were followed up by telephone or outpatient service every 6 months. The primary follow-up endpoint was thromboembolic events, including ischemic stroke and systemic embolism. The secondary endpoint was the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death and thromboembolic events. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multifactorial Cox regression were used to analyze the correlation between fasting glucose levels and endpoint events. Results: The age of 18 703 patients with NVAF was (63.8±12.0) years, and there were 11 503 (61.5%) male patients. There were 11 877 patients (63.5%) in normal blood glucose group, 2 023 patients (10.8%)in pre-diabetes group, 1 131 patients (6.0%) in strict glycemic control group, 811 patients in average glycemic control group and 2 861 patients(4.3%) in poor glycemic control group. Of the 4 803 diabetic patients, 1 131 patients (23.5%) achieved strict glycemic control, of whom 328 (29.0%) were hypoglycemic (fasting blood glucose level<4.4 mmol/L at admission). During a mean follow-up of (51±23) months (up to 82 months), thromboembolic events were reported in 984 patients (5.3%). The survival curve analysis of Kaplan Meier showed that the incidence rates of thromboembolic events in normal glucose group, pre-diabetes group, strict glycemic control group, average glycemic control group and poor glycemic control group were 1.10/100, 1.41/100, 2.09/100, 1.46/100 and 1.71/100 person-years, respectively (χ²=53.0, log-rank P<0.001). The incidence rates of composite endpoint events were 1.86/100, 2.17/100, 4.08/100, 2.58/100, 3.16/100 person-years (χ²=72.3, log-rank P<0.001). The incidence of thromboembolic events and composite endpoint events in the other four groups were higher than that in the normal blood glucose group (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that compared with normal glucose group, the risk of thromboembolism increased in pre-diabetes group(HR=1.23, 95%CI 1.00-1.51, P=0.049), strict glycemic control group(HR=1.32, 95%CI 1.06-1.65, P=0.013) and poor glycemic control group(HR=1.26, 95%CI 1.01-1.58, P=0.044). Conclusion: Both high or low fasting glucose may be an independent risk factor for thromboembolic events in patients with NVAF.

[Treatment of 11 cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis by intra-articular injection of adalimumab]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intra-articular injection of adalimumab (ADA) in the treatment of refractory oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Methods: This was a retrospective study. Clinical data on age, gender, and symptoms of joint swelling and pain were collected from 11 children with refractory oligoarticular JIA involving only knee joints admitted to Department of Rheumatism and Immunology of Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from November 2019 to October 2020. The physician and parent-child evaluation of disease activity, the number of active joints, and the level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at different treatment time points were analyzed at every 4-week observation point after drug administration, and the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the differences in clinical evaluation indicators and changes in laboratory tests at different treatment times. The follow-up period was 6 months. Results: Among the 11 children, 5 were boys and 6 were girls. The age was 3.0 (2.8) years. All 11 children had symptoms of joint swelling and pain as well as limitation of movement. After 3 intra-articular injections of ADA, the joint symptoms of 11 children were better than before treatment; the joint symptoms of 7 children disappeared completely, and no recurrence occurred during the 6-month follow-up period. At different treatment times, physician and parent-child evaluation of disease activity, a gradual decrease in the number of active joints in the children, ESR, and juvenile arthritis disease activity score with 27 joints were all statistically significant (χ²=53.99, 59.37, 32.87, 40.07, 54.00, all P<0.001).No significant adverse drug reactions were observed in any of the 11 children during treatment and follow-up. Conclusion: Intra-articular injection of ADA in the treatment of refractory oligoarticular JIA has a significant effect in controlling joint symptoms and is relatively safe.

[Analysis of 13 cases with pediatric rheumatic disease combined with endocrine disorder]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of children with rheumatic disease combined with endocrine disorder. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data, including sex, age, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, treatment and outcome, of 13 patients with rheumatic diseases combined with endocrine disorder, who were admitted to our department in Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2014 to December 2020. Results: Among the 13 cases, 3 were males and 10 were females, without family history. Their age was (10±4) years. And the average course of disease was 4.1 months. Eight of them were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), 2 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 1 with childhood vasculitis, 1 with juvenile-onset systemic sclerosis (JSSc) and 1 had juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Regarding the initial presentation, 10 cases had symptoms of rheumatic disease, 2 had polydipsia and polyuria, and 1 had goiter. All the 13 patients had multiple system involvement. Regarding endocrine disorder, 10 had thyroiditis or subclinical thyroiditis, 4 had diabetes mellitus and one had both thyroid and pancreas involvement. Thyroid stimulating hormone in 10 patient with thyroid involvment was 19.6 (5.2-34.0) mU/L, and their total thyroxine was 75.3 (45.2-105.4) nmol/L. Besides, thyroid peroxidase antibody or thyroglobulin antibody was positive in 7 cases. The blood glucose of 4 children with pancreatic injury was 25.0 (17.0-33.0) mmol/L, and C-peptide was 0.4 (0.3-0.5) mg/L. Glutamate dehydrogenase antibody, protein tyrosine phosphatase antibody and zinc transporter 8 antibody were positive in two cases. After treatement with immunosuppressant or immunoglobulin combined with glucocorticoid or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for rheumatic symptoms, and levothyroxine or insulin for endocrine diseases, they were all followed up for more than 6 months and maintained clinical stability. Conclusions: Rheumatic diseases in children can be complicated with endocrine disorders, and the involved organs are usually thyroid and pancreas. In children with rheumatic disease, thyroid injury usually has subtle onset, whereas pancreas injury develops rapidly, even life-threatening. Insulin should be used persistently under the instruction of endocrinologist.

[Safety and effectiveness of left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with atrial fibrillation and end-stage renal disease undergoing long-term hemodialysis]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in patients with atrial fibrillation and end-stage renal disease undergoing long-term hemodialysis. Methods: Six patients with AF and end-stage renal disease(ESRD)on long term hemodialysis who underwent LAAO from March 2017 to March 2021 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled. Baseline characteristics such as age, sex, types of arrhythmia, stroke and bleeding score, and continuous dialysis time were collected. Four patients underwent LAAO, two patients underwent the combined procedure of catheter ablation and LAAO. Perioperative treatment and serious complications were recorded. Transesophageal echocardiography was repeated at 45 days and 60 days after the procedure. Telephone follow-up was conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure, and every 6 months thereafter. Thromboembolism and major bleeding events and survival were evaluated. Results: The average age was (66.7±17.0) years old, and 5 were male (5/6). There were 4 patients with paroxysmal AF (4/6), and 2 patients with persistent AF (2/6). The mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was (4.8±1.5), and the HAS-BLED score was (3.5±1.4). The duration of hemodialysis was 2.6 (1.1, 8.3) years. Successfully Watchman implantation was achieved in all patients. There were no severe perioperative complications, and no device related thrombosis or leaks were observed by transesophageal echocardiography. During a mean of 22.0 (12.0, 32.0) months follow-up, there was no thromboembolism or major bleeding events. A total of 2 patients died, one from sudden cardiac death, and another one from heart failure. Conclusions: LAAO may be a safe and effective therapeutic option for prevention of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation and end-stage renal disease undergoing long-term hemodialysis, further studies with larger patient cohort are needed to confirm our results.

[Clinical analysis of left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation]

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) over 75 years. A total of 82 patients with AF who underwent LAAO successfully in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from March 2014 to March 2019 were divided into two groups according to age: the elderly group (aged>75 years) and the young group (aged ≤75 years). Risk of perioperative complications and incidence of ischemic stroke and major bleeding during follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. The results showed that there were no significant differences in procedure-related ischemic stroke(0 vs.1.6%,P=0.768) and major bleeding (0 vs.1.6%,P=0.768) during perioperative period between the two groups. No complications as death or pericardial tamponade occurred in the two group. During a (25.9±15.9) months period of followed up, ischemic stroke event rate was 3.6/100 person-years in the elderly group and 4.9/100 person-years in the young group, respectively. Major bleeding event rate was 2.5/100 person-years in the elderly group and 0/100 person-years in the young group, respectively. Compared with the expected ones, the relative risk reduction (RRR) of stroke in the elderly group was more profound than that in the young group (32.0% vs. 25.0%), while the risk of major bleeding in the young group was significantly lower than that in the elderly group (RRR 100% vs. 56.9%). Therefore, LAAO might be suitable for stroke prevention in the elderly AF patients.

[The impact of digoxin on the long-term outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To investigate the long-term safety of digoxin in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This was a prospective study, in which 25 512 AF patients were enrolled from China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study. After exclusion of patients receiving ablation therapy at the enrollment, 1 810 CAD patients [age: (71.5±9.3)years] with AF were included. The subjects were grouped into the digoxin group and non-digoxin group, and were followed up for a period of 80 months. Long-term outcomes were compared between the groups and an adjusted Cox regression analysis was applied to evaluate the risk of digoxin on the long-term outcomes. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Results: The patients were followed up for a median period of 3.05 years. After multivariable adjustment, the Cox regression analysis showed that digoxin significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality (HR=1.28, 95%CI 1.01-1.61, P=0.038), cardiovascular mortality (HR=1.48,95%CI 1.10-2.00,P=0.010), cardiovascular hospitalization (HR=1.67,95%CI 1.35-2.07,P=0.008) and the composite endpoints (HR=2.02,95%CI 1.71-2.38,P<0.001). In the subgroup of patients with heart failure (HF), digoxin was not associated with the risk of all-cause mortality, but was still associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR=1.44,95%CI 1.05-1.98,P=0.025), cardiovascular hospitalization (HR=1.44,95%CI 1.09-1.90,P=0.010) and the composite endpoints (HR=1.37, 95%CI 1.01-1.70, P=0.004). However, in the subgroup of patients without HF, digoxin was only associated with all-cause mortality (HR=2.56,95%CI 1.44-4.54,P=0.001). Conclusion: Digoxin significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality in CAD patients with AF, especially in patients without HF.

[Effect of autoflation on the prognosis of otitis media with effusion in children]

Objective: To investigate the effect of autoinflation on the prognosis of OME in children. Methods: Total of 325 pediatric patients, age ranged from 3 to 8 years, with OME(486 ears)diagnosed in our department from January 2019 to January 2020 were collected. Among them, 177 were males, 148 were females. Disease course ranged from 25 to 86 days. According to watchful waiting and autoinflation application during follow-up, these children were divided into two groups including 183 cases(271 ears) and 142 cases(215 ears), respectively. The average auditory threshold and tympanogram curve type in two groups were analyzed in the period of 3 months follow-up, and the recovery of OME was evaluated. Results: At the end of 1- and 2- month follow-up, the auditory threshold of patients in autoinflation group was significantly lower than that in watchful waiting group (t=2.139 5 and 2.680 6, P<0.05). However, at the end of 3- month follow-up, there was no significant difference between two groups (t=1.158 5, P>0.05). At the end of 1-, 2- and 3- month follow-up, 89 (33%, 89/271), 200 (74%, 200/271), 220 (81%, 220/271) and 176 (82%, 176/215), 178 (83%, 178/215), 183 (85%, 183/215) ears in watchful waiting group and autoinflation group had a hearing threshold <20 dB HL, respectively, in which ears with auditory threshold<20 dB HL in watchful waiting group were significantly less than those in autoinflation group at the end of 1 and 2 month follow-up (P<0.05), However, ears with auditory threshold<20 dB HL in watchful waiting group were not significantly different from that in the autoflation group at the end of 3- month follow-up (P>0.05). The proportion of ears with type A tympanogram curve was 74%(159/215), 79%(170/215), and 85%(183/215) at the end of 1-, 2- and 3- month follow-up in autoinflation group and 36%(98/271), 71%(192/271) and 76%(206/271) in watchful waiting group, respectively. Proportion of ears with type A tympanogram curve in autoflation group was significantly higher than that in watchful waiting group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Autoinflation can improve the hearing of children with OME in early stage, restore normal middle ear pressure, increase recovery rate, and reduce the choice of surgical treatment of OME.

[Utility of the type 3 portable monitor for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing in patients with stable heart failure]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of a type 3 portable monitor (PM) at home for the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in patients with stable congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods: Seventy-six consecutive patients with CHF (61 males, 15 females, mean±standard deviation age (57.0±16.9) years) were enrolled from the sleep center of Peking university People's Hospital during January 2016 to January 2019, and underwent overnight, unattended home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) with a portable monitor followed by an overnight simultaneous polysomnogram (PSG) with in-laboratory portable monitor (in-lab PM) recording within one week. The consistency of apnea hypopnea index (AHI), obstructive sleep apnea index (OAI), central sleep apnea index (CAI) between HSAT and PSG as well as the in-lab PM and PSG were analyzed by Bland-Altman plot; the sensitivity and specificity of PM for the diagnosis of SDB in patients with CHF were evaluated. Results: The number of patients included in the final analysis were 65 in HSAT, 63 in in-lab PM and 65 in PSG. AHI [M(Q₁,Q₃)] was 26.1 (10.9,40.1) events/h by HSAT, 27.9 (11.3,43.2) events/h by in-lab PM, both were not different from AHI 29.0 (10.2,45.0) events/h by PSG (P>0.05). The AHI, OAI and CAI assessed by HSAT correlated significantly with those by PSG (r=0.892, 0.903, 0.831, P<0.05). Bland-Altman analysis of AHI, OAI, CAI by PSG versus HSAT showed a mean difference of 3.1 events/h, 0.8 events/h, 1.2 events/h; limits of consistency were -15.2 to 21.4 events/h, -9.7 to 11.3 events/h, -10.9 to 13.2 events/h, respectively. Based on a threshold of AHI ≥5 events/h, HSAT had 94.6% sensitivity, 75% specificity, compared to PSG. For detecting Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR), a sensitivity of 96.4%,a specificity of 97.2% were achieved, compared to PSG. Conclusion: Type 3 PM can be used to diagnose SDB in patients with CHF.

Metabolomic profile of milk fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus cocultured with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, or both during storage

In this study, the microbial interactions among cocultures of Streptococcus thermophilus (St) with potential probiotics of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (Ba) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lp) in fermented milk were investigated during a storage period of 21 d at 4°C, in terms of acidifying activity (pH and titratable acidity), viable counts, and metabolites. A nontargeted metabolomics approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was employed for mapping the global metabolite profiles of fermented milk. Probiotic strains cocultured with St accelerated milk acidification, and improved the microbial viability compared with the single culture of St. The St-Ba/Lp treatment manifested a higher bacteria viability and acidification ability in comparison with the St-Ba or the St-Lp treatment. Relative quantitation of 179 significant metabolites was identified, including nucleosides, AA, short peptides, organic acids, lipid derivatives, carbohydrates, carbonyl compounds, and compounds related to energy metabolism. The principal component analysis indicated that St treatment and coculture treatments displayed a complete distinction in metabolite profiles, and Lp had a larger effect than Ba on metabolic profiles of fermented milk produced by cofermentation with St during storage. The heat map in combination with hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the abundance of metabolites significantly varied with the starter cultures over the storage, and high abundance of metabolites was observed in either St or coculture samples. The St-Ba/Lp treatment showed relatively high abundance for the vast majority of metabolites. These findings suggest that the profile of the metabolites characterizing fermented milk samples may depend on the starter cultures, and incorporation of probiotics may considerably influence the metabolomic activities of fermented milks.

[Effectiveness and safety of idarucizumab in the management of perioperative complications of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation patients under dabigatran therapy]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of idarucizumab in the treatment of perioperative cardiac tamponade and thromboembolic events during catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients under dabigatran therapy. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis enrolling patients under dabigatran therapy, who underwent catheter ablation for AF at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 and developed perioperative cardiac tamponade or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and received idarucizumab to reverse the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran. Patients' age, sex, renal function, coagulation test and safety events at 30 d after idarucizumab administration were collected and analyzed. The clinical presentation and prognosis were also analyzed. Results: A total of 7 patients were included, 2 (2/7) were male, mean age was (66.3±11.2) years, serum creatinine level was (66.3±13.6) μmol/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate was (89.4±11.2) ml·min-1·1.73 m-2, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were (3.2±1.9) and (1.3±1.3), respectively. Five patients (5/7) developed cardiac tamponade during the perioperative period and the time interval to the last dose of dabigatran was (6.3±2.6) h. Idarucizumab was given at (36.4±16.7) min after the definitive diagnosis of cardiac tamponade. A significant decrease of activated partial thromboplastin time was achieved after idarucizumab administration in all five cases. Pericardial puncture and drainage were applied to all patients (5/5) with cardiac tamponade, the drainage volume was (1 037.0±846.9) ml, the retention time of pericardial drainage catheter was (27.9±13.9) h, and the recovery time of anticoagulation was (28.4±13.2) h. One patient (1/5) underwent thoracotomy for hemostasis due to excessive blood loss with the aim of ensuring complete hemostasis. Bleeding occurred in 1 patient (1/5) after the first restart of anticoagulation. AIS occurred in 2 patients (2/7) after operation. One case (1/2) received intravenous thrombolysis after receiving 5.0 g idarucizumab, no hemorrhagic transformation was observed, and the recovery process was satisfactory. Another patient in this group experienced significantly prolonged onset time and 5.0 g idarucizumab was applied before intravascular thrombectomy, there was no bleeding complication in this patient after thrombectomy. At the time of discharge, the consciousness was not significantly improved, and the muscle strength of the right lower limb was recovered somehow compared with that before operation. No hypersensitivity reactions or thrombotic events occurred in these patients within 30 days of the administration of idarucizumab. Conclusion: In AF catheter ablation-associated cardiac tamponade and AIS, idarucizumab is safe and effective in rapidly reversing the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran, use of thrombectomy saves valuable time for timely hemostasis and improvement of cerebral blood circulation.

[Infliximab in infantile Takayasu arteritis: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of infantile Takayasu arteritis and the efficacy of infliximab (IFX). Methods: Clinical manifestations, laboratory investigations and infliximab intervention of a case with infantile Takayasu arteritis, who was admitted to Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics in January 2018, were reviewed and analyzed. The related literature published from the beginning to March 2020 were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed and PubMed with the keywords of"Takayasu arteritis","Infant" in both Chinese and English. Results: This case was a 70-day-old boy admitted due to recurrent fever for 20 days. On admission, his blood pressure were 104/90, 95/59, 125/80, and 152/125 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in the right arm, left arm, right leg, and left leg, respectively. The complete blood cell count showed leukocytosis (22.6×10⁹/L), thrombocytosis (858×10⁹/L) and mild anemia (80 g/L). He also had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (119 mm/1h), serum ferritin (598 μg/L) and C-reactive protein (112 mg/L). Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) showed narrowing of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, with thickening and heterogenous enhancement of the vessel wall. Coronary artery ultrasound detected dilatation and wall thickening of the bilateral coronary arteries, and uneven dilatation of the middle segment of the right coronary artery, showing bead-like change. Vessel wall thickening was also found in the other main arteries, including both femoral arteries, axillary arteries, carotid arteries, and subclavian arteries, and both superficial femoral arteries were slightly narrowed in the distal segments. The diagnosis of TA was confirmed, and the boy was treated with infliximab monotherapy (5 mg/(kg·every time), a total of 13 times). Then his body temperature and all inflammatory markers were normalized, and the vascular pathology was resolved according to the radiography. No side effects such as allergy or infection were noted during the treatment. During the 2 years and 6 months of follow-up, the boy maintained normal growth and development. Literature review found 8 related articles, and one of them was in Chinese but had limited information. In the other 7 papers, a total of 7 infants with TA were reported. The most common symptom was fever (5 cases), and inflammatory markers usually elevated, and the most common affected artery was abdominal aorta (6 cases). Most cases were treated with glucocorticoid. Conclusions: TA is a rare disease in infants, usually presents with fever and increased inflammatory markers. At the early stage, infliximab monotherapy could effectively control the symptoms and ensure normal growth and development.

[Efficacy and safety of catheter ablation in patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation in patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma. Methods: Nine patients with new onset atrial arrhythmia and a prior history of left atrial myxoma, who received surgical myxoma excision and catheter ablation between September 2014 and November 2019, were included in the present study. Baseline characteristics, procedural parameters during catheter ablation, severe perioperative adverse events, recurrence rate of arrhythmia and clinical prognosis were analyzed. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was used to define the maintenance rate of sinus rhythm after catheter ablation in this patient cohort. Results: Nine patients were included. The average age was (55.8 ± 9.1) years old (3 male), there were 3 patients (3/9) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and 6 patients (6/9) with atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia (AFL or AT). Ablation was successful in all patients, there were no perioperative complications such as stroke, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, vascular complications or massive hemorrhage. During a mean follow-up time of 40.0 (27.5, 55.5) months, sinus rhythm was maintained in six patients (6/9) after the initial catheter ablation. The overall sinus rhythm maintenance rate was 2/3. In addition, 1 out of the 3 AF patients (1/3) developed recurrence of AF at 3 month after ablation, and 2 out of the 6 AFL or AT patients (2/6) developed late recurrence of AF or AFL (19 months and 29 months after ablation), two out of three patients with recurrent AFs or AFL received repeated catheter ablation and one patient remained sinus rhythm post repeat ablation. Meanwhile, there was no recurrence of atrial myxoma, no death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and other events during the entire follow-up period. Conclusions: Catheter ablation is a safe and feasible therapeutic option for patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma.

[Study on the relationship between lifestyle and depression symptoms: a TCLSIH study]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between lifestyle factors and depressive symptoms based on the TCLSIH cohort of 2013-2016 and provide evidence for the intervention on lifestyle in the prevention and treatment of depression in the future. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 256 persons by using a self-rating depression scale (SDS) to assess the depressive symptoms, and lifestyle questionnaire survey and physical examination were carried out. By using software SAS 9.3. The study subjects were divided into two groups: non-depression group (SDS score <45) and depression group (SDS score≥45), and the relationship between lifestyle factors and depressive symptoms was analyzed. Results: The study subjects in depression group accounted for 16.59%; the baseline survey showed that compared with non-depression group, the subjects in depression group had higher neutrophil count and lymphocyte count ratio (NLR), lower BMI, lower total energy intake, and lower physical activity level, and tended to take less plant food diet, more animal food diet and sweet food diet (P<0.000 1). In the depressive group, there were more smokers and less occasional drinkers (P<0.01), and there were more women, home-aloners, people with lower education levels, people with lower total household income, and less staff members, married and those who liked to contact relatives and friends, but the proportion of people who spent more than 5 hours daily for outdoor activities was higher. Multiple linear regression analysis results showed that being male, aged, NLR, smoking (OR=1.14, 95%CI: 1.03-1.26), quitting alcohol, being home-aloners, animal food diet (OR=1.41, 95%CI:1.35-1.46), sweet food diet (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.13-1.22), sleep time >7.5 h/d, outdoor activity time 3-5 h/d, outdoor activity time >5 h/d were positively correlated with depression (P<0.05). BMI(OR=0.98, 95%CI: 0.97-0.99), education level (OR=0.76, 95%CI: 0.70-0.82), being staff member, total household income (OR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.58-0.68), total energy intake, physical activity (OR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.84-0.89), married status, move contacts with relatives or friends were negatively related with depression (P<0.05). Conclusion: Lifestyle is closely related to the occurrence of depressive symptoms, and lifestyle intervention seems be a new way to prevent and treat depression.

[Tap-hammer elicited vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials system: its design and preliminary application]

Objective: The aim of this study was to design and perform "Tap-hammer"system that can be used to elicit vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) in normal adults and to report the preliminary results of this system. Methods: A triggered Tap-hammer was designed, made and connected with an electric recording system, to form as a system for Tap-VEMP recording. Twenty healthy adult volunteers (7 males and 13 females, aged 20 to 37 years, 40 ears in total) were recruited for air-conducted sound VEMP (ACS-VEMP) and Tap-VEMP examinations. Waveforms and parameters of both VEMPs were recorded and analyzed. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The response rates of ACS-, Tap-ocular VEMP (oVEMP) and ACS-, Tap-cervical VEMP (cVEMP) were both 100% (40/40). The mean±SD n1 latency, p1 latency, n1-p1 interval, amplitude, and asymmetry ratio (AR%) of Tap-oVEMP were (9.80±2.51)ms, (13.90±3.26)ms, (4.09±1.43)ms, (16.43±9.61)μV, (22.68±17.35)% respectively. The mean±SD p1 latency, n1 latency, p1-n1 interval, amplitude, and asymmetry ratio (AR%) of Tap-cVEMP were (13.26±2.07)ms, (21.84±2.89)ms, (8.58±2.10)ms, (457.65±274.94)μV, (20.42±13.46)% respectively. Both n1 latency and p1 latency of Tap-VEMPs were shorter than those in ACS-VEMPs (P<0.05). No statistical difference could be found between the two stimulation methods in the parameters of n1-p1 interval, amplitude, and asymmetry ratio(P>0.05). Conclusion: The Tap-hammer system can elicit VEMP responses in healthy young people. This system can be used as an alternative stimulation method for bone conduction VEMP.

[The thromboembolism risk of low-risk atrial fibrillation patients with different clinical characteristics]

Objective: This study explored the thromboembolism risk of low-risk atrial fibrillation (AF) patients (CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 0 or 1 for male and 1 or 2 for female) with different clinical characteristics to provide the basis for anticoagulation decision-making in these patients. Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive 2 862 nonvalvular low-risk AF patients between August 2011 to December 2018 in China-AF (China Atrial Fibrillation Registry) Study, their CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 0 or 1 for male and 1 or 2 for female. According to their age, sex, presence or absence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, and vascular disease at the time of enrolling, patients were divided into CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 0 score group, 1 score group, and 2 score group. Patients were followed up every 6 months by outpatient clinic visit or telephone interview. The outcome was a thromboembolic event, including ischemic stroke and systemic embolism. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to compare the thromboembolism risk between the patients with different risk factors and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 0 group. Results: A total of 2 862 low-risk atrial fibrillation patients were enrolled in this study. 915 patients (32.0%) were female, and age was (55.0±10.7) years old. There were 933 patients (32.6%) in CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 0 group, 1 401 patients (49.0%) in score 1 group and 528 patients (18.5%) in score 2 group. During follow-up (median 1.5 years, 5 811.82 person-years), 33 cases of thromboembolic events were recorded, the annual rate of thromboembolism was 0.57% (95%CI 0.40%~0.80%). The number of thromboembolic events in patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 0, 1 and 2 were 8, 11 and 14, respectively, and the annual thromboembolism event rates were 0.40% (95%CI 0.20%-0.81%), 0.39% (95%CI 0.22%-0.71%) and 1.34% (95%CI 0.80%-2.27%), respectively. The risk of thromboembolism of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 2 group (HR=3.53, 95%CI 1.48-8.44; P=0.005), especially female patients aged 65-74 years in CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 2 group (HR=2.67, 95%CI 1.63-4.38; P<0.000) was significantly higher than that in patients of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 0 group. Conclusion: Low-Risk Atrial Fibrillation patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 2, especially female patients aged 65-74 years old with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 2 are at higher risk of thromboembolism in low-risk AF patients. For such patients, intensified oral anticoagulant therapy might be helpful to reduce the risk of thrombolism.

[Progress of researches on the role of neutrophil extracellular traps in the immune responses against parasites]

Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) is a type of bead-like, fibrous and reticular substances that is actively released by activated inflammatory neutrophils during the stage of infections or inflammatory responses. NET, which is composed of chromatin DNA and multiple intracellular protein components, may wrap pathogens to limit their diffusions. Meanwhile, NET may kill pathogens via a wide range of antibacterial proteins, which is considered as the third antibacterial mechanism of neutrophils, in addition to phagocytosis and degranulation. Recent studies have shown the involvement of NET in the immune response against parasitic infections. This review summarizes the advances of NETs in the immune responses against parasitic infections, so as to provide insights into the elucidation of the pathogenesis and development of therapeutics of parasitic diseases.

In vitro antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of fermented milk with different culture combinations

This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (Ba) in co-cultures with Streptococcus thermophilus (St) on changes in the acidification profile, proteolytic activity, peptide production, in vitro antioxidant activity, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties of fermented milks during 21 d of storage at 4°C. The pH values and proteolysis in all batches showed a gradual decrease and increase during storage, respectively. The ACE-inhibitory activity and total antioxidant capacity of all co-fermented milk samples followed a similar pattern, with maximum values on d 6 of storage. The St starter, in conjunction with Ba or Lp or both, enhanced proteolysis, peptide generation, and ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant activity, but decreased pH values compared with St alone. The St-Ba-Lp samples showed higher DPPH^• (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and total antioxidant capacity, but similar superoxide anion scavenging activity compared to St-Ba or St-Lp samples. The St-Ba samples showed higher DPPH^• radical scavenging activity but lower hydroxyl radical scavenging activity than St-Lp samples. In the ACE-inhibitory assays, the St-Lp samples exhibited relatively low activity among the co-fermented milks, digested or not. The presence of Ba and Lp in fermentation together did not affect ACE-inhibitory activity in undigested fermented milks compared with the presence of Ba alone, and St-Ba-Lp fermented milks demonstrated an increase in ACE-inhibitory activity after simulated gastrointestinal digestion in storage. Pepsin digestion largely improved ACE-inhibitory activity, except in St-Lp samples, in which the activity was reduced. Further hydrolysis by trypsin reduced final activity in digestion. This study suggests that co-cultured fermentation with probiotics improves in vitro antioxidant and ACE inhibition activity in fermented milks, and this effect is partly due to the higher proteolytic activity of probiotics.

Danhong injection enhances angiogenesis after myocardial infarction by activating MiR-126/ERK/VEGF pathway

BACKGROUND/AIM

Danhong injection (DHI) is a Chinese drug used for relieving cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to identify the effect and mechanism of action of DHI on post-infarct angiogenesis, especially the epigenetic regulation of angiogenesis.

METHODS

A myocardial infarction (MI) mouse model was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. A 4-week daily treatment with or without DHI via intraperitoneal injection was started immediately following MI. The changes in cardiac function, pathology, and angiogenesis following MI were measured by echocardiography and immunostaining. Matrigel tube formation and scratch wound assays were used to evaluate the effect of DHI on the proliferation and migration of hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The expression of miR-126, Spred-1, and angiogenesis-related mRNAs was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of related proteins and the phosphorylated levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B were detected by Western blot analysis. The loss-of-function study was performed using antagomir-126.

RESULTS

The DHI-treated mice had significantly reduced infarct area, improved ejection fraction, and increased capillary density 4 weeks after MI. Also, DHI promoted the proliferation and migration of hypoxic HUVECs. The qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that DHI intervention upregulated miR-126, suppressed Spred-1 expression, and activated the ERK pathway, but not the Akt pathway. The loss-of-function study showed the blockade of the pro-angiogenic effect of DHI by antagomir-126 involving the ERK/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway.

CONCLUSION

DHI enhanced post-infarct angiogenesis after MI by activating the miR-126/ERK/VEGF pathway.

[Association between weight control and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients]

Objectives: This study explored the relationship between weight control and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients. Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive 333 overweight and obese patients aged 28 to 87 years old, who underwent catheter ablation for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between October 2015 and February 2016. Data of patients' characteristics, laboratory examination and treatment were collected at baseline. Each patient was followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months after ablation to collect information on weight, AF recurrence, stroke, major bleeding, hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons and death, etc. Patients were divided into weight controlled group (ΔBMI<-1 kg/m(2)) and weight uncontrolled group (ΔBMI≥-1 kg/m(2)), according to the changes in the most recent exposure BMI before AF recurrence in patients with recurrence or the BMI at 12 months' follow-up in patients without recurrence and the BMI at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust other known risk factors of AF recurrence and to explore the association between weight control and AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Results: There were 54 patients in weight controlled group and 279 patients in weight uncontrolled group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, education level, left atrial size and history of hypertension between the two groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers was higher in the weight controlled group (50.0%(27/54) vs. 34.8%(97/279), P=0.034). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with obesity (33.3% (18/54) vs. 29.7% (83/279)), paroxysmal AF (59.3% (32/54) vs. 56.6% (158/279)) and AF duration less than 5 years (76.9% (40/52) vs. 65.4% (178/272)) between the weight controlled group and the uncontrolled group. During 1-year follow-up after ablation, the recurrence rate of AF was significantly lower in the weight controlled group than that in the weight uncontrolled group (14.8% (8/54) vs. 32.6%(91/279), P=0.009). Multivariable logistic regression analysis shows that weight control is independently associated with a lower postoperative AF recurrence rate (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.18-0.90, P=0.026). Conclusion: Weight control is strongly associated with a lower AF recurrence rate after catheter ablation in overweight and obese patients.

[Acoustic absorbance characteristics of wideband tympanometry in patients with Meniere's disease]

Objective:To study acoustic absorbance characteristics of wideband tympanometry in patients with unilateral Meniere's disease. Method:Acoustic absorbance were detected using wideband tympanometry in 36 patients with unilateral Meniere's disease and 39 control subjects excluding inner ear and middle ear disease. All patients with Meniere's disease underwent electrocochleography, gadolinium contrast internal auditory canal MRI, pure tone test. The integral area formed by the absorbance curve on peak pressure and x-axis(frequency) was calculated. Student's t-test was used to compare integral areas difference of 2 ears in Meniere's disease patients and control group. Result:The integral area of absorbance was greater in affected side than unaffected side and there was no difference in peak values of absorbance between 2 ears in Meniere's disease patients. There was no significant difference in areas between Meniere's disease in different grade(P>0.05). Peak value of absorbance and difference value of absorbance were not significant between Meniere's disease patients and normal control. Only 61.11% Meniere's disease patients showed -SP/AP＞0.4 and 95.24% showed endolymphatic hydrops in affected side. Conclusion:Affected side in patients with Meniere's disease showed higher integral area of absorbance than other side,which is high sensitive but not specific.

[Experimental study on the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody on autophagy level in allergic rhinitis mice]

Objective: To observe the effect of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) monoclonal antibody on autophagy in allergic rhinitis (AR) mice. Methods: Thirty six weeks old BALB/c mice were randomly divided by random number table method into five groups: control group, model group (AR group), TNF-α antibody intervention group (AR+TNF-α group), autophagy inhibitor (3-methylindole, 3-NA) intervention group (AR+3-MA group), TNF-α antibody combined with autophagy inducer rapamycin (RAP) intervention group (AR+TNF-α+RAP group), with 6 mice in each group. AR model was established by conventional method, the corresponding reagent was administered before nasal cavity stimulation sensitization and during the whole experiment. Behavioral scores of mice were obtained, blood was collected from the eye socket, and mice in each group were sacrificed to collect nasal mucosa tissue samples. Pathological changes of nasal mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression levels of inflammatory factor and IgE in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expressions of autophagy related indicators microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3B (LC3B), Beclin-1, sequestosome1 (p62), autophagy-related 5 (ATG5), autophagy-related 7 (ATG7) were measured by Real-time PCR and Western blot. The aggregation of LC3B protein was observed by immunofluorescence. SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Compared with the AR model group, symptoms of AR in AR+TNF-α group and AR+3-MA group were mild; the pathological changes of nasal mucosa were weak; the expression of IgE, TNF-α, interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in serum significantly reduced (IgE: 666.19±78.35 (x±s) vs. 692.38±64.29 vs. 1 059.05±146.44, TNF-α: 112.06±12.95 vs. 113.17±15.43 vs. 161.22±17.96, IL-4: 54.05±7.14 vs. 58.26±5.67 vs. 79.95±6.33, IFN-γ: 28.58±4.51 vs. 30.67±2.60 vs. 39.83±3.31, all P<0.05), and the expression of LC3B Ⅱ/Ⅰ, Beclin-1, ATG5, ATG7 in nasal mucosa significantly decreased, the expression of p62 significantly elevated. After intervention with autophagy inducer RAP, the therapeutic effect of TNF-α monoclonal antibodies on AR was antagonized. Conclusion: TNF-α monoclonal antibody significantly improves nasal symptoms in AR mice by inhibiting autophagy levels.

Comparison of the efficacy and acceptability of Chinese herbal medicine in adult patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: study protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is defined as the clinical diagnosis of heart failure (HF) and ejection fraction (EF) ≤40%, which is a severe public healthcare issue and brings a heavy social and economic burden for patients with HFrEF. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has a long history in treating HF. Questions concerning the efficacy and acceptability of CHM-related interventions in adult patients with HFrEF led us to use the method of systematic review and network meta-analysis to integrate direct and indirect evidence to create hierarchies for all CHM.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Nine medical databases, including PubMed, EMBASE (OVID), the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Database and CBM will be searched from the date of database inception to June 2015 (updated to March 2017) without language and publication status restriction. Completely randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM or CHM plus routine treatment with CHM, CHM plus routine treatment, routine treatment, no treatment or placebo for adults with HFrEF will be examined. Our primary outcomes will include all-cause mortality, HF-related death, all-cause rehospitalisation, HF-related rehospitalisation and acceptability (discontinuation due to any adverse events during treatment). Secondary outcomes will include response rate, mean value or mean difference from baseline of surrogate indexes. We will perform the Bayesian network meta-analyses (NMA) for the most frequently reported primary or secondary outcome and the acceptability outcome, if available. Meta-regression, subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses will be conducted based on prespecified effect modifiers to assess the robustness of the findings.

DISSEMINATION

The results of this NMA will provide useful information about the effectiveness and acceptability of CHM in adults with HFrEF, which will also have implications for clinical practice and further research. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal publication and conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016053854.

Based serum metabolomics analysis reveals simultaneous interconnecting changes during chicken embryonic development

Metabolic disorder is a major health problem and is associated with a number of metabolic diseases. Due to native hyperglycaemia and resistance to exogenous insulin, chickens as a model had used in the studies of adipose tissue biology, metabolism and obesity. But no detailed information is available about the comprehensive changes of serum metabolites at different stages of chicken embryonic development. This study employed LC/MS-QTOF to determine the changes of major functional metabolites at incubation day 14 (E14d), 19 (E19d) and hatching day 1 (H1d), and the associated pathways of differential metabolites during chicken embryonic development were analysed using Metabolite Set Enrichment Analysis method. Results showed that 39 metabolites were significantly changed from E14d to E19d and 68 metabolites were significantly altered from E19d to H1d in chicken embryos. Protein synthesis was promoted by increasing the concentrations of L-glutamine and threonine, and gonadal development was promoted through increasing oestrone content from E14d to E19d in chicken embryos, which indicated that serum glutamine, threonine and oestrone contents may be considered as the candidate indicators for assessment of early embryonic development. 2-oxoglutaric acid mainly contributed to enhancing the citric cycle, and it plays an important role in improving the growth of chicken embryos at the late development; the decreasing of L-glutamine, L-isoleucine and L-leucine contents from E19d to H1d in chicken embryonic development implied their possible functions as the feed additive during early posthatch period of broiler chickens to satisfy the growth. These results provided insights into understand the roles of serum metabolites at different developmental stages of chicken embryos, it also provides available information for chicken as a model to study metabolic disease or human obesity.

[Eperythrozoonosis complicated with hemophagocytic syndrome: report of four cases and review of literature]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of eperythrozoonosis complicated with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) in 4 children. Methods: Four patients diagnosed with eperythrozoonosis complicated with HPS in the Children's Hospital Affiliated Capital Institute of Pediatrics during the period from June 2014 to July 2016 were enrolled. The clinical manifestations, laboratory examination data and therapeutic strategies were analyzed. A literature search (search terms included 'eperythrozoonosis' and 'hemophagocytic syndrome') was conducted using CNKI, Wanfang database, Chinese biomedical literature database and PubMed to include recently published studies (searched from the database establishment to January 2017). Results: Four patients were included in the study. One was boy and the other three were girls. The age range of the 4 patients was between 9 months and 17 years (9 months, 2 years and 17 years, 11 months respectively). All the patients presented with recurrent high fever. During the course of fever, 3 patients presented with rash, and 2 patients presented with joint pain and swelling, which mimicked systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Only 1 patient had the contact history of infectious disease. All patients had normal or decreased white blood cell count ((0.80-13.12)×10⁹/L), suffered from varied degrees of anemia and showed the increased C reactive protein (13.0-84.7 mg/L) anderythrocyte sedimentation rate (13-72 mm/1 h). Examination of peripheral blood smears confirmed eperythrozoonosis. After fever continued about 1 month, all the 4 patients rapidly progressed. Among the 4 patients, 1 patient died for giving up further therapy, and the other 3 patients completely recovered after treatment, including azithromycin for the treatment of eperythrozoonosis, and high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy and human immunoglobulin for the treatment of HPS. For the disease not satisfactory, the hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-2004 (HLH-2004) protocol is given. After the hospitalization of 1 to 2 months, the conditions improved and the children were discharged from hospital. Three patients were followed up for 8 months to 2 years, and their conditions were stable. In the PubMed database, no report was found. Nine cases of children with eperythrozoonosis were found in CNKI, Wanfang database and Chinese biomedical literature database, and 1 case was complicated with HPS. These findings, taken together our report, provided the data of 5 children with eperythrozoonosis complicated with HPS (4 cases were younger than 2 years old). A patient had contact history of infectious disease. Five patientss showed fever of unknown origin. All the patients had severe eperythrozoonosis, and 2 cases at younger age died. Conclusions: Children with eperythrozoonosis often present with the protracted fever of unknown origin, and clinical manifestations mimic those of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (systemic type). The patients with eperythrozoonosis of mild-to-moderate disease severity may have a good prognosis. Children with severe eperythrozoonosis, especially those HPS cases with early onset before 2 years old, may have high risk of mortality. Once the patient's condition aggravates in the course of fever, HPS should be highly suspected. For the patients with eperythrozoonosis complicated with HPS, early diagnosis and the combination of anti-infection with the treatment of HPS are crucial for a good prognosis. For the treatment of HPS, HLH-2004 protocol is recommended.

[Tocilizumab for refractory systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of tocilizumab for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Method: In this prospective self case-control study, the children diagnosed with refractory systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis admitted to Department of Rheumatism and Immunology of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from December 2013 to June 2016 were enrolled and information before and after treatment of tocilizumab was analyzed. The tocilizumab was introvenously guttae in a dose of 8-12 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were tested before and after the application of tocilizumab. Detailed clinical manifestations were recorded. All results were analyzed by χ(2) test and t test. Result: Forty patients with a median age of (6.6±3.7) years were enrolled, including 15 males and 25 females. All of the patients presented with fever and 38 patients got normal temperature 24-48 hours after treatment with tocilizumab. Symptoms disappeared in 13 and improved in 4 patients after treatment among the 17 patients who presented with arthritis. Within the 10 patients who manifested with rashes, 9 patients' rashes disappeared without relapse accompanied by the normalization of temperature after the treatment of tocilizumab. One patient got normal temperature but intermittently emerged rashes after symptoms of arthritis improved. In the 40 patients, 38 well tolerated tocilizumab while 2 showed rashes and chill which disappeared shortly after antianaphylaxis treatment. No severe treatment-related infection was found in any patients. According to the study, the white blood cell counts(×10(9)/L), CRP(mg/L) and ESR(mm/1h) tested 2 weeks after the treatment with tocilizumab were significantly lower than that before treatment(12.1±1.2 vs. 16.5±1.8, 47±8 vs. 67±9, 21±5 vs. 57±6, t=2.75, 3.98, 5.22, P=0.009, 0, 0, respectively). No significant changes were found in concentration of IL-6 and TNF-α (65(207) vs. 45(137) ng/L, and 14(6) vs. 17(19)ng/L, Z=-1.247 and-1.285, P=0.212 and 0.199 respectively). Conclusion: Tocilizumab is a treatment with good efficacy and safety for refractory systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Adverse effects would be found in some patients.

[Prevalence and clinical characteristics of blood eosinophilia in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of peripheral blood eosinophilia (EOS) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods: From July 2014 to June 2016, AECOPD patients in the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, were retrospectively stratified into two groups according to two standards of eosinophilic exacerbations (the peripheral blood eosinophil count ≥2% or ≥3% on admission). Demography, clinical symptoms, laboratory results, length of stay, total hospitalization expenses, and defined daily expenses were compared between groups. Results: A total of 559 cases with AECOPD were finally recorded, the prevalence of eosinophilia was 43.1% (241 cases by EOS≥2%) and 27.2% (152 cases by EOS≥3%), respectively. According to either standard, there were no significant differences in sexes, age, course of disease (P>0.05), and there were no significant differences in global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) grades, parameters of pulmonary function, modified british medical research council (mMRC) scores, rate of antibiotic use, systemic glucocorticoids administration, and average daily expenses (P>0.05). According to 2% standard, leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, hs-CRP were lower than non-eosinophilic patients [(5.9±2.0)×10(9)/L vs (8.2±4.0)×10(9)/L, (3.9±1.6)×10(9)/L vs (6.5±3.8)×10(9)/L, (0.446±0.169)×10(9)/L vs (0.501±0.276)×10(9)/L, (25.8±35.9) vs (46.2±55.6) mg/L, all P<0.01]; basophils, lymphocytes were higher than non-eosinophilic patients [(0.043±0.025)×10(9)/L vs (0.029±0.021) ×10(9)/L, (1.3±0.6) ×10(9)/L vs (1.1±0.6) ×10(9)/L, both P<0.01]; length of stay, total hospital expense were shorter (or lower) than non-eosinophilic patients [(10.6±5.0) vs (11.6±5.8) d, (11 851±7 491) vs (14 254±10 751) RMB, both P<0.05]. According to 3% standard, leucocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, hs-CRP were lower than non-eosinophilic patients (all P<0.05), and basophil were higher than non-eosinophilic patients (P<0.01), but no significant differences were observed in lymphocytes, length of stay and total hospital expense (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Eosinophilia is of relative high prevalence in AECOPD patients, and basophil in eosinophilic patients is higher than non-eosinophilic patients.

[Study on pharyngeal wall floppiness of patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome attributable to non-structural factors]

Objective: Acoustic pharyngealmetry technology is utilized to evaluate the change and clinical significance of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients caused by non-upper airway structural factor and normal individuals' PWF(pharyngeal wall floppiness). Methods: Acoustic pharyngealmetry instrument of Ecconvision was utilized to examine 102 OSAHS patients and 50 normal individuals, separately recorded their volume of pharyngeal cavity in sit or supine position, calculated PWF in sit or supine position, and SPSS 12.0 of tware was used to analyze data. Results: PWF was 0.14±0.09 in sit position and PWF was 0.21±0.10, (t=5.96, t=9.63, P<0.001)in supine position of OSAHS group, which were all significantly higher than those of control group. PWFs in supine position of OSAHS group and control group were evidently higher than PWF(t=-11.91, P<0.001; t=-2.32, P=0.025) in sit position. ΔPWF(PWF_supine-PWF_sit)was 0.063±0.054 in OSAHS group which was significantly greater than in control(F=41.173, P<0.01). PWF in sit position and supine position were all positively related with age(r=0.714, r=0.735, P<0.001)while irrelevant with BMI(P>0.05). Conclusions: PWF can be utilized to be an index to reflect the physiological feature of upper airway. PWF can more precisely reflect upper airway collapsibility of OSAHS patients on the condition of PWF in supine position. Pharyngeal wall floppiness quantified as a high PWF index is a non-structure vital factor of OSAHS patients and plays a role of guiding us to make personal treatment plans for OSAHS patients.

[Feasibility of the 2014 European guidelines risk prediction model for sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Chinese patients]

Objective: Exploring the feasibility of the 2014 European Society of Cardiology(ESC)guideline's risk prediction model for sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM Risk-SCD) in Chinese patients. Methods: The study population consisted of a consecutive cohort of 172 Chinese patients with HCM without prior sudden cardiac death (SCD) event who were in patients in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from December 2010 to October 2015.The endpoint event was a composite of SCD and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy.Clinical data were collected to calculate the 5-year SCD risk using the HCM Risk-SCD formula and to observe the actual risk during the follow-up.Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and the area under curve (AUC) were calculated for the HCM Risk-SCD and risk stratification methods of the 2011 American Heart Association (AHA) guideline. Results: During follow-up of (2.69±1.36) years, five patients achieved the endpoint event.The predicated rate of SCD event using HCM Risk-SCD was (2.36±1.73)%, (1.93±0.78)%, (5.18±0.65)%, (8.77±2.38)% for all patients, low-risk group, medium-risk group and high-risk group respectively.However, the actual rate of SCD event was 2.91%, 1.27%, 25.00% and 14.29%, respectively.The AUC of 2014 ESC guideline and 2011 AHA guidelinewas 0.93(95%CI 0.85-1.00) vs. 0.87(95%CI 0.75-0.98). Conclusion: The predicated rate of SCD event calculated by HCM Risk-SCD is lower than actual rate of SCD, but the prediction efficiency and indication for ICD implantation of HCM Risk-SCD are better than that of 2011 AHA guideline.

[A preliminary clinical classification study in REM related obstructive sleep apnea]

Objective:The aim of this study is to introduce a method in classifying the REM related OSA (RrOSA) and the potential clinical significance. Method:Two hundred and fifty patients (male: 219) with OSAS diagnosed by polysomnographywere recruited in the study. The RrOSAS was defined as the ratio of AHIs in REM and non REM sleep (R) greater than one. In RrOSAS group, patients were divided into RrOSAS Ⅰa (R>2, NREM_AHI<15), RrOSAS Ⅰb (R>2, NREM_AHI>15), and RrOSAS II (2>R>1) three subtypes. Parameters of PSG, ESS, BMI and neck circufernces were obtained for further analysis. In RrOSA Ⅰa group, the efficiencies of CPAP and AutoPAP were investigated. Result:①There was a significant difference in gender between RrOSA and NRrOSA groups (P<0.05); ②There was no significant differences in ESS and BMI among the three subtypes of RrOSA (P>0.05); ③There was no significant difference in REM_AHI and REM_ODI between RrOSA and NRrOSA groups. Conclusion:The new method for the RrOSA classification helps better understanding the development of OSAS and might be useful in planning the CPAP treatment. RrOSA may be a special type of OSA, which may develop into other types as the condition develops.

Atomistic modeling to investigate the favored composition for metallic glass formation in the Ca-Mg-Ni ternary system

A realistic interatomic potential was first constructed for the Ca-Mg-Ni system and then applied to Monte Carlo simulations to predict the favored composition for metallic glass formation in the ternary system. The simulations not only predict a hexagonal composition region, within which the Ca-Mg-Ni metallic glass formation is energetically favored, but also pinpoint an optimized sub-region within which the amorphization driving force, i.e. the energy difference between the solid solution and disordered phase, is larger than that outside. The simulations further reveal that the physical origin of glass formation is the solid solution collapsing when the solute atom exceeds the critical solid solubility. Further structural analysis indicates that the pentagonal bi-pyramids dominate in the optimized sub-region. The large atomic size difference between Ca, Mg and Ni extends the short-range landscape and facilitates the development of a hybridized packing model in the medium-range, and eventually enhancing the glass formation in the system. The predictions are well supported by the experimental observations reported so far, and could be of help for designing the ternary glass formation.

Conventional Acupuncture for Cardiac Arrhythmia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To exam the effect and safety of conventional acupuncture (CA) on cardiac arrhythmia.

METHODS

Nine medical databases were searched until February 2016 for randomized controlled trials. Heterogeneity was measured by Cochran Q test. Meta-analysis was conducted if I² was less than 85% and the characteristics of included trials were similar.

RESULTS

Nine qualified studies involving 638 patients were included. Only 1 study had definitely low risk of bias, while 7 trials were rated as unclear and 1 as high. Meta-analysis of CA alone did not have a significant benefit on response rate compared to amiodarone in patients with atrial fibrillation (Af) and atrial flutter (AF) [relative risk (RR): 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.49; P=0.61; I²=61%, P=0.11]. However, 1 study with higher methodological quality detected a lower recurrence rate of Af in CA alone as compared with sham acupuncture plus no treatment, and benefits on ventricular rate and time of conversion to normal sinus rhythm were found in CA alone group by 1 study, as well as the response rate in CA plus deslanoside group by another study. Meta-analysis of CA plus anti-arrhythmia drug (AAD) was associated with a significant benefit on the response rate when compared with AAD alone in ventricular premature beat (VPB) patients (RR, 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.34; P=0.005; I²=13%, P=0.32), and an improvement in quality-of-life score (QOLS) of VPB also showed in 1 individual study. Besides, a lower heart rate was detected in the CA alone group by 1 individual study when compared with no treatment in sinus tachycardia patients (MD-21.84 [-27.21,-16.47]) and lower adverse events of CA alone were reported than amiodarone.

CONCLUSIONS

CA may be a useful and safe alternative or additive approach to AADs for cardiac arrhythmia, especially in VPB and Af patients, which mainly based on a pooled estimate and result from 1 study with higher methodological quality. However, we could not reach a robust conclusion due to low quality of overall evidence.

[The questionnaire survey on glaucoma diagnosis and treatment in China (2016)]

Objective: To investigate the present situation of diagnosis and treatment for primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and awareness of the relevant progress among Chinese ophthalmologists. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional, non-randomized sampling survey. Participants were ophthalmologists who attended the 11st Chinese Glaucoma Society Congress during November 11 to 12, 2016. They were invited to fill out a questionnaire. The questionnaire included participants' basic information and their knowledge about glaucoma diagnosis and treatment. The data collected through questionnaire were analyzed with SAS9.4. Results: A total of 450 questionnaires were distributed and 372 valid questionnaires were retrieved, with a response rate of 82. 7%(372/450). ISGEO classification system was adopted by 58.9% (219/372) of the participants as the diagnostic criteria for PACG. Of the respondents, 48.1% (179/372) of the participants believed that "anterior chamber angle closure mechanism-based PACG classification system" was more instructive for treatment, the percentage was higher than ISGEO classification system (42.2%, 157/372). Most (72.3%, 269/372) of the participants knew the 3-minute dark room prone test, but only 27.7%(103/372) of them applied it in clinical practice. A total of 83.4%(310/372) of the participants believed that low cerebrospinal fluid pressure is a risk factor for POAG. In all, 71.8% (267/372) of the participants reported that their institutes had applied compound trabeculectomy with adjustable suture, with 76.9%(286/372) of the participants agreeing that the adjustable suture reduced the rate of complications after trabeculectomy. Conclusions: Currently, both ISGEO classification system and anterior chamber angle closure mechanism-based PACG classification system were adopted in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Low cerebrospinal fluid pressure as new risk factors for POAG has been widely acknowledged and given attentions by Chinese ophthalmologists. The 3-minute darkroom prone test and compound trabeculectomy with adjustable suture still need to be promoted. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 115-120).

[Role of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of juvenile dermato-myositis and polymyositis in Chinese children]

Objective: To evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis and polymyositis (JDM-PM) in children. Method: Fifty-four patients with JDM-PM in the active stage were enrolled in the study group. Twelve patients with benign acute childhood myositis and forty patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) complicated with myositis were enrolled as controls. MRI imaging of thighs was performed in all patients, fast spin echo T1WI, T2WI, and STIR were obtained in all patients.Muscle biopsy was performed in 41/54 patients with JDM-PM. We compared the value of MRI in diagnosis of JDM-PM with muscle biopsy, electromyography and serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CKMB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) levels. Continuous normally distributed variables were reported as means and continuous non-normally distributed variables as median. Chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to test differences between MRI and other categorical variables. Result: A total of 54 patients were included. Twenty-seven patients were male and the others were female. Average age of the patients was (7.1±3.5) years (2-13 years); 45(83%) paitests were JDM cases and 9(17%) patients had JPM. All patients had MRI examination. Of the 54 patients, 53 had multiple myositis; 10 out of 50 (19%) patients received second MRI after treatment, 6 out of 10 patients had normal findings, 4 patients showed obviously improved images; 41 out of 54 patients underwent muscle biopsy; 22 out of 41 patients had inflammatory cells infiltration and muscle fiber degeneration. The results of the muscle enzyme tests are as follows: 27 (50%) patients had elevated AST, 24 (44%) patients had elevated ALT, 22 (41%) patients had elevated CK, 18(33%) patients had elevated CKMB, and LDH rose in 30 (56%) patients, HBDH rose in 28(52%) patients. These results suggested that muscle MRI was more sensitive than muscle biopsy and muscle enzyme tests in diagnosis of JDM-PM. Conclusion: Patients with JDM-PM showed diffuse patchy hyperintense signals on T2WI of their thighs. MRI may be a sensitive, reliable, and noninvasive tool for clinical diagnosis and theraputic evaluation of JDM-PM.

[The role of choroidal thickness change in acute attack of primary angle closure glaucoma]

The mechanism of acute attack of primary angle closure glaucoma is unclear. Several studies showed that choroidal thickness was thicker in acute attack eyes than in follow eyes and normal eyes. However, these results are not enough to support the point that choroidal thickness increase is the cause for acute attack of primary angle closure glaucoma. Narrow anterior chamber angle, shallow anterior chamber are risk factors for primary angle closure glaucoma. Dynamic changes of iris, cilliary body crystalline lens and choroid all have effect on the angle width. They could contribute to the acute attack of angle closure. Thus, the acute attack of primary angle closure glaucoma should be the results of interaction effect of multiple risk factors. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 404-406).

[The value of brain magnetic resonance imaging in the early diagnosis of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluating the intracranial injuries in patients with juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHOD

Data of brain MRI, CT, electroencephalogram (EEG), cerebrospinal fluids analysis and clinical features of the central nervous system of 44 patients from March 2007 to March 2015 with juvenile onset SLE who were not treated with glucocorticoids (Gcs) and immunosuppressive agents (Is) were retrospectively analyzed and compared.

RESULT

Twenty-seven out of 44 patients demonstrated abnormal signs on brain MRI, including encephalatrophy, cerebral infarction, demyelination, encephalorrhagia, vertebral arteriostenosis and abnormal signals on the brain diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Sixteen patients had clinical features of the central nervous system involvement, fifteen had continuous headache, nine had continuous dizziness, seven had convulsions, three had hemiplegia, one had blurred vision. Physical examination of the nervous system: ten patients had abnormal signs, all had cervical rigidity, five showed pyramidal sign, three showed loss of muscle tone, two with cranial neuropathies and one had paresthesia. EEG: Ten patients showed abnormal waves on EEG, all showed diffused slow-waves, and five showed sharp waves and spikes. Cerebrospinal fluids analysis: six patients had abnormal results, five of them had cell count elevation and one had cell count and protein elevation, while there was glucose and chloride degression. Brain CT: Eight patients received CT scan, two showed cerebral infarction. χ(2) test was used to compare the differences among head MRI, EEG, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, physical examination of the nervous system, clinical features of the nervous system, the difference was significant(χ(2)=12.055, P=0.001; χ(2)=19.627, P=0.001; χ(2)=3.859, P=0.049; χ(2)=12.055, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Brain MRI may be a better method in early diagnosis of intracranial injuries than CT, EEG, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and physical examination of the nervous system. Patients with juvenile onset SLE should receive brain MRI after diagnosis in order to investigate the intracranial injuries. Abnormal signals on the DWI are the signs of active disease.

Ectopic expression of Arabidopsis thaliana Na+(K+)/H+ antiporter gene, AtNHX5, enhances soybean salt tolerance

Drought and salt stresses are the two major factors influencing the yield and quality of crops worldwide. Na(+)(K(+))/H(+) antiporters (NHXs) are ubiquitous membrane proteins that play important roles in maintaining the cellular pH and Na(+)(K(+)) homeostasis. The model plant Arabidopsis potentially encodes six NHX genes, namely AtNHX1 to 6. In the present study, AtNHX5, a comparatively less well-studied NHX, was cloned and transferred into a soybean variety, Dongnong-50, via Agrobacterium-mediated cotyledonary node transformation to assess its role in improving salt tolerance of the transgenic plants. The transgenic soybean plants were tolerant to the presence of 300 mM NaCl whereas the non-transgenic plants were not. Furthermore, after NaCl treatment, the transgenic plants had a higher content of free proline but lower content of malondialdehyde compared to the non-transgenic plants. Our results revealed that that AtNHX5 possibly functioned by efficiently transporting Na(+) and K(+) ions from the roots to the leaves. Overall, the results obtained in this study suggest that soybean salt tolerance could be improved through the over expression of Arabidopsis AtNHX5.

Tilt engineering of exchange coupling at G-type SrMnO3/(La,Sr)MnO3 interfaces

With the recent realization of hybrid improper ferroelectricity and room-temperature multiferroic by tilt engineering, "functional" octahedral tilting has become a novel concept in multifunctional perovskite oxides, showing great potential for property manipulation and device design. However, the control of magnetism by octahedral tilting has remained a challenging issue. Here a qualitative and quantitative tilt engineering of exchange coupling, one of the magnetic properties, is demonstrated at compensated G-type antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic (SrMnO3/La2/3Sr1/3MnO3) interfaces. According to interfacial Hamiltonian, exchange bias (EB) in this system originates from an in-plane antiphase rotation (a(-)) in G-type antiferromagnetic layer. Based on first-principles calculation, tilt patterns in SrMnO3 are artificially designed in experiment with different epitaxial strain and a much stronger EB is attained in the tensile heterostructure than the compressive counterpart. By controlling the magnitude of octahedral tilting, the manipulation of exchange coupling is even performed in a quantitative manner, as expected in the theoretical estimation. This work realized the combination of tilt engineering and exchange coupling, which might be significant for the development of multifunctional materials and antiferromagnetic spintronics.

Photoperiod regulates the differential expression of KiSS-1 and GPR54 in various tissues and sexes of striped hamster

In order to investigate how photoperiod affects the expression of KiSS-1/G-protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54), the hypothalamus, the ovaries and testicles of the striped hamster were studied following photoperiod treatment and melatonin injection. We found that the melatonin concentration in the blood of the striped hamster was consistent with the treated photoperiods and that the photoperiod had significant effects on KiSS-1 expression, but the effect of photoperiod on GPR54 expression differed among tissues and sexes. The relative expression of KiSS-1 in the gonads of the male and female striped hamster was significantly higher than that in the hypothalamus, while the difference in GPR54 between the gonads and hypothalamus was inconsistent between the male and female striped hamster. In the striped hamster injected with melatonin, the expression level of KiSS-1 in the gonads and hypothalamus of the male and female striped hamster was significantly decreased; the expression level of GnRH in the gonads was also significantly decreased; the expression of GPR54 in the hypothalamus was increased. In the hypothalamus, a significant positive correlation existed between KiSS-1 and GnRH expression, while a negative correlation was observed between GPR54 and GnRH expression. These results suggest that the photoperiod-melatonin-KiSS-1-GnRH pathway plays an important role in the seasonal reproduction mechanism of the striped hamster. Additionally, photoperiod or melatonin may not be a direct regulatory factor of GPR54 expression.