Abstract Background Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is widely used, and its most common side effect is bradycardia. The complete mechanism through which Dex induces bradycardia has not been elucidated. This research investigates the expression of gap junction proteins Connexin30.2 (Cx30.2) and Connexin40 (Cx40) within the sinoatrial node of rats with Dex-induced sinus bradycardia. Methods Eighty rats were randomly assigned to five groups. Saline was administered to rats in Group C. In the other four groups, the rats were administered Dex to induce bradycardia. In groups D1and D2, the rats were administered Dex at a loading dose of 30 μg.kg−1 and 100 μg.kg−1 for 10 min, then at 15 μg.kg−1.h−1 and 50 μg.kg−1.h−1 for 120 min separately. The rats in group D1A and D2A were administered Dex in the same way as in group D1and D2; however, immediately after the administration of the loading dose, 0.5 mg atropine was administered intravenously, and then at 0.5 mg.kg−1.h−1 for 120 min. The sinoatrial node was acquired after intravenous infusion was completed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression of Cx30.2 and Cx40, respectively. Results The expression of Cx30.2 increased, whereas the expression of Cx40 decreased within the sinoatrial node of rats with Dex-induced sinus bradycardia. Atropine reversed the effects of Dex on the expression of gap junction proteins. Conclusion Dex possibly altered the expression of gap junction proteins to slow down cardiac conduction velocity in the sinoatrial node.

Abstract Introduction In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between the I/D gene polymorphism of ACE and the risk of AF in Chinese population. Materials and methods: Studies searched in several databases from beginning to July 2019 were included in our study. After screening by evaluation, thirteen articles were selected. Results: Our results showed that I/D gene polymorphism of ACE increased the risk of AF. The stratified analyses by case types and control sources suggested a markedly increased association in lone AF, hypertensive patients with AF, and un-typed AF, as well as in studies with hospital person and healthy person. The stratified geographical analysis indicated the risk of AF increased significantly in North China. Conclusions: All in all, our results indicated the marked relationship between I/D gene polymorphism of ACE and the increased risk of AF in Chinese population.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the stain removal efficacy and whitening effect of ficin with different concentrations comparing with commonly used whitening agents. Ninety enamel slices were obtained from bovine mandibular permanent incisors and randomly divided into 15 groups (n = 6), which were treated with five different concentrations of CP, STPP, and ficin respectively. Colour changes were measured before and after treatments based on the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) L* a* b* colour measurement system. The changes in the surface morphology of enamel slices before and after different treatments, and the degree of enamel damage after treatment with ficin were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at different magnifications. The results show that when the concentration of CP and STPP was less than 0.8% and 8%, the change of ΔE (overall colour differences) was not significant (P > 0.05), but when the concentration of ficin was less than 0.1%, the change of ΔE was significant (P < 0.05). To study this issue, we performed dummy variable regression and confirmed that there was no significant difference in the ΔE between 0.1% and 0.2% ficin group (P = 0.089), and it was better than the other 13 groups (P < 0.05). Conclusively, we found that the tea stain removal efficacy of ficin was better than that of low-concentration CP and STPP which were originally introduced into whitening toothpaste as chemical whitening ingredients.

In order to increase the specific surface area of Pt-Rh-Pd / Al2O3 automotive three-way catalyst and improve its low-temperature reduction performance, Ce, Zr, and La were added to the Pt-Rh-Pd / Al2O3 catalyst to prepare the fibrous Pt-Rh-Pd / CeO2-ZrO2-La2O3-Al2O3 catalyst via an electrospinning technique. The fibrous catalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS, H2-TPR and BET analysis. The catalytic effect of the catalyst on automobile exhaust was also studied. Results revealed that the surface of catalysts is mainly mesoporous. Ce, Zr and La can remarkably increase the specific surface area of the Pt-Rh-Pd / Al2O3 catalyst. The specific surface area of the catalyst prepared with Pt Rh Pd molar ratio of 0.75:0.01:1 is 301.5816 m2 g-1, and the average diameter of which is 790 nm. In addition, the reaction temperature of the catalyst is approximately 220 °C, which shows good low-temperature reduction performance. Moreover, the Pt-Rh-Pd / CeO2-ZrO2-La2O3-Al2O3 catalyst has a catalytic conversion efficiency for NOX of 90.0% in automobile exhaust, a catalytic conversion efficiency for CO of 88.8%, and a catalytic conversion efficiency for SO2 of 75%.

Background/Aim. To describe the epidemiological profile of nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains, its antibiotic resistance and mecA and Panton Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes presence, in school children residing in high altitude areas of Southwestern China. Methods. The cross sectional study screened nasal swabs taken from students for S. aureus. PCR was performed to identify mecA and PVL genes. Results. Of the total 314 children 5.10% (16/314) was detected S. aureus. The resistance of isolated strains to penicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, rifampicin and cefoxitin was 100%, 81.3%, 81.3%, 0.0%, and 6.3% respectively. No strains demonstrated resistance to vancomycin; expression of mecA gene was detected in 3 isolates and 10 isolates were PVL-positive. Conclusion. S. aureus was detected in 5.10% (16/314) of the study population; 0.96% (3/314) had methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA); expression of the mecA and PVL genes were detected in 3 and 10 isolates respectively.

Antecedentes/Objetivo. Describir el perfil epidemiológico de la portación nasal de cepas de Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), su resistencia a antibióticos y la presencia de los genes de leucocidina de Panton-Valentine (LPV) y mecA en niños en edad escolar que viven en zonas de gran altitud del sudoeste de China. Métodos. En el estudio transversal, se analizaron hisopados nasales de estudiantes a fin de detectar S. aureus. Se realizó la prueba de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (RCP) para identificar los genes de LPV y mecA. Resultados. Del total de 314 niños, se detectó S. aureus en el 5,10% (16/314). La resistencia de las cepas aisladas a la penicilina, eritromicina, clindamicina, rifampicina y cefoxitina fue del 100%, 81,3%, 81,3%, 0,0% y 6,3%, respectivamente. Ninguna de las cepas mostró resistencia a la vancomicina. Se detectó la expresión del gen mecA en 3 cepas aisladas, y 10 cepas aisladas dieron resultado positivo para el gen de LPV. Conclusión. Se detectó S. Aureus en el 5,10% (16/314) de la población del estudio; el 0,96% (3 /314) presentó S. Aureus resistente a la meticilina (SARM). Además, se detectó la expresión de los genes de LPV y mecA en 10 y 3 cepas aisladas, respectivamente.

Background: To investigate the species of zoonotic trematodes and the endemic infection status in the domestic animals in Huainan areas, north Anhui province of China, we intent to provide evidences for prevention of the parasitic zoonoses. Methods: The livestock and poultry (definitive hosts) were purchased from the farmers living in the water areas, including South Luohe, Yaohe, Jiaogang and Gaotang Lakes, and dissected the viscera of these collected hosts to obtain the parasitic samples. Then the specimens were microscopically identified, with reference to the descriptions in previous literatures for counting the zoonotic species found in these areas. Results: A total of 41 species were detected in the domestic samples, in which 23 were zoonotic trematodes, and 18 were internal trematodes of animals. Of the 41 species, 38 were novel records in Huainan areas, and 12 were newly detected in Anhui province, including Metorchis anatinus, Echinostoma hortense, E. cinetorchis, E. angustitestis, E. lindoensis, E. nordiana, E. ilocanum, Metagonimus yokogawai, Prosthogonimus gracilis, P. skrjabini, P. anatinus and Trichobilharzia sp. which generally occurred in definitive hosts of chicken, ducks, geese, dogs, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats and pigs, respectively. Conclusion: A large quantity of livestock and poultry are fed by the local farmers living along the river banks in Huainan area, suggesting that the population in that area are at higher risks of natural focus of zoonotic infections, since these animals are favorable definitive hosts to the zoonotic trematodes.

Introducción: para investigar las especies de trematodos zoonóticos y el estado de infección endémica en los animales domésticos en áreas de Huainan, al norte de la provincia de Anhui, China, tenemos la intención de proporcionar evidencias para la prevención de enfermedades zoonóticas. Métodos: el ganado y las aves (hospedadores definitivos) fueron adquiridos a los campesinos que viven en las zonas con agua, incluyendo el sur de Luohe, Yaohe, Jiaogang y Gaotang Lagos, y se diseccionaron las vísceras de estos anfitriones recogidos para obtener las muestras parasitarias. Las muestras fueron identificadas microscópicamente, con referencia a las descripciones de la literatura revisada para contar las especies zoonóticas que se encuentran en estas áreas. Resultados: se detectaron un total de 41 especies en las muestras nacionales, de las que 23 eran trematodos zoonóticos y 18 eran trematodos internos de los animales. Estas especies representaron 22 géneros en 12 familias de 4 órdenes. De las 41 especies, 38 fueron registros nuevos en las áreas de Huainan y 12 fueron detectadas recientemente en la provincia de Anhui, incluyendo Metorchis anatinus, Echinostoma hortense, E. cinetorchis, E. angustitestis, E. lindoensis, E. nordiana, Euparyphium ilocanum, Metagonimus yokogawai, Prosthogonimus gracilis, P. skrjabini, P. anatinus y Trichobilharzia sp., generalmente producidos en huéspedes definitivos de pollo, patos, gansos, perros, vacas, búfalos, ovejas, cabras y cerdos, respectivamente. Conclusión: los agricultores locales que viven a lo largo de las orillas del río se alimentan de gran cantidad de ganado y aves de corral de la zona de Huainan, lo que sugiere que la población en esa área tiene mayor riesgo ante el foco natural de las infecciones zoonóticas, ya que estos animales son huéspedes definitivos favorables a los trematodos zoonóticos.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine risk factors of postoperative urethral stricture (US) and vesical neck contracture (BNC) after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) from perioperative parameters. Materials and Methods: 373 patients underwent TURP in a Chinese center for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (LUTS/BPO), with their perioperative and follow-up clinical data being collected. Univariate analyses were used to determine variables which had correlation with the incidence of US and BNC before logistic regression being applied to find out independent risk factors. Results: The median follow-up was 29.3 months with the incidence of US and BNC being 7.8% and 5.4% respectively. Resection speed, reduction in hemoglobin (ΔHb) and hematocrit (ΔHCT) levels, incidence of urethral mucosa rupture, re-catheterization and continuous infection had significant correlation with US, while PSA level, storage score, total prostate volume (TPV), transitional zone volume (TZV), transitional zone index (TZI), resection time and resected gland weight had significant correlation with BNC. Lower resection speed (OR=0.48), urethral mucosa rupture (OR=2.44) and continuous infection (OR=1.49) as well as higher storage score (OR=2.51) and lower TPV (OR=0.15) were found to be the independent risk factors of US and BNC respectively. Conclusions: Lower resection speed, intraoperative urethral mucosa rupture and postoperative continuous infection were associated with a higher risk of US while severer storage phase symptom and smaller prostate size were associated with a higher risk of BNC after TURP.

Objective: the aim of this study was to investigate the understanding, attitude and use of nutrition label among consumers in China. Methods: a cross-sectional survey with a self-structured questionnaire was conducted among 1153 consumers, who were recruited from different supermarkets during March to May 2014 in Wuhu city of china. Results: the result shows that the subjective understanding of nutrition labels was moderate (62.8% of respondents) but the objective understanding was varied. The attitudes toward nutrition label was positive in participates who had a higher confidence and satisfaction of nutrition label. 59.2% of the respondents indicated 'sometimes' and 28.7% 'always' reading nutrition label. The most frequently reading of nutrition label food was milk (57.5%), followed by infant food (33.3%), and nutrient was protein 51.5%, vitamin (49.8%) and fat (29.4%). None of demographic characteristics was associated with the understanding, attitude and use of nutrition label except education. Conclusions: participates of our study had a moderate understanding, positive attitude and higher frequent using nutrition label. Although the code of nutrition label became mandatory, more additional strategies for nutrition label are still needed, so as to improve consumers' the cognition of nutrition label.

Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el conocimiento, la actitud y el uso de la etiqueta nutricional entre los consumidores en China. Métodos: estudio transversal con un cuestionario estructurado que fue realizada entre 1.153 consumidores, que fueron reclutados a partir de diferentes supermercados durante marzo a mayo de 2014 en la ciudad de Wuhu de China. Resultados: el resultado muestra que la comprensión subjetiva de las etiquetas nutricionales fue moderada (el 62,8% de los encuestados), pero el objetivo entendimiento fue variado. Las actitudes hacia la etiqueta nutricional fueron positivas en aquellos participantes con mayor confianza y satisfacción en las mismas. Respecto a la lectura de las etiquetas, el 59,2 % de los encuestados contestó que "a veces" y el 28,7 % que "siempre". La lectura de la etiqueta nutricional de alimentos que con mayor frecuencia se realizó fue la de la leche (57,5%), seguida por la alimentación infantil (33,3%), proteínas y nutrientes (51,5%), vitaminas (49,8%) y grasas (29,4%). Ninguna de las características demográficas se asoció con el conocimiento, la actitud y el uso de la etiqueta nutricional, excepto la educación. Conclusiones: Las personas que participaron en nuestro estudio tenían una comprensión moderada, mostrando una actitud más positiva aquellos que la utilizan con más frecuencia. Aunque la etiqueta nutricional se convirtió en obligatoria, aún son necesarias estrategias adicionales, así como fomentar su conocimiento por parte de los consumidores.

OBJECTIVE: Ischemia reperfusion injury is partly responsible for the high mortality associated with induced myocardial injury and the reduction in the full benefit of myocardial reperfusion. Remote ischemic preconditioning, perconditioning, and postconditioning have all been shown to be cardioprotective. However, it is still unknown which one is the most beneficial. To examine this issue, we used adult male Wistar rat ischemia reperfusion models to compare the cardioprotective effect of these three approaches applied on double-sided hind limbs. METHODS: The rats were randomly distributed to the following five groups: sham, ischemia reperfusion, remote preconditioning, remote perconditioning, and remote post-conditioning. The ischemia/reperfusion model was established by sternotomy followed by a 30-min ligation of the left coronary artery and a subsequent 3-h reperfusion. Remote conditioning was induced with three 5-min ischemia/5-min reperfusion cycles of the double-sided hind limbs using a tourniquet. RESULTS: A lower early reperfusion arrhythmia score (1.50 + 0.97) was found in the rats treated with remote perconditioning compared to those in the ischemia reperfusion group (2.33 + 0.71). Meanwhile, reduced infarct size was also observed (15.27 + 5.19% in remote perconditioning, 14.53 + 3.45% in remote preconditioning, and 19.84+5.85% in remote post-conditioning vs. 34.47 + 7.13% in ischemia reperfusion, p<0.05), as well as higher expression levels of the apoptosis-relevant protein Bcl-2/Bax following global (ischemia/reperfusion) injury in in vivo rat heart models (1.255 + 0.053 in remote perconditioning, 1.463 + 0.290 in remote preconditioning, and 1.461 +0.541 in remote post-conditioning vs. 1.003 + 0.159 in ischemia reperfusion, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Three remote conditioning strategies implemented with episodes of double-sided hind limb ischemia/reperfusion have similar therapeutic potential for cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, and remote perconditioning has a greater ability to prevent reperfusion arrhythmia.