The Diagnostic Value of Treadmill Exercise Test Parameters for Coronary Artery Disease

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of treadmill exercise test (TET) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) by comparing the diagnostic conclusions with coronary angiography (CAG). Patients (445) with CHD and suspected CHD underwent TET and CAG, and the corresponding diagnostic conclusions were compared. (1) Out of the 200 cases that had the positive result with TET, 150 cases had been diagnosed CHD by means of CAG; Out of the 245 cases that had the negative result during TET, only 39 cases had been diagnosed CHD by means of CAG. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, the false positive incidence, the false negative incidence, and agreement rate in diagnosis of CHD by TET were 79.36, 80.40, 75.00, 84.08, 25.00, 15.92, and 80.00 %, respectively. The patients with multi-vessel disease had a higher positive rate of TET as compared with those with single-vessel disease (P < 0.05). (2) The parameters for 189 cases positive CAG (patients diagnosed CHD by CAG) and 256 cases negative CAG (the control group), including the general exercise time, peak heart rate, and the beginning time of ST depression, were lower than that of control group (P < 0.05). However, the extent of ST depression and duration of ST depression were higher in these patients than in the control group (P < 0.05). (3) 189 cases positive CAG, include 87 cases of single coronary artery and 102 cases of binary or more coronary arteries (the control group). The parameters, including the general exercise time, peak heart rate, and the beginning time of ST depression, were lower than the control group (P < 0.05). However, the extent of ST depression and duration of ST depression were higher in these patients than the control group (P < 0.05). The TET is valuable for noninvasive diagnosis of CHD, especially for patients with multi-vessel disease.     

Coronary heart disease diagnosis bases on the change of different parts in treadmill exercise test ECG

Summarize the value of the change of different parts in treadmill exercise test (TET) ECG to coronary heart disease (CHD) diagnosis. Four hundred and forty-five cases have been included in this investigation, which stayed in our hospital from January of 2006 to March of 2011 and underwent TET and coronary arteriography (CAG). The change of different parts in TET ECG in these patients had been retrospective summarized to determine its diagnosis value to CHD. (1) In the 445 cases of TET testers, 200 cases showed positive in TET with 150 cases of positive CAG, and 50 cases of negative CAG; 245 cases showed negative in TET with 206 cases of negative CAG, and 39 cases of positive CAG. The diagnosis sensitivity of CHD was 79.36 % (150/189), the specificity was 80.47 % (206/256), positive prediction value was 75.00 % (150/200), negative prediction value was 84.08 % (206/245), and false-positive rate was 25.00 % (50/200) with prediction accuracy of 80.00 % (356/445). (2) In the 200 cases with positive TET: 51 cases were in the limb lead group; 73 cases were in the chest lead group; and 76 cases were in the limb lead + chest lead group. There were 150 cases showing positive in CAG: 22 cases were in the limb lead group; 58 cases were in the chest lead group; and 70 cases were in the limb lead + chest lead group. The positive diagnosis rate of ST change in the chest lead was obviously higher than that of simple limb lead group (P < 0.05). (3) People with healthy coronary artery will have decreased amplitude of R wave while patients with coronary stenosis have elevated amplitude of R wave. (4) As for the T wave, the positive CAG had no statistical significance between normal T wave group and TET positive group (P > 0.05); CAG results had statistical significance between normal T wave group and TET negative group (P < 0.05). (5) Positive CAG results had no statistical significance between U-wave inversion group and TET positive group (P > 0.05); positive CAG results has statistical significance when TET negative group compared with U-wave inversion group or TET positive group (P < 0.05). TET is a relatively idea invasive diagnosis method for coronary disease, which can be utilized to evaluate the stage of CHD when integrating with the change of TET ECG.     

Association of two variants in the interleukin-6 receptor gene and premature coronary heart disease in a Chinese Han population

Two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs7529229 and rs2228145) in the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) gene have recently been associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) in a European population. We sought to replicate this finding and to investigate associations of these two SNPs with the severity and clinical phenotypes of premature CHD in a Chinese Han population. A total of 418 patients were studied, including 187 cases with coronary stenosis ≥50 % or acute myocardial infarction (males < 55 years and females < 65 years) and 231 controls without documented CHD. A ligase detection reaction was performed to detect rs7529229 and rs2228145. There were no differences between the controls and premature CHD groups in the frequencies for the three genotypes and alleles of rs7529229 and rs2228145 (all P > 0.05), nor did they differ between the two groups when grouped by gender (all P > 0.05). There were also no associations between these two SNPs and the severity of coronary lesions or clinical phenotypes of premature CHD (all P > 0.05). Our results do not support an association between rs7529229 or rs2228145 with premature CHD in the Chinese Han population. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the role of these two SNPs in the development of atherosclerosis and CHD.     

Combination of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Homocysteine Predicts the Post-Stroke Depression in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

In this study, we examined the changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and homocysteine (HCY) levels, two of the risk factors, during the acute period of ischemic stroke (IS) and evaluated the relationship between these two factors and long-term post-stroke depression (PSD). In this study, 259 patients with IS had finished the follow-up and were included. Based on the symptoms, diagnoses of depression were made in accordance with DSM-IV criteria for depression at 1 year after stroke. The influence of Hs-CRP/CHY levels on PSD was performed by binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC). Totally, 94 out of the 259 patients were diagnosed as PSD (36.3%; 95% CI 30.4–42.1%). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the third and fourth quartiles of Hs-CRP or HCY were significantly associated with PSD during the observation period compared to the first quartile group (P < 0.05). In addition, patients with depression were older and more frequently were female, living with offspring, widowhood, higher initial stroke severity, and BMI. HCY improved the ability of Hs-CRP [0.72 (95% CI 0.66–0.79)] to diagnose PSD (AUC of the combined model 0.76; 95% CI 0.69–0.82; P = 0.021). The patient group with higher levels of both Hs-CRP and HCY (> median) had an OR of 6.05 (95 % CI 3.13–10.15; P < 0.001) for PSD compared with patients with lower levels of both factors (< median). The data suggests that elevated serum levels of Hs-CRP and HCY were associated with the risk of developing PSD 1 year after the stroke onset, and those two factors combined to add prognostic information in the early evaluation of PSD.     

Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein and Inflammation in Gout Patients

To analyze the levels of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and inflammatory cytokines in the plasma of gout patients. The levels of ox-LDL, hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured in the plasma of 41 gout patients [28 in acute phase episode, 13 in intermittent phase (IP)], and in 40 healthy controls. The relationship between ox-LDL and inflammation was also explored by measuring the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in the plasma. The plasma levels of ox-LDL, hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased in patients with gout in the acute phase compared to those in the IP group and healthy controls (P < 0.05), but the levels of TGF-β were significantly lower in the acute phase group than in the IP group and healthy controls (P < 0.01). The levels of ox-LDL in the gout patients in the IP were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that the levels of ox-LDL were positively correlated with hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α (r = 0.343, r = 0.386, r = 0.659, P < 0.01, respectively), but negatively correlated with TGF-β levels in patients in the acute phase (r = ?0.240, P < 0.05). The levels of ox-LDL in gout patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. The changes in ox-LDL levels may be associated with enhanced inflammation in gout patients.     

Circulating microparticles in patients with coronary heart disease and its correlation with interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein

Microparticles (MPs) are vesicles released from activated or apoptotic cells. MP derive from various cells, most notably platelets, but also leucocytes, lymphocytes, erythrocytes, and endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate endothelial MP (EMP), platelet MP (PMP), lymphocyte MP and monocyte MP and TF-positive MPs (TF⁺ MPs) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to evaluate the correlation of these MPs with Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Different cell-derived MPs and TF⁺ MPs were analyzed by flow cytometry in 40 patients with myocardial infarction (MI), 30 unstable angina (UA), 20 stable angina (SA) and 20 healthy individuals, and IL-6 and CRP were determined by ELISA and special protein analyzer, respectively. Compared with SA and control, EMP and PMP was significantly elevated in MI and UA (P < 0.001), and TF⁺ MPs was significantly elevated in MI and UA (P < 0.001). EMP and PMP correlated with IL-6 (r = 0.822, P < 0.001 and r = 0.567, P < 0.001; respectively) or CRP level (r = 0.597, P < 0.001 and r = 0.66, P < 0.001; respectively). Different cell-derived MPs in CHD may indicate the different pathophysiological changes in vessels, and MPs may both participate in the development of thrombosis and enhance the vascular inflammation.     

Efficacy and Safety of Linezolid in Treating Gram-Positive Bacterial Infection in the Elderly: A Retrospective Study

Linezolid is commonly used for the treatment of drug-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infection. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of linezolid in treating Gram-positive bacterial infection in the elderly from January 2010 to December 2012. Total 40 elderly patients (>60 years old) with Gram-positive bacterial infection were treated with linezolid and their demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Among the 40 patients, 31 patients (77.5 %) were cured. Linezolid caused little adverse effects on liver and renal function. The main adverse effect was thrombocytopenia and its incidence was significantly associated with baseline platelet count and the duration of treatment (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the baseline platelet count <200 × 10⁶/mL, but not the age, the sex, the length of hospital stay, baseline levels of hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase, or creatinine clearance rate was significantly associated with linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, linezolid is effective to cure Gram-positive bacterial infection in the elderly and causes little adverse effects on liver and renal function. Timely monitoring of baseline platelet count may be helpful to guide the use of linezolid to avoid the occurrence of thrombocytopenia.     

Blood Flow of the Acral Finger Arterioles in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes by Quality Doppler Profiles

Patients with diabetes mellitus exhibit peripheral arterioles lesions that is associated with reduced blood flow. Here, we intended to assess the acral arterioles lesion in patients with type 2 diabetes based on the rate of blood flow by multigate spectral Doppler ultrasonography. Fifty-two patients with type 2 DM were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 13 men and 12 women with an average age of 60.60 ± 14.03 years and a duration of type 2 diabetes for 2.44 ± 1.50 years. Group 2 included 17 men and 11 women with an average age of 64.25 ± 10.84 years and type 2 diabetes for 12.57 ± 6.26 years. Age-matched control subjects (n = 52) were recruited (30 men and 22 woman, mean age of 61.19 ± 10.38 years). A multigate spectral Doppler algorithm was applied to the acral finger of the thumb of the right hand to test the arteriole diameter and hemodynamic parameters, including diameter of the acral finger arterioles (D), area of the blood flow profile of the acral finger arterioles (A _max) and hemodynamic parameters. Patients with diabetes exhibited a significant reduction in the arteriole diameter (1.63 ± 0.18 and 1.57 ± 0.22 mm, respectively, P < 0.001 for both) compared to control subjects (2.09 ± 0.17 mm). A _max were significantly reduced in patients with diabetes (61.35 ± 10.66 mm²/s for group 1 and 46.50 ± 6.59 mm²/s for group 2, P < 0.001 for both) compared to that in control subjects (77.93 ± 12.37 mm²/s). Furthermore, a significant difference in Amax was found between group 1 and group 2 (P < 0.001). The vascular resistance index (RI) was significantly higher in both patient groups 0.58 ± 0.06 for group 1 (P < 0.001) and 0.64 ± 0.07 for group 2 (P < 0.001) than that in control subjects (0.48 ± 0.04). The RI value of the acral finger arterioles differed significantly between group 1 and group 2 (P < 0.01). Diabetic patients exhibited a weak blood flow in the acral finger arterioles. The multigate spectral Doppler technology can be used to test blood flow in the acral finger arterioles and provide hemodynamic data for systematic analyses of the peripheral arteriole lesions in diabetes.     

The relevance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">ABCA1</Emphasis> R219K polymorphisms and serum ABCA1 protein concentration to Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis and classification: a case–control study

To investigate the relevance of ABCA1 R219K polymorphisms and serum ABCA1 protein concentration to Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis and classification in Chinese population. Between June 2013 to January 2014, 108 patients diagnosed with PD at Department of Neurology, Tangshan People’s Hospital, Tangshan were enrolled in the PD group, and 123 healthy individuals, from Health Screening Center of the same hospital, with matched age, gender, and education were enrolled in the control group. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used to detect ABCA1 R219K polymorphisms and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay used to measure serum ABCA1 concentrations. Frequencies of R/K and K/K genotypes, and K allele of ABCA1 R219K polymorphisms were significantly lower in the PD group than the control group (all P < 0.05). Significant differences existed in distributions of genotype frequencies, including R/R, R/K and K/K, between PD and control group of each classification (all P < 0.05). ABCA1 concentrations were significantly different in the PD and control group (P < 0.05); also ABCA1 concentrations were very different among PD patients with different genotypes (all P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of ABCA1were significantly different among PD patients in different classifications (all P < 0.05), suggesting the negative correlation between ABCA1 serum concentration and PD classification (r = ?0.776, P < 0.05). And serum concentrations of ABCA1 showed obvious differences among cases with three different genotypes in each classification (all P < 0.05). ABCA1 R219K polymorphisms and serum concentration were associated with pathogenesis and classification of PD, and K allele may be a protective genetic factor.     

Plaque Image Characteristics, Hyperhomocysteinemia, and Gene Polymorphism of Homocysteine Metabolism-Related Enzyme (MTHFR C677T) in Acute Coronary Syndrome

This study aims to investigate the correlation between the different characteristics of plaques, plasma level of homocysteine (Hcy), and gene polymorphism of Hcy metabolism-related enzyme. In this consecutive case–control study, we measured the plasma Hcy level using fluorescence biochemistry method and examined the gene polymorphism of Hcy metabolism-related enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T using TaqMan probe technology. We also examined these using intravascular ultrasound. We studied the characteristics of the plaque, measured the cross-sectional areas of the external elastic membrane and the lumen, calculated the plaque area, plaque burden, and eccentricity index, and examined the remodeling index. Hard plaques were more dominant in the (SPA) group, whereas soft plaques were more dominant in the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) group (P < 0.001). The risk of plaque rupture and thrombus is higher in the ACS group (P < 0.05). Compared with SPA group, plaque burden was heavier in the ACS group (P < 0.05), but the eccentricity index is significantly higher in SPA group than in the ACS group (P < 0.001). Positive remodeling was more frequent in ACS group, whereas negative remodeling was more frequent in the SPA group (P < 0.001). Plasma Hcy levels were higher in the unstable than in the stable plaque group (P < 0.001). The constituent ratio of MTHFR C677T genotype were different in stable plaque group and vulnerable plaque group (P < 0.05). The T genotype can increase the incidence rate of vulnerable plaque. Hcy and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism were found to be risk factors for vulnerable plaque. Therefore, these can be used as indices to predict the instability of atherosclerotic plaque.     

Prognostic Value of Blood Zinc, Iron, and Copper Levels in Critically Ill Children with Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score III

We aimed to explore the association of blood Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations and changes in the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score in critically ill children, to predict prognosis. We included 31 children (22 boys and 9 girls, 1 month to 5 years old), who had been admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital and who were critically ill according to PRISM score of III. Another 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls, 3 months to 5 years old) who were brought to the hospital for a health checkup were included as controls. We recorded clinical data, time in the intensive care unit, prognosis, and PRISM III score for critically ill children. Blood Cu, Zn, and Fe values were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (all p?<?0.05). Cu levels differed between patients and controls, but not significantly (p?>?0.05). In ill children, blood Zn and Fe concentrations were inversely correlated with PRISM III score (Zn: r?=??0.36; Fe: r?=??0.50, both p?<?0.05), with no significant correlation of blood Cu level and PRISM III score (r?=??0.13, p?>?0.05). Serious illness in children may lead to decreased Zn and Fe blood concentrations. Zn and Fe supplements may be beneficial for critically ill children.     

Effects of High Dose of Anisodamine on the Respiratory Function of Patients with Traumatic Acute Lung Injury

The objective of this study is to observe the effects of high dose of anisodamine in the respiratory function of patients with acute lung injury (ALI) induced by trauma. Fifty cases of patients with complicated ALI after trauma were randomly divided into the anisodamine treatment group (n = 26) and the conventional treatment group (n = 24). Intravenous injection of high dose of anisodamine was administrated in the anisodamine treatment group on the basis of conventional treatment. Acute lung injury scores, oxygenation index, PaO₂, respiratory mechanic index, mechanical ventilation time, and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups were observed. Acute lung injury scores and respiratory parameters were all significantly improved in the two groups of patients after the treatment (P < 0.05); compared with the conventional treatment group, the improvements of respiratory function in the anisodamine treatment group were more obvious (P < 0.05), the mechanical ventilation time was shorter (P < 0.05), and there was no significant adverse reaction. In conclusion, high dose of anisodamine contributed to improve the respiratory function of the patients with traumatic ALI.     

Repositioning Suture of the Erector Spinae Muscle for Lumbar Spine Surgery via the Posterior Approach: A Prospective Randomized Study

We prospectively studied the effectiveness of the repositioning suture of the erector spinae muscle for lumbar spine surgery using the posterior approach. 393 patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery were randomized to receive the repositioning or conventional suture of the erector spinae muscle. Time to stitch removal and drainage volume was recorded at 24 and 48 h after operation. Hemoglobin loss rate was determined at 48 h post operation and the rate of malunion (redness, swelling and effusion at stitch removal and would disruption after stitch removal) was recorded. Low back pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively and 6 and 12 months after operation. Time to stitch removal was comparable in lumbar spine surgery patients receiving the repositioning or conventional suture of the erector spinae muscle (P > 0.05). Compared with the conventional suture, the repositioning suture was associated with significantly reduced drainage volume both at 24 (P < 0.01) and 48 h after operation (P < 0.05). Hemoglobin loss rate at 48 h post operation was also markedly lower in lumbar spine surgery patients receiving the repositioning suture than in those receiving the conventional suture (P < 0.01 or 0.05). Furthermore, the malunion rate in lumbar spine surgery patients using the repositioning suture was markedly lower than that in the conventional group (P < 0.05 or 0.001). There was no difference in preoperative VAS scores in both the groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the conventional suture, the repositioning suture was associated with significantly reduced VAS scores both at 24 and 48 h after operation (P < 0.01 in both). The repositioning suture of the erector spinae muscle is superior to the conventional suture in posterior lumbar spine surgery with marked lessened pain and reduced drainage volume.     

Role of CC-chemokine receptor 5 on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats

The expression level of CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is enhanced post inflammatory stimulations and might play a crucial role on inflammatory cells infiltration post myocardial ischemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of CCR5 on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Adult male rats were randomized to sham group, I/R group (I/R, 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 2-h reperfusion), ischemic preconditioning (I/R + Pre), CCR5 antibody group [I/R + CCR5Ab (0.2 mg/kg)], and CCR5 agonist group [I/R + CCR5Ago, RNATES (0.1 mg/kg)], n = 12 each group. The serum level of creatine kinase (CK) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. Myocardial infarction size and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determined. Myocardial protein expression of CCR5 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were evaluated by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. Myocardial nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity was assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Myocardial CCR5 protein expression was significantly reduced in I/R + Pre group (P < 0.05 vs. I/R) and further reduced in I/R + CCR5Ab group (P < 0.05 vs. I/R + Pre). LVSP and ±dP/dt _max were significantly lower while serum CK and TNF-α as well as myocardial MPO activity, ICAM-1 expression, and NF-κB activity were significantly higher in I/R group than in sham group (all P < 0.05), which were significantly reversed by I/R + Pre (all P < 0.05 vs. I/R) and I/R + CCR5Ab (all P < 0.05 vs. I/R + Pre) while aggravated by I/R + CCR5Ago (all P < 0.05 vs. I/R). Our results suggest that blocking CCR5 attenuates while enhancing CCR5 aggravates myocardial I/R injury through modulating inflammatory responses in rat heart.     

Myocardial Na+/H+ exchanger-1 (NHE1) content is decreased by exercise training

The effect of exercise training on myocardial Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger-1 (NHE1) protein expression was examined. Adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into sedentary (S; n?=?8) and exercised (E; n?=?9) groups. Twenty-four hours after the last exercise bout, hearts were weighed and connected to an isolated perfused working heart apparatus for evaluation of cardiac functional performance. Heart weight and heart weight/body weight from E rats was significantly increased by 7.1 and 7.2 % (P?<?0.05), respectively, compared with S hearts. The E hearts displayed 15 % greater cardiac output and 35 % external cardiac work compared with the S group at both low and high workloads (P?<?0.05 for both parameters). Left ventricular tissue from the same hearts was homogenized and NHE1 and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX) content determined by Western blotting. E hearts had a 38 % (P?<?0.001) reduction in NHE1 content related to S hearts, and there was no difference in NCX content between groups. Cytochrome c oxidase activity in plantaris increased by 100 % (P?<?0.05) and was assessed as a marker of mitochondria content and to verify training status. Our data indicate that exercise training at an intensity that results in cardiac hypertrophy and improved performance is accompanied by decreased NHE1 content in heart.     

Systemic Evaluation of Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in Neonatal Rats

The objective of the study was to evaluate the systematically rat model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. The right carotid arteries of 7-day-old healthy Wistar rats were ligated, and then, the rats were subjected to an environment with 8 % of oxygen. Four weeks after the birth, neurobehavioral test, water maze test, and motor-evoked potential and neuropathologic examinations were performed. The footprint analysis showed significantly larger and instable paces in the hypoxic-ischemic group (P < 0.05); the time that rats crossed the balance beam in the hypoxic-ischemic group was longer than the control group (P < 0.05). The water maze test showed that the escape latency of hypoxic-ischemic group was significantly longer than that of control group (P < 0.05). The hindlimb quadriceps compound muscle-evoked potential CMEP of rats in hypoxic-ischemic group showed that the wave amplitude was lower than that of control group (P < 0.05). HE staining showed visible periventricular leukomalacia in hypoxic-ischemic groups; disrupted nuclear membrane was detected in the IH group with transelectronmicroscopy; Immunohistochemistry: compared with control group, MBP-positive neurocytes decreased, glial fibrillary acidic protein positive neurocytes increased in the periventricular zone (P < 0.05). Carotid artery ligation combining the hypoxic chamber created a reliable and stable rat model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage and can be used for experimental research related to management of cerebral palsy.     

Is high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency a correlate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?

The aim of the study was to determine the association between vitamin D and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and difference in the level of vitamin D in ADHD children and control. This a case–control study carried out in school health and primary health care clinics. A total of 1,331 children and adolescents who were diagnosed with ADHD based on clinical criteria and standardized questionnaires were enrolled in this study and were matched with 1,331 controls, aged 5–18 years old. Data on body mass index (BMI), clinical biochemistry variables including serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were collected. The study found significant association between ADHD and vitamin D deficiency after adjusting for BMI and sex (adj. OR 1.54; 95 % CI 1.32–1.81; P < 0.001). Majority of the ADHD children were in the age group 5–10 years (40.7 %), followed by 11–13 years (38.4 %). The proportion of BMI <85th percentile was significantly over represented in ADHD group as compared to healthy control (87.8 vs. 83 %; P < 0.001, respectively), while on the other hand, BMI >95th percentile was over represented in the control than ADHD group (7.6 vs. 4.6 %; P < 0.001, respectively). Mean values of vitamin D (ng/mL) were significantly lower in ADHD children (16.6 ± 7.8) than in healthy children (23.5 ± 9.0) (P < 0.001). There was significant correlation between vitamin D deficiency and age (r = ?0.191, P = 0.001); calcium (r = 0.272, P = 0.001); phosphorous (r = 0.284, P = 0.001); magnesium (r = 0.292, P = 0.001); and BMI (r = 0.498, P = 0.001) in ADHD children. The vitamin D deficiency was higher in ADHD children compared to healthy children.     

Elevated transferrin saturation,health-related quality of life and telomere length

We sought to examine the relationship between elevated transferrin saturation (TS) and measures of health status (telomere length and patient-reported health-related quality of life) to assess whether elevated TS is associated with negative patient outcomes beyond increased risk for morbidity and mortality, using a cross-sectional analysis of the Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening Study supplemented with assays for leukocyte telomere length in adults ≥25 years old (n = 669). Among individuals with elevated TS (≥45 % for women and ≥50 % for men), who also had a usual source of care, only 5.2 % reported ever being told by a doctor that they had an elevated iron condition. In a fully adjusted general linear regression model controlling for demographic characteristics as well as health conditions associated with iron overload, elevated TS versus non-elevated TS was associated with worse general health status (60.4 vs. 63.8, P < 0.05), mental health status (76.5 vs. 82.2, P < 0.0001) and shorter telomere length (241.4 vs. 261.3, P < 0.05). Increased surveillance of elevated TS may be in order as elevated TS is associated with decreased health status and very few patients with elevated TS are aware of their condition.     

Neuroprotective Effect of Atorvastatin Involves Suppression of TNF-α and Upregulation of IL-10 in a Rat Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

We evaluated the neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin (2, 5, and 10 mg/kg) on experimentally induced intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in adult rats; controls were administered PBS. Plasma TNF-α and IL-10 levels before and after ICH were analyzed at various time points by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and neurological behavior of rats was assessed by climbing scores. At 3-days postoperatively, brain water contents and TNF-α/IL-10 expression in brain tissue were determined. Histopathological changes and microglial cells in the brain tissue were evaluated by light-microscopy. Post-ICH neurological deficits differed significantly between sham-operated group A and experimental-ICH group B (P < 0.05). Brain water contents were significantly less in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). Significant differences (P < 0.05) between two groups were observed regarding activated microglia, TNF-α and IL-10 levels. Compared with group B, neurological deficits, brain water contents, pathological changes, and activated microglia were reduced (P < 0.05) in groups C (Experimental-ICH + atorvastatin 2 mg/kg), D (Experimental-ICH + atorvastatin 5 mg/kg) and E (Experimental-ICH + atorvastatin 10 mg/kg). Atorvastatin-induced a dose-dependent reduction of TNF-α and increase of IL-10 levels (P < 0.05). Therefore, it was concluded that atorvastatin improved neurofunctional rehabilitation in rats through the suppression of cytokines-mediated inflammatory response and attenuation of brain damage following intracerebral hemorrhage.     

How Bad Is Aluminum Exposure to Reproductive Parameters in Rats?

The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of dietary palygorskite (Pal) supplementation on growth performance, mineral accumulations in the tissues (livers, kidneys, and muscles), antioxidant capacities, and meat quality of broilers fed lead (Pb)-contaminated diet. One-hundred forty-four male broiler chicks were randomly divided into three treatment groups, receiving a corn-soybean meal basal diet (the control group), the basal diet contaminated with 10 mg/kg Pb (the Pb group), and the basal diet with 10-g/kg Pal supplementation and 10-mg/kg Pb contamination (the Pal/Pb group) from 1 to 42 days of age, respectively. Treatments did not affect growth performance of broilers in the 42-day study (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, Pb contamination increased Pb accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and muscles (P < 0.05); elevated malondialdehyde accumulation in the livers, kidneys, and breast muscles; glutathione peroxidase activity in the livers and superoxide dismutase activity in the kidneys (P < 0.05); exacerbated drip loss in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05); and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05) of broilers at 42 days of age. The values of these parameters were reversed in the Pal/Pb group to levels comparable with those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, Pal supplementation reduced redness value in the pectoralis muscles (P < 0.05), and decreased Cu concentration in the pectoralis muscles and livers at 42 days of age as well as its accumulation in the kidneys at both 21 and 42 days of age compared with the other two groups (P < 0.05). The results suggested that dietary Pal supplementation would decrease Pb residue in the tissues, alleviate oxidative stress, and affect meat quality of broilers exposed to Pb.