The increasing globalization of the Chinese economy has been enabled by both Chinese financial institutions operating globally as well as international firms operating within China. In geographical terms, this has bee...The increasing globalization of the Chinese economy has been enabled by both Chinese financial institutions operating globally as well as international firms operating within China. In geographical terms, this has been organized through a number of strategic cities serving as gateways for the exchange of financial functions, products and practices between China and the global economy. Drawing on location data of financial service firms in China listed on stock exchanges in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hong Kong, this paper shows that Chinese financial firms are expanding globally and how Chinese financial centers are positioned and connected in the urban networks shaped by these financial service firms. It is found that Hong Kong, China, holds strategic positions in the integration of Chinese cities into global financial center networks, and that establishing a foothold in global financial centers such as New York and London has been a priority for Chinese financial institutions. The increasing capital flows directed by Chinese financial institutionssuggests a shifting global financial geography, with numerous Chinese cities playing increasingly important roles within global financial center networks.展开更多
In the present paper, effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of 3 points of the Heart Meridian and other 3 points of the Lung Meridian on changes of electrocardiogram (ECG), small intestinal electrogram (SIG) and electroe...In the present paper, effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of 3 points of the Heart Meridian and other 3 points of the Lung Meridian on changes of electrocardiogram (ECG), small intestinal electrogram (SIG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) in intravenous drip of pituitrin induced myocardial ischemia rabbits. The three points of the Heart Meridian are "Shenmen" (HT 7), "Lingdao" (HT 4) and one point between HT 7 and HT 4, the 3 points of the Lung Meridian are "Taiyuan"(LU 9), Lieque (LU 7) and one point between LU 9 and LU 7. These points are punctured with filiform needles and stimulated electrically by setting the parameters being frequency of 2.5 Hz, dense sparse waves and duration of 10 min. Results display that the regulative effect of EA of the Heart Meridian is superior to that of EA of the Lung Meridian on the three indexes, showing a closer correlation between the whole Heart Meridian and activities of ECG, SIG and EEG.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the expression of P2X receptors on rat intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Methods: For preparation of intracardiac neurons, hearts were excised, the atria were separated and th...Objective: To investigate the expression of P2X receptors on rat intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Methods: For preparation of intracardiac neurons, hearts were excised, the atria were separated and the medial region containing intracardiac ganglia was isolated and cut into pieces. For preparation of paratracheal neurons, the tracheas were removed and the superficial membranous layer containing paratracheal ganglia was rapidly isolated. Intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons were dissociated after digestion by collagenase and trypsin. Whole-cell patch clamp recording was used to identify the pharmacological properties of P2X receptors in cultured neurons. Results:Neurons from these two ganglia responded to ATP with a rapidly activating, sustained inward current, αβ-meATP failed to evoke any re- sponses in paratracheal ganglion neurons while a few of intracardiac ganglion neurons responded to αβ- meATP with a tiny sustained inward current. ADP and UTP had no effect on intracardiac neurons. Lowering pH potentiated ATP responses in neurons from these two ganglia whereas increasing pH inhibited ATP responses. Co-application of Zn^2+ potentiated ATP responses in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Conclusion: The receptor subtypes involved in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglia appear to be homomeric P2X2, while heteromeric P2X2/3 could not be completely excluded from intracardiac neurons.展开更多
The sympathetic nervous system plays a cardinal role in regulating cardiac function through releasing the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). In comparison with central nervous system, the molecular mechanism of NE ...The sympathetic nervous system plays a cardinal role in regulating cardiac function through releasing the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). In comparison with central nervous system, the molecular mechanism of NE uptake in myocardium is not clear. In present study, we proved that in rat the CNS type of NE transporter (NET) was also expressed in middle cervical-stellate ganglion complex (MC-SG complex) which is considered to control the activity of heart, but not expressed in myocardium. The results also showed that NET expression level in right ganglion was significantly higher than in the left, rendering the greater capacity of NE uptake in right ventricle, a fact which may contribute to the maintenance of right ventricular function under pathologic state.展开更多
Background Data regarding the influence of weekends and Chinese national holiday's admission on the outcomes of patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is lacking. This study sought to investigate t...Background Data regarding the influence of weekends and Chinese national holiday's admission on the outcomes of patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is lacking. This study sought to investigate the effect of Chinese national holidays and weekend admission on outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods Patients pre- senting with STEMI within 12 h of symptom onset who underwent PPCI were retrospectively enrolled. The primary outcome of in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients presenting Chinese national holiday's and weekends versus weekdays was evaluated. Results A total of 441 STEMI patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 129 (29.3%) patients were admitted during Chinese national holidays and weekends and 312 (70.7%) during weekdays. Patients admitted during holidays and weekends were more likely to present with Killip class Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Patients admitted during holidays and weekends experienced a significantly longer door-to-baUoon time, symptom onset-to-door time as well as symptom onset-to-balloon time. The in-hospital mortality between patients presenting holidays and weekends versus weekdays was comparable. However, patients admitted during holidays and weekends have a signitieantly higher rate of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that holidays and weekends admission was independ- ently associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions In China, STEMI patients undergoing PPCI during national holidays and weekends have worse in-hospital outcomes compared to those admitted during weekdays. These findings suggest that continuous efforts should be undertaken to enhance the Chinese healthcare system and to ensure that comparable outcomes are achieved for all STEMI patients regardless of time of presentation.展开更多
Objective To examine the resilience of parents of children with congenital heart disease and to investigate socio-demographic factors that may influence parents’resilience.Methods This is a web-based survey study usi...Objective To examine the resilience of parents of children with congenital heart disease and to investigate socio-demographic factors that may influence parents’resilience.Methods This is a web-based survey study using a cross-sectional design.A purposive sampling method was utilized to recruit 515 parents who care for children with congenital heart disease.Resilience was assessed using the Dispositional Resilience Scale-Ⅱ.Based on expert-interviews,a questionnaire was designed to collect socio-demographic data.Descriptive statistics,factor analysis,and linear regressions were used to analyze data.Results A total of 413 parents completed the survey study.The mean resilience score was 3.75(SD=0.61;range=1.89–4.89)with higher scores indicating higher resilience.The linear regression models demonstrated that parents who had lower education levels and lower gross household income had lower resilience(P<0.05).Conclusions Parents reported resilience that reflected their ability to cope with stressful events and mitigate stressors associated with having and caring for children with congenital heart disease.Lower education levels and lower gross household income are associated with lower resilience.To increase parents’resilience,nursing practice and nurse-led interventions should target screening and providing support for parents at-risk for lower resilience.As lower education level and financial hardship are factors that are difficult to modify through personal efforts,charitable foundations,federal and state governments should consider programs that would provide financial and health literacy support for parents at-risk for lower resilience.展开更多
Hong Kong has undergone substantial economic transformations and developed into a sophisticated busi- ness and financial center in the Asia-Pacific region, since the return of sovereignty to China as a Special Adminis...Hong Kong has undergone substantial economic transformations and developed into a sophisticated busi- ness and financial center in the Asia-Pacific region, since the return of sovereignty to China as a Special Administrative Region under the One Country Two Systems (OCTS) in 1997. This paper discusses and analyzes the industrial struc- tural changes of Hong Kong in recent decades as well as its future challenges and opportunities, The data and finding reveal that even though Hong Kong will face fierce competition from the Mainland's cities as the rise of China, the important role as a bridge between China and the rest of the world wilt brace Hong Kong itself under the OCTS for developing into a service hub for business and trade in the Asia-Pacific region.展开更多
Background Suboptimal myocardial reperfusion is common in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Furthermore, it results in i...Background Suboptimal myocardial reperfusion is common in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Furthermore, it results in increased infarct size and mortality rates. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of aspiration thrombectomy (AT) combined with intracoronary administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) in the improvement of myocardial reperfusion and clinical outcomes. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating combined AT and intracoronary GPI treatment versus AT alone. Outcomes of interest were thrombolysis in myocardial infarction myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG), infarct size (IS) assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at short-term (〈 1 month) and long-term (6-12 months) follow-up, and bleeding complications during the hospital stay. Results Eight trials involving 923 patients were included. Compared with AT alone, combined AT and intracoronary GPI significantly increased TMPG 3 flow (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.26), reduced IS [mean difference (MD): -3.46, 95% CI: -5.18 to -1.73], and improved LVEF (MD: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.54 to 2.33). Furthermore, GPI use decreased the risk of MACE at long-term follow-up (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.98). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of minor and major bleeding complications. Conclusions Our findings showed that compared with AT alone, combined AT and intracoronary GPI treatment resulted in improved myocardial reperfusion, better cardiac function, and MACE-free survival benefits at the long-term follow-up for patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.展开更多
About 50% of patients with hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection complain of neuropsychiatric symptoms,"brain fog",weakness,fatigue,and exhibit some degree of quality of life impairment,irrespective of the severit...About 50% of patients with hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection complain of neuropsychiatric symptoms,"brain fog",weakness,fatigue,and exhibit some degree of quality of life impairment,irrespective of the severity of liver disease.Since the first observation of HCV-related cognitive deficits,10 studies have been published that have evaluated neuropsychiatric performance in patients with HCV infection and different degrees of hepatic impairment.Unfortunately,these have often included patients with cirrhosis,patients who had acquired the infection through previous intravenous drug misuse,who had a history of relatively recent treatment with interferon,or were on psychoactive medication.In addition,different neuropsychological batteries and tests that explored different cognitive domains were used,which makes the results of the studies difficult to compare.Finally,limited information is available on the pathogenesis of HCV-related cognitive impairment.Cerebral and/or systemic inflammation may be important players but their potential role has not been substantiated by experimental data.The present review outlines the available evidence of the presence of cognitive impairment in patients with HCV infection,with a focus on the potential relationship with cerebral and/or systemic inflammation.展开更多
Aim To explore the reason that the antiarrhythmic effect of the extract oftraditional Chinese medicinal herb, matrine, is weaker than quinidine and verapamil by comparison ofthe effect and efficacy of matrine on vario...Aim To explore the reason that the antiarrhythmic effect of the extract oftraditional Chinese medicinal herb, matrine, is weaker than quinidine and verapamil by comparison ofthe effect and efficacy of matrine on various kinds of transmembrane ionic currents with those ofquinidine and verapamil; and to demonstrate the best targets for antiarrhythmic drugs. MethodsWhole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to record the action potential and ionic currents insingle cells of rat ventricular myocytes. Aconitine was used to induce the changes of ioniccurrents, then study the effects of matrine and quinidine, verapamil on aconitine-induced unbalancedchannel currents and action potential. Results Aconitine 1 μmol·L^(-1) induced significantchanges in transmembrane currents and action potential in single cells of rat ventricular myocytes.APD was significantly prolonged by aconitine. Simultaneously, aconitine increased sodium, L-typecalcium and inward rectifier potassium currents. Matrine 100 μmol· L^(-1) reversed theaconitine-induced changes of sodium current (I_(Na)) from (-70.2+- 10.5) pA/pF to ( - 39.6+-4.0)pA/pF(n = 5, P < 0.05 vs aconitine); L-type calcium current (I_(Ca-L)) from (20.4+- 3.8) pA/pF to (- 12.9+- 2.9) pA/pF ( n = 6, P < 0.01); the inward rectifier potassium current (I_(k1) ) from (-32.2+- 1.08) pA/pF to ( -24.0+-3.4) pA/pF (n = 6, P < 0.01), and action potential duration. Thereversal effects of quinidine and verapamil on aconitine-induced changes of APD and ionic currentswere more marked than matrine. Conclusion Aco-nitine significantly disturbs the normal equilibriumof ion channels in ventricular myocytes. It induces changes of I_(Na), I_(Ca-L), I_(K1) andprolongation of action potential duration. Matrine at concentration 50 or 100 μmol·L^(-1)statistically significantly suppresses aconitine-induced changes of APD and ionic currents. Thepotency and efficacy of inhibitory effect of matrine are markedly weaker than those of commonly usedverapamil and quinidine.展开更多
Objectives To address whether menopause affects outcome of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) by comparing the safety and long-term outcome of a single-procedure in pre-and post-menopausal women. ...Objectives To address whether menopause affects outcome of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) by comparing the safety and long-term outcome of a single-procedure in pre-and post-menopausal women. Methods A total of 743 female patients who underwent a single CA procedure of drug-refractory AF were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in clinical presentation and outcomes of CA for AF between the pre-menopausal women (PreM group, 94 patients, 12.7%) and the post-menopausal women (PostM group, 649 patients, 87.3%) were assessed. Results The patients in the PreM group were younger (P&lt;0.001) and less likely to have hypertension (P&lt;0.001) and diabetes (P=0.005) than those in the PostM group. The two groups were similar with regards to the proportion of concomitant mitral valve regurgitation coronary artery disease, left atrium dimensions, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The overall rate of complica-tions related to AF ablation was similar in both groups (P=0.385). After 43 (16-108) months of follow-up, the success rate of ablation was 54.3%in the PreM group and 54.2%in the PostM group (P=0.842). The overall freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence was simi-lar in both groups. Menopause was not found to be an independent predictive factor of the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia. Conclusions The long-term outcomes of single-procedure CA for AF are similar in pre-and post-menopausal women. Results indicated that CA of AF appears to be as safe and effective in pre-menopausal women as in post-menopausal women.展开更多
Objective: The beneficial effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been well established, but there is the problem of no-reflow phenomenon which is an a...Objective: The beneficial effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been well established, but there is the problem of no-reflow phenomenon which is an adverse prognostic factor in primary PCI. In the present study the effect of a distal protection device (PercuSurge GuardWire; GW) on epicardial blood flow and myocardial perfusion was evaluated. Methods and Results: Patients with AMI were randomly divided into 2 groups, the GW and the control groups. The GW group included 52 patients with AMI who underwent primary PCI with GW protection and the control group included 60 patients who underwent primary PCI without GW protection. Epicardial blood flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA) and myocardial perfusion were evaluated according to the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade and the myocardial blush grade (MBG). We found TIMI score of 3 was obtained significantly more frequently in the GW group (96%) than in the control group (80%). The MBG score of 3 was obtained also significantly greater in the GW group (65%) than in the control group (33%). Conclusion: Primary PCI with GW protection can significantly improve epicardial blood flow and myocardial perfusion.展开更多
Modern researches have shown that the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) among the women before menopause is only 30% of that in men.However, the incidence and mortality of CHD among the women after menopause j...Modern researches have shown that the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) among the women before menopause is only 30% of that in men.However, the incidence and mortality of CHD among the women after menopause jumps by 400% over those before menopause, higher than that in men1.展开更多
Subjective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of acupoints of the Heart Meridian and Lung Meridian on ischemic cardiac systolic ability for analyzing the relative specific relationship between the Heart...Subjective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of acupoints of the Heart Meridian and Lung Meridian on ischemic cardiac systolic ability for analyzing the relative specific relationship between the Heart Meridian and the heart. Methods: Acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) was produced by intravenous infusion of pituitrin (40 u + 5% glucose injection 500 ml, 60 drips/min) in the rabbit. Left intraventricular pressure (LVP), maximal rising velocity of LVP (dp/dt max), isovolumetric pressure (IP) and end-diastolic pressure (EDP) of the left cardiac ventricle were used as the indexes. Three points of Heart Meridian [HM, from 'Shenmen' (HT 7) to 'Lingdao' (HT 4)] and the three points of Lung Meridian [LM, from 'Taiyuan' (LU 9) to 'Lieque' (LU 7)] were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated with hand-manipulation and electrically with ZY2-1 EA Therapeutic Apparatus. 30 rabbits anesthetized with urethane (1 g/kg) were randomly and evenly divided into control group, HM group and LM group. Result-s: The effects of EA of HM points were evidently superior to those of EA of LM points in promoting the recovery of both AMI-induced decrease of LVP and dp/dtmax, and AMI-induced increase of IP and EDP. Conclusion: Acupoints of Heart Meridian has a relatively specific connection with the heart in comparison with those of Lung Meridian; and the Heart Meridian is a functional whole.展开更多
Using the data at the county levcl and the regional gravity center model, we calculated six key socio-economic gravity centers, namely population, GDP, output values of primary, secondary and tertiary industries, and ...Using the data at the county levcl and the regional gravity center model, we calculated six key socio-economic gravity centers, namely population, GDP, output values of primary, secondary and tertiary industries, and arable land area in the Tarim River Basin for each year from 1980 to 2009. We inspected the spatial dynamics of these centers and found that the gravity centers of population and economy evolved simultaneously. The disproportional growth between the population and the economy is also analyzed. The results show that: 1) The gravity centers of the GDR the output values of the main three industries and arable land area show migration trending from southwest to northeast, while the population gravity center shows an excessive growth in the southwest during the same time period. The migration amplitude of the GDP and output values of primary industry, secondary industry, tertiary industry are measurably higher than that of the population. 2) The population gravity center has a negative correlation with the gravity centers of secondary and tertiary industries output values in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions, and a positive correlation with that of primary industry output value in the longitudinal direction. Based on the analysis of correlation coefficient and offset distance, the imbalance between the population and the economy has increased since the 1980s, with regional economic differences now exceeding the international cordon.展开更多
基金Under the auspices of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41201107)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2015KJJCB30)
文摘The increasing globalization of the Chinese economy has been enabled by both Chinese financial institutions operating globally as well as international firms operating within China. In geographical terms, this has been organized through a number of strategic cities serving as gateways for the exchange of financial functions, products and practices between China and the global economy. Drawing on location data of financial service firms in China listed on stock exchanges in Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hong Kong, this paper shows that Chinese financial firms are expanding globally and how Chinese financial centers are positioned and connected in the urban networks shaped by these financial service firms. It is found that Hong Kong, China, holds strategic positions in the integration of Chinese cities into global financial center networks, and that establishing a foothold in global financial centers such as New York and London has been a priority for Chinese financial institutions. The increasing capital flows directed by Chinese financial institutionssuggests a shifting global financial geography, with numerous Chinese cities playing increasingly important roles within global financial center networks.
文摘In the present paper, effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of 3 points of the Heart Meridian and other 3 points of the Lung Meridian on changes of electrocardiogram (ECG), small intestinal electrogram (SIG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) in intravenous drip of pituitrin induced myocardial ischemia rabbits. The three points of the Heart Meridian are "Shenmen" (HT 7), "Lingdao" (HT 4) and one point between HT 7 and HT 4, the 3 points of the Lung Meridian are "Taiyuan"(LU 9), Lieque (LU 7) and one point between LU 9 and LU 7. These points are punctured with filiform needles and stimulated electrically by setting the parameters being frequency of 2.5 Hz, dense sparse waves and duration of 10 min. Results display that the regulative effect of EA of the Heart Meridian is superior to that of EA of the Lung Meridian on the three indexes, showing a closer correlation between the whole Heart Meridian and activities of ECG, SIG and EEG.
基金Supported by the National Natural Foundation of China (No. 30570597)
文摘Objective: To investigate the expression of P2X receptors on rat intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Methods: For preparation of intracardiac neurons, hearts were excised, the atria were separated and the medial region containing intracardiac ganglia was isolated and cut into pieces. For preparation of paratracheal neurons, the tracheas were removed and the superficial membranous layer containing paratracheal ganglia was rapidly isolated. Intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons were dissociated after digestion by collagenase and trypsin. Whole-cell patch clamp recording was used to identify the pharmacological properties of P2X receptors in cultured neurons. Results:Neurons from these two ganglia responded to ATP with a rapidly activating, sustained inward current, αβ-meATP failed to evoke any re- sponses in paratracheal ganglion neurons while a few of intracardiac ganglion neurons responded to αβ- meATP with a tiny sustained inward current. ADP and UTP had no effect on intracardiac neurons. Lowering pH potentiated ATP responses in neurons from these two ganglia whereas increasing pH inhibited ATP responses. Co-application of Zn^2+ potentiated ATP responses in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglion neurons. Conclusion: The receptor subtypes involved in intracardiac and paratracheal ganglia appear to be homomeric P2X2, while heteromeric P2X2/3 could not be completely excluded from intracardiac neurons.
文摘The sympathetic nervous system plays a cardinal role in regulating cardiac function through releasing the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). In comparison with central nervous system, the molecular mechanism of NE uptake in myocardium is not clear. In present study, we proved that in rat the CNS type of NE transporter (NET) was also expressed in middle cervical-stellate ganglion complex (MC-SG complex) which is considered to control the activity of heart, but not expressed in myocardium. The results also showed that NET expression level in right ganglion was significantly higher than in the left, rendering the greater capacity of NE uptake in right ventricle, a fact which may contribute to the maintenance of right ventricular function under pathologic state.
文摘Background Data regarding the influence of weekends and Chinese national holiday's admission on the outcomes of patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is lacking. This study sought to investigate the effect of Chinese national holidays and weekend admission on outcomes in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods Patients pre- senting with STEMI within 12 h of symptom onset who underwent PPCI were retrospectively enrolled. The primary outcome of in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients presenting Chinese national holiday's and weekends versus weekdays was evaluated. Results A total of 441 STEMI patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 129 (29.3%) patients were admitted during Chinese national holidays and weekends and 312 (70.7%) during weekdays. Patients admitted during holidays and weekends were more likely to present with Killip class Ⅲ-Ⅳ. Patients admitted during holidays and weekends experienced a significantly longer door-to-baUoon time, symptom onset-to-door time as well as symptom onset-to-balloon time. The in-hospital mortality between patients presenting holidays and weekends versus weekdays was comparable. However, patients admitted during holidays and weekends have a signitieantly higher rate of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that holidays and weekends admission was independ- ently associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions In China, STEMI patients undergoing PPCI during national holidays and weekends have worse in-hospital outcomes compared to those admitted during weekdays. These findings suggest that continuous efforts should be undertaken to enhance the Chinese healthcare system and to ensure that comparable outcomes are achieved for all STEMI patients regardless of time of presentation.
基金Sigma Theta Tau Chi Chapter,American Association of Nurse Practitioners,and Ethan M.Lindberg Foundation.
文摘Objective To examine the resilience of parents of children with congenital heart disease and to investigate socio-demographic factors that may influence parents’resilience.Methods This is a web-based survey study using a cross-sectional design.A purposive sampling method was utilized to recruit 515 parents who care for children with congenital heart disease.Resilience was assessed using the Dispositional Resilience Scale-Ⅱ.Based on expert-interviews,a questionnaire was designed to collect socio-demographic data.Descriptive statistics,factor analysis,and linear regressions were used to analyze data.Results A total of 413 parents completed the survey study.The mean resilience score was 3.75(SD=0.61;range=1.89–4.89)with higher scores indicating higher resilience.The linear regression models demonstrated that parents who had lower education levels and lower gross household income had lower resilience(P<0.05).Conclusions Parents reported resilience that reflected their ability to cope with stressful events and mitigate stressors associated with having and caring for children with congenital heart disease.Lower education levels and lower gross household income are associated with lower resilience.To increase parents’resilience,nursing practice and nurse-led interventions should target screening and providing support for parents at-risk for lower resilience.As lower education level and financial hardship are factors that are difficult to modify through personal efforts,charitable foundations,federal and state governments should consider programs that would provide financial and health literacy support for parents at-risk for lower resilience.
基金Under the auspices of Hui Oi Chow Trust Fund(No.200902172004)Mrs.Li Ka Shing Fund,Strategic Research Theme on Contemporary China,Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research(No.200911159173)Seed Funding Programme for Applied Research(No.201102160031)
文摘Hong Kong has undergone substantial economic transformations and developed into a sophisticated busi- ness and financial center in the Asia-Pacific region, since the return of sovereignty to China as a Special Administrative Region under the One Country Two Systems (OCTS) in 1997. This paper discusses and analyzes the industrial struc- tural changes of Hong Kong in recent decades as well as its future challenges and opportunities, The data and finding reveal that even though Hong Kong will face fierce competition from the Mainland's cities as the rise of China, the important role as a bridge between China and the rest of the world wilt brace Hong Kong itself under the OCTS for developing into a service hub for business and trade in the Asia-Pacific region.
文摘Background Suboptimal myocardial reperfusion is common in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Furthermore, it results in increased infarct size and mortality rates. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of aspiration thrombectomy (AT) combined with intracoronary administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI) in the improvement of myocardial reperfusion and clinical outcomes. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating combined AT and intracoronary GPI treatment versus AT alone. Outcomes of interest were thrombolysis in myocardial infarction myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG), infarct size (IS) assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at short-term (〈 1 month) and long-term (6-12 months) follow-up, and bleeding complications during the hospital stay. Results Eight trials involving 923 patients were included. Compared with AT alone, combined AT and intracoronary GPI significantly increased TMPG 3 flow (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.26), reduced IS [mean difference (MD): -3.46, 95% CI: -5.18 to -1.73], and improved LVEF (MD: 1.44, 95% CI: 0.54 to 2.33). Furthermore, GPI use decreased the risk of MACE at long-term follow-up (RR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.98). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of minor and major bleeding complications. Conclusions Our findings showed that compared with AT alone, combined AT and intracoronary GPI treatment resulted in improved myocardial reperfusion, better cardiac function, and MACE-free survival benefits at the long-term follow-up for patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.
文摘About 50% of patients with hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection complain of neuropsychiatric symptoms,"brain fog",weakness,fatigue,and exhibit some degree of quality of life impairment,irrespective of the severity of liver disease.Since the first observation of HCV-related cognitive deficits,10 studies have been published that have evaluated neuropsychiatric performance in patients with HCV infection and different degrees of hepatic impairment.Unfortunately,these have often included patients with cirrhosis,patients who had acquired the infection through previous intravenous drug misuse,who had a history of relatively recent treatment with interferon,or were on psychoactive medication.In addition,different neuropsychological batteries and tests that explored different cognitive domains were used,which makes the results of the studies difficult to compare.Finally,limited information is available on the pathogenesis of HCV-related cognitive impairment.Cerebral and/or systemic inflammation may be important players but their potential role has not been substantiated by experimental data.The present review outlines the available evidence of the presence of cognitive impairment in patients with HCV infection,with a focus on the potential relationship with cerebral and/or systemic inflammation.
文摘Aim To explore the reason that the antiarrhythmic effect of the extract oftraditional Chinese medicinal herb, matrine, is weaker than quinidine and verapamil by comparison ofthe effect and efficacy of matrine on various kinds of transmembrane ionic currents with those ofquinidine and verapamil; and to demonstrate the best targets for antiarrhythmic drugs. MethodsWhole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to record the action potential and ionic currents insingle cells of rat ventricular myocytes. Aconitine was used to induce the changes of ioniccurrents, then study the effects of matrine and quinidine, verapamil on aconitine-induced unbalancedchannel currents and action potential. Results Aconitine 1 μmol·L^(-1) induced significantchanges in transmembrane currents and action potential in single cells of rat ventricular myocytes.APD was significantly prolonged by aconitine. Simultaneously, aconitine increased sodium, L-typecalcium and inward rectifier potassium currents. Matrine 100 μmol· L^(-1) reversed theaconitine-induced changes of sodium current (I_(Na)) from (-70.2+- 10.5) pA/pF to ( - 39.6+-4.0)pA/pF(n = 5, P < 0.05 vs aconitine); L-type calcium current (I_(Ca-L)) from (20.4+- 3.8) pA/pF to (- 12.9+- 2.9) pA/pF ( n = 6, P < 0.01); the inward rectifier potassium current (I_(k1) ) from (-32.2+- 1.08) pA/pF to ( -24.0+-3.4) pA/pF (n = 6, P < 0.01), and action potential duration. Thereversal effects of quinidine and verapamil on aconitine-induced changes of APD and ionic currentswere more marked than matrine. Conclusion Aco-nitine significantly disturbs the normal equilibriumof ion channels in ventricular myocytes. It induces changes of I_(Na), I_(Ca-L), I_(K1) andprolongation of action potential duration. Matrine at concentration 50 or 100 μmol·L^(-1)statistically significantly suppresses aconitine-induced changes of APD and ionic currents. Thepotency and efficacy of inhibitory effect of matrine are markedly weaker than those of commonly usedverapamil and quinidine.
文摘Objectives To address whether menopause affects outcome of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) by comparing the safety and long-term outcome of a single-procedure in pre-and post-menopausal women. Methods A total of 743 female patients who underwent a single CA procedure of drug-refractory AF were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in clinical presentation and outcomes of CA for AF between the pre-menopausal women (PreM group, 94 patients, 12.7%) and the post-menopausal women (PostM group, 649 patients, 87.3%) were assessed. Results The patients in the PreM group were younger (P&lt;0.001) and less likely to have hypertension (P&lt;0.001) and diabetes (P=0.005) than those in the PostM group. The two groups were similar with regards to the proportion of concomitant mitral valve regurgitation coronary artery disease, left atrium dimensions, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The overall rate of complica-tions related to AF ablation was similar in both groups (P=0.385). After 43 (16-108) months of follow-up, the success rate of ablation was 54.3%in the PreM group and 54.2%in the PostM group (P=0.842). The overall freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence was simi-lar in both groups. Menopause was not found to be an independent predictive factor of the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia. Conclusions The long-term outcomes of single-procedure CA for AF are similar in pre-and post-menopausal women. Results indicated that CA of AF appears to be as safe and effective in pre-menopausal women as in post-menopausal women.
文摘Objective: The beneficial effect of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been well established, but there is the problem of no-reflow phenomenon which is an adverse prognostic factor in primary PCI. In the present study the effect of a distal protection device (PercuSurge GuardWire; GW) on epicardial blood flow and myocardial perfusion was evaluated. Methods and Results: Patients with AMI were randomly divided into 2 groups, the GW and the control groups. The GW group included 52 patients with AMI who underwent primary PCI with GW protection and the control group included 60 patients who underwent primary PCI without GW protection. Epicardial blood flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA) and myocardial perfusion were evaluated according to the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade and the myocardial blush grade (MBG). We found TIMI score of 3 was obtained significantly more frequently in the GW group (96%) than in the control group (80%). The MBG score of 3 was obtained also significantly greater in the GW group (65%) than in the control group (33%). Conclusion: Primary PCI with GW protection can significantly improve epicardial blood flow and myocardial perfusion.
文摘Modern researches have shown that the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) among the women before menopause is only 30% of that in men.However, the incidence and mortality of CHD among the women after menopause jumps by 400% over those before menopause, higher than that in men1.
基金grants of State Scientific-technological Scale Project
文摘Subjective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of acupoints of the Heart Meridian and Lung Meridian on ischemic cardiac systolic ability for analyzing the relative specific relationship between the Heart Meridian and the heart. Methods: Acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) was produced by intravenous infusion of pituitrin (40 u + 5% glucose injection 500 ml, 60 drips/min) in the rabbit. Left intraventricular pressure (LVP), maximal rising velocity of LVP (dp/dt max), isovolumetric pressure (IP) and end-diastolic pressure (EDP) of the left cardiac ventricle were used as the indexes. Three points of Heart Meridian [HM, from 'Shenmen' (HT 7) to 'Lingdao' (HT 4)] and the three points of Lung Meridian [LM, from 'Taiyuan' (LU 9) to 'Lieque' (LU 7)] were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated with hand-manipulation and electrically with ZY2-1 EA Therapeutic Apparatus. 30 rabbits anesthetized with urethane (1 g/kg) were randomly and evenly divided into control group, HM group and LM group. Result-s: The effects of EA of HM points were evidently superior to those of EA of LM points in promoting the recovery of both AMI-induced decrease of LVP and dp/dtmax, and AMI-induced increase of IP and EDP. Conclusion: Acupoints of Heart Meridian has a relatively specific connection with the heart in comparison with those of Lung Meridian; and the Heart Meridian is a functional whole.
基金Under the auspices of National Basic Research Program of China(No.2010CB951003)
文摘Using the data at the county levcl and the regional gravity center model, we calculated six key socio-economic gravity centers, namely population, GDP, output values of primary, secondary and tertiary industries, and arable land area in the Tarim River Basin for each year from 1980 to 2009. We inspected the spatial dynamics of these centers and found that the gravity centers of population and economy evolved simultaneously. The disproportional growth between the population and the economy is also analyzed. The results show that: 1) The gravity centers of the GDR the output values of the main three industries and arable land area show migration trending from southwest to northeast, while the population gravity center shows an excessive growth in the southwest during the same time period. The migration amplitude of the GDP and output values of primary industry, secondary industry, tertiary industry are measurably higher than that of the population. 2) The population gravity center has a negative correlation with the gravity centers of secondary and tertiary industries output values in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions, and a positive correlation with that of primary industry output value in the longitudinal direction. Based on the analysis of correlation coefficient and offset distance, the imbalance between the population and the economy has increased since the 1980s, with regional economic differences now exceeding the international cordon.