Confounders of uric acid level for assessing cardiovascular outcomes

We read the article entitled Serum uric acid as a prognostic marker in the setting of advanced vascular disease:a prospective study in the elderly by Stolfo,et al.[1] with great interest.The authors evaluated the association of serum uric acid (SUA) levels with adverse cardiovascular events and deaths in an elderly population affected by advanced atherosclerosis.They founded meaningful association between SUA levels and of cardiovascular events and cancer related death.We believe that these findings will lead for further studies on uric acid.

Reliability simulation and analysis of phased-mission system with multiple states

Basing on discrete event simulation, a reliability simulation algorithm of the phased-mission system with multiple states is put forth. Firstly, the concepts and main characters of phasedmission system are discussed, and an active and standby redundancy (AS) tree structure method to describe the system structure of each mission phase is brought forward. Secondly, the behavior of the phased-mission system with multiple states is discussed with the theory of state chart. Thirdly, basing on the discrete event simulation concept, a simulation algorithm to estimate reliability parameters of the phased-mission system with multiple states is explored. Finally, an example is introduced and analyzed, and the analysis result verifies the algorithms. The simulation algorithm is practical and versatile, for it can model complex behavior of phased-mission system flexibly, and more reliability parameters to understand system operation can be attained.

Sequential expression of cyclooxygenase-2, glutamate receptor-2, and platelet activating factor receptor in rat hippocampal neurons after fluid percussion injury

Traumatic brain injury causes gene expression changes in different brain regions. Occurrence and development of traumatic brain injury are closely related, involving expression of three factors, namely cyclooxygenase-2, glutamate receptor-2, and platelet activating factor receptor. However, little is known about the correlation of these three factors and brain neuronal injury. In this study, primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons were subjected to fluid percussion injury according to Scott’s method, with some modifications. RT-PCR and semi-quantitative immunocytochemical staining was used to measure the expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2, glutamate receptor-2, and platelet activating factor receptor. Our results found that cyclooxygenase-2 expression were firstly increased post-injury, and then decreased. Both mRNA and protein expression levels reached peaks at 8 and 12 hours post-injury, respectively. Similar sequential changes in glutamate receptor 2 were observed, with highest levels mRNA and protein expression at 8 and 12 hours post-injury respectively. On the contrary, the expressions of platelet activating factor receptor were firstly decreased post-injury, and then increased. Both mRNA and protein expression levels reached the lowest levels at 8 and 12 hours post-injury, respectively. Totally, our findings suggest that these three factors are involved in occurrence and development of hippocampal neuronal injury.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry for detection of protein expression profiles in the hippocampus following closed brain injury

Gene expression profile changes in brain regions following traumatic brain injury at the gene level cannot sufficiently elucidate gene expression time, expression amount, protein post-translational processing or modification. Therefore, it is necessary to quantitatively analyze the gene expression profile using proteomic techniques. In the present study, we established a rat model of closed brain injury using Marmarou＇s weight-drop device, and investigated hippocampal differential protein expression using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and surface-enhanced laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry. A total of 364 protein peaks were detected on weak cation exchange-2 protein chips, including 37 differential protein peaks. 345 protein peaks were detected on immobilized metal affinity capture arrays-Cu, including 12 differential protein peaks Further examination of these differential proteins revealed that glucose-regulated protein and proteasome subunit alpha type 3 expression were significantly upregulated post-injury. These results indicate that brain injury can alter protein expression in the hippocampus, and that glucose-regulated protein and proteasome subunit alpha type 3 are closely associated with the occurrence and development of traumatic brain injury.

Incidence and risk of anemia in type-2 diabetic patients in the absence of renal impairment

Aim: To determine the incidence of anemia in type-2 diabetic patients with normal renal function and assess the association of other factors related to diabetes with the risk of anemia. Methods: The study group comprised 72 patients with type-2 diabetes. Patients were divided into groups according to glycemic control, gender and age. Serum creatinine, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of subjects were measured. The presence of anemia was defined by a he- moglobin level 7.5%) compared to those with controlled diabetes (≤7.5%) and in patients of age ≥ 60 yrs compared to those of age < 60 yrs (p < 0.05). The odds of anemia was similar in males and females (p = 0.26). Conclusion: This study indicated that poor glycemic control and old age are associated with the incidence of anemia in type-2 diabetics with normal renal function. Our findings suggest that treatment criteria for diabetes should include routine hematological tests and take into consideration the inevitable consequences of ageing, and poor glycemic control.

EFFECT OF ELECTRO-SCALP ACUPUNCTURE ON GLUCOSE METABOLISM OF THE CEREBRAL REGIONS INVOLVING MENTAL ACTIVITY IN HEALTHY PEOPLE

Objective： To observe the effect of electro-scalp acupuncture on glucose metabolism of cerebral regions involving mental activity in healthy people. Methods: A total of 6 cases of volunteer healthy subjects (3 males and 3 females) ranging in age from 22 to 36 years were subjected to this study. Changes of cerebral glucose metabolism before and after electro-scalp acupuncture were observed by using positron emission tomography (PET) and semi-quantifying analysis method. Electro-scalp acupuncture stimulation (50 Hz, 2 rnA) of Middle Line of Vertex (Dingzhongxian,顶中线,MS5), Middle Line of Forehead (Ezhongxian,额中线, MS1 ) and bilateral Lateral Line 1 of Forehead (Epangyixian,额旁一线,MS2) was administered for 30 minutes. Then cerebral regions of interest (ROIs) were chosen and their average glucose metabolism levels (radioactivity of 18 fluorine deoxyglucose ) were analyzed. Results：After administration of electro-scalp acupuncture, the glucose metabolism levels in bilateral frontal lobes and bilateral caudate nuclei, left cingulate gyrus and right cerebellum increased significantly in comparison with those of prestimulation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Electro-scalp acupuncture of MS1, MS2 and MS5 can increase the glucose metabolism of certain cerebral regions involving mental activity in healthy subjects.

Weak cation exchange 2 protein chip for detecting differentially expressed brainstem proteins in a rat model of closed traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND： Studies have reported the combined use of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to detect differentially expressed proteins in the rat brainstem following brain injury. However, the detected differential proteins often exhibit low sensitivity and high relative molecular weight. Although protein chip technology is thought to compensate for these inadequacies, no related studies or results have been reported. OBJECTIVE： To propose the application of weak cation exchange protein chips in combination with mass spectrometry for determining protein expression profiles and characteristics in the brainstem following closed brain injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, animal experiments utilizing proteomics were performed from June 2007 to December 2008 in the Proteomics Laboratory, Medical College of Chinese People＇s Armed Police Force. MATERIALS： Weak cation exchange 2 protein chip, Ciphergen Proteinchip System （PBS-IIC）. METHODS： A total of 72 rats were randomly assigned to two groups： sham-surgery （n = 12） and injury （n = 60）. A closed traumatic brain injury model caused by falling object was replicated in the injury group, which was then subdivided into five subgroups according to different time points after injury： 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours, with 12 rats in each subgroup. In the sham-surgery group, only the skin was removed and the stainless steel pad was fixed to the skull. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The brain injury rats were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after injury, respectively, and the control rats were sacrificed at 24 hours. Pathological changes in the brainstem were determined using hematoxylin-eosin staining, and differential protein expression in the brainstem was detected using a weak cation exchange 2 protein chip and protein chip reader. RESULTS： In the sham-surgery group, cells appeared normal. However, in the brain injury group, some brainstem neurons exhibited pyknosis, with reduced numbers of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm swollen cell bodies and nuclei, irregular staining in the cytoplasm, and decreased numbers of neurons. Results from weak cation exchange 2 protein chip detection demonstrated that, compared with the sham-surgery group, the expression profiles of 2 proteins were altered in the brainstem of the injury group. At 12, 24, and 48 hours after injury, expression was increased （P 〈 0.01 ）. The mass charge ratio （M/Z） of 7 862 differentially expressed proteins was greater in the sham-surgery group compared with 12 and 24 hours after injury （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The combined method of weak cation exchange 2 protein chip and mass spectrometry detected differential protein expression in the brainstem following closed brain injury in the rats, which suggested that closed brain injury induced altered protein expression profiles in the brainstem.

Density Functional Theory Study on the Adsorption of HCNH and CNH_2 on Cu(100) Surface

The HCNH and CNH2 adsorption on different coordination sites of Cu（100） was theoretically studied considering the cluster approach. The present calculations show that the bridge site is the most favorite for CNH2 perpendicularly adsorbed on the Cu（100） surface via the C atom. For HCNH absorbed on the Cu（100） surface, the parallel adsorption mode with the C and N atoms nearly directly above the adjacent top sites of Cu（100） surface is the most favored. Both CNH2 and HCNH are strongly bound to the Cu（100） surface with CNH2 which is lightly stable （2.51 kJ·mol^-1）, indicating that both species may be co-adsorbed on the Cu（100） surface.

Results and analysis:a pilot study on quality of life of soldiers in the first response army

Objective: To explore the fundamental theory, methods and data of the quality of life (QOL) of soldiers and its influence factors in the first response army. Methods:Totally 215 soldiers in the first response army of a military area in China were inquired by using self-regulating questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF (Chinese Edition). Results:WHOQOL-BREF had good acceptability, reliability and validity in the first response army. QOL of soldiers in the first response army was middling. The influencing factors of QOL of the soldiers in first army includes self-report health, different areas where the army men come from, different arms of services, whether only child in family. And the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion:WHOQOL-BREF is fit for evaluating the quality of life of soldiers in the first response army. There are differences of the quality of life among the soldiers in the first response army. So we should take appropriate measures to improve the soldiers' quality of life.

Influence of Migrant Workers Returning to Hometown on the Changes of Village Social Structure

Based on field survey data of Village Z in Henan Province and from the perspective of the end of villages,we studied the influence of migrant workers returning to hometown on the changes of village social structure from village social interaction and village right reconstruction.Survey results show that social interaction centers of migrant workers returning to hometown for starting an undertaking move outside,which has exceeded the range of rural society of acquaintances and promoted the breaking of the traditional social relationship network " Differential Model of Association".In addition,migrant workers returning to hometown actively participate in building village rights and show more passionate political enthusiasm and practice of modern democratic concept.Furthermore,it not only speeds up disintegration of China's small peasant economy and division of traditional farmers,but also is an important opportunity for realizing farmers' self-ending and village ending,as well as urban and rural integration.

Bird diversity in northern Myanmar and conservation implications

We conducted four bird biodiversity surveys in the Putao area of northern Myanmar from 2015 to 2017. Combined with anecdotal information collected between 2012 and 2015, we recorded 319 bird species, including two species （Arborophila mandellii and Lanius sphenocercus） previously unrecorded in Myanmar. Bulbuls （Pycnonotidae）, babblers Timaliidae） pigeons and doves （Columbidae）, and ）heasants and partridges （Phasianidae） were the most abundant groups of birds recorded. Species richness below 1 500 m a.s.l, was higher than species richness at higher elevations. Our results suggest that the current protected areas in this region should be expanded to lower elevations to cover critical conservation gaps.

间变性淋巴瘤激酶通路标签与乳腺癌细胞去分化、新辅助化疗反应及复发风险的相关性

背景与目的间变性淋巴瘤激酶(anaplastic lymphoma kinase,ALK)信号通路的异常激活参与了多种癌症的发生。本研究的目的是确定这一信号通路在乳腺癌发病中的作用。方法从42个芯片数据集共6381例乳腺癌样本中提取了ALK通路标签的数据并计算了ALK通路的活性,用logistic回归和生存分析检验了ALK通路标签的评分与临床因素之间的相关性。结果我们的结果表明,在这42个数据集中,高ALK通路活性是激素受体阴性、高级别乳腺癌的显著危险因素。注释了患者新辅助化疗反应信息的15个数据集的分析结果表明,ALK通路活性与病理完全缓解(pathological complete response,pCR)呈正相关(总OR=1.67,P<0.01),这种相关性在HER2阴性和1&2级乳腺癌中比HER2阳性和3级乳腺癌患者中更显著。注释了生存信息的30个数据集的分析结果表明,ALK通路活性与乳腺癌患者复发风险呈正相关(总HR=1.21,P<0.01),在年龄>50岁、淋巴结阳性或新辅助化疗后有残存病灶的患者中尤其显著。结论ALK可参与乳腺癌的发生,ALK通路标签评分可作为乳腺癌的预后生物标志物。

The mechanism and clinical effectiveness of the six-step Chinese Daoyin technique on hemiplegic patients with drop-foot

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve the Chinese Daoyin technique (physical and breathing exercises), which is an ancient rehabilitation method, to elevate its effect and to standardize its operational procedure. Methods: Based on the ancient Chinese Daoyin technique, a six-step method was developed including: 1) motion imagination and imitation;2) mental and breathing regulation;3) target point determination;4) motion percussion;5) motion persistence;6) relaxation. Sixty drop-foot patients who suffered from hemiparesis after a stroke were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. Functional evaluation including Fugl-Meyer assessment score, Lovett manual muscle test (MMT), active range of motion of the ankle joint and electromyography were performed before and after the training course. The data were analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 12.0. Results: The differences between the two groups were significant. The effectiveness of the six-step group was significantly better than the effectiveness of the control group. Conclusion: The six-step method of the Chinese Daoyin technique is an effective rehabilitation training method for drop-foot in stroke patients with hemiparesis.

The International Profile of Chinese Visiting Scholars in the UK: Improvement Needed in Linguistic, Cultural, and Academic Confidence

This study used Chinese visiting scholars in the UK as a sample, discussed Chinese visiting scholars' cross-cultural adaptation from the perspectives of linguistic confidence, cultural confidence and academic confidence, analyzed the correlation among the three types of confidence, and then proposed the concept of establishing a positive international profile of Chinese visiting scholars. It was recommended that Chinese visiting scholars should make more improvements in their cross-cultural adaptation. They should become the representative of China's international image, and play a more active role in further internationalizing of Chinese higher education.

A SURVEY OF CHINESE WOMEN VOLLEYBALL TEAM'S SPIKING ABILITY——Serial Investigations Over the 11th World Women's Volleyball Championship (No.1)

Makes an overall investigation over the team's spiking tactics adopted in its competitions against some foreign teams.

Retrospective Study of Tuberculosis in the Province of Kenitra (Morocco)

Tuberculosis is a ubiquitous and contagious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Koch’s bacillus). Morocco considers tuberculosis a strategic priority, mobilizing human and material resources to fight it. The objective was to describe the distribution of the disease socio-economic and geographic factors in the province of Kenitra. This was a transverse descriptive retrospective study of 1005 cases of intra- and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis carried out from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, in tuberculosis and respiratory disease screening and treatment center. This study was based on the use of the files of tuberculosis patients who were diagnosed and treated at the center. The parameters studied are age, sex, municipality and place of residence. Genexpert techniques to differentiate between positive and negative microscopic tuberculosis were used. The results showed that the average age of Tuberculosis patients is 36.95 years, the minimum age is 12 months, and the oldest is 87 years old. The 30 - 44 age group is the most affected by 42%, followed by that of 15 - 29 years (29%), the oldest 75 - 90 are the least affected. The survey also revealed that men and Inactive people are more affected by the disease with infection rates of 60.95% and 39% respectively, followed by women 38.8%, the employees (35%), then students 16%. In rural areas, we recorded a rate of 58.26% ahead of cities 41.73%. This study has shown that the determinants of tuberculosis are manifold and relate mainly to unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, linked to poverty, population growth, human migration, which explains the incidence of the disease from the point of socio-economic view.

Teaching Strategy Using Programming: The Probability Case

This document presents the advantages of using different technology and computational programs, in order to support the teacher and the student during the teaching and learning experience regarding the subject of Probability and Statistics, which is taught in upper levels. For the experimental work, a group of 40 students, who studied the third semester at the Computing Advanced Faculty from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ESCOM-IPN) was taken as a sample. The form to assess the group was different than usual, because currently not only knowledge was assessed but also the skills on technology were used to program software that allowed calculation through binomial and normal distribution or develop animations that simulated problems expressed in pencil and paper. For a semester, we worked with the group and obtained excellent results. The assessment was supported through a previously created metric.