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In this paper, the effects of reaction environment (ambient atmosphere, pressure, gas quantity etc.) on the photocatalytic methanol reforming reaction were studied systematically in a real reaction system using operando nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. It was shown that the ambient atmosphere had differential inhibitory effects on the yields of reaction products, while the environmental pressure and gas quantity had little influences. Based on these observations, the adsorption modes of gases on the catalyst surface were investigated, and a mechanism through which the ambient atmosphere affected the photocatalytic reforming process of methanol was proposed.

In operando nuclear magnetic resonance (in operando NMR) was used to investigate the effects of co-catalysts and wavelength of light on the products of photocatalytic methanol reforming, as well as the hydrogen production rate, in a real solid-liquid reaction environment. The results demonstrated that adding co-catalysts (i.e., anatase TiO2 modified with different isolated noble metal atoms) could affect the yields of reforming products to some extents, but had only little effects on the reaction kinetics. And the wavelength of light also had a large effect on the yields. It was concluded that the co-catalysts might play important roles in providing the redox capacity and the synergistic effects between methanol oxidation and hydrogen production.

Objective: To explore for the establishment of an experimental technique for profiling transcription factors, namely transcription factor response elements (TFRE), with high throughput and efficiency using human atrial tissue., Methods: Postoperative right atrial tissues from 2 patients, one with preoperative atrial fibrillation and the one with no preoperative atrial fibrillation, were included in the study. The nucleus protein was extracted from the human atrial tissue, and the protein concentration was then measured. A solution with a complex formed through combining magnetic beads with concatenated tandem array of the consensus transcription factor response element DNA sequence (beads-catTFRE) was prepared, and the beads-catTFREs were then used to enrich transcription factors in the nucleoprotein extraction. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was performed after dissociating beads-catTFRE from nucleoprotein with high temperature and high salt. The gel was then cut and faded before enzymolysis by trypsin in the gels was performed. Acetonitrile was used to extract the peptides from the gels, and the peptide solution was then dried. After that, we dissolved the peptides and performed mass spectrum tests, and the data were analyzed and processed with Firmiana one-stop proteomic analysis platform., Results: In this study, 220 and 181 transcription factors were identified in the normal right atrial tissue and the right atrial tissue with atrial fibrillation, respectively. A total of 241 transcription factors were identified in the two groups. Among the 241 transcription factors, 12 were in the top 10% of those transcription factors that were above the median expression level of the normal right atrial tissue, and 12 transcription factors were in the top 10% of those above the median expression level of the right atrial tissue with atrial fibrillation., Conclusion: The high-throughput profiling method established in this study has high coverage, and the data collected can be used to support further validation studies., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences).)

Objective: To study the effect of cytochrome P-4504F2 ( CYP 4 F 2) gene polymorphism on the initial dose of warfarin in patients after mechanical heart valve replacement., Methods: We collected 350 patients receiving warfarin after mechanical heart valve replacement from January 2013 to December 2015 in our hospital. According to the international standardized ratio (INR) ≥2 at the initial stage after surgery, the patients were divided into two groups: INR≥2 group and INR<2 group. We selected the blood samples of all the 350 patients with testing the CYP 4 F 2 gene type of each patient, and analyzed the effect of CYP 4 F 2 gene polymorphism on the initial dose of warfarin after mechanical heart valve replacement (the average daily dose during hospitalization of patients 5-10 days after mechanical heart valve replacement)., Results: There was no statistical significance in the initial dose of warfarin among patients with different CYP 4 F 2 genotypes. However, warfarin dose was higher in CYP 4 F 2 TT genotype than in CYP 4 F 2 CC carriers ((3.37±0.68) mg vs. (2.94±0.74) mg, P <0.05) in INR≥2 group; In patients with the same genotype, the initial dose of warfarin in the CYP 4 F 2 CC ((4.02±0.58) mg vs. (2.94±0.74) mg) and CYP 4 F 2 CT genotypes ((4.15±0.88) mg vs. (3.18±0.82) mg) of INR<2 group was higher than that in INR≥2 group ( P <0.05). Gender, age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation), cytopigment P-450 2C9 ( CYP 2 C 9), CYP 4 F 2 and vitamin K peroxide-reductase complex 1 ( VKORC 1) gene polymorphism and INR compliance were included in multiple linear regression analysis. The regression equation was as follows: warfarin initial dose (mg) =-8.634+0.352×BMI (kg/m 2 ) +1.102× CYP 4 F 2 genotype (CC or CT values 1, TT values 2) +2.147× VKORC 1 (AA or AG values 1, GG values 2) +1.325×INR ( INR≥2 values 0, INR<2 values 1). The coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) of regression equation was 0.431 ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: CYP 4 F 2 gene polymorphism may affect the initial dose of warfarin in patients after heart valve replacement, and this effect is also affected by body characteristics and other factors., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences).)

Tea waste biochar (TWBC) was prepared at 300℃, 500℃, and 700℃ under oxygen-limited atmosphere, and was characterized by elemental analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. TWBC was then used to remove tetracycline from aqueous solution. The influences of solid-to-liquid ratio, pH, ionic types, and strength were investigated. The potential mechanism between tetracycline and TWBC was also explored. The results showed that the proper solid-to-liquid ratio was 4 g·L -1 . The pH of the solution had little influence on the removal of tetracycline. The inhibition effects of cation ions on tetracycline follows Mg 2+ > Ca 2+ > K + > Na + . The NH 4 + in the solution can slightly promote the adsorption of tetracycline by TWBC700. However, the existence of Cu can decrease the adsorption effect of tetracycline by TWBC700. Increasing temperature can improve the adsorption effect of tetracycline by TWBC700. The pseudo-second-order and Langmuir model can well fit the adsorption process of tetracycline onto TWBC. The adsorption capacity of tetracycline by TWBC was TWBC700 > TWBC500 > TWBC300. The mechanisms of tetracycline by TWBC referred to the pore-filling effect, hydrogen binding, and π-π interaction. Therefore, high-temperature TWBC has the potential to act as an adsorbent for removing tetracycline from wastewater.

Objective: To evaluate the role of a panel fluorescence in situ hybridization (Panel-FISH) for the detection of common cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL), multiplemyeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)., Methods: Three panels of probes were used to perform FISH assays in 46 patients with CLL, 53 with MM and 93 with MDS. Their results were compared with that obtain by conventional cytogenetic examination., Results: The panel FISH detection in CLL and MM groups showed significantly higher sensitivity in revealing chromosomal abnormalities than that in conventional cytogenetics (73.8% vs 9.5%, 70.8% vs 22.9%, respectively). There were significant differences between these 2 technologies(P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). However, there was no difference between Panel-FISH and conventional cytogenetics in MDS group (30.4 vs 27.2%, P=0.625)., Conclusion: Panel-FISH can increase the detection rate in CLL and MM patients while it did not in MDS patients. However, it can increase the detection rate of aberration clones in MDS cases with normal karyotypes or without enough karyotypes to be analysis.

To decrease the distortion of the recovered spectrum, improve the quantity of the recovered spectrum and decrease the influence of the phase error of the new spectrum detection system based on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) micro-mirrors, a new phase error correction method for this system is proposed in the present paper. The source of phase error of the spectrum detection system based on MEMS micro-mirrors is analyzed firstly. The analyzed result indicated that the phase error of the new spectral Fourier transform detection system is the zero drift of the optical path difference, and the phase error can be corrected by Zero-crossing sampling which is realized by improving the structure of the interferometer system and Mertz product The spectrum detection system is set up and the phase error correction method is verified by this system. The experiment result is show that the quantity of the recovered spectrum of the spectrum detection is improved obviously by using the improved interferometer system and Mertz product, and the recovered spectrum has no negative peaks and the side lobes is suppressed markedly. This correction method can reduce the influence caused by phase error to the system performance well and improve the spectral detection performance effectively. In this paper, the origin of the system phase error based on the new MEMS micromirror Fourier transform spectroscopy detection system is analyzed, and the phase error correction method is proposed. This method can improve the performance of the spectrum detection system.

Objective: To explore the distribution on K469E single nucleotide polymorphism of ICAM-1 gene among people with Uygur ethnicity, in Xinjiang and to analyze the correlation between ICAM-1 gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease., Methods: 245 patients with coronary heart disease patients and 377 healthy controls in Xinjiang Uygur population were studied. ICAM-1 gene K469E genotype located in exon 6 were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragments length polymorphism., Results: Distribution of genotypes in the two groups appeared to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). The distribution of genotypes showed significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.039)and the distributions of K and E allele also presented statistically significant difference (P = 0.031). Significant difference was also observed in males(P = 0.029 for genotype, P = 0.025 for allele)but not in females. After adjusted for confounding factors, results from logistic regression analysis indicated that KK genotype was a risk factor for CHD in Uygur male population (OR = 2.389, 95% CI:1.458-3.915, P = 0.001)., Conclusion: Genetic polymorphism of ICAM-1 K469E might increase the risk for coronary artery disease in males of Uygur patients in Xinjiang.

Objective: To explore the distributional characteristics of acylation stimulating protein (ASP) gene polymorphism and the association with serum lipid level of Chinese Han and Uighur residents in Xinjiang., Method: Genotypes of the ASP gene 301T > C polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 527 Uighur and 407 Han residents., Results: The frequencies of TT, TC and CC genotype of ASP gene 301T > C were 74.9%, 21.3% and 3.6% in Han group and 47.6, 40.2% and 12.1% in Uighur group (P < 0.05). Serum triglyceride level was significantly higher in C allele carrier (TC + CC genotype) than in TT genotype carrier of both Han and Uighur individuals. After adjusting for age, gender, smoking, drinking, BMI and serum total cholesterol, logistic regression analyses revealed that individuals carrying C allele (TC + CC genotype) faced an increased risk of increased serum triglyceride level than individuals carrying TT genotype in both Han and Uighur individuals (OR = 3.31, 95%CI: 1.31 - 8.36 in Uighur group; OR = 3.98, 95%CI: 1.81 - 8.74 in Han group)., Conclusion: There is a significant difference on mutational frequencies of the ASP gene 301T > C polymorphism between Uighur and Han residents in Xinjiang and C allele carriers face an increased risk for hypertriglyceridemia in both Uighur and Han residents in Xinjiang.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus and its associated risk factors in children with Han, Uygur and Kazak ethnicities in Xinjiang., Methods: A cross-sectional random samples involving aged 0 - 17 years were carried out to analyze the prevalence rates and associated risk factors of diabetes mellitus in children of Han, Uigur and Kazak ethnicities from 3 prefectures (Hetian, Kashi and Fuhai) in Xinjiang Autonomous Regions. Diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were defined by the China Diabetes Prevention and Control Standard set in 2007. Data was collected through filling in the questionnaires and results from physical examination and laboratory tests., Results: The total prevalence rates of IFG and diabetes mellitus were 0.68% and 0.09%, respectively. Data from logistic regression analysis suggested that overweight and obesity were risk factors for diabetes mellitus in children from Xinjiang, with odds ratio values as 2.844 and 3.963, respectively., Conclusion: Children with Han, Uygur and Kazak ethnicities in Xinjiang had an overall standardized prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus. IFG were 0.57% and 1.35% lower than the 2004 data from children at same age groups in Beijing and the whole nation, also 0.19% lower then the national rate of 5 - 17 years-old children juvenile diabetes.

Objective: To evaluate the early diagnostic value of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level on admission for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), explore the relationship between MMP-9 and global registry of acute coronary events (GRACE) scores and determine the values of MMP-9 in short-term prognosis of STEMI., Methods: A total of 55 STEMI patients admitted into our hospital between September 2011 and February 2012 were recruited. There were early STEMI (≤ 4h of onset, n = 22) and late STEMI (> 4 h after onset, n = 33). Fifty subjects of coronary artery without significant stenosis after angiography were enrolled into a control group. The plasma levels of MMP-9 in venous blood were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). And the GRACE risk score was used for risk assessment. The incidence of new or recurrent myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, cardiac death, heart failure (MACE) was recorded during a follow-up period of 6 months., Results: The MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with STEMI (P < 0.001), early STEMI (P < 0.001) and late STEMI (P < 0.001) than the control group. And no statistical differences existed between early STEMI and late STEMI (P > 0.05). The level of MMP-9 was positively correlated with the GRACE risk score. MACE occurred in 8 [14.5% (8/55)] patients during hospitalization and 17 [30.9% (17/55)] patients during follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed area under the curve (AUC) of on admission GRACE risk score and MMP-9 levels were 0.848 (95%CI 0.706 - 0.991, P = 0.002) and 0.766 (95%CI 0.575 - 0.957, P = 0.017) respectively. ROC curve analysis showed AUC of hospital discharge GRACE risk score and MMP-9 levels were 0.737 (95%CI 0.601 - 0.873, P = 0.005) and 0.711 (95%CI 0.565 - 0.856, P = 0.013) respectively. No statistical differences existed between GRACE risk score and MMP-9 levels for predicting the short-term risk of MACE (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The plasma level of MMP-9 has a higher diagnostic value for early STEMI. Positively correlated with the GRACE risk score, it is a predicator of short-term risk of MACE.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence rates of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol in Han, Uygur and Kazakh populations aged over 35 years, in Xinjiang area., Methods: A four-stage randomly selected samples were used to analyze the prevalence rates of lipid levels in different nationalities, ages, sexes based on data from 7 areas in Xinjiang., Results: (1) TG levels in Xinjiang appeared to be the highest in Han and lowest in Kazakh ethnicities with the means as (1.72 ± 1.45) mmol/L, (1.21 ± 0.93) mmol/L (F = 209.272, P = 0.000) respectively. The highest TC levels were seen in Kazakh with the lowest seen in Uygur, with means as (4.78 ± 1.16) mmol/L, (4.37 ± 1.13) mmol/L (F = 168.796, P = 0.000) respectively. Both HDL-C and LDL-C levels in Kazakh were the highest but remained the same level in Han and Uygur. (2) The value of TG reached the peak at age 45 to 54 in Han and Uygur, and then descending along with ageing. The overall TC level increased along with age but the HDL-C level generally declined with ageing. The LDL-C level showed a waving distribution along with the increase of age. (3) The TG levels were seen higher in men than in women among Han, Uygur and Kazakh but the TC levels of Han and Uygur were lower in men than in women. Both HDL-C and LDL-C levels were also lower in Han and Kazakh males than in females. (4) The prevalence rates of abnormalities were 35.12%, 32.57% and 16.44% on TG; 27.83%, 17.05% and 33.43% on TC; 32.68%, 31.73% and 28.72% HDL-C; 36.95%, 37.02% and 38.00% on LDL-C, respectively., Conclusion: People with Han and Uygur ethnicities in Xinjiang region had high TG, but low HDL-C distribution of blood lipids while the Kazakh had low TG, high TC, high HDL-C, high LDL-C blood lipids distribution. The distributions of TG levels were different in age, nationality and sex, except the distribution of LDL-C levels. More attention should be paid to the young men of Han and Uygur on prevention of dyslipidemia, in Xinjiang.

Objective: To explore the distribution characteristics of apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) gene c.553G > T polymorphism and the relationship of serum lipid in Chinese Han and Uighur populations in Xinjiang, China., Methods: The genotypes of ApoA5 gene c.553G > T polymorphism were detected in 406 Uighur and 527 Han people by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)., Results: The frequencies of GG, GT and TT genotypes of ApoA5 gene c.553G > T were 378 (93.1%), 27 (6.7%) and 1 (0.25%) patients in Uighurs versus 478 (90.7%) patients, 49 (9.3%) patients and 0% in Hans. There was no significant difference in the distribution of genotypes between two groups (P > 0.05). In both groups, individuals with T allele (TT + GT genotype) had a higher level of serum triglyceride than those with GG genotype. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking, alcoholism, body mass index, blood pressure and blood lipid, non-conditional logistic regression analyses revealed that individuals with T allele (TT + GT genotype) in both groups had an elevated risk of HTG versus the GG genotype (OR = 3.31, 95%CI: 1.31 - 8.36 in Uighurs vs OR = 3.98, 95%CI: 1.81 - 8.74 in Hans)., Conclusion: The mutation of c.553G > T polymorphism of ApoA5 gene is associated with the level of serum triglyceride in Uighur and Han populations of Xinjiang. And T allele may be a risk factor of hypertriglyceridemia.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and epidemiological features of valvular heart disease (VHD) adult populations with different ethnicities in Xinjiang., Methods: A total of 14 618 adults aged 35 or older were surveyed. Random sampling was employed to study valvular heart diseases in different age, gender and ethnic groups. Samples were collected from 7 localities (Urumqi, Ke lamayi, Fukang, Turfan Basin, Hetian, Altay, Yili Hazakh Autonomous Prefecture) in 23 municipalities and 5 autonomous counties in Xinjiang. The proportion of male to female accounted for 50% each., Results: The overall prevalence of valvular heart diseases was 7.67% (male: 7.31% vs. female: 8.00%). The prevalence rates of valvular heart diseases were 10.57%, 2.36% and 12.22% in Han, Uygur and Kazakh populations, respectively. The prevalence of valvular heart diseases was lower in Uygur than in Hazak and Han ethnic populations (χ(2) = 3.90, P = 0.000). Complications related to valvular heart diseases would include hypertension (63.20%), diabetes (7.60%), coronary heart disease (7.50%) and fibrillation atrial (3.20%)., Conclusion: The prevalence of valvular heart diseases had a substantial increase, parallel with age. Differences were seen on the prevalence rates of VHD among ethnic populations.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal ankle brachial index(ABI) in Xinjiang adult population., Method: Random samples maternal age 35 and over were used to analyze the prevalence and distributing feature of self-reported abnormal ABI among different nationality in 7 municipalities and locality and 26 community and autonomous county in Xinjiang., Results: A total of 14 618 adults were surveyed. The prevalence of abnormal ABI was 1.26%. The prevalence of abnormal ABI was 3.56%, 7.05% and 5.79% in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population, respectively. Incidence of abnormal ABI was significantly higher in females than in males (6.65% vs 3.74%, χ(2) = 58.79, P = 0.00). Gender, nationality, systolic blood pressure, body mass index were independent predictors for abnormal ABI., Conclusions: The results of this study showed higher prevalence rate of abnormal ABI, especially in females, in Xinjiang. Nationality and gender are predictors for abnormal ABI.

Objective: To investigate carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and the correlated risk factors in Han, Uygur, Hazakh residents over 35 years old of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region., Method: Cross-sectional and cluster sampling random selected method was carried out for residents over 35 years old in Han, Uygur, Hazakh population of Xinjiang to investigate IMT and correlated risk factors., Results: IMT of Han, Uygur, Hazakh residents over 35 years old of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region was (0.0761 ± 0.0283) cm, (0.0663 ± 0.0262) cm, and (0.0781 ± 0.0274) cm, respectively. There were significantly difference between various nationality (all P < 0.05). IMT was thicker in male Han people than in female Han people [(0.0807 ± 0.0288) cm vs. (0.0717 ± 0.0270) cm, P < 0.01] and in male Uygur than in female Uygur residents [(0.0706 ± 0.0270) cm vs. (0.0633 ± 0.0252) cm, P < 0.01] and in male Hazakh and female Hazakh residents [(0.0794 ± 0.0280) cm vs. (0.0768 ± 0.0268) cm, P < 0.01]. Linear correlation analysis showed that age (r = 0.176, P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.168, P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.167, P < 0.05), fasting blood glucose (r = 0.053, P < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = 0.097, P < 0.05) and ankle brachial index (r = 0.067, P < 0.05) were significantly correlated with IMT., Conclusions: Our results showed that IMT was thicker in Hazakh residents than in Han and Uygur residents. IMT was closely related to known cardiovascular risk factors including age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and ankle brachial index level.

Objective: To investigate the situation of normal blood pressure and prevalence and risk factors of prehypertension in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population ≥ 35 years old of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region., Methods: Random samples were used to analyze the incidence of normal blood pressure and prehypertension in 3 nationalities based on data from Han, Uygur and Hazakh residents living in 7 areas (Urumqi, Ke lamayi, Fukang, the Turfan Basin locality, Hetian locality, Altay locality, and Yili Hazakh autonomous prefecture) in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region., Results: A total of 16 460 subjects were selected with cluster sampling, and eligible data of 14 618 subjects were actually analyzed in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population ≥ 35 years old of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Incidence of normal blood pressure was 24.9% and the prevalence of prehypertension was 34.24% (35.6% fro male and 31.5% for female, P < 0.01) in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population ≥ 35 years old in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. The prevalence of prehypertension was 37.34%, 32.95% and 30.62% in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population, respectively. The prevalence of prehypertension decreased with increasing age in Han and Uygur population ≥ 45 years old, and in Hazakh population ≥ 35 years old (all P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that hypertriglyceridemia ≥ 1.7 mmol/L, age ≥ 45 years old, fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L and body mass index ≥ 24.0 kg/m(2) were risk factors while the female was a protective factor of prehypertension., Conclusion: The people with normal blood pressure is few and the prevalence of prehypertension is high in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population ≥ 35 years old of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, and it is associated with many risk factors.

Objective: To explore the association between genetic polymorphism of serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1) with carotid intima media thickness in a healthy Han Chinese population of Xinjiang., Methods: A total of 449 healthy Han Chinese participating the cardiovascular risk survey between June 2007 and September 2009 were included, the genotypes of the SAA1 were detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The mean IMT of the right and left common carotid arteries were measured by B-mode ultrasonography., Results: (1) There was strong linkage disequilibrium between rs12218 and rs2229338 (D' = 0.89). (2) The carotid common IMT (CC-IMT) and the carotid bulb IMT (CB-IMT) were similar between the AA genotype (wild genotype) and the GGFAG genotype (mutational genotype) in rs2229338 of SAA1 gene. (3) CC-IMT [(0.081 ± 0.071) cm vs (0.068 ± 0.019) cm, P = 0.01] was significantly thicker in CC + CT genotype (mutational genotype) group than in TT genotype (wild genotype) of rs12218 group and the difference remains significant after adjustment for age, gender, blood pressure, waist circumference, creatinine and high density lipoprotein cholesterol. CB-IMT [(0.085 ± 0.038) cm vs. (0.081 ± 0.052) cm, P = 0.36] was similar between CC + CT genotype and TT genotype of rs12218 groups., Conclusion: Our results suggested that the genetic polymorphism of SAA1 might be linked with IMT and rs12218 mutation could serve as a promoting factor for IMT in Han Chinese people.

Objective: To investigate the association between matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene (MMP9) -1562C/T polymorphism and myocardial infarction (MI) in Uighur population of Xinjiang., Methods: A total of 347 patients with MI evidenced by coronary arteriography, and 403 controls free from coronary artery disease with normal angiograms were recruited for the study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to detect the -1562C/T functional promoter polymorphism of the MMP9 gene. The relationship between the polymorphism and the severity of coronary arterial stenosis was analyzed., Results: The results showed that the frequency of CT and TT genotypes in patients with MI (27.67%) was significantly higher than that in controls (14.14%). The frequencies of the -1562T allele were 15.71% and 7.56% in the MI group and the control group respectively (chi-square=24.57, P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis indicated that the T allele carriers (CT+TT) had significantly increased risk of MI compared with the CC carriers (OR=2.009, 95%CI: 1.250-3.230). Individuals carrying the -1562T allele with diabetes mellitus were at an increased risk of MI (OR=3.714, 95%CI: 1.299-10.773). The frequencies of CT and TT genotypes were not significantly different among MI patients with one, two and three or more significantly diseased vessels (chi-square=0.491, P=0.782)., Conclusion: The -1562C/T polymorphism in the MMP9 gene promoter is associated with the susceptibility to MI in the Uighur population of Xinjiang. The T allele might be a risk factor of MI. And there was a coordinated effect between the -1562T allele and diabetes mellitus in the development of MI. The -1562C/T polymorphism may not be a predictor of the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of smoking and metabolic syndrome (MS) among male Uygur and Kazakh adults residing in Xinjiang., Methods: Four-stage selected random sampling was used to analyze the prevalence and the relationship between the risk factors of smoking and metabolic syndrome. The sampled adult populations over 35 years old were collected 6 localities (Urumqi, Kelamayi, Fukang, Turfan Basin locality, Hetian locality & Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture) in Xinjiang, China. The subjects were 4019 males of Uygur and Kazakh. Each individual answered a questionnaire, received physical examinations and a biochemical indicator survey. The smoking patients were divided into two groups: one complicated with metabolic syndrome and the other not. A logistic regression analysis was also made to identify the possible risk factors and their powers on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome with smoking., Results: With regards to the habit of smoking, the smokers of Uygur and Kazakh were 869 and 1114 respectively. The prevalence of MS was 24.74% and 29.62% for Uygur and Kazakh smokers respectively. And 16.75% and 24.72% for Uygur and Kazakh non-smokers respectively. The comparison of baseline information showed that, in Uygur males, the mean values of diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference and triglyceride were higher in smoker group than those in non-smoker group (P < 0.05); in Kazakh males, the mean values of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference were higher than nonsmoker group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the OR value of smoking was 1.698 (95%CI 1.129 - 2.553) in Uygur and 1.845 (95%CI 1.544 - 2.206) in Kazakh of MS patients., Conclusion: The prevalence of MS is higher in male smokers than that in non-smokers in Uygur and Kazakh. Perhaps smoking is one of the risk factors for MS.

Objective: To investigate the association of the -12238T/C polymorphism of apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene with coronary heart disease (CHD) and the influence of serum lipid levels in Chinese Uygur population of Xinjiang., Methods: The -12238T/C polymorphism of APOA5 gene in 344 patients with CHD and 408 controls was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism; the serum lipid levels were detected as well., Results: The frequencies of CC, TC and TT genotype were 6.69%, 43.31% and 50.00% in the CHD group, while they were 14.95%, 45.10% and 39.95% in the control group. There was significant difference in the distribution of genotypes between the two groups (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, gender, smoking, serum total cholesterol, presence of hypertension and diabetes revealed that individuals carrying CC genotype had an increased risk of CHD compared with TT genotype (OR = 0.328, 95%CI: 0.154-0.700). There was also significant difference in serum triglyceride level in genotypes between these two groups (P < 0.01). Patients in CHD group who carried CC and TC genotypes had lower serum triglyceride level than the TT genotype carriers., Conclusion: The -12238T/C polymorphism of APOA5 gene has influence on the serum triglyceride level in Uygur population of Xinjianxg. This polymorphism might be associated with development of CHD, and the CC genotype might be a protective factor in the development of CHD.

Objective: To investigate the detection rate of carotid artery plaque in Han, Uygur and Kazakh adult populations of Xinjiang., Methods: During the period of October 2007 to March 2010, the present study was performed in 13896 Han, Uygur and Kazakh adults of Xinjiang aged 35 years old and over by a four-stage random sampling method. All subjects were investigated by a standardized questionnaire, physical, biochemical examination and ultrasonography of carotid arteries. Risk factors were analyzed by a logistic regression model., Results: The prevalence of carotid artery plaque was 10.2%. After standardization, the detection rate of Chinese Han, Uygur and Kazakh populations was 2.46%, 2.31% and 1.84% respectively. By the analysis of multivariate logistic regression, age (OR 1.032, 95%CI 1.026-1.037), smoking (OR 1.358, 95%CI 1.164-1.585), total cholesterol (OR 1.075, 95%CI 1.018-1.135), blood glucose (OR 1.050, 95%CI 1.020-1.081) and systolic blood pressure (OR 1.011, 95%CI 1.008-1.014) were independent risk factors in the occurrence of carotid artery plaque. Females (OR 0.653, 95%CI 0.545-0.738) and high-density lipoprotein (OR 0.864, 95%CI 0.751-0.994) were the protective factors in the occurrence of carotid artery plaque., Conclusion: The detection of carotid artery plaque in Xinjiang increases substantially with age and difference exists between nationalities. The associated risk factors of the formation of carotid artery plaque include gender, age, smoking, high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, blood glucose and systolic blood pressure. The effect of these factors is different between genders.

Objective: The aim is to investigate the association between coronary heart disease (CHD) and c.553G>T polymorphism of apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) gene and the influence of serum lipid level in the Han ethnic population of Xinjiang., Methods: The polymorphism of ApoA5 gene in 486 patients with CHD and 501 controls was analyzed by methods of polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Level of serum lipid in each patient was detected at the same time., Results: There was significant difference in the distribution of genotypes between CHD group and controls group (χ(2)=8.757, P=0.013). Non-conditioned logistic regression analyses, after adjusted for age, gender, smoking, total serum cholesterol, presence of hypertension and diabetes, revealed that individuals who carried T allele (TT + GT genotype) had an increased risk of CHD, compared to GG genotype (OR=1.753, 95%CI: 1.030-2.983, P<0.05). There was also a remarkable difference noticed in the level of serum triglyceride by genotypes in CHD group and control group (t=-5.242, P<0.01; t=-3.499, P=0.001). Individuals in the two groups who carried T allele had higher level of serum triglyceride than those carried GG genotype. Individuals in CHD group who carried T allele had higher level of serum total cholesterol than those carried GG genotype (t=-2.465, P=0.014)., Conclusion: It seemed that the c.553G>T polymorphism of ApoA5 gene had influenced on the level of serum triglyceride and the total cholesterol among Han population in Xinjiang. c.553G>T polymorphism was associated with the development of CHD, while T allele might be an influencing risk factor on CHD.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and distribution pattern of hypertension in Xinjiang adult population., Methods: A total of 15,061 adults at 35 years old or over were surveyed. Four-stage selected random sampling was employed to analyze the prevalence and distribution pattern of self-reported congestive hypertension in different groups of nationality, age and gender. The sampled adult population was collected from 7 localities (Urumqi, Ke lamayi, Fukang, Turfan Basin, Hetian, Altay, Yili Hazakh autonomous prefecture) in 23 municipalities and 5 autonomous counties in Xinjiang. The proportion of male to female was 50% each., Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 36.21% (male: 38.70% vs female: 34.22%). The Prevalence of hypertension was 33.42%, 28.50% and 48.69% in Han, Uygur and Hazakh populations respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was higher in Hazakh than Han people (χ2=29.36, P<0.01). The males had a higher frequency of hypertension than the females (χ2=20.01, P<0.01). The risk of hypertension increased substantially with age. The analysis of multiple logistic regression revealed that age (OR=1.06), alcohol consumption, obesity (OR=3.12) and levels of triglyceride (OR=1.30) and cholesterol (OR=1.32) and serum glucose (OR=1.41) were risk factors of hypertension. The corresponding relative hazards were age, alcohol consumption, obesity and levels of triglyceride and cholesterol and serum glucose for Han; the risk factors were similar in Uygur except serum glucose. Age, obesity and levels of triglyceride were only for Hazakh., Conclusion: There is still a higher prevalence of hypertension in Xinjiang. The prevalence of hypertension increases substantially with age and there is difference between different nationalities.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and its correlative risk factors in Xinjiang Uygur and Kazak adult populations., Methods: The subjects over the age of 35 years old in Urumqi, Karamay City, Fukang City, Turpan Region, Hotan Prefecture and Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture were selected by the four-stage random sampling method. The investigators collected the data of PAD prevalence in different nationalities, different age groups and different gender groups and analyzed its risk factors., Results: The prevalence of PAD in Uygur and Kazak adults was 6.46% (n = 542). The standardized prevalence was 6.51%. The prevalence of PAD was 7.05% (n = 315) in Uygur adults and 5.79% (n = 227) in Kazak adults. The standardized prevalence in the Uygur and Kazak adults was 7.08% and 5.83% respectively. The prevalence of PAD of different nationalities was different (χ(2) = 5.55, P < 0.05). And its prevalence was 4.49% (n = 170) in males and 8.08% (n = 372) in females. The standardized prevalence was 4.30% in males and 7.90% in females. The prevalence of PAD in males and females was significantly different (χ(2) = 44.26, P < 0.01). The multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Age (OR = 1.01, 95%CI 1.00 - 1.02), females (OR = 1.75, 95%CI 1.45 - 2.14), overweight or obesity (OR = 1.04, 95%CI 1.01 - 1.06), diabetes (OR = 1.59, 95%CI 1.01 - 2.36), elevated systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.02, 95%CI 1.01 - 1.03), elevated diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.08, 95%CI 1.01 - 1.11) and history of coronary heart disease (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.14 - 2.50) were associated with an elevated prevalence of PAD., Conclusion: The prevalence of PAD is lower in Xinjiang Uygur and Kazak adult populations. Females, age, overweight or obesity, diabetes, elevated systolic blood pressure and a history of coronary heart disease are risk factors of PAD.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between stroke and ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse wave velocity (PWV) in Han, Uighur, and Kazakh populations of Xinjiang., Methods: Data was from the investigation of cardiovascular risk survey (CRS) program among different nationalities in Xinjiang from October 2007 to March 2010. A total of 14 618 samples aged over 35 with complete data dimension were surveyed., Results: (1) There were 633 patients with stroke, including 258 Hans (4.48%), 247 Uighurs (5.18%), and 128 Kazakhs (3.13%). The incidence of stroke was significant different in the three ethnic groups (P < 0.001). (2) Compared to the Han population, the incidence of stroke was higher (OR = 1.304) in Uighur but lower (OR = 0.794) in Kazakh. (3) PWV was significant different between stroke and non-stroke patients. After adjustment for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, total cholesterol and other risk factors, the difference remained significant, indicating that PWV (OR = 1.001, P < 0.001) might associate with the occurrence of stroke., Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the incidence of stroke was significantly different in the three ethnic groups. PWV might associate with the occurrence of stroke.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and distributing feature of overweight and obesity in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population in adults from Xinjiang., Methods: Four-stage selected random samples with maternal age at 35 or over were used to analyze the prevalence and distributing feature of self-reported congestive heart failure in different nationalities, age, sex. The sampled adult population were collected from 6 localities (Urumqi, Kelamayi, Fukang, the Turfan Basin locality, Hetian locality, Yili Hazakh autonomous prefecture), 23 municipalities and 7 locality and 5 autonomous counties in Xinjiang., Results: 16 460 people were surveyed. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 36.1% and 26.9% in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population in Xinjiang, respectively from February, 2007. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 41.4% and 18.4% in Han population, 34.9% and 28.9% in Uygur population, but 32.8% and 40.1% in Hazakh population. The prevalence rate of overweight and obesity was higher in males (χ(2) = 135.00, P < 0.05). The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were different between different ethnic groups (χ(2) = 338.232, P < 0.05). The prevalence of overweight was highest in Han population, with the highest seen in Hazakh population. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were increasing with age (χ(2) = 246.80, P < 0.05). The overweight rate in 45-54 year olds and the obesity rate in 55-64 year olds reached their peak values. Results from logistic regression model analyses indicated that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Xinjiang were statistically associated with age, educational level, jobs, smoking and alcohol consumption., Conclusion: The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were much higher in the population of Xinjiang but different among ethnicities. The prevalence of overweight was the highest in Han male population and the rate of obesity in Hazakh male population was the highest.

Objective: To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of rs2229338 and rs12218 loci of serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1) gene in healthy Chinese Han and Uighur populations of Xinjiang., Methods: The genotypes of the SAA1 gene were detected in 316 Uighur and 362 Han healthy individuals by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)., Results: The genotype distributions of both populations were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (both P>0.05). The frequencies of AA, AG and GG genotypes of the rs2229338 locus were 76.6%, 23.4%, and 0 in the Uighurs, and 91.7%, 7.7% and 0.6% in the Hans. There was significant difference in distribution of genotypes between the two populations (P<0.01). The frequencies of CC, CT and TT genotypes of the rs12218 locus were 10.1%, 47.5%, and 42.4% in Uighurs, and 3.3%, 34.3% and 62.4% in Hans. There was also significant difference in distribution of genotypes between the two populations (P<0.01). The A-C and G-T haplotypes were more frequent in the Uighur but the A-T haplotype was more common in the Han population, respectively (both P<0.01)., Conclusion: The mutational frequencies of the tagging SNPs in rs2229338 and rs12218 loci of theSAA1 gene in the Uighurs may be higher than those in Hans.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and practicability of detecting viable myocardium by CARTO voltage mapping in swine model of acute myocardial infarction (MI)., Methods: MI was induced in 13 anesthetized swines via occluding the distal of left anterior descending coronary arteries by angioplasty balloon for 60-90 minutes. The viable myocardium detection by CARTO voltage mapping was made after reconstruction of the left ventricle using CARTO and the results were compared with TTC staining. The standard of CARTO voltage to detect viable myocardium was 0.5 - 1.5 mV while viable myocardium showed pink color by TTC staining., Results: Eleven out of 13 swines survived the operation and 2 swines died of ventricular fibrillation at 45 and 65 minutes post ischemia. Left ventricle was divided into 16 segments and 176 segments from 11 swines were analyzed. Viable myocardium detected by CARTO voltage mapping was identical as identified by TTC staining (Kappa = 0.816, P < 0.001). Taken the TTC result as standard, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of CARTO voltage mapping are 71.8%, 96.5% and 90.9% respectively., Conclusion: CARTO voltage mapping could be used as a reliable tool to detect viable myocardium in this model.

Objective: To explore the association of genetic polymorphism (rs12218) of serum amyloid protein A1 (SAA1) with serum high density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C)., Methods: A total of 607 healthy subjects were recruited into the Cardiovascular Risk Survey between June 2007 and March 2009. Their genotypes of SAA1 were detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)., Results: There was no significant difference between each genotype of SAA1 in triglyceride, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). But marked significance existed between CC genotype and TT genotype in serum HDL-C level both before [(1.28 ± 0.38) mmol/L vs (1.44 ± 0.43) mmol/L, P = 0.017] and after adjusting for gender and age [(1.27 ± 0.07) mmol/L vs (1.41 ± 0.03) mmol/L, P = 0.048]., Conclusion: In Chinese Han people, the genetic polymorphism of SAA1 may reflect the serum concentration of HDL-C. The carriers with CC genotype have a lower HDL-C level.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and distributing feature of chronic heart failure (CHF) in adult population of Xinjiang., Methods: Four-stage random sampling method was used to analyze the prevalence and distributing feature of self-reported congestive heart failure among different nationalities in adult (35 years and over) population of Xinjiang. Sampling was collected from 6 localities (Urumqi, Kelamayi, Fukang, Turfan Basin, Hetian, Yili Hazakh)., Results: A total of 8459 adults were surveyed. The prevalence of CHF was 1.26% in this cohort. The prevalence of CHF was 0.89%, 1.11% and 2.14%(*) in Han, Uygur and Hazakh population, respectively ((*)P < 0.05 vs. Han and Uygur). The risk of CHF was higher in the males than in the females (1.61% vs. 0.93%, u = 2.79, P < 0.05). The prevalence of CHF increased in proportion with aging and was 0.29%, 0.60%, 1.32%, 2.55% and 4.10% in 35 - 44, 45 - 54, 55 - 64, 65 - 74, 75 years and over age groups, respectively. Common complications of CHF were hypertension (63.55%), coronary heart disease (42.99%), diabetes (18.69%), valvular heart disease (5.61%) and atrial fibrillation (4.67%)., Conclusion: The prevalence of CHF in Xinjiang was higher than the average level in China (0.9%) and was the highest in the Hazakh population.

Aim: To construct the adenovirus vector containing human erythropoietin gene (hEPO) and to detect its expression in HeLa cells., Methods: hEPO gene was subcloned into the shuttle plasmid pAdTrack-CMV and then a two-step transformation procedure was employed to construct a recombinant adenoviral plasmid with hEPO. The recombinant adenoviral plasmid with hEPO was digested with Pac I and then transfected into HEK293 cells to package recombinant adenovirus particles. The recombinant adenovirus containing hEPO gene was identified by PCR and transmission electron microscopy and was purified by cesium choride density centrifugation. The viral titer was checked by GFP. HeLa cells were infected by the recombinant adenovirus and the transcription and expression of hEPO gene were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot., Results: Recombinant adenovirus vector pAdEasy-hEPO was constructed and a recombinant adenovirus was obtained by transfecting HEK293 cells with pAdEasy-hEPO. The high expression of green fluorescence protein expression in HEK293 and HeLa cell lines was observed under fluorescent microscope. PCR and electron microscopy test showed that a recombinant adenovirus RAd-hEPO was successfully constructed and the titer of the recombinant adenovirus reached 1.8 x 10(10) pfu/mL.The expression of hEPO gene in the infected HeLa cells was confirmed by Western blot., Conclusion: The recombinant adenovirus RAd-hEPO can be successfully expressed in the infected HeLa cells, which lays the foundation for further research into therapy for ischemic heart diseases.

Aim: To evaluate the transfection efficiency using recombinant adeno-associated virus Serotype 9 mediated enhanced green fluorescent protein (rAAV9- EGFP) to rats H9C2 cells and the impact on growth of H9C2 cells., Methods: rAAV9-EGFP was transfected into H9C2 cells at different multiplicities of infection (MOI=1 x 10(5), 1 x 10(6), 1 x 10(7)). EGFP expression in the cells was observed under inverted fluorescence microscope, and the EGFP-positive cell percentage determined by flow cytometry. Alamar Blue assay was used to assess the proliferation of the transfected cells., Results: The cells with rAAV9-EGFP transfection at MOI of 1 x 10(6) and 1 x 10(7) began to exhibit EGFP expression 1 days after transfection and the cells transfection at MOI of 1 x 10(5) began to exhibit EGFP expression 2 days after transfection. the fluorescence intensity increased with the MOI used for transfection. EGFP expression reached the maximum on day 4, at the point of which the transduction efficiency of rAAV9-EGFP in H9C2 cells was (14.1+/-0.2)%, (35.1+/-4.8)% and (56.8+/-0.1)%. Corresponding to MOIs of 1 x 10(5), 1 x 10(6) and 1 x 10(7), respectively. Alamar Blue assay did not reveal significant difference in the absorbance between the transfected cells and the control cells after transfection., Conclusion: rAAV9-EGFP gene can be stably and efficiently expressed in H9C2 cells without causing cell growth inhibition.This study played foundation for further research.

Objective: To assess the effects of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (PBPV) for patients with pulmonary valve stenosis (PS)., Methods: From February 1996 to March 2003, 65 patients with isolated PS were diagnosed by echocardiography and received PBPV in our department, clinical data were analyzed in this study., Results: Age of 65 patients ranged from 1 to 48 years [mean (13.5 +/- 9.3) years]. The pulmonary transvalvular gradient (PTG) was (86.4 +/- 33.6) mm Hg(1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) and the right ventricular systolic pressure was (107.5 +/- 36.5) mm Hg before PBPV. Single-balloon valvuloplasty was performed in 41 patients, double-balloon valvuloplasty in 6 patients and Inoue-balloon valvuloplasty in 18 patients. The ratio of balloon/valve ranged from 1.00 to 1.19 in 19 patients, from 1.20 to 1.39 in 42 patients, and greater than 1.40 in 4 patients. The procedure was classified as successful when the RV-PA gradient was < 36 mm Hg post procedure, 6 to 12 months follow up was finished after PBPV by catheterization or echocardiography in 25 patients. Immediate post procedure success rate was 81.5% (53/65). The lowest PTG immediately post procedure was seen in Inoue balloon group and balloon/valve ratio between 1.20 to 1.39 group. Post procedure, tricuspid valve regurgitation was evidenced in 2 patients, reactive right ventricular outflow tract stenosis was shown in 26 patients (13 from Inoue group) and pulmonary regurgitation was detected in 3 patients. The mean PTG was (35.7 +/- 23.9) mm Hg at follow-up. PTG gradually reduced to normal in 6 patients with post procedure PTG > or = 36 mm Hg. Right ventricular outflow tract stenosis was attenuated in all 11 followuped patients. There was no restenosis during follow-up., Conclusion: Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty was effective and safe for treating patients with pulmonary valve stenosis. Superior outcome was linked with balloon/valve ratio between 1.20 to 1.39 and Inoue balloon valvuloplasty in this cohort.

Objective: To observe the association between wnt signal pathway and post infarction left ventricular remodeling/rupture in mice with various ages., Methods: Three months-old (young group, n = 116) and 18 months-old (aged group, n = 116) male C57/BL mice were studied. Seventy mice underwent ligation of left coronary artery, 10 sham-operation and echocardiography and hemodynamics were performed 7 d post-infarction, 36 infarcted mice were used for detecting expression of dvl-1, beta-catenin and connexin 43 in left ventricular (LV) myocardium and infarction region at 3 d, 7 d, 14 d post infarction (n = 12 each)., Results: Incidence of cardiac rupture was significantly higher in aged mice than in young mice (36.7% vs. 16.7%, P < 0.05) and degree of LV dilation and contractile dysfunction was significantly severer in aged mice than those in young mice post infarction. Expression of dvl-1, beta-catenin in left ventricle was upregulated in MI group compared with sham group (P < 0.05), expression of dvl-1 and beta-catenin in infarction region in MI 3d group in aged mice was significantly downregulated than in young mice (P < 0.05). Expression of connexin 43 is 2.15 fold higher in young sham mice than in aged sham mice (P < 0.05) and decreased significantly post infarction (P < 0.05). Expression of connexin 43 in infarction region in mice 3 d and 14 d post infarction was significantly lower in aged mice than in respective young mice (all P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Reductant activation of wnt signal pathway post infarction in aged mice might be responsible for increased incidence of cardiac rupture and aggravated remodeling.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between human CYP4F2 gene and myocardial infarction (MI), using a haplotype-based case-control study. A separate analysis on gender was also carried out., Methods: There were 250 MI patients and 250 control subjects genotyped for 5 SNPs of the human CYP4F2 gene (rs3093105, rs3093135, rs1558139, rs2108622, rs3093200). Data were assessed on 3 separate groups: the total subjects, men and women., Results: For men, G allele was significantly higher in the MI patients than in the control subjects and the overall distribution of the haplotypes was significantly different between the MI patients and the control subjects (P=0.002). Also in men, the frequency of T-C-G haplotype was significantly higher for MI patients than for control subjects (P=0.002), and the frequency of T-C-A haplotype was significantly lower for MI patients than for control subjects (P=0.003)., Conclusion: Data from the present results indicated that MI was associated with G allele of rs2108622 in men, suggesting that T-C-G haplotype might serve as genetic marker for MI in men.

Objective: To investigate the effects of ischemic postconditioning (IPost) in protecting hypertrophic myocardium subjected to ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) and to study the role of extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) in mediating such protection., Methods: Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) operation was performed on 12-week-old C57/BL mice to establish left ventricular hypertrophy models. Sixty-four isolated TAC mouse hearts were mounted onto the Langendorff perfusion system and randomly divided into 4 equal group: (1) I/R group undergoing stable perfusion for 30 min, ischemia for 30 min, and re-perfusion for 120 min (an I/R cycle) to cause hypertrophic myocardium I/R injury, (2) IPost group undergoing ischemia for 10s and reperfusion for 10s, totally 3 cycles (60s) before reperfusion for 120 min, (3) I/R+ PD98059 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor) group undergoing perfusion of Krebs-Henseleit (KH) buffer with PD98059 10(-5)mol/L for 15 min and perfusion of KH buffer without PD98059 at the beginning of re-perfusion, and (4) IPost + PD98059 group undergoing 3 cycles of IPost and perfusion of KH buffer with PD98059 10(-5)mol/L for 15 min at the beginning of re-perfusion. Hemodynamic examination was conducted 120 min after re-perfusion to measure the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), maximal uprising velocity of left ventricle pressure (dp/dt(max)), and minimal uprising velocity of left ventricle pressure (dp/dt(min)). After the I/R procedure the myocardium of the left ventricle was isolated to detect the infarction size (IS). Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, phosphorylated ERK1/2, Bcl-2, Bax, and mitochondrial and cytosolic cytochrome (Cyt). C. TUNEL was used to detect the apoptotic rate., Results: The LVSP and dp/dt(max) levels of the IPost group were (85 +/- 4) mm Hg and (3811 +/- 230) mm Hg/s, both significantly higher than those of the I/R group [(68 +/- 5) mm Hg and (2830 +/- 230) mm Hg/s respectively, both P < 0.05]. Compared with the I/R group, the protein levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2, Bcl-2, mitochondrial CytC of the IPost group were all significantly higher, the protein levels of Bax and cytosolic CytC, and apoptosis index were significantly lower (all P < 0.05), and the IS was smaller (P < 0.05). I/R + PD98059 showed no effects on the above-mentioned parameters. However, the results of the IPost + PD98059 group showed that in the first 15 min of reperfusion addition of PD98059 reversed all changes observed in the IPost group and eliminated the IPost protection by increasing IS to a level similar to that in the I/R group., Conclusion: IPost has protective effect in hypertrophic myocardium with I/R injury in vitro. ERK1/2 signaling pathway is involved in the protection of IPost by regulating the myocyte apoptosis.

Objective: To investigate the association between the polymorphism of prostacyclin synthase gene (CYP8A1) and myocardial infarction (MI) in Uigur population., Methods: Totally 210 patients with MI and 206 healthy control subjects were detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The serum 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) was detected with radioimmunoassay kit in all subjects., Results: The frequencies of CC, AC and AA were 0.024 (5/210), 0.124 (26/210) and 0.852 (179/210) in MI group while ones those 0.010 (2/206), 0.073 (15/206) and 0.917 (189/206) in the controls. There was no significant difference in frequencies of CC, AC and AA genotypes between controls and MI cases (chi(2) = 0.782, P > 0.05), but the frequency of CC + AC genotype in MI group [0.14 (31/210)] was higher than that in the controls [0.083 (17/206)] giving significant difference (chi(2) = 4.321, P = 0.031). The C allele frequency in the MI group [0.086 (36/420)] was higher than that in the controls [0.046 (19/412)] showing significant statistical difference (chi(2) = 5.284, P = 0.021). There was significant difference (t = 6.255, P < 0.01) in serum 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) level between MI group [(17.40 +/- 4.56) pg/ml] and control group [(20.34 +/- 5.02) pg/ml]. In the cases and control group, the serum 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) level of the persons with CC + AC genotype [(14.30 +/- 3.31) pg/ml, (18.31 +/- 4.62) pg/ml] was lower than those of AA genotypes [(19.34 +/- 5.51) pg/ml, (25.10 +/- 5.00) pg/ml], and the statistical significance was also observed (t' = 6.934, P < 0.05; t = 5.393, P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the C allele of the CYP8A1 gene was an independent risk factor for MI (OR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.06 - 2.05)., Conclusion: The C allele of CYP8A1 might be a risk factor of MI in Uigur population, and be resulting from the decrease of serum 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) level for gene variation.

Objective: To investigate the association between the polymorphisms and haplotypes of prostacyclin synthase gene with MI in Uigur patients in Xinjiang., Methods: 210 patients with MI and 206 healthy control subjects were genotyped for 3 SNPs of the human prostacyclin synthase gene by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism., Results: The genotype distributions of the control group and MI group were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (both P > 0.05). The frequency of CC of rs5629 in MI group was significantly higher than that in controls (71.42% vs. 61.65%, P = 0.035). The frequency of A-C-T haplotype was significantly higher in the control group than that in the MI patients (4.01% vs. 0.60%, P = 0.001). The frequency of C-T-T haplotype was significantly higher in the MI patients than that in the controls (7.40% vs. 3.31%, P = 0.011). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting hypertension, hyperlipemia and smoking, the CC genotype of rs5629 (P = 0.021, OR = 1.665, 95%CI: 1.024 - 2.156) and the C-T-T haplotype (P = 0.011, OR = 1.876, 95%CI: 1.410 - 3.171) was the independent risk factors for MI., Conclusion: The CC genotype of rs5629 and the C-T-T haplotype of prostacyclin synthase gene are associated with MI but the A-C-T haplotype of prostacyclin synthase gene might be a protective factor of MI in Uigur population of Xinjiang.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of genetic polymorphism of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostacyclin synthase with myocardial infarction (MI) in Uigur population in Xinjiang., Methods: 178 patients with MI and 175 healthy control subjects were detected on the genetic polymorphism of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostacyclin synthase by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism. Other serum 6-keto-PGF1alpha concentration and biochemical indicators were detected in all the subjects., Results: (1) The genotype distributions of the control group and MI group were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequencies of CC, CA and AA genotype of prostacyclin synthase were 75.84%, 17.42% and 6.74% in MI group while they were 64.57%, 28.29% and 9.14% in controls respectively. There was significant difference in frequencies of CC genotype and C allele as well as CA and AA genotypes between controls and MI cases. (2) The frequencies of -765GG, -765GC and -765CC genotype of cyclooxygenase-2 were 78.65%, 19.66% and 1.69% in MI group while they were 55.43%, 34.86% and 9.71% in controls respectively. There was significant difference in frequencies of three genotypes and alleles between the two groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (3) In combined genotype analysis, the genotype of PGIS CC + COX-2 -765GG was significantly higher in patients with MI than in control subjects (P < 0.05). The odds ratio estimated through combined analysis of the PGIS CC and COX-2 -765GG genotypes (OR = 3.87) markedly increased when compared with that estimated separately from the PGIS CC (OR = 1.72) or COX-2 -765GG (OR = 2.94) genotype. (4) There was a significant difference in serum 6-keto-PGF1alpha level between MI group and control group (P < 0.05), but there were no differences found in every genotype of PGIS and COX-2 gene (P > 0.05). In the cases with both COX-2 -765GG and PGIS CC genotypes, the serum 6-keto-PGF1alpha levels was lower than that of others (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The CC genotype and C allele of prostacyclin synthase, -765GG genotype and G allele of COX-2 might serve as risk factors of MI of Uigur population in Xinjiang. Populations with both COX-2 -765GG and PGIS CC genotypes were more at risk with MI than others which might be resulted from the decreased serum 6-keto-PGF1alpha concentration. The -765CC genotype and C allele of COX-2 gene might have protective functions on MI among Uigur population in Xinjiang.

Objective: To explore the effects of ischemia postconditioning (IPC) on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and associated reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) signal transduction pathways changes in isolated mouse hearts., Methods: Langendorff perfused C57/BL mouse hearts were divided to 6 groups: (1) control: 30 min global ischemia and 2 h reperfusion (I/R); (2) IPC with 3 episodes, IPC with 3 episodes of 10 s of ischemia and 10 s reperfusion after 30 min ischemia and before 2 h reperfusion; (3) IPC with 6 episodes, IPC with six episodes of 10 s of ischemia and 10 s reperfusion after 30 min ischemia and before 2 h reperfusion; (4) delayed IPC, IPC with 3 episodes of 10 s of ischemia and 10 s reperfusion after 30 min ischemia and at one minute after reperfusion; (5) IPC + ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (10(-5) mol/L for 15 min); (6) I/R + ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (10(-5) mol/L for 15 min). The effects of IPC on hemodynamics, coronary artery flow, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, myocardial SOD, MDA, phospho-protein kinase (P-ERK1/2) and phospho-protein kinase B (P-Akt) as well as myocardial infarction size were measured., Results: IPC with 3 episodes and IPC with 6 episodes significantly and equally improved myocardial function, increased myocardial SOD, reduced CK and LDH release and myocardial infarction size compared with IR group (all P < 0.01) while these parameters were similar between I/R hearts and delayed IPC hearts. IPC significantly increased myocardial ERK1/2 phosphorylation, PD98059 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and abolished the cardioprotective effects induced by IPC., Conclusions: IPC obviously attenuated I/R injury in isolated mouse hearts, the cardioprotection of IPC was not enhanced because of increasing of IPC episodes and disappeared in delayed IPC. The cardioprotective effects of IPC were mediated through ERK1/2-MAPK signal transduction pathway.

Objective: Catheter closure of perimembrane ventricular septal defect (PMVSD) using the Amplatzer asymmetric ventricular septal defect occluder (AAVSDO) is a potential alternative for open surgical repair. However, the profile of the device obtained after closure probably continues to change some concerns regarding its safety. This study was designed to evaluate the morphologic changes of AAVSDO by transthoracic echocardiography examination (TTE) and X-ray examination after transcatheter closure of PMVSD., Methods: A total of 23 patients, aged 2.5 - 47.0 years, with PMVSDs underwent transcatheter closure with the AAVSDO. Each patient underwent TTE and X-ray examination with same radiography system immediately, 72 hours, 6 months and 1 year after the transcatheter closure procedures, respectively. Seven parameters were measured by TTE and X-ray to evaluate the morphologic changes of AAVSDO: the distance between superior edge of left disk of AAVSDO and aortic valve (L(1)), the distance between superior extremity edge of two disks of the occluder (L(2)), the distance between inferior extremity edge of two disks of the occluder (L(3)), the distance between two marks on the left and right disks (L(4)), the diameter of left disk (D(1)), the diameter of left disk (D(2)), and the degree of angle between left and right disks (alpha). In the meantime, the influences of occluder's morphologic changes were evaluated by TTE., Results: The PMVSD diameter ranged from (8.53 +/- 4.82) mm (3.91 - 17.0 mm). The device diameter ranged from 6 - 18 (10.34 +/- 7.16) mm. AAVSDO was performed successfully in all the 23 patients who underwent immediately, 72 hours and 6 months follow-up after catheter closure, and 12 patients accomplished 1-year follow-up. L(2), L(4) and alpha were shorter at 6-months than 72-hours after procedures, but D(1) and D(2) were greater at 6-months than 72-hours after procedures in all patients. Alpha was decreased further 1 year after the procedure, but other parameters did not change significantly compared with those at 6-months after procedures. The lower profile and smaller thickness of AAVSDO were observed in the follow-up. Meanwhile, D(1) and D(2) changed significantly during the follow-up. L(4) had a weak positive correlation with device size (r = 0.47, 0.33 and 0.39, respectively) and with alpha (r = 0.47, 0.53 and 0.49, respectively), and had weak negative correlation with D1 (r = -0.27, -0.45 and -0.29, respectively). After deployment of the prosthesis there was no residual shunt in 20 of 23 patients (87%). There was a trivial residual shunt that disappeared at the six month follow up in two patients, and a small residual shunt that disappeared at the one year follow up in one patient. The morphologic changes of AAVSDO did not influence the structure near PMVSD., Conclusion: The morphologic changes of Amplatzer occluder were observed in the follow-up. The change of the occluder was safe and beneficial to improve short-term curative effect.