BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated that intermittent high glucose can have a more severe impact on vascular endothelial function in comparison with persistent hyperglycemia.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intermittent high glucose on the proliferation and apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from human peripheral blood in vitro as well as the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant. METHODS: Total mononuclear cells were isolated from human peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation and then the cells were placed on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After 7 days of culture, the adherent cells were identified as EPCs by laser scanning confocal microscope. The cells were synchronized and then stimulated with glucose 5.5 mmol/L (normal control group), 20 mmol/L (constant high glucose group), and 5.5/20 mmol/L (intermittent high glucose group, 5.5 and 20 mmol/L glucose culture solution was changed every 8 hours) for 72 hours. EPCs proliferation and apoptosis was measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The content of MDA and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in culture solution were detected with colorimetry.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After EPCs were exposed to constant high glucose (20 mmol/L) and intermittent high glucose (5.5/20 mmol/L) for 72 hours, proliferated cells were significantly reduced and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased compared with those exposed to normal glucose (P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in MDA contents as well as a significant reduce in SOD activities in the constant high glucose and intermittent high glucose group (P < 0.01), especially in the latter group. These findings indicated that both intermittent high glucose and constant glucose could inhibit the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of EPCs; however, intermittent high glucose appears to worsen the effects on EPCs. This is maybe due to the increased oxidative stress.

Objective To detect the expression of vascular endotheilal growth factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), and its receptor CXCR-4 in the retinopathy of diabetic rats, and to explore the relationship between those factors and diabetic-retinopathy(DR). Methods Diabetes was induced in 40 rats with a single intraperitional injection of streptozotocin(STZ). Experimental rats were randomly divided into M1 (diabetic for 1 month), M3 (diabetic for 3 months), and M5 (diabetic for 5 months) groups, and another 10 rats served as a normal control group (NC). Retinal vascular status was observed by transmission electron microscope. After retinal stretched preparation, VEGF, SDF-1α and CXCR-4 immunohistochemistry were done. Retinal VEGF, SDF-1α, and CXCR-4 mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Protein expression was measured by Western blot. Results Under transmission electron microscope, change in vascular status was found in M1 to M5 groups, but not in the NC group. The changes became increasingly serious with the prolongation of the disease. By immunohistochemistry, we found the expression of VEGF, SDF-1α, and CXCR-4 on the retina increased gradually. It increased after injecting STZ for 1 month and increased significantly after 5 months.VEGF, SDF-1α, and CXCR-4 mRNA expression increased obviously after injecting STZ for 1 month and increased significantly after 5 months. Western blot showed that protein of VEGF, SDF-1α, and CXCR-4 had no change after injecting STZ for 1 month. It began to increase in the M3 group and increased most in the M5 group. Conclusion The expression of VEGF, SDF-1α, and CXCR-4 on the retina in retinopathy of diabetic rats increases gradually with the prolongation of the disease. It is an important factor for diabetic retinopathy.

Objective To observe the effects of stromal cell-derived-factor-1(SDF-1) on the function of endotheli?al progenitor cells(EPCs)of peripheral blood in patients with diabetes, and to discuss the effects of PI3K/AKT signaling path?way on the role of SDF-1 in EPCs. Methods The peripheral blood samples (30 mL) were collected in 10 diabetes patients (DM group) and 10 healthy controls (HC group). (1) The 100μg/L SDF-1 was added in intervention group. EGM-2MV was added in non-intervention group. The Boyden chamber and in vitro angiogenesis kit were used to analyze the migration and in vitro angiogenesis of EPCs. (2) Cultured EPCs were divided into blank control group, 1μg/L SDF-1 group, 10μg/L SDF-1 group, 100μg/L SDF-1 group, pure AMD3100 group and 100μg/L SDF-1+AMD3100 group. AKT protein expression lev?els of endothelial progenitor cells were detected by Western blot assay in each group. Results (1) Without intervention with SDF-1, EPCs’migration and angiogenesis ability were lower in DM group than those in HC group. After intervention with SDF-1, the migration and angiogenesis ability were enhanced in two groups, but the increased level was higher in DM group than that of HC group. (2) Under the same concentration, AKT protein expression level was significantly lower in DM group than that in HC group (P<0.01). AKT protein expression levels were increased with the increased levels of SDF-1 in DM group and HC group (P<0.05). AKT protein expression was significantly lower in 100μg/L SDF-1+AMD3100 group than that of 100μg/L SDF-1 group (P<0.05). Conclusion SDF-1 can increase the chemotactic migration and angiogenesis ability of EPCs in peripheral blood, especially for patients with diabetes. The effects of SDF-1 on EPCs were related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Objective To evaluate the feature of level Ⅱaxillary lymph nodes from breast cancer detected by ultrasound. Methods Eighty-nine cases of breast cancers with level Ⅱaxillary lymph nodes diagnosed in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2008 to October 2013 were retrospectively studied, including 66 cases of breast cancer patients pre-operatively, 23 cases of breast cancer post-operatively, all cases were female. The number, size, long/short ratio, presence of a hilum, and Doppler features of the lymph nodes were observed. The accuracy sensitivity, speciifcity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of each signiifcant parameter were analyzed. Results Ultrasound examination revealed more than axillary lymph nodes, the accuracy sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of diagnosing lymph nodes were 71.9%, 56.8%, 89.7%, 87.9%and 61.4%respectively. The maximum diameter of levelⅡaxillary lymph node was more than or equal to 10 mm, the accuracy sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of diagnosing lymph nodes were 67.4%, 58.0%, 79.5%, 78.4%and 59.6%respectively. If there were two ultrasonographic characteristics simultaneously, the diagnostic sensitivity (87.8%) and accuracy (78.6%) could be significantly improved, the specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of diagnosing lymph nodes were 60.0%, 72.3%and 80.0%. Conclusion The number and size of lymph nodes in level Ⅱaxillary area are valuable sonographic characteristics for the diagnosis of benign and malignant lymph nodes.

Objective To explore the feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasonograhy (CEUS) in preoperative classification of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microvascular morphology.Methods Totally 94 HCC patients who underwent CEUS were analyzed retrospectively. And the offline Time-intensity curve (TIC) were drawn using SonoTumor. The tumor size, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), cirrhosis, Child-Pugh classifi cation, tumor differentiation and TNM stage were statistically analyzed. The intratumoralmicrovessels of HCC in 94 cases were evaluated by CD34 immunohistochemical staining. The relationship between intratumoral microvessel morphology and CEUS parameters were analyzed.Results CD34 immunohistochemical staining showed three distinct microvessel types in 94 cases of HCC: 28 cases of capillary-like type, 14 cases of sinusoid-like type and 52 cases of mixed type. There were no significant differences of clinical data among three microvascular morphology types. The parameters of peak strength (PE), rise time (RT), wash-in rate (WiR), wash-in perfusion index (WiPI), wash-in area under the curve (WiAUC) and mean transit time (MTT) in 28 cases of capillary-like type were (4350.7±2566.0) a.u, (10.7±3.2) s, (717.0±489.9) a.u, (12820.3±8331.6 )a.u, (128 240.8±74 487.1) a.u, (71.9±33.1)s. Those parameters in 14 cases of sinusoid-like type were (2471.6±1107.1) a.u, (16.2±4.2)s, (321.9±171) a.u, (5 561.4±2 938.0) a.u, (86 780.1±47 563.7) a.u, (117.8±69.6)s. And in 52 cases of mixed type they were (3563.2±2343.1) a.u, (14.1±4.8)s, (519.4±403.2) a.u, (9 015.3±6 884.7)a.u, (128 240.8±74 487.1) a.u, (71.9±33.1) s respectively. The CEUS parameters of WiR, WiPI in capillary-like type HCC patients were higher than sinusoid-like type and mixed type HCC patients, while RT was lower than sinusoid-like type and mixed type HCC patients, and the differences were signifi cant (WiR: t=3.87, 3.3, bothP=0.05; WiPI: t=2.96, 2.06, bothP=0.05; RT: t=3.19, 2.34, bothP=0.05). The parameter of PE in capillary-like type HCC patients were signifi cantly higher than that in sinusoid-like type HCC patients (t=2.51,P=0.05). And the parameter of PE in capillary-like type HCC patients was higher than mixed HCC patients, but there was no signifi cant difference. The parameters of PE, WiR and WiPI in mixed type HCC patients were higher than that in sinusoid-like type HCC patients, while RT in mixed type HCC patients were lower than that in sinusoid-like type HCC patients, but there were no signifi cant differences. No signifi cant differences of WiAUC and MTT were observed in HCC patients with different microvascular morphology.Conclusions There were signifi cant differences of CEUS parameters in different microvascular morphology types. And CEUS, as a non-invasive method, can be used for preliminary preoperative prediction of microvascular morphology in HCC patients.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of healthcare-associated infection (HAI)in a hospital in 2013-2015,and provide reference for the improvement of HAI management.Methods Prevalence rates of HAI among patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in 2013 -2015 were investigated with cross-sec-tional survey method,prevalence rates of HAI and constituent ratios of HAI sites in patients of different genders and different age groups were analyzed.Results In 2013 -2015,29 605 patients should be investigated,29 581 (99.92%)were actually investigated.Prevalence rates of HAI in 2013-2015 were 2.83%,2.14%,and 1 .73%,re-spectively,difference was significant(χ2 =27.521 ,P <0.01),which showed a downward trend year by year.Preva-lence rates of HAI in male was significantly higher than that of female (2.47% vs 1 .98%,χ2 =7.954,P <0.01). The prevalence rates of HAI in the age dimension was roughly U-shaped distribution in 2013 -2015.Prevalence rates of HAI in ≥70 age group was the highest(4.15%),in 0 -30 age group decreased with age,in > 30 age group increased with age.The top three sites for prevalence of HAI were lower respiratory tract (45.67%),upper respiratory tract (9.92%),and urinary tract (8.52%).Conclusion The prevalence rates of HAI decreased year by year in 2013-2015,which suggests that HAI prevention and control measures are effectively implemented.

Objective To get the facts on lifestyle and bone mineral density among the community residents who are above 40 years old in Nanchang,therefore to offer reference for prevention and treatment to the community residents with abnormal bone mineral density.Methods Use Ultrasound bone mineral density detection instrument to detect the calcaneus mineral density among 10 002 community residents who were over 40 years old.The results can be classified as normal,osteopenia and osteoporosis.A questionnaire survey was conducted among all interviewees.The questionnaire consisted of basic information,general situation,lifestyle,height,weight,waistline,hipline.The body mass index was calculated.The relationship between bone mineral density and smoking,drinking,milk,sodas,sports,etc was analyzed.Results As to osteoporosis,the morbidity of male patients was 6.8％,and that of female patients was 10.4％,as to osteopenia,the morbidity of male patients was 43.8％,and that of female patients was 39.7％.Male smokers' morbidity of abnormal bone mineral density was high,there were no significant differences among the groups,female smokers' morbidity of abnormal bone mineral density was low,there were significant differences among the groups.Drinkers' morbidity of abnormal bone mineral density was low,there were no significant differences among the groups;People taking milk and sodas,taking more exercises suffered from lower morbidity of abnormal bone mineral density,there were significant differences among the groups.Conclusions Female,the elderly,povertyin movement,low intake of milk result in high morbidity of abnormal bone mineral density,while the influence of drinking and smoking on abnormal bone mineral density requires further research.

Objective To investigate the effect of tacrolimus on the function of islet beta cells in mature SD rats.Methods 72 Healthy SD rats were divided into 4 groups by random number table:High dose group (group H),middle dose group (group M),low dose group (group L) and control group,18 for each group.Measured body weight every 3 days and monitored fasting blood glucose every month.Fasting serum insulin levels (FINS) was determined by enzyme-linked immunoasaay (ELISA) after 1 month and 4 months later.The histological structure of islets were observed by HE staining.Results The clinical symptoms of polydipsia and polyuria in rats after 4 months in group H and M group tacrolimus irrigation group were presented,and the weight growth rate was lower than earlier;There was no significant change in blood glucose within one month of each group,as the duration of drug administration was extended,the blood glucose levels of the experimental groups gradually increased significantly and were positively correlated with the concentration;In the early stage of insulin level,the insulin secretion was negatively correlated with the concentration of tacrolimus;After 1 month,HE staining the pancreatic structure was clear and the islet structure was intact,After 4 months,the pancreatic tissue structure of H and M group was destroyed.Conclusion The short-term use of tacrolimus will not cause damage to the function of beta cells of the islet,but long-term use may gradually lead to the damage of beta cell function,and these changes are closely related to the concentration of tacrolimus.

Objective To assess the risk factors of multidrug-resistant organism(MDRO)healthcare-associated pneumonia(HCAP).Methods The case-control study was conducted in patients admitted to 22 hospitals in 4 cities between April 1 ,2013 and December 31 ,2013,patients with HCAP caused by MDRO (MRSA,MDRPA,MDRAB, ESBL KP,ESBL E.coli)(drug-resistant group )and drug-sensitive organisms (MSSA,PA,AB,KP,E.coli)(drug-sensitive group )were surveyed .Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis methods were used to evaluate the risk factors for MDRO HCAP.The prognosis,cost and length of hospital stay between drug-resistant group and drug-sensitive group were compared .Results A total of 1 656 patients were included in the study ,including 43 pa-tients (2.60%)with mixed infection caused by both drug-resistant and drug-sensitive organisms ;there were 927 ca-ses (55.98%)in drug-resistant group and 772 cases(46.62%)in drug-sensitive group .Logistic regression model re-vealed that admission to ICUs (OR 95%CI :1 .55[1 .14-2.11]),mechanical ventilation (OR 95%CI :1 .45[1 .15-1 .84]),arteriovenous catheterization (OR 95%CI :1 .29 [1 .02 - 1 .63 ]),fiberbronchoscopy (OR 95%CI :1 .46 [1 .02-2.09]),antimicrobial use(OR 95%CI :1 .63[1 .20-2.22]),chronic lung diseases (OR 95%CI :1 .54[1 .13-2.10]),and chronic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (OR 95%CI :1 .42[1 .15-1 .74])were independ-ent risk factors for MDRO HCAP .Compared with drug-sensitive group ,drug-resistant group prolonged length of hospital stay by an average of 5.89 days,increased hospitalization and antimicrobial expense by ￥40 739.30 and￥2 805.80 respectively;prognoses was worse,risk factor was 1 .66-fold of drug-sensitive group(OR 95%CI :1 .16-2.35).Conclusion Admission to ICUs,invasive operations,antimicrobial use,chronic lung diseases and chronic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can increase the risk of MDRO HCAP .

Objective To realize the current situation of prevention and control of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)since the development of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)management in China in the re-cent 30 years.Methods Random cluster sampling was used to select 165 secondary and tertiary hospitals in 13 provinces and cities in China,questionnaires were filled in,the content included time,scope,method,data feed-back,and incidence of CAUTI monitoring.Results Of 165 hospitals,92.12% (152/165)have implemented targe-ted monitoring,the implementation rate in tertiary hospitals was higher than secondary hospitals (98.08% [102/104]vs 81.97%[50/61],χ2 =13.748,P <0.001).Most hospitals (82.24%[125/152])only implemented monito-ring in intensive care units(ICUs)or partial ICUs.HAI management professionals,HAI control doctors and nurses in 69.08%(105/152)of hospitals jointly took responsibility for CAUTI monitoring.95.39% (145/152)of hospitals diagnosed CAUTI by combination of clinical manifestations and laboratory examination results.98.68%(150/152) of hospitals have gradually implemented intervention measures,such as strictly mastering the indications of urinary indwelling catheters,hand hygiene of health care workers,non-frequent change of urinary indwelling catheters,and necessity for daily assessment of catheterization.75.66% (115/152)of hospitals conducted feedback of monitored results to the whole hospital.Incidences of CAUTI in pre-2010,2010,and 2015 were 3.10‰,4.72‰,and 1.89‰respectively.Conclusion In the recent 30 years,monitoring on CAUTI in China has obtained achievement,CAUTI monitoring is gradually standardized and scientific,but the development at all levels of medical institutions is still imbalance,which needs to be improved further.