Objective:To measure serum levels of salusins and catestatin and analyze their correlation in patients with essential hypertension (EH) .Methods :A total of 90 EH patients were selected as hypertension group .According to blood pressure level ,they were further divided into hypertension stage 1 group (n=31) ,hypertension stage 2 group (n=30) and hypertension stage 3 group (n=29) .Another 40 normotensive subjects undergoing physical examina‐tion were selected as normal control group .Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure ser‐um levels of salusins and catestatin , and the correlation between serum levels of salusins and catestatin was analyzed . Results :Compared with normal control group ,there were significant reductions in serum levels of salusins [ (3.01 ± 0.66) ng/ml vs .(1.44 ± 0.42) ng/ml ,(1.35 ± 0.89) ng/ml ,(1.41 ± 0.32) ng/ml] and catestatin [(132.24 ± 7.55) ng/ml vs .(89.22 ± 6.12) ng/ml vs .(82.51 ± 8.37) ng/ml ,(83.34 ± 4.47) ng/ml] in hypertension stage 1 ,stage 2 and stage 3 group , P<0.01 all;compared with stage 1 group ,there were significant reductions in serum catestatin levels in stage 2 and stage 3 group (P<0.01 both) ,but there were no significant difference in serum salusins level a‐mong three groups of hypertension ( P>0.05 all) .Pearson correlation analysis indicated that serum salusins level had no correlation with catestatin level ( r=0.363 , P>0.05) in normal control group ,while serum salusins level was significant positively correlated with catestatin level (r=0.723 ,P<0.01) in hypertension group .Conclusion:Serum levels of salusins and catestatin significantly reduce and they is positive correlation in patients with hyperten‐sion .Along with blood pressure level rises ,serum catestatin level reduces .

Objective To compare the Poser and the McDonald diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS).Methods Sixty-seven patients with clinical features suggestive of MS were re-evaluated by 2 neurologists utilizing both the Poser and the McDonald criteria.The Fisher' s exact test was used to statistically analyze the data from assessment by these two criteria.Results By the Poser criteria, 34 patients were classified as clinically definite MS, 24 patients as laboratory supported definite MS and 9 patients as possible MS.Under the new McDonald criteria, MS was diagnosed in 36 patients and 31 patients had possible MS.The results revealed significant differences in diagnosing MS between these 2 criteria (OR=5.549, 95% CI 2.37-13.00, P<0.01).Conclusions These 2 criteria showed remarkable differences in diagnosing MS, in particular definite MS, possibly due to greater reliance on paraclinical evidences in the Poser criteria and more stringent gnidlines of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the McDonald criteria.The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid may increase the diagnostic rate of MS and specify pathologic abnormalities in MRI to some degree.

Objective To study liver regeneration of the non-ligated liver lobes following portal branch ligation (PBL). Methods Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into PBL group and sham operation (SO) group. Under ether anesthesia, the rats were subjected to PBL and sham operation, respectively. The animals were sacrificed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 14th day respectively. The blood sample was collected from heart and the livers were harvested to determine serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and total liver weight, respectively. The hepatic histopathology was studied through light microscopy. The number of liver cell nuclear mitosis index was counted. The number of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index was counted by immunohistochemistry. The hepatic ultrastructural changes were studied under electron microscope. Results Elevated serum ALT level was observed in the first postoperative day in PBL group compared with SO group (P

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of Lianhua Qingwen Capsules (LHQC) in the treatment of influenza. Methods A multi- center, randomized, double- blind, positive- controlled, parallel group trial was designed. A total of 240 cases, which were diagnosed with influenza and classified as the syndrome of toxic heat invading lung, aged from 18 to 50 years old, with body temperature over 38.0 ℃ and disease course with 48 hours, was recruited. The intent- to- treat infected (ITTI) population was 152 cases , among which 76 were treated with LHQC (4 capsules thrice daily for 3 days) and other 76 with Lingyang Ganmao Capsules (2 capsules thrice daily for 3 days). Results In the ITTI population, the effective rate for subsiding fever was 71.1 % and 53.9 % (P=0.029), and that for relieving TCM symptoms was 73.7 % and 55.3 % (P=0.018) in LHQC group and Lingyang Ganmao Capsules group, respectively. A safety analysis was conducted in 233 cases. No adverse action was found in LHQC group while two adverse events (allergic dermatitis and diarrhea) in Lingyang Ganmao Capsules group. Conclusion Early application of LHQC is effective and safe in treating infuenza.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of 5-hydroxy-1-methylhyantoin (HMH) on paraquat (PQ)-induced nephrotoxicity in rat and its possible mechanism.Methods Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: namely control, PQ, vitamin C and HMH groups, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in control group were given an injection of 2 mg/kg of normal saline intraperitoneally. The rats in PQ group were given an injection of 50 mg/kg of PQ intraperitoneally. The rats in vitamin C and HMH groups were given 1 mmol/kg of vitamin C or HMH through gastric tube right after PQ injection. The hydroxyl free radical scavenging ability of HMH and vitamin C was determined by Fenton method. Blood sample was collected after 24 hours of PQ treatment, then the animals were sacrificed and renal tissues were harvested. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), protein content of renal cortex, blood malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined.Results Both vitamin C and HMH showed a very good ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals, and the 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) was both 4.02 mg/mL. Compared with control group, serum BUN, SCr and MDA in renal tissue were significantly increased in PQ group, and the protein, GSH contents and SOD activity were significantly decreased [BUN (mmol/L): 40.80±2.49 vs. 13.67±1.58, SCr (μmol/L): 163.46±8.67 vs. 51.80±4.37, MDA (nmol/g): 7.51±0.23 vs. 4.52±0.33, protein (μmol/L): 0.94±0.14 vs. 1.35±0.10, GSH (mg/g): 1.08±0.48 vs. 3.30±0.44, SOD (kU/L): 70.74±6.42 vs. 112.89±8.72, allP< 0.01]. Compared with PQ group, serum BUN and SCr and MDA in kidney tissue in vitamin C and HMH groups were significantly decreased, and GSH content and SOD activity in kidney tissue were significantly elevated [BUN (mmol/L):22.64±2.36, 18.71±5.23 vs. 40.80±2.49, SCr (μmol/L): 97.28±4.81, 89.20±6.72 vs. 163.46±8.67, MDA (nmol/g): 4.67±0.31, 4.21±0.42 vs. 7.51±0.23, GSH (mg/g): 1.78±0.10, 1.86±0.39 vs. 1.08±0.48, SOD (kU/L):98.69±5.43, 103.76±4.45 vs. 70.74±6.42, allP< 0.01]. Compared with vitamin C group, HMH could significantly reduce SCr contents (P< 0.05). There were no differences in reduction PQ-induced BUN, MDA content, and effect on GSH content and SOD activity between vitamin C group and HMH group (allP> 0.05).Conclusion HMH can protect the kidney against PQ-induced nephrotoxicity, and the mechanism of which maybe attributed to its anti-oxidation property and ability to scavenge hydroxyl radical.

Objective To investigate the application value of free plasma metanephrines metanephrine(MN) and normetanephrine (NM) measured with enzyme immunoassay (EIA), NM in diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Methods Histologically confirmed pheochromocytomas (n=30) and control patients with hypertension (n=51) were enrolled in the study. Blood tests for free plasma metanephrines(MN and NM) were performed with a commercially available EIA kit and the results were compared with [3] I-metaiedobenzyl guanidine (MIBG) whole body scan findings. Results The whole body scan was positive in all pheochromocytoma patients and negative in 15 control patients with 100% accuracy. The median values in the 2 groups were 59.3 ng/L and 33.7 ng/L (Z=-2. 440, P<0.05) for MN, 652.0 ng/L and 36. 3 ng/L (Z=-6.699, P<0.001) for NM, with 96. 7% (29/30) sensitivity, 86. 3% (44/51)specificity and 90.1% (73/81) accuracy for their combination ( either or both positive). There was no significantly statistical difference when compared with 13I-MIBG whole body scan findings (100. 0% ,P >0. 05). Conclusion The results show that the EIA method may be eligible as an alternative to HPLC for plasma metanephrines determination in the identification of pheochromocytoma.

Abstract: To investigate the distribution of avian influenza virus in environmental samples from live poultry markets (LPM) in China, samples were collected and tested by nucleic acid during 2009-2013 season. Each sample was tested by real-time RT PCR using flu A specific primers. If any real-time PCR was positive, the sample was inoculated into specific-pathogen-free (SPF) embryonated chicken eggs for viral isolation. The results indicated that the positive rate of nucleic acid in enviromental samples exhibited seasonality. The positive rate of nucleic acid was significantly higher in Winter and Spring. The positive rate of nucleic acid in LPM located in the south of China was higher than in northern China. Samples of Sewage for cleaning poultry and chopping board showed that higher positive rate of nucleic acid than other samples. The Subtype identification showed that H5 and H9 were main subtypes in the enviromental samples. Viral isolation indicated H5 subtypes was more than H9 subtypes between 2009 and 2013 while H9 subtypes increased in 2013. Our findings suggested the significance of public health based on LPM surveillance and provided the basis of prevention and early warning for avian flu infection human.
Animals ; China ; Feces ; virology ; Fresh Water ; virology ; Influenza A virus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza in Birds ; virology ; Poultry ; Poultry Diseases ; virology ; Public Health ; Seasons ; Sewage ; virology

Objective To report the clinical and neuroimaging features in three cases of neurosyphilis with mesiotemporal lobe lesions; and to discuss possible pathogenesis and differential diagnosis.Methods The clinical manifestations,laboratory examinations,neuroimaging features,differential diagnosis and curative effect of 3 cases of neurosyphilis with mesiotemporal lobe lesions were analyzed retrospectively.The possible pathogenesis was discussed.Results All of 3 cases had positive and high titer index of syphilis in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid.The onset symptom was abnormal cognitive functions with acute aggravation or rapid progression.Cerebrospinal fluid analysis implied lymphocyte predominant inflammatory reaction with increased protein.Electroencephalography showed localized slow waves as to the lesions.On brain magnetic resonance imaging,unilateral or asymmetrical bilateral mesiotemporal lobe was affected with long T2 signal.Herpes simplex virus encephalitis and paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis should beconsidered in differential diagnosis.The symptoms and laboratory indexes improved significantly after anti-syphilis treatment.Conclusions Neurosyphilis should be evaluatedin a patient with onset of abnormal cognitive functions and having mesiotemporal lobe lesions on magnetic resonance imaging.Promptly diagnosis and early treatment could achieve good prognosis.

Forty three patients with L5-S1 spondylolisthesis undergoing surgical treatment from April 2012 to November 2014 were included for analysis,including 20 cases received transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF group) and 23 cased received posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF group).The incision length,operative time were shorter and blood loss was less in TLIF group than those in PLIF group [(9.6±0.9) vs.(16.1±1.5) cm,(125.6±13.0) vs.(156.4±11.8) minand (218.7±22.5)ml vs.(326.5 ±20.1) ml,respectively,all P =0.000].There was no statistical difference in the S1 pedicle screw (S1PS) insertion point between two approaches[(29.4 ± 1.9) vs.(28.5 ± 1.0) mm,P =0.069],but the distance from the midline to the lateral edge of the screw (12.9 ±3.6) mm,S1PS angle (23.3 ±2.1) ° and length of S1PS length with the sacral body (40.9 ± 2.6) mm in the TLIF group were better than those in PLIF group (P =0.000).Our results demonstrate that the paraspinal muscle approach for the treatment of L5-S1 spondylolisthesis may be superior with less trauma,better functional recovery and stable screw placement.

Objective To explore the effect of miR-9 on the expression of NRP1 and its radiation effects in A549 cells.Methods Bioinformatics was used to analyze the potential binding sites of has-miR-9 and NRP1-3'UTR.The miR-9 sequence was inserted into pcDNA-DEST-47 plasmid to construct the eukaryotic expression vector (pcDNA-DEST-miR-9) and to construct the NRP1 gene 3'UTR luciferase reporter plasmid (pEZX-MT05) at the same time.They were simultaneously transferred into A549 cells for analysis of the regulatory effect of miR-9 on the expression of NRP1.Meanwhile miR-29b was used as a negative control to observe whether or not NRP1 gene was a target of miR-9.After 10 Gy irradiation,the expression of NRP1,and the inhibitory effect of miR-9 on it was confirmed by Western blot assay.The expression of miR-9 was detected by real-time PCR.Results It was found that miR-9 reduced the luciferase activity of NRP1-3'UTR wild plasmid (t =3.906,P ＜ 0.05) but not NRP1-3' UTR mutant plasmid.This luciferase activity was not inhibited by other types of miRNA (miR-29b).The expression of NRP1 protein in A549 cells was decreased after the cells were transfected with miR-9 mimic.After irradiation with dose of 10 Gy,the expression of miR-9 were decreased (t =37.319,P ＜ 0.05) and the expression of NRP1 protein were increased.Conclusions miR-9 regulates the expression of NRP1 by targeting 3'UTR site of NRP1 gene in A549 cells.