Objective To investigate health status of primary or middle school teachers. Methods A total of 4482 physical examination results of the teachers from Qiaokou District of Wuhan in 2008 were compared with 5526 data obtained in 2006. The rate of healthy to unhealthy participants was evaluated. The overall and age-specific disease incidence, including overweight, hypertension, hyperlipidmia, hyperglycemia,liver dysfunction, abnormal EGG, concrement, adiposis hepatica, and HBV infection, was recorded. X2 test was used for statistical analysis. Results Abnormal examination results were more common in 2008 when compared with those in 2006( X2 = 28. 35, P ＜ 0. 05 ). The incidence of hypertension was descended ( X2 =4. 51 ,P ＜ 0. 05 ), although the rates of hyperlipidimia, hyperglycemia, liver dysfunction, abnormal ECG,concrement, and adiposis hepatica were increased in 2008 ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). The incidence of hyperlipidimia, liver dysfunction, abnormal ECG, and adiposis hepatica increased in all age groups ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). The incidence of hyperglycemia and concrement increased in those ＞ 35 years old ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusion Except for hypertension and HBV infection, the incidence of common diseases has been increased in the young and middle-aged teachers during the last 2 years. Thus the health management for the primary or middle school teacher should be improved in the future.

Objective To explore different aspects of empathy in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy and to study the effect of epileptiform discharges from different areas of the brain on empathy.Methods One hundred and fifty healthy controls and 62 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy were administered with a neuropsychological battery for basic cognitive assessment and an empathy scale after 24-hour electroencephalography monitoring.Results Compared with healthy controls,patients with epilepsy obtained significantly lower total scores and the cognitive empathy scores including perspectivetaking and fantasy subscale of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index-China (46.39 ± 9.74 vs 50.99 ± 9.97,t =-2.893,P=0.004; 23.31 ±7.10 vs 27.24 ±6.22,t =-3.974,P =0.000; 10.18 ±4.21 vs 11.84 ± 3.67,t =-2.838,P =0.005 ; 13.13 ± 4.46 vs 15.40 ± 3.84,t =-3.698,P =0.000,respectively).In contrast,the individuals with epilepsy did not score significantly different on the affective empathy,empathic concern and personal distress (P ＞ 0.05,respectively).Patients with frontal epileptiform discharges suffered the most on the total empathy scores,cognitive empathy and perspective-taking subscale when compared with other three groups of individuals (P ＜0.05,respectively),whereas the groups did not differ from each other in affective empathy,empathic concern and personal distress (P ＞0.05,respectively).No correlation was found between the empathy ability and other cognitive neuropsychological tests.Conclusions Patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy is not associated with a general empathy deficit,but rather with a dissociated pattern combining impaired cognitive empathy and preserved affective one,which leads to a double-dissociation,supports the notion that affective and cognitive empathies are two distinct abilities.The activation of epileptiform discharges from the frontal lobe is a key factor that could diminish the empathy ability.

Objective To observe the effect of pravastatin on the expression of heat shock protein B7 (HSPB7) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rats. Methods A total of 80 AMI rats were randomly divided into AMI group and pravas-tatin (P) group. Forty SD rats were used as sham operation (SH) group. Rats were then subdivided into 1 h, 3 h, 6 h and 12 h subgroups (10 for each group). Rats were not ligated after thoracotomy in SH group. The 1eft anterior descending coronary ar-tery was ligated in rats of AMI group. The 1eft anterior descending coronary artery was ligated in P group and given intragas-tric administration of 0.5 mg/(kg · d) pravastatin. The other groups were given the same amount of normal saline via gavage. The left ventricle infarcted myocardial tissues were taken at each time intervals. The corresponding myocardial tissues were harvested in sham-operated rats. The HSPB7 mRNA and protein expressions were measured by RT-PCR and immunohisto-chemistry respectively.Results The expression levels of HSPB7 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in the AMI group and P group than those of SH group(P<0.01). The expression levels of HSPB7 mRNA and protein were significantly increased 1 h after AMI and reached the peak value at 3 h after AMI. The expression levels of HSPB7 mRNA and protein were still higher in 6-h group and 12-h group than those of SH group. The expression levels of HSPB7 were higher in differ-ent time points of P group than those of AMI group. Conclusion HSPB7 could express in the early stage of acute myocardi-al infarction in rats. Pravastatin could promote the upregulation of HSPB7 in myocardial infarcted border zone after AMI, which may play a protective role in early myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND:Previous experiments have shown that the thermosensitive hydrogel is safe, nontoxic, biocompatible, and has a certain cardioprotective effect, which can be used as a drug carrier injected into the myocardial tissue, in order to avoid adverse reactions produced by systemic administration. ＜br> OBJECTIVE:To observe the influence of thermosensitive hydrogel with Aliskrien on heart function, apoptosis and ventricular remodeling of rats with acute myocardial infarction. ＜br> METHODS:Total y 70 Wistar rats were randomized into sham group (n=10), PBS group (n=15), PBS+Aliskrien group (n=15), hydrogel group (n=15), hydrogel+Aliskrien group (n=15). Models of acute myocardial infarction were established in the latter four groups. After modeling, PBS, PBS with Aliskrien, hydrogel, and hydrogel with Aliskrien were respectively injected into the border of infracted myocardium. After 28 days, relevant measurements were performed. ＜br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham group, the heart function and expression of tissue inhibitor of metal oproteinase-1 were decreased significantly in the other four groups (P＜0.05), while the number of apoptotic cells, matrix metal oproteinase-2, matrix metal oproteinase-9, transforming growth factorβ, col agen type I and III were increased (P＜0.05). The levels of angiotensin I and angiotensin II were higher in the PBS, PBS+Aliskrien, hydrogel groups than the sham group (P＜0.05), while they were decreased in the hydrogel+Aliskrien group than the sham group (P＜0.05). The level of tissue inhibitor of metal oproteinase-1 and heart function in the hydrogel+Aliskrien group were superior to those in the PBS, PBS+Aliskrien, and hydrogel groups (P＜0.05), while the number of apoptotic cells, the levels of metal oproteinase-2, matrix metal oproteinase-9, transforming growth factorβ, col agen type I and III were lower than those in the PBS, PBS+Aliskrien, and hydrogel groups (P＜0.05). These findings indicate that as a new type of sustained-release formulation, thermosensitive hydroge with Aliskrien could further improve the heart function, decrease cellapoptosis and inhibit myocardial fibrosis, and delay ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction.

A mathematical model of competition-type lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) was developed to describe the dynamic process of LFIA.The competition-type LFIA was divided into two categories: TwA-competition-type LFIA and TnA-competition-type LFIA.On the basis of the developed model, the COMSOL software was exploited to simulate the dynamic process of LFIA.The simulation result demonstrated the relationships between the concentrations of substances on the test and control lines and the influence factors.In particular, the influence factors in the TwA-competition-type LFIA included the concentrations of target analyte A (0-20 mol/L) and reporter particle P (0.01-100 mol/L), and the position of the test line (5-20 mm).On the other hand, the influence factors in the TnA-competition-type LFIA included the concentrations of target analyte A (0-20 mol/L) and reporter particle P (0.01-100 mol/L), and the porosity.Experiment result showed that the developed model could be used to explore the influence of the parameters on the test results, and optimize the performance of LFIA.

Objective To assess the changes of right atrial size and mechanical function after radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using real-time threedimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE), and to study the correlation between the changes of left atrial(LA)and right atrial(RA) volume and function. Methods Thirty-five patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were undergone radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) successfully. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE),tissue Doppler imaging(TDI) and RT-3DE were performed before, 1 month and 3 months after procedure respectively. Late systolic volume and area of RA and LA,ejection fraction(EF) of RA and LA,late diastolic peak velocity of mitral valve inflow, tricuspid valve inflow and late diastolic peak velocity of mitral annulus and tricuspid annulus were recorded. Results The 3DE images of all patients were satisfied.LA max area and 3DE LA max volume were significantly reduced at 1 months and 3 months after procedure compared with basic stage [ ( 18.8 ± 6.3) cm2 vs (21.5 ± 6.2) cm2 , (38.8 ± 17.0) ml vs (46.1 ± 20.0) ml,P ＜ 0.05]. 3DE LA EF also declined markedly at 1 month after RFCA, and restored at 3 months later compared with baseline [(41.1 ± 13.7) % vs (51.7 ± 15.9) %, (41.1 ± 13.7) % vs (45.6 ± 18.3) %, P ＜0.05]. The size and mechanical function of the right atrial after procedure were no obvious changes. There were no evidently correlation between the changes of LA and RA volume and function. Conclusions RT3DE can provide a precise method to quantify the value of atrial volume and function. The LA size and volume are significantly reduced after RFCA in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, however, the RA size and function are no obvious changes.

Objective To investigate the characteristics and the correlative factors of constipation in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.Methods The demographic information,clinical features and history of medications of 193 patients with idiopathic PD consulting in the outpatient department of the First Affiliated Hospital,Anhui Medical University were collected.Patients were evaluated using following scales:Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Ⅲ (UPDRS Ⅲ),Hoehn-Yahr stage,Bristol Scoring Scale,Cleveland Constipation Scoring Scale (CCS),Scale for Outcomes in PD-autonomic for Autonomic Symptoms,Simple Food Frequency Questionnaire,Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD),Mini Mental State Examination.The patients were divided into constipation group and non-constipation group based on Rome Ⅲ Criteria for Diagnosis of Functional Constipation,and the correlative factors of constipation were compared and analyzed between the two groups.The severity of constipation and influencing factors were also compared between patients with early onset constipation (occurred before present of motor symptoms) and patients with late onset constipation (occurred after present of motor symptoms).The impacts of anti-PD medication adjustments on constipation were assessed by observing the alteration of constipation severity in 41 PD patients.Results The incidence of constipation was 56.4％ (109/193) in our cohort of PD patients,and 21.1％ (23/109) of constipation was severe according to the assessing by CCS.The spectrum of constipation symptoms included defecation straining (89.9％,98/109),poor stool output (67.9％,74/ 109),reduced stool frequency (63.3％,69/109) and dryness of stool (60.5％,66/109).The age,disease duration,scores of Hoehn-Yahr stage,UPDRS Ⅲ and HAMD,levodopa equivalent dose (LED),frequency of urination disturbance in constipation group were significantly higher than those in nonconstipation group,while the daily quantities of vegetable and water intake in constipation group were significantly lower than those in non-constipation group.Age and HAMD scores were the independent risk factors of constipation (OR=1.049,95％ CI 1.014-1.086,P=0.006;OR=1.316,95％ CI 1.185-1.461,P =0.000).Among the 109 constipation patients,the course of PD,scores of Hoehn-Yahr stage,UPDRSⅢ and LED were positively correlated with the severity of constipation (r =0.269,0.338,0.315,0.341,0.371,all P ＜ 0.05),with HAMD score being the independent risk factor of constipation severity (OR =1.175,95％ CI 1.044-1.322,P ＜ 0.05).The severity of constipation and risk factors of constipation in patients with early onset constipation were not distinct from those with late onset constipation.Conclusions The incidence of constipation increases with the increment of age,disease duration,Hoehn-Yahr stage,UPDRS Ⅲ scores,LED,HAMD scores,urination disorder severity and the decrement of daily water and vegetable intakes.The severity of constipation is positively related to the severity of motor symptoms,the daily dose of anti-PD drugs and depression levels.PD patients with early onset constipation are not distinct from the patients with late onset constipation in terms of severity and risk factors.The influences of anti-PD drugs on constipation are variable depending on the specific drug used and individual constitution.Individualized treatment regimes are proposed with respect to the management of constipation according to the specific risk factors in PD patients.

Objective To assess the improvements of left ventricular systolic function by three‐dimensional speckle tracking imaging ( 3D‐STI) in type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ) patients after short‐term insulin pump intensive therapy . Methods Thirty‐five T2DM patients complicated with microangiopathy and thirty‐two healthy volunteers were studied ,underwent the dynamic image of the four‐chamber view ,three‐dimensional images of left ventricle were obtained for all the individuals . The left ventricular global longitudinal strain ( LVGLS) ,left ventricular global circumferential strain ( LVGCS) ,left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ,peak basal and apical rotation (LV‐ProtB ,LV‐ProtA) ,peak LV twist ( LV‐tw ) were calculated using TomTec software .After insulin pump intensive therapy for two weeks ,all the indexes were reexamined in T2DM patients . Results Compared with control group ,the LVGLS , LVGCS ,LV‐tw and LV‐ProtA were significantly decreased in diabetes mellitus group before and after treatment ( P < 0 .01 or P < 0 .05) . Compared with diabetes mellitus patients before treatment ,the LVGLS ,LVGCS had significant higher level after treatment( P <0 .05) . The LVGLS ,LVGCS ,LV‐tw and LV‐ProtA were significantly correlated with LVEF in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and normal controls . Conclusions Insulin pump intensive treatment could improve left ventricular systolic function in type 2 diabetes patients complicated with microangiopathy . 3D‐STI can be sensitive to accurately assess the therapeutic effect and has the important clinical value .

OBJECTIVE:To determine the content of urea in Urea [13C] capsules by high performance cation-exchange chroma-tography (HPCEC). METHODS:The determination was performed on Zorbax 300 SCX column with mobile phases consisting of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid (20:80,V/V) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was set at 200 nm and column temperature was 35 ℃. The sample size was 20 μL. RESULTS:The linear range of urea was 0.0039-1.0030 mg/ml(r=0.9997). The limit of quantitation was 3.918 μg/mL and the limit of detection was 0.975 μg/mL. RSDs of precision,stability and repetitive test were all lower than 2.0%. The recovery ranged 99.3%-101.0%(RSD=0.67%,n=9). CONCLUSIONS:The meth-od is simple,rapid,sensitive and suitable for the content determination of urea in Urea [13C] capsules.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective clinical review. PURPOSE: To describe the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL) after thoracic decompression and examine the CSFL predisposing clinical factors. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: CSFL is a common complication following thoracic decompression but has not been sufficiently addressed in former studies. METHODS: A cohort of 362 cases of thoracic decompression from February of 2005 to June of 2013 was examined. The case medical records were reviewed and the occurrence of CSFL and the related clinical parameters were noted. The incidence of CSFL for the entire cohort and each surgical approach were described. Besides, the relationship between CSFL and other clinical parameters were assessed, of which odds ratio values of all CSFL-associated parameters were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of CSFL for the entire cohort was 32.3%. Different surgical approaches had different incidences of CSFL, and circumferential decompression had the highest incidence. Though many different clinical parameters were related to the occurrences of CSFL, being older than 52 years, having ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament or having longer operative segments than 3 vertebrae were significant risk factors for CSFL (p <0.05). Besides, surgeries on the mid-thoracic spine had an increased risk of CSFL (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: From our analysis, CSFL was a common complication after thoracic decompression with the incidence of up to 32.3%. This study identified the predisposing clinical factors, and spinal surgeons should be aware of these risk factors to reduce its incidence.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak* ; Cerebrospinal Fluid* ; Cohort Studies ; Decompression ; Incidence ; Logistic Models ; Longitudinal Ligaments ; Medical Records ; Odds Ratio ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Spine* ; Surgeons