BACKGROUND: There are so many experimental and clinical researches on levels of nitrogen monoxide (NO) in serum and endothelins in plasma of patients with stroke; however, ratio and significance between them are still unclear.OBJECTIVE: To observe dynamic changes of levels of NO in serum and endothelins in plasma of patients with stroke.DESIGN: Case-controlled observation.SETTING: Neurological Department and Clinical Neurological Laboratory of the Second Hospital affiliated to Suzhou University.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 216 patients with acute cerebral infarction including 133 males and 83 females and 112 cases with cerebral hemorrhage including 68 males and 44 females were selected from Neurological Department of the Second Hospital affiliated to Suzhou University from September 1999 to December 2001. Another 106 subjects including 63males and 43 females were regarded as healthy control group.METHODS: Contents of NO in serum and endothelins in plasma were measured on 328 patients with stroke and 106 healthy subjects in the courses of 1-3 days, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks with nitrate reductase and radio-immunity methods, respectively.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Contents of NO in serum and endothelins in plasma; ratio between NO in serum and endothelins in plasma (NO/endothelins).RESULTS: ① As compared with those in the control group, content of NO in serum of patients with cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage was decreased and reached the lowest value during acute period (within 1-3 days), and then increased gradually and closed to the normal level at about 4 weeks. In addition, content of endothelins in plasma was increased obviously during acute period, reached the peak at 2 weeks, and then decreased gradually. The level was still high at stage of recovery and closed to normal value within 4-8 weeks. ② As compared with that in the control group, NO/endothelins was decreased in cerebral infarction group at the courses of 1-3 days (P ＜ 0.05), reached the lowest value at 1 week (P ＜ 0.001), and increased to the normal level at 2 weeks. Moreover,NO/endothelins was remarkably decreased in cerebral hemorrhage group at the courses of 1-3 days (P ＜ 0.001), reached the lowest value at 1week (P ＜ 0.001), and increased gradually. The changes of course were great and the level reached above normal value at 8 weeks. There was significant difference of dynamic changes of NO/endothelins between cerebral hemorrhage group and cerebral infarction group (P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION: NO and endothelins play an important role in onset and development of ischemic cerebrovascular disease and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, and their contents are related to prognosis.

Objective:To study and promote the quality standard for Shuangbai Quyu powder. Methods:A microscopic identifi-cation method was performed to identify Phellodendri amurensis cortex, Rhei radix et rhizoma, Platycladi cacumen and Andrographis herba. TLC was performed to identify Phellodendri amurensis cortex, Andrographis herba and Rhei radix et rhizoma. HPLC was used to determine the content of berberine hydrochloride in Phellodendri amurensis cortex. and the lower limit was determined. Results: The microscopic identification method was simple. The spots in TLC were distinct without any interference from the negative coutrol. Ber-berine hydrochloride had a good linear range of 0. 010-0. 400 μg(r=0. 999 9). The average recovery was 99. 51%, and RSD was 0. 31% (n=6). Conclusion:The method can be used for the quality control of Shuangbai Quyu powder effectively,which is beneficial to the quality standard promotion of hospital preparations.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and muscle strength, physical performance in the elderly. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hangu district of Tianjin from April to June in 2013. Totally 1 131 subjects aged 60 years or older completed the survey. Every subject filled out a standard questionnaire and underwent grip strength test, timed up and go test (TUGT). Serum CRP concentrations were determined using chemiluminescent immunoassay kits. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the relationship between CRP and muscle strength, physical performance. Results After adjustment for potential confounding factors including age, BMI, smoking status, drinking status, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anemia, cancer and physical activity, the multiple linear regression analysis suggested that CRP levels were inversely related to handgrip strength (β'=-0.11, P<0.01), and the logistic regression analysis showed that compared with subjects in the lowest quintile, the odds ratios and 95%confidence interval of higher quintile of CRP were 1.09 (0.50, 2.39) and 2.70 (1.34, 5.66) (Ptrend<0.05) in males. However, the relationship between CRP and muscle strength, physical performance was not statistically significant in females. Conclusions In males, higher serum CRP levels were independently correlated with lower muscle strength and poor physical performance in older adults. These results suggested that inflammation-signaling pathways may play an important role in the progression of sarcopenia.

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare and develop the method for identification of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS),and evaluate the feasibility,accuracy and repeatability of MALDI-TOF MS to discriminate NTM.Methods Fifteen clinical strains were collected from January to March in 2012 and 68 environmental strains were retrospectively collected from 2011 to 2012.A protocol for sample pre-treatment and protein extraction was developed and utilized it to identify clinical and environmental isolates.The results from 16 s rRNA sequencing were served as control.Results Method A was more effective in protein extraction.Although all the three methods got the same species result,a total of 83 strains belonging to 10 distinct species grown in Middle brook 7H10 media were analyzed.All members of the NTM were identified accurately at the genus level and 80.7％ (67/83) of strains could be identified at the species level.Six strains were identified at the complex level.81.9％ (68/83) of NTM got high spectral scores.The identification of cultured colony could be completed in 1.5 hours.And it had good reproducibility.Conclusion MALDI-TOF MS can be used as a rapid and accurate method for identification of Mycobacteria in clinical microbiology laboratories,implying its good application prospects.

Objective To investigate the genotype of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB) acquired from intensive care units (ICUs) environment in Shanghai hospitals and to evaluate the gene homology of CRAB isolated from patients and environment in ICUs in Shanghai hospital.Methods Sixty-one CRAB isolated from ICUs environment in Shanghai hospitals and 14 strains isolated from ICUs patients in S hospital were typed by REP-PCR based DiversiLab system.Results There were 7 types of the CRAB isolated from ICUs environment in Shanghai hospitals.Type G1 was the dominant type,accounting for 75.4％ of all CRAB,mainly in 13 hospitals in Shanghai.The percentage of the 7 types CRAB strains were 75.4％,13.1％,3.3％,1.6％,1.6％,3.3％ and 1.6％,respectively.Except for 1 strain of type G6 isolated in D hospital,type G1 CRAB was identified in every hospital which was isolated CRAB.There were 25 strains isolated from patients and environment in S hospital ICUs,which were divided into 4 types.Type G1 was the dominant type mainly distributed in SICU and CICU,including 9 from patients and 8 from environment.The distribution diagram of environmental and patients' strains indicated that the patients in adjacent bed isolated G1 CRAB in SICU and a patient in CICU and its surrounding environment both isolated G1 CRAB.Conclusion Type G1 is the dominant type in ICUs environment in Shanghai hospitals.There are inter-hospital transmission of CRAB in ICUs environment and highly homology of CRAB isolated from patients and environment in ICUs in Shanghai hospitals.Active surveillance of infection and colonization by CRAB,together with implementation of enhanced control strategies should be taken to eradicate CRAB in ICU environment.

Objective To elucidate whether Ang Ⅱ indnces the proliferation of mesangial cells through ROS-EGFR-JNK-AP-1 signaling pathway. Methods The incorporation of 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR) and cell count were used to measure mesangial cell (MC) proliferation. ROS production was determined by DCFDA fluorescence. EGFR and JNK activation was assayed by Western blot. Results Ang Ⅱ significantly enhanced ROS production in mesangial cells, which was up-regulated by 2.26 folds of control group after incubation with Ang Ⅱ for 60 min. Ang Ⅱ induced EGFR phosphorylation in dose- and time-dependent manner, with the peak (3.96 folds increase) at 30 min. EGFR phosphorylation was significantly blocked by AT1R antagonist losartan, antioxidant NAC, and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin and DPI. EGFR antagonist AG1478 significantly inhibited Ang Ⅱ-induced mcsangial cell proliferation. Losartan, NAC, apocynin, DPI, and AG1478 ahnost abolished Ang Ⅱ-induced JNK activation. Conclusions ROS-EGFR-JNK-AP-1 signaling pathway is involved in Ang Ⅱ-induced mesangial cell proliferation. Apocynin and AG 1478 may be used as new therapy.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease ,which is still endemic in western China .An earthquake struck south-western China on May 12th ,2008 ,which affected Longnan City of Gansu Province considerably .The objective of this survey is to determine the effect of the Wenchuan earthquake on the Kala-azar epidemic in Longnan City .In this study ,VL cases were collected from 2005 to 2013 and diagnosed on positive test for anti-rK39IgG antibodies by the Kala-azar Detect rK39 dip-stick (InBios ,USA) .The incidence rates were calculated among various counties of Longnan City with SPSS 19 .0 soft-ware .The epidemiological characteristics of the disease were analyzed before and after the Wenchuan earthquake .From 2005 to 2013 ,there were 825 VL cases in Longnan City ,with an annual incidence of 3 .36/100 000 and a significantly higher incidence in males than that in females (P＜ 0 .001) .All age groups were affected .During this period ,there was an obvious upward trend from 2005 to 2008 ,and a distinct downward tendency since 2010 .The incidences of VL between 2008 and 2010 were sig-nificantly different with that in other years (P＜0 .01) .Results revealed that VL was widespread in Longnan City ,which was likely exacerbated by the earthquake in 2008 .Earthquake created diverse natural environment and social circumstances ,w hich may contribute to the spread of the VL epidemic .Together ,our data strongly suggest that the epidemic of VL should be close-ly monitored after earthquake .

Objective To use ELISA detecting self‐developed hepatitis B five internal quality control products .Methods Hepa‐titis B five positive sera by the detection of ELISA were diluted through optimal ratio ,and were homemade indoor quality control materials .Results Self‐control materials and commodities were simultaneously detected by ELISA ,and the test results were com‐pared ,the two were no significant difference(P>0 .05);Self‐control materials continuously detected by ELISA ,its batch variation were less than 15% ,and stability was in line with the requirements .Conclusion Self‐developed hepatitis B five indoor quality con‐trol materials are made simply ,have good stability ,are satisfied control effect ,and have promotional value .

Objective To explore the behaviors caused by fear of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients, and deeply analyze the causes of these behaviors, providing help for medical staff to fully understand the inner demands of diabetic patients with hypoglycemia, so as to manage the blood glucose effectively, laying the foundation of Hypoglycemia Fear Survey-behavior scale suitable for domestic type 2 diabetic patients. Methods The interpretative phenomenological analysis method was used guided by the knowledge-attitude-belief-practice and social cognitive theory, 33 patients with hypoglycemia from 5 hospitals with different levels were interviewed by semi-structured interview. Results Four themes were extracted, including excess sensitivity, caution, avoidance and compromise. The theme excess sensitivity contained three kinds of behaviors, that were meal with sensitive alertness, drug sensitivity and excessive response to the hypoglycemia, while the theme caution contained two kinds of behaviors, that were strive to blood sugar stable and must prepare food. Conclusions The results show that the fear of hypoglycemia is serious in type 2 diabetic patients, and they make many behavior change to avoid it, affecting their quality of life and glycemic management. Medical staff should attach importance to the inner feelings and behaviors of diabetic patients with hypoglycemia, and provide guidance and support after comprehensive assessment, working together with the patient to realize the effective management of blood glucose.

Objective To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of C1q nephropathy in children.Methods Data of 23 C1q nephropathy cases in Nanjing Children's Hospital during recent eight years were retrospectively reviewed. Results The incidence of C1q nephropathy was 4.78％ in primary glomerulonephritis proven by biopsy.Among 23 patients,15 were boys and 8 were girls.The mean age at onset was (5.0±3.4) years old with a range of 0.9-12.4 years.The clinical manifestations included nephrotic syndrome(NS) in 18 cases (78.3％),nephrotic-range proteinuria in 4 cases(17.4％) and microhematuria in 1 case.Two patients with NS and one patient with nephrotic-range proteinuria also presented microhematuria.One patient with NS who received oral herbal medicine for two weeks developed acute renal insufficiency at the same time of diagnosis.Three cases had a family history of kidney disease,among them two patients(presented nephrotic range proteinuria) were siblings,their father had proteinuria as well,and routine genetic examination confirmed familial Denys-Drash syndrome in association with C1q nephropathy.One NS patient's sister had nephrotic-range proteinuria too,but renal biopsy was not performed.No patient had hypertension.None of the patients had low C3 or C4 levels,and serological markers of systemic lupus erythematosus were absent.Light microscopy showedminimalchangedisease (MCD)in13cases (56.5％), mesangialproliferative glomerulonephritis(MsPGN) in 6(26.1％) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) in 4(17.4％).Immunofluorescence displayed C1q co-deposits of IgG(78.3％),IgM(78.3％),IgA (34.8％) and C3 (47.8％),and a full-house pattern was found in 6 patients (26.1％).Electron microscopy revealed 4 out of 19 had mesangial deposits,except for 4 patients whose glomerulus could not be found.Children with either NS(18 cases) or nephrotic-range proteinuria(2 cases)received prednisone,among them,15 were steroid-resistant,4 were steroid-dependent,only 1 was steroid-sensitive.Those with steroid-resistant(15 cases) or steroid-dependent(3 cases) received further immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide(CTX) or cyclosporine A (CsA).One NS case of steroid-dependent received prednisone re-induction therapy.The siblings associated with DenysDrash syndrome and one case presented microhematuria were commenced on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor(ACEI).Of the 19 patients with sufficient follow-up date,15 cases (78.9％)achieved complete remission,2 cases(10.5％) achieved partial remission,and 2 cases (10.5％) were ineffective.Median follow-up was 15 months.Remission of the NS occurred in 94.4％ (17/18)while nephrotic-range proteinuria was 50.0％(2/4).Remission of MCD was 100.0％,MsPGN was 83.4％(5/6),but FSGS was only 50.0％(2/4).Conclusions C1q nephropathy is rare,and often manifests as steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent NS and nephrotic-range proteinuria.The most common histological feature is MCD,and some as MsPGN or FSGS.A combination of prednisone and immunosuppressive agent is always effective for MCD and MsPGN,but FSGS always has a poor response.