Objective To study the association of insulin resistance ( IR ) with aortic compliance impairment in patients with essential hypertension (EH). Methods Thirty-five patients with EH and 35 healthy control subjects were enrolled. The two groups were matched by sex, age and weight Blood pressure was measured and high resolution color Doppler examination was performed. Pressure-strain elastic modulus ( EP) and stiff index were calculated to reflect the change of aortic compliance in all subjects. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was assayed with oxidase technique, serum fasting insulin ( Fins) was assayed with chemoluminescent technique, Calculate insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated using FPG and FINS. Results In the EH group, Fins, HOMA-IR and EP of ascending aorta were ( 10. 15 ± 1.03) mU /L, 2. 21 ± 0. 68, (250. 79 ± 85. 52 ) kN/m2, respectively,and the stiff index( β) was 15. 60 ±7. 55. In the control group, Fins,HOMA-IR, EP and stiff index β were (6. 80 ± 3. 05) mU/L, 1. 48 ± 0. 16, (183. 90 ± 64. 65 ) kN/m2 and 10. 86 ± 4. 92, respectively. There were significant difference on these above mentioned indices between the two groups (P < 0. 05 ). In the EH group, HOMA-IR were positively correlated with the ascending aorta EP and stiff index β ( r = 0.558 and 0.601 respectively, P < 0. 05 ). Conclusions Aortic compliance impairment and IR are found in patients with EH. There is significant association of IR with aortic compliance impairment Hyperinsulinemia related to insulin resistance might be an important influential factor which promote large artery remodeling in patients with EH.

Objective To determine the correlation between aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) and optic neuropathy in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).Methods The clinical and biochemical data of 53 patients with NMOSD diagnosis based on AQP4-Ab level in Changhai Hospital between January 2010 and October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.According to optic neuropathy occurrence,the NMOSD patients were divided into optic neuropathy and non-optic neuropathy groups.Clinical and biochemical characteristics were compared between the two groups.According to the serum AQP4-Ab levels,the NMOSD patients were divided into AQP4-Ab seropositive and seronegative groups.The incidence of optic neuropathy was compared between the two groups.The correlation between optic neuropathy and AQP4-Ab levels was analyzed.Results Between the optic neuropathy and non-optic neuropathy groups,no significant differences in sex,age at onset,disease course,serum alanine aminotransferase levels,protein levels in cerebral spinal fluid,IgG index,and oligoclonal band were observed (P ＞ 0.05).However,statistically significant differences were found in frequency,superficial sensory impairment,serum creatinine level,and serum AQP4-Ab level (P ＜ 0.05).Between the AQP4-Ab sempositive and semnegative groups,a statistically significant difference in the incidence of optic neuropathy was observed (F =4.93,P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of optic neuropathy positively correlated with AQP4-Ab levels (r =0.297,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion NMOSD patients with AQP4-Ab seropositivity could be prone to optic neuropathy,and the correlation may be beneficial to early diagnosis,therapy,and monitoring of NMOSD.

Objective:To investigate the protective role of heme oxygenase-1 and its reaction product,carbon monoxide against acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats.Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups with five in each.The control group received a single dose of corn oil injection.Carbon tetrachloride was injected intraperitoneally(i.p) to establish acute liver injury models in rats.Hemin(50 ?mol/kg) was administered i.p.12 hours before CCl_4 treatment,with an aim to induce HO-1 protein expression in the liver of rats.Carbon monoxide was injected i.p.12 hours prior to CCl_4 injection,resulting in about 8%-12% carboxyhemoglobin concentration in vivo.The expression of HO-1 in the liver of hemin-treated rats was determined by western blot method at different time points.At 24 h after carbon tetrachloride administration,all rats were sacrificed to collect blood samples for the examination of ALT,AST levels and to remove liver tissues for analysis of MDA concentration,SOD activity and caspase-3 activity as well as TNF-a contents.In addition,histopathological changes were investigated and hepatocyte apoptosis was detected by TUNEL method.Results: The administration of carbon tetrachloride to rats caused a marked hepatic damage,characterized by significant elevation of serum ALT,AST levels(2 136.3?163.4 U,1 422.7?221.7 U) and liver MDA con-tent(5.28?0.93 ?mol/g),caspase-3 activitiy(optical density value(4.69)?1.02) and TNF-? level(256.3?27.3 ng/L) combined with a remarkable reduction in liver SOD activity(45.9?14.8 U/mg) as compared with the control rats.Histopathological observations revealed severe damage in the liver and prominent hepatocyte apoptosis took place in CCl_4treated rats.However,pretreatment with hemin could induce high expression of HO-1 protein and exert potent protective effects against liver injury,as demonstrated by a significant decrease in ALT,AST levels(287.1?24.3 U,246.2?21.7 U) and MDA concentration(3.27?1.34 ?mol/g),reduction in caspase-3 activity(optical density value 2.49?1.47) and TNF-? level(132.6?19.5 ng/L),as compared with the CCl_4-treated rats.Moreover,hepatocyte apoptosis and liver injury were both attenuated remarkably in the liver of rats pretreated with hemin.In contrast to hemin administration,single injection of exogenous CO produced the same protective effects,as indicated by the remarkable reduction of ALT,AST levels and caspase-3 activity and TNF-a levels.Conclusion: The above results suggest that HO-1/CO system has a potent protective effect on acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats.Induction of HO-1 expression and low concentration of CO can inhibit the progress of hepatic damage,which might be due to the alleviation of lipid peroxidation and reduction of caspase-3 activity or inhibition of TNF-? level.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy,operative essentials and indications of hybrid spinal fusion surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Methods From August 2008 to December 2011,thirty-eight patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent hybrid spinal fusion surgery in our hospital.There were 27 males and 11 females,aged from 33 to 70 years (average,51 years).A total of 86 segments were treated (fusion 48 vs.non-fusion 38).Twenty-eight patients underwent a two-level surgery,and ten patients received a three-level surgery.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and Visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to evaluate pre-and post-operative neurological function and pain,respectively.The pre-and post-operative range of motion of the cervical spine was measured according to Xrays.Moreover,the surgical complications were recorded and analyzed.Results Thirty-seven patients were followed up for 15 to 55 months (average,29.1 months).The improvement of neurological function was obtained in 36 patients.The JOA score was improved from preoperative 10.5±1.57 to 14.3±1.97 at final follow-up,with an improvement rate of 58.46％,and the results were excellent in 16 cases,fair in 20 cases and poor in 1 case.The VAS was improved from preoperative 7.3±1.04 to 3.2±1.41 at final follow-up.The Cobb angle changed from preoperative 25°±3.21°to 20°±2.56°at final follow-up.After operation,the neurological function was not restored in 1 case; hoarseness and bucking occurred in 2 cases; sore throat occurred in 22 cases; anterior displacement of prosthesis (PCM) occurred in 3 cases.Other patients had no complications,such as displacement,loosening and heterotopic ossification.Conclusion In hybrid spinal fusion surgery,the lesions segments are decompressed fully,the severely degenerative segments are fused,and the motion of the non-fusion segments is reserved.As a result,not only the stability of the cervical spine is achieved,but also an obvious improvement of symptoms and a satisfactory short-term efficacy can be obtained.Therefore,this method is an alternative procedure for cervical spondylosis myelopathy.

Individuals deal with dying and death differently and may not experience the same journey. We investigated Kübler-Ross’ Five Stages of Grief on terminally ill patients to review the current applicability of the model among this population. The aims of this paper is to share information regarding the Five Stages of Grief, the emotions associated with the stages, and the challenges that terminally ill patients, namely those diagnosed with cancer, experience. Methods: Non-structured interviews were conducted among terminally ill patients located at the palliative ward for two years. Results: We found that terminally ill patients at the palliative ward were undergoing the Five Stages of Grief, and that the emotions associated with the stages were reported to be similar to the emotions proposed in the model and among the patients. Conclusion: Kübler-Ross’ Five Stages of Grief is still applicable among terminally ill patients. The thoughts regarding dying and death still remain negative, therefore, the change in the myths of dying and death are required to help improve the journey towards death.

ObjectiveTo investigate the sleep status and effect of night shift work on sleep in nurses.MethodsSleep characteristics and qualities of 348 nurses, 50 communication persons and 100 night-guards were analyzed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and insomnia was diagnosed based on DSM-IV criteria.Results71.86% of nurses had bad sleep quality (PSQI>7); the rate of insomnia was 38.22%. The same data were 74% and 48% respectively in communication persons, and 26.76% and 7% in night-guards. The sleep quality of nurses was related to age and years of night shift work. The sleep quality of nurses was similar to communication persons (P>0.05), but significantly different from that of night-guards (P<0.01).ConclusionShift work manner influences sleep status of nurses and makes them having disturbances on falling sleep time, the time of sleeping, sleep efficiency and daytime function. But it doesn't need medication.

This study is to investigate the protection effect of schisandrin B (Sch B) against oxidation stress of HK-2 cells induced by cisplatin and the mechanisms involved. HK-2 cells were cultured and divided into different groups: solvent control group, cisplatin exposure group, positive group, Sch B treatment group. Cell viability and toxicity were evaluated by MTT and LDH assay. GSH level and SOD enzymes activities were also measured. DCFH-DA as fluorescence probe was used to detect ROS level by fluorescence microplate reader. Nrf2 translocation was detected by Western blotting. Real time Q-PCR was used to detect expressions of NQO1, HO-1 and GCLC mRNA level. The results showed that Sch B could significantly inhibit the decline of cell viability induced by cisplatin treatment (P < 0.05) and the protective effect was in a dose dependent manner. Furthermore, Sch B treatment significantly inhibited the increase of ROS level induced by cisplatin and reversed the decrease of GSH level (P < 0.05). When Sch B concentration was up to 5 micromol x L(-1), SOD enzyme activities were also enhanced significantly compared with that of the cisplatin group (P < 0.05). It was shown that Sch B could cause nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 in association with downstream activation of Nrf2 mediated oxidative response genes such as GCLC, NQO1 and HO-1. These results suggested Sch B could protect against the oxidative damage of HK-2 cells induced by cisplatin via the activation of Nrf2/ARE signal pathway.

Objective To evaluate the value of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing intrauterine adhesions.Methods Transvaginal ultrasound was performed in 136 patients with suspicious intrauterine adhesions and compared with hysteroscopy correspondingly .The ultrasonographic features of intrauterine adhesions on transvaginal ultrasound were summarized .Results One hundred and twenty one cases (89.0%, 121/136 ) of intrauterine adhesions were verified by hysteroscopy .The hysteroscopic findings included:(1) Forty seven cases(38.9%,47/121) were minimal intrauterine adhesions , 46 cases(38.0%, 46/121) were moderate intrauterine adhesions , and 28 cases (23.1%,28/121) were severe intrauterine adhesions.(2) Sixty one cases(50.4%,61/121) were central intrauterine adhesions , 24 cases(19.8%, 24/121) were marginal intrauterine adhesions , and 36 cases (29.8%, 36/121) were mixed type of intrauterine adhesions.The transvaginal ultrasound findings included:(1)Nineteen cases(40.4%,19/47) were minimal intrauterine adhesions ,33 cases(71.7%,33/46)were moderate intrauterine adhesions ,and 23 cases(82.1%,23/28) were severe intrauterine adhesions .(2) Thirty nine cases (63.9%,39/61) were central intrauterine adhesions ,9 cases(37.5%,9/24) were marginal intrauterine adhesions ,and 27 cases (75.0%, 27/36 ) were mixed type of intrauterine adhesions .By transvaginal ultrasound, seventy-five (62.0%,75/121) cases of intrauterine adhesions were correctly diagnosed , whereas 46 cases (38.0%, 46/121) were missed.And 3 cases ( 3.8%, 3/78 ) were misdiagnosed as intrauterine adhesions on transvaginal ultrasound,including one endometrial polyp ,one thin endometrium and one septate uterus .The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing intrauterine adhesions were 62.0%(75/121), 80.0%(12/15) and 64.0%(87/136) respectively.There were significant statistical differences in diagnosing different degrees of intrauterine adhesions ( χ2 =15.956,P=0.000) and different parts of intrauterine adhesions( χ2 =8.792,P=0.012) by transvaginal ultrasound.Conclusions Transvaginal ultrasound is an effective, easy to perform and noninvasive technique in screening and diagnosing intrauterine adhesions.Transvaginal ultrasound is an effective way in diagnosing intrauterine adhesions showing a noninvasive and simpler way than hysteroscopy .Transvaginal ultrasound is of great value in screening and diagnosing intrauterine adhesions .

Objective·To eliminate the effects of intraperitoneal injection of transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor-Ig (TACI-Ig) on the opitc neuritis and the integrity of myelin sheath in mice.Methods·Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups,which were blank control group,saline control group,low-dose (0.4 mg/kg) TACI-Ig group and high-dose (4 mg/kg) TACI-Ig group,with 6 mice in each group.All groups were received intraperitoneal injection every other day.The saline control group received 0.2 mL saline injection in the same way,and the blank control group was not given any intervention.After 20 d of treatment,the eyeballs and optic nerve tissues were collected from each mouse under anaesthesia,embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) and Luxol fast blue (LFB),respectively.Results·H-E staining indicated that optic nerve fibers arranged closely both in blank and saline control groups and the staining of tissues was uniform.The optic nerve structure of low-dose TACI-Ig group was similar to blank and saline control groups,while in high-dose of TACI-Ig group,the infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed.The inflammatory cell infiltration scores were not significantly different in all groups (P=0.610 3).The retinal structures of all groups were clear and distinct to observe,and single ganglion cells arranged tightly with complete cell shape,visible nucleus and uniform distribution.There was no difference in the retina structure among 4 groups.LFB staining indicated that there was no significant loss of the optic nerve myelin in 4 groups by microscope observation (P=0.473 6).Conclusion·Low-dose (0.4 mg/kg) TACI-Ig injection wouldn't damage the normal structure of optic nerves and retinal ganglion cells,meanwhile high-dose (4 mg/kg) of TACI-Ig injection might cause minor infiltration of inflammatory cells into retina.

Abstract: Objective　In order to provide reference for emergency treatment of a sudden food poisoning incident, pathogen detection and drug resistance analysis were carried out. Methods　Diarrheal stool and surplus food samples were detected by GB 4789 and the isolates were identified by VITEK2 and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), at the same time, the bacterial drug sensitivity test was carried out by using the method of microbroth dilution, and the isolates from different sources were molecularly classified by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and the correlation between the strains was analyzed by BioNumerics software. Results　Totaly 13 leftovers and 3 diarrhea patients were isolated and identified, The total number of colonies and coliforms in 7 leftovers samples all exceeded the standard, and Citrobacter freundii was detected in 5 leftovers and 2 stools. The results of drug sensitivity test showed that seven strains of Citrobacter freundii were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, amikacin, cefotaxime and meropenem, but completely resistant to ampicillin, and there was no multiple drug resistance. The results of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that 7 strains of Citrobacter freundii had the same PFGE bands and 100% homology, showing the same clone. Conclusions　This food poisoning incident was caused by Citrobacter freundii. The pathogen of food poisoning can be quickly and accurately determined by MALDI-TOF MS, which is beneficial to the early diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. It is suggested to strengthen the corresponding management, improve food safety awareness and prevent similar incidents.