Objective To investigate the association between serum uric acid and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) levels and to examine any possible effect modifiers among hypertensive patients in rural areas of Eastern China. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Lianyungang and Anqing Cities from July to September 2013. Hypertensive patients with serum uric acid and baPWV measurements were included in this study. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the relationship between serum uric acid levels and baPWV. Results Finally, a total of 4 278 participants were included in this study. The mean age was 65.2 (standard deviation(SD):7.4) years and the mean value of baPWV levels were 1835.1 (SD: 383.4) cm/s. Regression analysis showed that there is a positive correlation between serum uric acid and baPWV levels (per SD increment, β=20.5 cm/s, 95% CI: 8.5-32.5, P=0.001. When uric acid was categorized in tertiles, a significantly higher baPWV level was found in participants in tertile 3 (≥349μmol/L)(β=51.2 cm/s, 95% CI: 23.8-78.6, P=0.001), compared with those in tertile 1(<277 μmol/L). Furthermore, the serum uric acid-baPWV association was significantly stronger in those systolic blood pressure (SBP)≥140 mm Hg (vs.<140 mm Hg; p-interaction=0.001). Conclusion There is a positive relationship between uric acid levels and baPWV among hypertensive patients, especially in those with higher SBP levels.

Objective To explore the relationship between fasting blood glucose and branchial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) levels among hypertensive population in rural areas of Eastern China. Methods A cross-sectional analysis were conducted among hypertensive population in Lianyungang and Anqing city from July to September 2013. Multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze the association of serum glucose and baPWV. Results A total of 3 894 hypertensive participants were included in the present study. The prevalence of normal fasting glucose (NFG), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and diagnosed diabetes (DM) were 44.5%, 43.0%, and 12.5%, respectively. Each 1-mmol/L increase in fasting blood glucose levels was significantly associated with a 26.2 cm/s increase in baPWV levels (95% CI: 19.6-32.8, P<0.001). Consistently, significantly higher baPWV levels were observed in participants with IFG (β=50.4 cm/s, 95% CI: 28.4-72.3, P<0.001) and DM (β=113.4 cm/s, 95% CI: 80.2-146.5, P<0.001) when compared to those with NFG. Furthermore, a stronger positive association between fasting blood glucose and baPWV was observed in participants with systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg (β=34.3 cm/s, 95% CI: 24.5-44.2, P<0.001; vs.<140 mmHg; β=18.1 cm/s, 95% CI: 9.1-27.2, P<0.001; Pinteraction=0.027). Conclusion There was a positive association between fasting blood glucose and baPWV levels among hypertensive population in rural areas of Eastern China.

OBJECTIVESTo define the expression of single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) against hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) mediated by recombinant replication defective adenovirus carrying the anti-HBc ScFv gene in vitro and to define the activity of anti-HBc ScFv combining HBcAg.

METHODSThe recombinant adenoviruses carrying anti-HBc ScFv gene generated by homologous recombination in bacteria and packaged in 293 cells were transfected into HepG2 cells, and the anti-HBc ScFv was detected using SDS-PAGE and Western blot.

RESULTSGreen fluorescent protein (GFP) was observed in HepG2 cells after the transfection. SDS-PAGE displayed a protein strap about 2.7 x 10(4), and the result of Western blot displayed a positive reactive strap.

CONCLUSIONAnti-HBc ScFv can be expressed in cells mediated by recombinant replication defective adenovirus carrying the anti-HBc ScFv gene.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Cell Line ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; genetics ; immunology ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; immunology ; Humans ; Single-Chain Antibodies ; genetics ; immunology ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo study the CD8+ cell noncytotoxic antiviral response (CNAR) to HIV in nosocomial HIV infected individuals, and reveal the relationship between the CNAR and CD4+ cell count.

METHODCD8+ cells from HIV-1 sero-positive individuals were separated by immunomagnetic beads and mixed with CD4+ cells at different CD8 CD4 cell input ratios (2:1, 1:1, 0.5:1 and 0.25:1). Reverse transcriptase (RT) activity of cocultured supernatant was tested and compared with negative control and the suppression rate of HIV-1 replication was measured.

RESULTThe average CD8:CD4 cell input ratios to reach 80% suppression of HIV replication in the group with CD4 < 300/microl and CD4 > 300/microl were 2.4:1 and 1.3:1, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONCNAR activity in HIV infected individuals is associated with CD4+ cell count. The ability to suppress HIV replication in subjects with CD4 > 300 is stronger than those with CD4 < 300.

Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-HIV Agents ; therapeutic use ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology ; Cells, Cultured ; Cross Infection ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Female ; HIV ; drug effects ; immunology ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in the range of motion (ROM) and stress of the intervertebral disc and facet joint of the adjacent segments following anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using finite element analysis.

METHODSA three-dimensional finite element model of the lower cervical vertebrae was constructed and validated by comparing the ROM of the finite element model against the published data. After the validation of successful modeling, finite element models of ACDF and ACCF were constructed. The ROM and the stress of the intervertebral disc and facet joint of the adjacent segments were compared between the intact lower cervical vertebrae and the cervical vertebrae after ACDF and ACCF.

RESULTSThe ROM of the finite element model was consistent with the published data. The total ROM and the ROM of the fusion segments with ACDF and ACCF were significantly decreased compared with the intact cervical vertebrae. In the adjacent segments following ACDF and ACCF, the ROM the adjacent segments and the stress peak of the intervertebral disc and facet joint all increased obviously compared with those of intact cervical vertebrae.

CONCLUSIONAfter fusion surgeries, the total ROM of the cervical vertebrae decreases and the ROM of the adjacent segment increases. The stress peak of the intervertebral disc and facet joint of the adjacent segments also increases to significantly alter the physiological characteristics of the intact cervical vertebrae.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of one-stage anterolateral-posterior approach debridement,bone graft and internal fixation in treatment of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis.Methods From January 2010 to December 2014,56 cases of thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis were retrospectively analyzed, including 31 males and 25 females,aged 18 -72 years (mean 43.1 years).All patients were managed by standard courses of chemotherapy with quadruple anti-TB drugs for 2 - 4 weeks.Patients were treated by anterolateral debridement,autologous iliac bone graft fixed by absorbable screw fixation,and posterior pedicle screw fixation via multi-split muscle gap (Wiltse approach).We recorded the operation time,the amount of bleeding,bone graft fusion,postoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR),Cobb angle,VAS score,and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA)score to evaluate the surgical results.Results The average operation time was 175-290 min, with an average of (248±42)min.The bleeding volume was 300 -900 mL with an average of (420 ±68)mL.The average follow-up time was (24 ± 5.2 )months,bone fusion rate was 100%,and fusion time was (4.7 ± 0.5 ) months.At the last follow-up,the average Cobb angle was (8.2±3.1)°,VAS was (2.1±0.8),and ESR was (17± 4.2)mm/h.The ASIA neurological functions were all classified as Grade E except for 3 cases of Grade D.All these were significantly different from the preoperative ones.Six patients had complications of different degree but without serious complications.Conclusion One-stage anterolateral debridement,autologous iliac bone graft fixedby absorbable screw fixation,and posterior pedicle screw fixation via multi-split muscle gap (Wiltse approach)can completely remove the tuberculosis lesions and achieve ideal kyphosis correction,high bone graft fusion,and satisfactory neurological function recovery.Absorbable screws can be safely applied to the bone graft site after debridement.

OBJECTIVETo retrospectively analyze the surgical methods and its clinical effects and explore a clinical classification and treatment strategy for atlantoaxial dislocation(AAD).

METHODSThe clinical data of 89 patients with atlantoaxial dislocation were analyzed from September 2005 to September 2013. There were 49 males and 40 females, aged from 13 to 67 years with an average of 48.1 years. According to the reductive effects with preoperative cervical dynamic radiograph and high weight skeletal traction under general anesthesia, the dislocations were classified into three types:easy reduction type, hard reduction type and irreducible type. The patients with easy reduction type were treated with posterior screw rod internal fixation after manual reduction, while the patients with hard reduction type were treated with posterior screw rod fixation after high weight skeletal traction reduction under general anesthesia. The patients with irreducible type were treated with transoral atlantoaxial joint release or depression and posterior internal fixation and fusion. According to JOA scores to evaluate the neurological status and treatment outcome.

RESULTSThirty patients were classified as easy reduction type, 55 patients as hard reduction type, and 4 patients as irreducible type. The preoperative JOA score was 8.2±3.1 on average, while the postoperative score was 14.2±2.4. The improvement rate was 40.1% to 82.5% with an average of 62.5%. Eighty nine patients were followed up from 6 to 37 months with a mean of 17.3 months. Eighty two cases obtained anatomical reduction and 85 cases obtained bony fusion. One case complicated with hyponatremia after operation and 1 case combined with Guillain-Barre syndrome, 4 cases complicated with delayed union wounds, 1 case died of for respiratory failure 2 years after operation. No wound infections were found in the patients approach for transoral operation.

CONCLUSIONSAccording to the cervical dynamic radiograph and high weight skeletal traction under general anesthesia to classify for atlantoaxial dislocation, and adopting well strategies to treat the patients, can achieve satisfactory effects.

OBJECTIVEThis study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid nodules (TNs) and its relationship with urine iodine concentrations (UICs) after the regional rapid economic growth and lifestyle changes.

METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted in the general population aged 15-69 years. A questionnaire regarding general and personal characteristics and relevant information was administered. Ultrasonography of the thyroid was performed, and serum triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) levels were measured for each individual subject.

RESULTSThe prevalence rates of TNs in the whole population, females and males were 27.76%, 34.04%, and 21.60%, respectively. The prevalence of multiple nodules increased with age, whereas the prevalence peaks differed between males and females. The median UICs in the whole population and females with non-TNs were higher than those of subjects with TNs (P=0.0035, P=0.0068). The median UICs in subjects with a single TN were higher than those in subjects with multiple TNs (P=0.0164, P=0.0127). The result showed a U-shaped curve relationship between UIC and prevalence of TNs. The prevalence of TNs was the lowest when the UIC was 140-400 μg/L.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of TNs was nearly 30% and increased with age. The relationship between UIC and prevalence of TNs is U-shaped, with an increase in risk when the UIC was <140 μg/L and >400 μg/L. Very low or high UIC levels need attention and correction.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Iodine ; urine ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nutritional Status ; Prevalence ; Thyroid Nodule ; chemically induced ; epidemiology ; Young Adult