Backgroud Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of slowing the progression of atherosclerosis by blood pressure (Bp)control in patients with hypertension and several studies also showed the efficacy of intensive glycemic control in decreasing progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, few studies have compared the relative importance of glycemic vs. Bp control in patients with diabetes and hypertension. We aimed to investigate the association between Bp and glycemic control and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in older patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Methods In a cross-sectional study, B-mode high-resolution ultrasonography of the carotid artery was performed in 670 subjects (508 males and 162 females) aged 60 years or over who had self-reported hypertension and diabetes but no history of coronary heart disease or stroke. Subjects were categorized by their systolic blood pressure: tight control, < 130 mmHg; usual control, 130-139 mmHg; or uncontrolled, > 140 mmHg, and by their hemoglobin Alc (HbAlc) level: tight control, < 6.5%; usual control, 6.5%-7.5%; or uncontrolled, > 7.5%, respectively. Results The mean CIMT was 8.20±0.11 mm, and carotid plaque was found in 52.5% (352/670) subjects. Overall, 62.1% of the subjects had subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, defined as having either carotid plaque or elevated CIMT (≥ 1.1 mm). The mean CIMT was significantly different between Bp control categories (7.60 ± 0.09 mm, 7.90 ± 0.08 mm, and 8.60±0.12 nun, respectively, P = 0.03) but not between glycemic control categories (8.20 ± 0.10 ram, 8.1 ± 0.08 mm, and 8.40 ± 0.14 mm, respectively, P = 0.13) using ANCOVA analysis. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for potential confounding factors showed that usual or uncontrolled Bp control were associated with having carotid plaque (OR = 1.08 and OR = 1.42, respectively), or elevated CIMT [Odd ratio (OR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI)1.04-2.24, and OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.36-2.96, respectively compared to tight Bp control; but did not show glycemic control as independent predictor of either having carotid plaque or elevated CIMT. Conclusions In older patients with hypertension and diabetes, blood pressure control, but not glycemic control is associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

This study was aimed to evaluate the relationship between the changes of plasma intermedin (IMD) and atrial fibrosis in hypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation. During the period from 2010 to 2011, appropriate 150 subjects of out-patients (female 50%, male 50%) were selected in West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and were divided into three groups: the hypertension-only group, the hypertension combined with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation group and the hypertension combined with persistent atrial fibrillation group. Firstly, we collected the Physical examination results and medical history records of the patients. We then performed ultrasound cardiogram and blood biochemical tests on the patients. We also detected the plasma IMD and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) using ELISA. The results showed that compared with the hypertensive group, the plasma level of IMD, TGF-β1 and left atrium director (LAD) in the hypertensive combined with atrial fibrillation group were higher significantly. Compared with the paroxymal atrial fibrillation group, the levels of IMD, TGF-β1 and LAD were higher significantly in persistent atrial fibrillation group. Analysis of correlation and partial correlation showed that IMD was positively correlated with TGF-p1 (r=0.51, P<0. 001), IMD was positively correlated with LAD(r=0.59, P< 0.001), and TGF-β1 was positively correlated with LAD (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). The results suggest that IMD might suppress the pathophysiological process of atrial fibrillation.
Atrial Fibrillation ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; physiopathology ; Male ; Peptide Hormones ; blood ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; blood

Objective:To investigate gender measurement invariance of the Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS)in people aged 50 years and older.Methods:A total of 1013 adults(50-96 years old)in Beijing, Hunan and Shandong were tested by using PSSS.The measurement invariance of PSSS between middle-aged and elderly males and females was analyzed.Differences in PSSS total scores and subscale scores between males and females were examined.Results:The equivalence test results of each item in the questionnaire met the requirements of the metrology(△CFI≥0.010, △TLI≥0.010, △RSMEA≤0.015), indicating that the hypotheses of morphological equivalence, weak equivalence, strong equivalence and strict equivalence of PSSS were all valid in the middle-aged and elderly population regardless of gender.In addition, middle-aged and elderly females had higher scores in family support, support from friends, support from other people and perceived social support than their male counterparts( P<0.05). Conclusions:PSSS has cross-gender equivalence in middle-aged and elderly people.Thus, differences in PSSS can reflect the perceived social support level in middle-aged and elderly people of different genders.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology of iron-deficiency anemia among children aged 0-6 years in plateau area,and to provide a basis for the formulation of prevention and treatment measures for anemia. Methods: A total of 1 512 children aged 0-6 years were randomly selected from 4 counties in plateau area by stratified and cluster sampling. Blood hemoglobin level was tested. Child dietary behaviors were collected from their parents. Results: There were significant differences in the prevalence of children with different age, family location, education level of main dependants, occupation of main dependants and per capita income of family(χ2=12.83,39.48,27.05,44.26,32.45, P<0.05).No significant difference for anemia prevalence in gender and nationality was found. The prevalence of anemia among children aged 0-6 years was 67.0%, and the prevalence was highest among children aged 1 years while decreased with age.Univariate analysis of variance showed that the prevalence anemia was 74.0% in rural children, which was significantly higher than children in urban area 58.6%(χ2=39.48,P<0.05). Low education and income level of caregiver, husbandry in the family, no exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months, and picky eaters positively associated with high prevalence of anemia. The prevalence rate of anemia in 0-6 months old infants fed with mixed feeding and artificial feeding (73.1%, 75.0%) was higher than that of breast feeding (48.9%) (χ2=6.78, P<0.05). Picky eating can lead to a high incidence of anemia in children. Conclusion Promoting healthy diets and correcting unhealthy dietary pattern through nutrition education to parents might be effective ways to lower the prevalence of anemia among children in plateau areas.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma drug pair in the treatment of hypertension based on the network pharmacology method and animal experiment verification.Methods(1)TCMSP,BATMAN and TCMIP databases were used to screen the active components and targets of Gastrodiae Rhizoma-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma drug pair.The hypertension-related targets were obtained by searching the Drugbank,Genecard,TTD and Disgenet databases.The intersection(common target)of the active component target and the target related to hypertension disease was taken,and the obtained intersection target was the potential target of Gastrodiae Rhizoma-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma drug pair for the treatment of hypertension.The active ingredients and their targets of Gastrodiae Rhizoma-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma drug pair were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.1 software to construct a'Chinese medicines-active ingredients-targets'network and screen key active ingredients.The protein-protein interaction(PPI)network of potential targets was constructed to screen potential core targets.The Metascape platform was used to analyze the GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment of potential targets.The key active components and potential core targets were selected for molecular docking verification.(2)Thirty male spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)were randomly divided into model group,western medicine group(Candesartan Cilexetil,0.72 mg·kg-1)and low-,medium-and high-dose groups of Gastrodiae Rhizoma-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(2.25,4.50,9.00 g·kg-1).Another male WKY rats were selected as blank group,with 6 rats in each group,once a day for 8 weeks.The systolic blood pressure of rat tail artery was detected before administration and 2,4,6 and 8 weeks after drug intervention.The pathological changes of thoracic aorta were observed by HE staining.The protein expression levels of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in aorta abdominalis were detected by Western Blot.Results(1)A total of 83 active components of Gastrodiae Rhizoma-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were obtained,and 158 potential targets(intersection targets)for the treatment of hypertension were screened out.Five key active ingredients:p-hydroxybenzoic acid,4-hydroxybenzylamine,tanshinone I,tanshinone,γ-sitosterol;6 potential core targets:IL6,TNF,CASP3,JUN,PTGS2,IL1B;GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 1 826 biological process items,89 cell component items,and 199 molecular function items.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis obtained 186 pathways,mainly involving neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,calcium signaling pathway,inflammatory response(such as TNF and MAPK signaling pathway),vascular protection(such as HIF-1 and cAMP signaling pathway),oxidative stress(such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway)and other signaling pathways.Tanshinone I and tanshinone had strong binding force to 6 potential core targets,and γ-sitosterol had strong binding force to IL6,CASP3,JUN,PTGS2 and IL1B.(2)Compared with the blank group,the systolic blood pressure of the model group was significantly increased(P＜0.01).The thoracic aortic endothelial injury was obvious,the endothelial cell morphology was abnormal,swelling and exfoliated cells could be seen,the intima of the tissue was disordered,the intima structure was incomplete,and the intima was thickened.The protein expressions of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in abdominal aorta were significantly increased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the systolic blood pressure of the rats in the administration group was significantly decreased(P＜0.01);the injury of thoracic aorta was alleviated,and the morphology,intima structure and thickness of endothelial cells were improved to varying degrees.The protein expressions of GRP78,CHOP and Caspase-12 in abdominal aorta were significantly decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion Gastrodiae Rhizoma-Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma drug pair may act on core targets such as IL6,TNF,CASP3,JUN,PTGS2,and IL1B through key active components such as p-hydroxybenzoic acid,tanshinone,and γ-sitosterol,and regulate key signaling pathways such as TNF signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,and PERK signaling pathway to improve vascular endothelial dysfunction,inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress,and lower blood pressure.

This article summarized the experience of Professor Xiong Jibai,a national TCM master,in treating pulmonary nodules based on the theory of"body fluids and blood stasis mixing"in Huang Di Nei Jing.Professor Xiong Jibai believes that the basic pathogenesis of pulmonary nodules is that"body fluids and blood stasis mixing"accumulate in lung collaterals,and the fundamental pathological factor is phlegm and blood stasis.Xiong's treatment is based on dissipating phlegm and activating qi,activating blood circulation and resolving masses,paying attention to syndrome differentiation and treatment,examining syndromes and seeking causes,flexibly selecting prescriptions and treating both symptoms and root causes;attaching importance to maintaining healthy qi,preventing both illness and change,and preventing recovery after illness.Clinical medical records were attached to prove the clinical thinking and medication characteristics.

Objective: To investigate the effects of parental feeding practices on anemia in children aged 0-6 years in the minority area of the plateau, and to provide evidence for anemia intervention. Methods: A total of 1 726 children aged 0-6 years in 4 counties of Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture were selected by stratified random cluster sampling to measure hemoglobin level. Parental feeding practices were evaluated. Results: The anemia prevalence rate among children aged 0-6 years was 50.3%. The prevalence of anemia was higher in those with younger age, Tibetan ethnic, rural residence, low parents education level and family income(χ2=156.95，899.51，148.17，8.18，16.36，11.03，P<0.05). Parentl awareness rates on feeding knowledge were 10.0%-53.7%. The report rates of distraction and force-feeding were 51.4% and 36.1%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that parents incorrect feeding knowledge and compulsive feeding behaviors were positively associated with anemia in children(P<0.05). Conclusion Improvement of parents health literacy and feeding behavior is an important intervention to reduce anemia in children aged 0-6 years.

Postoperative adhesion is a common phenomenon that occurs due to excessive inflammation and fibrin deposition during wound recovery after surgery. Postoperative adhesion can result in the adhesion of internal organs or tissues, which subsequently affects organ function and may even lead to postoperative complications. Currently, biofilm materials that prevent postoperative adhesion through physical barriers are considered the most effective strategy for managing this condition. In this paper, anti-postoperative adhesion biofilm materials derived from both natural and synthetic polymer sources are reviewed, and two emerging types of anti-adhesion biofilm materials are introduced, including nanoparticle films and drug-loaded biofilms, to provide a comprehensive reference for the future development of anti-postoperative adhesion biofilm materials.

Objective:To investigate the effect of modified citrus pectin (MCP) on the glucose metabolism of rabbit articular chondrocytes.Methods:The third generation (P3) rabbit knee chondrocytes were extracted and cultured with 0 μg/ml (MCP0, control group) and 500 μg/ml of MCP (MCP500) for 3 days. Chondrocytes (P2-P7)were cultured continuously, and each generation of chondrocytes was treated with MCP0 and MCP500 medium for 3 days. Chondrocytes were treated with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) for 1 day and then treated with MCP0 and MCP500 medium for 3 days, respectively. Chondrocytes were treated with 2-deoxy-glucose (2DG) for 1 day and then treated with MCP0 and MCP500 medium for 3 days, respectively. After three days of culture, the proliferation of chondrocytes was calculated by CCK-8. Glucose uptake activity and lactate production of chondrocytes were measured by glucose and lactate detection kits. The synthesis of type Ⅱ collagen (COL2A1) in sequential chondrocytes was investigated by immunofluorescence staining. The gene expression of COL2A1, proteoglycan ( ACAN), SOX9, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α ( HIF-1α), glucose transporter-1 ( Glut-1), pyruvate kinase M2 ( PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase-A ( LDHA) and glucose transporter-1 ( Glut-3) were further detected by RT-qPCR. Results:Compared with the control group, MCP treatment could increase the glucose uptake activity and lactate production of chondrocytes, and enhance the gene expression ability of HIF-1α, Glut-1, PKM2 and ACAN. Besides, MCP treatment could stimulate chondrocyte proliferation, maintain chondrocyte phenotype, increase lactate production, and upregulate the expression of COL2A1, ACAN, SOX9, HIF-1α, Glut-1, PKM2 and LDHA. After the treatment with IL-1β, MCP treatment could increase glucose uptake activity and upregulate the expression of COL2A1, ACAN, HIF-1α and Glut-1. After treatment with 2DG, MCP treatment could increase glucose uptake activity and upregulate the expression of SOX9, HIF-1α, PKM2 and Glut-3 genes. Conclusions:MCP can enhance the glucose uptake capacity of chondrocytes and increase the level of chondrocyte glycolytic metabolism.

Dry eye is a common ophthalmic disease caused by eye maladjustment due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is often accompanied by symptoms such as increased tear film osmotic pressure and ocular surface inflammation. In the treatment of dry eye patients, dredging gland obstruction caused by meibomian gland secretion is an effective treatment method. Based on electrothermal effect and hyperelasticity of the silicone, an auxiliary treatment instrument for MGD is designed, which can improve the blood circulation of the glands through heat compress and massage to achieve the purpose of dredging the meibomian glands. The therapy device can display the temperature and pressure during the treatment in real time, so that the surgeon can grasp the progress of the treatment in real time. The therapy device constructs a user-oriented interactive interface based on parametric modeling method, which can be customized by 3D printing according to the user's eyeball geometric parameters. The designed therapeutic device was finally tested on New Zealand white rabbits. The experimental results show that the therapeutic device has significant effectiveness and safety, as well as clinical application prospects.
Animals ; Dry Eye Syndromes/therapy* ; Humans ; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction ; Meibomian Glands ; Rabbits ; Tears ; Treatment Outcome