OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes of posterior bulging of the lumbar intervertebral discs with flexion and extension movement of the spine in patients with central disc bulges or disc degeneration. METHOD: Twenty patients with low back pain were studied. Nine patients had central type disc bulging and eleven patients had disc degeneration only. The spines were scanned in neutral, flexion, and extension positions in a vertically open 0.5T MR scanner. Degree of posterior bulging of the lumbar intervertebral disc of the pathological level was measured. RESULTS: In the patients with disc bulge, posterior bulging of the disc decreased in all of the patients by 0.8 0.6 mm with flexion of the spine and increased in 77.8% of the patients by 1.0 0.8 mm with extension of the spine. In the patients with disc degeneration, posterior bulging decreased with flexion in 36.7% of the patients. With extension, posterior bulging increased in 55.6% of the patients. CONCLUSION: This study found that patients with low back pain and central disc bulges have consistent and marked discrepancies in posterior bulging with flexion-extension in comparison with our previous study with asymptomatic patients with normal MRIs.
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration* ; Intervertebral Disc* ; Low Back Pain ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Spine

In September 2012, the US Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (USCACA) hosted two symposiums in Beijing. The USCACA hosted the first joint session at the 7th annual meetings of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association (CACA), themed on "Collaboration between the US and China in Cancer Research." Six experts from the United States and China presented their latest work on basic and translational cancer research. During this symposium, 5 young Chinese scholars, returnees after their training in the United States, were honored the"AFCR-USCACA Scholarships Award." The USCACA hosted a second symposium during the 15th annual meeting of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO), focused on the "US-China Collaboration in Cancer Drug Clinical Development." An international delegation of oncology experts presented the innovative clinical trial strategies and discussed the biomarkers for cancer early detection and clinical trials, targeted therapy, and new drug development. The Oncology Drug Clinical Development and Safety Evaluation Committee was also launched to promote an innovative environment and to provide a collaborative platform for anti-cancer drug development in China.
Awards and Prizes ; China ; Drug Discovery ; International Cooperation ; Medical Oncology ; Societies, Medical ; United States

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression profile of genes which are involved in IFN antiviral activity and IFN signal transduction pathway in Hep G2 and HepG2.2.15 cells.

METHODSGenes of interest were selected from the UniGene database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.gov/UniGene/Hs.Home.html). The 5'IMAGE clones with 0.5-0.8 kb length were chosen and ordered from RZPD company. The cDNA inserts were amplified by PCR and then were spotted onto the Hybond-N+ membranes. The membranes were denatured and neutralized for Macroarray analysis. HepG2.2.15 and Hep G2 cells were treated without or with IFN-alpha for 6 h, and the total cellular RNA was isolated using Trizol Reagent. Radio-labelled cDNA was generated from 20 microgram of RNA by reverse transcription using 360 units of reverse transcriptase in the presence of 30 microCi of alpha-32P dCTP. Hybridization was performed between 32P-labelled cDNA and membrane arrays. The membranes were then scanned, and the intensity of autoradiographic spots was quantitated by Cyclone Storage Phosphor System. The images were subsequently analysed by the OptiQuant Imager Analysis Software and converted into digital data.

RESULTSThe authors found that just partially IFN-inducible genes were expressed in Hep G2 and HepG2.2.15 cells, and the majority of IFN-inducible genes was lowly responsive or non-responsive to IFN-a treatment. Some interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) were inhibited or blocked, especially in HepG2.2.15 cells. Interestingly, the authors found that the IFN signal transduction pathway (Jak-STAT) was intact and unimpaired in HepG2.2.15 cells.

CONCLUSIONDifferential gene expression profiles in response to IFN were found between Hep G2 and HepG2.2.15 cells.

Antiviral Agents ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; pathology ; virology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; drug effects ; Hepatitis B virus ; drug effects ; Humans ; Interferons ; pharmacology ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; virology ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; RNA, Viral ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUNDHaikou locates in tropical island with unique mite propagation. The aim of this stuy is to determine mite allergens levels in Haikou, and to investigate the prevalence of mite specific IgE-sensitization and IgE cross-reactivity between house dust mites.

METHODSAllergen and antigen concentrations against six mite species were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Specific IgE concentrations and cross-inhibitions were measured with ADVIA Centaur(®).

RESULTSAllergen or antigen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p 1), Blomia tropicalis (Blo t) and Tyrophagus putrescentia (Tyr p) were detected in dust samples. Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f 1), Lepidoglyphus destructor (Lep d 2), and Acarus siro (Aca s) were found in very few samples. Specific IgE tests showed high prevalence of sensitizations against all tested mites with high IgE levels to Der p, Der f, and Blo t. Storage mites, Blo t, Tyr p, Lep d, and Aca s, could inhibit Der p from 0 to 50%. Storage mites could inhibit Der f between 30% and 100%. Der p IgE could be inhibited by Der f with up to 90%, and vice versa. Der p could inhibit Blo t from 40% to 80%. Blo t was able to fully inhibit IgE binding to Lep d, Tyr p, and Aca s compared to partial inhibition by Der p.

CONCLUSIONSDer p is the dominating mite and has the highest specific IgE prevalence among asthmatic children. Blo t represents an important source of storage mite sensitization and some patients may be independently sensitized to both Der p and Blo t. High prevalence of sensitization to Der f may be due to IgE-mediated cross-reactivity with Der p and Blo t.

Adolescent ; Air Pollution, Indoor ; Allergens ; analysis ; Animals ; Antigens, Dermatophagoides ; analysis ; Arthropod Proteins ; analysis ; Asthma ; immunology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Cross Reactions ; Cysteine Endopeptidases ; analysis ; Dust ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; blood ; immunology ; Mites ; immunology

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate plasma renin activity (PRA) levels and risk of mortality and cardiovascular events among individuals with elevated blood pressure [systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg] and those with controlled blood pressure (SBP < 140 mmHg) in a large diverse population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013, among adults (≥ 18 years) within an integrated health system was conducted. Subjects were categorized by SBP into 2 groups: SBP < 140 mmHg and SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and then further categorized into population-based PRA tertiles within each SBP group. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios for cardiovascular and mortality outcomes among tertiles of PRA levels. RESULTS: Among 6,331 subjects, 32.6% had SBP ≥ 140 mmHg. Multivariable hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval for PRA tertiles T2 and T3 compared to T1 in subjects with SBP ≥ 140 mmHg were 1.42 (0.99–2.03) and 1.61 (1.12–2.33) for ischemic heart events; 1.40 (0.93–2.10) and 2.23 (1.53–3.27) for congestive heart failure; 1.10 (0.73–1.68) and 1.06 (0.68–1.66) for cerebrovascular accident; 1.23 (0.94–1.59) and 1.43 (1.10–1.86) for combined cardiovascular events; and 1.39 (0.97–1.99) and 1.35 (0.92–1.97) for all-cause mortality, respectively. Among the SBP < 140 mmHg group, there was no relationship between PRA levels and outcomes. CONCLUSION: Higher PRA levels demonstrated increased risk for ischemic heart events and congestive heart failure and a trend toward higher mortality among individuals with SBP ≥ 140 mmHg but not among those with SBP < 140 mmHg.
Adult ; Blood Pressure* ; Cohort Studies ; Epidemiology ; Heart ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Mortality* ; Plasma* ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Renin* ; Retrospective Studies ; Stroke

OBJECTIVETo describe the current prevalence and distribution of all types of mental disorders in Zhejiang Province and use this data to develop a provincial mental health plan.

METHODSStratified multi-stage cluster randomization was used to identify 14 counties (cities), 70 townships (urban districts), 140 villages (urban neighborhoods) and 15,000 subjects > or = 15 years of age. Psychiatric nurses used an expanded version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) to identify subgroups of subjects at high, moderate and low risk of having a mental disorder, then psychiatrists determined their diagnoses by administering a structured psychiatric examination (SCID) that employs American diagnostic criteria for mental disorders (DSM-IV) to 100% of high-risk, 40% of moderate-risk and 10% of low-risk subjects.

RESULTS14 639 subjects completed the screening and 4,788 completed the psychiatric examination. The adjusted overall current rate of mental disorders was 17.3% (95% CI = 16.0%-18.7%), which dropped to 13.4% (12.2%-14.7%) if the non-specific (NOS) disorders were excluded. The most common diagnostic groups were affective disorders (8.6%, 7.9%-9.5%), anxiety disorders (4.3%, 3.6%-5.1%), and substance use disorders (3.0%, 2.4%-3.8%). The most common specific disorders were major depressive disorder (4.3%, 3.7%-4.9%), alcohol use disorder (2.9%, 2.3%-3.7%), dysthymia (1.6%, 1.3%-1.9%) and specific phobias (1.2%, 0.8%-1.8%). The overall prevalence was higher in rural than in urban areas (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.11-1.37) and slightly higher in women than in men (RR = 1.11, 1.00-1.22).

CONCLUSIONSMental disorders seriously affect the social and economic development of Zhejiang Province; they are a major public health problem that urgently needs to be addressed. To do this, it is necessary to develop and implement a comprehensive province-wide mental health plan and regularly evaluate its effectiveness.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Disorders ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between anemia and cognitive function among senior female aged 90 years old and above in longevity regions in China.

METHODS383 senior female in 5 longevity areas from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) 2008 - 2009 were included in the study. The cognitive function was assessed by mini mental state examination (MMSE) scale. All subjects were administered the physical examinations and biochemical testing of blood, including the hemoglobin. The difference of cognitive function between those with and without anemia was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between anemia and cognitive function.

RESULTSThe 383 subjects were divided into two groups, 141 in anemia group and 242 in group without anemia. The total score of cognitive function was 9.65 ± 9.32 in anemia group, and 13.06 ± 10.25 in group without anemia (χ(2) = 5.59, P < 0.05). The percentage of cognition impairment was 84.4% (119/141) in anemia group, and 72.3% (175/242) in group without anemia (χ(2) = 8.08, P < 0.05). In the multivariable logistic regressions, after adjustment for age, education, marital status, smoking and alcohol drinking, the risk for cognition impairment in anemia group was about twice of that in group without anemia (OR = 2.016, 95%CI: 1.185 - 3.431, P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONAnemia increases the risk of cognition impairment among senior female in Chinese longevity areas.

Age Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anemia ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Causality ; China ; epidemiology ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans ; Longevity

OBJECTIVETo describe the distribution of plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and explore the relationship between hsCRP and metabolic risk factors among residents living in longevity areas of China.

METHODS268 individuals aged between 40 and 59 years and 506 individuals aged over 90 years were selected from 5 longevity areas of China to participate in a cross section longitudinal cohort study. The participants were interviewed with general health related questionnaire to collect their demographic, behavioral and lifestyle data, as well as their chronic conditions, and meanwhile their physical and biomedical parameters including waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), hsCRP, plasma lipids, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured.

RESULTSThe median of hsCRP was 0.99 mg/L in the middle-aged group and 1.76 mg/L in the oldest old group. No significant gender difference was observed between the above two groups. Among the oldest old individuals, 36.56% had an hsCRP level >3.0 mg/L. The prevalence of high hsCRP was 16.79% in the middle-aged group. The results of stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed that HDL-C was independently associated with ln (hsCRP) concentration in the middle-aged group, whereas ln (TG), HDL-C and FBG were correlated after adjustment for gender, study site, smoking, drinking, education and BMI in the oldest old group.

CONCLUSIONHDL-C is a stronger predictor of elevated hsCRP than other metabolic factors in the middle-aged population. For the oldest old persons, high TG, low HDL-C, and FBG predict elevated plasma hsCRP.

Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aging ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Biomarkers ; C-Reactive Protein ; metabolism ; China ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Longevity ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Models, Biological

[Objective] To evaluate lipid -lowering efficacy and safety of RYR Cholestin , or Monascus purpureus (Red Yeast) Rice, in Americans with moderate hypercholesterolemia. [Methods] This study was an open-label, self-control, and multi-center clinical trial.A total of 187 subjects were entered into this trial (serum LDL-Cholesterol 3.50~4.92 mmol/L,total cholesterol 5.18~7.25 mmol/L, male:female=116∶71) , of whom 162 completed the study .Subjects were placed on the NCEP Step I Diet throughout the study and RYR Cholestin (2.4 g/day) was administered for 8 weeks following initial 4-week diet control . [ Results] Being on the diet alone for 4 weeks resulted in no significant changes in serum lipids .RYR Cholestin treatment for 8 weeks reduced serum total cholesterol , LDL-Cholesterol and triglycerides by 16 .6%, 24 .0%, and 25 .2%, respectively , and increased HDL-Cholesterol by 14 .3%( all P<0 .001 ) .There were 97 .5% of patients having ≥10% improvement in at least one of lipid risk factors, and 79.0%having ≥20% improvement.Discontinuation of RYR Cholestin intervention for 14 d led to a return of serum lipids to baseline of pre -study .And 29 possible product -related mild adverse re-actions were reported . [ Conclusion] RYR Cholestin is well tolerated and effective in reducing total and LDL-Cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as in increasing HDL-Cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients, but those indicators return to the beginning baseline when the treatment is discontinued .

Objectives: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition.The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach. Methods: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and anti resorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches. Results: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to anti resorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for in dividuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.