OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution of constitution types of Chinese medicine (CM) in the elderly living at home in Beijing downtown, and to explore its relationship with life habits.

METHODSA total of 3894 senile more than 60 years old were enrolled in this study. Their constitution types of CM were typed using CM constitution questionnaire. Meanwhile, their demographic features, disease condition, diet habits, exercise habits, sleep habits, and so on were investigated. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between life habits and constitution types of CM.

RESULTSThe number of mild type constitution senile was 1111 (28.53%) and the number of biased constitutions 2783 (71.47%). Biased constitutions of the top three were qi deficiency constitution (662, 17.00%), yang deficiency constitution (445, 11.43%), and blood stasis constitution (363, 9.32%). Univariate analysis showed that different habits of diet, exercise, and sleep exist among the senile of different constitutions (P < 0.05). By taking mild type constitution, multivariate Logistic regression analysis (except demographic indices and chronic history) showed that significantly positive correlation existed between qi deficiency constitution and favor for hot food (OR = 1.349, P = 0.015), yang deficiency constitution and favor for hot food (OR = 2.448, P < 0.01), phlegm-wetness constitution and favor for barbecue food (OR = 2.144, P = 0.003), wet-heat constitution and favor for sweet food (OR = 1.355, P = 0.032), wet-heat constitution and favor for tea (OR = 1.359, P = 0.047), blood stasis constitution and favor for hot food (OR = 1.422, P = 0.017), and qi depression constitution and favor for hot food (OR = 1.446, P = 0.031). Regular exercise had negative correlation with qi deficiency constitution (OR = 0.397, P < 0.01), yang deficiency constitution (OR = 0.522, P < 0.01) , phlegm-wetness constitution (OR = 0.475, P < 0.01), wet-heat constitution (OR = 0.647, P = 0.015), blood stasis constitution (OR = 0.608, P = 0.001), qi depression constitution (OR = 0.541, P = 0.001), and special diathesis constitution (OR = 0.466, P < 0.01). Early sleep and rise habit had negative with phlegm-wetness constitution (OR = 0.414, P < 0.01), wet-heat constitution (OR = 0.536, P = 0.015), blood stasis constitution (OR = 0.515, P = 0.004), and special diathesis constitution (OR = 0.526, P = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONSDifferent constitution types of CM might be highly related to specific life habits. Cultivating better life habits can improve biased constitutions of CM.

Aged ; Beijing ; Diet ; Exercise ; Humans ; Life Style ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Sleep ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Yang Deficiency ; diagnosis

Objective To investigate the hearing outcome efficiency of tympanostomy tubes and when combined with adenoidectomy for otitis media with effusion treatment. Methods A systematic literature review of tympanostomy tubes and tympanostomy tubes combined with adenoidectomy were performed using PubMed, EMBASE,the Cochrane Library,MEDLINE,all of the included studies were randomized controlled trial. The quality of included studies was evaluated according to the Risk of Bias Table of the Cochrane Handbook. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.02 software. Heterogeneity was examined,and forest plot was drawn. Results All of the included 4 studies were randomized controlled trials. At 6 month follow-up patients,the tym-panostomy tubes and tympanostomy tubes combined with adenoidectomy had no difference in hearing improvement (WMD = 1.06,95%CI-0.18 ~ 2.29,P = 0.09). At 12 month follow-up patients,the tympanostomy tubes com-bined with adenoidectomy were better than tympanostomy tubes alone(WMD = 3.03,95%CI 0.91 ~ 5.14,P =0.005). Conclusions The meta analysis result reveals that tympanostomy tubes combined with adenoidectomy have an advantage in long term follow up time for hearing improvement in children's otitis media with effusion treatment.

Aim To study whether there was arterial heterogeneity and association with L-type calcium channel (LCC) in different parts of arteries in re-sponse to certain vasoconstrictor. Methods The aor-ta, renal arteries and coronary arteries were dissected from rats. Arterial ring contractions induced by pheny-lephrine (Phe), 5-hydroxyl tryptamine (5-HT) or U46619 in concentration-dependent manner were meas-ured using the Multi Myograph system and the response to nifedipne was observed. Results (1) Phe had no obvious effect on the tension of coronary artery,but in-duced concentration-dependent vasoconstriction in aor-ta and renal artery,and pEC50of aorta was significantly higher than that of renal artery (P<0.05). The inhi-bition rate of nifedipine on the aortic contractile re-sponses was significantly higher than that of renal arter-y (P<0.05). (2) The contraction induced by 5-HT on aorta was not obvious, but was significant on renal artery and coronary artery. The inhibitory rate of nife-dipine on coronary artery vasoconstriction was signifi-cantly higher than that of renal artery (P <0.05). (3) U46619 could induce aorta,renal artery and coro-nary artery concentration- dependent contraction, but the Emaxof them were both higher than that of renal ar-tery (P<0.05). And the pEC50of aorta was the lar-gest (P<0.05). Nifedipine significantly inhibited the contraction of aorta, renal artery and coronary artery induced by U46619 with the greatest inhibitory rate on the coronary artery vasoconstriction and minimal inhibi-tion on aortic vasoconstriction. Conclusions The re-sponse to certain vasoconstrictor is different among aor-ta, renal artery and coronary artery in rats, and the contraction mediated by L-type calcium channel is also different.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects and related mechanisms of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein on cell cycle and growth in hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODSA human hepatocyte HepG2 cell line stably expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged HBx (HepG2/GFP-HBx cells) was used for the experiment, and HepG2 parental and HepG2/GFP cells was used as the controls. Effect of HBx on cell growth was evaluated by the MTT cell proliferation assay and on cell cycle progression by flow cytometry analysis of cells with or without treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR; 5 pmol/L). Effect of HBx expression on promoter methylation status of the p16INK4A tumor-suppressor gene was detected by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and on p16 protein level was analyzed with western blotting.

RESULTSThe HepG2/GFP-HBx cells showed significantly higher cell proliferation at 72 hrs of culture (3.225+/-0.038 A490) than either control (HepG2: 2.012+/-0.022 A490, t = -46.86, P less than 0.001; HepG2/GFP: 2.038+/-0.029 A490, t = 42.51, P less than 0.001). The HepG2/GFP-HBx cells also showed significantly lower proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase (16.45%+/-0.45%) than either control (HepG2: 44.81%+/-1.36%, t = -34.202, P less than 0.001; HepG2/GFP: 42.76%+/-1.58%, t = -28.88, P less than 0.001). However, 5-Aza-CdR treatment did lead to a significant amount of HepG2/GFP-HBx cells being arrested in the G0/G1 phase (33.25%+/-0.79%, t = 31.85, P less than 0.001). The p16INK4A promoter was methylated in the HepG2/GFP-HBx cells, and became demethylation after treatment with 5-Aza-CdR. However, no methylation of p16INK4A promoter was observed in both HepG2 and HepG2/GFP cells. The p16 protein level was significantly lower in the HepG2/GFP-HBx (vs. HepG2 and HepG2/GFP cells) and this level increased after treatment with 5-Aza-CdR.

CONCLUSIONHBx protein promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell cycle progression and growth by shortening the G0/G1 phase, and the underlying mechanism may involve inducing p16INK4A promoter methylation and downregulating p16 protein expression.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Cycle ; drug effects ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genes, p16 ; Hep G2 Cells ; Hepatitis B virus ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; Trans-Activators ; pharmacology

Eye Diseases ; prevention & control ; Home Care Services ; Humans ; Schools ; Single-Blind Method ; Students ; Urban Population

OBJECTIVETo investigate the anti-tumor effect of small interfering RNA targeting to HBV X gene (X-siRNA) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) on HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODSX-siRNA and control siRNA were synthesized. HepG2/GFP-HBx cells were treated with X-siRNA, and the levels of HBV X mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nude mice were inoculated with HepG2/GFP and HepG2/GFP-HBx cells subcutaneous respectively to establish implant models of hepatocellular carcinoma, and were treated with X-siRNA, 5-aza-dC alone or in combination, and tumor growth was observed. The methylation of p16 gene promoter was detected by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP).

RESULTSRT-PCR showed the expression of HBV X mRNA in HepG2/GFP-HBx cells was inhibited markedly by X-siRNA. The nude mice experiment showed that the gross tumor volume was much bigger in HepG2/GFP-HBx group than that in HepG2/GFP group (P < 0.05). The growth of palpable tumors in X-siRNA or 5-aza-dC treatment group notably decreased (P < 0.05). MSP analysis showed that p16 gene methylation was observed in HepG2/ GFP-HBx-caused palpable tumors, while no methylation was detected in HepG2/GFP group. However, after treatment with X-siRNA or 5-aza-dC, p16 gene methylation reduced.

CONCLUSIONSHBV X-siRNA and methylation inhibitor can inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells via reversing p16 methylation.

Animals ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; pharmacology ; Azacitidine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; DNA Methylation ; Genes, p16 ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; therapy ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Transplantation ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Trans-Activators ; antagonists & inhibitors ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo assess the prognostic value of biological features and therapy-related factors in multiple myeloma (MM).

METHODS123 patients with newly diagnosed MM between January 1998 and May 2005 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Biological features at presentation and therapy-related factors were analysed. The overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP) were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the distribution of OS and TTP were compared using log-rank test. Cox regression was used to identify the independent prognostic factors.

RESULTS(1) The univariate analysis indicated that more immature plasma cells in bone marrow biopsy, C-reactive protein >8. Omg/L, CD117 expression, serum beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG) (3.5 approximately 5.5 mg/L), abnormal cytogenetics aberration of chromosome 13 (Delta13), hypodiploid, poor response to chemotherapy, interferon(IFN) therapy less than 6 months were associated with shorter OS(P <0.05). Lytic bone lesions at presentation, more immature plasma cells in bone marrow biopsy, serum beta2-MG (3.5 approximately 5.5 mg/L), poor response to chemotherapy, and IFN therapy less than 6 months as well as abnormal cytogenetics, hypodiploid and Delta13 were associated with shorter TTP (P <0.05). (2) Multivariable COX analysis indicated IFN therapy more than 6 months was a protective factor for OS and TTP, and more immature plasma cells in bone marrow biopsy was an independent poor prognostic factor for TTP.

CONCLUSIONThe morphology of myeloma cells is useful for assessing the prognosis. And IFN therapy more than 6 months could lengthen OS and TTP.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma ; diagnosis ; pathology ; therapy ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Analysis

To compare the designing effects (DE) among different complex sampling designing programs.Data from the ‘2002 Chinese Nutrition and Health Survey' was used as an example to generate the sampling population,and statistical simulation method was used to estimate the values of DEs from six complex sampling designing programs.It was found that the values of DEs varied among the six complex sampling designing programs.The values of the DEs were associated with the sample sizes in a positive way,with more sample stages and less stratified categories.Reduction of the numbers of sample stages and detailing stratified categories could decrease the DE values so as to improve the DE.

Objective To investigate the risk factors of adult urolithiasis in China. Methods 14 areas including 11 communities and 19 villages were randomly selected from 7 provinces of China by multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method during the period of May 2013 to July 2014. Individuals were investigated by a face-to-face questionnaire and a physical examination including urinary tract ultrasonographic examinations, routine blood and urine tests and blood biochemical examination ect. Results In total, 1 447 participants were found with the urolithiasis among 9 310 individuals and the overall prevalence was 15.5% (1 447/9 310). The prevalence of urolithiasis was significantly different among 14 areas ( 2=711.523，P<0.001), the lowest was the village in Shanxi (0.76%) and the highest was the village in Guangdong(35.99%). The intercept-only model further indicated the reginal aggregation for the individuals of urolithiasis (t=2.48, P=0.027) and the ICC was 48.74%. The two-level Logistic regression model showed that the gender (OR=1.235, 95% CI:1.082-1.411, P=0.005), age (OR=1.101, 95% CI:1.047-1.158, P=0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR=1.411，95%CI:1.192-1.670, P=0.001), family history of urinary calculi (OR=1.867, 95% CI:1.500-2.323, P<0.001), LDL (OR=1.150, 95% CI:1.050-1.260, P=0.006), drinking coffee (OR=1.352, 95% CI:1.065-1.716, P=0.017) and drinking sodas (OR=1.547, 95% CI:1.203-1.990, P=0.002) were the risk factors for urolithiasis. By contrast, consumed more fermented vinegar (OR=0.567, 95% CI:0.498-0.645, P<0.001) and had a amount of legume (OR=0.726, 95% CI:0.628-0.839, P<0.001) were protective factors of urolithiasis. Conclusion The prevalence of urolithiasis among adults reveal an aggregation in area-level, influenced by life environment and dietary habits of individual.

Objective To compare the incidence of intracranial and extracranial artery stenosis between patients with different degrees of dysglycemia,and investigate early curative methods of diabetes-related stenosis.Methods One hundred and thirty two consecutive pre-diabetes patients,268 diabetes and 235 healthy controls,collected in our hospital from December 2011 to November 2012,were enrolled; and risk factors,including blood fat,fasting glucose,2-h glucose and fasting insulin,were recruited and analyzed; neck vascular color Doppler and transcranial vascular color Doppler ultrasounds were performed on these patients and compared the incidences of intracranial and extracranial stenoses,single-and multi-branches,and anterior and posterior circulation vascular stenoses among three groups.Results The incidences of intracranial and extracranial stenoses in the control,pre-diabetes and diabetes groups were 5.5％ (13/235),7.6％ (10/132) and 22.4％ (60/268),respectively,with statistical differences (x2=35.738,P=0.000); the incidences of extracranial stenosis,intracranial stenosis,and intracranial and extracranial stenoses in control,pre-diabetes and diabetes groups increased with significant difference (P＜0.05); the incidence of intracranial stenosis of all groups were higher than that of extracranial stenosis.The incidence of multi-branches stenosis in the dysglycemia group were higher than that in the control group with statistical difference (P＜0.05).The incidence of multi-branches stenosis was higher than that of single-branch stenosis in the dysglycemia group.The incidence of anterior circulation stenosis in control,pre-diabetes and diabetes groups increased with significant difference (P＜0.05).Conclusions Dysglycemia related atherosclerotic stenosis maybe stemmed from early stage ofpre-diabetes,and early measurement and administration ofatherosclerotic stenosis should be taken from the early stage.