ObjectiveTo establish a castrated male mouse model and to preliminarily investigate the effects of testosterone replacement therapy （TRT） on behavior， serum indices， and histopathological changes in castrated mice， as well as to explore the role of androgens in cognitive function. MethodsForty 6-month-old male C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into sham operation group， castration group， testosterone propionate （0.5，1.0 mg/kg） treated group， with 10 mice in each group. Following castration and subcutaneous administration of testosterone propionate at different doses （0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg） for TRT， learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze （MWM） test and the passive avoidance test. Serum testosterone and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） levels were measured by ELISA， and histopathological changes in the hippocampus were examined using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. ResultsRoutine observations： there were no statistically significant differences in body weight among groups at any time point. MWM test： compared with castration group， sham operation group and testosterone propionate-treated groups （0.5， 1.0 mg/kg） showed significantly reduced escape latency on days 4 and 5 （P0.05）， while the number of platform crossings and the time spent in the target quadrant significantly increased （P0.05）. Passive avoidance test： the number of passive avoidance errors significantly decreased in sham operation group and testosterone propionate （1.0 mg/kg）-treated group （P0.05）， and the passive avoidance latency was significantly prolonged in sham-operated group and testosterone propionate-treated groups （0.5， 1.0 mg/kg） （P0.05）. Serum testosterone and serum BDNF assays： serum testosterone levels and serum BDNF concentrations significantly increased in sham operation group and testosterone propionate-treated groups （0.5， 1.0 mg/kg） （P0.01）. HE staining： compared with sham operation group， neuronal density in all hippocampal subregions was slightly reduced in castration group； in the testosterone propionate （0.5 mg/kg）-treated group， neuronal arrangement in the CA1 and CA3 regions was improved and apoptotic cells were reduced compared with castration group； in testosterone propionate （1.0 mg/kg）-treated group， the pyramidal cell layer in the CA3 region was more compactly arranged， with fewer apoptotic cells than in castration group. ConclusionTRT improves learning and memory performance in castration male mice， potentially through modulation of hippocampal BDNF signaling pathways.

Objective To investigate the effects of hypothyroidism and drug intervention on the cognitive function of rat offspring through the establishment of a rat model of experimental hypothyroidism in pregnancy.Methods A to-tal of 20 SD female rats were randomly divided into control group(CON group)and hypothyroid group(PTU group).The hypothyroid model was established by propylthiouracil(PTU),the thyroid hormone levels of female mice were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay,and the differences between the two groups were compared.After successful modeling,the male mice were mated in cages,and the hypothyroid group was randomly divided into no intervention group(group Ⅰ),first trimester intervention group(group Ⅱ)and second and third tri-mester intervention group(group Ⅲ).The Morris water maze(MWM)experiment was used to test the learning and memory ability of the rats.The morphological structure of hippocampal neurons,the expression of nucleoprotein(NeuN)and synapse-associated protein(SYN)in mature neurons were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining(HE),Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry.Results ① Compared with the CON group,the female mice in the PTU group had a significant increase in TSH and a significant decrease in FT4(P＜0.05).② In the positio-ning navigation test,the evasion latency of the pups in each group was gradually shortened.On the 5th day,the in-cubation period of group Ⅰ was significantly longer than that of groups CON,Ⅱ,Ⅲ(P＜0.05).There was little change between groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ and CON groups(P＞0.05).③ The residence time of group Ⅱ was significantly different from that in group Ⅰ during the space exploration stage(P＜0.05).There was a significant difference be-tween the number of pups crossing the platform in group Ⅰ and groups CON,Ⅱ and Ⅲ(P＜0.05).④ There was no significant difference between HE staining and Nissl staining in hippocampal tissues of rats in each group.How-ever,compared with the CON group,the average absorbance of NeuN and SYN proteins in the hippocampus of mice in groups Ⅰ,Ⅱ and Ⅲ was significantly reduced(P＜0.05).Conclusion Hypothyroidism will have adverse effects on the cognitive function and hippocampal neuron development of pregnant rats,and the effects of interven-tion on the cognitive function of offspring at different stages of pregnancy are different,the earlier the intervention,the smaller the damage to cognitive function.

Objective: To explore the percentage of in-use electronic sphygmomanometers independently validated clinically in China. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey and Beijing, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Datong, and Shihezi were selected according to the geographical location and economic level. In each site, one tertiary hospital, two community health centers, and 20 families with electronic sphygmomanometers in use were chosen. The information of electronic sphygmomanometers including brand, model, manufacturer and production date were obtained by the trained staff. Ten electronic sphygmomanometers from each hospital, five electronic sphygmomanometers from each community health center, and one electronic sphygmomanometer from each family were surveyed, and the user's subjective judgment results and judgment basis on the accuracy of the electronic sphygmomanometer measurement were collected. We searched six registration websites (Medaval, Stride BP, dabl Educational Trust, British and Irish Hypertension Society, American Medical Association and Hypertension Canada) and two research databases (PubMed and CNKI) for the clinical validation status of each electronic sphygmomanometer. Results: A total of 200 electronic sphygmomanometers were investigated in this study, of which only 29.0% (58/200) passed independent clinical validation. When stratified by users, the percentage of being clinical validated was 46.0% (23/50) for electronic sphygmomanometers in hospitals, 42.0% (21/50) for those in community health centers and 14.0% (14/100) for those in home use, respectively, and the proportions between the three groups were significantly difference (P<0.001). Doctors in tertiary hospitals and community health service centers judged the accuracy of electronic sphygmomanometers mainly on the basis of "regular correction" (41.0% (41/100)) and "comparison with other electronic sphygmomanometers" (20.0% (20/100)), while among home users, 41.0% (41/100) were not clear about the accuracy of electronic sphygmomanometers, and 40.0% (40/100) made the judgment by "comparison with the devices in hospitals". Conclusion: The clinical validation of in-use electronic sphygmomanometers in China is low. Most of users, including healthcare professionals, are not aware of clinical validation of electronic sphygmomanometers.
Humans ; Blood Pressure Determination ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Sphygmomanometers ; Hypertension/diagnosis* ; China ; Electronics ; Blood Pressure

Objective:To investigate the early evaluation potential of serum levels of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (Apo B/A1), microtubule-associated protein 1-light chain 3 (MAP1-LC3) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients.Methods:A total of 413 AP patients who were treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between January 2019 and August 2020 were enrolled. Serum samples were collected from AP patients within 24 h of admission. Patients were divided into the non-severe acute pancreatitis (Non-SAP, n=315) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP, n=98) groups according to the severity of the disease. Sixty healthy controls were recruited. The differences of serum Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 among the three groups were compared by one-way analysis of variance, and the correlation between Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 and the severity of AP was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Sensitivity and specificity in assessing AP severity were predicted by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results:The early levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 were all significantly higher for AP patients than for healthy controls ( P<0.05), and the levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 in SAP patients were significantly higher than those in non-SAP patients[Apo B/A1: 2.21±1.40 vs. (0.96±0.34); MAP1-LC3: 0.92±0.29 vs. (0.48±0.24) ng/mL and ICAM-1: (235.57±54.50 ) vs. (120.28±61.69)ng/mL; P<0.05]. Pearson correlation analysis showed that levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 were positively correlated with the first Ranson score after admission ( P<0.05), and ICAM-1 showed the highest degree of correlation with AP severity ( r=0.519). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were 0.769 for Apo B/A1, 0.811 for MAP1-LC3, 0.828 for ICAM-1, and 0.938 for combined detection. Conclusions:Serum levels of Apo B/A1, MAP1-LC3 and ICAM-1 within 24 h after admission are significantly correlated with the severity of AP, which has clinical significance for early prediction of the severity of AP.

Objective:To provide a reference and basis for developing more targeted and effective intervention measures for the mental health of officers and soldiers stationed on islands and reefs in a certain sea area of China.Methods:Based on the previous studies，the research group conducted a cross-sectional survey on the mental health and sleep status of the officers and soldiers of different specialties stationed on islands and reefs in a certain sea area，and evaluated the mental health and sleep status of officers and soldiers of different specialties stationed on islands and reefs for the first time.Results:Among the officers and soldiers in the survey，106 were with suboptimal mental health status，accounting for 23.77% of all objects of study. Among them，there were 42（29.37%）in the ground unit group，41（20.92%）in the aviation unit group，18（30.51%）in the observation unit group，and 5（10.42%）in the electronics unit group. There were statistically significant differences among the 4 groups（ P=0.023）. The total average SCL-90 scores of the ground unit group，the aviation unit group，the observation unit group，and the electronics unit group were 1.35，1.25，1.36，and 1.20，respectively. The total scores of SCL-90 were 121.10，112.73，122.02，and 108.17，respectively. Among the officers and soldiers in the 4 groups，there were statistically significant differences in the factors and in total scores of SCL-90，i.e.，somatization，obsessive-compulsive symptoms，interpersonal sensitivity，depression，anxiety，paranoia，sleep，and diet（ P < 0.05）. After adjusting for other factors，the results of pairwise comparison showed the aviation unit group was superior to the ground unit group. The average PSQI scores of the ground unit group，the aviation unit group，the observation unit group，and the electronics unit group were 9.1，7.5，8.5，and 5.5，respectively. There were statistically significant differences in sleep quality score，sleep time score，sleep efficiency score，hypnotic drugs score，daytime function score，and in the PSQI total scores among the 4 groups（ P<0.05）. Conclusion:The officers and soldiers in the ground unit and observation unit stationed on islands and reefs in a certain sea area of China have a relatively poor mental health and sleep status. The length of time on the islands and reefs affects mental health and sleep. A more scientific regular rotation scheme should be developed.

Objective:To provide a reference and basis for developing more targeted and effective intervention measures for the mental health of officers and soldiers stationed on islands and reefs in a certain sea area of China.Methods:Based on the previous studies，the research group conducted a cross-sectional survey on the mental health and sleep status of the officers and soldiers of different specialties stationed on islands and reefs in a certain sea area，and evaluated the mental health and sleep status of officers and soldiers of different specialties stationed on islands and reefs for the first time.Results:Among the officers and soldiers in the survey，106 were with suboptimal mental health status，accounting for 23.77% of all objects of study. Among them，there were 42（29.37%）in the ground unit group，41（20.92%）in the aviation unit group，18（30.51%）in the observation unit group，and 5（10.42%）in the electronics unit group. There were statistically significant differences among the 4 groups（ P=0.023）. The total average SCL-90 scores of the ground unit group，the aviation unit group，the observation unit group，and the electronics unit group were 1.35，1.25，1.36，and 1.20，respectively. The total scores of SCL-90 were 121.10，112.73，122.02，and 108.17，respectively. Among the officers and soldiers in the 4 groups，there were statistically significant differences in the factors and in total scores of SCL-90，i.e.，somatization，obsessive-compulsive symptoms，interpersonal sensitivity，depression，anxiety，paranoia，sleep，and diet（ P < 0.05）. After adjusting for other factors，the results of pairwise comparison showed the aviation unit group was superior to the ground unit group. The average PSQI scores of the ground unit group，the aviation unit group，the observation unit group，and the electronics unit group were 9.1，7.5，8.5，and 5.5，respectively. There were statistically significant differences in sleep quality score，sleep time score，sleep efficiency score，hypnotic drugs score，daytime function score，and in the PSQI total scores among the 4 groups（ P<0.05）. Conclusion:The officers and soldiers in the ground unit and observation unit stationed on islands and reefs in a certain sea area of China have a relatively poor mental health and sleep status. The length of time on the islands and reefs affects mental health and sleep. A more scientific regular rotation scheme should be developed.

Objective To evaluate the effect of inhibition of ubiquitin carboxy terminal hydrolase LI (UCHL1) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice. Methods Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into sham group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, UCHL1 small interfering RNA (siRNA)group and scramble siRNA (control) group, 10 mice in each group. I/R model was established by reperfusion 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) 60 minutes. In the siRNA group and control group, 10 JJLI UCHL1 siRNA or scramble siRNA was injected into the brain through the lateral ventricle 24 hours before MCAO. The expression of UCHL1 was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting; the volume of cerebral infarction and the rate of edema were assessed by 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining; and the score of neurological symptoms was assessed by neurobehavioral scoring. Results Compared with the sham group, the level of UCHL1 mRNA and protein in ischemic penumbra of I/R group were significantly higher (P< 0.05), while the expression of UCHL1 protein and mRNA in siRNA group were significantly lower (P< 0.05); at the same time, the volume of cerebral infarction, edema rate and neurobehavioral damage in I/R group increased significantly, while the volume and edema rate of cerebral infarction and neurobehavioral damage in siRNA group further increased (P< 0.05). Conclusion Inhibition of UCHL1 can aggravate the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice, suggesting that the induction of UCHL1 after MCAO has a protective effect on the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice.

Objective: Several COVID-19 patients have overlapping comorbidities. The independent role of each component contributing to the risk of COVID-19 is unknown, and how some non-cardiometabolic comorbidities affect the risk of COVID-19 remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective follow-up design was adopted. A total of 1,160 laboratory-confirmed patients were enrolled from nine provinces in China. Data on comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio ( Results: Overall, 158 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with severe illness and 32 (2.7%) had unfavorable outcomes. Hypertension (2.87, 1.30-6.32), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (3.57, 2.32-5.49), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3.78, 1.81-7.89), fatty liver disease (7.53, 1.96-28.96), hyperlipidemia (2.15, 1.26-3.67), other lung diseases (6.00, 3.01-11.96), and electrolyte imbalance (10.40, 3.00-26.10) were independently linked to increased odds of being severely ill. T2DM (6.07, 2.89-12.75), CVD (8.47, 6.03-11.89), and electrolyte imbalance (19.44, 11.47-32.96) were also strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease on admission (5.46, 3.25-9.19), while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes (6.58, 1.46-29.64) within two weeks. Conclusion Besides hypertension, diabetes, and CVD, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, other lung diseases, and electrolyte imbalance were independent risk factors for COVID-19 severity and poor treatment outcome. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease, while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes.
Adult ; Aged ; COVID-19/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome

Hyperuricemia/gout is a common metabolic disease in China, which is a serious threat to people′s health. In clinical practice, the standardization of prevention and diagnosis and the rate of treat-to-target need to be improved. There is still a lack of education for the patients about the understanding of clinical guidelines, the disease knowledge and the importance of cooperating with doctors to carry out diagnosis and treatment. From the most concerned issues of the patients, we established the hyperuricemia/gout patient practice guideline working group with multidisciplinary physicians and patients. Seventeen opinions, as the hyperuricemia/gout patient practice guidelines, are proposed in accordance with the relevant principles of the "WHO guidelines development manual" , and with the international normative process, aiming to improve the patients compliance, improve the level of health management of the disease.

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II: IgG Fc fusion protein combined with sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Forty adult RA patients (12 males, 28 females) aged from 36 to 79 were selected in Department of Rheumatology of the Second People′s hospital of Datong from February 2016 to February 2018.The patients were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group according to the digital table, with 20 cases in each group.The observation group was treated by intra-articular injection of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II: IgG Fc fusion protein and sodium hyaluronate, and the control group was only treated with recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II: IgG Fc fusion protein.The joint swelling, joint pain, joint mobility, morning stiffness, X-ray grade and total effective rate of the two groups were statistically analyzed before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in joint swelling, joint pain, joint mobility, morning stiffness, clinical score and X-ray grade between the two groups (all P>0.05). After treatment, the symptoms and signs of the two groups were obviously improved.The joint pain, joint pressure pain, joint activity, morning stiffness and clinical score in the observation group were (1.2±1.2)points, (0.8±0.7)points, (0.5±0.4)points, (0.7±0.7)points and (4.5±2.6)points, respetively, which were significantly better than those in the control group [(2.2±1.4)points, (1.5±0.9)points, (1.5±0.9)points, (1.5±0.6)points and (8.6±4.6)points, U=125, 111, 68, 89 and 97, all P<0.05]. The total effective rate of the observation group was 100% (20/20), while that of the control group was 75% (15/20), there was statistically significant difference between the two groups (χ²=14.10, P<0.01). Conclusion The injection of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-α receptor II: IgG Fc fusion protein combined with sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of RA can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of RA patients, and it is more effective than single use.It is worthy of popularizing in clinic.