Background::Psychological stress has been reported to be a potential risk factor for hypertension among females, but it remains unclear whether spousal chronic stress levels alter the risk of hypertension among women. We examined the associations between stress within the family and hypertension among married women.Methods::Reproductive-aged women who were planning for pregnancy and their husbands were recruited from the National Free Pre-pregnancy Checkup Projects (NFPCP) across 31 provinces in China in 2016 and 2017. Perceived stress of wives or husbands was measured with a 5-point Likert-type scale, and assessed from three domains: work/life-related stress, economic stress, and overall stress. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between stress status and the prevalence of hypertension.Results::Of 10,027,644 couples, 261,098 (2.60%) women had hypertension. The results showed that higher stress levels among themselves or their husbands were associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension in women ( Pfor trend <0.001). Compared with non-stressed participants, female participants with the highest stress themselves were at a greater risk of hypertension, with adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-1.37); and compared with participants whose husbands had no stress, those whose husbands had the highest stress level were at a higher risk of hypertension with adjusted OR of 1.24 (95% CI: 1.20-1.29). Moreover, compared with non-stressed status for both couples, only-wife-stressed, only-husband-stressed, and both-stressed couples were found to be significantly associated with increased risks of wives’ hypertension, with adjusted ORs of 1.28 (95% CI: 1.25-1.31), 1.19 (95% CI: 1.17-1.21), and 1.28 (95% CI: 1.26-1.31), respectively. Conclusion::Moderate to severe stress in both spouses might be associated with female hypertension prevalence, which highlights the importance of paying attention to the psychological stresses of couples within the family.

Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) is a lysosome-dependent selective degradation pathway implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms that regulate CMA are not fully understood. Here, using unbiased drug screening approaches, we discover Metformin, a drug that is commonly the first medication prescribed for type 2 diabetes, can induce CMA. We delineate the mechanism of CMA induction by Metformin to be via activation of TAK1-IKKα/β signaling that leads to phosphorylation of Ser85 of the key mediator of CMA, Hsc70, and its activation. Notably, we find that amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) is a CMA substrate and that it binds to Hsc70 in an IKKα/β-dependent manner. The inhibition of CMA-mediated degradation of APP enhances its cytotoxicity. Importantly, we find that in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), activation of CMA by Hsc70 overexpression or Metformin potently reduces the accumulated brain Aβ plaque levels and reverses the molecular and behavioral AD phenotypes. Our study elucidates a novel mechanism of CMA regulation via Metformin-TAK1-IKKα/β-Hsc70 signaling and suggests Metformin as a new activator of CMA for diseases, such as AD, where such therapeutic intervention could be beneficial.

Objective:To explore the association between abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and elevated blood pressure among females of child-bearing potential.Methods:A total of 294 674 females of child-bearing age who participated in pre-pregnancy health examination in Shenzhen from 2013 to 2019 were selected. Demographic characteristics, blood pressure, TSH, fasting blood glucose and other indexes were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between abnormal TSH levels and elevated blood pressure (including prehypertension and hypertension).Results:This study showed that females of child-bearing potential with prehypertension and hypertension accounted for 21.77% and 2.41%, respectively. Compared with females of child-bearing potential with normal TSH, the risk of prehypertension and hypertension increased by 34.0% ( OR=1.340, 95% CI 1.248-1.438) and 59.6% ( OR=1.596, 95% CI 1.301-1.938) among those with decreased TSH, respectively, whereas the risk of prehypertension and hypertension increased by 13.6% ( OR=1.136, 95% CI 1.076-1.198) and 38.0% ( OR=1.380, 95% CI 1.198-1.581) among those with elevated TSH, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that abnormal TSH levels in most subgroups, such as age, ethnicity, educational level, occupation, spouse smoking, alcohol drinking, body mass index, and fasting blood glucose, were associated with the risk of elevated blood pressure. Heterogeneity test showed that the association between decreased TSH and elevated blood pressure was higher in females with high school and below or alcohol drinking, and the association between elevated TSH and elevated blood pressure was higher in females with college/bachelor′s degree and above or non-smoking spouse. Conclusion:There is a significant association between abnormal TSH levels and the risk of prehypertension and hypertension in females of child-bearing potential, and the association should be explored with stratified educational level, alcohol drinking, and spouse smoking status.

Based on the main problems existing in the current way of handling medical disputes, the authors explored a new method for handling medical disputes, and summarized the advantages of the mode of mediation studio specially invited by the people′s court. This mode effectively connected the traditional medical dispute resolution approaches, complemented each other′s advantages, and provided a faster, more efficient and national compulsory solution for medical disputes.

Objective:To investigate the long-term effects of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) biologic mesh in open Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair.Methods:The prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. The clinical data of 76 patients with unilateral inguinal hernia who underwent open Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair in 2 medical centers (52 cases in Tianjin People′s Hospital and 24 cases in China-Japan Friendship Hospital) from August 2013 to March 2014 were selected. Based on random number method, patients were allocated into two groups. Patients undergoing Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair using Biodesign Surgisis mesh were allocated into control group, and patients undergoing Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair using SIS biologic mesh were allocated into experiment group. Observa-tion indicators: (1) grouping situations of the enrolled patients; (2) postoperative long-term effects. Follow-up was conducted using telephone interview, text message or mail to detect hernia recurrence or death due to other reasons as the end-point event of patients up to December 2019. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented by M (range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Results:(1) Grouping situations of the enrolled patients: a total of 76 patients were selected for eligibility. There were 38 cases in the control group and the experiment group, respectively. The number of males and females, age, body mass index, cases with intraspinal anesthesia or local anesthesia (anesthesia method), cases with inguinal hernia on the left side or on the right side, cases classified as type Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ or Ⅴ of Gilbert classification, operation time of the control group were 35, 3, (56±15)years, (23.0±2.0)kg/m 2, 22, 16, 16, 22, 9, 16, 0, 11, 2 and (49±15)minutes, respectively. The above indicators of the experiment group were 34, 4, (54±13)years, (22.9±2.2)kg/m 2, 17, 21, 14, 24, 9, 21, 1, 7, 0, and (53±21)minutes, respectively. There was no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups ( χ2=0.157, t=0.532, 0.367, χ2=1.317, 0.220, Z=-0.315, t=-0.765, P>0.05). (2) Post-operative long-term effects: 35 patients of the control group were followed up for (68.8±2.7)months, 4 cases of which died due to other reasons, 1 case had hernia recurrence, 1 case had chronic pain and no foreign body sensation and postoperative infection occurred. Thirty-one patients of the experiment group were followed up for (68.8±2.7)months, with no death or above complications. There was no significant difference in hernia recurrence or chronic pain between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The long-term effects of biological mesh in open Lichtenstein tension-free hernia repair is satisfactory and there is no difference in the long-term effects between the domestic SIS biological mesh and Biodesign Surgisis mesh.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia and a preliminary study to explore the relationship between different clinical classification and liver damage. Methods: Consecutively confirmed novel coronavirus infection cases admitted to seven designated hospitals during January 23, 2020 to February 8, 2020 were included. Clinical classification (mild, moderate, severe, and critical) was carried out according to the diagnosis and treatment program of novel coronavirus pneumonia (Trial Fifth Edition) issued by the National Health Commission. The research data were analyzed using SPSS19.0 statistical software. Quantitative data were expressed as median (interquartile range), and qualitative data were expressed as frequency and rate. Results: 32 confirmed cases that met the inclusion criteria were included. 28 cases were of mild or moderate type (87.50%), and four cases (12.50%) of severe or critical type. Four cases (12.5%) were combined with one underlying disease (bronchial asthma, coronary heart disease, malignant tumor, chronic kidney disease), and one case (3.13%) was simultaneously combined with high blood pressure and malignant tumor. The results of laboratory examination showed that the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (ALB), and total bilirubin (TBil) for entire cohort were 26.98 (16.88 ~ 46.09) U/L and 24.75 (18.71 ~ 31.79) U/L, 39.00 (36.20 ~ 44.20) g/L and 16.40 (11.34- ~ 21.15) mmol/L, respectively. ALT, AST, ALB and TBil of the mild or moderate subgroups were 22.75 (16.31- ~ 37.25) U/L, 23.63 (18.71 ~ 26.50) U/L, 39.70 (36.50 ~ 46.10) g/L, and 15.95 (11.34 ~ 20.83) mmol/L, respectively. ALT, AST, ALB and TBil of the severe or critical subgroups were 60.25 (40.88 ~ 68.90) U/L, 37.00 (20.88 ~ 64.45) U/L, 35.75 (28.68 ~ 42.00) g/L, and 20.50 (11.28 ~ 25.00) mmol/L, respectively. Conclusion The results of this multicenter retrospective study suggests that novel coronavirus pneumonia combined with liver damage is more likely to be caused by adverse drug reactions and systemic inflammation in severe patients receiving medical treatment. Therefore, liver function monitoring and evaluation should be strengthened during the treatment of such patients.

Objective:To evaluate the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in hydrogen-induced inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in mouse macrophages.Methods:The mouse RAW264.7 macrophages cultured in vitro were divided into 4 groups ( n=24 each) according to the random number table method: control group (C group), LPS group (L group), hydrogen-rich solution plus LPS group (H+ L group), and hydrogen-rich solution plus LPS plus HIF-1α inhibitor 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) group (H+ L+ M group). LPS 1 μg/ml was added, and the cells were incubated for 6 h in group L. In group L+ H, LPS was added first, the medium was changed to 0.6 mmol/L hydrogen-rich solution, and cells were incubated for 6 h. In group H+ L+ M, 2ME2 10 μmol/L was given first, cells were then incubated for 30 min, LPS and hydrogen-rich solution were added, and cells were incubated for 6 h. Western blot was used to determine the expression of HIF-1α, Beclin-1, Bcl-2/E1B-19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and LC3.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in the supernatant.The number of autophagosomes was observed using a transmission electron microscope. Results:Compared with group C, the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the supernatant were significantly increased, the expression of HIF-1α, Beclinl and BNIP3 in macrophages was up-regulated, the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ was increased, and the number of autophagosomes was increased in group L ( P<0.05). Compared with group L, the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly decreased, the expression of HIF-1α, Beclin-1 and BNIP3 in macrophages was up-regulated, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ ratio was increased, and the number of autophagosomes was increased in group H+ L ( P<0.05). Compared with group H+ L, the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the supernatant were significantly decreased, the expression of HIF-1α, Beclin-1, and BNIP3 in macrophages was down-regulated, and the ratio of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ was decreased, and the number of autophagosomes was decreased in group H+ L+ M ( P<0.05). Conclusion:HIF-1α-mediated activation of autophagy is involved in the process of hydrogen-induced inhibition of LPS-induced inflammatory responses in mouse macrophages.

Objective: To analyze the causes and management plan of pediatric spontaneous tonsillar haemorrhage(STH). Methods: According to the criteria of STH difined by Griffies, patients with STH from December 2013 to January 2016 were included in this retrospective study. Results: A total of 11 patients were reviewed. The etiological diagnosis included 3 pediatric Epstein-Barr virus associated infectious mononucleosis(EBV-IM), 3 suspected pediatric EBV-IM to 3 acute suppurative tonsillitis, 1 acute viral tonsillitis and 1 hemophilia A. The management strategies included antiviral, antibacteria, transfusion, surgical examination followed with bipolar coagulation hemostasis under general anesthesia. No patient treated with tosillectomy. Conclusions STH is now a rare condition, the causes of which in child are more or less different from adult.This emergency can be treated in time if a detailed management plan for pediatric STH is formulated.

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and management of laryngeal cleft. Method: The clinical data of 13 cases of laryngeal cleft treated between 2007 and 2015 was analyzed retrospectively. Results: The children with laryngeal cleft were classified according to the classification of Benjamin-Inglis, as type Ⅰ(11 cases), typeⅡ(1 case) and type Ⅲ(1 case). All patients were confirmed by microlaryngobronchoscopy under general anaesthetic. Eleven typeⅠ and 1 type Ⅱ clefts were managed conservatively, with which all type Ⅰ patients were successfully managed, while the type Ⅱ patient was resolved by surgical endoscopy. The type Ⅲ patient was treated by open repair but the results was poor. Conclusions Patients who suffered with choking on feeding or recurrent aspiration pneumonia, especially coexisted with other congenital malformation, needed detailed evaluation for laryngeal cleft, although which was a rare congenital abnormality. Electronic laryngoscope could be the first step to screen the cleft, while microlaryngobronchoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of laryngeal cleft. The majority of children with lower type clefts can be managed conservatively. Surgical endoscopy has high success rate when strictly following the indication. Type Ⅲ and Ⅳ clefts have high mortality for usually combining with severe complications and abnormalities.