Background::Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter, stiffness, and wave reflections, are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants.Methods::A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults (1922 women) aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022. The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency (RF) ultrasound system. The IMT, diameter, compliance coefficient, β stiffness, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), local systolic blood pressure, augmented pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx) were then automatically measured and reported. Data were stratified by age groups and sex. The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions. The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and analyses of covariance.Results::All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories. Women showed thinner IMT, smaller carotid diameter, larger AP, and AIx than men. The β stiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties, but the differences reversed after that. The increase rate of carotid IMT (5.5 μm/year in women and 5.8 μm/year in men) and diameter (0.03 mm/year in both men and women) were similar between men and women. For the stiffness and wave reflections, women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes (all P for age by sex interaction <0.05). The blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex. Conclusions::The age- and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established. The blood pressures, BMI, and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative pulmonary function in the patients undergoing robot-assisted radical resection of colon cancer.Method:Ninety-four patients of either sex, aged 50-80 yr, with body mass index of 18-25 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ, with ARISCAT grade of medium risk, undergoing elective robot-assisted radical resection of colon cancer, were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into TEAS group (group T, n=47) and sham-TEAS group (group S, n=47) using a random number table method. In group T, patients received 30 min of TEAS at Hegu (LI4), Quchi (LI11), Zusanli (ST36) and Feishu (BL13) between 5: 00 and 7: 00 a. m. from 1st day before operation to 3rd day after operation, with disperse-dense wave 2/100 Hz, and the stimulation intensity was the maximum intensity that the patient could tolerate. Patients in group S were also connected to the device without electrical stimulation. Both groups adopted lung-protective ventilation strategy during operation. The oxygenation index was calculated at the time of entering the operating room (T 0), 5 min after anesthesia induction (T 1), 5 min of pneumoperitoneum (T 2), 5 min after changing to Trendelenburg position (T 3) and immediately after the end of pneumoperitoneum (T 4). Peak airway pressure, plateau airway pressure, driving pressure and dynamic lung compliance were recorded at T 0-T 4. The serum concentration of lung Clara cell 16 kDa protein was recorded using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at T 0, T 4 and 2 h after extubation (T 5). On 1 day before operation and 1, 3 and 7 days after operation, the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured, and the FEV 1/FVC was calculated, and the concentrations of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were simultaneously determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The occurrence of pulmonary complications within 7 days after operation was recorded. Results:There was no significant difference in pH values, PaCO 2, oxygenation index, peak airway pressure, plateau airway pressure, driving pressure, and dynamic lung compliance at each time point between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with S group, the serum Clara cell 16 kDa protein concentrations were significantly decreased at T 5, FEV 1 and FVC were increased at 3 and 7 days after operation, the serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and cardiopulmonary resuscitation concentrations were decreased at 1, 3 and 7 days after operation, the incidence of unexpected oxygen supply and total incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications were decreased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in FEV 1/FVC at each time point in T group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:TEAS can improve lung function in the patients undergoing robot-assisted radical resection of colon cancer.

An effective therapeutic regimen for hepatic fibrosis requires a deep understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism. Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) with an excessive production of extracellular matrix. Although promoted activation of HSCs by M2 macrophages has been demonstrated, the molecular mechanism involved remains ambiguous. Herein, we propose that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) involved in macrophage polarization may regulate the communication between macrophages and HSCs by changing the functions of exosomes. We confirm that activating the VDR can inhibit the effect of M2 macrophages on HSC activation. The exosomes derived from M2 macrophages can promote HSC activation, while stimulating VDR alters the protein profiles and reverses their roles in M2 macrophage exosomes. Smooth muscle cell-associated protein 5 (SMAP-5) was found to be the key effector protein in promoting HSC activation by regulating autophagy flux. Building on these results, we show that a combined treatment of a VDR agonist and a macrophage-targeted exosomal secretion inhibitor achieves an excellent anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. In this study, we aim to elucidate the association between VDR and macrophages in HSC activation. The results contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism of hepatic fibrosis, and provide potential therapeutic targets for its treatment.
Humans ; Hepatic Stellate Cells/pathology* ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; Liver Cirrhosis/pathology* ; Macrophages/metabolism*

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium hyaluronate gel in preventing adhesion after prophylactic enterostomy.Methods:One hundred and twenty four patients from 6 hospitals were enrolled in this prospective multi-center randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized into the study group ( n=59) or the control group ( n=65).All patients underwent prophylactic enterostomy. Patients of study group received odium hyaluronate gel for adhesion-prevention,while those in control group did not receive any adhesion-prevention treatment. The incidence of moderate to severe adhesion around the incision in the stoma area were evalutated during stoma reduction surgery. Results:The incidence of moderate to severe adhesion around the incision in the stoma area was 6.3% in the study group, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) compared to that of the control group (32.6%). Conclusion:Sodium hyaluronate gel can safely and effectively reduce the incidence of moderate and severe adhesions after abdominal surgery.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of trans-nasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) on reflux and micro-aspiration during induction of general anesthesia in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods:A total of 60 patients, regardless of gender, aged 18-60 yr, with body mass index of 18-28 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were divided into 2 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: routine mask ventilation group (group C) and trans-nasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange group (group H). Patients in group C were pre-oxygenated with a mask for 5 min, oxygen flow of 6 L/min and FiO 2 100%, after the induction of anesthesia, the pressure mask was used to artificially assist positive pressure ventilation for 2 min when the patient′s consciousness disappeared, and 2 min later endotracheal intubation was performed.Patients in group H were pre-oxygenated with THRIVE for 5 min, oxygen flow of 30 L/min and FiO 2 100%.The oxygen flow was increased to 50 L/min during anesthesia induction.After anesthesia induction, the oxygen flow was increased to 70 L/min when the patient′s consciousness disappeared, and chin lift and/or jaw thrust was used during apnoea to maintain an open airway, the patient′s mouth was kept closed during the whole process, and 2 min later endotracheal intubation was performed.Ultrasound was used to measure the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastric antrum and to monitor the occurrence of gastric insufflation, and the incidence of CSA greater than >3.4 cm 2 was recorded on admission to the operating room and immediately after tracheal intubation.Supraglottic and subglottic secretions were collected at the time of tracheal intubation using visual laryngoscopy after exposing the glottis, and the pepsin content was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to assess reflux (content of pepsin in supraglottic secretion >216 ng/ml) and micro-aspiration (content of pepsinin subglottic secretion >200 ng/ml), and arterial blood gas analysis was simultaneously performed.The apnoea time was recorded, and P ETCO 2 at the first mechanical ventilation after tracheal intubation were recorded. Results:Compared with group C, PaO 2 was significantly increased and CSA was decreased immediately after tracheal intubation, and the incidence of CSA greater than >3.4 cm 2 immediately after tracheal intubation was decreased, and the incidence of gastric insufflation, reflux and micro-spiration was decreased, apnoea time was prolonged, and P ETCO 2 at first mechanical ventilation was increased in group H ( P<0.05). Conclusions:THRIVE applied during induction of general anesthesia can reduce the occurrence of reflux and micro-aspiration while ensuring oxygenation in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Objective:To evaluate the status quo and influencing factors of hyperlipidemia management in patients with contracted family doctor service in the community.Method:The baseline data and blood lipid testing results of 752 hyperlipidemia patients (334 males and 418 females) with contracted family doctor service in Yuetan Community Health Service Center from November?2019 to May 2020 were collected. The hyperlipidemic patients were managed by family doctors based on atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases(ASCVD) riks assessment. The ASCVD risk levels and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compliance rate of patients with different general data were compared, and the influencing factors of LDL-C control failure were analyzed by logistic regression.Results:The ASCVD risk assessment showed that among 752 patients there were 172 cases of low risk(22.87%), 167 cases of moderate risk(22.21%),352 cases of high risk(46.81%) and 61 cases of extremely high risk(8.11%). A significant difference was detected in sex,rate of smoking,incidence of overweight or obesity among patients with different ASCVD risk levels ( P<0.05).The overall control rate of LDL-C was 48.8% (367/752), that for low, moderate, high and extremely high risk patients were 83.73% (144/172), 53.89% (90/167), 34.38% (121/352) and 19.67%(12/61), respectively. A significant difference was detected in sex(female: 52.87%, 221/418),age(aged over 80: 58.82%, 110/187), rate of smoking (non-smoking:52.40%, 327/624) and medication compliance (good compliance:52.87%,221/418) between LDL-C control and uncontrol groups (χ2=6.323,11.816,19.022,25.274; P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender ( OR=1.800,95% CI:1.325-2.419), smoking ( OR=2.630,95% CI:1.726-4.007) and poor medication compliance ( OR= 2.179, 95% CI: 1.581-3.003) were independent risk factors for uncontrolled LDL-C levels. Conclusion:Patients with hyperlipidemia have a relatively high risk of cardiovascular diseases, and their blood lipids are not well controlled. The management of blood lipid should be enhanced in patients with chronic diseases, particularly for male patients with smoking and poor medication compliance.

Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia (COVID-19) outbreak has occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and the epidemic situation has continued to spread. Such cases have also been found in other parts of the country. The spread of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic has brought great challenges to the clinical practice of thoracic surgery. Outpatient clinics need to strengthen the differential diagnosis of ground glass opacity and pulmonary plaque shadows. During the epidemic, surgical indications are strictly controlled, and selective surgery is postponed. Patients planning to undergo a limited period of surgery should be quarantined for 2 weeks and have a nucleic acid test when necessary before surgery. For patients who are planning to undergo emergency surgery, nucleic acid testing should be carried out before surgery, and three-level protection should be performed during surgery. Patients who are planning to undergo emergency surgery in the epidemic area should be confirmed with or without novel coronavirus pneumonia before operation, and perform nucleic acid test if necessary. Surgical disinfection and isolation measures should be strictly carried out. Among postoperative patients, cases with new coronavirus infection were actively investigated. For the rescue of patients with novel coronavirus infection, attention needs to be paid to prevention and treatment and related complications, including mechanical ventilation-related pneumothorax or mediastinal emphysema, and injury after tracheal intubation.

The various advantages of organic polymer monoliths, including relatively simple preparation processes, abundant monomer availability, and a wide application range of pH, have attracted the attention of chromatographers. Organic polymer monoliths prepared by traditional methods only have macropores and mesopores, and micropores of less than 50 nm are not commonly available. These typical monoliths are suitable for the separation of biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, but their ability to separate small molecular compounds is poor. In recent years, researchers have successfully modified polymer monoliths to achieve uniform compact pore structures. In particular, microporous materials with pores of 50 nm or less that can provide a large enough surface area are the key to the separation of small molecules. In this review, preparation methods of polymer monoliths for high-per-formance liquid chromatography, including ultra-high cross-linking technology, post-surface modifica-tion, and the addition of nanomaterials, are discussed. Modified monolithic columns have been used successfully to separate small molecules with obvious improvements in column efficiency.

Patients aged ≥65 years with dementia diagnosed by neurological specialists were selected in Yuetan community from March 2016 to December 2016.The basic information of patients was collected from the health and medical records;the needs for community care were obtained through a questionnaire survey.Total 91 elderly patients with dementia was included in the study,among whom 15 (16.5％) were found by community institutions,18 (19.9％) patients got medication from the community health institutions.The survey showed that the numbers of participants who agreed that the community health service could provide treatment,drug prescription,referral service,condition assessment,regular follow-up,professional guidance for caregivers,door-to-door service and counseling services for patients and their relatives were 29 (31.8％),18 (19.9％),33 (36.3％),19 (20.9％),23 (25.3％),24 (26.4％),49 (53.8％) and 29 (31.9％),respectively.Results showed that 53.8％ (49/91) dementia patients or their family members wanted to receive instruction of drug use in community health service,17.6％ (16/91) wanted to know about the professional care skill as caregivers.Currently the services for dementia patients in health service centers and stations of Yuetan community are less sufficient,which cannot meet the needs of dementia patients and their family members.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive hypertension management. Methods Hypertensive patients aged≥35 years in the Zhengfei community of Zhengzhou were selected. The patients were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Those in intervention group received comprehensive hypertension management from October 2015 to September 2016,whereas those in the control group received the original management mode. Scales to assess blood pressure control, biochemical indexes, unhealthy lifestyle, and cardiovascular disease associated risk level were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the management modes.Results Each study groups had 1 051 patients.There were no significant differences in the baseline data of the two groups (P>0.05). At the end of 1 year of receiving the respective hypertension management modes, each group had 941 patients. Findings revealed that after receiving the comprehensive hypertension management mode, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group decreased by(9.87±7.38)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)and(6.33±4.14) mmHg,respectively.Those in the control group decreased by(7.01±6.02)mmHg and(4.52±3.59)mmHg, respectively,statistically significant differences in the extent of reduction of blood pressure between the two groups (P<0.05). Further, the fasting plasma glucose, postprandial blood glucose, low density lipoprotein, serum creatinine,and microalbuminuria levels in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05).However,the intervention group exhibited a significant increase in the high density lipoprotein level as compared to the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the total cholesterol,triglyceride,urinary creatinine levels,and body mass index between the two groups(P>0.05), although they had decreased in both groups. After the 1-year management, these proportions of smoking,heavy drinking,high salt diet and need to exercise were 10.0%,3.7%,20.1%,and 48.9% in the intervention group, and 15.3%, 10.0%, 29.0%, and 54.3% in the control group. The proportions were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). After the 1-year management, these proportions of low,moderate,and high risk of cardiovascular disease were 13.3%,33.5%,and 53.2% in the intervention group, and 11.2%, 30.1%, and 58.8% in the control group, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P< 0.05). After the 1-year management, the proportion of treated, controlled, and control-treated hypertension using medication was 100%, 65.1%, and 75.3% in the intervention group, and 39.5%, 60.3%, and 70.0% in the control group, respectively, with statistically significant differences between the two groups (P< 0.05). Conclusion The comprehensive hypertension management mode was effective in significantly improving the blood pressure and health condition of hypertensive patients.