Humans ; Albumins ; Albuminuria/urine* ; Blood Pressure ; China/epidemiology* ; Creatinine ; Risk Factors ; Aged

Background/Aims: Low educational attainment is a well-established risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in developed areas. However, the association between educational attainment and the risk of NAFLD is less clear in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study including over 200,000 Chinese adults across mainland China was conducted. Information on education level and lifestyle factors were obtained through standard questionnaires, while NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were diagnosed using validated formulas. Outcomes included the risk of NAFLD in the general population and high probability of fibrosis among patients with NAFLD. Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the risk of NAFLD and fibrosis across education levels. A causal mediation model was used to explore the potential mediators. Results: Comparing with those receiving primary school education, the multi-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for NAFLD were 1.28 (1.16 to 1.41) for men and 0.94 (0.89 to 0.99) for women with college education after accounting for body mass index. When considering waist circumference, the odds ratios (95% CIs) were 0.94 (0.86 to 1.04) for men and 0.88 (0.80 to 0.97) for women, respectively. The proportions mediated by general and central obesity were 51.00% and 68.04% for men, while for women the proportions were 48.58% and 32.58%, respectively. Furthermore, NAFLD patients with lower educational attainment showed an incremental increased risk of advanced fibrosis in both genders. Conclusions In China, a low education level was associated with a higher risk of prevalent NAFLD in women, as well as high probability of fibrosis in both genders.

Objective:To evaluate the gastric emptying in the patients with cholelithiasis and in the patients following cholecystectomy by ultrasonography.Methods:Thirty patients with cholelithiasis, 30 post-cholecystectomy patients and 30 healthy volunteers, of either sex, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰor Ⅱ, were selected and divided into cholelithiasis group (group CH), post-cholecystectomy group (group PC) and healthy volunteer group (group HV). The indigestion scores of the enrolled subjects in the past 3 months were assessed; the subjects took a semi-solid test meal (300 kcal) in the fasting state, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastric sinus was measured using ultrasound at fasting (T 0) and 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after the test meal was taken (T 1-7). The gastric emptying fraction at T 5, 6 was calculated. The gastric half-emptying time and remaining area of the gastric sinus at T 7 were also calculated. Results:Compared with group HV, dyspepsia scores were significantly increased within the past 3 months ( P<0.05), the CSA of the gastric sinus was increased at T 3-7, the gastric emptying fraction was decreased at T 5-6, the gastric half-emptying time was prolonged, and the remaining area of the gastric sinus was increased at T 7 in group CH and group PC ( P<0.05). Compared with group CH, the CSA of the gastric sinus was significantly increased at T 4-7, the gastric emptying fraction was decreased at T 5, 6, the gastric half-emptying time was prolonged, and the remaining area of the gastric sinus was increased at T 7 in group PC ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Gastric emptying time is longer in the patients with cholelithiasis and in the patients following cholecystectomy than in healthy subjects and is further prolonged after cholecystectomy in the patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of reinforced radiculoplasty in the treatment of symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts (TCs). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and follow-up data of 71 patients with symptomatic sacral TCs who underwent reinforced radiculoplasty in the Neurosurgery Department of Peking University Third Hospital from June 2018 to March 2021. All the operations were performed under neuroelectrophysiological monitoring. Intraoperative cyst exploration, partial resection of the cyst wall, narrowing of the leak, nerve root sleeve radiculoplasty and artificial dural reinforcement were performed. The incidence of postoperative complications and new neurological dysfunction was analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the changes of pain before and after surgery. The Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) low back pain score was used to evaluate the changes in nerve function before and after surgery. RESULTS: In the study, 71 patients had 101 TCs, 19 (18.8%) TCs originated from the left S1 nerve, 26 (25.7%) originated from the left S2 nerve, 3 (3.0%) originated from the left S3 nerve, 14 (13.9%) originated from the right S1 nerve, 33 (32.7%) originated from the right S2 nerve, 6 (5.9%) originated from the right S3 nerve, all the TCs underwent reinforced radiculoplasty. Deep infection (1 case), subcutaneous effusion (1 case), fat li-quefaction (1 case) and urinary tract infection (4 cases) were recorded postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 12-43 months (median, 26 months). Two cases had new urinary retention after operation, and the catheter was removed at the end of the first and second months respectively. One case had new fecal weakness, which improved after 3 months. Compared with preoperation, VAS decreased significantly at the last follow-up [median, 6 (4-9) vs. 1 (0-5), Z=-7.272, P < 0.001], JOA score increased significantly [median, 20 (16-25) vs. 27 (18-29), Z=-7.265, P < 0.001]. There were 18 cured cases (25.4%), 41 excellent cases (57.7%), 8 effective cases (11.3%), and 4 invalid cases (5.6%). The total efficiency was 94.4% (67/71). Two (1.98%) cysts recurred. CONCLUSION For patients with symptomatic sacral TCs, reinforced radiculoplasty can significantly improve the pain and nerve function, which is safe and reliable.
Humans ; Tarlov Cysts/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/complications* ; Cysts/surgery* ; Pain

【Objective】 Based on our previously established salt-sensitive hypertension cohort, we aimed to examine the association of genetic variants in uromodulin with blood pressure(BP) responses to dietary interventions of sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 In 2004, 514 subjects from 124 families in Mei County, Shaanxi Province, were recruited to establish the salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort. Among them, 333 non-parent subjects were selected and sequentially maintained on a normal-diet for 3 days, low-salt diet for 7 days, then a high-salt diet for 7 days and a high-salt diet with potassium supplementation for another 7 days. Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in the uromodulin gene were genotyped on the MassARRAY platform. 【Results】 BP levels decreased from the baseline to low-salt diet, increased from low-salt to high-salt diet, and decreased again from the high-salt diet to the high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. SNPs rs77875418 and rs4997081 of the uromodulin gene were significantly associated with diastolic BP(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) responses to high-salt diet. In addition, SNPs rs77875418, rs79245268, rs4293393, rs6497476, rs4997081, rs13333226, and rs12917707 were significantly associated with systolic BP(SBP), DBP, and MAP responses to high-salt diet with potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Genetic variants in uromodulin gene are significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium supplementation, suggesting that uromodulin may be mechanistically involved in BP sodium-sensitivity and potassium-sensitivity.

Blended teaching can promote the learning engagement of students and enhance their experience by combining online independent learning and offline class learning. We applied blended teaching in the course of Histology and Embryology in the large class of 147 nursing undergraduates in Chongqing Medical University. First, the teaching method was designed by a pre-course survey, and online resources were constructed. Second, students' online learning activities and group discussions were guided by a learning map. Then, flipped classes were carried out in offline class hours. Finally, an end-of-course survey and final exam scores were used evaluate the effectiveness of blended teaching. A total of 142 valid questionnaires were returned; 123 students (86.6%) approved of the effectiveness of blended teaching, 133 students (93.7%) showed improved abilities in various aspects, and 79 students (55.6%) were able to complete their online learning tasks in fewer hours than required for face-to-face lectures. The final exam results showed that the average score of blended teaching class increased by 3.5 points compared with that of the traditional face-to-face lecture class. In conclusion, blended teaching in Histology and Embryology in the large class can achieve good learning and teaching effects and thus holds promise for application.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of controlled low central venous pressure (CLCVP) on the cerebral blood flow in the patients undergoing open hepatectomy.Methods:Thirty American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of either sex, aged 18-60 yr, with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m 2, with Child-Pugh classification A and expected operation time of 2-4 h, undergoing elective open hepatectomy, were enrolled.After anesthesia induction, patients were placed at head-up tilt position, nitroglycerin 0.5-1.5 &mu;g·kg -1·min -1 was infused, and furosamide 5-10 mg was intravenously injected when necessary to maintain CVP less than 5 cmH 2O during hepatectomy.After the end of hepatectomy, CLCVP was stopped, the infusion rate was increased to 10 ml·kg -1·h -1 with a crystalline gel ratio of 1∶2 to restore CVP to more than 5 cmH 2O.At 5 min after anesthesia induction (T 0), 5 min after head-up tilt (T 1), 5 and 15 min after CVP reaching the target (T 2, 3) and 5 min after the end of CLCVP (T 4), the blood flow of internal carotid artery was detected by ultrasound, and peak systolic velocity(IBVs), end diastolic velocity (IBVd)and vessel diameter of the internal carotid artery (ID)were measured by doppler ultrasound.Mean velocity [IBVm=(IBVs+ IBVd×2)÷3] and internal carotid artery blood flow [IBF=IBVm×π×(ID/2) 2×HR] were calculated.Heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide (P ETCO 2) and maximum airway pressure (P max) were recorded at each time point. Results:Compared with the baseline at T 0, MAP, CO, SV, IBVm and IBF were significantly decreased at T 2, 3 ( P<0.001), and no significant change was found in HR, P ETCO 2 and P max at T 1-4 ( P>0.05). The results of linear mixed-effects model analysis showed that the regression coefficients for CO, MAP, HR, and SV were 0.600 3, 0.022 88, 0.363 7, and 0.614 8, respectively ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions:CLCVP can decrease the cerebral blood flow in the patients, which is closely associated with decreased CO, MAP, HR and SV when used for open hepatectomy.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate on gastric emptying in the patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods:One hundred patients of both sexes, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, were divided into 2 groups ( n=50 each) using the random number table method: control group (group C) and preoperative oral carbohydrate group (group P). Patients underwent solid food fasting after 20: 00 on the night before surgery in both groups and drinking fasting after 21: 30 on the night before surgery in group C. Group P received 800 ml of 12.5% oral carbohydrate at 21: 30 on the night before surgery and 400 ml of oral similar carbohydrate from 5: 00 to 5: 30 in the morning before surgery.All the patients underwent ultrasound examination of the gastric sinus at 7: 30 on the operation day (2 h after oral carbohydrate, T 1) to determine the nature of gastric contents according to the qualitative analysis of images, and Perlas grade was performed, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastric sinus in a semi-sitting position and right lateral decubitus position was calculated, and gastric volume (GV) and gastric volume to weight ratio (GV/W) were calculated.For solids in the stomach or GV > 1.5 ml/kg was defined as a full stomach.Patients assessed as a full stomach at T 1 underwent antrum ultrasonography again before induction of anesthesia (at 3 h after oral carbohydrate, T 2). The occurrence of satiety at T 1 and T 2 in each group was recorded.The patient′s hunger score, thirst score, and satisfaction score during fasting were recorded at T 2.The reflux aspiration, occurrence of nausea and vomiting at 24 h after operation, postoperative time to first flatus and postoperative total length of hospital stay were recorded. Results:Compared with group C, the CSA in a semi-sitting position, CSA, GV and GV/W ratio in a right lateral decubitus position, incidence of satiety, and Perlas grade were significantly increased at T 1 ( P<0.05), no significant change was found in the incidence of satiety at T 2 ( P>0.05), preoperative hunger and thirst scores were significantly decreased, satisfaction scores were increased, the incidence of nausea and vomiting was decreased at 24 h after surgery, and the postoperative time to first flatus was shortened ( P<0.05), and no significant change in the postoperative total length of hospital stay was found in group P ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Oral carbohydrates before laparoscopic cholecystectomy may result in delayed gastric emptying in the patients with cholelithiasis, and the time window for oral carbohydrates can be appropriately shifted forward (3 h before surgery).

Objective: The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and glycemic indices, including plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postload glucose (2h-PG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), remains inconclusive. We aimed to explore the associations between glycemic indices and SUA levels in the general Chinese population. Methods: The current study was a cross-sectional analysis using the first follow-up survey data from The China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort Study. A total of 105,922 community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 40 years underwent the oral glucose tolerance test and uric acid assessment. The nonlinear relationships between glycemic indices and SUA levels were explored using generalized additive models. Results: A total of 30,941 men and 62,361 women were eligible for the current analysis. Generalized additive models verified the inverted U-shaped association between glycemic indices and SUA levels, but with different inflection points in men and women. The thresholds for FPG, 2h-PG, and HbA1c for men and women were 6.5/8.0 mmol/L, 11.0/14.0 mmol/L, and 6.1/6.5, respectively (SUA levels increased with increasing glycemic indices before the inflection points and then eventually decreased with further increases in the glycemic indices). Conclusion An inverted U-shaped association was observed between major glycemic indices and uric acid levels in both sexes, while the inflection points were reached earlier in men than in women.
Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Blood Glucose/analysis* ; China/epidemiology* ; Cohort Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus/blood* ; Female ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Glycated Hemoglobin A/analysis* ; Glycemic Index ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Uric Acid/blood*