Influencing factors analysis of spontaneous knee joint osteoarthritis among middle aged and old aged pople in Xi'an

Objective:To explore the prevalence rate of knee joint osteoarthritis and its pathogenetic fea- tures among the middle-aged and old aged people in the urban and rural area of Xi'an.Methods:From May to October 2005,1538 Han nationality above 40 years in Xi'an were investigated according to strati- fied and cluster random sampling.The same questionnaire was delivered to subjects who had been given normotopia and lateral position radiographic examination in both knees.Excluded from etiological arthri- tis,some subjects with clinical symptoms and a radiographic grade (beyond Kellgren & Lawrence gradeⅡ) were finally diagnosed as spontaneous knee joint osteoarthritis.All analyses were performed with SPSS 13.0 and t test,U test.Single factor analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze dates.Results:The total prevalence of spontaneous knee joint osteoarthritis was 12.1% with 2.5% and 2.1% for right and left knees,respectively.The prevalence of knee joint osteoarthritis in wom- en was 2.5 times of that in men (17.2% vs 6.8%,P=0.000).the osteophyte prevalence in women was 2.3 times of that in men (26.5% vs 11.4%,P=0.000).The prevalence of knee joint osteoarthritis and osteophyte increased with the growth of age.So did the symptomatic knee,except for the age group of 56- 60 years and 66-70 years.The prevalence of symptomatic knee joint for urban area was significantly higher than that for rural area (56.3% vs 45.3%,P=0.003).In women,the prevalence of knee joint os- teoarthritis increased significantly with the increasing of body mass index,which had not been observed in men.Female and obesity are the risk factors for osteoarthritis,but bean and its products and meat could prevent the osteoarthritis.Conclusion:Old age,female and obesity serve as risk factors for knee joint os- teoarthritis.

The Association Between Daily Physical Activity and Risk of Hypertension in Middle-Aged and Older Adults:A Nationwide Cohort Study in China

Physical activity (PA) plays a key role in the treatment of hypertension, and moderate to vigorous PA has been documented to lower the risk of developing hypertension. However, dose-response relationships between PA and hypertension are not consistent, and little is known about this relationship within the Chinese middle-aged and older people. We investigated the relationship between PA and hypertension within this population using China Health and Nutrition Survey 1991-2015 data. Physical activity was expressed in terms of the metabolic equivalent task (MET) and participants were divided into groups according to quartiles, namely, Q1 (< 32.97 METs-h/w), Q2 (32.97-60.38 METs-h/ w), Q3 (60.38-98.95 METs-h/w), and Q4 (> 98.95 METs-h/w). Compared with the Q1 group, the odds ratio of risk with hypertension (95% CIs) after adjusting for confounding factors were 0.63 (0.35, 1.12), 0.49 (0.28, 0.86), and 0.62 (0.35, 1.09) for those in Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively. Restricted cubic spline functions were used and a U-shaped relationship between physical activity and hypertension risk was found, indicative of an optimal level of physical activity, which was found to be 112 METs-h/w. Our data suggest maintenance of optimal levels of total daily physical activity may be important for preventing hypertension in Chinese adults over the age of 40.

Shift work aggravates metabolic syndrome development among early-middle-aged males with elevated ALT

AIM: To examine whether shift work accelerates metabolic syndrome (MetS) development among early middle-aged males with elevated alanine aminotransferase (e-ALT).METHODS: A retrospective, observational followup study on MetS development at a 5-year interval was conducted using health examination data. Nine hundred and ninety six male employees not fulfi lling MetS criteria at screening were enrolled. Age, MetScomponents, liver enzymes, serological markers for viral hepatitis, abdominal ultrasound, insulin resistance status, lifestyles, and workplace factors were analyzed.RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated serum ALT (> 40 U/L, e-ALT) at baseline was 19.1%. There were 381 (38.3%) workers with long-term exposures to day-night rotating shift work (RSW). 14.2% of subjects developed MetS during follow-up. After 5 years, the workers with e-ALT had significantly unfavorable changes in MetS-components, and higher rates of MetS development, vs subjects with normal baseline ALT levels. Workers with both baseline e-ALT and 5-year persistent RSW (pRSW) exposure had the highest rate of MetS development. Also, e-ALT-plus-pRSW workers had a significant increase in MetS-components atfollow-up, compared with the other subgroups. After controlling for potential confounders, e-ALT-plus-pRSW workers posed a signifi cant risk for MetS development (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confi dence interval, 1.4-5.3, vs workers without baseline e-ALT nor pRSW). CONCLUSION: We suggest that all early middle-aged male employees with e-ALT should be evaluated and managed for MetS. Particularly in terms of job arrangements, impacts of long-term RSW on MetS development should be assessed for all male employees having baseline e-ALT.

Effects of Warm Needling at Zusanli(ST 36)on NO and IL-2 Levels in the Middle-Aged and Old People

42 middle-aged and old people at the age between 55-70 years were selected and given the warm needling at Zusanli (ST 36), and their IL-2 and NO contents of peripheral blood before and after acupuncture were determined. The results showed that IL-2 and NO contents increased significantly after the warm needling (P<0.01).

One Hundred and Seven Middle-Aged and Senile Cases of Coronary Heart Disease with Ventricular Premature Beat Treated by Qing Xin An Shen Fang

The therapeutic principle of clearing away the heart-heat to induce tranquilization was adopted in 107 middle-aged and senile patients with ventricular premature beat of coronary heart disease on the basis of pathogenic features of phlegm, heat, blood stasis and deficiency in this condition. Qing Xin An Shen Fang ([symbol: see text] a formula for clearing away the heart-heat to induce tranquilization) was used in the treatment group and compared with mexiletine and Fu Fang Dan Shen Tablets ([symbol: see text] Compound Salvia Tablets) used in the control group. The results turned to be that the markedly effective rate was 85.1% and the total effective rate 96.3% in the treated group, better than that in the control group, with the former having a good antihypertensive and antihyperlipemic effect and an effect of improving microcirculation and clinical symptoms.

Views on Middle Aged Couples

AWOMAN calls a women’s hotline: "My husband and I have always been compatible. Now our son is almost 10 and my husband still wants to have sex! This makes me sick. I don’t know what to do. Help me!" Another woman calls in tears: "My husband is an ordinary man and used to lead a normal life like anyone else. One day, he told me he would try something else to develop his career. I supported him. Finally, his efforts paid off. But soon after, he began having an affair. He didn’t deny it but he said he wouldn’t divorce me. Why did this happen

Study on Body Form and Garment Size Series of the Middle Age and Aged People

This paper was designed to analyze on the data, which was obtained from 'National Physique Fitness Investigation Report (2000)'. In order to get the typical body form and figure type of the middle age and aged people, it was focused on the body form data of this group (age 40 - 60). After calculation and analyzing, the distinguishing feature of body form and the distribution of figure type were deduced. Finally, the re-classification of body form for Chinese middle age and aged people was suggested. It as also suggested that a new garment size series especially for the middle age and aged should be built to fit for these people. This conclusion would be useful and significant to design and production for clothing company, especially that who take the aged people as their target consumer.

Tectonic Environments of the Yan-Liao Rift during Earth's Middle Age(1.7～0.75 Ga): Evidence from Mafic Dyke Swarms in Eastern Hebei, North China

During the past decade,generations of Precambrian mafic dykes/sills have been investigated and revealed in the North China Craton(NCC).Researchers identified more than 20 episodes of Precambrian dyke swarms,

Research and Exploration on the Teaching of World Medieval History under the Innovative Education Concept

The development of the Middle Ages is an inevitable stage in the development of human history,and it has a very important historical significance.During the Middle Ages,the struggle between religious power and secular kingship became a big driving force for medieval education.While strengthening the Christian worldview,education in the Middle Ages also completed the connection between classical civilization and modern European civilization.Medieval educational developments and explorations have had a major impact on contemporary education,especially medieval universities,cathedrals and parliaments.

Dysfunction of peripheral blood dendritic cells from patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

AIM: To identify the property of dendritic cells (DCs) of peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) in patients with chronic HBV infection. METHODS: Twenty patients with persistent HBV infection were included in this study, 10 healthy subjects being used as a control group. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of T cell-depleted populations were incubated and induced into mature dendritic cells in the RPMI-1640 medium in the presence of cytokines GM-CSF, IL-4, FLt-3,TNF-alpha and 100mL.L(-1 )of fetal calf serum for a total of 10-12 days. The expressions of surface markers on DCs were evaluated using flow cytometric analysis. ELISA method was used to determine the cytokine levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-10 in the supernatant produced by DCs. For detection of the stimulatory capacity of DCs to T cell proliferation, mytomycin C-treated DC were incubated with allogenic T cells. RESULTS: A typical morphology of mature DCs from healthy subjects and HBV-infected patients was induced in in vitro incubation, but the proliferation ability and cellular number of DCs from HBV-infected patients significantly decreased compared with healthy individuals. In particular, the expression levels of HLA-DR, CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) on DC surface from patients were also lower than that from healthy individuals (0.46 vs 0.92 for HLA-DR, 0.44 vs 0.88 for CD80 and 0.44 vs 0.84 for CD86,P【0.05). The stimulatory capacity and production of IL-12 of DCs from patients in allogenic mixed lymphocyte reaction (AMLR) significantly decreased, but the production level of nitric oxide (NO) by DCs simultaneously increased compared with healthy subjects (86 +/- 15 vs 170 +/- 22 micromol.L(-1), P 【0.05). CONCLUSION: The patients with chronic HBV infection have the defective function and immature phenotype of dendritic cells, which may be associated with the inability of efficient presentation of HBV antigens to host immune system for the clearance of HBV.

Function of apoptosis and expression of the proteins Bcl-2,p53 and C-myc in the development of gastric cancer

INTRODUCTIONIn China ,the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer rank the second among all cancers. Recent development of cancer [1-20].The aim of this study was investigat the insight of apoptosis and bcl-2, p53 and C-myc protein expression in the development of gastric cancer .

Modulation of postoperative immune and inflammatory response by immune-enhancing enteral diet in gastrointestinal cancer patients

AIM: To evaluate if the administration of an enteral diet supplemented with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids modulates inflammatory and immune responses after surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind, clinical trial was performed. Forty-eight patients with gastrointestinal cancer were randomized into two groups, one group was given an isocaloric and isonitrogenous standard diet and the other was fed with the supplemented diet with glutamine, arginine and omega-3-fatty acids. Feedings were started within 48 hours after operation, and continued until day 8. All variables were measured before operation and on postoperative day 1 and 8. Immune responses were determined by phagocytosis ability, respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear cells, total lymphocytes lymphocyte subsets, nitric oxide, cytokines concentration, and inflammatory responses by plasma levels of C-reactive protein, prostaglandin E2 level. RESULTS: Tolerance of both formula diets was excellent.There were significant differences in the immunological and inflammatory responses between the two groups. In supplemented group, phagocytosis and respiratory burst after surgery was higher and C-reactive protein level was lower (P【0.01) than in the standard group. The supplemented group had higher levels of nitric oxide, total lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, T-helper cells, and NK cells. Postoperative levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were lower in the supplemented group (P 【0.05). CONCLUSION: It was clearly established in this trial that early postoperative enteral feeding is safe in patients who have undergone major operations for gastrointestinal cancer. Supplementation of enteral nutrition with glutamine, arginine, and omega-3-fatty acids positively modulated postsurgical immunosuppressive and inflammatory responses.

Multimodality treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with tumor thrombi in portal vein

AIM: To compare the therapeutic effect and significances of multimodality treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombi in portal vein (PVTT). METHODS: HCC patients (n=147) with tumor thrombi in the main portal vein or the first branch of portal vein were divided into four groups by the several therapeutic methods. There were conservative treatment group in 18 out of patients (group A); and hepatic artery ligation(HAL) and/or hepatic artery infusion (HAI) group in 18 patients (group B), in whom postoperative chemoembolization was done periodically; group of removal of HCC with PVTT in 79 (group C) and group of transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or HAI and/or portal vein infusion (PVI) after operation in 32 (group D). RESULTS: The median survival period was 12 months in our series and the 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates were 44.3%, 24.5% and 15.2%, respectively. The median survival times were 2, 5, 12 and 16 months in group A, B, C and D, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 5.6%, 0% and 0% in group A; 22.2%, 5.6% and 0% in group B; 53.9%, 26.9% and 16.6% in group C; 79.3%, 38.9% and 26.8% in group D, respectively. Significant difference appeared in the survival rates among the groups (P 【 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hepatic resection with removal of tumor thrombi and HCC should increase the curative effects and be encouraged for the prolongation of life span and quality of life for HCC patients with PVTT, whereas the best therapeutic method for HCC with PVTT is with regional hepatic chemotherapy or chemoembolization after hepatic resection with removal of tumor thrombi.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of a cohort of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To conduct a cohort study of 101 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presenting to a tertiary care medical referral center in Germany between 1997 and 1999. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data were retrospectively analyzed by chart review. In 95 cases (72 males and 23 females) sufficient data were available for analysis. Twenty five (29%) of 85 patients were HBsAg or anti HBc positive, 21/85 (25%) were anti HCV positive, and 6/85 (7%) were positive for both HBV and HCV-markers. Age was significantly lower in HBV positive patients than in the other two groups. Thirty one (34%) of 90 patients had histories of alcohol abuse. In 79/94 (84%) patients, cirrhosis was diagnosed. Of these cirrhotic patients, 29/79 (37%) belonged to Child Pugh's group (CHILD) A, 32/79 (40%) to CHILD B, and 18/79 (23%) to CHILD C. AFP was elevated in 61/91 (67%) patients. A single tumor nodule was found in 38/94 (40%), more than one nodule in 31/94 (34%), and 25/94 (26%) had a diffusely infiltrating tumor, i.e. the tumor margins could not be seen on imaging procedures. Portal vein thrombosis was present in 19/94 (20%). Imaging data consistent with lymph node metastases were found in 10/92 (11%), while distant metastases were found in 8/93 (9%). According to Okuda 28/94 (30%) were grouped to stage I, 53/94 (56%) were grouped to stage II, and 13/94 (14%) were grouped to stage II. Survival data were available for 83 patients. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for median survival was 8 4 months. Factors influencing survival were the Okuda score, the presence of portal vein thrombosis, and the presence of ascites. The presence of non complicated liver cirrhosis by itself, distant metastases, or infection with hepatitis viruses did not influence survival. AFP positivity by itself did not influence survival, though patients with an AFP value greater than 100 microg/L did experience shortened survival. Treatment besides tamoxifen or supportive care was associated with prolonged survival. The influence of therapy on survival was most pronounced in Okuda stage II patients. There was longer survival in those Okuda stage II patients who were treated with percutaneous ethanol injection. CONCLUSION: Even in a low incidence area such as Germany, the majority of HCC is caused by viral hepatitis and therefore potentially preventable. Reflecting the high proportion of advanced stage tumors in our patients, the median survival was poor. Patients who received active therapy had a longer survival.

Reduction of the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer bypolypectomy:a prospective cohort study in Haining County

AIM: To reduce the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer and address the hypothesis that colorectal cancer often arise from precursor lesion(s), either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, by conducting a population-based mass screening for colorectal cancer in Haining County, Zhejiang, PRC. METHODS: From 1977 to 1980, physicians screened the population of Haining County using 15 cm rigid endoscopy. Of over 240000 participants, 4076 of them were diagnosed with precursor lesions, either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, which were then removed surgically. All individuals with precursor lesions were followed up and reexamined by endoscopy every two to five years up to 1998. RESULTS: After the initial screening, 953 metachronous adenomas and 417 non-adenomatous polyps were detected and removed from the members of this cohort. Further, 27 cases of colorectal cancer were detected and treated. Log-rank tests showed that the survival time among those cancer patients who under went mass screening increased significantly compared to that of other colorectal cancer patients (P【0.0001). According to the population-based cancer registry in Haining County, age-adjusted incidence and mortality of rectal cancer decreased by 41% and 29% from 1977-1981 to 1992-1996, respectively. Observed cumulative 20-year rectal cancer incidence was 31% lower than the expected in the screened group; the mortality due to rectal cancer was 18% lower than the expected in the screened group. CONCLUSION:Mass screening for rectal cancer and precursor lesions with protocoscopy in the general population and periodical following-up with routine endoscopy for high-risk patients may decrease both the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer.

Rapid progression of hepatocellular carcinoma after Radiofrequency Ablation

AIM:To report the results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients and to describe the treatment related complications (mainly the rapid intrahepatic neoplastic progression). METHODS:Eighty-seven consecutive cirrhotic patients with 104 HCC (mean diameter 3.9 cm,1.3 SD) were submitted to RFA between January 1998 and June 2003.In all cases RFA was performed with percutaneous approach under ultrasound guidance using expandable electrode needles. Treatment efficacy (necrosis and recurrence) was estimated with dual phase computed tomography (CT) and alpha- fetoprotein (AFP)level. RESULTS:Complete necrosis rate after single or multiple treatment was 100%,87.7% and 57.1% in HCC smaller than 3 cm,between 3 and 5 cm and larger than 5 cm respectively (P=0.02).Seventeen lesions of 88(19.3%) developed local recurrence after complete necrosis during a mean follow up of 19.2 mo.There were no treatment-related deaths in 130 procedures and major complications occurred in 8 patients (6.1%).In 4 patients,although complete local necrosis was achieved,we observed rapid intrahepatic neoplastic progression after treatment.Risk factors for rapid neoplastic progression were high preoperative AFP values and location of the tumor near segmental portal branches. CONCLUSION:RFA is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma smaller than 5 cm with complete necrosis in more than 80% of lesions.Patients with elevated AFP levels and tumors located near the main portal branch are at risk for rapid neoplastic progression after RFA.Further studies are necessary to evaluate the incidence and pathogenesis of this underestimated complication.

Clinicopathological analysis of patients with gastric cancer in 1200 cases

INTRODUCTIONGastric cancer is one of the most common fatal malignancies in the world. The prognosis is generally poor in advanced gastric cancer .The low survival is related to delayed diagnosis, metastasis and recurrence after operation .The aim of this paper was to find correlation between clinical factors was to find correlation between clinical factors and biologic behavior of gastric cancer in a series of 1200 patients undergoing surgical resection.

Telomere erosion is independent of microsatellite instability but related to loss of heterozygosity in gastric cancer

AIM: To correlate the length of the telomere to microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of APC, MCC and DCC genes in gastric carcinomas. METHODS: Telomeric restriction fragment (TRF) length of gastric cancer was measured with Southern blot. LOH of APC, MCC and DCC genes, microsatellite instability (MSI) and frameshift mutation of hMSH6, TGF-betaRII and BAX genes were analyzed by PCR-based methods. RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases of sporadic gastric carcinoma were studied for MSI using five microsatellite markers. MSI in at least one locus was detected in 17 (25%) of 68 tumors analyzed. Frameshift mutations of hMSH6, TGF-betaRII and BAX were detected in 2,6 and 3 of gastric carcinomas respectively showing high MSI (】 or = 2 loci, n = 8), but none was found in those showing low MSI (only one locus, n = 9) or MSS (tumor lacking MSI or stable, n = 51). Thirty-five cases, including all high MSI and low MSI, were studied for TRF. The mean TRF length was not correlated with clinicopathological parameters. No association was observed between TRF length and MSI or frameshift mutation. On the contrary, LOH at the DCC locus was related to telomere shortening (P【0.01). This tendency was also observed in APC and MCC genes, although there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The development of gastric cancer can arise through two different genetic pathways. In high MSI gastric cancers, defective mismatch repair allows mutations to accumulate and generate the high MSI phenotype. In gastric cancers showing either low MSI or MSS, multiple deletions may represent the LOH pathway. Telomere erosion is independent of high MSI phenotype but related to the LOH pathway in gastric cancer.

Assessment of duodenogastric reflux by combined continuous intragastric pH and bilirubin monitoring

AIM: To assess the diagnostic value of a combination of continuous intragastric pH and bilirubin monitoring in the detection of duodenogastric reflux (DGR), and the effects of diet on the bilirubin absorbance. METHODS: 30 healthy volunteers were divided into two groups: standard diet group (Group 1) 18 cases, free diet group (Group 2)12 cases. Each subjects were subjected to simultaneous 24-hour intragastric pH and spectrophotometric bilirubin concentration monitoring (Bilitec 2000). RESULTS: There was no difference of preprandial phase bilirubin absorbance between two groups. The absorbance of postprandial phase was significantly increased in group 2 than group 1. There was no difference between preprandial phase and postprandial phase absorbance in group 1. Postprandial phase absorbance was significantly higher in group 2. In a comparison of bile reflux with intragastric pH during night time, there were 4 types of reflux: Simultaneous increase in absorbance and pH in only 19.6%, increase in bilirubin with unchanged pH 33.3%, pH increase with unchanged absorbance 36.3%, and both unchanged in 10.8%. Linear regression analysis showed no correlation between percentage total time of pH【4 and percentage total time of absorbance】0.14, r=0.068 P【0.05. CONCLUSION: Because of the dietary effect, high absorbance fluids or foods should be avoided in detection. Intragastric pH and bilirubin monitoring separately predict the presence of duodenal (and/or pancreatic) reflux and bile reflux. They can not substitute for each other. The detection of DGR is improved if the two parameters are combined simultaneously.

Nuclear factor kB activity in patients with acute severe cholangitis

AIM: To determine the NF-kB activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in patients with acute cholangitis of severe type (ACST) and correlate the degree of NF-kB activation with severity of biliary tract infection and clinical outcome. METHODS: Twenty patients with ACST were divided into survivor group (13 cases) and nonsurvivor group (7 cases). Other ten patients undergoing elective gastrectomy or inguinal hernia repair were selected as control group. Peripheral blood samples were taken 24 hours postoperatively. PBMC were separated by density gradient centrifugation, then nuclear proteins were isolated from PBMC, and Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) used determined. The results were quantified by scanning densitometer of a Bio-Image Analysis System and expressed as relative optical density (ROD). The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 in the plasma of patients with ACST and healthy control subjects were determined by using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). RESULTS: The NF-kB activity was 5.02 +/- 1.03 in nonsurvivor group, 2.98 +/- 0.51 in survivor group and 1.06 +/- 0.34 in control group. There were statistical differences in three groups (P【0.05). The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in plasma were (498 +/- 53)ng.L(-1)and (587 +/- 64)ng.L(-1)in nonsurvivor group, (284 +/- 32)ng.L(-1) and (318 +/- 49)ng.L(-1)in survivor group and (89 +/- 11)ng.L(-1) and (102 +/-13)ng.L(-1)in control group. All patients with ACST had increased levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, which were many-fold greater than those of control group, and there was an evidence of significantly higher levels in those of nonsurvivor group than that in survivor group (P【0.05). The levels of IL-10 in plasma were (378+/-32)ng.L(-1), (384+/-37)ng.L(-1) and (68+/-11)ng.L(-1) in three groups, respectively. All patients had also increased levels of IL-10 when compared with control group (P【0.05), but the IL-10 levels were not significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (P】0.05). CONCLUSION: NF-kB activity in PBMC in patients with ACST increases markedly and the degree of NF-kB activation is correlated with severity of biliary tract infection and clinical outcome.