Influence of Exercise at High Temperature on Blood Biochemical Indexes and HSP72 Expression in Adult Males

The influence of exercise at high temperature on adult males＇ routine blood indexes and biochemical indexes and the expression of HSP72 in peripheral blood lymphocytes （PBLs） was studied in order to provide theoretical ground for health supervision of adults receiving exercise at high temperature. 180 adult males were selected and divided into exercise group and control group, in which the exercise group was subdivided into subgroup 1 and subgroup 2 receiving exercise at high temperature in the afternoon and in the morning, respectively. Peripheral venous blood was phle- botomized before and after the exercise to examine routine blood indexes and blood biochemical indexes. The expression levels of HSP72 in PBLs were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that the routine blood indexes and biochemical indexes in each group were within the range of normal values of male adults. There was no significant difference between each exercise group and control group in indexes before exercise. After exercise, the expression levels of HSP72 in PBLs in exercise groups were higher than those before exercise, and HSP72 expression levels in subgroup 1 were obviously higher than those in subgroup 2 and control group. The contents of ALT, urea, Na＋, Cl-, Ca2＋ and K＋ in subgroups 1 and 2 were lower than those in control group, but CK level was higher than in control group （P〈0.05）. The contents of Na＋ and Clin subgroup 1 were relatively lower than those in subgroup 2 （P〈0.05）. It was concluded that while receiving exercise at high temperature, adult males＇ HSP72 levels in PBLs could be increased and the biochemical indexes changed. Attention should be paid to health supervision to avoid obvious body injuries at high temperature.

Detection and Analysis of Routine Blood Indexes in Guike Pig

[Objectives] In this study,routine blood indexes of Guike pig were detected to clarify quantity variation and morphology distribution of different functional cells（ red blood cells,white blood cells and platelets）,thus providing reference data for immunological evaluation and disease resistance research of Guike pig. [Methods] Blood samples were collected from forty-four 49-day-old healthy Guike pigs（ 22 males and 22 females） once a week for seven consecutive weeks to detect routine blood indexes,and the results were compared with routine blood indexes of Landrace pig and Enshi black pig. [Results]Among red blood cell indexes of Guike pig at different day ages,red blood cell count（ RBC） and hemoglobin count（ HGB） both reached the lowest levels（ 6. 85 × 10^12/L and 97. 1 g/L）at 70 days of age,which were significantly lower than the corresponding indexes at 49,56,63,84 and 91 days of age（ P 〈 0. 05,similarly hereinafter）; mean corpuscular hemoglobin（ MCH） and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration（ MCHC） demonstrated basically the same variation pattern,which both reached the lowest levels（ 15. 11 pg and 275. 70 g/L） at 70 days of age and reached the highest levels（ 16. 40 pg and 314. 30 g/L） at 91 days of age; hematocrit（ HCT）,mean corpuscular volume（ MCV） and red blood cell distribution width（ RDW） exhibited relatively stable changes with no significant differences among different day ages（ P 〉 0. 05,similarly hereinafter）. Among white blood cell indexes of Guike pig at different day ages,white blood cell count（ WBC） reached the lowest level（ 13. 71 × 10^9/L） at 63 days of age and reached the highest level（ 17. 52 × 10^9/L） at 84 days of age,with significant differences; neutrophil count（ NEUT）reached the lowest level（ 3. 61 × 10^9/L） at 70 days of age,which was significantly lower than that at 49,56 and 77 days of age; lymphocyte count（ LYMPH） exhibited relatively stable changes and was not significantly affected by the increase in day age. Among platelet indexes of Guike pig at different day ages,platelet count（ PLT）,thrombocytocrit（ PCT） and platelet volume distribution width（ PDW） exhibited relatively stable changes among different day ages,which were not significantly affected by the increase in day age. Compared to 35-day-old Landrace pig and 5-month-old Enshi black pig,most routine blood indexes of Guike pig were similar to or ranged between those of Landrace pig and Enshi black pig except HCT,mean platelet volume（ MPV）,PCT and PDW. [Conclusions]Guike pig has a certain uniqueness in routine blood indexes,which has developed a stable immune system at 49-91 days of age.

Parameters Influencing Haematological, Serum and Bio-Chemical References in Livestock Animals under Different Management Systems

Serum bio-chemical and haematological indices constitute important panels in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of livestock diseases via the investigations of myriads of parameters influencing these blood and serum bio-chemical indices. Serum bio-chemical indices, haematological indices and blood electrolytes are critical physiological indices which have health implications on the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of livestock diseases especially in animals bred under different management systems. It is important to stress that cascades of parameters of both genetic and non-genetic origin greatly have direct and in-direct health implications on serum bio-chemical indices and blood electrolytes in livestock animals and subsequently on their health/ production performances. Laboratory blood tests would be a vital tool to help detect any deviation from normal state of wellbeing in animals. Therefore, this review intends to provide base line information to establish certain haematological and serum bio-chemical indices as standard references which can be employed as alternative therapy for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cascades of diseases plaguing livestock animals bred under different management systems especially under the harsh condition of the tropics. Hence, it is important to establish standard values for the various blood and serum bio-chemical indices base on parameters of non-genetic origin;age, sex, physiological state, stress level, management systems, medication, health status, nutrition, hormone, climate, etc. and genetic parameters which include the breed and genotype of the animal among others obviously affect the blood and serum profile of healthy animal which subsequently influence their production performance and efficiency.

Effects of Replacing Maize Silage with Silage Sweet Sorghum on Milk Production and Blood Biochemical Indexes of Dairy Cows

In order to study the effects of replacing different proportions of silage maize with silage sweet sorghum treated by different fermentation methods on the production performance and blood biochemical indexes of dairy cows,25 Chinese Holstein lactating cows were randomly divided into 5 groups,5 in each group.The control check (CK) was fed the basal diet;for the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 2,50% of the silage maize in the basal diet was replaced with the additive silage sweet sorghum and the conventional silage sweet sorghum,respectively;and as to the experimental group 3 and the experimental group 4,all the silage maize in the basal diet was replaced with additive silage sweet sorghum and conventional silage sweet sorghum,respectively.The preliminary trial period was 7 d,and the trial period was 35 d.The results showed that the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 3 had the dry matter intake significantly higher than that of the experimental group 2,the experimental group 4 and the CK ( P <0.05).The daily milk yields of the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 2 were significantly lower than that of the CK ( P <0.05),and the experimental group 3 and the experimental group 4 were significantly lower than the experimental group 1 and the experimental group 2 ( P <0.05).The milk protein percentage of the experimental group 2 was extremely significantly higher than that of the experimental group 4 ( P <0.01).The experimental group 1,the experimental group 2 and the experimental group 3 showed the blood glucose levels extremely significantly higher than that in the CK ( P <0.01).The blood urea nitrogen contents in the experimental group 2 and the experimental group 4 were significantly higher than those in the experimental group 1 and the CK ( P <0.01).There were no significant differences in other blood biochemical indexes between various groups ( P >0.05).It is feasible to use silage sweet sorghum to feed dairy cows,but the proportion should not be too large,and attention should be paid to the energy and nitrogen balance of the diet.

Birthing ball on promoting cervical ripening and its influence on the labor process and the neonatal blood gas index

BACKGROUND Term pregnancy-induced labor refers to the use of artificial methods to induce uterine contractions and terminate pregnancy after 37 wk.It is a common method to prevent overdue pregnancy and to deal with high-risk pregnancies.In addition,it can alleviate maternal complications and cause the fetus to leave the adverse intrauterine environment early,which is beneficial to the outcome of pregnancy.AIM To explore the effect of a birthing ball on labor by inducing cervical ripening and its influence on labor and the neonatal blood gas index.METHODS Twenty-two women who were scheduled to undergo labor induction and delivery in the obstetrics department of our hospital were randomly divided into two groups:the delivery ball group(childbirth ball combined with COOK balloon induction)and the conventional group(COOK balloon induction alone).The cervical Bishop score before and after intervention,duration of labor at each stage,mode of delivery,neonatal umbilical venous blood pH,oxygen partial pressure(PO_(2)),carbon dioxide partial pressure(PCO_(2)),and the 1-min Apgar score were recorded.RESULTS After the intervention,the cervical Bishop score of the delivery ball group(7.84±1.52)was significantly higher than that of the conventional group(7.32±1.29)(P<0.05),and the cervical Bishop scores of the two groups after intervention were significantly higher than those before intervention(P<0.05).After the intervention,the first stage of labor(510.9±98.7 min),the second stage of labor(43.0±8.5 min),and the total duration of labor(560.0±120.9 min)in the delivery ball group were lower than those in the routine group,with a first stage of labor of 602.1±133.2 min,a second stage of labor of 48.4±9.1 min,and a total duration of labor of 656.8±148.5 min(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the time of the third stage of labor between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the pH,PO_(2),and PCO_(2) values of newborns between the delivery ball group and the conventional group(P>0.05).The 1-min Apgar score of the delivery ball group was higher than that of the conventional group(9.10±0.38 points vs 8.94±0.31 points,P<0.05).The natural delivery rate of the delivery ball group was higher than that of the conventional group(91.00%vs 78.00%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The use of a birthing ball combined with a COOK balloon for inducing labor has a better effect on promoting cervical ripening,shortening the time of labor,and improving the Apgar score of newborns.

Determination of correlation of Adjusted Blood Requirement Index with outcome in patients presenting with acute variceal bleeding

AIM： To determine the correlation of Adjusted Blood Requirement Index （ABRI） with the 7th day outcome in patients presenting with acute variceal bleeding.METHODS： All patients presenting with acute variceal hemorrhage （AVH） were included. Patients with previous band ligation, sclerotherapy, gastrointestinal or hepatic malignancies were excluded. Patients were managed as per standard protocol for AVH with terlipressin and band ligation. ABRI scores were calculated using the formula outcome of alive or expired up to the 7th day after treatment. The correlation between ABRI and mortality was estimated and a receiver operative characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted.RESULTS： A total of 113 patients （76 male; 37 female） were included. On assessment, 18 were in Child＇s Pugh Class A, 82 in Class B and 13 were in Class C. The median number of blood units transfused ± inter-quartile range was 3.0 ± 2.0. The median ± inter-quartile range for ABRI was 1.3 ± 1.1. The ROC curve of ABRI for expiry showed a significantly large area of 0.848 （P 〈 0.0001; 95% CI： 0.75-0.95）. A significant correlation of log transformation of ABRI with an outcome of mortality was present （P 〈 0.0001）.

Blood index panel for gastric cancer detection

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor.Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer.AIM To develop a blood index panel that may improve the diagnostic value for discriminating gastric cancer and gastric polyps.METHODS Thirteen tumor-related detection indices,38 clinical biochemical indices and 10 cytokine indices were examined in 139 gastric cancer patients and 40 gastric polyp patients to build the model.An additional 68 gastric cancer patients and 22 gastric polyp patients were enrolled for validation.After area under the curve evaluation and univariate and multivariate analyses.RESULTS Five tumor-related detection indices,12 clinical biochemical indices and 1 cytokine index showed significant differences between the gastric cancer and gastric polyp groups.Carbohydrate antigen(CA)724,phosphorus(P)and ischemia-modified albumin(IMA)were included in the blood index panel,and the area under the curve(AUC)of the index panel was 0.829(0.754,0.905).After validation,the AUC was 0.811(0.700,0.923).Compared to the conventional index CA724,the blood index panel showed significantly increased diagnostic value.CONCLUSION We developed an index model that included CA724,P and IMA to discriminate the gastric cancer and gastric polyp groups,which may be a potential diagnostic method for clinical practice.

Application of Circulating Tumor Cells in Peripheral Blood in Judging the Prognosis of Patients with Renal Cancer and Related Indexes of Blood Coagulation

Objective: To investigate the value of the number of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in peripheral blood in the prognosis and coagulation-related indicators of patients with renal cancer. Methods: 65 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) confirmed pathologically were divided into CTC positive group and CTC negative group according to the CTC count (5 pcs/3.5 ml). Compare the age, gender, tumor location, TNM (clinical stage), pathological grade, tissue type, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, prognosis and prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB), partial coagulation of the two groups of patients The correlation between the results of zymogen time (APTT) and D-dimer (DD) and the number of CTC. Results: There were significant differences in TNM, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis between the two groups (P < 0.05). The number of CTC in patients was correlated with FIB and D-D levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The number of CTC in patients with renal cell carcinoma is correlated with some clinical phenotypes (TNM, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis) and some coagulation indexes (FIB, D-D), and can jointly predict the prognosis of renal cancer.

Effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on Pulmonary Function, Blood Gas Analysis Index, Serum PCT and CRP Expression in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Suhuang Zhike Capsule on pulmonary function, blood gas analysis index, serum PCT and CRP expression in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: A total of 88 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease admitted to the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xuancheng People's Hospital of Anhui Province from December 2014 to December 2016 were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, with 44 cases in each group. The control group was given routine clinical treatment, and the observation group was given Suhuang Zhike Capsule on the basis of the treatment method of the control group. After 7 days' treatment, the improvement of lung function indexes were observed and evaluated before and after treatment(forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV_1), forced expiratory volume occupancy in the 1^(st) second percentage of vital capacity(FEVl/FVC), peak expiatory flow(PEF)), blood gas analysis index(Arterial oxygen partial pressure(PaO_2) and arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO_2), oxygenation index(OI)) and serum cytokine levels(procalcitonin(PCT) and C reactive protein(CRP). RESULTS: The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P < 0.05). The FEV_1, FEV_1/FVC and PEF in 2 groups were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the above lung function indexes in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group(P < 0.05). PaO_2 and OI were significantly increased after the treatment(P < 0.05), PaCO_2 was significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement of above blood gas analysis indexes were significantly superior of the observation group than the control group(P < 0.05). The serum PCT and CRP levels in 2 groups were significantly decreased after the treatment(P < 0.05), and the improvement in the observation group were more significant than that in the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Suhuang Zhike Capsule can inhibit serum inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, improve blood gas analysis indicators, and improve lung functions.

Nitroglycerin reduces augmentation index and central blood pressure independent of effects on cardiac preload

Objective To determine whether reduction in central pressure augmentation and central systolic blood pressure by nitroglycerine (NTG) results from effects on pre-load or is due to arterial dilation. Methods We compared effects of NTG with those of lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Hemodynamic measurements were made at rest,during LBNP (10,20 and 30 mmHg,each for 15 min) and after NTG (10,30 and 100 μg/min,each dose for 15 min) in ten healthy volunteers. Cardiac pre-load,stroke volume and cardiac output were assessed by echocardiography. Central pressure augmentation and central systolic pressure were obtained by radial tonometry using a transfer function. Results LBNP (20 mmHg) and NTG (30 μg/min) reduced pre-load (as measured by the peak velocity of the S wave in the superior vena cava) to a similar degree [by (26.8±3.8)% and (23.9±3.4)%,respectively]. Compared to LBNP,NTG reduced systemic vascular resistance [by (32.9±7.5)%,P<0.01],decreased peripheral and central pressure augmentation [by (20.8±3.4)% units and (12.9±2.9)% units,respectively,each P<0.01]. Conclusion These results suggest that a reduction in pre-load does not explain reduction in pressure augmentation and central systolic blood pressure by NTG and that these effects are mediated through arterial dilation.

Shock index of patients with sepsis after continuous blood purification treatment and its relationship with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and immune response

Objective:To study the shock index of patients with sepsis after continuous blood purification (CBP) treatment and its relationship with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and immune response.Methods:A total of 88 patients with sepsis who underwent continuous blood purification treatment in our hospital between June 2012 and May 2016 were chosen as research subjects, shock index (SI) was compared before and after the treatment, and according to the level of SI after treatment, all patients were divided into shock group (n=27) with SI>0.5 points and no shock group (n=61) with SI≤0.5 points. Serum contents of inflammatory mediators, Th1/Th2 cellular immunity indexes, immunoglobulin and complement were compared between two groups of patients after treatment.Results: The level of SI in patients with sepsis was significantly lower than that before treatment. Serum contents of inflammatory mediators PCT, CRP and HMGB1 in no shock group were lower than those in shock group, contents of Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ were higher than those in shock group, contents of Th2 cytokines IL-10 and IL-13 were lower than those in shock group, and contents of IgG, IgM, IgA, C3 and C4 were higher than those in shock group.Conclusion: The level of SI decreases in the patients with sepsis after CBP treatment, and SI level is directly correlated with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and immune response levels.

Research progress on the correlation between TCM syndromes of coronary heart disease and blood biochemical indexes

The researches on the correlation between TCM syndromes of coronary heart disease and blood biochemical indexes from Jan.2011 to Jul.2020 were reviewed,in order to explore the association of different TCM syndromes of coronary heart disease with blood biochemical indexes,such as blood lipid metabolism,inflammatory factors,coagulation-fibrinolysis system,blood rheology and vascular endothelial function,which was hoped to provide a guidance on the clinical combined application of TCM syndrome differentiation and biochemical indexes of coronary heart disease,so as to promote the objectification and standardization of TCM syndrome differentiation.

Association between Systolic Blood Pressure Difference ≥10 mm Hg and Ankle-Brachial Index

Background: In new outpatients, blood pressure should be measured in both arms. A previous study reported that an inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (ΔSBP) of ≥10 mm Hg is associated with an increased risk of mortality. Aim: The aim was to identify the associations with absolute values of ΔSBP (|ΔSBP|) ≥10 mm Hg. Subjects and Methods: This study included 2481 patients. Patients with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were defined as obese. The group of A was defined as following: ankle-brachial index (ABI) was <0.9 or ≥1.3. ΔSBP was expressed as right arm BP minus left arm BP. |ΔSBP| ≥10 mm Hg were analyzed using multivariate logistic analysis. Results: |ΔSBP| ≥10 mm Hg was found in 6.0% of patients and |ΔSBP| < 5 mm Hg in 80.4%. In multivariate analysis, the odds ratios (ORs) of the associations with |ΔSBP| ≥10 mm Hg were significantly associated with abnormal ABI and obesity regardless of sex and age. Moreover, the OR of the combined effects of abnormal ABI and obesity was higher than that of abnormal ABI and obesity alone. Conclusion: |ΔSBP| ≥10 mm Hg was associated with abnormal ABI and obesity. In a primary care setting, blood pressure should be actively measured in both arms. This study suggests that the associations with |ΔSBP| ≥10 mm Hg may be a useful part of screening for abnormal ABI.

Correlation analysis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with blood lipid and coagulation indexes

Objective: To explore the correlation between different types of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and blood lipids and coagulation indexes, in order to provide relevant references for the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Methods: 308 cases of ONFH were divided into alcohol group (165 cases), hormone group (113 cases), trauma group (30 cases), and basic data of patients were collected. Blood lipid indicators: total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A, apolipoprotein B;coagulation indicators: activated partial thromboplastin time, plasma prothrombin time, fibrinogen, thrombin time indicators, using analysis of variance method for different types of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and blood lipids, coagulation indicators Search for relevance. Results: 1. Comparison of three groups of blood lipid indicators: total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in the alcohol group were higher than those in the trauma group (P<0.05);total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein in the alcohol group The three indexes of cholesterol were higher than those of the hormone group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the serum lipid indexes of the hormone group and the trauma group (P>0.05). 2. Comparison of three groups of coagulation indicators: hormone The fibrinogen index of the group was higher than that of the trauma group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the coagulation index between the alcohol group and the trauma group (P>0.05). The coagulation index of the hormone group and the alcohol group was compared. The differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: 1. Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (alcoholic, hormonal) patients are characterized by markedly elevated blood lipids (total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol) and coagulation (fibrinogen) indicators;2. Intravascular coagulation and lipid metabolism disorders may be the pathological basis of non-traumatic Osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Relationship between sleep quality and blood pressure level in nurses performing shift work

Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of sleep in nurses performing shift work in therapeutic and surgical depar tments and to establish possible relationships between level of blood pressure(BP)and quality of sleep.Methods:A total of 20 nurses of the therapeutic depar tments and 20 nurses of the surgical depar tments were enrolled in the study.Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI).BP was measured according to the standard protocol using the Korotkoff method;a sphygmomanometer was used for this twice with an interval of 2 min between 10:00 a.m.and 10:30 a.m.The average value for the 2 indicators was calculated.The diagnosis of essential ar terial hyper tension(AH)was established according to the recommendations of the European Association of Cardiology and the European Association of Hypertension(2018).Results:The overall assessment of the sleep quality of the nurses involved in shift work indicates poor sleep quality;this was true in respondents of both the surgical and therapeutic profiles.However,it was observed that the quality of sleep was significantly lower in nurses of the therapeutic departments.Moreover,poor sleep quality was associated with AH,which was diagnosed in 65%of the nurses of the therapeutic departments and 45%of the nurses of the surgical departments,that is,in almost all of the subjects.Herewith,in the nurses of the therapeutic departments,the level of systolic BP exceeded that of the nurses of the surgical departments.Conclusions:Poor sleep quality is a significant risk factor for AH development and is relevant to nurses performing shift work.Additional clinical studies should be conducted to better understand the mechanisms underlying such adverse cardiometabolic outcomes associated with sleep disorders in the health-sector shift workers.

Benefit of laparoscopic liver resection in high body mass index patients

AIM: To explore the impact of body mass index(BMI) on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resection(LLR).METHODS: From January 2010 to February 2015, sixty-eight patients who underwent primary partial liver resection in our institute were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical outcomes of LLR were compared with those of open liver resection(OLR). In addition, we analyzed associations with BMI and surgical outcomes.RESULTS: Among 68 patients, thirty-nine patients underwent LLR and 29 were performed OLR. Significant difference in operation time, blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay was observed. There were no signi ficant di fferences in mortali ty and morbidity in two groups. Twenty-two patients(32.4%) were classified as obese(BMI ≥ 25). A statistically significant correlation was observed between BMI and operation time, between BMI and blood loss in OLR, but not in LLR. The operation time and blood loss of OLR were significantly higher than that of LLR in obese patients. Open liver resection and BMI were independent predictors for prolonged operation time and increased blood loss in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that BMI had influenced to surgical outcomes of OLR. LLR was less influenced by BMI and had great benefit in obese patients.

Changes in mean cerebral blood flow velocity during cognitive task-induced cerebral fatigue in high performance fighter pilots

BACKGROUND： Several studies have demonstrated that sustained cognitive tasks can induce cognitive fatigue and that the mean cerebral blood flow velocity changes in some cerebral regions during cerebral fatigue. OBJECTIVE： To dynamically monitor the changes in mean cerebral blood flow velocity in different brain regions of high performance fighter pilots during mental arithmetic tasks and consecutive performance tasks. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The present neurophysiological trial, based on controlled observation, was performed at the Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force of China between January 2003 and December 2005. PARTICIPANTS： Forty-five males, high performance fighter pilots, averaging （27.6±2.5） years, were recruited for this study. METHODS： The mean cerebral blood flow velocity in the anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, and posterior cerebral artery of subjects was dynamically tested using transcranial Doppler during 5- hour mental arithmetic tasks and during 5- hour consecutive performance tasks. The neurobehavioral ability index was analyzed throughout each trial according to the number of correct responses, false responses, and lost responses. Simultaneously, cerebral cognitive fatigue-induced lethargy was assessed by the Stanford Sleepiness Scale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Changes in mean cerebral blood flow velocity in the anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, and posterior cerebral artery; neurobehavioral ability index of mental arithmetic and consecutive performance tasks; Stanford Sleepiness Scale scores. RESULTS： During mental arithmetic tasks, the mean cerebral blood flow velocity in the anterior cerebral artery increased during hour 2 and decreased after hour 4. There was no significant change in mean cerebral blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery. During hour 4, cerebral cognitive fatigue was observed and, simultaneously, Stanford Sleepiness Scale scores demonstrated the presence of fatigue. During such a stage, the neurobehavioral ability index decreased, indicating a decline in performance ability. During consecutive performance tasks, the mean cerebral blood flow velocity declined earlier in the posterior cerebral artery compared to the middle cerebral artery. CONCLUSION： Five- hour mental arithmetic tasks have few effects on cerebral functions and do not lead to a significant change in mean cerebral blood flow velocity. Five-hour consecutive performance tasks can induce cerebral cognitive fatigue, and a marked decline in mean cerebral blood flow velocity.

Assessment of cerebrovascular reserve impairment using the breath-holding index in patients with leukoaraiosis

Many studies have demonstrated that leukoaraiosis is associated with impaired cerebrovascular reserve function. However, the definitive hemodynamic changes that occur in leukoaraiosis are not clear, and there are many controversies. This study aimed to investigate hemodynamic changes in symptomatic leukoaraiosis using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and the breath-holding test in a Chinese Han population, from northern China. A total of 203 patients who were diagnosed with ischemic stroke or clinical chronic progressive ischemic symptoms were enrolled in this study, including 97 males and 106 females, with an age range of 43-93 years. The severity of leukoaraiosis was evaluated according to the Fazekas grading scale, and patients were divided into four groups accordingly. Grade 0 was no leukoaraiosis, and grades I, II, and III were mild, moderate, and severe leukoaraiosis, respectively, with 44, 79, 44, and 36 cases in each group. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and the breath-holding test were performed. The mean blood flow velocity of the bilateral middle cerebral artery was measured and the breath-holding index was calculated. The breath holding index was correlated with leukoaraiosis severity and cognitive impairment. Patients with a low breath holding index presented poor performance in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and executive function tests. That is, the lower the breath holding index, the lower the scores for the MoCA and the higher for the trail-making test Parts A and B. These results indicate that the breath-holding index is a useful parameter for the evaluation of cerebrovascular reserve impairment in patients with leukoaraiosis. In addition, the breath-holding index can reflect cognitive dysfunction, providing a new insight into the pathophysiology of leukoaraiosis. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Fifth Peoples Hospital of Shenyang, China (approval No. 20160301) and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR1800014421).

Blood pressure and stature in Helicobacter pylori positive and negative persons

To evaluate vital signs and body indices in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) positive and negative persons. A total of 22 centres entered the study. They were spread over the whole country, corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population. A total of 1818 subjects (aged 5-98 years) took part in the study, randomly selected out of 38147 subjects. H. pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13C-urea breath test. Data on height, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were collected at the clinics of general practitioners. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 30.4% (402/1321) in adults (≥ 18 year-old) and 5.2% (26/497) in children and adolescents (≤ 17 year-old). Once adjusted for age and gender, only a difference in body mass index remained statistically significant with H. pylori positive adults showing an increase of 0.6 kg/m2 in body mass index. Once adjusted for age and gender, we found a difference in height between H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative children and adolescents. On further adjustment for place of residence, this difference became statistically significant, with H. pylori positive children and adolescents being on average 3.5 cm shorter. H. pylori positive adults were significantly older compared to H. pylori negative subjects. Once adjusted for age and gender, H. pylori infection had no impact on body weight, body mass index and vital signs either in adults or children and adolescents. Chronic H. pylori infection appeared to be associated with short stature in children. H. pylori infection did not influence blood pressure, body weight and body mass index either in adults or children and adolescents.