Immigrants,Citizenship and Social Integration in French Urban Society in the Late Middle Ages:A Case Study of Avignon

An important feature of the urban demographic structure in France in the late Middle Ages was the significant increase in immigrants as a proportion of the population.The influx of immigrants and their successful assimilation were necessary for urban society to cope with the crisis of the late Middle Ages.There were two principal pathways for integration.Firstly,the municipal authority granted citizenship to some selected immigrants,accepting them legally into the citizen community.Secondly,immigrants constructed spontaneous and autonomously diversified social relationships and interacted with other residents through religious-based confraternities.The two routes were mutually complimentary and promoted the absorption of multiple immigrants into urban society achieving a revival in early modern times.That said,social participation was the only way for all immigrants to integrate into urban society and reveals the initiative and autonomy of the newcomers.

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.

The Glorious Imagery of the Middle Ages

Shortly after I arrived at Cambridge, I went to the University Library to apply for a library card. At the very moment I stepped on the basement floor of the Library, where the administration office is located, I was overwhelmed by a spectacular exhibition of medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts. The most striking impressions

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.

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.

WATER IN LATE MEDIEVAL SPAIN： Fishing, policy and SYMBOLIC value

In the Middle Ages, as in other historical past periods, there was a double perception of the value of water. On the one hand, water was considered as an indispensable necessity for human life and, on the other, it acquired a symbolic value, whose manifestations are equally palpable. As an example, there can be brought up the setting up of public fountains in the towns of late Middle Ages. They were essential not only for the daily water provision for the citizens but also meant to honor and pomp the city. Similar double meaning can be also found in the functioning of the medieval fisheries as their economic activity guaranteed food supply and even managed to acquire religious and symbolic implications in the Christian society.

Analysis on chivalry and its influence

Knights appeared and flourished in the Middle Ages. Some scholars call the Middle Ages the ages of knights. Knights were cavalrymen in heavy armors and played a decisive role in the battlefield in the Middle Ages. They were also an important social class and strictly abided by the code of chivalry, which had a far reaching impact on the social culture and attitudes towards women of the Western Europe even after the decline of the knighthood.

Georgian Diplomat_Queen Tamar

The Middle Ages is not characterized by recognition of women’s rights and its spreading in the world history.From the women of different parts of the world,only the nobles and the king’s children enjoyed all human rights and privileges.Georgia was no exception as well;in the 12th-16th centuries feudalism was the governing system in Georgia and the women’s rights and,in general,rights of human beings were rarely discussed.But in the 12th century in Georgia,the country located in Eastern Europe and South Caucasia,a very interesting fact occurred:unusually for Georgia,a woman became the ruler of the country.It was the first case,when a woman became King of Georgia.She was Tamar.She ruled in 1184-1213.Ruling of Queen Tamar has radically changed the direction of history of Georgia forever.Only the period of her ruling is named“Golden Age”in the history of Georgia.During the period of her ruling,completely unusual decisions were made,that were unusual even for the world of that time:(1).Death penalty was abolished!(2).An authority similar to modern Parliament was formed_so-called Kutlu Arslan Dasi.The King took into account the decisions made by this authority.This fact was evaluated in the history of the world history as the point of reference of the history of Parliamentarism.(3).Georgia was the first country in the world,where a civil war occurred.The peasants’demonstrations of that time are very well studied by law specialists and,considering all criteria,they were assessed as Civil War.We think that Queen Tamar was a leader and a successful female diplomat,whom the whole world should know well.Georgians refer to Tamar as a King(not a Queen).But,in this article we will refer to her as a Queen to highlight her diplomatic skills.

Pharmacists and Their Clients in the State of Burgundy

The State of Burgundy from Charles the Bold included in 1477 the Low Countries （comprising large parts of present-day Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and parts of northern France） as well as the counties of Nevers, Burgundy and the duchy of Burgundy. From 44 towns in the State of Burgundy, their pharmacists have been identified and based on studies on the population in European mediaeval towns, the number of inhabitants per apothecary could be established for the years 1400, 1440, 1480, 1520, 1560 and 1600. A distinction among small towns, medium sized and big towns has been made. In towns with less than 2,500 inhabitants usually .just one pharmacist is present. Because of the limited number of potential clients, it concerns often a town-pharmacist （partly） paid by the magistrate and with additional privileges or a monopolized position. A client-potential of 3,500-4,000 or higher allowed the pharmacist in the territory of the State of Burgundy to be commercially successful in the 15th and 16th century.

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.

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.