The fiscal sustainability of China and the United States is of major concern globally. Based on comparative data analysis, this paper reveals that the government debt level of both countries is within the normal range...The fiscal sustainability of China and the United States is of major concern globally. Based on comparative data analysis, this paper reveals that the government debt level of both countries is within the normal range. Robust growth prospects of both countries will also vigorously support their future mitigation of government debt level. Comparatively speaking, China＇s government debt level is healthy and, despite extensive concerns, even its local government debt is not very high. The assessment that China may encounter a crisis is not supported by evidence. Yet in the long run, both countries will face pressures from increased fiscal spending on elder care and healthcare stemming from an ageing population, which will threaten their fiscal sustainability. These challenges require both countries to speed up reforms of elder care and healthcare. Specifically, China needs to focus on elder care reforms and the US should attach more importance to healthcare reforms.展开更多
Objective Combine olfactory ensheathing glia （OEG） implantation with ex vivo non-viral vector-based neurotrophin- 3 （NT-3） gene therapy in attempting to enhance regeneration after thoracic spinal cord injury （SCI...Objective Combine olfactory ensheathing glia （OEG） implantation with ex vivo non-viral vector-based neurotrophin- 3 （NT-3） gene therapy in attempting to enhance regeneration after thoracic spinal cord injury （SCI）. Methods Primary OEG were transfected with cationic liposome-mediated recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 and subsequently implanted into adult Wistar rats directly after the thoracic spinal cord （T9） contusion by the New York University impactor. The animals in 3 different groups received 4x 1050EG transfected with pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 or pcDNA3.1 （＋） plasmids, or the OEGs without any plasmid transfection, respectively; the fourth group was untreated group, in which no OEG was implanted. Results NT-3 production was seen increased both ex vivo and in vivo in pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 transfected OEGs. Three months after implantation of NT-3-transfected OEGs, behavioral analysis revealed that the hindlimb function of SCI rats was improved. All spinal cords were filled with regenerated neurofilament-positive axons. Retrograde tracing revealed enhanced regenerative axonal sprouting. Conclusion Non-viral vector-mediated genetic engineering of OEG was safe and more effective in producing NT- 3 and promoting axonal outgrowth followed by enhancing SCI recovery in rats.展开更多
Objective： A randomized trial was designed to study the optimal nutrition after hepatolobectomy. Methods： Thirty-two patients receiving hepatolobectomy were randomly divided into 2 groups： 16 patients in the experi...Objective： A randomized trial was designed to study the optimal nutrition after hepatolobectomy. Methods： Thirty-two patients receiving hepatolobectomy were randomly divided into 2 groups： 16 patients in the experimental group receiving high dose fat emulsion and amino acids without glucose for 7 days after hepatolobectomy, and 16 patients in the control group receiving traditional intravenous nutrition. Postoperative changes in blood glucose, lipid, amino acids and total ketone bodies were compared between two groups. Results： Postoperative glucose and lipid levels remained normal in the experimental group, while the free amino acids levels and utilization of ketone bodies were significantly higher than in the control group. Conclusion： Intravenous injection of glucose-free nutrition after hepatolobectomy could not only supply sufficient calories, but also avoid metabolic disturbance due to intravenous injection of glucose.展开更多
Nutrient deficiencies are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. Both total parenteral and enteral nutrition provide important supportive therapy for IBD patients, but in adults these are not usef...Nutrient deficiencies are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. Both total parenteral and enteral nutrition provide important supportive therapy for IBD patients, but in adults these are not useful for primary therapy. Dietary intervention with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish oil may be useful for the care of IBD patients, and recent studies have slyessed the role of PPAR on NFKB activity on the potential beneficial effect of dietary lipids on intestinal function.展开更多
Objective To investigate the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin A1 c （HbA1 c） and blood glucose levels of eight different points throughout the day in well-glycemic-controlled medical nutrition therapy （...Objective To investigate the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin A1 c （HbA1 c） and blood glucose levels of eight different points throughout the day in well-glycemic-controlled medical nutrition therapy （MNT） alone type 2 diabetic pafients. Methods Data were collected as＂ capillary blood glucose value of eight different sample points among sixteen observing days in thirty MNT alone type 2 diabetic patients. The correlation between HbAI c and capillary blood glucose value was evaluated by Pearson＇s correlation method. Results The r-values between HbA1c and capillary blood glucose of 3：00, 6：00, and bedtime （22：00-23：00） were 0. 81,0. 79, and 0. 78, respectively（P 〈0. 001 ）. The best correlation was found between the mean value of 8- point blood glucose value throughout the day and HbA1c （ r=0. 84, P 〈0. 001 ）. Conclustion Fasting blood glucose and postabsorptive blood glucose have better correlations with HbAlc compared with other points in this group of well-glycemic-controlled MNT alone type 2 diabetic patients.展开更多
AIM: The aim of this study was to observe the effect of a Chinese medicine compound Changtong oral liquid (CT) on tissue plasminogen activity (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), TGF-β1 and hydroxyproline (...AIM: The aim of this study was to observe the effect of a Chinese medicine compound Changtong oral liquid (CT) on tissue plasminogen activity (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), TGF-β1 and hydroxyproline (OHP). METHODS: Two sets of animal experiments were performed in the present study. Forty New Zealand rabbits and 48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned randomly to one of the five groups: sham adhesion, adhesion with saline, adhesion with low dosage of the CT, adhesion with middle dosage of the CT and adhesion with high dosage of the CT. t-PA and PAI activity in plasma, OHP and TGF-β1 expression in adhesion were investigated. Analysis of variance was used to test differences among groups. RESULTS: CT treatment increased plasma t-PA activity in rabbits but decreased TGF-β1 activity in rats. The data were expressed from low to high dose respectively as follows: t-PA, 46.1±8.6 μkat/L, 59.6±10.1 μkat/L, 64.0±11.5 μkat/L; TGF-β1 28±7.23%, 31±3.05%, 30±4.04%. There were significant differences compared with saline-treated animals (t-PA 26.4±5.1 μkat/L, TGF-β1 54±5.51%). OHP content in cecum of rabbits from middle and high but not low dose of CT lowered significantly as compared with saline-treated rabbits, 0.3641±0.1373, 0.3348±0.0321, 0.2757±0.0497 mg/g vs 0.4183±0.0883 mg/g of protein, P>0.05, P<0.05, P<0.05 respectively. The rabbit plasma PAI activity and OHP content in abdominal wall had no difference in all groups. CONCLUSION: CT treatment significantly enhanced t-PA activity in rabbits, but decreased TGF-β1 content in rats, OHP content in cecum of rabbits, and failed to affect the activity of PAI and OHP content in abdominal wall in rabbits, compared with saline group. The result suggests that CT could effectively prevent adhesions without interfering wound healina.展开更多
Objective To construct recombinant lentiviral vectors for gene delivery of the glial cell line-derived neurotropnic factor （GDNF）, and evaluate the neuroprotective effect of GDNF on lactacystin-damaged PC12 cells by...Objective To construct recombinant lentiviral vectors for gene delivery of the glial cell line-derived neurotropnic factor （GDNF）, and evaluate the neuroprotective effect of GDNF on lactacystin-damaged PC12 cells by transfecting it into bone marrow stromal cells （BMSCs）. Methods pLenti6/V5-GDNF plasmid was set up by double restriction enzyme digestion and ligation, and then the plasmid was transformed into Top10 cells. Purified pLenti6/V5-GDNF plasmids from the positive clones and the packaging mixture were cotransfected to the 293FT packaging cell line by Lipofectamine2000 to produce lentivirus, then the concentrated virus was transduced to BMSCs. Overexpression of GDNF in BMSCs was tested by RT-PCR, ELISA and immunocytochemistry, and its neuroprotection for lactacystin-damaged PC12 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Results Virus stock of GDNF was harvested with the titer of 5.6×10^5 TU/mL. After tmnsduction, GDNF-BMSCs successfully secreted GDNF to supematant with nigher concentration （800 pg/mL） than BMSCs did （less than 100 pg/mL）. The supematant of GDNF-BMSCs could significantly alleviate the damage of PC12 cells induced by lactacystin （10 μmol/L）. Conclusion Overexpression of lentivirus-mediated GDNF in the BMSCs cells can effectively protect PC12 cells from the injury by the proteasome inhibitor.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of an enteral supple-ment containing antioxidants on circulating levels of antioxidants and indicators of oxidative stress after major gastrointestinal surgery.METHODS: Twenty-one patie...AIM: To investigate the effects of an enteral supple-ment containing antioxidants on circulating levels of antioxidants and indicators of oxidative stress after major gastrointestinal surgery.METHODS: Twenty-one patients undergoing major upper gastrointestinal tract surgery were randomised in a single centre, open label study on the effect of postoperative enteral nutrition supplementedwith antioxidants. The effect on circulating levels of antioxidants and indicators of oxidative stress, such as F2-isoprostane, was studied. RESULTS: The antioxidant enteral supplement showed no adverse effects and was well tolerated. After surgery a decrease in the circulating levels of antioxidant parameters was observed. Only selenium and glutamine levels were restored to pre-operative values one week after surgery. F2-isoprostane increased in the first three postoperative days only in the antioxidant supplemented group. Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) levels decreased faster in the antioxidant group after surgery.CONCLUSION: Despite lower antioxidant levels there was no increase in the circulating markers of oxidative stress on the first day after major abdominal surgery. The rise in F2-isoprostane in patients receiving the antioxidant supplement may be related to the conversion of antioxidants to oxidants which raises questions on antioxidant supplementation. Module AOX restored the postoperative decrease in selenium levels. The rapid decrease in LBP levels in the antioxidant group suggests a possible protective effect on gut wall integrity. Further studies are needed on the role of oxidative stress on outcome and the use of antioxidants in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.展开更多
Background It is debatable whether treating multimorbid nursing home patients with antihypertensive drugs produces beneficial effects. Most cardiovascular guidelines promote treatment; few have advice on how to depres...Background It is debatable whether treating multimorbid nursing home patients with antihypertensive drugs produces beneficial effects. Most cardiovascular guidelines promote treatment; few have advice on how to deprescribe when treatment may no longer be necessary. We investigated the effect of medication review on antihypertensive drug use and the association between cognition, blood pressure, and prescribing. Methods From August 2014 to December 2015, 765 patients from 72 units （clusters） in 32 Norwegian nursing homes were included in a 4-month, multicentre, cluster-randomized, controlled trial, with 9-month follow-up. Patients ≥ 65 years old with antihypertensive treatment （n = 295, 39%） were randomized to systematic medication review where the physician received support from peers （collegial mentoring） or were given care as usual （control condition）. Outcome measures were the number of antihypertensive drugs, systolic blood pressure, and pulse. We used hospitalizations and deaths as criteria to assess harm. Results At baseline, each patient used 9.2 ± 3.5 regular drugs, and 1.6 ± 0.7 antihypertensives. Mean blood pressure was 128/71 mmHg and 9% had a systolic pressure ≥ 160 mmHg. Between baseline and month four, antihypertensives were deprescribed to a significantly higher extent in the intervention group （n = 43, 32%） compared to control （n = 11, 10%）; Incidence Rate Ratio = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7？0.9. In the intervention group, there was an immediate increase in systolic blood pressure when antihypertensives were reduced, from baseline 128 ± 19.5 mmHg to 143 ± 25.5 mmHg at month four. However, at month nine, the blood pressure had reverted to baseline values （mean 134 mmHg）. Deprescription did not affect pulse and systolic pressure. The number of hospitalizations was higher in control patients at month four （P = 0.031） and nine （P = 0.041）. Conclusion A systematic medication review supported by collegial mentoring significantly decreased the use of antihypertensive drugs in nursing home patients without an effect on the systolic blood pressure over time.展开更多
文摘The fiscal sustainability of China and the United States is of major concern globally. Based on comparative data analysis, this paper reveals that the government debt level of both countries is within the normal range. Robust growth prospects of both countries will also vigorously support their future mitigation of government debt level. Comparatively speaking, China＇s government debt level is healthy and, despite extensive concerns, even its local government debt is not very high. The assessment that China may encounter a crisis is not supported by evidence. Yet in the long run, both countries will face pressures from increased fiscal spending on elder care and healthcare stemming from an ageing population, which will threaten their fiscal sustainability. These challenges require both countries to speed up reforms of elder care and healthcare. Specifically, China needs to focus on elder care reforms and the US should attach more importance to healthcare reforms.
文摘Objective Combine olfactory ensheathing glia （OEG） implantation with ex vivo non-viral vector-based neurotrophin- 3 （NT-3） gene therapy in attempting to enhance regeneration after thoracic spinal cord injury （SCI）. Methods Primary OEG were transfected with cationic liposome-mediated recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 and subsequently implanted into adult Wistar rats directly after the thoracic spinal cord （T9） contusion by the New York University impactor. The animals in 3 different groups received 4x 1050EG transfected with pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 or pcDNA3.1 （＋） plasmids, or the OEGs without any plasmid transfection, respectively; the fourth group was untreated group, in which no OEG was implanted. Results NT-3 production was seen increased both ex vivo and in vivo in pcDNA3.1 （＋）-NT3 transfected OEGs. Three months after implantation of NT-3-transfected OEGs, behavioral analysis revealed that the hindlimb function of SCI rats was improved. All spinal cords were filled with regenerated neurofilament-positive axons. Retrograde tracing revealed enhanced regenerative axonal sprouting. Conclusion Non-viral vector-mediated genetic engineering of OEG was safe and more effective in producing NT- 3 and promoting axonal outgrowth followed by enhancing SCI recovery in rats.
文摘Objective： A randomized trial was designed to study the optimal nutrition after hepatolobectomy. Methods： Thirty-two patients receiving hepatolobectomy were randomly divided into 2 groups： 16 patients in the experimental group receiving high dose fat emulsion and amino acids without glucose for 7 days after hepatolobectomy, and 16 patients in the control group receiving traditional intravenous nutrition. Postoperative changes in blood glucose, lipid, amino acids and total ketone bodies were compared between two groups. Results： Postoperative glucose and lipid levels remained normal in the experimental group, while the free amino acids levels and utilization of ketone bodies were significantly higher than in the control group. Conclusion： Intravenous injection of glucose-free nutrition after hepatolobectomy could not only supply sufficient calories, but also avoid metabolic disturbance due to intravenous injection of glucose.
文摘Nutrient deficiencies are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）. Both total parenteral and enteral nutrition provide important supportive therapy for IBD patients, but in adults these are not useful for primary therapy. Dietary intervention with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in fish oil may be useful for the care of IBD patients, and recent studies have slyessed the role of PPAR on NFKB activity on the potential beneficial effect of dietary lipids on intestinal function.
文摘Objective To investigate the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin A1 c （HbA1 c） and blood glucose levels of eight different points throughout the day in well-glycemic-controlled medical nutrition therapy （MNT） alone type 2 diabetic pafients. Methods Data were collected as＂ capillary blood glucose value of eight different sample points among sixteen observing days in thirty MNT alone type 2 diabetic patients. The correlation between HbAI c and capillary blood glucose value was evaluated by Pearson＇s correlation method. Results The r-values between HbA1c and capillary blood glucose of 3：00, 6：00, and bedtime （22：00-23：00） were 0. 81,0. 79, and 0. 78, respectively（P 〈0. 001 ）. The best correlation was found between the mean value of 8- point blood glucose value throughout the day and HbA1c （ r=0. 84, P 〈0. 001 ）. Conclustion Fasting blood glucose and postabsorptive blood glucose have better correlations with HbAlc compared with other points in this group of well-glycemic-controlled MNT alone type 2 diabetic patients.
基金Supported by the National New Drug Foundation of China, No.96-901-05-245
文摘AIM: The aim of this study was to observe the effect of a Chinese medicine compound Changtong oral liquid (CT) on tissue plasminogen activity (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), TGF-β1 and hydroxyproline (OHP). METHODS: Two sets of animal experiments were performed in the present study. Forty New Zealand rabbits and 48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned randomly to one of the five groups: sham adhesion, adhesion with saline, adhesion with low dosage of the CT, adhesion with middle dosage of the CT and adhesion with high dosage of the CT. t-PA and PAI activity in plasma, OHP and TGF-β1 expression in adhesion were investigated. Analysis of variance was used to test differences among groups. RESULTS: CT treatment increased plasma t-PA activity in rabbits but decreased TGF-β1 activity in rats. The data were expressed from low to high dose respectively as follows: t-PA, 46.1±8.6 μkat/L, 59.6±10.1 μkat/L, 64.0±11.5 μkat/L; TGF-β1 28±7.23%, 31±3.05%, 30±4.04%. There were significant differences compared with saline-treated animals (t-PA 26.4±5.1 μkat/L, TGF-β1 54±5.51%). OHP content in cecum of rabbits from middle and high but not low dose of CT lowered significantly as compared with saline-treated rabbits, 0.3641±0.1373, 0.3348±0.0321, 0.2757±0.0497 mg/g vs 0.4183±0.0883 mg/g of protein, P>0.05, P<0.05, P<0.05 respectively. The rabbit plasma PAI activity and OHP content in abdominal wall had no difference in all groups. CONCLUSION: CT treatment significantly enhanced t-PA activity in rabbits, but decreased TGF-β1 content in rats, OHP content in cecum of rabbits, and failed to affect the activity of PAI and OHP content in abdominal wall in rabbits, compared with saline group. The result suggests that CT could effectively prevent adhesions without interfering wound healina.
基金This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Municipality(No.03ZR14016).
文摘Objective To construct recombinant lentiviral vectors for gene delivery of the glial cell line-derived neurotropnic factor （GDNF）, and evaluate the neuroprotective effect of GDNF on lactacystin-damaged PC12 cells by transfecting it into bone marrow stromal cells （BMSCs）. Methods pLenti6/V5-GDNF plasmid was set up by double restriction enzyme digestion and ligation, and then the plasmid was transformed into Top10 cells. Purified pLenti6/V5-GDNF plasmids from the positive clones and the packaging mixture were cotransfected to the 293FT packaging cell line by Lipofectamine2000 to produce lentivirus, then the concentrated virus was transduced to BMSCs. Overexpression of GDNF in BMSCs was tested by RT-PCR, ELISA and immunocytochemistry, and its neuroprotection for lactacystin-damaged PC12 cells was evaluated by MTT assay. Results Virus stock of GDNF was harvested with the titer of 5.6×10^5 TU/mL. After tmnsduction, GDNF-BMSCs successfully secreted GDNF to supematant with nigher concentration （800 pg/mL） than BMSCs did （less than 100 pg/mL）. The supematant of GDNF-BMSCs could significantly alleviate the damage of PC12 cells induced by lactacystin （10 μmol/L）. Conclusion Overexpression of lentivirus-mediated GDNF in the BMSCs cells can effectively protect PC12 cells from the injury by the proteasome inhibitor.
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of an enteral supple-ment containing antioxidants on circulating levels of antioxidants and indicators of oxidative stress after major gastrointestinal surgery.METHODS: Twenty-one patients undergoing major upper gastrointestinal tract surgery were randomised in a single centre, open label study on the effect of postoperative enteral nutrition supplementedwith antioxidants. The effect on circulating levels of antioxidants and indicators of oxidative stress, such as F2-isoprostane, was studied. RESULTS: The antioxidant enteral supplement showed no adverse effects and was well tolerated. After surgery a decrease in the circulating levels of antioxidant parameters was observed. Only selenium and glutamine levels were restored to pre-operative values one week after surgery. F2-isoprostane increased in the first three postoperative days only in the antioxidant supplemented group. Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) levels decreased faster in the antioxidant group after surgery.CONCLUSION: Despite lower antioxidant levels there was no increase in the circulating markers of oxidative stress on the first day after major abdominal surgery. The rise in F2-isoprostane in patients receiving the antioxidant supplement may be related to the conversion of antioxidants to oxidants which raises questions on antioxidant supplementation. Module AOX restored the postoperative decrease in selenium levels. The rapid decrease in LBP levels in the antioxidant group suggests a possible protective effect on gut wall integrity. Further studies are needed on the role of oxidative stress on outcome and the use of antioxidants in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.
文摘Background It is debatable whether treating multimorbid nursing home patients with antihypertensive drugs produces beneficial effects. Most cardiovascular guidelines promote treatment; few have advice on how to deprescribe when treatment may no longer be necessary. We investigated the effect of medication review on antihypertensive drug use and the association between cognition, blood pressure, and prescribing. Methods From August 2014 to December 2015, 765 patients from 72 units （clusters） in 32 Norwegian nursing homes were included in a 4-month, multicentre, cluster-randomized, controlled trial, with 9-month follow-up. Patients ≥ 65 years old with antihypertensive treatment （n = 295, 39%） were randomized to systematic medication review where the physician received support from peers （collegial mentoring） or were given care as usual （control condition）. Outcome measures were the number of antihypertensive drugs, systolic blood pressure, and pulse. We used hospitalizations and deaths as criteria to assess harm. Results At baseline, each patient used 9.2 ± 3.5 regular drugs, and 1.6 ± 0.7 antihypertensives. Mean blood pressure was 128/71 mmHg and 9% had a systolic pressure ≥ 160 mmHg. Between baseline and month four, antihypertensives were deprescribed to a significantly higher extent in the intervention group （n = 43, 32%） compared to control （n = 11, 10%）; Incidence Rate Ratio = 0.8, 95% CI = 0.7？0.9. In the intervention group, there was an immediate increase in systolic blood pressure when antihypertensives were reduced, from baseline 128 ± 19.5 mmHg to 143 ± 25.5 mmHg at month four. However, at month nine, the blood pressure had reverted to baseline values （mean 134 mmHg）. Deprescription did not affect pulse and systolic pressure. The number of hospitalizations was higher in control patients at month four （P = 0.031） and nine （P = 0.041）. Conclusion A systematic medication review supported by collegial mentoring significantly decreased the use of antihypertensive drugs in nursing home patients without an effect on the systolic blood pressure over time.
