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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effects of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training on upper-limb sensorimotor performance in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To evaluate the effects of Ving Tsun(VT)sticking-hand training on upper-limb joint position sense and muscular performance in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.Methods:Thirty-three adults were randomly allocated to either a VT group or a control group.The VT group received VT sticking-hand training twice per week for 3 months.Measurements were taken before and after the intervention period.The primary outcome was elbow-joint repositioning error,which was measured by an elbow-joint passive positioning and active repositioning test using a universal goniometer.Secondary outcomes were upper-limb muscles'peak force and time taken to reach peak force as measured by a hand-held dynamometer.Results:No significant time,group or time-by-group interaction effects were found for elbow-joint repositioning error or upper-limb muscle peak force outcomes.Shoulder flexor time to peak force decreased by 33.8%from pre-test to post-test in the VT group(P=0.007).Shoulder abductor,internal and external rotator,and elbow extensor times to peak force decreased by 30.0%-35.9%in the VT%roup(P<0.05)and by 30.4%-37.1%in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:VT sticking-hand training does not improve elbow-joint position sense or the maximum strength of upper-limb muscles in middle-aged and older adults.However,VT can improve shoulder flexor muscles'time to reach peak force in these populations.VT had no obvious effect on the time required to reach peak force in other shoulder muscles and elbow extensors.

Analysis of the Variations of Body Build of Middle-and Old-aged and Research on the Prototype

The characteristics of body build of middle - and old -aged women and its rule of variations as well as the basic sizes of various parts are discussed. All these are based on the body measurements of this age group, and also on the statistical studies of the measurement data. By setting the regression equation, the calculating formulae of various control parts are obtained, thus establishing the prototype of this age group for women.

The Health and Fitness Benefits of Tai Chi for Middle-aged and Elderly People

As a traditional form of Chinese martial arts,Tai Chi attracts martial arts enthusiasts worldwide with its unique charm while also serving as an ideal fitness choice for middle-aged and elderly individuals.Its profound philosophy of health preservation and remarkable fitness benefits make it particularly appealing.Tai Chi emphasizes the coordination of breathing and movement.Through slow,smooth,coherent,and gentle movements,it helps regulate the physical functions and psychological well-being of middle-aged and elderly individuals.This practice significantly enhances their overall health and effectively improves their quality of life.This paper explores the concept and characteristics of Tai Chi,examines its fitness benefits for middle-aged and elderly individuals,and proposes corresponding exercise approaches,aiming to provide practical guidance.

Radiometric Dating of Ignimbrite from Inner Mongolia Provides no Indication of a Post-Middle Jurassic Age for the Daohugou Beds

Lacustrine deposits exposed at Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China, have yielded superbly preserved vertebrate fossils. The fossil beds were first misinterpreted as of Early Cretaceous age, based on alleged occurrences of key fossils of the Jehol Biota. Compelling evidence revealed by more rigorous research involving regional biostratigraphy, radiometric dating, and paleontology supports the Middle Jurassic age of the fossil beds. Despite the awesome evidence for the Middle Jurassic age of the Daohugou beds, the age dispute has been resurrected recently by invoking an overturned stratigraphic sequence. A careful review of the data, however, found no evidence that this sequence has been overturned. In addition, many of the assumptions, on which the conjecture of the fossil beds being post- Middle Jurassic is imprudently based, are self-contradictory or otherwise misleading. Thus, the post- Middle Jurassic age of the Daohugou beds as an unfounded conclusion can readily be dismissed.

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,

Georgia and Europe in the Early Middle Ages

The article deals with relations of Georgia to Europe in the late antique period and the early Middle Ages.The analyses rests on the Byzantium and the Western European,as well as on Georgian written sources:historical chronicles,hagiographic texts and other information,reflecting political relations of the Iberia and Lazika—those-days kingdoms,located on the territory of Georgia—to the Western European and Byzantine space.The offered analysis will concentrate on the shared characteristics of European space in the Middle Ages and will compare them to the general tendencies of development of Georgia in the same period.This enables to draw conclusion that Georgia was the part of the unified Christian space of the early Middle Ages.

The Issue of Genealogy of Armenians, Georgians and Other Caucasian Nations in the Historiography of the Middle Ages

The paper shows that the story about the origin of Armenians, Georgians and other Caucasians from a common ancestor, namely, from Targamos (Togormah)—The Life of the Fore-Patriarchs and Ancestors of the Georgian Kings, which is represented in the introductory part of The Georgian Chronicles and is dated back to the end of the11th, is a compiled work that mainly contains, on the one hand, an old Georgian genealogical-geographical story about Tarshish’s son Kartlos (Iber) and his six brothers ( Egros, Movakan, Heros, Bardos, Lekan and Caucas)created at the end of the 6th c.-first half of the 8th c. based on Byzantine works, and on the other hand, a genealogical story created in old Armenian historiography about Targamos and his son Hayk that went through certain steps of development as well. In the process of synthesizing, Togormah (Targamos) and his son Hayk (Haos)were inserted between Tarsish and his son Kartlos (Iber), which violated the Biblical scheme as well as the structure of the sentence in which the insertion was made. The goal of developing the synthesized scheme was to bring evidence of the common origin of Georgians and Armenians, as long as quite a large number of Armenians,because of the incorporation of a large part of Armenian territories within Georgian borders, became citizens of Georgia. At the same time, the story also offers a justification in the eyes of the Muslim world for the claims of Georgia for Armenian territories. According to the newly-created synthesized scheme, Georgia was “the successor brother” of Armenia(Haos//Hayk) and considering the absence of Armenian states, i.e., “the elder brother”,Georgia was the only legal heir of Armenian territories.

Research on the Gender and Age Differences of Middle School Students＇ Shame Sense

In order to ensure the existence of the gender and age differences of middle school students＇ shame, 1258 Shanghai middle school students are surveyed with the help of the Middle school students＇ shame measurement scale with the combination of delaminating and random sampling. The results of questionnaire show that there are significant gender differences in middle school students＇ shame and the average scores of male students＇ shame are higher than those of female students. Besides, there does exist significant age differences in middle school students＇ shame, but it is not simple linear relationship between the feeling of shame and ages. The feeling of shame reaches maximum at the age of 14 and intervention should be given at this age, which young students feel sensitive most. It is suggested that collective remission of the shame should be offered to middle school students with the methods such as physical exercises, persuasion etc.

China's National Image in Western Travels in the Middle Ages

The cognition of the image of China in the West during the Middle Ages is a historical base map for the formation of China's image in the eyes of Western travelers in China since the 19 th century. During the Middle Ages, with the Crusades and the Eastward March of the Mongol Empire, the exchanges between China and Europe were frequent. For political and religious purposes, Western missionaries gradually increased in China. From the expansion of the concept of time and space, Western travelers came to China to explore the world outside the Mediterranean. For the needs of literary creation, Western writers began to write Chinese travels while traveling to China. The texts about China's images created by missionaries, travelers and writers are intertwined, depicting a vivid China's national image.

Willingness of People of Different Ages to Learn Online——Taking Guizhou Cadre Online Learning School as an Example

The method of statistical analysis is employed in this paper to research the interests of online cadre learners, including learners from administrative organizations directly governed by the provincial government, Zunyi city and the state-owned enterprises directly governed by the provincial government in 2011 through the courseware of Guizhou Cadre Online Learning School. The difference in willingness to study in this manner between people of differing ages is examined through data analysis.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in subjects over age of forty years and response of a booster dose among nonresponders

AIM:The study was initiated to evaluate the reactogenicity and immunogenicity of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in age group >40 years and to study the response of a single booster dose in primary non-responders to the hepatitis B vaccination. METHODS:A total of 102 volunteers without markers of hepatitis B infection (negative for HBsAg,anti-HBc antibody, HBeAg and anti-HBs antibody) received 20μg of recombinant HB vaccine intramuscularly at 0,1,and 6 months.Anti HBs titers were evaluated by a quantitative Elisa kit at 90 and 210 days.A booster dose of 20μg HB vaccine was given after 6 months of the 3^(rd) vaccine dose to the 15 non- responders and anti-HBs titers were measured after i month. RESULTS:Seroprotection (anti-HBs GMT^3 10 IU/L) was achieved in 85.3 % (87/102) volunteers.The mean GMT titers of the vaccine responders was 136.1 IU/L.Of the seroprotected individuals,there were 32.4% (33/102) hyporesponders (anti- HBs titers <10-99 mIU/ml) and 52.9% (54/102) were responders (anti-HBs titers >100 IU/L).All the non-responders (15/15) responded to a single dose of the booster dose of recombinant HB vaccine and their mean anti-HBs antibody titers were more than 100.5 mIU/ml after the booster dose. CONCLUSION:Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine offers good seroprotection in the age group >40 years and has a good safety profile.A single booster dose after 6 months in primary non-responders leads to good seroprotective anti-HBs antibody titers.However,larger population based studies are needed to evaluate the role of a booster dose in selected group of non-responders and whether such an approach will be cost effective.

Long-term results of graded pneumatic dilatation under endoscopic guidance in patients with primary esophageal achalasia

AIM:Achalasia is the best known primary motor disorder of the esophagus in which the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)has abnormally high resting pressure and incomplete relaxation with swallowing.Pneumatic dilatation remains the first choice of treatment.The aims of this study were to determine the long term clinical outcome of treating achatasia initially with pneumatic dilatation and usefulness of pneumatic dilatation technique under endoscopic observation without fluoroscopy. METHODS:A total of 65 dilatations were performed in 43 patients with achalasia[23 males and 20 females,the mean age was 43 years(range,19-73)].All patients underwent an initial dilatation by inflating a 30 mm balloon to 15 psi under endoscopic control.The need for subsequent dilatation was based on symptom assessment.A 3.5 cm balloon was used for repeat procedures. RESULTS:The 30 mm balloon achieved a satisfactory result in 24 patients(54%)and the 35 mm ballon in 78% of the remainder(14/18).Esophageal perforation as a short-term complication was observed in one patient(2.3%).The only late complication encountered was gastroesophageal reflux in 2(4%)patients with a good response to dilatation.The mean follow-up period was 2.4 years(6 mo-5 years).Of the patients studied,38(88%)were relieved of their symptoms after only one or two sessions.Five patients were referred for surgery(one for esophageal perforation and four for persistent or recurrent symptoms).Among the patients whose follow up information was available,the percentage of patients in remission was 79%(19/24)at 1 year and 54%(7/13)at 5 years. CONCLUSION:Performing balloon dilatation under endoscopic observation as an outpatient procedure is simple,safe and efficacious for treating patients with achalasia and referral of surgical myotomy should be considered for patients who do not respond to medical therapy or individuals that do not desire pneumatic dilatations.

Percutaneous transsplenic embolization of esophageal and gastrio-fundal varices in 18 patients

AIM: Clinical application and potential complication of percutaneous transsplenic varices embolization (PTSVE) of esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with portal vein cancerous thrombosis (PVCT).METHODS: 18 patients with HCC complicated with PVCT and esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices who underwent PTSVE were collected. The rate of success, complication, mortality of the procedure and postoperative complication were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS: PTSVE were successfully performed in 16 of 18cases, and the rate of success was 89%. After therapy erythrocyte counts decreased in all of the natunts. 5 of patients needed blood transfusion, 2 patients requiredsurgical intervention because of and 11 patients with ascites were alleviated by diuresis. Among these 18patients, the procedure-related mortality was 11% (2/18),one died of acute hepatic failure on the forth day after procedure, another died of acute renal failure on the fifth day. The patients were follow up for 112 mon exceptone. 13of them died of their tumors but none of them experienced variceal bleeding.CONCLUSION: PTSVE is a relatively safe and effective method to treat esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices in HCCpatients with PVCT when percutaneous transhepatic varices embolization (PTHVE) of varices is impossible.

Levels of v5 and v6 CD44 splice variants in serum of patients with colorectal cancer are not correlated with pT stage,histopathological grade of malignancy and clinical features

AIM:This study was designed to compare the levels of v5 and v6 splice variants of CD44 evaluated using EITSA test in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer in different stages of progression of the disease estimated in pT stage according to WHO score,histopathological grade of malignancy and some clinicopathological features. METHODS:The serum obtained from 114 persons with colorectal adenocarcinomas was examined using ELISA method,pT stage and grade of malignancy of the tumour were examined in formalin fixed and paraffin embedded materials obtained during operation. RESULTS:Only the level of CD44 v5 in the serum of patients before operation with G2 pT4 tumour was lower than that in other probes and the difference was statistically significant. We did not find any other correlations between the level of v5 and v6 CD44 variants and other evaluated parameters. CONCLUSION:The level of CD44 v5 and v6 estimated by ELISA test in the serum can not be used as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer.