Dry eye rate and its relationship with disease stage in patients with primary hypertension:a cross-sectional study in Vietnam

AIM:To determine the dry eye(DE)rate and its relationship with disease stage in patients with primary hypertension.METHODS:A cross-sectional study included 432 patients with primary hypertension(with an equal number of patients in each group:144 in stage Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ hypertension)and 144 healthy subjects as a control group.The Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)and Schirmer Ⅰ test without anesthetics were conducted on all 576 subjects.Subjects with OSDI scores<13 and Schirmer Ⅰ values equal to or under 10 mm were diagnosed with DE.RESULTS:The ratio of DE in hypertension patients was higher than in the control group(41.7%versus 18.8%;P<0.001).The proportion of patients with DE increased gradually according to the hypertension stage:27.1% in stage Ⅰ,40.3% in stage Ⅱ,and 57.6% in stage Ⅲ,P<0.001.Age,duration of hypertension,plasma urea,creatinine,and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(CRP-hs)levels in hypertension patients with DE were higher than those without DE,P<0.001.Advanced age,a long duration of hypertension,diabetes mellitus,elevated plasma creatinine,and CRP-hs levels were independent factors associated with DE in primary hypertension patients,P<0.001.CONCLUSION:DE is a common disorder associated with advanced age,a long duration of hypertension,diabetes mellitus,elevated plasma CRP-hs,and creatinine levels in patients with primary hypertension.

Recent advances in promising drugs for primary prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding with cirrhotic portal hypertension

Background:Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding is one of the most severe complications of patients with cirrhosis.Although primary prevention drugs,including non-selectiveβ-blockers,have effectively reduced the incidence of bleeding,their efficacy is limited due to side effects and related contraindications.With recent advances in precision medicine,precise drug treatment provides better treatment efficacy.Data sources:Literature search was conducted in PubMed,MEDLINE and Web of Science for relevant articles published up to May 2022.Information on clinical trials was obtained from https://clinicaltrials.gov/and http://www.chictr.org.cn/.Results:The in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis and advances of portal hypertension has enabled the discovery of multiple molecular targets for promising drugs.According to the site of action,these drugs could be classified into four classes:intrahepatic,extrahepatic,both intrahepatic and extrahepatic targets and others.All these classes of drugs offer advantages over traditional treatments in prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.Conclusions:This review classified and summarized the promising drugs,which prevent gastroesophageal variceal bleeding by targeting specific markers of pathogenesis of portal hypertension,demonstrating the significance of using the precision medicine strategy to discover and develop promising drugs for the primary prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease induced by hypertension

Hypertension is a primary risk factor for the progression of cognitive impairment caused by cerebral small vessel disease,the most common cerebrovascular disease.Howeve r,the causal relationship between hypertension and cerebral small vessel disease remains unclear.Hypertension has substantial negative impacts on brain health and is recognized as a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease.Chronic hypertension and lifestyle factors are associated with risks for stro ke and dementia,and cerebral small vessel disease can cause dementia and stroke.Hypertension is the main driver of cerebral small vessel disease,which changes the structure and function of cerebral vessels via various mechanisms and leads to lacunar infarction,leukoaraiosis,white matter lesions,and intracerebral hemorrhage,ultimately res ulting in cognitive decline and demonstrating that the brain is the to rget organ of hypertension.This review updates our understanding of the pathogenesis of hypertensioninduced cerebral small vessel disease and the res ulting changes in brain structure and function and declines in cognitive ability.We also discuss drugs to treat cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive impairment.

Significance of Primary Treatment Selection in the Efficiency of Wastewater Treatment in Constructed Wetlands (CWs)

This research explores strategies to enhance the efficiency of secondary treatment in Vertical Flow Constructed Wetlands (CW) in Montenegro. The focus is on selecting appropriate primary treatment methods alongside three distinct substrate types to improve wastewater treatment efficacy. The study examines the combination of two primary treatments with different substrate types in constructed wetlands (CW1, CW2, and CW3). The primary treatments include the existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Podgorica, involving coarse material removal through screens, inert material separation in aerated sand traps, and sediment and suspended matter removal in primary sedimentation tanks. The Extreme Separator (ExSep) was employed to evaluate its efficacy as a primary treatment method. The research demonstrates that the efficiency of CW can be significantly enhanced by selecting suitable primary treatment methods and substrates in Podgorica’s conditions. The most promising results were achieved by combining ExSep as a primary treatment with secondary treatment in CW-3. The removal efficiencies after CW3 for COD, BOD, and TSS exceeded 89%, 93%, and 91%, respectively. The outcomes underscore the significance of primary treatment in mitigating pollutant loads before discharge into the constructed wetlands, emphasizing potential areas for further optimization in wastewater treatment practices to enhance environmental sustainability and water quality management.

Cost of Medical Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Relation to Patients’ Income and Its Impact on the Prognosis of the Disease, in Bouaké University Hospital

Introduction: Medical treatment for POAG is continuous and lifelong treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cost of this treatment and patients’ income and the impact of this relationship on treatment compliance. Materials and Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim covering sociodemographic data, average incomes, and direct and indirect costs of treatment of 57 patients followed for POAG during the period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016 (5 years). Results: The patients were aged 25 to 77 years (mean = 54.4 years) with a male predominance (sex ratio = 1.5). Retirees were the most represented (26.32%), followed by workers in the informal sector (14.04%) and housewives (12.28%). Patients who had an annual income less than or equal to 900,000 CFA francs (€1370.83) per year represented 56.14% and those who did not have health coverage represented 57.89%. The treatment was monotherapy (64.91%), dual therapy (31.58%) or triple therapy (3.05%) and the average ratio of “annual cost of treatment to annual income” was 0.56 with for maximum 2.23 and 0.02 as minimum. Patients who considered the cost of treatment unbearable for their income represented 78.95%. Conclusion: Prevention of blindness due to glaucoma requires early detection but also the establishment of health coverage mechanisms to improve compliance with medical treatment. In addition, consideration should be given to the development of glaucoma surgery in our country, the indication of which could be the first intention in certain patients, considering for those patients, the geographical and financial accessibility of medical treatment. .

Pharmacoepidemiologic study of association between apparent treatment resistant hypertension, cardiovascular disease and interaction effect by sex and age

BACKGROUND A limited number of studies have been conducted to test the magnitudes of the association between apparent treatment resistant hypertension(aTRH)and risk of cardiovascular disease(CVD).AIM To investigate the association between aTRH and risk of CVD and examine whether sex and age modify this association.METHODS We applied an observational analysis study design using data from the United States Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial(ALLHAT).ALLHAT recruited participants(n=25516)from 625 primary care settings throughout the United States,Canada,Puerto Rico,and United States Virgin Islands,aged 55 and older with hypertension and at least one additional risk factor for heart disease.aTRH was assessed from the year 2 visit.CVD event was defined as one of the following from the year 2 follow-up visit:Fatal or non-fatal myocardial infarction,coronary revascularization,angina,stroke,heart failure,or peripheral artery disease.Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the effect of aTRH on CVD risk.Potential modifications of sex and age on this association were examined on the multiplicative scale by interaction term and additive scale by joint effects and relative excess risk for interaction.RESULTS Of the total study participants(n=25516),5030 experienced a CVD event during a mean of 4.7 years follow-up.aTRH was associated with a 30%increase in risk of CVD compared to non-aTRH[hazards ratio(HR)=1.3,95%CI:1.19-1.42].Sex and age modified this relationship on both multiplicative and additive scales independently.Stratified by sex,aTRH was associated with a 64%increase in risk of CVD(HR=1.64,95%CI:1.43–1.88)in women,and a 13%increase in risk of CVD(HR=1.13,95%CI:1.01–1.27)in men.Stratified by age,aTRH had a stronger impact on the risk of CVD in participants aged<65(HR=1.53,95%CI:1.32–1.77)than it did in those aged≥65(HR=1.18,95%CI:1.05–1.32).Significant two-way interactions of sex and aTRH,and age and aTRH on risk of CVD were observed(P<0.05).The observed joint effect of aTRH and ages≥65 years(HR=1.85,95%CI:1.22–2.48)in males was less than what was expected for both additive and multiplicative models(HR=4.10,95%CI:3.63–4.57 and 4.88,95%CI:3.66–6.31),although three-way interaction of sex,age,and aTRH on the risk of CVD and coronary heart disease did not reach a statistical significance(P>0.05).CONCLUSION aTRH was significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD and this association was modified by both sex and age.Further studies are warranted to test these mechanisms.

In situ subtotal spleen resection combined with selective pericardial devascularization for the treatment of portal hypertension

BACKGROUND Hypersplenism and esophageal varices bleeding are the major complications of portal hypertension(PHT).In recent years,increasing attention has been given to spleen preservation operations.The mode and long-term effects of subtotal splenectomy and selective pericardial devascularization for PHT remain controversial.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of subtotal splenectomy combined with selective pericardial devascularization for the treatment of PHT.METHODS This was a retrospective study of 15 patients with PHT who underwent subtotal splenectomy not preserving the splenic artery or vein combined with selective pericardial devascularization in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery,Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from February 2011 to April 2022.Fifteen propensity score-matched patients with PHT who underwent total splenectomy at the same time served as the control group.The patients were followed for up to 11 years after surgery.We compared the postoperative platelet levels,perioperative splenic vein thrombosis,and serum immunoglobulin levels between the two groups.Abdominal enhanced computed tomography was used to evaluate the blood supply and function of the residual spleen.The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,evacuation time,and hospital stay were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The postoperative platelet level of patients in the subtotal splenectomy group was significantly lower than that in the total splenectomy group(P<0.05),and the postoperative portal system thrombosis rate in the subtotal splenectomy group was also much lower than that in the total splenectomy group.The levels of serum immunoglobulins(IgG,IgA,and IgM)showed no significant differences after surgery compared with before surgery in the subtotal splenectomy group(P>0.05),but serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgM levels decreased dramatically after total splenectomy(P<0.05).The operation time in the subtotal splenectomy group was longer than that in the total splenectomy group(P<0.05),but there were no significant differences in the amount of intraoperative blood loss,evacuation time,or hospital stay between the two groups.CONCLUSION Subtotal splenectomy not preserving the splenic artery or vein combined with selective pericardial devascularization is a safe and effective surgical treatment for patients with PHT,not only correcting hypersplenism but also preserving splenic function,especially immunological function.

Progress and Prospects of Surgical Treatment of Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension is a group of syndrome characterized by splenic hyperfunction, esophageal and gastric varices and ascites caused by abnormal portal vein hemodynamics. Among them, upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by esophageal and gastric varices is the most dangerous complication, which often threatens the lives of patients. After half a century of development, the treatment of portal hypertension is divided into two categories: medical drug therapy, endoscopic therapy and surgical treatment. With the understanding of portal hypertension and the continuous development of medical technology, the surgical operation of portal hypertension has also been greatly improved, reducing postoperative complications and improving the quality of life of patients after operation. However, at present, there is no surgical method that can completely cure portal hypertension. This article reviews the progress of surgical treatment of portal hypertension in recent years, in order to provide reference for the surgical treatment of portal hypertension.

A comparison study of prevalence,awareness,treatment and control rates of hypertension and associated factors among adults in China and the United States based on national survey data

Objective:This study compared the prevalence,awareness,treatment and control of hypertension and associated factors in China and the United States(US).Methods:Adult data from nationally representative samples were derived from the Chronic Disease and Risk Factors Surveillance in 2010 and 2013 in China and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2010 and 2013 in the US.Multivariable logistic and Poisson regression analysis were conducted to assess associations of the four outcomes with body weight status and behavioral factors.Results:Age-standardized prevalence rates of hypertension was 35.7%(95%confidence interval[CI]:35.4%to 36.1%)in 2010 and 29.8%(95%CI:29.4%to 30.2%)in 2013 in China,and 35.3%(95%CI:33.6%to 37.1%)in 2010 and 37.9%(95%CI:36.0%to 39.7%)in 2013 in the US.Among hypertensive participants,the age-standardized rates of treatment were 18.4%(95%CI:17.9%to 1&9%)in 2010 and 23.8%(95%CI:23.1%to 24.6%)in 2013 in China and 54.5%(95%CI:50.3%to 5&7%)in 2010 and 50.9%(95%CI:46.5%to 55.3%)in 2013 in the US;the age-standardized hypertension control rates were 3.2%(95%CI:3.0%to 3.5%)and 5.7%(95%CI:5.3%to 6.0%)in 2010 and 2013 in China and 50.6%(95%CI:46.2%to 55.0%)and 55.3%(95%CI:50.3%to 60.3%)in the US.Obesity was significantly associated with prevalence,awareness and control rates in both countries.Different from the US,obesity was negatively associated with hypertension control in China.Conclusion:Hypertension prevalence in China is similar to that in the US,but the control rate in China was significantly lower.Obesity was a critical risk factor for poor hypertension control in China.

Relevant detection indicator of prethrombotic state in patients with primary hypertension

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a common chronic disease that affects many people worldwide.Only a few reports related to the exploration of relevant indicators of the prethrombotic state in patients with primary hypertension(PH)in clinical settings were available.AIM To detect prethrombotic state-related indicators in patients with PH and analyze their differences in different patient populations to provide a laboratory basis for the clinical prevention and control of hypertensive thrombotic diseases.METHODS The general data of patients with PH who attended the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine,The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Medical College,from January 2022 to December 2022 were collected retrospectively.The patients were divided into three groups of 40 patients each according to the Grade of PH:Grade 1,Grade 2,and Grade 3 hypertension experimental group.The baseline data of 40 volunteers,who underwent physical examination in our hospital but were not diagnosed with PH during the same period,were included in the control group.The relevant indicators of prethrombotic state of the participants were compared,and mainly included inflammation-related indicators,hemorheology-related indicators,and coagulation function related indicators.The relationship between the aforementioned indicators and the progression of PH was analyzed.RESULTS No significant differences were observed in age,sex,diabetes mellitus,smoking history,drinking history,body mass index,New York Heart Association functional classification,or the course of hypertension among the four groups(P>0.05).The expressions of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),thrombomodulin(TM),hematocrit(Hct),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),P-selectin on platelet surface(CD62P),and fibrinogen(FIB)in the control group were<Grade 1 hypertension group<Grade 2 hypertension group<Grade 3 hypertension group,and the expressions of platelet(PLT),activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),prothrombin(PT),and plasma thrombin time(TT)in the control group was>Grade 1 hypertension group>Grade 2 hypertension group>Grade 3 hypertension group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The results of the multivariate logistic regression model showed that the expression of hs-CRP,TM,Hct,ESR,CD62P,PLT,APTT,PT,TT,and FIB in the included participants was related to the progression of PH.Among these,high expression of hs-CRP,TM,Hct,ESR,CD62P,APTT,PT,and TT,and low expression of PLT and FIB were risk factors for PH(OR>1,P<0.05).The results of the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of hs-CRP,TM,ESR,CD62P,APTT,PT,TT,and FIB for the prediction of PH were>0.80,and the prediction value was ideal.Linear correlation analysis with bivariate Spearman showed that hs-CRP,TM,Hct,ESR,CD62P,APTT,PT,and TT were positively correlated with each other(r>0,P<0.05);PLT and FIB were negatively correlated with hs-CRP,TM,Hct,ESR,CD62P,APTT,PT,and TT(r<0,P<0.05);and PLT and FIB were positively correlated(r>0,P<0.05).Linear correlation analysis using bivariate Spearman showed that hs-CRP,TM,Hct,ESR,CD62P,and FIB were positively correlated with each other(r>0,P<0.05),whereas PLT,APTT,PT,and TT were negatively correlated with hs-CRP,TM,Hct,ESR,CD62P,and FIB(r<0,P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between PLT,APTT,PT,and TT(r>0,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The relevant indicators of the prethrombotic state in patients with PH,such as hs-CRP,TM,Hct,ESR,CD62P,PLT,APTT,PT,TT,and FIB,showed differences.High expression of hs-CRP,TM,Hct,ESR,CD62P,and FIB,and low expression of PLT,APTT,PT,and TT are the keys to the occurrence,progression,and thrombotic state of PH.Based on the above serum indicators’expression in patients,targeted interventions can be administered to patients with abnormal expression levels to control the progression of their disease and reduce the risk of developing a prethrombotic state.

Vision loss as the initial presentation during primary pulmonary hypertension treatment

Dear Editor,As we all know,pulmonary hypertension is a state of persistent pulmonary artery pressure above 25 mm Hg at rest and greater than 30 mm Hg during exercise.Based on the mechanism or underlying etiology,pulmonary hypertension was classified as primary with no identifiable cause or secondary because of increased pressure in the pulmonary venous or pulmonary capillary system[1].

A Clinical Study on Haunglian Fire-Purging Mixture In Treatment of 46 Cases of Primary Hypertension

In order to observe the therapeutic effects of Huanglian Fire-Purging Mixture (黄连清降合剂) on primary hypertension, 46 cases of primary hypertension in the treatment group were treated with Huanglian Fire-Purging Mixture to clear away heat from the liver, relieve mental stress, purge fire and remove toxin;and the other 26 cases of primary hypertension in the control group were treated with Niuhuang Bolus for Lowering Blood Pressure (牛黄降压丸). The effect in the treatment group was obviously superior to that in the control group (P＜0.05). The Huanglian Fire-Purging Mixture shows noticeable effects 3-6 hours after medication. The mixture can improve the clinical symptoms, the left ventricular diastolic function and myocardial ischemia, correct dyslipoproteinemia and dysglycemia, and reduce blood viscosity. And it is safe and with no obvious adverse reactions.

Biophysical Substantiation of a Surgical Method of Treatment of a Primary Arterial Hypertension

It is shown that flow of a blood in a passive elastic tube essentially unstable process accompanying with a flutter of a stream. Biophysical principles of neuroreflex regulation of an arterial bloodstream in cardiovascular system are considered. It is shown that this regulation has dual-purpose character： reduction of the hydraulic resistance and maintenance stable no flutter stream of blood. The reasons of a primary arterial hypertension occurrence, and also some accompanying it physical and physiological phenomena are considered. The surgical method of treatment of the primary arterial hypertension, connected with denervation of renal arteries is substantiated.

Correlation between angiotensinogen gene and primary hypertension with cerebral infarction in the Li nationality of China

Objective To investigate the relationship of four single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） haplotypes in the angiotensinogen （AGT） gene to the primary hypertension with or without cerebral infarction in the Li nationality of Hainan, China. Methods Total 300 subjects were allocated into three different groups： Groupl, 100 patients who have primary hypertension; Group 2, 100 patients who have primary hypertension with cerebral infarction; and control group, 100 healthy individuals. The genotypes of all subjects were determined by PCR-sequencing to analyze the four poly- morphisms at position - 152 （G-A）, -20 （A-C）, - 18 （C-T）, and -6 （A-G） in the promoter region of AGT. Results The frequen- cies ofCT genotype of AGT-18 and T allele in Group 1 （P = 0.003, P = 0.004） and Group 2 （P = 0.002, P = 0.002） were both significantly higher than in healthy controls. The frequency of G allele of AGT-6 was significantly higher in Group 2 than in the control group （P = 0.016）, while there is no significant difference between Group 1 and the control. Haplotype analysis revealed that H6 haplotype frequency which included -20C and -6G was significantly increased in Group 2 （P = 0.003） compared with the control group, while H5 haplotype frequency which included -20C and -18T was signifi- cantly increased in Group 1 （P = 0.006） versus the control. Conclusion The -20 （A-C） and - 18 （C-T） of the AGT may play an important role in pathogenesis of primary hypertension; and -20 （A-C）, -18 （C-T）, and -6 （A-G） may be the genetic risk factors for the onset of primary hypertension with cerebral infarction in the Li nationality of Halnan, China.

Primary Treatment for Clinically Early Cervical Cancer with Lymph Node Metastasis:Radical Surgery or Radiation?

Objective To compare survival outcomes between primary radical surgery and primary radiation in early cervical cancer.Methods Patient information was extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and Results database.Patients diagnosed with early cervical cancer of stage T1a,T1b,and T2a(American Joint Committee on Cancer,7th edition)from 1998 to 2015 were included in this study after propensity score matching.Overall survival(OS)was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results Among the 4964 patients included in the study,1080 patients were identified as having positive lymph nodes(N1),and 3884 patients were identified as having negative lymph nodes(N0).Patients with primary surgery had significantly longer 5-year OS than those with primary radiotherapy in both the N1 group(P<0.001)and N0 group(P<0.001).In the subgroup analysis,similar results were found in patients with positive lymph nodes of stage T1a(100.0%vs.61.1%),T1b(84.1%vs.64.3%),and T2a(74.4%vs.63.8%).In patients with T1b1 and T2a1,primary surgery resulted in longer OS than primary radiation,but not in patients with T1b2 and T2a2.In multivariate analysis,the primary treatment was identified as an independent prognostic factor in both N1 and N0 patients(HR_(N1)=2.522,95%CI=1.919–3.054,PN1<0.001;HR_(N0)=1.895,95%CI=1.689–2.126,PN0<0.001).Conclusion In early cervical cancer stage T1a,T1b1,and T2a1,primary surgery may result in longer OS than primary radiation for patients with and without lymph node metastasis.

Management of hypertension in primary aldosteronism

Hypertension causes significant morbidity and mortal-ity worldwide, owing to its deleterious effects on the cardiovascular and renal systems. Primary hyperaldo-steronism(PA) is the most common cause of revers-ible hypertension, affecting 5%-18% of adults with hypertension. PA is estimated to result from bilateral adrenal hyperplasia in two-thirds of patients, and from unilateral aldosterone-secreting adenoma in approxi-mately one-third. Suspected cases are initially screened by measurement of the plasma aldosterone-renin-ratio, and may be confirmed by additional noninvasive tests. Localization of aldostosterone hypersecretion is then determined by computed tomography imaging, and in selective cases with adrenal vein sampling. Solitary adenomas are managed by laparoscopic or robotic re-section, while bilateral hyperplasia is treated with min-eralocorticoid antagonists. Biochemical cure following adrenalectomy occurs in 99% of patients, and hemo-dynamic improvement is seen in over 90%, prompting a reduction in quantity of anti-hypertensive medica-tions in most patients. End-organ damage secondary to hypertension and excess aldosterone is significantly improved by both surgical and medical treatment, asmanifested by decreased left ventricular hypertrophy, arterial stiffness, and proteinuria, highlighting the im-portance of proper diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism. Although numerous independent predictors of resolution of hypertension after adrenalec-tomy for unilateral adenomas have been described, the Aldosteronoma Resolution Score is a validated multifac-torial model convenient for use in daily clinical practice.

Treatment of portal hypertension

Portal hypertension is the main complication of cirrhosis and is defined as an hepatic venous pressure gradient （HVPG） of more than 5 mmHg. Clinically significant portal hypertension is defined as HVPG of 10 mmHg or more. Development of gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage are the most direct consequence of portal hypertension. Over the last decades significant advancements in the field have led to standard treatment options. These clinical recommendations have evolved mostly as a result of rando.mized controlled trials and consensus conferences among experts where existing evidence has been reviewed and future goals for research and practice guidelines have been pro- posed. Management of varices/variceal hemorrhage is based on the clinical stage of portal hypertension. No specific treatment has shown to prevent the formation of varices. Prevention of first variceal hemorrhage depends on the size/characteristics of varices. In patients with small varices and high risk of bleeding, nonselective β-blockers are recommended, while patients with medium/large varices can be treated with either β-blockers or esophageal band ligation. Standard ofcare for acute variceal hemorrhage consists of vasoacrive drugs, endoscopic band ligation and antibiotics prophylaxis. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt （TIPS） is reserved for those who fail standard of care or for patients who are likely to fail （＂early TIPS＂）. Prevention of recurrent variceal hemorrhage consists of the combination of β-blockers and endoscopic band ligation.

Effectiveness of Adherence to Standardized Hypertension Management by Primary Health Care Workers in China:a Cross-sectional Survey 3 Years after the Healthcare Reform

The standardized hypertension management provided by primary health care workers is an important part of China＇s recent health care reform efforts. Investigating 5,116 hypertensive patients from a cross-sectional survey conducted by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012, this study found that adherence to standardized hypertension management is associated with positive effects on hypertension- related knowledge, healthy lifestyle behavior, antihypertensive medical treatments, and blood pressure control. It will be necessary to provide primary health care workers with sufficient training and reasonable incentives to ensure the implementation and effectiveness of hypertension management.

Clinical relevance of the glucocorticoid receptor gene polymorphisms in glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension and primary open angle glaucoma

AIM: To avoid the side effects of ocular hypertension of glucocorticoid(GC) usage in eye, we must identify susceptible individuals, which exists in about one-third of all population. Further, the majority of all primary open angle glaucoma(POAG) patients show this phenotype.Glucocorticoid receptor(GR) regulates C responsiveness in trabecular meshwork(TM) cells. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) genotyping was used to determine whether there are differences in the Bcl I(rs41423247) and N363S(rs6195) polymorphisms of the GR gene in healthy and POAG patients, and glucocorticoid-induced ocular hypertension(GIOH)populations.METHODS: Three hundred and twenty-seven unrelated Chinese adults, including 111 normal controls, 117 GIOH subjects and 99 POAG patients, were recruited. DNA samples were prepared and the Bcl I and N363 S polymorphisms were screened using real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism(RFLP) analysis. Frequencies of the Bcl I and N363 S polymorphisms were determined and compared using Fisher’s exact test and the Chi-squared test.RESULTS: Only the Bcl I polymorphism was identified in the Chinese Han population. The frequency of the G allele was 21.6 % in normal controls, 18.3% in GIOH patients, and 13.64% in the POAG patients. There was no significant difference in polymorphism or allele frequency in the 3 groups. Furthermore, no N363 S polymorphism was found in the study subjects.CONCLUSION: The Bcl I polymorphisms in GR gene had no association with GIOH and POAG patients, and N363 S polymorphism might not exist in the Chinese Han population. Therefore, the Bcl I polymorphism might not be responsible for the development of GC-induced ocular hypertension or POAG.

Fixed combination of latanoprost and timolol vs the individual components for primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension:a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM:To assess the effects of the fixed combination of0.005% latanoprost and 0.5% timolol(FCLT) vs their individual components for primary open angle glaucoma(POAG) and ocular hypertension(OHT).· METHODS:After searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and SCI, all randomized controlled clinical trials(RCTs) and cross-over studies were included. The control groups were the monotherapy or the concomitant therapy of latanoprost and timolol. The outcomes were visual field defect, optic atrophy, mean intraocular pressure(IOP) and IOP fluctuation. The analysis was carried out in RevMan version 5.1 software.RESULTS:Thepost-interventionmeanIOPofFCLTwas significantly lower compared to timolol [mean difference(MD)-2.92, 95%CI-3.28 to-2.55, P 【0.00001] and latanoprost(MD-1.11, 95%CI-1.51 to-0.72, P 【0.00001). The postintervention IOP fluctuation was also significantly lower compared to timolol(MD-0.88, 95%CI-1.23 to-0.53, P 【0. 00001) and latanoprost( MD- 0. 63, 95 % CI- 1. 04to-0.22, P =0.002). The mean IOP was higher in FCLT morning dose group than the one in unfixed combination of 0.005% latanoprost and 0.5% timolol(UFCLT)(MD1.10, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.39, P 【0.00001). Otherwise, there was no difference between FCLT evening dose group and UFCLT(MD 0.34, 95% CI-0.01 to 0.69, P =0.06).There was no statistical difference for the incidence ofvisual field defect and optic atrophy between FCLT and the monotherapy of components.CONCLUSION:A better IOP lowering effect has been demonstrated for FCLT compared to the monotherapy of components. The IOP lowering effect was worse for FCLT morning dose and almost same for FCLT evening dose compared to the UFCLT. We need more long-term high quality RCTs to demonstrate the outcomes of visual field defect and optic atrophy.visual field defect and optic atrophy between FCLT and the monotherapy of components.CONCLUSION:A better IOP lowering effect has been demonstrated for FCLT compared to the monotherapy of components. The IOP lowering effect was worse for FCLT morning dose and almost same for FCLT evening dose compared to the UFCLT. We need more long-term high quality RCTs to demonstrate the outcomes of visual field defect and optic atrophy.