Interleukin 35 protects cardiomyocytes following ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis via activation of mitochondrial STAT3.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS)-induced apoptosis has been suggested to contribute to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Interleukin 35 (IL-35), a novel anti-inflammatory cytokine, has been shown to protect the myocardium and inhibit mtROS production. However, its effect on cardiomyocytes upon exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) damage has not yet been elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective role and underlying mechanisms of IL-35 in H/R-induced mouse neonatal cardiomyocyte injury. Mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes were challenged to H/R in the presence of IL-35, and we found that IL-35 dose dependently promotes cell viability, diminishes mtROS, maintains mitochondrial membrane potential, and decreases the number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, IL-35 remarkably activates mitochondrial STAT3 (mitoSTAT3) signaling, inhibits cytochrome c release, and reduces apoptosis signaling. Furthermore, co-treatment of the cardiomyocytes with the STAT3 inhibitor AG490 abrogates the IL-35-induced cardioprotective effects. Our study identified the protective role of IL-35 in cardiomyocytes following H/R damage and revealed that IL-35 protects cardiomyocytes against mtROS-induced apoptosis through the mitoSTAT3 signaling pathway during H/R.

Urinary albumin excretion and prevalence of microalbuminuria in a general Chinese population: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Microalbuminuria has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular and renal disease in patients with hypertension and diabetes as well as in the general population. Urinary albumin excretion over 24 h is considered a 'gold standard' to detect microalbuminuria. Few studies have used 24-h urinary albumin excretion to analyze the prevalence of and related factors for microalbuminuira in a general Chinese population. METHODS: This study included 1980 adults aged 18-69 years from the Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) Project 2011 survey. Blood pressure, height, weight and waist circumference were measured, and a venous blood and timed 24-h urine samples were collected from each participant. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to test associations between established cardiovascular risk factors and microalbuminuria. RESULTS: The median (25th-75th percentile) of 24-h urinary albumin excretion was 6.1 mg/d (4.5-8.7 mg/d) for all adults, 6.0 mg/d (4.4-8.5 mg/d) for men and 6.2 mg/d (4.6-8.9 mg/d) for women. The overall prevalence of microalbuminuria was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2-5.0%), 3.7% (95% CI: 2.9-4.5%) for men and 4.6% (95% CI: 3.7-5.5%) for women. Microalbuminuria was present in 8.1% (95% CI: 6.9-9.3%) of individuals with hypertension, 11.4% (95% CI: 10.0-12.8%) of those with diabetes and 15.6% (95% CI: 14.0-17.2%) of those with both. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that systolic blood pressure (odds ratio [OR] 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03) and fasting blood glucose (OR 1.19; 95% CI: 1.05-1.35) were the independent risk factors for microalbuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: Adults in the general population of Shandong Province have a moderate prevalence of microalbuminuria. Those with hypertension and diabetes are at high risk of having microalbuminuria, suggesting the need for screening and early intervention for microalbuminuria among these individuals.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associations with blood pressure among children and adolescents in Shandong, China.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and high blood pressure (BP) are public health problems all over the world. Some studies have reported a positive association between them in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associations with BP among school children and adolescents in Shandong, an important province in eastern China. METHODS: In 2011, we conducted a cross-sectional population-representative survey in Shandong, China. A total of 4 898 children and adolescents aged 6-17 years were randomly selected from 140 counties/districts using a multistage random cluster sampling. Weight, height and BP were measured by a trained physician or pediatrician, and information about age, gender and place of residence was obtained using questionnaires. Obesity and high BP were defined according to age- and gender-specific Chinese reference data for children. RESULTS: A total of 4 898 (100%) children and adolescents provided complete information. The prevalence of overweight, obesity and overweight plus obesity were 10.9%, 8.7% and 19.6%, respectively. Boys were more likely to be overweight or obese than girls (P < 0.05 for overweight; P < 0.001 for obesity). The prevalence of overweight plus obesity was highest among children aged 6-11 years (22.3%). BP and the prevalence of high BP increased with increasing body mass index (BMI). With age and sex adjusted, odds ratios (ORs) for high BP were [OR 2.2;95% CI 1.7-2.8) in overweight and [OR 3.6;95% CI 2.6-4.9] in obese children. CONCLUSION: The representative survey confirms high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Shandong. Childhood obesity is a strong risk factor for high BP. Intervention programs should be implemented to combat the growing obesity epidemic.

Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control and sodium intake in Shandong Province, China: baseline results from Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt Reduction and Hypertension (SMASH), 2011.

INTRODUCTION: In China, population-based blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension are increasing. Meanwhile, sodium intake, a major risk factor for hypertension, is high. In 2011, to develop intervention priorities for a salt reduction and hypertension control project in Shandong Province (population 96 million), a cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect information on sodium intake and hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control. METHODS: Complex, multistage sampling methods were used to select a provincial-representative adult sample. Blood pressure was measured and a survey conducted among all participants; condiments were weighed in the household, a 24-hour dietary recall was conducted, and urine was collected. Hypertension was determined by blood pressure measured on a single occasion and self-reported use of antihypertension medications. RESULTS: Overall, 23.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.9%-26.0%) of adults in Shandong were estimated to have hypertension. Among those classified as having hypertension, approximately one-third (34.5%) reported having hypertension, approximately one-fourth (27.5%) reported taking medications, and one-seventh (14.9%) had their blood pressure controlled (<140/<90 mm Hg). Estimated total average daily dietary sodium intake was 5,745 mg (95% CI, 5,428 mg-6,063 mg). Most dietary sodium (80.8%) came from salt and high-salt condiments added during cooking: a sodium intake of 4,640 mg (95% CI, 4,360 mg-4,920 mg). The average daily urinary sodium excretion was 5,398 mg (95% CI, 5,112 mg-5,683 mg). CONCLUSION: Hypertension and excessive sodium intake in adults are major public health problems in Shandong Province, China.

[Analysis on prevalence states and associated factors of hypertension and prehypertension among adults in Shandong province].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence states of hypertension and prehypertension and to explore relevant influencing factors among adult residents in Shandong province. METHODS: 15 600 residents aged between 18 and 69 from 20 counties in Shandong province were selected by multiple stratified and clustered sampling method from July to September, in 2011, to acquire related information by questionnaire survey and physical measurement. The prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension was estimated by special statistic method used to deal with complex sampling data, and the relevant influencing factors were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 15 350 subjects were actually completed the survey, with age at (41.4 ± 14.1) years old. The average systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were 121.1(95%CI: 119.7-122.4) and 78.8(95%CI: 77.8-79.9) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) respectively. And also 3776 hypertension patients and 5721 subjects with prehypertension were detected, and the weighting prevalence of hypertension and prehypertension were 23.4% (95%CI: 20.9%-26.0%) and 37.1% (95%CI: 34.7%-39.5%) with adjustive prevalence at 20.7% and 36.5% respectively. The multiple SURVEYLOGISTIC analysis showed that age above 40 years old (OR = 3.24, 95%CI: 2.56-4.10), overweight(OR = 2.22, 95%CI: 1.70-2.89) and obesity(OR = 5.84, 95%CI: 3.54-9.66), smoking history(OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.03-3.23), constantly drinking (OR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.08-2.70), diabetes (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.29-3.07), abnormal TC(OR = 1.64, 95%CI: 1.24-2.17), abnormal TG(OR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.24-2.48) and high 24 h urine Na/K ratio (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02-1.08) were risk factors of hypertension, while education equal to or above junior middle school (OR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.52-0.89) was protective factor of hypertension; age above 40 years old (OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.15-1.91), overweight(OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.25-2.48) and obesity (OR = 3.50, 95%CI: 2.05-5.97), abnormal TC (OR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.10-2.14), abnormal TG (OR = 1.79, 95%CI:1.25-2.56) and high 24 h urine Na/K ratio (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.04) were risk factors of prehypertension, while female (OR = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.31-0.56) and education level equal to or above junior middle school (OR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.52-0.87) were protective factors. CONCLUSION: The hypertension, especially prehypertension tends to be at high prevalence states currently, which may be affected by many factors.

Nomogram-based risk assessment model for left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with essential hypertension: Incorporating clinical characteristics and biomarkers.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a hypertensive heart disease that significantly escalates the risk of clinical cardiovascular events. Its etiology potentially incorporates various clinical attributes such as gender, age, and renal function. From mechanistic perspective, the remodeling process of LVH can trigger increment in certain biomarkers, notably sST2 and NT-proBNP. This multicenter, retrospective study aimed to construct an LVH risk assessment model and identify the risk factors. A total of 417 patients with essential hypertension (EH), including 214 males and 203 females aged 31-80 years, were enrolled in this study; of these, 161 (38.6%) were diagnosed with LVH. Based on variables demonstrating significant disparities between the LVH and Non-LVH groups, three multivariate stepwise logistic regression models were constructed for risk assessment: the "Clinical characteristics" model, the "Biomarkers" model (each based on their respective variables), and the "Clinical characteristics + Biomarkers" model, which amalgamated both sets of variables. The results revealed that the "Clinical characteristics + Biomarkers" model surpassed the baseline models in performance (AUC values of the "Clinical characteristics + Biomarkers" model, the "Biomarkers" model, and the "Clinical characteristics" model were .83, .75, and .74, respectively; P < .0001 for both comparisons). The optimized model suggested that being female (OR: 4.26, P <.001), being overweight (OR: 1.88, p = .02) or obese (OR: 2.36, p = .02), duration of hypertension (OR: 1.04, P = .04), grade III hypertension (OR: 2.12, P < .001), and sST2 (log-transformed, OR: 1.14, P < .001) were risk factors, while eGFR acted as a protective factor (OR: .98, P = .01). These findings suggest that the integration of clinical characteristics and biomarkers can enhance the performance of LVH risk assessment.

Nano bowl-like cobalt-cobalt molybdenum carbide coated by N,P co-doped carbon as an advanced bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst for rechargeable Zn-air batteries.

Nano bowl-like Co-Co6Mo6C2 coated by N,P co-doped carbon (Co-Co6Mo6C2@NPC) is reported as an electrocatalyst for Zn-air batteries. Co-Co6Mo6C2@NPC only needs an overpotential of 210 mV at 10 mA cm-2 for the OER, and the half-wave potential for the ORR is 0.81 V. In addition, the Co-Co6Mo6C2@NPC based battery shows a large open-circuit voltage of 1.335 V and a maximum power density of 160.5 mW cm-2, as well as good stability. The improved catalytic performance can be ascribed to the co-existence of Co6Mo6C2 and Co species to improve the intrinsic catalytic activity, and the bowl-like nanostructure to facilitate the mass transfer.

[Status and trend of cardio-cerebral-vascular diseases mortality in China: data from national disease surveillance system between 2004 and 2008].

OBJECTIVE: To report the status and trend of cardio-cerebral-vascular disease (CCVD) mortality in China between 2004 and 2008. METHODS: The mortality data from population-based survey of National Disease Surveillance System in 2004 and 2008 were analyzed. This surveillance system is consisted of 161 disease surveillance points (DSPs) located in 31 provinces of China including 64 urban and 97 rural DSPs. The total population of surveillance is over 73 millions and accounted for around 6% of the whole population of China. CCVD included ischemic heart diseases (ICD-10: I05-I09, I11, I20-I27, I30-I52) and cerebral-vascular disease (ICD-10: I60-I69). The status and trend of cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebral-vascular disease (CD), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) mortalities from 2004 to 2008 were analyzed by age, gender, and urban/rural regions. RESULTS: The mortality of CCVD was higher in 2008 (229/100 000) than in 2004 (223.5/100 000), which was decreased in urban region (-11.7/100 000) while increased in rural region (+16.0/100 000). The mortality of CD decreased from 134.8/100 000 (2004) to 128.3/100 000 (2008). Mortality of IHD and AMI increased from 66.1/100 000 and 40.4/100 000 (2004) to 71/100 000 and 45.7/100 000 (2008), which remained stable in urban region (+0.98/100 000 and -1.96/100 000) while significantly increased in rural region (+6.7/100 000 and +9.2/100 000). The mortality rates for CVD, CD and AMI were higher in rural population than that in urban population. The age-standardized mortality rates of CVD, CD and IHD were lower in 2008 than in 2004. The mortality rates of CD and IHD decreased in 40-, 60-, and over 80 age groups (except for IHD) in 2008 than in 2004. However, IHD mortality was significantly higher in age of 80 and over group from 2004 to 2008. There were a net 5.5/100 000 increase, 6.4/100 000 decrease and 4.9/100 000 increase for CCVD, CD and IHD between 2004 and 2008. The mortality rate rise in CCVD was mainly due to the increased mortality of IHD and CD in rural population. The CCVD mortality increased with age and was significantly higher in male than in female population. CONCLUSIONS: Despite decreased mortality in CD, CCVD mortality increased from 2004 to 2008, mainly due to the increased mortality of IHD and AMI in rural population. Enhanced CCVD primary and secondary prevention, particular for stressing on primary prevention, is necessary in China, especially in rural areas. Meanwhile, they will give the greatest contributions for a raise of the healthy life expectancy in China.

2-Amino-4-[1-(2-chloro-phen-yl)-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl]-6-(4-methyl-phen-yl)benzene-1,3-dicarbonitrile.

In the title compound, C(24)H(17)ClN(6), the dihedral angles between the triazolyl ring and its adjacent chlorobenzene and trisubstituted benzene rings are 90.6 (2) and 55.7 (3)°, respectively. The dihedral angle between the trisubstituted ring and the attached tolyl ring of the biphenyl unit is 45.9 (3)°. Intra- and intermolecular N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds are present.

[The theoretical basis, experimental verification and significance of revealing meridians].

In this paper, scientific theory was used to prove that the meridian was the resonant channel of information energy of life, and experiment and demonstration was performed to reveal meridians to explore the significance of revealing meridian. Based on the theory of physics, biochemistry, molecular biology and information theory, the essence of meridian was demonstrated in theory. According to TCM meridian theory, acupuncture was applied at selected acupoints; the infrared thermograms of stomach meridian of foot yangming, large intestine meridian of hand yangming, small intestine meridian of hand taiyang, pericardium meridian of hand jueyin, heart meridian of hand shaoyin, triple energizer meridian of hand shaoyang, liver meridian of foot jueyin, bladder meridian of foot taiyang were recorded before and after acupuncture. As a result, thermogram recorded and showed the visual image of the meridian. It is indicated that an energy transmission network which cannot be dissected existing in the body, which was believed to be meridian. It was the resonant channel of information energy of life, and could be shown by thermogram. These experiments and theory have significance in science.

[A case-control study on the relations between insulin resistance and essential hypertension in YI NATIONALITY living in Liangshan, Sichuang Province].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether insulin resistance (IR) was associated with essential hypertension (EH) in YI nationality living in Liangshan, Sichuang Province. METHODS: A case-control study consisting of 113 YI hypertensives as cases and 156 YI normotensives as controls were conducted to investigate the level of fasting glucose (FG) and fasting insulin (FINS), and insulin resistance index was used as the indicator of IR. RESULTS: It was found that impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and IR were associated with EH significantly among YI migrants, and OR (95% CI) were 3.98 (2.14 approximately 7.42, P < 0.001) and 2.55 (1.35 approximately 4.83, P = 0.004) respectively. Being stratified by sex, both IFG and IR were associated with EH significantly among YI male migrant, and OR were 4.31 (2.01 approximately 9.24, P < 0.001) and 3.14 (1.45 approximately 6.82, P = 0.003) respectively; but only IFG was associated with EH significantly among YI female migrant and OR was 3.46 (1.17 approximately 10.22, P = 0.022). Among YI farmers, both IFG and IR were not associated with EH significantly. The non-conditional logistic regression analysis showed that IR was associated significantly with EH among YI migrants. This was not as same as observed in YI farmers. CONCLUSION: It is likely that IR is the risk factor of EH among YI migrants in our study. However, the association between IR and EH among YI farmers needs some further studies.

Population-based association between urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and its ratio with albuminuria in Chinese.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Albuminuria is a risk factor for cardiovascular and renal disease. However, little is known about the association of 24 h urinary sodium and potassium excretion with albuminuria in China. The aim of this study was to examine this association by analyzing the data from 1,975 Chinese adults living in north China. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Excretion of urinary sodium, potassium and albumin was assessed in a single 24-h urine sample for each participant. Height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured and body mass index was determined as weight divided by square height. Fasting blood sample was collected and fasting glucose was measured. RESULTS: The average 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion were 232 mmol and 40.8 mmol, resulting a mean sodium to potassium ratio of 6.7. The median (Q1-Q3) 24-h urinary albuminuria excretion was 6.1 mg (4.5-8.7 mg). Overall, urinary sodium excretion was positively associated with albumin excretion (ß=0.029, p<0.001). This association was independent of major cardiovascular risk factors including age, gender, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, fasting glucose, waist circumference, hypertensive drug treatment, and smoking. Moreover, the relation of sodium and albumin was similar in the subgroups stratified by gender, adiposity and diabetic status. No significant associations of potassium excretion or sodium to potassium ratio with urinary albumin excretion were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In cross-sectional analyses, high sodium intake was shown to be associated with increased urinary albuminuria in the general Chinese adult population, supporting salt restriction for renal and cardiovascular health benefit.

Severalconsiderationsontherelatedissuesofclinicaltrialdesignofchimericantigen receptorT lymphocytes in the treatment of lymphohematopoietic malignancies / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocyte has shown attractive prospects in the treatment of lymphohematopoietic malignancies including B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Many applicants have submitted investigational new drug (IND) applications to Center for Drug Evaluation of National Medical Products Ggency, however, many of the INDs have problems in patient selection, prognostic indicators and risk management, etc, which might hinder the evaluation of the safety and efficacy of CAR-T cells. Thus, we made some suggestions on the above-mentioned problems through summarizing clinical experience and communicating with domestic clinical experts, which the sponsors and researchers can refer to when conducting CAR-T cell clinical trials for registration.

Cost-effectiveness of a hypertension control intervention in three community health centers in China.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and associated chronic diseases impose enormous and growing health and economic burdens worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness (CE) of a hypertension control program in China. METHODS: We collected information on program costs and health outcomes in three community health centers over a 1-year period. The participants were 4902 people with hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥90 mm Hg, or on hypertension medication) aged 18 years and older. The SBP and DBP changes in the populations were estimated from a random sample of 818 participants by conducting face-to-face interviews and physical examinations. We derived CE measures based on the costs and effects on health outcomes. FINDINGS: The total cost of implementing the intervention was Renminbi (RMB) 240 772 yuan (US$35 252), or 49 yuan (US$7.17) per participant in 2009. On average, SBP decreased from 143 to 131 mm Hg (P < .001) and DBP decreased from 84 to 78 mm Hg (P < .001), the SBP decreases ranged from 7.6 to 17.8 mm Hg and DBP decreases ranged from 3.9 to 8.3 mm Hg. CE ratios ranged from RMB 3.6 to 5.0 yuan (US$0.53-US$0.73) per person per mm Hg SBP decrease, and from RMB 6.3 to 9.7 yuan (US$0.92-US$1.42) per person per mm Hg DBP decrease. INTERPRETATION: Per capita costs varied widely across the communities, as did changes in SBP and DBP, but CE was similar. The findings suggest (a) a positive correlation between per capita costs and program effectiveness, (b) differences in intervention levels, and (c) differences in health status. CE results could be helpful to policy makers in making resource allocation decisions.

[The status of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adult population in Shandong province in 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the status of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adult population in Shandong province in China. METHODS: A total of 15 350 representative subjects aged 18 to 69 in Shandong province were selected with multistage stratified and clustered sampling design. Questionnaire investigation and physical examination including measurement of blood pressure, height and weight, were taken for all of them. The prevalence was estimated by weighted SURVEYFREQ model. RESULTS: In Shandong province, 34.5% of the hypertensive patients were aware of their high blood pressure (31.1% in male, 38.5% in female), 27.5% of them were taking antihypertensive medications (24.1% in male, 31.7% in female), and 14.9% of them (13.7% in male, 16.4% in female) were under control for their blood pressure (<140/90 mm Hg). CONCLUSION: The rates of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in adult hypertensive population in Shandong province, China were low, and it is urgently needed to take steps for intervention and control for hypertension prevention, particularly in rural areas.

Dietary sodium intake: knowledge, attitudes and practices in Shandong Province, China, 2011.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) for dietary sodium intake among adult residents of Shandong Province, China. METHODS: In 2011, we conducted a cross sectional survey among a representative sample of 15,350 adults aged 18 to 69 years using a standardized questionnaire to assess their KAP for sodium. Variation in the KAPs by gender, and residence location were compared using the Chi-square tests. Predictors for the 'intention to' and 'currently taking action to' reduce sodium intake were determined by multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for confounding factors. RESULTS: KAPs for dietary sodium intake among urban residents was generally more favorable than among rural residents. Women were likely to have more favorable KAPs than men. About four fifth of subjects reported that they favored a low sodium diets. However, 31% reported that consumption of less sodium results in less physical strength. Overall, 70% indicated their intention to reduce sodium intake, although only 39 % reported that they had taken action to reduce sodium. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that favorable actions to dietary sodium reduction were more likely to occur among those who were aware of the link between sodium and hypertension, and less likely among those who had unfavorable attitudes towards dietary sodium reduction. CONCLUSION: Increasing knowledge levels about the benefits of sodium reduction will be a key success factor for effective sodium reduction initiatives and is linked to favorable behavioral change. Emphasis should be placed on the rural area.

The cross-effects of cigarette and betel nut consumption in Taiwan: have tax increases made a difference?

This paper empirically identifies cross-price elasticities of betel nut and cigarette consumption in Taiwan based on the Central Bureau of Statistics demand model. It compares reduction of cigarette consumption as a result of the proposed Betel Nut Health Tax with reduction of betel nut consumption as a result of the Tobacco Health and Welfare Taxes levied in 2002 and 2006, in order to determine which tax is most effective. Results from a simulated comparative analysis indicate that the Betel Nut Health Tax reduces cigarette consumption to a much greater extent than the Tobacco Health and Welfare Taxes reduce betel nut consumption.