ABSTRACT
Objective To examine the relationship between traditional Chinese medical (TCM)constitution and chronic diseases in order to provide suggestions to TCM health care and health management among community residents.Methods 3100 residents over 50 years old in 4 communities from Jiangdong district were selected by random sampling method. TCM constitution and prevalence of chronic diseases of residents were investigated by physical examination and questionnaire.Results 34.57% of the residents were living with the constitution of yin -yang harmony,while the constitution of phlegm -dampness was 21.38% which accounted for the most part of 8 biased constitutions.The percentages of constitution of blood stasis and phlegm-dampness among residents with chronic diseases were 22.77%and 2.57% respectively,which were significantly higher than those without (15.77% and 0.33% respectively).The percentage of constitution of blood stasis or phlegm-dampness among residents with hypertension was higher than those without.While among hyper-lipidemia residents,the positive rates of constitution of blood stasis,phlegm-dampness and allergic were higher,among residents with diabetes or cardio-cerebro-vascular diseases the positive rate of constitution of blood stasis was higher.Exercise,smoking and sleeping behavior were related to TCM constitution.The proportion of constitution of qi asthenia,damp-heat and qi stagnation among residents with low body mass index (BMI<18.5)was significantly larger.Conclusion TCM constitution among the middle -aged and the elderly was correlated to chronic diseases.Lack of exercise,smoking,irregular sleeping and low or high BMI were positively related to biased constitutions.
ABSTRACT
Hedgehog family proteins are important morphogens which mediate the development of embryo as well as the carcinogenesis in adults. Inappropriate activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway contributes to numerous human cancers. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is considered to be involved in the molecular mechanism of the invasion and metastasis of the tumors, and to facilitate the metastasis of tumors through signaling pathways interaction. It is suggested that a potential therapeutic strategy pharmacologically targeting Hedgehog-dependent tumors may be developed.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the upper airway caliber and the corresponding pharyngeal wall in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS) by spiral CT.Methods Seven patients with OSAS confirmed by polysomnography(PSG) underwent spiral CT scan.The thickness of posterior pharyngeal wall of retropalatal region(RP),retroglossal region(RG) and epiglottal region(EPG) were measured.Results ①Among 7 patients,5 had only RP obstruction,and 2 had RP and RG regions obstruction;②The length and width of soft palate were 44.28 mm?1.16 mm(normally 41.90 mm?1.95 mm) and 9.42 mm?0.46 mm(normally 5.84 mm?0.24 mm) respectively;③In OSAS patients,the thickness of posterior pharyngeal wall of RP,RG and EPG region were statistically larger than that of the normal group.Conclusion Spiral CT is of practical value in evaluating the pharyngeal airway obstruction of OSAS.