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Objective To examine the association between stage 1 hypertension defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline and risk of developing arterial stiffness. Methods During 2010-2015, 4595 adults aged ≥40 years without cardiovascular disease were followed up for a median of 4.3 years. BP levels at baseline were categorized into normal, elevated, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. The development of arterial stiffness was defined as a normal brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) at baseline and an increased ba-PWV at follow-up. Results Compared with participants with normal BP, participants with stage 1 hypertension had a 1.48-fold increased risk of developing arterial stiffness [odds ratio (OR) =2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.59-3.85] after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. The association was more evident in adults aged 40-59 years (OR =4.08; 95% CI =2.06-8.08) than that in those aged ≥60 years (OR =1.47; 95% CI =0.81-2.67). A systolic BP 130~139 mmHg was significantly associated with arterial stiffness independent of diastolic BP (OR =2.90; 95% CI =1.86-4.52). Stage 1 hypertension either at baseline or at follow-up was associated with increased risks compared with normal BP at both baseline and follow-up. Conclusions The 2017 ACC/AHA stage 1 hypertension was significantly associated with higher risks of arterial stiffness.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is a widely used detection technique. Here, we developed a novel method for green synthesis of a salt-tolerant AuNPs by using aqueous extract of Damask rose petals (AEDR), for the application of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) detection by LFIA. Key parameters were optimized to achieve an improved optical LFIA performance, and the detection limit and specificity were further studied. AEDR-AuNPs were synthesized within 1 min at RT by AEDR at a concentration of 240 µg/mL, and the method was rapid, simple, economical and environmentally friendly. The AEDR-AuNPs were spherical with the size mainly ranging from 20 to 28 nm, and the salt stability was determined to be 0.4 M NaCl, which is 10 times higher than AuNPs synthesized by citrate reducing method. The optimized immunization concentration of anti-Listeria monocytogenes polyclonal antibody to AEDR-AuNPs was 60 µg/mL. The optimized antibody concentrations of test (T) line and control (C) line were determined as 1 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. The detection limit was 2.5 × 105 CFU/mL and 2.85 × 105 CFU/mL in pure L. monocytogenes culture and pork tenderloin sample, respectively, and the result can be read by naked eye within 10 min. The antibody–AEDR-AuNPs LFIA strip showed no cross-reaction with all the tested bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium. This approach showed a promising application for the detection of L. monocytogenes concerning food safety.

Hypertension is the leading global risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death. Recommendations from current guidelines of blood pressure (BP) management differ in many ways; therefore, we did an overview and comparative analysis of major clinical guidelines of BP management in people with and without diabetes, including the definition and classification of hypertension, initiation of antihypertensive drug therapy, BP control targets, and antihypertensive treatment strategies. BP management in patients with diabetes was discussed in great detail using both hypertension and diabetes guidelines. We conclude that high-level evidence from high-quality clinical studies is urgently needed to settle uncertainties on BP management recommendations.高血压是全球心血管疾病和过早死亡的主要危险因素。当前的血压管理指南推荐意见在许多方面存在差异，因此我们对糖尿病与非糖尿病人群主要血压管理临床指南进行了概述及比较分析，包括高血压的定义和分类，降压药物干预启动阈值，血压控制目标以及降压治疗策略。对于高血压合并糖尿病患者，我们纳入高血压及糖尿病相关指南进行详细讨论。我们得出结论:急需高质量临床研究提供高水平证据来解决血压管理指南推荐意见的不确定性。.

Foodborne pathogens are a major cause of foodborne illness, leading to a growing food safety problem in public health. This work aims to develop a novel gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-assisted multiplex PCR assay for rapid, simple and simultaneous detection of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7), which are the top three foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Flower-shaped AuNPs (F-AuNPs) were used as a colorimetric sensor in this assay, based on PCR product that can help improve stability of the F-AuNPs in a certain concentration of salt solution. Detection of PCR product can be directly achieved by mixing it with F-AuNPs and NaCl, and the result is visible to the naked eye. Results showed that the optimal annealing temperature was 53.1 °C to amplify the three target pathogenic strains in multiplex PCR assay, and the optimal concentrations of the primer pairs were 0.4 μM for each of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7, and 0.2 μM for S. typhimurium. The colorimetric detection limit of PCR products by F-AuNPs was 3.125 ng μL−1, and the detection time was approximately 10 min. Simultaneous detection limit of the multiplex PCR method was 10 pg μL−1 for L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium, and 50 pg μL−1 for E. coli O157:H7. Compared with conventional multiplex PCR assay, the F-AuNPs-assisted assay is a convenient, rapid and simple visual detection method. The excellent performance of the colorimetric sensor shows potential application in on-site detection of foodborne pathogenic strains in food samples.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the association between the visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and arterial stiffness in Chinese adults.MethodsWe performed a cohort study involving 2002 Chinese adults with no history of myocardial infarction or stroke. All the participants attended three visits (the baseline visit in 2008, the 2nd visit in 2009 and the 3rd visit in 2013). We used four measures to define the VVV of FPG across the three visits: the standard deviation (SD), the coefficient of variation (CV), the average successive variability (ASV) and the variability independent of the mean (VIM). We used brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV) to measure arterial stiffness at the 2nd and the 3rd visits.ResultsCompared with the lowest tertile of all the four measurements of VVV of FPG, significantly increased levels of ba-PWV change, ratio of ba-PWV change and the occurrence of the elevated ba-PWV were found in the highest tertile. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) comparing participants in the highest tertile vs. the lowest tertile of FPG-SD was 1.37 (1.01-1.86) for risks of having elevated ba-PWV, even after adjustment for covariates including the mean FPG. Similar results were found for FPG-CV and FPG-VIM.ConclusionGreater long-term variability of FPG was associated with an increased risk of arterial stiffness, suggesting that the VVV of FPG could be used for an early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed at a younger age worldwide and in China. Limited data are available regarding the association between age at diabetes diagnosis and risks of albuminuria. This study sought to examine the independent effect of age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes on the risk of albuminuria.We used data from a nationwide multicenter study with 207 961 participants in mainland China. Age, sex, and study site were matched for 31 366 screen-detected type 2 diabetes cases and 31 366 normal controls. Age, sex, study site, and diabetes duration were matched for 7490 self-reported type 2 diabetes cases and 7490 normal controls. Risks of having albuminuria in matched type 2 diabetes vs controls were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis in strata of age at diabetes diagnosis.Although the absolute rate of albuminuria is higher in older adults, the odds ratio of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes vs matched controls decreased with increasing age at diagnosis. For participants with diabetes diagnosed at an age of50, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, or ≥70 years, the multivariable adjusted risk of albuminuria increased by 81%, 60%, 45%, and 33% for screen-detected diabetes, and 135%, 121%, 90%, and 58% for self-reported diabetes compared with their normal controls, respectively.A younger age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is associated with a more significantly elevated risk of albuminuria than an older age at diagnosis in Chinese adults.背景: 2型糖尿病的诊断年龄在全球及中国呈年轻化的趋势。目前较少研究糖尿病诊断年龄与白蛋白尿患病风险的相关性。本研究拟探讨糖尿病诊断年龄是否为白蛋白尿风险相关的独立危险因素。 方法: 我们使用了来自中国大陆207961名研究对象的全国多中心研究数据。从年龄、性别和研究中心匹配的非糖尿病人群中随机选择正常对照, 另外对已诊断糖尿病患者的病程进行匹配, 最终共有31366 名新诊断2型糖尿病患者和 31366名正常对照, 及7490名已诊断2型糖尿病和7490名正常对照纳入分析。使用多元Logistic回归分析在不同糖尿病诊断年龄层中2型糖尿病患者与正常对照患白蛋白尿的风险。 结果: 虽然年龄越大, 白蛋白尿患病风险越高, 但是2型糖尿病患者与正常对照组白蛋白尿的比值比随着诊断年龄的增加而降低。与正常对照组相比, 年龄50、50-59、60-69 或≥70 岁诊断为糖尿病的患者经过多变量校正后白蛋白尿风险仍然增加, 新诊断糖尿病分别增加了 81%、60%、45% 和 33%, 已诊断糖尿病分别增加了 135%、121%、90% 和 58%。 结论: 在中国成人中, 2型糖尿病诊断年龄越低, 其白蛋白尿风险升高越明显。.

This study demonstrates a novel approach for synthesizing large-sized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Angelica keiskei water extract. The AgNPs exhibited maximum absorbance at 438 nm and were mostly spherical in shape, with an average particle size of 130.1 ± 2.1 nm. The bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of AgNO3 against the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes were explored by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. The antibacterial activity mechanism of the AgNPs was further investigated. The results show that the AgNPs could damage the membrane integrity of Listeria monocytogenes cells and induce the release of nucleic acids from the cells, thereby disrupting cell reproduction.

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the associations of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) levels with risks of subclinical atherosclerosis, cardiovascular events and all-cause deaths.MethodsData from a large population-based cohort were used, which included 9580 participants aged ≥40 years free from cardiovascular diseases. Carotid intima–media thickness, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and ankle-brachial index were measured at baseline to assess subclinical atherosclerosis. After a median of 4.53 years’ follow-up, 486 cardiovascular events and 230 all-cause deaths were recorded.ResultsThe urinary ACR levels were categorised into three groups. Compared with the normal group (0≤ACR ConclusionsACR levels were positively associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and predicted the risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause deaths. Evaluation of ACR levels should be integrated into risk stratification and prevention of cardiovascular events and all-cause deaths, especially among those with pre-existing subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic abnormalities.

Background Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed and diagnosed based on modified criteria. However, evidence for the risks of developing subclinical atherosclerosis with MAFLD transitions according to its new definition has never been reported. Methods Using data from a community-based cohort, 6232 participants aged 40 years or older were included and were followed up for a median of 4.3 years during 2010–2015. Participants were categorized into four groups (stable non-MAFLD, MAFLD regressed to non-MAFLD, non-MAFLD progressed to MAFLD, and stable MAFLD). Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as elevated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), elevated brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV), or microalbuminuria. Results Compared with the stable non-MAFLD category, participants who progressed to MAFLD at follow-up visit had a 1.356-fold increased risk of developing elevated CIMT [odds ratio (OR) = 1.356; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.134–1.620], and a 1.458-fold increased risk of incident microalbuminuria (OR = 1.458; 95% CI = 1.034–2.056) after adjustment for confounders, respectively. In addition, participants with stable MAFLD showed 17.6%, 32.4%, and 35.4% increased risks of developing elevated CIMT, elevated ba-PWV and microalbuminuria, respectively. Compared with the stable MAFLD category, participants with MAFLD and low probability of fibrosis at baseline who regressed to non-MAFLD at follow-up visit had a 29.4% decreased risk of developing elevated CIMT (OR = 0.706; 95% CI = 0.507–0.984), a 43.1% decreased risk of developing elevated ba-PWV (OR = 0.569; 95% CI = 0.340–0.950), but was not significantly associated with incident microalbuminuria (OR = 0.709; 95% CI = 0.386–1.301). The decreased risks attributed to MAFLD regression were more evident in participants without diabetes or dyslipidemia, as well as in those with 0–1 metabolic risk abnormalities, respectively. Conclusions MAFLD was significantly associated with higher risks of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. Moreover, the regression of MAFLD might modify the risks of developing subclinical atherosclerosis, especially among those with low probability of fibrosis or less metabolic risk abnormalities. Since 40% of baseline participants with missing data on MAFLD measurement at follow-up were excluded, the conclusions should be speculated with caution.

Background: Type 2 diabetes is increasingly diagnosed at a younger age worldwide and in China. Limited data are available regarding the association between age at diabetes diagnosis and risks of albuminuria, which is a common microvascular complication in diabetes patients. In addition, few studies on age at diagnosis and outcomes have fully accounted for the complex interplay between age at diagnosis and the actual age or diabetes duration, all of which are independently associated with vascular risks.Methods: We used data from a nationwide multicenter study with 207,961 participants recruited from 25 communities across mainland China during 2010-2012. Age, sex, and study sites were matched for 31,366 screen-detected type 2 diabetes and 31,366 normal controls. Age, sex, study sites, and diabetes duration were matched for 7,490 self-reported type 2 diabetes and 7,490 normal controls. Risks of having albuminuria in matched type 2 diabetes vs. normal controls were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis in strata of age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis (Results: Percentages of albuminuria were significantly higher among type 2 diabetes patients compared with normal controls in each stratum of age at diagnosis. Although the absolute rate of albuminuria is higher in older adults, the odds ratio of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes vs. matched controls decreased with increasing age at diagnosis. For participants with diabetes diagnosed at an age of Conclusions: A younger age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is associated with a more significantly elevated risk of albuminuria than an older age at diagnosis in Chinese adults.

Background Molecular hydrogen has been shown to have antioxidant effect and have been used to prevent oxidative stress-related diseases. The goal of this study was to explore if hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) plays a cardioprotective effect on abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats. 60adult Sprague–Dawley rats received surgically the AAC for 6-week. After the surgery, the rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 for each):1: sham-operated (sham); 2: AAC-model; 3: AAC + Low HRS (LHRS); and 4: AAC + High HRS (HHRS). The rats in sham and AAC-model groups were treated with normal saline intraperitoneally, while rats in LHRS and HHRS groups were intraperitoneally treated with 3 or 6 mL/kg HRS daily, respectively, for 6-week. Results The ratios of HW/BW and LVW/BW were shown in an order of Model > LHRS > HHRS > SHAM groups. The cardiac hypertrophy was also manifested with increased expressions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptides (BNP) and fibrosis of cardiac tissues in AAC-model group, which could likewise be restrained in LHRS and HHRS groups. Moreover, the JAK-STAT (Janus Kinase-Signal transducers and activators of transcription) signaling molecule expressions were decreased with HRS treatment. Conclusions Our results showed a protective effect of HRS on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats, which may be associated to a decreasing in JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

Cardiac fibrosis induced by sustained pressure overload contributes to heart failure. Oxidative stress serves an important role in cardiac remodeling and heart failure independent of etiological factors. The application of hydrogen as an antioxidant is a novel concept in disease treatment, however no studies as present have investigated the effects of hydrogen on cardiac fibrosis. In the present study, the effects of hydrogen on pressure overload‑induced cardiac fibrosis and heart failure were investigated in abdominal aortic‑constricted rats. Masson's trichrome staining and echocardiography were used to evaluate the fibrotic area and cardiac function, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) content was detected by immunofluorescence. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and hydroxyproline content were measured by spectrophotometry. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), NADPH oxidases (NOX)2, NOX4, p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Smad2/3. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the mRNA expression of collagen I (Col I) and fibronectin 1 (FN1). Hydrogen-containing saline (HCS) treatment was observed to improve interstitial fibrosis and cardiac function and to decrease the level of ROS, the oxidative‑stress marker MDA and expression of NOXs, while increasing the activity of the anti‑oxidant enzyme SOD. HCS treatment also decreased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and Smad2/3, and the expression of TGF‑β1 and CTGF, which were accompanied by reduced hydroxyproline content, Col I and FN1 mRNA levels. These results indicate that HCS treatment can improve cardiac function by reducing interstitial fibrosis in pressure‑overloaded rats through its anti‑oxidative properties and via suppression of TGF-β1 signaling.

The immunochromatographic strip test (ICST) is a powerful on-site detection technology due to its unique advantages of simplicity, rapidity, and readability by the naked eye. Here we illustrate the potential of α-Fe2O3 polyhedrons as a novel visual label, which exhibit advantages of high stability and economy, for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) as a model foodborne pathogen. A low-cost and simple one-step solvothermal approach was developed for the synthesis of α-Fe2O3 polyhedrons; the average diameter of the α-Fe2O3 polyhedrons is about 200 nm. The crystal structure and morphology of α-Fe2O3 polyhedrons were characterized by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. α-Fe2O3 polyhedrons were immunized with anti-L. monocytogenes antibody to prepare an antibody–colloidal α-Fe2O3 polyhedron ICST. Visual detection can be obtained directly by the naked eye within 10 min. The detection limit of L. monocytogenes by α-Fe2O3 polyhedron ICST assay was 3.8 × 106 and 5.6 × 106 CFU/ml of pure culture and artificially spiked orange juice drink sample, respectively. Results indicated that the antibody–colloidal α-Fe2O3 polyhedron ICST is a rapid, simple, and low-cost assay. This approach showed great potential in the application of foodborne pathogen detection concerning food safety.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae) hairy root cultures were inoculated (at 0.02 and 0.2% v/v) and co-cultured with Bacillus cereus bacteria. The root biomass growth was inhibited significantly by the bacteria inoculated to the root culture on the first day (day 0) but not by the bacteria inoculated on days 14 or 21 (in a 28-day overall period). On the other hand, the growth of the bacteria in the hairy root culture was also strongly inhibited by the hairy roots, partially because of the antibacterial activity of the secondary compounds produced by the roots. Most interestingly, the tanshinone production was promoted by the inoculation of bacteria at any of these days but more significantly by an earlier bacteria inoculation. With 0.2% bacteria inoculated on day 0, for example, the total tanshinone content of roots was increased by more than 12-fold (from 0.20 to 2.67 mg g(-1) dry weight), and the volumetric tanshinone yield increased by more than sixfold (from 1.40 to 10.4 mg l(-1)). The tanshinone production was also stimulated by bacterial water extract and bacterial culture supernatant but less significantly than by the inoculation of live bacteria. The results suggest that the stimulation of tanshinone production by live bacteria in the root cultures may be attributed to the elicitor compounds originating from the bacteria, and the hairy root-bacteria coculture may be an effective strategy for improving secondary metabolite production in plant tissue cultures.

'Taishanzaoxia' fruit rapid softening and dehiscence during ripening stage and this process is very sensitive to endogenous ethylene. In this study, we cloned five ethylene signal transcription factors (ZMdEIL1, ZMdEIL2, ZMdEIL3, ZMdERF1 and ZMdERF2) and one functional gene, ZMdPG1, encoding polygalacturonase that could loose the cell connection which associated with fruit firmness decrease and fruit dehiscence to illustrate the reasons for this specific fruit phenotypic and physiological changes. Expression analysis showed that ZMdERF1 and ZMdEIL2 transcription were more abundant in 'Taishanzaoxia' softening fruit and dehiscent fruit and their expression was inhibited by an ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene. Therefore, ZMdERF1 and ZMdEIL2 expression were responses to endogenous ethylene and associated with fruit softening and dehiscence. ZMdPG1 expression was induced when fruit softening and dehiscence but this induction can be blocked by 1-MCP, indicating that ZMdPG1 was essential for fruit softening and dehiscence and its expression was mediated by the endogenously occurred ethylene. ZMdPG1 overexpression in Arabidopsis led to silique early dehiscence while suppressing ZMdPG1 expression by antisense ZMdPG1 prevented silique naturally opening. The result also suggested that ZMdPG1 related with the connection between cells that contributed to fruit softening and dehiscence. ZMdERF1 was more closely related with ethylene signaling but it was not directly regulated the ZMdPG1, which might be regulated by the synergic pattern of ethylene transcription factors because of both the ZMdERF1 and ZMdERF2 could interact with ZMdEIL2.

This study examines the roles of anion channels and ATP binding cassette (ABC) protein transporters in mediating elicitor-induced ATP release in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root cultures. The elicitor-induced ATP release was effectively blocked by two putative membrane anion channel blockers, niflumic acid and Zn2+, but not by a specific Cl− channel blocker, phenylanthranilic acid. The elicitor-induced ATP release was also significantly suppressed by two ABC inhibitors, glibenclamide and ethacrynic acid. Notable ATP release from the hairy roots was also induced by verapamil (2 mM), an ABC activator in animal cells. The verapamil-induced ATP release was effectively blocked by niflumic acid, but only slightly inhibited by the ABC inhibitors. Another notable effect of verapamil was the induction of exocytosis, the secretion of vesicle-like particles to the root surface. The verapamil-induced exocytosis was not inhibited by nifulumic acid and YE did not induce the exocytosis. Overall, the results suggest a significant role of anion channels, a possible involvement of ABC proteins and no significant involvement of exocytosis in mediating the ATP efflux in hairy root cells.

Endogenously occurring nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the regulation of shikonin formation in Onosma paniculatum cells. NO generated after cells were inoculated into shikonin production medium reached the highest level after 2 d of culture, which was 16 times that at the beginning of the experiment, and maintained a high level for 6 d. A nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), and a nitrate reductase (NR) inhibitor, sodium azide (SoA), consistent with their inhibition of NO biosynthesis, decreased shikonin formation significantly. This reduction could be alleviated or even abolished by exogenous NO supplied by sodium nitroprusside (SNP), suggesting that the inhibition of NO biosynthesis resulted in decreased shikonin formation. However, when endogenous NO biosynthesis was up-regulated by the elicitor from Rhizoctonia cerealis, shikonin production was enhanced further, showing a dependence on the elicitor-induced NO burst. Real-time PCR analysis showed that NO could significantly up-regulate the expression of PAL, PGT and HMGR, which encode key enzymes involved in shikonin biosynthesis. These results demonstrated that NO plays a critical role in shikonin formation in O. paniculatum cells.