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Appropriate body posture is important for accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement. However, the impact of an unsupported back on BP readings is currently controversial. This study included 224 subjects (18-86 years old, 54.5 ± 15.5 years old, 105 males). BP was measured with an oscillometric BP device randomly following one of two protocols for back support conditions: (1) supported-unsupported-supported-unsupported, or (2) unsupported-supported-unsupported-supported. The average of the two systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) readings in the same position was recorded as the final BP value. The differences in BP between the unsupported and supported back conditions were calculated as delta BP. Moreover, the percentage variation in BP (PV) was calculated with the formula delta BP/BP with an unsupported back. Multivariable regression analysis evaluated the impact of age, sex, hypertension history and supported BP level on PV. The SBP/DBP levels measured with an unsupported back were slightly higher than those when the back was supported (132.7 ± 19.5/79.6 ± 12.9 mmHg vs. 130.3 ± 20.0/78.5 ± 14.3 mmHg), and the delta SBP (2.3 mmHg) was statistically significant. The multivariable regression analysis showed that age was a positive factor but supported SBP level as a negative factor for systolic PV, while age and supported DBP level were positive factors, but hypertension history was a negative factor for diastolic PV. For a group participant, the mean difference in oscillometric SBP/DBP in the unsupported back position was 2.3/1.0 mmHg higher than that in the supported back position.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease with impact on axial skeleton, peripheral joints and enthuses, and it may result in severe disabilities of those parts. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors are considered as an effective treatment for patients with active AS. In this study, we conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of active AS patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of TNF-α inhibitors were retrieved in literature search and selected for meta-analysis. Changes in ASAS20 response, ASAS40 response and BASDAI 50% response were regarded as efficacy outcomes; serious adverse events (SAE) and all cause withdrawals were regarded as safety outcomes. Both traditional pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed. The results showed that adalimumab and infliximab had better clinical outcomes. Infliximab consistently appeared to be the most effective TNF-α inhibitors with a high risk of adverse events for patients with active AS; meanwhile, adalimumab ranked highest with respect to adverse effects with efficacy secondary to infliximab. As a result, we were unable to conclude the optimal TNF-α inhibitor and this issue should be solved by future researchers.

The oxidation behavior of a [(Co50Cr15Mo14C15B6)97.5Er2.5]93Fe7 bulk-metallic glass (Co7-BMG) was studied over the temperature range of 873 K to 973 K (600 °C to 700 °C) in dry air. The oxidation kinetics of the Co7-BMG generally followed the parabolic-rate law, as its oxidation rates increased with temperature. The scaling rate of the Co7-BMG was significantly lower than that of pure Co, which indicates a better oxidation resistance for the amorphous alloy. The scales formed on the Co7-BMG consisted mostly of CoMoO4 and Co3O4, as well as minor amounts of CoO, Cr2O3, and uncorroded Co3B. The formation of CoMoO4 and Cr2O3 is responsible for the lower oxidation rates of the glassy alloy with respect to those of pure Co. In addition, the presence of Co3B further indicated that the crystallization of the amorphous substrate during the oxidation was taken place.

To observe the metabolic, regulatory and anti-oxidative effects of modified Bushen Huoxue Decoction (BSHXD, 补肾活血方), a Chinese herbal medicine for Kidney (Shen)-reinforcement and bloodactivation, on an osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. A rabbit model for knee joint OA was established by the classic Hulth’s method. The OA model rabbits were randomized into 5 groups: the model control group, the positive control group treated with glucosamine sulfate, and the three BSHXD treated groups treated respectively with low, moderate, and high doses of BSHXD. In addition, a normal control group and a sham-operated group were set up. Experimental animals were sacrificed after a 7-week treatment, and pathological changes in cartilaginous tissue were estimated using the Mankin criteria. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents in blood serum and urine, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and nitric oxide (NO) content in blood serum and knee joint synovial homogenates were detected. Mankin scoring showed insignificant statistical differences between the various treatment groups (P >0.05), but all were better than the model control group (P