Search

Yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y0.08Zr0.94O2, YSZ) nanopowders were successfully synthesized by microwave solvothermal method (MSM). The synthesizing temperature, holding time and mineralizer concentration were optimized. The crystallization and particle distribution of as-prepared YSZ nanopowders were identified by DSC/TG, XRD, FESEM, TEM, FTIR, DLS, and BET. The dispersion of YSZ nanopowders dried by different methods and modified by polyethyleneimine (PEI) was analyzed and discussed. The results show that the PEI modified samples have the best dispersion, and the dispersion of freeze-dried samples is better than that of traditional dried ones. The particle size of the PEI modified samples calculated from the surface area determined by BET is 15.7 nm, which is consistent with that determined by TEM (16.5 nm), but slightly smaller than that calculated by the Scherrer formula according to XRD (22.3 nm). This may be attributed to the different testing principles in these methods.

Given that traditional urbanization presents developing countries with the predicament of how to achieve income increase and environmental protection at the same time, the significance of smart city construction to urban sustainable development is emerging. Based on the panel data of 259 cities in China, this paper analyzes the inhibitory effect of smart city construction on pollution intensity by combining TV-DID and spatial lag models. The research conclusions show that: (1) Overall, the pollution intensity of China showed a clear downward trend from 2011 to 2019. The areas with the most serious urban pollution intensity are mainly concentrated in Shanxi Province and the northeastern provinces. (2) Smart city construction can significantly promote the pollution intensity reduction in pilot cities; At the same time, the policy also has a negative spatial spillover effect, which can promote the pollution intensity reduction of adjacent areas. Moreover, the conclusion is still robust after testing by PSM-DID, instrumental variable method, placebo test and other methods. (3) Mechanism analysis shows that smart city construction promotes the pollution intensity reduction indirectly through industrial structure upgrading. (4) The heterogeneity analysis shows that smart city construction can more effectively promote the pollution intensity reduction in China’s western cities.

Background In previous systematic reviews, meta-analysis was lacking, resulting in the statistical difference between the data of different surgeries being impossible to judge. This meta-analysis aims to contrast the fertility results and cancer outcomes between open and minimally invasive surgery. Method We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus to collect studies that included open and minimally invasive radical trachelectomy. A random-effect model calculated the weighted average difference of each primary outcome via Review Manager V.5.4. Result Eight studies (1369 patients) were incorporated into our study. For fertility results, the Open group excels MIS group in pregnancies-Third trimester delivery[OR = 2.68; 95% CI (1.29, 5.59); P = 0.008]. Nevertheless, there were no statistical differences in clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and second-trimester rate. Concerning cancer outcomes, no difference was detected in the overall survival [OR = 1.56; 95% CI (0.70, 3.45); P = 0.27] and recurrence [OR = 0.63; 95% CI (0.35, 1.12); P = 0.12]. Concerning surgery-related outcomes, the comprehensive effects revealed that the estimated blood loss of the Open group was higher than that of the MIS group[MD = 139.40; 95% CI (79.05, 199.75); P Conclusion This meta-analysis suggested that the fertility result of the Open group may be better than the MIS group, while the MIS group has better surgery-related outcomes. Owing to the poor cases of our study, a more robust conclusion requires more relevant articles in the future. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022352999

Oxidative stress has been demonstrated to cause gene mutations which may increase the morbidity of cancer; however, many phytochemicals may increase cellular antioxidant capacity for cancer chemoprevention in humans. Here, we evaluated skin cancer chemopreventive potential of Syzygium samarangense (wax apple) leaf water extract (WAL-WE) by activating Nrf2-mediated cellular antioxidant system. The results showed that WAL-WE at 100 and 250 μg/mL exhibited Nrf2-ARE pathway induction in the human HepG2-C8 cells with stably transfected ARE-luciferase plasmids. WAL-WE (0.25–2.0 μg/mL) also effectively inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse epidermal JB6 P+ cell transformation. WAL-WE increased mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 and Nrf2 downstream antioxidant and detoxification enzymes, such as HO-1, NQO1, and UGT1A, in HepG2-C8 and JB6 P+ cells. Moreover, WAL-WE was fractionated into 25 parts by applying a silica gel column chromatography. Among them, fraction 15 (eluted by ethyl acetate/methanol = 80:20) with higher yield showed the best Nrf2-ARE induction in HepG2-C8 cells, but the active components are needed to be further elucidated. These results suggest that WAL-WE may be a potential skin cancer chemopreventive agent through activation of the Nrf2 cellular defense pathway.

Overlay metrology is crucial to process control in manufacturing semiconductor devices. Diffraction-based overlay (DBO) is an effective overlay measurement approach because it exhibits multiple advantages. This study analyzed measurement errors caused by sidewalls in the bottom gratings of DBO targets. Accordingly, improvement was proposed using a neural network. First, rigorous coupled wave analysis was employed to calculate the pupil images generated by an overlay target. These images were then used as a data set. Next, two-directional two-dimensional principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimension of features in these images. The features were then used to train a neural network and determine weighting coefficients in each network layer to create a DBO model. This study used virtual metrology to analyze 30 types of overlay targets and generated 18900 pupil images to create a data set. Each overlay target model was measured 10 times, and shot noise, dark noise, and quantization noise in the pupil images were accounted for. The simulation results revealed that when the dose level was 1000 mJ/ $\text{s}\cdot $ cm2, the overlay mean square error of the testing data was 0.40nm2, indicating notable improvement in the measurement results of overlay targets with bottom grating sidewalls. Therefore, the proposed neural network-based DBO model can be applied to overlay targets with sidewalls and effectively improve the overlay accuracy.

Pure CuC2O4·xH2O and CuC2O4·xH2O/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composites are synthesized by a low-temperature hydrothermal process. The structure and morphology of the products are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and Raman spectrum. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared CuC2O4·xH2O takes on a microsphere-like morphology, all CuC2O4·xH2O/CNTs nanocomposites are constructed by the intertwining of tabular CuC2O4·xH2O nanoparticles (NPs) and CNTs to form a tanglesome net. When evaluated as an anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), all CuC2O4·xH2O/CNTs electrodes possess higher reversible discharge capacities (more than 1000 mAh g-1) than the pure CuC2O4·xH2O, up to 200th cycle at a current density of 100 mA g-1. The results illustrate that the addition of CNTs can enhance the electrochemical performance of CuC2O4·xH2O. Overall, CuC2O4·xH2O/CNTs composite can be a promising candidate used as a promising anode for LIBs.

To compare the therapeutic results and the occurrence of adverse reactions of medicine between the combined therapy of warm acupuncture at back-A total of 80 patients with depression ofAfter treatment, the HAMD and SERS scores were lower than those before treatment in both groups. Compared with the control group, the HAMD and SERS scores were lower (The combined therapy of warm acupuncture at back

NiCo2S4 and NiCo2S4/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal approach. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the NiCo2S4/CNT nanocomposite delivers significantly improved cycling stability and excellent rate performance, compared with the pure NiCo2S4. It retains a discharge capacity of 1405.7 mAh g−1 after 80 cycles at 200 mA g−1 with only 9.2% capacity degradation. Moreover, a discharge capacity of 711.6 mAh g−1 after 390 cycles can still be maintained even at a high current density of 1 A g−1. The results demonstrate that the NiCo2S4/CNT nanocomposite holds great potential for applications in LIBs.

To compare the therapeutic effect on post-stroke lower limb spasticity between the combined treatment of abdominal moxibustion from 7 am to 9 am and rehabilitation training and the simple rehabilitation training.A total of 100 patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity were randomized into an observation group (50 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (50 cases, 4 cases dropped off ). In the control group, the basic treatment of internal medicine and rehabilitation training of the limbs were adopted. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment in the control group, at the time zone from 7 am to 9 am, moxibustion on the abdomen with "eight-trigram" moxa box [the central moxa box accurately facing Shenque (CV 8)] was given, lasting for 2 h, once every two days. Both groups were treated for 6 weeks. Separately, before and after treatment, the score of Fugl-Meyer assessment of the lower extremity (FMA-LE) and the grade of modified Ashworth scale (MAS) of ankle joint were evaluated on the affected side in patients of the two groups. Muscle skeleton ultrasound (MSUS) was adopted to determine the first layer muscle thickness (MT) anterior to the tibia, the number of pennation angle (PA) and the length of muscle fibers in the medial head of gastrocnemius muscle on the affected side. Besides, after treatment, the therapeutic effect was evaluated in the two groups.After treatment, the score of FMA-LE and the grade of MAS of ankle joint on the affected side were both improved as compared with those before treatment in patients of the two groups (The combined treatment of abdominal moxibustion from 7 am to 9 am and rehabilitation training effectively relieves post-stroke lower limb spasticity and improves the limb functions and muscle structure. The total effective rate of this combined treatment is better than that of simple rehabilitation training.

Excessive consumption of analgesic drug acetaminophen (APAP) can cause severe oxidative stress-mediated liver injury. Here, we investigated the protective effect and mechanism of aged citrus peel (Chenpi, CP), a Chinese herb usually used in foods in Asia, against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. CP water (CP-WE), ethanolic (CP-EE), and water extraction residue ethanolic (CP-WREE) extracts were prepared. We found that CP-WREE contained higher content of bioactive flavonoids, including narirutin, nobiletin, and tangeretin, and more effectively enhanced the Nrf2 pathway in ARE-luciferase reporter gene transfected human HepG2-C8 cells. In mouse AML-12 hepatocytes, CP-WREE minimized APAP-induced damage and lipid peroxidation and increased mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 and its downstream defense enzymes (HO-1, NQO1, and UGT1A). CP-WREE also downregulated HDACs and DNMTs, upregulated KDMs, and increased the unmethylated Nrf2 promoter level. Additionally, CP-WREE blocked in vitro DNA methyltransferase activity. Taken together, CP-WREE might attenuate oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity through epigenetically regulating Nrf2-mediated cellular defense system.

To evaluate the therapeutic effect on post-stroke strephenopodia treated withA total of 64 patients were randomized into an observation group (30 cases included, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases included, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, the routine needling technique of acupuncture and rehabilitation exercise were provided. In the observation group, on the base of the therapeutic regimen as the control group, theThe strephenopodia angle and Holden FAC were all improved after 4-week treatment in the two groups as compared with those before treatment (The

To observe the clinical effect of electronic moxibustion on dysphagia in patients with achalasia of cricopharyngeus muscle after stroke.Sixty patients with dysphagia of achalasia of cricopharyngeus muscle were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. One patient in the observation group and 2 cases in the control group dropped off. The patients in the control group were treated with routine medical treatment, acupuncture treatment and swallowing rehabilitation training; the patients in the observation group were additionally treated with electronic moxibustion at Lianquan (CV 23), Tiantu (CV 22), Tianding (LI 17) and Futu (LI 18), 30 min each treatment. Both groups were treated 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) was applied to test the activity of parapharyngeal wall and the dysphagia score of Ichiro Fujishima was compared before and after 4-week treatment.After treatment, the activity of the parapharyngeal wall and the dysphagia score of Ichiro Fujishima were increased in both groups (Electronic moxibustion can improve the impaired swallowing function and reconstruct the normal swallowing process.

Objective: Female pelvic floor disorders, including female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or sexual dysfunction are notorious for affecting the quality of women's life. It is reported that laser therapy might result in collagen remodeling and improvement in tissue firmness. The study was conducted to evaluate the short-term outcome of female pelvic floor disorders treated by laser therapy. Materials and methods: Women with self-reported symptoms of female pelvic floor disorders (limited to SUI and sexual dysfunction) were included in the study. The participants were treated with the Er:YAG laser or the fractional microablative carbon dioxide (CO2) laser system. The therapeutic effect was focused on SUI symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Results: There were 31 women underwent laser treatment, including 21 patients treated with Erbium:YAG laser and 10 treated with CO2 laser. In the Erbium:YAG laser group, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ- SF) scores were dropped from 8.25 ± 5.66 to 5.00 ± 3.99 (P = 0.007); and in the CO2 laser group, scores were dropped from 11.11 ± 6.85 to 6.44 ± 4.25 (P = 0.035), contributing to the drop of ICI-Q-SF scores from 9.14 ± 6.08 to 5.45 ± 4.05 for all enrolled patients (P = 0.001). However, objective measure using pad test did not show a statistically significant difference between before and after treatment (from 3.20 ± 5.84 g to 1.54 ± 3.18 g, P = 0.224). Sexual dysfunction was improved in 13 patients (44.83%), but Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were not different before and after laser treatment (44.22 ± 23.36 vs. 44.09 ± 24.51, P = 0.389). Conclusion: Laser therapy either by Erbium:YAG laser or CO2 laser seemed to be useful for female pelvic floor disorders, especially on improvement of SUI symptoms; however, the effectiveness needs further confirmation. Keywords: CO2 laser, Erbium:YAG laser, Female pelvic floor disorders, Sexual dysfunction, Stress urinary incontinence

Pure CuC₂O₄·

Vaginal pessary treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is relatively safe and cost-effective. Since long-term use is an important key to keep the benefit of pessary treatment, we would like to investigate the factors which might affect the compliance of vaginal pessaries. In this retrospe

International audience; The Leopard whipray (Himantura leoparda) and Blue-spotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii) are distributed in the Indian and West Pacific Ocean and considered as species complexes based on morphological and molecular evidence. In this study, we used the next-generation sequencing method to decipher the two complete mitogenomes of H. leoparda and N. kuhlii. The assembled mitogenomes had a length of 17,690 bp in H. leoparda and 17,974 bp in N. kuhlii, and showed 78% identity to each other. Both mitogenomes had the typical vertebrate arrangement, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs genes and the non-coding control region. The control region, which was 1931-bp long in H. leoparda and 2243-bp long in N. kuhlii was located between the tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe loci. The overall GC content was 40.3% in H. leoparda and 39.8% in N. kuhlii. The complete mitogenome sequences of H. leoparda and N. kuhlii provide important molecular data for further phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses of these two stingray species complexes.

In this study, we used the next-generation sequencing method to deduce two complete mitogenomes of Cocos lemonpeel angelfish (Centropyge flavissima) and Eibl's angelfish (Centropyge eibli) for the first time. The assembled mitogenome, consisting of 17 010 bp and 17 101 bp, showing 98.3% identity each other. Both mitogenomes follow the typical vertebrate arrangement, including 13 protein coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding control region of D-loop. D-loop contains 1302 bp in C. flavissima and 1392 bp in C. eibli and locates between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe. The overall GC content is 45.2% for C. flavissima and 44.9% for C. eibli. Complete mitogenomes of C. flavissima and C. eibli provide essential and important DNA molecular data for phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis for marine angelfishes.

In this study, we used the next-generation sequencing method to deduce two complete mitogenomes of Spotbreast angelfish (Genicanthus melanospilos) and Blackstriped angelfish (Genicanthus lamarck) for the first time. The assembled mitogenome, consisting of 16 736 bp and 16 616 bp, showing 91.8% identity each other. Both mitogenome follow the typical vertebrate arrangement, including 13 protein coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs genes and a non-coding control region of D-loop. D-loop contains 1026 bp in G. melanospilos and 912 bp in G. lamarck and locates between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe. The overall GC content is 46.2% for G. melanospilos and 46.3% for G. lamarck. Complete mitogenomes of G. melanospilos and G. lamarck provide essential and important DNA molecular data for phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis for marine angelfishes.

Whitetail Angelfish (Centropyge flavicauda) and Orangeback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) are known as pygmy angelfish due to their small body size (usually less than two inches). In this study, we used the next-generation sequencing method to deduce two complete mitogenomes of C. flavicauda and C. acanthops for the first time. The assembled mitogenome, consisting of 16 747 bp and 16 748 bp, was showing 99.2% identity each other. Both mitogenome follow the typical vertebrate arrangement, including 13 protein coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, two ribosomal RNAs genes and a non-coding control region of D-loop. D-loop contains 895 bp in C. flavicauda and 896 bp in C. acanthops and locates between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe. The overall GC content is 46.4% for C. flavicauda and C. acanthops. Complete mitogenomes of C. flavicauda and C. acanthops provide essential and important DNA molecular data for phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis for marine angelfish.

In traditional Chinese medicine, some Chinese herbs to be used as foods can protect and promote human health. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaves (LL) and Cassia (Cassia tora) seeds (CS) are often used as a food or an ingredient when cooking in Chinese region. LL and CS have been studied to exhibit some biological effects but there is no investigation to study their cancer chemopreventive potential. In this study, the extracts, including water extract (WE), water extraction residue ethanol extract (WREE) and ethanol extract (EE), of LL and CS were prepared. HepG2-C8 cell line, HepG2 cells stably transfected with Nrf2-ARE-luciferase plasmid, were used to screen out the extracts with cancer chemoprevetive potential. Our results showed that CS-WE, LL-WREE and LL-EE has better Nrf2-ARE-luciferase induction activity. Furthermore, we also found that these three extracts can inhibit 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced anchorage-independent cell growth of JB6 P+ cells while up-regulating Nrf2 and Nrf2 downstream antioxidant/detoxification enzymes. These results suggested that Chinese herbal Lotus leaves and Cassia seeds to be used as foods might inhibit carcinogenesis through the regulation of Nrf2 pathway. Citation Format: Yen-Fan Chan, Zi-Han Lin, Pei-Chun Chen, Ping-Hua Sung, Zheng-Yuan Su. Lotus leaf and Cassia seed extracts, through activating Nrf2 pathway, suppress TPA-induced mouse skin cell transformation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-153. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-153

The liver is the primary organ responsible for the major detoxifications and metabolic functions in the human body; however, liver carcinogenesis can be triggered by acetaminophen (paracetamol, APAP), a tumor-initiator. Nrf2 is a master regulator to induce the expression of phase II detoxification/antioxidant enzymes. Some of fruit plant leaves in Taiwan have hepatoprotective potential, including Psidium guajava (guava) leaves (GL) and Syzygium samarangense (wax apple) leaves (WAL) as well as the processing guava tea (GT) and wax apple tea (WAT). In this study, we found that water extracts (WE), including GL-WE (250 μg/mL), WAL (250 μg/mL), GT (500 μg/mL), and WAT (500 μg/mL) without cytotoxicity can active Nrf2 pathway at 24 hrs in HepG2-C8 cells which are stably transfected with an antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase construct. These extracts also effectively recovered the cell viability of mouse liver AML12 cells with APAP-induced injury when the cells were pretreated with the extracts for 24 hrs and then co-treated with extracts and APAP for another 48 hrs. A better understanding of the mechanisms how these extracts inhibit oxidative stress/inflammation related to APAP-induced liver carcinogenesis in the future would open new avenues of approaches for the prevention of liver cancer in human. Citation Format: Zheng-Yuan Su, Yen-Fan Chan, Pei-Chun Chen, Ping-Hua Sung, Zi-Han Lin. Extracts of Psidium guajava (guava) and Syzygium samarangense (wax apple) leaves and teas with Nrf2 induction activity protect mouse AML12 hepatocytes from tumor-initiating acetaminophen-induced damage [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-176. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-176

The liver is a critical organ responsible for the major detoxification and metabolism in the human body. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, but it has been demonstrated to be a cancer-initiating agent to induce liver cancer. Aged Citrus peel (Chenpi, CP) is a Chinese herb with hepatoprotective potential to be usually used as foods in Taiwan. Three extracts of CP were prepared in this study, including water extract (CP-WE), ethanol extract (CP-EE), and water extraction residue ethanol extract (CP-WREE). Among these extracts, we found CP-WREE (100 μg/mL) can effectively enhance the Nrf2-ARE pathway in HepG2-C8 cell line which is stably transfected ARE-luciferase construct. CP-WREE (50 μg/mL) also exhibit a significant protective effect on the mouse AML12 hepatocytes from APAP-induced damage. We further find that CP-WREE enhances the activity of some glutathione-related enzymes and inhibits lipid peroxidation in AML12 cells. Furthermore, CP-WREE can also increase the expressions of Nrf2 and Nrf2 downstream enzymes while the expressions of some epigenetic modifying enzymes are regulated. Therefore, CP-WREE may have beneficial effects to protect liver carcinogenesis caused by APAP-induced damage through the regulation of Nrf2/antioxidant pathway as well as epigenetic modification. Citation Format: Zi-Han Lin, Wan-Tzu Luo, Yen-Fan Chan, Zheng-Yuan Su. Chemopreventive effect of aged citrus peel (Chenpi) extracts against tumor initiator acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity through regulating Nrf2 pathway [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-177. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-177

In this study, we used the next-generation sequencing method to deduce two complete mitogenomes of Barred angelfish (Paracentropyge multifasciata) and Purplemask angelfish (Paracentropyge venusta) for the first time. The assembled mitogenome, consisting of 16 502 bp and 16 641 bp, showing 88.6% identity each other. Both mitogenome follow the typical vertebrate arrangement, including 13 protein coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs, 2 ribosomal RNAs genes and a non-coding control region of D-loop. D-loop contains 787 bp in P. multifasciata and 923 bp in P. venusta and locates between tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe. The overall GC content is 46.5% for P. multifasciata and 46.2% for P. venusta. Complete mitogenomes of P. multifasciata and P. venusta provide essential and important DNA molecular data for phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis for marine angelfish.

Deficiency of the organs is a vital pathophysiologic characteristic in the elderly. A core TCM aging theory is known as aging caused by spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) that can be found in ancient and modern literature. The key objectives of this study were to establish a full-scale trial to evaluate the prevalence, symptom severity, frequency, and distribution of SDS in different age groups as related to health status (healthy, subhealthy, and chronic disease) to elucidate the role of spleen deficiency in the aging process and deterioration of health status. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 4 hospitals in China. 1390 participants aged 20–79 were interviewed by investigators who completed questionnaires recording prevalence, severity, and frequency of symptoms as well as other relevant information. The results revealed that prevalence and symptom characteristics of SDS showed regularities with increasing age and deteriorating health status. It supports the TCM concept that spleen deficiency is an important mechanism of aging, subhealth, and chronic diseases. Early recognition of the warning signs and symptoms of SDS may lead to intervention and even prevention strategies for subhealth and chronic diseases as well as promotion of healthy aging.

Objective: This study aimed to reveal the age-related changes in prevalence and symptom characteristics in kidney deficiency syndrome (KDS) with varied health status. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in6 hospitals. Investigators queried participants aged 20–79 about their health, including symptoms if any, and completed questionnaires to collect participants responses. Prevalence, severity, and frequency of KDS and other relevant parameters were observed and recorded. Comparative analysis of countable variables, including prevalence, was performed by frequency analysis and χ2 test and expressed as a composite ratio. Comparative analysis of quantitative scores of the severity and frequency of symptoms was performed by the rank-sum test. Regression analysis of the correlation of KDS with potential contributing factors was performed by non-conditional binary logistic stepwise regression of numerical variables. Results: Prevalence of KDS in healthy and unhealthy participants correlated with increasing age (P 0.05). Age, health status, lower back pain, shin soreness or heel pain, tinnitus or deafness, hair loss or loose teeth, incomplete bladder emptying or incontinence, and sexual dysfunction or infertility were potential factors contributing to KDS (P 1. Moreover, the distribution of typical KDS-related symptoms showed dramatic regularities. Conclusion: Prevalence and symptom characteristics of KDS were found to increase consistently with increasing age and deteriorating health status. Kidney deficiency may be an important mechanism of aging in the subhealthy and chronic disease states.