Non-Lyn Src Family Kinases Activate SIRPα-SHP-1 to Inhibit PI3K-Akt2 and Dampen Proinflammatory Macrophage Polarization

Macrophage functional plasticity plays a central role in responding to proinflammatory stimuli. The molecular basis underlying the dynamic phenotypic activation of macrophages, however, remains incompletely understood. In this article, we report that SIRPα is a chief negative regulator of proinflammatory macrophage polarization. In response to TLR agonists, proinflammatory cytokines, or canonical M1 stimulation, Src family kinases (SFK) excluding Lyn phosphorylate SIRPα ITIMs, leading to the preferential recruitment and activation of SHP-1, but not SHP-2. Solely extracellular ligation of SIRPα by CD47 does not greatly induce phosphorylation of SIRPα ITIMs, but it enhances proinflammatory stimuli-induced SIRPα phosphorylation. Examination of downstream signaling elicited by IFN-γ and TLR3/4/9 agonists found that SIRPα-activated SHP-1 moderately represses STAT1, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling but markedly inhibits Akt2, resulting in dampened proinflammatory cytokine production and expression of Ag presentation machinery. Pharmacological inhibition of SHP-1 or deficiency of SIRPα conversely attenuates SIRPα-mediated inhibition and, as such, augments macrophage proinflammatory polarization that in turn exacerbates proinflammation in mouse models of type I diabetes and peritonitis. Our results reveal an SFK-SIRPα-SHP-1 mechanism that fine-tunes macrophage proinflammatory phenotypic activation via inhibition of PI3K-Akt2, which controls the transcription and translation of proinflammatory cytokines, Ag presentation machinery, and other cellular programs.

[Prevalence of heart failure and its association with smoking behavior in adults from 10 regions of China]

Objective: To describe the prevalence of heart failure in China and to explore the prospective association between smoking behavior and the risk of incident heart failure. Methods: The subjects were from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) and the baseline survey was conducted from June 2004 to July 2008. A total of 487 197 subjects were included in this study, after excluding those with missing BMI information, lost follow-up immediately after baseline investigation, and self-reported coronary heart disease, stroke, or malignant tumor at baseline. This study included data from baseline and follow-up until December 31, 2016. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between smoking behavior and the risk of heart failure. Results: The median follow-up time was 10.15 years, during which a total of 4 208 new cases of heart failure occurred, with a crude incidence rate of 0.87/1 000 person-years and a cumulative incidence rate of 0.86%. The higher the age at baseline, the higher the incidence of heart failure. The incidence of heart failure in high age group, rural area and male was higher than that in low age group, urban area and female population respectively. Compared with non-smokers, there was no significant difference in the risk of heart failure in occasional smokers (HR=1.05; 95%CI: 0.91-1.22), while former smokers (HR=1.48; 95%CI:1.31-1.67) and current smokers (HR=1.34;95%CI:1.22-1.49) increased risk. Former smokers (HR=1.33;95%CI:1.21-1.46) and current smokers (HR=1.46; 95%CI:1.31-1.64) had higher risk of heart failure than non-smokers or occasional smokers. No dose-response relationship was observed between the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the risk of heart failure in current and former smokers (for trend P=0.347 and 0.066). Compared with non-smokers or occasional smokers, the hazard ratios of <5, 5-, 10- and ≥20 years since quit smoking were 1.61 (95%CI: 1.36-1.92), 1.55 (95%CI: 1.27-1.90), 1.24 (95%CI: 1.02-1.51) and 1.35 (95%CI: 1.08-1.68), respectively (for trend P=0.091). The hazard ratios of quitting smoking due to disease and other reasons were 1.62 (95%CI:1.41-1.86) and 1.23 (95%CI: 1.04-1.45). Healthy smoking behaviors had a significant protective effect on heart failure compared with non-healthy smoking behaviors (HR=0.75, 95%CI:0.69-0.81). Area and family history of coronary heart disease, and the smoking behaviors interacted with the risk of heart failure (for all interactions were P<0.05). Conclusions: The incidence of heart failure in China is higher in males than females, higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and increases with age. Both former smokers and current smokers had a higher risk of heart failure than nonsmokers or occasional smokers, regardless of the frequency, amount, duration, and reason for quitting. Smoking is an important risk factor for heart failure and comprehensive anti-smoking measures should be maintained.

[Prevalence, patterns and long-term changes of multimorbidity in adults from 10 regions of China]

Objective: To describe the prevalence of multimorbidity and its secular trend, and to explore the common patterns of multimorbidity in Chinese adults. Methods: A total of 25 033 participants who attended the second resurvey of China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) were included in the study. We used data collected both at baseline (2004-2008) and at resurvey (2013-2014). A total of 13 chronic conditions were included, defined by self-reported, physical examination, and blood sample testing. Multimorbidity was defined as co-existence of two or more chronic conditions. Patterns of multimorbidity were explored using hierarchical cluster analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was (51.5±10.1) years at baseline and (59.5±10.2) years at second resurvey. The prevalence of multimorbidity increased from 33.5% to 58.1% over (8.0±0.8) years of follow-up. The average number of chronic conditions per person increased from 1.15 to 1.82 and all participants increased 0.42 conditions per 5 years on average. Participants who were older, less educated or lived in urban areas had a higher prevalence of multimorbidity and a higher increase in the number of chronic conditions. The increase in the number of chronic conditions was also higher among smokers and heavy alcohol drinkers. The most common multimorbidity pattern in the present population consisted of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Conclusions: The prevalence of multimorbidity in Chinese adults is increasing rapidly due to ageing population. Populations of different sociodemographic background and lifestyle habits may have different prevalence of multimorbidity and changes in rates over time.

[Descriptive analysis of fracture hospitalization rate in adults from 10 regions of China]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological distributions of fracture hospitalization. Methods: The present study included participants who participated in the baseline survey of China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) and excluded participants who were lost to follow up or died before 2009, leaving a total of 506 004 participants. Negative binomial regression models were used to analyze the epidemiological distribution of any fracture and fracture at five specific body sites (upperlimb, lowerlimb, spine, pelvis and hip) from 2009 to 2016 in 10 regions. Results: During a median follow-up of (7.7±1.2) years (total person-years 3 899 814), we documented 17 118 cases of fracture hospitalizations. The crude fracture hospitalization rate was 4.39/1 000 person-years. After controlling for the increasing age of the fixed cohort, the hospitalization rates of fractures at various body sites increased from 2009 to 2016, with an annual growth rate (95%CI) of 9.1% (8.3%-9.9%) for any fracture. The fracture hospitalization rate was higher in rural than in urban areas except for hip fractures (P<0.05) and the hospitalization rate of any fracture were 5.42/1 000 and 3.24/1 000 person-years in rural and urban areas, respectively. Fracture hospitalization rate increased by age. In participants aged <50 years, men had higher fracture hospitalization rates than women except for pelvis fracture, while in those aged ≥50 years, women had higher fracture hospitalization rates than men. Conclusions: Fracture hospitalization rates increased by age and also showed upward selular trends. As China has begun the aging process, fractures impose a heavier burden on society. It is of great significance to prevent osteoporosis-related and injury-related fractures in order to reduce fractures incidence.

[The correlation of dietary patterns with low muscle mass, strength and quality in adults from 10 regions of China]

Objective: To evaluate the correlation of dietary patterns with low muscle mass, strength and quality in Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the second resurvey of China Kadoorie Biobank, factor analysis was conducted to derive dietary patterns from 20 food groups. Low muscle mass, strength, and quality were defined as the sex-specific lowest quintile of appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), total skeletal muscle mass index (TSMI), handgrip strength and arm muscle quality (AMQ) according to Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia recommendations. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the correlation of dietary patterns with low muscle mass, strength, and quality. Results: Two major dietary patterns were extracted. The balanced dietary pattern was characterized by the intake of a variety of foods, whereas the rice-meat dietary pattern was characterized by high intakes of rice, meat, poultry and fish. Individuals who had the highest quintile score of the balanced dietary pattern were less likely to have low TSMI, handgrip strength or AMQ(OR=0.83, 95%CI: 0.74-0.95 for low TSMI; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.56-0.74 for low handgrip strength; OR=0.82, 95%CI: 0.72-0.93 for low AMQ; for trend P<0.05). And those who scored higher on the rice-meat dietary pattern had lower risk of low muscle mass and strength (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.55-0.82 for low ASMI; OR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.56-0.85 for low TSMI; OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.60-0.91 for low handgrip strength; for trend P<0.05). Conclusion: Individuals followed the balanced dietary pattern, as well as those who followed the rice-meat dietary pattern, had better levels of skeletal muscle mass, strength and quality.

[Self-rated health measures and their relations to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults from 10 regions of China]

Objective: To examine the association between self-rated health status (SRH) and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Methods: A total of 512 713 adults aged 30-79 years from 10 areas of China were followed from baseline (2004-2008) until 31 December 2016 in the China Kadoorie Biobank study. Global and age-comparative SRH [general self-rated health status (GSRH) and age-comparative self-rated health status (ASRH), respectively] were asked in baseline questionnaires. Causes for mortality were monitored through linkage with established Disease Surveillance Point system and health insurance records. Multivariable Cox proportional regression models were used to estimate the HRs and 95%CIs for the association between SRH measures and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. Results: During an average of 9.9 years' follow-up, 44 065 deaths were recorded, among which 17 648 were from cardiovascular disease. Compared with excellent GSRH, the HR(95%CI) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality associated with poor GSRH was 1.84(1.78-1.91) and 1.94(1.82-2.06), respectively. Relative to better ASRH, the HR(95%CI) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality associated with worse ASRH was 1.75(1.70-1.81) and 1.83(1.73-1.92), respectively. Conclusion: In this large prospective cohort study in China, participants reporting poor GSRH or worse ASRH had significantly higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Depressive symptoms in Chinese adults with risk factors for diabetes: the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) study

AIMS

To evaluate the relationship between newly diagnosed diabetes or prediabetes and depressive symptoms among individuals with risk factors for diabetes in China. We also investigated the associations of depressive symptoms with pancreatic β-cell function and insulin resistance.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data from the Shanghai High-Risk Diabetic Screen (SHiDS) project. Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 1728 participants were enrolled in this study and underwent an oral glucose tolerance test to screen for diabetes and prediabetes. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and the modified Matsuda index. Pancreatic β-cell function was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function, Stumvoll first- and second-phase indexes. Elevated depressive symptoms were determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10).

RESULTS

The prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in the total study population was 4.8% (83 of 1728). Compared with the normal glucose tolerance group, individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes were less likely to have elevated depressive symptoms even after controlling for potential confounders [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.68; P = 0.002]. However, prediabetes was not associated with depressive symptoms. The odds for elevated depressive symptoms were increased in individuals with higher levels of the Stumvoll first-phase index. No association was observed between depressive symptoms and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

Elevated depressive symptoms were less prevalent in Chinese individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes among a high-risk population for diabetes.

Trans-olecranon fracture-dislocation of the elbow in children

OBJECTIVES

Trans-olecranon fracture-dislocations are rare in children. To our knowledge, only 12 cases have been described in children till now and the treatment strategy for this injury in children remains unclear. To provide a clear clinical description and more accurate treatment options, we retrospectively reviewed cases with this kind of injury in our institution.

METHODS

From 2002 to 2019, eleven cases diagnosed with trans-olecranon fracture-dislocation of the elbow were identified, and their medical charts and radiographs were obtained. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation through a posterior approach. At the most recent follow-up visit, all patients were evaluated clinically using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 22 months (range, 6-42 months). All injuries were unilateral, and there were nine males and two females. The mean age at injury was nine years (range, 4-13 years), and the mean time from injury to surgery was 16.6 days (range, 2-60 days). According to Tiemdjo classification, there was one case with type I injury, one case with type II, six cases with type III, and three cases with type IV. According to the MEPS criteria, the outcomes were excellent in five cases, good in two cases, fair in one case, and poor in three cases. Four patients were delayed cases, who underwent surgery two weeks after injury. The average operation time was significantly longer in four children sustaining delayed surgery (140 ± 43 min, vs. 50 ± 12 min, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the largest sample size reported to date. We recommend open reduction and internal fixation, using either plates or tension-band techniques, depending on the injury pattern. In addition, we emphasize that early operation could achieve good clinical outcomes.

Simultaneously targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts and angiogenic vessel as a treatment for TNBC

Fibrotic tumor stroma plays an important role in facilitating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression and chemotherapeutic resistance. We previously reported a rationally designed protein (ProAgio) that targets integrin αvβ3 at a novel site. ProAgio induces apoptosis via the integrin. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and angiogenic endothelial cells (aECs) in TNBC tumor express high levels of integrin αvβ3. ProAgio effectively induces apoptosis in CAFs and aECs. The depletion of CAFs by ProAgio reduces intratumoral collagen and decreases growth factors released from CAFs in the tumor, resulting in decreased cancer cell proliferation and apoptotic resistance. ProAgio also eliminates leaky tumor angiogenic vessels, which consequently reduces tumor hypoxia and improves drug delivery. The depletion of CAFs and reduction in hypoxia by ProAgio decreases lysyl oxidase (LOX) secretion, which may play a role in the reduction of metastasis. ProAgio stand-alone or in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent provides survival benefit in TNBC murine models, highlighting the therapeutic potential of ProAgio as a treatment strategy.

Effect of dexmedetomidine on CD4+ T cells and programmed cell death protein-1 in postoperative analgesia: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

BACKGROUND

Surgical trauma inhibits cellular immunity. Dexmedetomidine produces opioid-sparing effect and an impact on immune response.

METHODS

Eighty-six surgical patients were enrolled and received postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) with either fentanyl alone (fentanyl group) or combined with dexmedetomidine (dexmedetomidine group). The percentages of T helper cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells, expression levels of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) on the CD4⁺ T cells, and plasma levels of the cytokines were tested. Postoperative pain was measured by numerical rating scale (NRS), including NRS at rest (NRSR) and movement (NRSM).

RESULTS

In dexmedetomidine group, Th1 cells were increased significantly at 24 and 48 h following surgery (P=0.011 and P=0.013, respectively) and Treg cells were significantly higher at 48 h postoperatively (P=0.013). PD-1 was significantly lower in dexmedetomidine group at 24 h postoperatively (P=0.046) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-6 were significantly decreased at 48 h postoperatively (P=0.024 and P=0.035, respectively). Compared with fentanyl group, NRSR scores were lower in dexmedetomidine group at 24 h following surgery (P=0.018) and NRSR and NRSM scores were lower at 48 h postoperatively (P=0.007 and P=0.011, respectively). NRSR exhibited negative correlations with Th1 cells in fentanyl group and dexmedetomidine group (P=0.003 and P=0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine increases the differentiation of Th1 and Treg cells and reduces the expression of PD-1 on CD4⁺ T cells. Dexmedetomidine may assist to ameliorate postoperative pain and attenuate proinflammatory response. There might be a negative correlation between pain and Th1 cells.

Independent relevance of left ventricular hypertrophy for risk of ischaemic heart disease in 25,000 Chinese adults

Background

The prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is strongly related with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and, hence, there has been some uncertainty about its independent relevance for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) after taking account of such risk factors.

Purpose

To examine the associations of LVH with prevalent and incident cases of IHD after adjustment for established risk factors for CVD in a population-based study of Chinese adults.

Methods

The prospective China Kadoorie Biobank cohort study was conducted in the general population of 5 urban and 5 rural areas in China, with a baseline survey in 2004–2008. A random sample of 24,786 participants had a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded at the second resurvey in 2013–2014. Electronic records of ECG tracings were used to estimate LVH using 5 different criteria (Sokolov, Cornell, Romhilt-Estes, Gubner and Mortara). IHD cases were recorded by linkage to electronic records of hospitalisation, death and disease registries. Cox regression was used to estimate the associations of LVH with prevalent (n=1325) and incident (n=900) cases of IHD after adjustment for age, sex, region, prior vascular disease, smoking, alcohol, SBP, diabetes, lipids and body mass index (BMI).

Results

The overall prevalence of LVH in the population varied depending on the criteria used for detection (Mortara [10%], Sokolov [14%], Cornell [6%], Romhilt-Estes [4%] and Gubner [1%]). The prevalence of LVH (using Sokolov) increased with age and was higher in men than women (20% vs 10%) and linearly with levels of SBP, but also by ∼10-fold between the 10 regions in China. Irrespective of which criteria were used for detection (Table), LVH was strongly associated with both prevalent and incident cases of IHD after adjustment for age, sex, region and established CVD risk factors. Any one measure of LVH was associated with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.30 (1.10, 1.53) for prevalent IHD and 1.40 (1.20, 1.64) for incident IHD, respectively.

Conclusions

Overall, 1 in 10 Chinese adults had LVH, and LVH was associated with 30% higher risk of prevalent IHD and 40% higher risk of IHD independent of established CVD risk factors.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): UK Wellcome Trust

[Regional and demographic differences on passive smoking among non-smokers aged 30-79 years in 10 regions of China]

Objective: To describe the regional and demographic differences on passive non-smokers from 10 regions involved in the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study. Methods: Detailed information regarding passive smoking behaviors related to 317 486 non-smokers who were 30-79 years old from the 10 study regions were gathered and analyzed. Results: Following the standardization of the 2010 China national population, the prevalence rate of passive smoking was 56.7%, and the prevalence rate of living with smokers was 66.5% among the Chinese adults. Both of the aforementioned rates were higher in rural than in urban areas. Meanwhile, the regional distribution of weekly passive smoking frequency and cumulative duration of passive smoking per week and cumulative duration of passive smoking per day were significantly different. The cumulative passive smoking duration per week increased along with the weekly frequency in people living in urban areas. Among women, the weekly passive smoking frequency was the highest, and the cumulative durations per week and per day appeared the lowest in Hunan, opposite to the situation in Henan. The prevalence of passive smoking among participants living with smokers was 2.27 times (95%CI: 2.24-2.29) of those who were not and the association appeared stronger in women (OR=2.61, 95%CI: 2.58-2.64) but not in men (OR=1.01, 95%CI: 0.95-1.06). Almost all the indicators seemed higher in women than those in men, except for the cumulative duration per day. Furthermore, these indicators appeared higher among those who were at younger age or with less education. The prevalence rates of passive smoking and living with smokers were lower but the cumulative duration per day was higher among those with lower household income. And the two rates were higher in married women and lower in married men, as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Regional and demographic differences in passive smoking were noticed among study population of CKB in the 10 regions.

Inflammation Unrestrained by SIRPα Induces Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Independent of IFN-γ

A hallmark of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), a severe form of cytokine storm syndrome, is the emergence of overactivated macrophages that engulf healthy host blood cells (i.e., hemophagocytosis) and contribute to the dysregulated inflammation-driven pathology. In this study, we show that depleting SIRPα (SIRPα^-/-) in mice during TLR9-driven inflammation exacerbates and accelerates the onset of fulminant sHLH, in which systemic hemophagocytosis, hypercytokinemia, consumptive cytopenias, hyperferritinemia, and other hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis hallmarks were apparent. In contrast, mice expressing SIRPα, including those deficient of the SIRPα ligand CD47 (CD47^-/-), do not phenocopy SIRPα deficiency and fail to fully develop sHLH, albeit TLR9-inflamed wild-type and CD47^-/- mice exhibited hemophagocytosis, anemia, and splenomegaly. Although IFN-γ is largely considered a driver of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis pathology, IFN-γ neutralization did not preclude the precipitation of sHLH in TLR9-inflamed SIRPα^-/- mice, whereas macrophage depletion attenuated sHLH in SIRPα^-/- mice. Mechanistic studies confirmed that SIRPα not only restrains macrophages from acquiring a hemophagocytic phenotype but also tempers their proinflammatory cytokine and ferritin secretion by negatively regulating Erk1/2 and p38 activation downstream of TLR9 signaling. In addition to TLR9 agonists, TLR2, TLR3, or TLR4 agonists, as well as TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-17A, but not IFN-γ, similarly induced sHLH in SIRPα^-/- mice but not SIRPα⁺ mice. Collectively, our study suggests that SIRPα plays a previously unappreciated role in sHLH/cytokine storm syndrome pathogenesis by preventing macrophages from becoming both hemophagocytic and hyperactivated under proinflammation.

Epidemiological Investigation of OHCWs with COVID-19

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is an important risk of infection in health care workers, including oral health care workers (OHCWs), due to the characteristics of dental practice. In this retrospective study, data pertaining to the 31 OHCWs diagnosed with COVID-19 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, were retrieved and analyzed. Questionnaires were administered to the subjects over the Internet and telephone. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics and information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were collected. There were 22 females and 9 males, with a median age of 39 y. Although the severity of most cases of COVID-19 (93.5%) was mild or moderate, 1 case was severe, and another case was critical, resulting in death. Fever was the main first symptom of COVID-19, followed by fatigue and myalgia. Most of the OHCWs routinely used PPE such as medical masks, gloves, caps, and work clothes while performing clinical work. N95 or KN95 masks were rarely available because of the scarcity of PPE during the outbreak. Nineteen OHCWs reported a contact history, among whom 7 worked in a fever clinic, 5 reported contact with dental patients suspected of having COVID-19, and 7 reported contact with family members with COVID-19–related symptoms at least 1 d earlier. Our findings indicated that there were few clusters of COVID-19 in dental settings. Since the outbreak, the Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, has provided emergency dental treatment, and none of their staff were infected while providing dental service, which indicates that comprehensive measures such as the use of advanced PPE and environmental disinfection can prevent cross-infection in dental practice. The analysis of the procedures followed during the emergency treatments indicated that OHCWs preferred to recommend conservative treatment to patients, suggesting that attention should be paid to the psychological impact of COVID-19 on dental practitioners.

Relationship between hand and wrist bone age assessment methods

Assessment of skeletal maturity is crucial for managing growth related problems. Tanner and Whitehouse (TW) hand and wrist bone age assessment is an accurate method; however, it is complex and labor-intensive. Several simplified methods derived from the TW method were proposed, and each had its own character. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between these methods for accurate usage.Between 2018 and 2019, a cross-sectional study was performed with consecutive left hand and wrist x-rays obtained from a pediatric orthopedic clinic. Bone age assessments included the distal radius and ulna (DRU) classification, Sanders staging (S), thumb ossification composite index (T), and TW method. Somers delta correlation was conducted to determine the interchangeability of these stages. The mean bone age and standard deviation (SD) of each subgrade were compared and analyzed.Totally 103 films (92 girls) were analyzed with mean age of 12.1 years (range: 8.0-17.9 years). The radius (R) stages had good correlation with S, T, and U stages with a very high Somers delta correlation (P < .05). R5 had relatively large SD (1.5) and referred to T2 and T3; R6 and R7 had the smallest SD (0.3) with reference to T4 or S2; R8 referred to T5 or S3, S4, S5; R9 referred to S6 and S7.The internal relationship between the DRU and digital stages system was well proven. We also provided a simple and accurate way to assess the bone age by combination of some subgrades with smaller SD: 10y-proximal thumb covered without sesamoid (T2); 10.5y-sesamoid just appearing (T3); 11y-distal radial physis just covered (medial double joint line, R6); 11.5y-medial capping of distal radial physis (R7); 12y-bilateral capping of distal radial physis (R8) / phalangeal capping without fusion (S3); 12.5y-distal phalangeal physes start to fuse (S4); 13y-distal phalangeal physes fused (S5); 13.5y-proximal phalangeal physes start to fuse (S6); 14.5y-proximal phalangeal physes fused (S7); 15y-distal radial physis almost fused (R10).Level of Evidence: Diagnostic study, level III.

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia of the distal femur

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia (FFCD) of the distal femur is a rare disorder that results in a varus or valgus of knee. Due to the small number of cases and unconfirmed natural history of the disease, treatment methods remain variable. This study aimed to determine a strategy to successfully manage distal femoral FFCD. Nine case of femoral FFCD treated in our department between 2008 and 2018, together with 22 cases from literature, were retrospectively reviewed. Tibiofemoral anatomical axis angle (TFA) was used to evaluate and follow the deformities. Treatment methods and outcome were analyzed. Five methods were used to manage the disease: osteotomy with tether release in 14 cases with mean TFA of 29°; simple tether release in eight cases with mean TFA of 31°; guide growth without tether release in 3 case with mean TFA of 27°; guide growth with tether release in 3 case with mean TFA of 27°; and observation in three cases with mean TFA of 23°.Deformity was resolved in all 31 patients. The analysis of the 31 cases in the literature and our experience suggests that femoral FFCD can be successfully managed by simple tether release and curettage. Osteotomy can be avoided. In case of mild deformity (TFA < 25°), it is reasonable to follow-up till 2-3 years of age; if no progress occurs, spontaneous resolution can be expected.

Genome-wide Analyses Identify a Novel Risk Locus for Nonsyndromic Cleft Palate

The 3 major subphenotypes observed in patients with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) are nonsyndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO), nonsyndromic cleft lip with palate (NSCLP), and nonsyndromic cleft palate only (NSCPO). However, the genetic architecture underlying NSCPO is largely unknown. Here we performed a 2-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) on NSCPO and replication analyses of selected variants in other NSOFCs from the Chinese Han population. We identified a novel locus (15q24.3) and a known locus (1q32.2) where variants in or near the gene reached genome-wide significance (2.80 × 10^-13 < P < 1.72 × 10^-08) in a test for association with NSCPO in a case-control design. Although a variant from 15q24.3 was found to be significantly associated with both NSCPO and NSCLP, the direction of estimated effects on risk were opposite. Our functional annotation of the risk alleles within 15q24.3 coupled with previously established roles of the candidate genes within identified risk loci in periderm development, embryonic patterning, and/or regulation of cellular processes supports their involvement in palate development and the pathogenesis of cleft palate. Our study advances the understanding of the genetic basis of NSOFCs and provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of NSCPO.

[Association between family history of diabetes and incident diabetes of adults: a prospective study]

Objective: To evaluate the association betweew family history of diabetes and incident diabetes of adults. Methods: A total of 49 266 participants in the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study from Wuzhong district of Suzhou city were included in the analysis, after the exclusion of those with heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes at baseline survey. The person-year of follow-up was calculated from the date on completion of baseline survey to the date on any firstly-occurred event, i.e., diabetes incidence, death, loss of follow-up, or December 31, 2013. Cox regression model was used to estimate the hazards ratios of the association between family history of diabetes and incident diabetes. Results: During 348 677 person-years of the follow-up (median 7.08 years), a total of 423 men and 791 women were diagnosed as having diabetes. Compared to those without diabetic family history, participants with family history of diabetes showed a higher risk of diabetes, with a HR (95%CI) of 1.90 (1.57-2.29), and the risk increased with the number of relatives suffering from diabetes (Pfor trend<0.05). The family history of maternal type, sibling type, and sibling and parental type had a statistically significant association with the risk of diabetes. The adjusted HR (95%CI) was 2.03 (1.45-2.77), 2.07 (1.56-2.68) and 2.39 (1.14-4.34), respectively. Modification effects of tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, body mass index and physical activity on the association between diabetic family history and risk of diabetes were not observed in the study (Pfor interaction >0.05). Conclusions: Diabetic family history is associated with the increased incident diabetes, and the risk increased with the number of relatives suffering from diabetes.

[Association between height loss and calcaneus bone mineral density in Chinese adults]

Objective: To examine the association between height loss and calcaneus bone mineral density (BMD) through data gathered from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB). Methods: The present study included 24 231 participants who attended the CKB resurvey during 2013-2014, in which calcaneus BMD was measured by quantitative ultrasound method for the first time. Height loss was calculated according to the differences appeared in height measurement between baseline and resurvey. We used linear regression models to estimate the association between height loss and BMD measures. Results: The mean interval between baseline and resurvey was (8.0±0.8 ) years. 33.0% of the participants showed a height loss of ≥1.0 cm, and another 3.7% were with height loss of ≥3.0 cm. After adjustment for potential confounders, there was a linear correlation seen between height loss and BMD (P for all linear trend were <0.001). The βs (95%CIs) for each 1.0 cm of height loss were -0.79 (-0.95--0.63) for broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA), -2.74 (-3.35--2.13) for speed of sound (SOS), and -1.29 (-1.54--1.04) for stiffness index (SI). Compared with participants with stable height, the multivariate-adjusted βs (95%CIs) for those with height loss of ≥3.0 cm were -3.29 (-4.08--2.50) for BUA, -10.70 (-13.66--7.73) for SOS, and -5.16 (-6.36--3.96) for SI, respectively. According to the subgroup analyses, the association of height loss with BMD measures seemed to be more apparent among females, in those aged ≥55 years, and those being less physically active. Conclusions: BMD became lower with the increase of height loss. Regular height measurement may contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of osteoporosis.

Absence of SIRPα signaling drives TLR9-induced hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-like disease independent of IFN-γ in mice

The non-physiological phenomenon whereby macrophages phagocytose healthy host cells is a hallmark of severe inflammatory disorders such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The mechanisms underlying the nascence of hemophagocytic macrophages, however, remain largely unknown. Under healthy conditions, macrophages are non-hemophagocytic and therefore do not eat healthy host cells, owing to the inhibitory myeloid receptor SIRPα. However, we previously showed that, unless inflammatory stimulation via TLR agonists or certain pro-inflammatory cytokines is also provided, the mere absence of SIRPα does not drive macrophages to become hemophagocytic. Here we show that hemophagocytic macrophages may arise under inflammatory conditions given an absence of SIRPα signaling and thereby lead to a severe inflammatory state reminiscent of HLH. SIRPα-knockout (Sirpα−/−) mice injected with the TLR9 agonist CpG rapidly developed characteristics of HLH, e.g., hemophagocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, hyperferritinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercytokinemia, with much greater severity than wild-type mice. Interestingly, IFNγ, a putative driver of HLH, was dispensable in the immunopathology of TLR9-driven HLH in Sirpα−/− mice, as IFNγ neutralization did not ameliorate any symptoms of HLH. As with CpG, other TLR agonists (Poly I:C, LPS, Zymosan) or cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, IL-17A) induced hemophagocytic macrophages that incurred severe HLH in Sirpα−/− mice. Together, these findings implicate that a pre-disposing loss of SIRPα signaling under inflammatory conditions may give rise to hemophagocytic macrophages that drive an HLH-like disease independent of IFNγ.

Parenthood and risk of hip fracture: a 10-year follow-up prospective study of middle-aged women and men in China

This prospective study of Chinese adults demonstrated an inverse J-shaped association of number of children with risk of hip fracture in both men and postmenopausal women aged 50 years or older. Women with 2 or 3 children and men with 4 children had the lowest risk of hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Women have higher absolute risks of fracture than men, which is believed to reflect differences in oestrogen exposure. The aim of this study was to compare the associations of number of children with risk of hip fracture between men and women aged over 50 years.

METHODS

The China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) recruited 133,399 women and 110,296 men, aged 50 years or older between 2004 and 2008. During 10-year follow-up, 2068 participants (1394 women and 674 men) suffered a hip fracture. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate sex-specific adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI for incident hip fracture.

RESULTS

Over 98% of both subsets of men and women aged 50 or older reported having children. Women who had 2 or 3 children had the lowest risks of hip fracture compared with other groups. Compared with nulliparous women, the adjusted HR for hip fracture were 0.89 (95% CI; 0.72, 1.10) for 1 child, 0.79 (0.70, 0.90) for 2 children, 0.79 (0.72, 0.87) for 3 children, 0.81 (0.72, 0.91) for 4 children, and 0.95 (0.83, 1.10) for those with 5 or more children. The associations of number of children with hip fracture were broadly consistent in men of a similar age.

CONCLUSIONS

The concordant effects of the number of children with risk of hip fracture between men and women suggest that the lower risks in multiparous women are not due to differences in oestrogen exposure or other biological effects, but may reflect residual confounding by socioeconomic or lifestyle factors.

Publisher Correction: Parenthood and risk of hip fracture: a 10-year follow-up prospective study of middle-aged women and men in China

The original version of this article, published on 25 November 2019, unfortunately contained a mistake.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Emerging and Future Challenges for Dental and Oral Medicine

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originating in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health challenge for not only China but also countries around the world. The World Health Organization announced that the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 26, 2020, COVID-19 has been recognized in 34 countries, with a total of 80,239 laboratory-confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. For dental practices and hospitals in areas that are (potentially) affected with COVID-19, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.