[The prevalence of insufficient physical activity and the influencing factors among Chinese adults in 2018]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged ≥18 years in China and to explore the influencing factors. Methods: The China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance was conducted in 298 counties/districts in China in 2018, covering 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities). A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select permanent residents aged ≥18 years. A questionnaire including Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to collect information about the participants' demographic characteristics and physical activity through face-to-face interview. A total of 183 769 participants completed the survey. After complex data weighting, the prevalence of insufficient physical activity, occupation, transportation, and leisure-time physical activity time was analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors related to insufficient physical activity. Results: The prevalence of insufficient physical activity among adults aged ≥18 years was 22.3% (95%CI: 20.9%-23.7%) in China in 2018, with males [24.4% (95%CI: 23.0%-25.8%)] significantly higher than females [20.2% (95%CI: 18.6%-21.8%)]. Adults aged 70 years and above [28.4% (95%CI: 26.9%-29.9%)] were significantly higher than adults in other age groups, followed by adults aged 18-29 years [26.4% (95%CI: 24.4%- 28.3%)] and 30-39 years [23.4% (95%CI: 21.5%-25.3%)], and tended to increase with increasing education and total sedentary behavior time (P<0.001). The weekly occupation, transportation, and leisure-time physical activity time appeared 958.6 (95%CI: 911.4-1 005.8) minutes, 234.5 (95%CI: 224.7- 244.2) minutes, and 88.6 (95%CI: 83.5-93.7) minutes, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that males, adults living in rural areas or northern China, ≥70 years, with junior high school education, an annual household income per capita <6 000 yuan and institutional/clerical/ technical occupation and longer total sedentary behavior time were related to a higher prevalence of insufficient physical activity. Conclusions: In China, over one-fifth of the adults had lower physical activity levels. Adults who are male, young adults, more educated, institutional/clerical/technical occupation, and with more extended total sedentary behavior are the populations that need to be focused on to promote physical activity-related health.

[Spatial-epidemiological analysis of population aging in counties in Jiangsu Province, 1990-2020]

Objective: To analyze the space-time evolution trend of population aging at the county level in Jiangsu Province from 1990 to 2020. Methods: Taking each county of Jiangsu Province as the research object, we selected data from the fourth to the seventh national population censuses. We used the aging coefficient and age concentration rate as static and dynamic indicators to measure the degree of population aging, respectively. We also used spatial correlation analysis to study the spatial and temporal patterns and evolution characteristics of aging in counties in Jiangsu Province. Results: The degree of aging in each county of Jiangsu Province has been deepening, and the degree of aging gradually evolves from high in southern Jiangsu and low in northern Jiangsu to high in central Jiangsu and low in southern and northern Jiangsu and shows obvious spatial aggregation. From 1990 to 2020, the population aging in Jiangsu Province has accelerated, among which the aging from 2010-2020 is the fastest. The aging progress appeares the fastest in 2010-2020. Conclusion: From 1990 to 2020, population aging in Jiangsu Province has been deepening, with the fastest progress in the last decade and an obvious spatial aggregation.

Uncover rock-climbing fish's secret of balancing tight adhesion and fast sliding for bioinspired robots

The underlying principle of the unique dynamic adaptive adhesion capability of a rock-climbing fish (Beaufortia kweichowensis) that can resist a pull-off force of 1000 times its weight while achieving simultaneous fast sliding (7.83 body lengths per second (BL/S)) remains a mystery in the literature. This adhesion-sliding ability has long been sought for underwater robots. However, strong surface adhesion and fast sliding appear to contradict each other due to the need for high surface contact stress. The skillfully balanced mechanism of the tight surface adhesion and fast sliding of the rock-climbing fish is disclosed in this work. The Stefan force (0.1 mN/mm2) generated by micro-setae on pectoral fins and ventral fins leads to a 70 N/m2 adhesion force by conforming the overall body of the fish to a surface to form a sealing chamber. The pull-off force is neutralized simultaneously due to the negative pressure caused by the volumetric change of the chamber. The rock-climbing fish's micro-setae hydrodynamic interaction and sealing suction cup work cohesively to contribute to low friction and high pull-off-force resistance and can therefore slide rapidly while clinging to the surface. Inspired by this unique mechanism, an underwater robot is developed with incorporated structures that mimic the functionality of the rock-climbing fish via a micro-setae array attached to a soft self-adaptive chamber, a setup which demonstrates superiority over conventional structures in terms of balancing tight underwater adhesion and fast sliding.

[Immunogenicity and safety of revaccination of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in people aged 60 years and above]

Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of revaccination of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) in elderly people aged ≥60 years. Methods: The elderly aged ≥60 years with 1 dose of PPV23 vaccination were selected as revaccination group and those without history of pneumococcal vaccine immunization were selected as the first vaccination group. One dose of PPV23 was administered to both groups, and the first blood samples were collected before vaccination while the second blood samples were collected on day 28-40 after vaccination. ELISA was used to detect the concentrations of anti-specific serotype Streptococcus pneumoniae podocyte polysaccharide immunoglobulin G, and the safety of the vaccination was evaluated after 30 days. Results: The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of antibody to 23 serotypes before the vaccination (0.73-13.73 μg/ml) was higher in revaccination group than in the first vaccination group (0.39-7.53 μg/ml), the GMC after the vaccination (1.42-31.65 μg/ml) was higher than that before the vaccination (0.73-13.73 μg/ml) in the revaccination group, and the GMC after the vaccination (1.62-43.76 μg/ml) was higher than that before the vaccination (0.39-7.53 μg/ml) in the first vaccination group; the geometric mean growth multiple in revaccination group (2.16-3.60) was lower than that in the first vaccination group (3.86-16.13); The mean 2-fold antibody growth rate was lower in revaccination group (53.68%, 95%CI: 52.30%-55.06%) than in the first vaccination group (93.16%, 95%CI: 92.18%- 94.15%), all differences were significant (P<0.001). After the vaccination, 13 serotypes of GMC were higher in the first vaccination group than in revaccination group (P<0.001), the differences were not significant for 10 serotypes of GMC (P>0.05). The incidence of local adverse reaction was 19.20% and 13.27% in revaccination group and the first vaccination group, respectively (P=0.174). Conclusions: The antibody level in ≥60 years people who received one dose of PPV23 after a 5-year interval was still higher than that in unvaccinated people. The antibody level decreased after 5 years of the first vaccination, and the antibody level could be rapidly increased by one more dose vaccination, but the overall immune response was lower than that of the first vaccination; revaccination with PPV23 has a good safety.

[Cardiovascular health status of Chinese adults based on "Life's Essential 8" score]

Objective: To assess the cardiovascular health status of adults in China by using the "Life's Essential 8" score, and provide reference for the development and improvement of cardiovascular disease prevention and control policies and measures. Methods: Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance was conducted in 298 counties/districts in 2015 in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) across China, multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select 45 households in each village or neighborhood, and 20 households were further selected to conduct dietary surveys. In this study, a total of 70 093 adults aged ≥20 years who completed the dietary survey and had complete information were included, their cardiovascular health status were assessed by using the "Life's Essential 8" score, a cardiovascular health scoring standard released by the American Heart Association in 2022. All results were adjusted using complex design-based sampling weights to achieve a better estimate of the population. Results: In 2015, the overall cardiovascular health score of Chinese adults aged ≥20 years was 73.3±12.6, the score was significantly higher in women (77.9±11.6) than in men (68.7±11.8), and higher in urban area (74.5±12.8) than in rural area (71.9±12.2), the differences were significant (P<0.001). It was estimated that about 0.25% (95%CI: 0.16%-0.33%) of adults in China had cardiovascular health score of 100, and 33.0% (95%CI: 31.6%-34.3%), 63.2% (95%CI: 62.1%-64.3%), and 3.9% (95%CI: 3.5%-4.2%) of adults had high, moderate and low cardiovascular health scores, respectively. The proportion of those with high cardiovascular health scores was relatively low in men, those with low education level, those with low income, those living in rural areas, and those living in southwest China (P<0.001). Of the eight factors, diet had the lowest mean score (46.0, 95%CI: 44.7-47.3), followed by blood pressure (59.4, 95%CI: 58.2-60.6) and tobacco exposure (61.4, 95%CI: 60.6-62.2). Conclusions: The cardiovascular health status of two-thirds of adult population in China needs to be improved. Diet, tobacco exposure, and blood pressure are the factors affecting the cardiovascular health of Chinese population, to which close attention needs to be paid, and men, rural residents, and those with lower socioeconomic status are key groups in cardiovascular health promotion.

[Analysis on trend of health examination rate and influencing factors in adults in China, 2010-2018]

Objective: To understand the health examination rate and its changing trend in adults in China from 2010 to 2018, identify the main factors affecting the health examination rate and provide data support for decision making of health intervention. Methods: Data from China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance in 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2018 were used. After complex weighting of the data, the rates of health examination, its changing trends and reasons for receiving health examination in adults were analyzed. Average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to describe the changing trend. Anderson model was used as the analysis framework. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for the health examination rate. Results: From 2010 to 2018, the health examination rate in adults increased from 28.2% (95%CI: 24.8%-31.6%) to 41.0% (95%CI: 38.9%-43.1%, P for trend <0.001), the AAPC was 5.47%, the annual average increase was more obvious in those with lower education level and lower income level and in those living in rural area and in western China. In 2018, people received health examination mainly due to providing without charge by community (36.7%) and working unit (28.5%). The results of multivariate analysis showed that being women, age ≥45 years, education level of junior high school or above, living in urban areas, medical insurance, annual income ≥24 000 RMB, suffering from multiple chronic diseases, non-smoking, drinking, adequate physical activity were positive factors for receiving health examination. Conclusion: The rate of health examination in adults increased in China during 2010-2018, and the main reason for receiving health examination is free of charge.

[HbA1c comparison and diagnostic efficacy analysis of multi center different glycosylated hemoglobin detection systems]

Objective: Compare and analyze the results of the domestic Lanyi AH600 glycated hemoglobin analyzer and other different detection systems to understand the comparability of the detection results of different detectors, and establish the best cut point of Lanyi AH600 determination of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in the diagnosis of diabetes. Methods: Multi center cohort study was adopted. The clinical laboratory departments of 18 medical institutions independently collected test samples from their respective hospitals from March to April 2022, and independently completed comparative analysis of the evaluated instrument (Lanyi AH600) and the reference instrument HbA1c. The reference instruments include four different brands of glycosylated hemoglobin meters, including Arkray, Bio-Rad, DOSOH, and Huizhong. Scatter plot was used to calculate the correlation between the results of different detection systems, and the regression equation was calculated. The consistency analysis between the results of different detection systems was evaluated by Bland Altman method. Consistency judgment principles: (1) When the 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA) of the measurement difference was within 0.4% HbA1c and the measurement score was≥80 points, the comparison consistency was good; (2) When the measurement difference of 95% LoA exceeded 0.4% HbA1c, and the measurement score was≥80 points, the comparison consistency was relatively good; (3) The measurement score was less than 80 points, the comparison consistency was poor. The difference between the results of different detection systems was tested by paired sample T test or Wilcoxon paired sign rank sum test; The best cut-off point of diabetes was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The correlation coefficient R² of results between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument in 16 hospitals is≥0.99; The Bland Altman consistency analysis showed that the difference of 95% LoA in Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in Jiangsu Province (reference instrument: Arkray HA8180) was -0.486%-0.325%, and the measurement score was 94.6 points (473/500); The difference of 95% LoA in the Tibetan Traditional Medical Hospital of TAR (reference instrument: Bio-Rad Variant II) was -0.727%-0.612%, and the measurement score was 89.8 points; The difference of 95% LoA in the People's Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT) was -0.231%-0.461%, and the measurement score was 96.6 points; The difference of 95% LoA in the Taihe Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT) was -0.469%-0.479%, and the measurement score was 91.9 points. The other 14 hospitals, Lanyi AH600, were compared with 4 reference instrument brands, the difference of 95% LoA was less than 0.4% HbA1c, and the scores were all greater than 95 points. The results of paired sample T test or Wilcoxon paired sign rank sum test showed that there was no statistically significant difference between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument Arkray HA8180 (Z=1.665,P=0.096), with no statistical difference. The mean difference between the measured values of the two instruments was 0.004%. The comparison data of Lanyi AH600 and the reference instrument of all other institutions had significant differences (all P<0.001), however, it was necessary to consider whether it was within the clinical acceptable range in combination with the results of the Bland-Altman consistency analysis. The ROC curve of HbA1c detected by Lanyi AH600 in 985 patients with diabetes and 3 423 patients with non-diabetes was analyzed, the area under curve (AUC) was 0.877, the standard error was 0.007, and the 95% confidence interval 95%CI was (0.864, 0.891), which was statistically significant (P<0.001). The maximum value of Youden index was 0.634, and the corresponding HbA1c cut point was 6.235%. The sensitivity and specificity of diabetes diagnosis were 76.2% and 87.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Among the hospitals and instruments currently included in this study, among these four hospitals included Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in Jiangsu Province (reference instrument: Arkray HA8180), Tibetan Traditional Medical Hospital of TAR (reference instrument: Bio-Rad Variant Ⅱ), the People's Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT), and the Taihe Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine in Anhui Province (reference instrument: Huizhong MQ-2000PT), the comparison between Lanyi AH600 and the reference instruments showed relatively good consistency, while the other 14 hospitals involved four different brands of reference instruments: Arkray, Bio-Rad, DOSOH, and Huizhong, Lanyi AH600 had good consistency with its comparison. The best cut point of the domestic Lanyi AH600 for detecting HbA1c in the diagnosis of diabetes is 6.235%.

[Effect of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the clinical outcomes of patients infected with the Omicron variant in Guangdong Province]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the clinical outcomes of patients infected with the Omicron variant. Methods: A total of 1 403 Omicron-infected patients admitted to 20 designated hospitals in Guangdong Province from January 1 to May 31, 2022, were selected as subjects in this study. A case-control study was conducted to collect the demographic data, underlying disease, vaccination status, last exposure date, gene sequencing of infected strains and clinical outcomes from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and Guangdong telemedicine platform. Pneumonia (common, severe and critical) and non-pneumonia (asymptomatic and mild) were selected as the case group and control group. The effect of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the clinical outcomes of patients infected with the Omicron variant was analyzed. Results: The median age [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of the subjects was 36 (27-47) years old, with males accounting for 52.25% (733 cases). The main outcome of the infection was non-pneumonia, accounting for 92.09% (1 292 cases), and the duration [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of the disease was 18 (14-22) days. There were 134 (9.55%), 39 (2.78%), 403 (28.72%), 437 (31.15%) and 390 (27.80%) cases with no or partial vaccination, within 90 days of primary vaccination, over 90 days of primary vaccination, within 90 days of booster vaccination and over 90 days of booster vaccination, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for gender, age, underlying disease, and location of the report, compared with those with no or partial vaccination, the risk of developing pneumonia was lower in those with over 90 days of primary vaccination, within 90 days of booster vaccination and over 90 days of booster vaccination [OR (95%CI) values were 0.52 (0.28-0.98), 0.39 (0.21-0.73) and 0.40 (0.21-0.77), respectively]. Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis showed that after adjusting for gender, age, underlying disease and location of the report, the duration of the disease was shorter in those who received booster vaccinated for more than 90 days compared with that in those who had no or partial vaccination [HR (95%CI): 1.26 (1.03-1.55)]. Conclusion: The inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine affects the clinical outcomes of patients infected with the Omicron variant.

[Visualization analysis of research hotspots in pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in China]

The aim of this study is to analyze the research hotspots and development trends in the field of pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in China from 2013 to 2022. Based on China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China Science and Technology Journal Database, China Biology Medicine disc, Web of Science core collection and PubMed database, the related literatures in the field of pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in China from 2013 to 2022, were retrieved to establish the database, and the VOSviewer software was used for bibliometric analysis. A total of 1 664 Chinese and 2 149 English literatures are included in this study. The scientific research results from 2013 to 2022 have shown an overall increasing trend. The research hotspots in the field of pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in China are mainly concentrated in Podocytes, Oxidative stress, Inflammation, Renal fibrosis, Urine protein, etc. The frontier hotspots in this field include Biomarkers, Nrf2, Gut microbiota, NLRP3 inflammasome, Apoptosis, MicroRNA, etc. Through visual analysis, the research hotspots and frontier trends of the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy in China can be visually presented, and then provide new ideas and directions for the further in-depth research on the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

MiRNA-470-5p suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition of embryonic palatal shelf epithelial cells by targeting Fgfr1 during palatogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as crucial modulators of gene expression and to play a role in palatogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the potential role and regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs during palatogenesis. RNA-sequencing was performed to compare the RNA expression profiles of mouse embryonic palatal shelf (MEPS) tissue between an all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced group and control group, followed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction for validation, demonstrating upregulated expression of miRNA-470-5p and downregulated expression of Fgfr1 in the ATRA-induced group. The specific binding sites of miRNA-470-5p that potentially govern Fgfr1 expression were predicted by miRanda and TargetScan. The relationship between miRNA-470-5p and Fgfr1 was validated in HEK293T cells by luciferase reporter assays, confirming that miR-470-5p acts directly on the Fgfr1 3'-untranslated region. Fgfr1 mRNA and FGFR1 protein levels were markedly downregulated in MEPS epithelial cells over-expressing miRNA-470-5p. Functional experiments in vitro with CCK-8, cell colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assays revealed that upregulated miRNA-470-5p expression could inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of MEPS epithelial cells by targeting Fgfr1. These findings provide a new molecular mechanism of cleft palate formation, which can inform the development of new treatment and/or prevention targets.

Analysis of risk factors for infection after percutaneous biliary stenting in patients with cholangiocarcinoma and its impact on prognosis

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) may invade the bile duct, causing malignant biliary obstruction, which is mainly treated by percutaneous biliary stenting. Biliary tract infection after stenting is a severe and common complication in the early postoperative period. In this study, we investigated the risk factors predisposing to infection after percutaneous biliary stenting in patients with CCA and its effect on prognosis. Our findings might reference early clinical prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods

We analyzed retrospective data regarding 337 patients who developed CCA and underwent percutaneous biliary stenting from December 2016 to December 2021. We collected the patients' general characteristics and clinical data utilizing a questionnaire regarding general information designed by the investigator. We performed the t-test and chi-square test to investigate the association between the clinical characteristics and postoperative infection and binary logistic regression to analyze the independent risk factors for patients developing postoperative infections. We used the Cox risk regression to determine each factor's effect on patients' survival status.

Results

Seventy-three cases of postoperative infection occurred in total, with an estimated infection rate of 21.7 %. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age [odds ratio (OR) =1.041, p =0.031], presence of combined gallstones (OR =2.200, p =0.030), stent type (OR =2.607, p =0.003), administration of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics (OR =0.473, p =0.042), presence of intraoperative complications of biliary bleeding (OR =2.452, p =0.017), presence of postoperative biliary pneumoperitoneum (OR =2.355, p =0.013), duration of surgery (OR =1.026, p =0.008), preoperative serum albumin (Alb) (OR =0.946, p =0.005), and preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) (OR =0.964, p =0.014) were the independent factors influencing postoperative infection development. The Cox risk regression analysis showed that infection occurrence was an independent factor influencing patients' survival time (OR =1.041, p =0.031).

Conclusion

Biliary tract infection is the most common complication after biliary interventions, and severe infection may even lead to death. Clinical studies should analyze and evaluate patients' clinical characteristics, perioperative indicators, and relevant serological indicators, identify relevant risk factors, and administer prompt treatment to reduce the chance of infection and improve patients' prognosis. HIPPOKRATIA 2023, 27 (2):89-98.

Application of lung ultrasound in monitoring bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary arterial pressure in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the application value of lung ultrasound in monitoring bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary artery pressure in premature infants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 98 preterm infants diagnosed with BPD in the Fourth Hospital in Shijiazhuang were recruited, and their disease severity was classified as mild (n=32), moderate (n=33), or severe BPD (n=33) based on gestational age and oxygen concentration. Lung ultrasonography of the children was performed. The correlation between lung ventilation scores and disease severity was statistically analyzed, and the discrete optimization results were documented. The pulmonary hypertension indexes of the three groups of children were compared.

RESULTS

Aberrant alterations of the pleural line were observed in all included children, and the B-line rose as the disease progressed. The duration of invasive ventilation, medication, and hospital stay increased with disease exacerbation (p<0.05). The three groups significantly differed in terms of ultrasound pulmonary ventilation scores and clinical severity (p<0.05). Only mild BDP was identified by lung ultrasound on the first day of birth (T1), and severe BDP was detectable during the first and second week (T2-T3) as well as the third and fourth week (T4-T5). Severe BPD was associated with significantly higher levels of pulmonary hypertension indices vs. mild and moderate BPD (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary ultrasonography demonstrates great potential to predict pulmonary hypertension in children and assesses the disease severity. Pulmonary ultrasound allows for dynamical real-time observation of the pulmonary lesions in children with pulmonary hypertension, thereby revealing the severity of pulmonary hypertension in premature children.

Severe Thrombocytopenia with Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Case Report and Literature Review

Common causes of thrombocytopenia include pseudo-thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, decreased bone marrow production, and increased platelet destruction or depletion. The main clinical manifestation is bleeding, and thrombosis-related complications are rare. This article reports an 87-year-old woman with severe thrombocytopenia for more than 7 years. On day 6 in the hospital, the patient suddenly fell into a coma, and emergency head computed tomography (CT) displayed acute cerebral infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere, brainstem, and left thalamus. Although thrombocytopenia is often associated with bleeding, there is still a need for vigilance against ischemic diseases. We analyzed the possible causes of acute cerebral infarction with thrombocytopenia and reviewed the literature. Our case is different from the causes of cerebral infarction reported in previous articles, so the relationship between thrombocytopenia and acute cerebral infarction needs further study. The patient, in this case, was not given anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy but recovered well. It shows that individualized treatment is effective.

[Analysis and prediction of thyroid cancer morbidity and mortality trends in China]

Objective: To analyze the morbidity and mortality trends of thyroid cancer in China from 1990 to 2019, explore the causes of the trends, and predict morbidity and mortality in the future. Methods: The morbidity and mortality data of thyroid cancer in China from 1990 to 2019 were collected from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease database. The Joinpoint regression model was used to describe the change trends. Based on the morbidity and mortality data from 2012 to 2019, a grey model GM (1,1) was constructed to predict the trends in the next ten years. The model was tested by the posterior error method and residual test method. Results: In all populations, men and women, the AAPC values of the crude morbidity rates were 4.15% (95%CI: 3.86%-4.44%, P<0.001), 5.98% (95%CI: 5.65%-6.31%, P<0.001) and 3.23% (95%CI: 2.94%-3.53%, P<0.001) respectively, the AAPC values of age-standardized morbidity rates were 2.47% (95%CI: 2.12%-2.83%, P<0.001), 3.98% (95%CI: 3.68%-4.29%, P<0.001), 1.65% (95%CI: 1.38%-1.93%, P<0.001), the AAPC values of crude mortality rates were 2.09% (95%CI: 1.92%-2.25%, P<0.001), 3.68% (95%CI: 3.45%-3.90%, P<0.001), 0.60% (95%CI: 0.50%-0.71%, P<0.001). The age-standardized mortality rates in men showed a fluctuating trend of first decrease (1990-1994), then increase (1994-2012), and then decrease (2012-2019) (AAPC=1.35%, 95%CI: 1.16%-1.53%, P<0.001). The age-standardized mortality rate in women continuously decreased (AAPC=-1.70%, 95%CI: -1.82%- -1.58%, P<0.001). The GM (1,1) models can be used for medium and long-term predictions. The results of the residual test show that the average relative error values of all models are less than 10.00%, the prediction accuracy values are more than 80.00%, and the prediction effects are good. The results of the posterior error method show that all the prediction results are good except the qualified prediction of the age-standardized morbidity rate in men. In 2029, the crude morbidity rates would increase to 3.57/100 000, 2.78/100 000, and 4.40/100 000, respectively, and the age-standardized incidence rates would increase to 2.38/100 000, 1.89/100 000, and 2.88/100 000, respectively, the crude mortality rates would increase to 0.57/100 000, 0.62/100 000 and 0.53/100 000, and the age-standardized mortality rates would decrease to 0.33/100 000, 0.42/100 000 and 0.27/100 000 in all population, men and women in China. Conclusions: The overall, gender- specific age-standardized mortality rates showed downward trends in the last decade or so, and the prediction results showed that it might further decline. However, the crude morbidity rates, age-standardized and crude mortality rates have been on the rise, and the population aging is becoming increasingly serious in China, which requires close attention and targeted prevention and control measures.

[Analysis of the impact of health management measures for entry personnel on imported Dengue fever in Guangdong Province, 2020-2022]

Objective: To explore the impact of health management measures for entry personnel (entry management measures) against COVID-19 on the epidemiological characteristics of imported Dengue fever in Guangdong Province from 2020 to 2022. Methods: Data of imported Dengue fever from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2022, mosquito density surveillance from 2016 to 2021, and international airline passengers and Dengue fever annual reported cases from 2011 to 2021 in Guangdong were collected. Comparative analysis was conducted to explore changes in the epidemic characteristics of imported Dengue fever before the implementation of entry management measures (from January 1, 2016 to March 20, 2020) and after the implementation (from March 21, 2020 to August 31, 2022). Results: From March 21, 2020, to August 31, 2022, a total of 52 cases of imported Dengue fever cases were reported, with an imported risk intensity of 0.12, which were lower than those before implementation of entry management measures (1 828, 5.29). No significant differences were found in the characteristics of imported cases before and after implementation of entry management measures, including seasonality, sex, age, career, and imported countries (all P>0.05). 59.62% (31/52) of cases were found at the centralized isolation sites and 38.46% (20/52) at the entry ports. However, before implementation of entry management measures, 95.08% (1 738/1 828) of cases were found in hospitals. Among 51 cases who had provided entry dates, 82.35% (42/51) and 98.04% (50/51) of cases were found within seven days and fourteen days after entry, slightly higher than before implementation [(72.69%(362/498) and 97.59% (486/498)]. There was significant difference between the monthly mean values of Aedes mosquito larval density (Bretto index) from 2020 to 2021 and those from 2016 to 2019 (Z=2.83, P=0.005). There is a strong positive correlation between the annual international airline passengers volume in Guangdong from 2011 to 2021 and the annual imported Dengue fever cases (r=0.94, P<0.001), and a positive correlation also existed between the international passenger volume and the annual indigenous Dengue fever cases (r=0.72, P=0.013). Conclusions: In Guangdong, the entry management measures of centralized isolation for fourteen days after entry from abroad had been implemented, and most imported Dengue fever cases were found within fourteen days after entry. The risk of local transmission caused by imported cases has reduced significantly.

Himi-Lengthening Genioplasty: A Modified Technique for the Correction of Mandibular Asymmetry

Mandibular asymmetry is among the most common facial anomalies. Traditionally, mandibular asymmetry with malocclusion has been treated with orthognathic surgery and genioplasty. However, routine genioplasty cannot achieve a satisfactory contour. Hence, this study presents a modified technique, himi-lengthening genioplasty, to resolve this matter. By combining this technique with orthognathic surgery, the authors successfully corrected mandibular asymmetry in 1-stage surgery, achieved ideal occlusion, and reconstructed the esthetic contour. No complications occurred during the 6-month follow-up period. Therefore, the authors recommend our modified surgical technique for its effectiveness, security, stability, and simplicity.

BASP1 expression is associated with poor prognosis and is correlated with immune infiltration in gastric cancer

Basp1 is a membrane-bound protein that plays a promotional or inhibitory role in a variety of tumors; however, its role in gastric cancer (GC) and in the immune microenvironment has not been reported. The objectives of this study were to determine whether BASP1 is a valuable prognostic marker for GC and to explore its role in the immune microenvironment of GC. The expression level of BASP1 in GC was analyzed based on the TCGA dataset and further verified using GSE54129 and GSE161533 datasets, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. The association between BASP1 and clinicopathological characteristics, as well as its predictive value, were examined using the STAD dataset. COX regression analysis was performed to determine whether BASP1 can be used as an independent prognostic indicator for GC, and a nomogram was constructed to predict OS. The association between BASP1 and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and immune cell markers was confirmed by enrichment analysis as well as analysis based on the TIMER and GEPIA databases. BASP1 was observed to be highly expressed in GC and was associated with a poor prognosis. The expression of BASP1 was positively correlated with the expression of immune checkpoints and immune cell markers as well as immune cell infiltration. Thus, BASP1 may serve as a standalone prognostic indicator for GC. BASP1 is highly correlated with immune processes, and its expression is positively correlated with the degree of immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoints, and immune cell markers.

Intra-pulse difference frequency generation in ZnGeP2 for high-frequency terahertz radiation generation

The highly-nonlinear chalcopyrite crystal family has experienced remarkable success as source crystals in the mid-infrared spectral range, such that these crystals are primary candidates for producing high terahertz frequency (i.e., [Formula: see text] 10 THz) electric fields. A phase-resolved terahertz electric field pulse is produced via intra-pulse difference frequency generation in a chalcopyrite (110) ZnGeP₂ crystal, with phase-matching being satisfied by the excitation electric field pulse having polarizations along both the ordinary and extraordinary crystal axes. While maximum spectral power is observed at the frequency of 24.5 THz (in agreement with intra-pulse phase-matching calculations), generation nonetheless occurs across the wide spectral range of 23-30 THz. To our knowledge, this is the first time a chalcopyrite ZnGeP₂ crystal has been used for the generation of phase-resolved high-frequency terahertz electric fields.

Mass Measurement of Upper fp-Shell N=Z-2 and N=Z-1 Nuclei and the Importance of Three-Nucleon Force along the N=Z Line

Using a novel method of isochronous mass spectrometry, the masses of ^{62}Ge, ^{64}As, ^{66}Se, and ^{70}Kr are measured for the first time, and the masses of ^{58}Zn, ^{61}Ga, ^{63}Ge, ^{65}As, ^{67}Se, ^{71}Kr, and ^{75}Sr are redetermined with improved accuracy. The new masses allow us to derive residual proton-neutron interactions (δV_{pn}) in the N=Z nuclei, which are found to decrease (increase) with increasing mass A for even-even (odd-odd) nuclei beyond Z=28. This bifurcation of δV_{pn} cannot be reproduced by the available mass models, nor is it consistent with expectations of a pseudo-SU(4) symmetry restoration in the fp shell. We performed ab initio calculations with a chiral three-nucleon force (3NF) included, which indicate the enhancement of the T=1 pn pairing over the T=0 pn pairing in this mass region, leading to the opposite evolving trends of δV_{pn} in even-even and odd-odd nuclei.

[Association between gestational diabetes mellitus and preterm birth subtypes]

Objective: To investigate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preterm birth subtypes. Methods: Based on the cohort of pregnant women in Anqing Prefectural Hospital, the pregnant women who received prenatal screening in the first or second trimesters were recruited into baseline cohorts; and followed up for them was conducted until delivery, and the information about their pregnancy status and outcomes were obtained through electronic medical record system and questionnaire surveys. The log-binomial regression model was used to explore the association between GDM and preterm birth [iatrogenic preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth (preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor)]. For multiple confounding factors, the propensity score correction model was used to compute the adjusted association. Results: Among the 2 031 pregnant women with a singleton delivery, the incidence of GDM and preterm birth were 10.0% (204 cases) and 4.4% (90 cases) respectively. The proportions of iatrogenic preterm birth and spontaneous preterm birth in the GDM group (n=204) were 1.5% and 5.9% respectively, while the proportions in non-GDM group (n=1 827) were 0.9% and 3.2% respectively, and the difference in the proportion of spontaneous preterm birth between the two groups was significant (P=0.048). Subtypes of spontaneous preterm were further analyzed, and the results showed that the proportions of preterm premature rupture of membranes and preterm labor in the GDM group were 4.9% and 1.0% respectively, while the proportions in the non-GDM group were 2.1% and 1.1% respectively. It showed that the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes in GDM pregnant women was 2.34 times (aRR=2.34, 95%CI: 1.16-4.69) higher than that in non-GDM pregnant women. Conclusions: Our results showed that GDM might increase the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes. No significant increase in the proportion of preterm labor in pregnant women with GDM was found.

A prognostic model based on the Augmin family genes for LGG patients

Gliomas are the most prevalent primary tumors in the central nervous system. Despite some breakthroughs in the treatment of glioma in recent years, survival rates remain low. Although genes of the Augmin family play a key role in microtubule nucleation, the role they play in gliomas is unclear. Transcriptome data were extracted from UCSC XENA and GTEx for low-grade glioma (LGG) and normal tissues, respectively. The protein interaction network associated with Augmin family genes was established using STRING and GeneMANIA databases. Enrichment analysis of gene-related functions and pathways was used to explore potential biological pathways and TIMER to assess immune cell infiltration. Regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to look at the clinical characteristics of the Augmin family genes and the association with the prognosis of patients with glioma. The results showed that the mRNA expression of Augmin family genes was significantly elevated in LGG tissues, except for HAUS7. Immunoregulation, cell cycle, apoptosis and other signaling pathways may be involved in the development and progression of LGG. Except for HAUS4 and HAUS7, the expression of all genes was positively correlated with immune cell infiltration. High expression of HAUS1, HAUS3, HAUS5, HAUS7, HAUS8 and low expression of HAUS4, HAUS6 in LGG was associated with poor prognosis. The risk models constructed based on the pivotal genes HAUS2, HAUS4 and HAUS8 were validated by nomogram and confirmed to be clinically useful for predicting the prognosis of LGG.

LncRNA-NONMMUT100923.1 regulates mouse embryonic palatal shelf adhesion by sponging miR-200a-3p to modulate medial epithelial cell desmosome junction during palatogenesis

Cleft palate (CP) is a common neonatal craniofacial defect caused by the adhesion and fusion dysfunction of bilateral embryonic palatal shelf structures. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in CP formation with regulatory mechanism unknown. In this study, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was used to induced cleft palate in embryonic mice as model group. The RNA-sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed genes between the normal and model group on embryonic day 16.5, and the expression of LncRNA-NONMMUT100923.1 and miR-200a-3p, Cdsn was confirmed by RT-PCR and western blotting. Colony formation, CCK-8 and EDU assays were performed to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis on mouse embryonic palatal shelf (MEPS) epithelial cells in vitro. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and dual luciferase activity assays was used to investigate the regulatory effect of LncRNA-NONMMUT100923.1 on miRNA and its target genes. Up-regulation of LncRNA-NONMMUT100923.1 and Cdsn while downregulation of miR-200a-3p was found in the model group. The sponging effects of LncRNA-NONMMUT100923 on miR-200a-3p and the target gene relations between Cdsn and miR-200a-3p was confirmed. Low expression of miR-200a-3p was related to the increased expressed levels of Cdsn and the proliferation of MEPS epithelial cells. Thus, a potential ceRNA regulatory network in which LncRNA-NONMMUT100923.1 regulates Cdsn expression by competitively binding to endogenous miR-200a-3p during palatogenesis, which may inhibit MEPS adhesion by preventing the disintegration of the desmosome junction in medial edge epithelium cells. These findings indicate the regulatory role of lncRNA and provides a potential direction for target gene therapy of CP.

Improving the solubility of pseudo-hydrophobic Alzheimer's Disease medicinal chemicals through co-crystal formulation

Natural products are ligands and potential inhibitors of Alzheimer's disease (AD) tau. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a CNS active natural product. Despite having signature polyphenolic character, DHM is ostensibly hydrophobic owing to intermolecular hydrogen bonds that shield hydrophilic phenols. Our research shows DHM becomes ionized at near-neutral pH allowing formulation of salts with transformed solubility. The MicroED co-crystal structure with trolamine reveals DHM salts as metastable solids with unlocked hydrogen bonding and a thermodynamic bent to solubilize in water. All salt formulations show better inhibitory activity against AD tau than the non-salt form, with efficacies correlating to enhanced solubilities. These results underscore the role of structural chemistry in guiding selection of solubilizing agents for chemical formulation. We propose DHM salts are appropriate formulations for research as dietary supplements to promote healthy aging by combating protein misfolding. Additionally, DHM is a suitable lead for medicinal chemistry and possible development of CNS pharmaceuticals.