Exploring Putative Causal Associations between Diet and Periodontal Disease Susceptibility

INTRODUCTION

Dietary factors may play an important role in periodontal health. However, current evidence from observational studies remains inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the causal relationships between dietary exposures and periodontal disease risks using Mendelian randomization analysis.

METHODS

Large-scale genome-wide association study summary statistics for 20 dietary factors were obtained from the MRC-IEU consortium. Multivariable and univariable 2-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were performed to assess the causal effects of each dietary exposure on 6 periodontal outcomes, including gingivitis and periodontitis.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted higher dried fruit intake was significantly associated with reduced risks of acute gingivitis (odds ratio [OR]: 0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00-0.42; P = 0.01) and bleeding gums (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93-0.99; P = 0.01). Higher fresh fruit and water intake showed protective effects against chronic gingivitis (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04-0.91; P = 0.04 and OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04-0.53; P = 0.00) and bleeding gums (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92-0.981; P = 0.00 and OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-0.99; P = 0.02). Alcohol intake frequency and processed meat intake were risk factors for bleeding gums (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.02; P = 0.01 and OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01-1.08; P = 0.00) and painful gums (OR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00-1.01; P = 0.00 and OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.03; P = 0.00). Most of the causal relationships between genetic predisposition to the specified dietary factors and periodontal diseases remained statistically significant (P < 0.05) after adjusting for genetic risks associated with dentures, smoking, and type 2 diabetes in multivariable Mendelian randomization models.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest potential protective effects of higher fruit and water intake against gingivitis and other periodontal problems, while alcohol and processed meat intake may increase the risks of periodontal disease. Our study provides preliminary causal evidence on the effects of diet on periodontal health and could inform prevention strategies targeting dietary habits to improve oral health.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

This study suggests that fruit and water intake may protect against periodontal disease, while alcohol and processed meats increase risk, informing dietary guidelines to improve oral health.

Total keratometry for toric intraocular lens calculation: comparison from two swept-source optical coherence tomography biometers

Purpose

To compare the astigmatism prediction accuracy of total keratometry (TK) from the IOLMaster 700 and total corneal power (TCP) from Anterion based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) technology in toric intraocular lens (toric IOL) calculation.

Design

A retrospective observational study.

Methods

Total corneal astigmatism (TCA) were obtained using IOLMaster 700 and Anterion. Z CALC 2.0 was used to calculate the expected postoperative refractive astigmatism in conjunction with TCA. Prediction errors (PE) in refractive outcomes was analyzed 1 month postoperatively using the vector analysis by the Holladay method, including the mean vector PE magnitude, percentage of cases with vector PE in certain intervals, and the centroid PE.

Results

A total of 56 eyes from 56 patients were enrolled in the study with an insertion of an AT TORBI 709 toric IOL. The difference in mean vector PE of postoperative refractive astigmatism between TK and TCP was not statistically significant (0.48D versus 0.46D, P = 0.281). TK and TCP yielded 27.3 and 40.0% of eyes with vector PE ≤ 0.25D, and 58.2 and 63.6% with vector PE ≤ 0.5D (both P > 0.05), respectively. TK and TCP resulted in similar ATR centroid PE of 0.10D@35° ± 0.60D and 0.15D@22° ± 0.57D, respectively, and there were no significant differences between x-PE component and y-PE component.

Conclusion

IOLMaster 700 and Anterion provided comparable astigmatic predictability in toric IOL implantation using total keratometry and Z CALC 2.0.

[Analysis of the incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2022 based on the age-period-cohort model]

Objective: To analyze the trend of incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer and estimate its age-period-cohort effect in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2022. Methods: The Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the trend of incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer and calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) based on the data on thyroid cancer from 2012 to 2022. The age-period-cohort model was used to analyze the age-effect, time-effect and cohort-effect of thyroid cancer risk in the population aged over 20 years. Results: From 2012 to 2022, the incidence of thyroid cancer in Shandong province showed a significant upward trend, with an AAPC of 21.68% (95%CI: 19.14%-24.27%, P<0.001). The incidence of females was higher than that of males, and the incidence of urban areas was higher than that of rural areas. The trend of thyroid cancer mortality was relatively stable with an AAPC of -3.04% (95%CI:-8.81%-3.09%, P=0.323). The age effect of incidence increased with age before 60 years old and decreased with age after 60 years old. The incidence peaked in the age group of 55-59. The period effect increased with time. The cohort effect showed that the cohort born before 1957 had a downward trend over time, while the cohort born after 1957 had an upward trend. Conclusion: The incidence of thyroid cancer in Shandong shows a rising trend from 2012 to 2022. Age is an important factor affecting the risk of thyroid cancer. The mortality of thyroid cancer remains stable.

Evaluation of new approach to enhance visualization performance in cataract surgery: 3D visualization system with coaxial illumination

PURPOSE

To evaluate the visualization performance of different approaches, including the 3D visualization system with coaxial illumination and the 3D system or microscope with standard illumination.

SETTING

Fuzhou Eye Hospital, Fuzhou City, China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This 2-part performance assessment for visualization composed of an objective analysis using surgical video images and a subjective survey collecting feedback from surgeons. Data of each eye were obtained with 3 approaches: standard operating microscope with standard illumination (SOM-S), 3D visualization system with standard illumination (3D-S), and 3D visualization system with coaxial illumination (3D-C).

RESULTS

112 eyes (107 cases) and 6 cataract surgeons were involved. The red reflex value was markedly greater in the 3D-C approach compared with other 2 approaches ( P < .001). Compared with the SOM-S approach, the red reflex increased by 55%, 57%, and 53% in the 3D-C approach, corresponding to nuclear grades of II, III, and IV, respectively. In the questionnaire survey, red reflex scores were consistently significantly higher in the 3D-C approach than those in the others ( P < .001). Depth of field was enhanced in both 3D approaches compared with the SOM-S approach ( P < .05). The only minor advantage of the SOM system over the 3D-C approach was in the surrounding field clarity score, and the difference was not statistically significant ( P = 1.000).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D-C approach significantly increased the red reflex in both objective and subjective assessments. Surgeon responses also showed a superior performance for the 3D-C approach.

Direct Costs of Second Aqueous Shunt Implant Versus Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation (The Assists Trial)

PRCIS

The cost of cyclophotocoagulation is less than the cost of a second glaucoma drainage device.

PURPOSE

To compare the total direct costs of implantation of a second glaucoma drainage device (SGDD) with transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) for patients with inadequately controlled intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, despite the presence of a preexisting glaucoma drainage device in the ASSISTS clinical trial.

METHODS

We compared the total direct cost per patient, including the initial study procedure, medications, additional procedures, and clinic visits during the study period. The relative costs for each procedure during the 90-day global period and the entire study period were compared. The cost of the procedure, including facility fees and anesthesia costs, were determined using the 2021 Medicare fee schedule. Average wholesale prices for self-administered medications were obtained from AmerisourceBergen.com. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare costs between procedures.

RESULTS

Forty-two eyes of 42 participants were randomized to SGDD (n=22) or CPC (n=20). One CPC eye was lost to follow-up after initial treatment and was excluded. The mean (±SD, median) duration of follow-up was 17.1 (±12.8, 11.7) months and 20.3 (±11.4, 15.1) months for SGDD and CPC, respectively ( P =0.42, 2 sample t test). The mean total direct costs (±SD, median) per patient during the study period were $8790 (±$3421, $6805 for the SGDD group) and $4090 (±$1424, $3566) for the CPC group ( P <0.001). Similarly, the global period cost was higher in the SGDD group than in the CPC group [$6173 (±$830, $5861) vs. $2569 (±$652, $2628); P <0.001]. The monthly cost after the 90-day global period was $215 (±$314, $100) for SGDD and $103 (±$74, $86) for CPC ( P =0.31). The cost of IOP-lowering medications was not significantly different between groups during the global period ( P =0.19) or after the global period ( P =0.23).

CONCLUSION

The total direct cost in the SGDD group was more than double that in the CPC group, driven largely by the cost of the study procedure. The costs of IOP-lowering medications were not significantly different between groups. When considering treatment options for patients with a failed primary GDD, clinicians should be aware of differences in costs between these treatment strategies.

[Study on the reliability and validity of the Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people]

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among older adults of Meiyuan Community in Haidian District, Beijing and Nanwangkong Village in Qingzhou City,Shandong Province during July 2021. Using a cluster sampling method, totally 667 elderly people were investigated by face-to-face interview, using the scale which was formulated after two rounds of the Delphi method and pilot study. The overall scale includes physical health, mental health and social health subscales, including 9, 52 and 15 items, respectively. Four weeks after the survey, 56 elderly people were randomly selected and repeated the survey with the same method. The test-retest reliability, split-half reliability and internal consistency reliability of the scale were evaluated, and the validity was evaluated at the same time, including construct validity and content validity. Results: A total of 710 questionnaires were distributed and 667 valid questionnaires were obtained, with a total effective rate of 93.94%. The score of the overall scale was 79.79±16.22, the scores of the physical health, mental health, social health sub-scores were 41.64±9.76, 26.82±3.92 and 11.34±5.19, respectively. The scale had excellent reliability. In the test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the overall scale and each subscale were 0.766-0.861, and the weighted Kappa values were 0.762-0.817. The Spearman-Brown coefficient of the overall scale and each subscale in the split-half reliability were 0.722-0.855 (all P<0.001). The Cronbach's α coefficients of the overall scale of internal consistency reliability and each subscale were 0.748-0.899, and the Cronbach's α coefficients of each dimension were from 0.709 to 0.963(all P<0.001). At the same time, the scale had good construct validity and content validity. The correlation coefficients between the score of each dimension and its sub-scale were larger, from 0.641 to 0.873 (all P<0.05). The cumulative variance contribution rates of the scale and three subscales were all more than 50% of the approved standard. A total of 11 common factors were extracted, and all the load values of each item on the corresponding factors were ≥0.04. Conclusion: The Chinese Criteria of Health Scale for the elderly people has good validity and excellent reliability. It can be used as a basis for the scientific division of the health status of the elderly, the formulation of relevant policies by the government and the provision of appropriate health services for the elderly.

[Willis covered stent for paraclinoid aneurysms:efficacy and mid-long-term follow-up results]

The clinical data and follow-up results of 27 paraspinoid aneurysms treated by Willis covered stent (WCS) in Department of Neurosurgery, Army Medical University from May 2014 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 17 cases (63.0%) were treated with WCS alone, and 10 cases (37.0%) were assisted with coiling embolization. During the follow-up, postoperative internal leakage occurred in 2 patients(7%), of which 1(type Ⅰ) wasself-healing and the other 1 (type Ⅲ) was cured by WCS implantation again. The remaining patients had no aneurysm recurrence, unobstructed parent artery, stent displacement and internal stenosis. 92.6% (25/27) of the improved mRS scores were good. WCS is a safe and effective method for the treatment of parabedinal aneurysms.

[Relationship between waist-to-height ratio and overall and type specific incidence of stroke in adults in China: a prospective study]

Objective: To analyze the association between waist-to-height ratio and the overall and type specific incidence of stroke in adults in China. Methods: A total of 36 632 people were selected from 60 surveillance sites (25 in urban area and 35 in rural area) in China Chronic Disease Surveillance Project in 2010. The China Chronic Disease Surveillance Project data in 2010 were used as baseline data. A total of 27 762 people were followed up from 2016 to 2017. Cox proportional risk regression model was used to analyze the risk ratio of waist-to-height ratio for the overall and type specific incidence of stroke. Subgroup analyses were performed based on baseline characteristics such as age and sex, and sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding those who died and those with diabetes at baseline survey. Results: A total of 27 112 subjects were included in the stroke analysis, and 1 333 stroke events were observed. A total of 26 907 subjects were included in the ischemic stroke analysis, and 1 128 ischemic stroke events were observed. A total of 25 984 subjects were included in the hemorrhagic stroke analysis, and 205 cases of hemorrhagic stroke were observed. After adjusting for relevant confounders and taking group with waist-to-height ratio of 0-0.45 as a reference, the stroke analysis indicated that in groups with waist-to-height ratio of 0.46-0.49, 0.50-0.54 and ≥0.55 the risk for stroke increased by 21% (HR=1.21, 95%CI:1.00-1.46), 26% (HR=1.26, 95%CI:1.04-1.53) and 60% (HR=1.60, 95%CI:1.29-1.99) respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that age specific waist-to-height ratio had modification effect on the risk for stroke (interaction P=0.001). Ischemic stroke analysis indicated that in groups with waist-to-height ratio of 0.46-0.49, 0.50-0.54 and ≥0.55 the risk for ischemic stroke increased by 30% (HR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.05-1.60), 33% (HR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.07-1.64) and 61% (HR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.26-2.05) respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that age specific waist-to-height ratio had modification effect on the risk for ischemic stroke (interaction P=0.024). Hemorrhagic stroke analysis indicated that in group with waist-to-height ratio of ≥0.55 the risk for hemorrhagic stroke increased by 73% (HR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.02-2.94), but the differences in the risk increase in groups with waist-to-height ratio of 0.46-0.49 and 0.50-0.54 were not significant. The sensitivity analysis showed no changes. Conclusions: In the prevention and control of stroke by body weight control, it is necessary to take waist to height ratio as one of the indicators of body weight control. Particular attention needed to be paid to the people aged <50 years with waist-to-height ratio of ≥0.55 as well as those with waist-to-height ratio of <0.5 (i.e., 0.46-0.49).

[Spatial structure of talus trabeculae based on high resolution X-ray and micro-CT]

Objective: To study the specific alignment and structure of cancellous bone within the talus in order to understand the mechanism of force transmission within the bone and to provide some theoretical basis for the repositioning of talar fractures and the design of prostheses. Methods: In January 2020, a total of 40 adult talar bone specimens were scanned by Micro-CT in 20 pairs obtained from the Department of Orthopedics of Tianjin Hospital. The bone volume fraction, bone surface area fraction, trabecular thickness, number of trabeculae, trabecular pattern factor of the head, neck and body of the talus were calculated, and the differences in each parameter were compared between different parts of the same side and different sides of the same part, respectively. The talus was cut into 2 mm thick slices in the coronal, sagittal and horizontal planes using a hard tissue slicer, and the slices were then scanned using high-resolution X-rays to describe the bone structure. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the medial and lateral talar and right and left side in lateral trabecular bone volume fraction, bone surface area fraction, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, trabecular pattern factors (all P>0.05). The number of trabeculae in the talar head, neck and body was 1.608±0.150, 1.639±0.142 and 1.749±0.159, respectively; trabecular thickness (μm) in the talar head, neck and body was 0.378±0.054, 0.370±0.053 and 0.331±0.062, respectively; and the trabecular pattern factors (mm^-1) in the talar head, neck and body was -0.407±0.699, -0.478±0.848 and -1.029±0.851, respectively. There were significant differences between talar head, neck and the talar body trabeculae in terms of the number of trabeculae, trabecular thickness,trabecular pattern factor parameters(all P<0.05). The structure of the talar body trabeculae was found to consist of plate trabeculae arranged vertically parallel to each other in the coronal, sagittal and horizontal planes. The talar neck trabeculae were twisted, external-superior to internal-inferior reticular plate structure that travelled posteriorly and anteriorly, and the talar head trabeculae consisted of similarly parallel aligned semi-arc-shaped external-superior and internal-inferior trabeculae. Conclusion: The talar trabeculae are clearly directional and functional, so anatomical reduction should be achieved after the fracture; at the same time, the design of the talar prosthesis should take into account the stress distribution and direction of the prosthesis during walking and standing.

[Association of body mass index and waist circumference with risk of ischemic stroke in adults in China: a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and the risk for ischemic stroke in adults in China. Methods: A total of 36 632 adults were selected from 60 surveillance areas (25 urban surveillance areas and 35 rural surveillance areas) in China Chronic Disease Surveillance Project in 2010 for a follow up study from 2016 to 2017 based on the baseline data in 2010. The follow up was completed for 27 762 adults. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the association of body mass index and waist circumference with the risk for ischemic stroke in different populations. The death and hypercholesterolemia cases were excluded by sensitivity analysis. Results: A total of 26 907 adults were included in the analysis. During the follow up period, 1 128 ischemic stroke events were observed (491 in men and 637 in women). After adjusting the related confounding factors and taking normal BMI/normal WC group as the reference, the risk for ischemic stroke increased by 50% in normal BMI/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.50, 95%CI:1.07-2.08), 51% in overweight/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.51, 95%CI:1.20-1.91), 46% in obesity/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.46, 95%CI:1.09-1.96), and 63% in normal BMI/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.63, 95%CI:1.12-2.38), 56% in overweight/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.56, 95%CI: 1.20-2.03) and 45% in obesity/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.45, 95%CI: 1.05-2.01) respectively in men and in men with CVD risk factors. There was no increased risks in the overweight/normal WC group. The risk increased by 40% in overweight/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.40, 95%CI:1.15-1.72) and 46% in obesity/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.46, 95%CI:1.16-1.83), and 35% in overweight/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.35, 95%CI:1.08-1.69) and 30% in obesity/abdominal obesity group (HR=1.30, 95%CI:1.01-1.67) respectively in women and women with CVD risk factors. There were no risk increases in overweight/normal WC group and normal BMI/abdominal obesity group. Sensitivity analysis results showed no change. Conclusion: Overweight/obesity with abdominal obesity or abdominal obesity alone could increase the risk for stroke in men, and overweight/obesity with abdominal obesity could increase the risk for ischemic stroke in women; suggesting that BMI and WC should be used jointly to evaluate obesity in population for weight control to prevent ischemic stroke.

[Urinary sodium, urine potassium and sodium-potassium ratio, and influencing factors of family cooks and family members in six regions of China]

Objective: To investigate the sodium intake, potassium intake, sodium- potassium ratio and influencing factors of family cooks and members in six regions of China. Methods: Using the multistage random sampling method, a total of 1 576 family cooks and their family members were recruited from 6 regions in China. Questionnaire survey and physical examination were conducted to collect basic information. 24 h urine was collected to test 24 h urinary sodium and potassium levels. Results: After excluding unqualified urine samples, a total of 1 530 people were included in the study. For all participants, 24 h urine sodium value was (4.39±1.93) g, 24 h urine potassium value was (1.59±0.62) g and sodium-potassium ratio was 5.02±2.18. 24 h urinary sodium was negatively correlated with age, female, junior high school education or above, and annual family income (P<0.05), and positively correlated with perceived salty taste, BMI and SBP (P<0.05). The 24 h urine potassium value was negatively correlated with eating out almost everyday (P<0.05), but positively correlated with BMI and unwillingness to reduct salt (P<0.05). The sodium-potassium ratio was negatively correlated with age, female and junior high school education or above annual family income (P<0.05), and positively correlated with perceived salty taste, SBP and eating out 3-5 d/week (P<0.05). Conclusions: The 24 h urinary sodium value and sodium potassium ratio of family cooks and family members in six regions of China are still at high level, while the 24 h urine potassium value is low, with multiple factors. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out long-term comprehensive salt reduction intervention for family cooks and their members.

[Clinical features and treatment outcome of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and effect of prognostic factors in patients with different pathological types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Methods: We collected and analyzed the clinical data of 89 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis who were treated at Huadong Hospital from March 2013 to May 2020. The data were analyzed via log-rank and Cox multivariate analyses. Results: The median overall survival time of the 89 cases was 10.2 months. Patients with B-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis did not reach the median overall survival time. The median overall survival times of T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and NK-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis were 10.2 and 3.0 months, respectively. The pathological type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OS: P=0041, PFS: P=0.015) , ECOG score ≥ 3 (OS: P=0.031, PFS: P=0.030) , hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (OS: P=0.005, PFS: P=0.040) , lymphadenopathy (OS: P=0.007, PFS: P=0.012) , and splenomegaly (OS: P=0.276, PFS: P=0.324) were related to the overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Splenectomy could improve the prognosis of patients with lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, especially T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Conclusion: The clinical characteristics of patients with different pathological types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis were similar but were different in the overall survival rate and the effect of prognostic factors. We suggested that patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis should receive more than combined chemotherapy. To improve the prognosis and survival rate of patients, those with B-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and NK-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis promptly require hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Moreover, patients with T-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis should consider splenectomy.

[Association between blood pressure control and characteristics of green space among hypertensive patients in Shenzhen]

Objective: To explore the influence of characteristics of green space on blood pressure control. Methods: Hypertensive patients who were managed by community health centers for one year and aged 35 years old and above were selected as the study subjects in Shenzhen. Multi-stage random sampling method was applied to select a representative sample of 1 200 patients. A total of 1 116 valid questionnaires were collected, with a response rate of 93.0%. From November 2019 to January 2020, well-structured questionnaire, physical examination and laboratory biochemical test were applied for information collection among the 1 116 participants. Binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between characteristics of green space and blood pressure control. Results: The rate of blood pressure control was 67.8%. Results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting confounding factors, health supporting elements, such as fitness areas (OR=1.678, 95%CI:1.231-2.288), collective exercise venues(OR=1.373, 95%CI:1.020-1.848), health knowledge promotion areas (OR=1.416, 95%CI: 1.049-1.911) in green space, were significantly correlated with blood pressure control. Green space safetiness (OR=1.010, 95%CI: 1.000-1.019), comfortableness (OR=1.011, 95%CI: 1.001-1.021) and maintenance status (OR=1.011, 95%CI: 1.001-1.021) also played a role. The rate of blood control among patients with exclusive green space was higher than that of patients without exclusive green space (OR=1.333, 95%CI: 1.009-1.762). Conclusion: Health supporting elements, safety, comfort, maintenance of green space and exclusive green space play an important role in blood pressure controlling.

[Analysis on prevention and control of some infectious diseases in the elderly aged 60 years and above in China and countermeasure recommendation]

As the progress of population aging in China, the proportion of elderly population is increasing. Both chronic diseases and infectious diseases can threaten the health of the elderly. There are many kinds of infectious diseases, including vaccine preventable infectious diseases affecting the health of adults, such as influenza, pneumococcal diseases and herpes zoster. In addition, the newly emerged COVID-19 has caused a pandemic in the world, resulting the highest proportion of deaths occurred in the elderly and posing a serious threat to the health of the elderly. This paper mainly summarizes the prevention and control of vaccine preventable diseases and COVID-19 to which the elderly are susceptible, analyzes the infectious disease problems affecting the health of elderly population, and recommends countermeasures for the prevention and control of these diseases in elderly population.

[Boss mass index and mortality from cardiovascular disease in China: a prospective study in rural men]

Objective: To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and death risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rural male population. Methods: 22 282 men aged 40 years older in Tanghe county and Fenghuang county from the cohort of the "Prospective Study on Adult Behavior and Health Risk Factors in China" were selected as subjects of this study. Cox regression model was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of the death of CVD during the follow-up period with different BMI groups at baseline. Results: The average follow-up period in the two counties was (19.1±8.7) years and 10 828 (48.6%) people died during the follow-up period. 4 504 deaths were attributed to CVD. Among the deaths of CVD, 1 279 cases died of ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS) died in 1 201, cases died of died of 1 317 hemorrhagic stroke (HS), other 707 cases. Compared to population with BMI<18 kg/m(2), Cox regression model (adjusting factors of region, age, nationality, education level, occupation, smoking, drinking, blood pressure, blood pressure, etc.) showed that people with BMI between 20-22 kg/m(2) had the lowest risk of CVD death (HR=0.95, 95%CI: 0.83-1.09). But the difference was not statistically significant among each BMI group (P>0.05). The risk of IHD death was the lowest in the population with BMI between 20-22 kg/m(2) (P<0.05) (HR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.52-0.80). There was no statistically significant difference between the risk of IHD death in the population with BMI≥24 kg/m(2) and that in the population with BMI<18 kg/m(2) (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the risk of IS death and BMI (P>0.05). The death risk of HS in the population with BMI between 18-24 kg/m(2) was higher than that in the population with BMI<18 kg/m(2) (P<0.05). The death risk of the population with BMI between 26-28 kg/m(2) was the highest (HR=1.88, 95%CI:1.18-2.99). Conclusions: The mortality risk of CVD and IHD was the lowest in lean or normal weight group, and HS was higher in overweight group. Maintaining a reasonable weight can reduce the risk of death in patients with CVD.

[Relationship between sedentary time and incidence of type 2 diabetes in adults in China: a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To explore the relationship between sedentary time and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in adults in China. Methods: Data collected from the Chinese Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance (CCDRFS) in 2010 were used as baseline data. Eight provinces where CCDRFS were conducted in 2010 were selected, and two surveillance spots (one in urban area and another one in rural area) of each provinces were further selected for the follow-up studies. After excluding diagnosed diabetes patients according to baseline data, a total of 8 625 of subjects were recruited as participants. In the follow up carried out from 2016 to 2017, a total of 5 991 people received complete follow up. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the relationship between sedentary time and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, and subgroup analysis was conducted based on variables such as gender, geographic area, and urban area or rural areas. Results: A total of 5 782 subjects were included in final analysis. During an average 6.4 years of follow up (36 927.0 person-years), 592 participants developed type 2 diabetes, the incidence rate was 16.0 per 1 000 person years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that after adjustment for possible confounders, compared with the 0.0-h/d group, the risk of diabetes incidence increased by 33% (HR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.05-1.68) for those who had sedentary time for more than 6.0 h every day. The subgroup analysis showed that the significant association was only observed in those who were men, current smokers, central obese, had family history of diabetes, had rural residency, and lived in eastern and central areas of China. Conclusions: Longer sedentary time can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle intervention should be strengthened to reduce sedentary time, especially for people who had sedentary time for more than 6.0 h every day.

[Clinical analysis of 67 cases of pure red cell aplastic anemia]

Objective: To investigate secondary factors, laboratory features, treatment options, and prognosis of pure red cell aplastic anemia (PRCA) . Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective clinical study. Patients aged above 18 years newly diagnosed with PRCA between June 1, 2010, and June 1, 2019, were recruited as the main study object. A comparative analysis of remission rate and overall survival rate was made according to different treatment schemes adopted by patients and different drug reduction rates. Results: A total of 67 patients with PRCA were included in this study and the secondary PRCA group accounted for 44.8% (30/67) . The most common secondary factors were thymoma (n=10) and T-cell large lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) (n=6) . The overall response rate of PRCA was 85.7% and the 3-year overall survival rate of PRCA was (74.3±7.5) %. The remission rate of cyclosporine A alone was slightly higher than that of oral glucocorticoid alone or combined with glucocorticoid[90.0% (36/40) vs 75.0% (12/16) , P=0.147]. After patients applied with cyclosporine A treatment reached CR/PR and remained stable for 3-6 months, the dose of cyclosporine A was reduced by 25 mg each time. The cyclosporine A reduction interval of a 25 mg/d reduction in more than 1 month significantly prolonged the median disease-free survival compared with a 25 mg/d reduction in less than 1 month [not reached vs 15 (95% CI 7-23) months, P<0.001]. There were 62.5% (10/16) of patients who responded to the initial or incremental treatment regimen after relapse. Conclusion: PRCA has features of various secondary factors, high overall survival rate, and high remission rate. Treatment with cyclosporine A alone is preferred, and cyclosporine A should be slowly tapered to reduce the risk of later relapse after it takes effect and patients reach a steady state.

[COVID-19 pandemic: global epidemiological trends and China's subsequent preparedness and responses]

The outbreak of COVID-19 has spread quickly across 114 countries/territories/areas in six continents worldwide and has been announced as a pandemic by WHO. This study analyzed global COVID-19 epidemiological trends, examined impact of the pandemic on global health security, diplomacy, and social environment in China, and provided short- and long-term strategic policy recommendations for China's subsequent preparedness and responses.

[Study on the relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons metabolites and pulmonary function in community population]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) metabolites and pulmonary function in community population. Methods: A total of 4 812 participants were recruited from two communities in Wuhan city from April to May 2011 and two communities in Zhuhai city in May 2012. Information of demographic characteristics and life style was collected by semi-structural questionnaire. Physical examination was performed and pulmonary function was measured. Morning urine was also collected. The concentration of 12 urinary PAHs metabolites was tested and classified into four types by chemical structure, including hydroxynaphthalene, hydroxyfluorene, hydroxyphenanthrene and hydroxypyrene. The level of pulmonary function in different group of urinary PAHs metabolites was compared by using covariance analysis. The association of the urinary PAHs metabolites and pulmonary function was analyzed by using generalized linear model, and the interaction of different population characteristics and life style on the association was analyzed. Results: The age of participants was(51.99±13.64) years old, and 67.66% (n=2 565) of the population were women. The M (P(25), P(75)) of concentration of total urinary PAHs metabolites was 5.72 (3.91,8.72) μg/mmol Cr. After controlling for variables including age, gender, city, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, smoking status, drinking situation, physical activity, cooking meals at home or not, kitchen ventilation and exposure to dust as confounding factors, generalized linear model showed that each 1-unit increase in log-transformed levels of hydroxynaphthalene, hydroxyfluorene, hydroxyphenanthrene, hydroxypyrene and total PAHs was associated with 26.83 (95%CI: -48.18, -5.48) , 21.86 (95%CI: -40.49, -3.23), 26.18(95%CI: -48.27, -4.09), 34.95 (95%CI: -55.95, -13.94), and 35.23 (95%CI: -58.93, -11.54) ml reduction of FVC and 29.36 (95%CI: -47.23, -11.48), 20.79 (95%CI: -36.39, -5.19), 22.65 (95%CI: -41.15, -4.15), 31.44(95%CI: -49.03, -13.85), and 33.20 (95%CI: -53.04, -13.36) ml reduction of FEV(1) respectively (all P values<0.05). Compared to non-alcohol users and participants with home cooking, the association was more evident in alcohol users and participants without home cooking(P for interaction<0.05). Conclusion: The exposure to PAHs was associated with decreased pulmonary function, and the association was more evident in alcohol users and participants without home cooking.

[Construction and identification of mouse model with conditional knockout of p75 neurotrophin receptor gene in epidermal cells by Cre-loxP system]

Objective: To construct and identify a mouse model with conditional knockout (cKO) of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR-cKO) gene in epidermis cells by Cre-loxP system. Methods: Five p75NTR(flox/flox) transgenic C57BL/6J mice (aged 6-8 weeks, male and female unlimited, the age and sex of mice used for reproduction were the same below) and five keratin 14 promotor-driven (KRT14-) Cre(+ /-) transgenic C57BL/6J mice were bred and hybridized via Cre-loxP system. Five p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(+ /-) mice selected from the first generation of mice were mated with five p75NTR(flox/flox) mice to obtain the second generation hybrids. After the second generation mice were born 20-25 days, the parts of the mice tail were cut off to identify the genotype by polymerase chain reaction method. Four p75NTR gene complete cKO mice (6 weeks old) and 4 wild-type mice (6 weeks old) were selected and sacrificed respectively. The abdominal skin tissue and brain tissue were excised to observe the expression of p75NTR in the two tissue of two types of mice by immunohistochemical staining. The abdominal skin tissue of two types of mice was obtained to observe the histomorphological changes by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: (1) Twenty second generation mice were bred. The genotype of 4 mice was p75NTR(flox/flox)·KRT14-Cre(+ /-)(p75NTR(-/-)), i. e. p75NTR gene complete cKO mice; the genotype of 5 mice was p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(+ /-), i. e. p75NTR gene partial cKO mice; the genotype of 5 mice was p75NTR(flox/flox)·KRT14-Cre(-/-), and that of 6 mice was p75NTR(flox/+) ·KRT14-Cre(-/-), all of which were wild-type mice. (2) The expression of p75NTR was negative in skin epidermis tissue of p75NTR gene complete cKO mice, while numerous p75NTR positive expression was observed in skin epidermis tissue of wild-type mice. Abundant p75NTR positive expression was observed in brain tissue of both wild-type mice and p75NTR gene complete cKO mice. (3) There was no abnormal growth of skin epidermis tissue in both wild-type mice and p75NTR gene complete cKO mice, with intact hair follicle structure. Conclusions: Applying Cre-loxP system can successfully construct a p75NTR-cKO mice model in epidermis cells without obvious changes in skin histomorphology.

[Enlightenment of the United Nations high-level summit on non-communicable disease prevention and control on the development of public health system in China]

The Third UN High-level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases was held on September 2018. The conference carried out a series of activities on the theme of "Time To Deliver", and adopted the 2018 Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases. The new "5×5" strategy for non-communicable diseases prevention and control was clearly put forward, slow progress of non-communicable diseases prevention and control was criticized and the seven major challenges hindering the progress of non-communicable diseases prevention and control was analyzed, the main role and responsibility of governments at all levels in coping with the challenges of non-communicable diseases was reiterated, and put forward clear requirements. The declaration also reiterates the importance of strengthening public health measures. The meeting and declaration aroused strong repercussions and were regarded as a milestone to promote the global prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, and also brought a series of important inspirations for the development of public health in China in the new era. In order to cope with the heavy burden of non-communicable diseases in China, we must give full play to our institutional advantages, mobilization advantages and organizational advantages, adhere to prevention-oriented, emphasize the role of professional public health institutions, and consolidate and strengthen the disease control system and capacity building.

[Study on the safety and immunogenicity of simultaneous vaccination on both hepatitis E and hepatitis B vaccines]

Objective: Safety and immunogenicity regarding simultaneous vaccination on both hepatitis E and hepatitis B vaccines were studied. Methods: A total of 600 healthy subjects aged 18-60 were recruited in Chaoyang district of Beijing city, from September 2015 to December 2016. Subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into 3 groups: the simultaneous vaccination group of hepatitis E and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B vaccination group and the hepatitis E vaccination group. Members of the 3 groups were all inoculated according to the procedure of '0, 1 and 6 months'. Safety and immunogenicity of the simultaneous vaccination group was compared with the individual vaccination groups. Results: Vaccination groups had 601 subjects, involved with having 150 subjects of hepatitis E vaccination group, 159 subjects of hepatitis B vaccination group, and 292 subjects of simultaneous vaccination of hepatitis E and hepatitis B. Local adverse reactions that mostly common seen, would include pain (25.0%, 73/292), redness (12.7%, 37/292), pruritus (9.2%, 27/292), callus (8.9%, 26/292), swelling (8.2%, 24/292) at the inoculation sites. Systemic adverse reactions would include fever (7.2%, 21/292), headache (5.8%, 17/292), muscle pain (5.5%, 16/292) and fatigue (3.4%, 10/292). No serious adverse reactions associated with vaccination were seen. In addition to the higher incidence of pain at the inoculation sites, rest of the adverse reactions was similar to the simultaneous vaccination group or the individual vaccination groups. One month after the completed immunization process, positive rate and geometric mean concentration(GMC) of the HBsAb were not inferior to that of the hepatitis B vaccine group (94.2% vs. 93.8%, 611.6 WU/ml vs. 745.1 WU/ml). Positive rate and GMC of the HEV IgG were not inferior to that of the hepatitis E vaccinated group (98.8% vs. 100.0%, 11.0 WU/ml vs. 18.0 WU/ml). Conclusions: Simultaneous vaccination strategy on hepatitis E and hepatitis B vaccines showed good safety and immunogenicity. It is recommended that hepatitis E and hepatitis B vaccines should be administered to the susceptible population at the same time, in order to protect the liver functions.

[Assessment on the capacity for prevention and control programs for chronic non-communicable diseases in China, in 2014]

Objective: To assess the capacity of prevention and control on chronic non- communicable diseases (NCDs) in China. Methods: On-line questionnaire survey was adopted by 3 395 CDCs at provincial, municipal and county (district) levels and 3 000 primary health care units, and assess on capacity of policy, infrastructure, capacity of training and guidance, cooperation, surveillance, intervention and management, assessment and scientific research from September 2014 to March 2015. Results: (1) Capacity of policy: 23 (71.9%) provincial, 139 (40.6%) municipal and 919 (31.2%) county (district) governments or health administrative departments had existing plans for prevention and control of NCDs. (2) Capacity of infrastructure: 25 (78.1%) provincial, 136 (39.8%) municipal and 529 (18.0%) county (district) CDCs had set up departments dedicated to the prevention and control of NCDs, with 9 787 staff members, accounting for 5.0% of the total CDC personnel, working on NCDs prevention and control programs. 68.1% of the CDCs had special funding set for NCDs prevention and control. (3) Capacity of training and guidance: 2 485 CDCs (74.9%) held all kinds of training on prevention and control of NCDs. 2 571 (87.3%) CDCs at the county (district) level provided technical guidance for primary health care units. (4) Capacity of cooperation: 42.0% of the CDCs had experiences collaborating with the mass media. (5) Capacity of surveillance: 73.8% of the CDCs had set up programs for death registration while less than 50.0% of the CDCs had implemented surveillance programs on major NCDs and related risk factors. In terms of primary health care units, 32.4% of them had set up reporting system for newly developed stroke case and 29.9% of them having programs on myocardial infarction case reporting. (6) Capacity of intervention and management: 69.1% and 68.2% of the CDCs conducted individualized intervention programs on hypertension and diabetes, while less than 40.0% CDCs conducting intervention programs on other NCDs and risk factors. More than 90.0% of the primary health care units carried out follow-up surveys on hypertension and diabetes. However, only 17.4% and 13.7% of the CDCs working on hypertension and diabetes patient management programs while 83.7% and 80.4%, of them following the standardized guidelines for management, with successful rates of control as 59.2% and 55.2%, respectively. (7) Capacity of assessment: 32.4% of the CDCs or health administrations carried out evaluation programs related to the responses on NCDs. (8) Capacity of scientific research: the capacity on scientific research among provincial CDCs was apparently higher than that at the municipal or county (district) CDCs. Conclusions: Compared with the results of previous two surveys, the capacity on policies set for the prevention and control programs improved continuously, at all level NCDs, but remained relatively weak, especially at both county (district) and primary health care units.

[Association between 24 h urinary sodium excretion and microalbuminuria among Chinese people aged from 18 to 69 years old]

Objective: To analyze the association between 24 h urinary sodium excretion and microalbuminuria (MAU) among Chinese people aged from 18 to 69 years old. Methods: 2 400 subjects aged from 18 to 69 years old were selected form Gaomi and Fushan sites of Shandong Province and Xinyi and Ganyu sites of Jiangsu Province in 2013 by using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method. Questionnaire survey, physical measurement and 24 h urine collection were conducted. 2 262 subjects were finally included in the analysis. According to the quartile of 24 h urinary sodium, all subjects were divided into Q1-Q4 groups and the levels of urinary microalbumin and MAU among different groups were compared. The relationship between urinary sodium and MAU was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The age of subjects was (42.1±13.5) years old, including 1 124 males (49.7%). The 24 h urine volume, urinary sodium, urine albumin M (P(25), P(75)) and MAU detection rate were (1 411±495) ml, (166.4±71.6) mmol/d, 12.5 (9.6, 17.4) mg/d and 9.0% (203 cases), respectively. With the increase of urinary sodium level, the level of urinary albumin increased (P(trend)<0.001), and the prevalence of MAU also showed an upward trend (P(trend)<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, hypertension and diabetes, the risk of MAU in Q4 group increased by 174% compared with Q1 group, and OR (95%CI) value was 2.74 (1.80-4.16). Conclusion: 24 h urinary sodium is associated with the prevalence of MAU and salt reduction can help reduce MAU.

[Application and evaluation of urine measurement at different times methods for estimating salt intake]

Salt reduction is the most cost-effective population strategy to prevent and control hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Accurate measurement of salt intake is an important basis for implementing salt reduction interventions, while the urine sodium measurement is the most objective method to evaluate salt intake. According to different time spans, it is mainly divided into 24-h urine, overnight urine and spot urine collection methods. This article reviewed the application and evaluation of these three urine measurement methods, and compared their advantages and disadvantages. According to the accuracy and feasibility of different urine measurement methods, it is suggested that the 24-h urine collection method can be applied to the correlation study with small sample size, and the overnight urine method and the spot urine method can be applied to the daily population salt reduction interventions and monitoring activities.

[Evaluation on the effect of salt reduction intervention among fourth-grade primary school students and their parents in Shandong Province]

In order to evaluate the intervention effect of the school-based salt reduction model, 28 primary schools were selected in Shandong Province in September 2014 and randomly divided into intervention group (1 361 students, 1 306 parents) and control group (1 364 students,1 340 parents). A series of "small hands and big hands" salt reduction intervention activities were conducted in intervention group for 8 months. After the intervention, the total awareness rate of salt reduction knowledge, the total holding rate of related beliefs and the total reporting rate of related behaviors were 70.65%, 80.30% and 67.03% among students, and 85.66%, 93.77% and 87.93% among parents, in the intervention group, which were higher than those in the control group (37.12%, 66.52% and 50.07% among students; 55.11%, 87.52% and 57.96% among parents) (all P values <0.05). The school-based salt reduction model is effective and feasible.

[Prevalence, control of hypertension and intake of sodium and potassium among residents aged 50-69 years old in Zhejiang Province in 2017]

Objective: To understand prevalence, control of hypertension and intake of sodium and potassium among residents aged 50-69 years old in Zhejiang Province. Methods: A multi-stage random cluster sampling method was used to select 3 032 residents aged 50-69 years old in Zhejiang Province. The demographic characteristics, prevalence and control of hypertension were collected through a questionnaire survey, and physical measurement was also performed. The stratified random sampling method was used to detect the level of sodium and potassium in the 24 h urine of 676 subjects. The total amount of 24 h urinary sodium ≥102.55 mmol and the ratio of 24 h urinary sodium and potassium content ≥2 were defined as excessive. Results: The prevalence of hypertension (95%CI) was 56.89% (54.39%-59.40%), and the awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension were 58.25% (55.01%-61.49%), 45.37% (42.10%-48.65%) and 19.75% (17.01%-22.50%), respectively. 78.99% (n=534) of residents had excessive 24 h urinary sodium, and 95.41% (n=360) of residents had excessive ratio of 24 h urinary sodium and potassium. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in residents aged 50-69 years old in Zhejiang Province was at a high level, and the control of hypertension was not satisfactory in 2017. Most of residents have excessive level of sodium intake and the level of sodium and potassium intake was not balanced.

[Effectiveness of rapid hepatitis B vaccination with different vaccine dosages and types in adults]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of rapid hepatitis B vaccination with different vaccine dosages and types in adults. Methods: Adults who were aged ≥20 years, negative in the detections of 5 HBV serum markers or only anti-HBc positive were selected from Chaoyang district of Beijing. They were divided into 4 community-based specific groups and given three doses of 10 μg HepB-SCY vaccine, 20 μg HepB-SCY vaccine, 20 μg HepB-CHO vaccine and 10 μg HepB-HPY vaccine respectively at month 0, 1, and 2. Their blood samples were collected within 1-2 months after completing the three dose vaccination to test anti-HBs level by using chemiluminesent microparticle immunoassay. A face to face questionnaire survey was conducted, and χ(2) test, Mantel- Haensel χ(2) test, Kruskal-Wallis rank test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: A total of 1 772 participants completed vaccination and observation. Their average age was 48.5 years, and 62.75% of them were females. The anti-HBs positive rates in the groups of 10 μg HepB-SCY, 20 μg HepB-SCY, 20 μg HepB-CHO and 10 μg HepB-HPY vaccines were 79.49%, 84.34%, 82.50% and 74.15%, respectively (P=0.005), and the geometric mean titers (GMT) were39.53 mIU/ml, 62.37 mIU/ml, 48.18 mIU/ml and 33.64 mIU/ml respectively (P=0.025). The overall anti-HBs positive rate and GMT were 79.01% and 41.18 mIU/ml. The anti-HBs GMT of 4 groups declined with age. The differences in anti-HBs GMT among 4 groups minimized with age. The result of logistic modeling indicated that vaccine type and dosage, age and smoking were associated with anti-HBs statistically after controlling the variables of"only anti-HBc positive or not"and"history of hepatitis B vaccination". Conclusion: Hepatitis B vaccination at dosage of 20 μg based on 0-1-2 month rapid schedule could achieved anti-HBs positive rates>80% in middle aged and old people, which can be used as supplement of 0-1-6 month routine schedule.

Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Predisposing Gene, MAPKAP1, for Familial Mixed Mood Disorder

Background: Mood disorder is ranked seventh among the worldwide causes of non-fatal disease burden and is generally believed to be a heritable disease. However, there is still a substantial portion of the heritability yet to be discovered, despite the success of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for mood disorder. A proportion of the missing heritability may be accounted for by rare coding variants segregating in families enriched with mood disorder.

Methods: To identify novel variants segregating with mood disorder, we performed whole-exome sequencing on genomic DNA for a multigenerational family with nine members affected with mood disorder. We prioritized potential causal variants within the family based on segregation with mood disorder, predicted functional effects, and prevalence in human populations. In addition, for the top-ranked candidate variant, we conducted validation in vivo to explore the pathogenesis of mood disorder.

Results: We identified and ranked 26 candidate variants based on their segregation pattern and functional annotations. The top-ranked variant, rs78809014, is located in intron 7 of the MAPKAP1 gene. The expression levels of MAPKAP1 in peripheral blood of both major depression disorder (MDD) patients and depressive-like mice ventral dentate gyrus were significantly higher than that in the corresponding controls. In addition, the expression level of MAPKAP1 were correlated with antidepressant response.

Conclusions: Although the exact mechanisms in the family remain to be elucidated, our data strongly indicate a probable role of the variant, rs78809014, in the regulatory process of the expression of MAPKAP1 and thus in the development of mood disorder in familial mood disorder.

Transcriptional activation of ENPP1 by osterix in osteoblasts and osteocytes

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is the main source of extracellular pyrophosphate. Along with tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), ENPP1 plays an important role in balancing bone mineralisation. Although well established in pre-osteoblasts, the regulating mechanisms of ENPP1 in osteoblasts and osteocytes remain largely unknown. Using bioinformatic methods, osterix (Osx), an essential transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation and osteocyte function, was found to have five predicted binding sites on the ENPP1 promoter. ENPP1 and Osx showed a similar expression profile both in vitro and in vivo. Over-expression of Osx in MC3T3-E1 and MLO-Y4 cells significantly up-regulated the expression of ENPP1 (p < 0.05). The consensus Sp1 sequences, located in the proximal ENPP1 promoter, were identified as Osx-regulating sites using promoter truncation experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway was demonstrated to be responsible for ENPP1 promoter activation by Osx. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was confirmed to have synergistic effects with Osx in activating ENPP1 promoter. Taken together, these results provided evidence of the regulating mechanisms of ENPP1 transcription in osteoblasts and osteocytes.

Long-term safety of laser in situ keratomileusis in eyes with thin corneas: 5-year follow-up

AIM

To investigate the long term (≥5y) efficacy, predictability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with thin corneas [central corneal thickness (CCT) <500 µm].

METHODS

A total of 339 patients met the criteria of this study. Finally, 175 eyes of 89 patients who had thin corneas and underwent LASIK≥5y ago returned to our clinic and included in this study. Preoperative parameters recorded included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, CCT and corneal topography. At returning visits, in addition to visual acuity and manifest refraction, ultrasound CCT and corneal topography were performed. Optical coherence tomography was used to measure the CCT, LASIK flap thickness, and residual stromal bed thickness (RSBT). Safety index, efficacy index, percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D of refraction, percent tissue altered (PTA), and percentage stromal bed thickness (PSBT) were calculated.

RESULTS

The safety index was 1.09 and efficacy index was 0.99. The percentages of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D were 71.2% and 87.7%, respectively. The mean PTA was 40%±6% (range 20% to 55%); 76 eyes (43.4%) had PTA <40% and 99 eyes (56.6%) had PTA≥40%. The mean RSBT was 303±27 µm (range 240 to 390 µm), and 2 eyes had RSBT<250 µm. The mean PSBT was 61%±9% (range 51% to 85%). No eyes developed ectasia.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort with the PSBT of 50% or more, LASIK is safe with follow-up for at least 5y.

[Study on prevalence of physical activity in rural residents in four counties (districts) of Shanxi and Chongqing]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of physical activity and its influencing factors in rural residents in Shanxi and Chongqing. Methods: In four counties (districts) of Shanxi and Chongqing, local residents aged ≥18 who lived there for more than one year and had no plan to migrate to other areas in 2 years were surveyed through face to face questionnaire interviews to collect the information about their daily physical activity time, sedentary time, related knowledge and attitude, and others. Results: The physical inactivity rate of the residents was 14.9%, and 88.7% of residents never took daily physical activity. The average sedentary time was (3.91±2.06) hours. The results of multivariate analysis showed that education level, per capita monthly income and activity degree were the factors influencing physical inactivity. Conclusion: The proportion of people who never took daily physical activity in the survey area was higher than the average level in rural areas in China, so measures should be taken to improve the overall rate of physical activity. For people who have exercise willingness, but have no practice, and those who have already increased their physical activities, targeted guidance is needed on the basis of strengthened health education.

Ferromagnetism and Charge Order from a Frozen Electron Configuration in Strained Epitaxial LaCoO_{3}

We report ordering of the cobalt electron configuration in ferromagnetic strained epitaxial LaCoO_{3}. Specifically, the presence of charge order is demonstrated from distinct features of the resonant cobalt contribution to superstructure reflections. Density functional theory calculations show that the observed order is consistent with the spin-state periodicity predicted to give rise to ferromagnetism in LaCoO_{3}. Through the modification of symmetry by strain, concurrent frozen charge and spin-state order are stabilized, giving rise to long-range magnetic order.

[Long-term efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation versus external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To make a systematic assessment of the Long-term efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation versus external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures. Methods: A computer-based online search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Springer and Cochrane Library were performed. The randomized and controlled trials of open reduction and internal fixation versus external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures were collected. The included trials were screened out strictly based on the criterion of inclusion and exclusion. The quality of included trials was evaluated. RevMan 5.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Sixteen studies involving 1 268 patients were included. There were 618 patients with open reduction and internal fixation and 650 with external fixation. The results of meta-analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences with regard to the complications postoperatively (infection(I(2)=0%, RR=0.27, 95% CI 0.16-0.45, Z=4.92, P<0.000 01) and total complications(I(2)=0%, RR=0.71, 95% CI 0.59-0.85, Z=3.65, P=0.000 3) ), DASH scores(I(2)=37%, MD=-5.67, 95% CI -8.31--3.04, Z=4.22, P<0.000 1) and volar tilt(I(2)=78%, MD=2.29, 95% CI 0.33-4.24, Z=2.30, P=0.02)(P<0.05) at the end of follow-up period were noted. There were no statistically significant differences observed between two approaches with respect to the clinical outcomes (grip strength, flexion, extension, pronation, supination, radial deviation and ulnar deviation) and radiographic outcome(radial length) at the end of follow-up period(P<0.05). Conclusion: Both open reduction and internal fixation and external fixation are effective treatment for unstable distal radius fractures. Compared with external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation provides reduced complications postoperatively, lower DASH scores and better restoration of volar tilt for treatment of distal radius fractures.

Comparison of Newer IOL Power Calculation Methods for Eyes With Previous Radial Keratotomy

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of the optical coherence tomography–based (OCT formula) and Barrett True K (True K) intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in eyes with previous radial keratotomy (RK).

Methods

In 95 eyes of 65 patients, using the actual refraction following cataract surgery as target refraction, the predicted IOL power for each method was calculated. The IOL prediction error (PE) was obtained by subtracting the predicted IOL power from the implanted IOL power. The arithmetic IOL PE and median refractive PE were calculated and compared.

Results

All formulas except the True K produced hyperopic IOL PEs at 1 month, which decreased at ≥4 months (all P < 0.05). For the double-K Holladay 1, OCT formula, True K, and average of these three formulas (Average), the median absolute refractive PEs were, respectively, 0.78 diopters (D), 0.74 D, 0.60 D, and 0.59 D at 1 month; 0.69 D, 0.77 D, 0.77 D, and 0.61 D at 2 to 3 months; and 0.34 D, 0.65 D, 0.69 D, and 0.46 D at ≥4 months. The Average produced significantly smaller refractive PE than did the double-K Holladay 1 at 1 month (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in refractive PEs among formulas at 4 months.

Conclusions

The OCT formula and True K were comparable to the double-K Holladay 1 method on the ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery) calculator. The Average IOL power on the ASCRS calculator may be considered when selecting the IOL power. Further improvements in the accuracy of IOL power calculation in RK eyes are desirable.

[Clinical features and prognostic analysis of high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia patients]

目的

分析高危急性早幼粒细胞白血病（APL）的临床特征及预后。

方法

回顾性分析2003年1月至2015年4月连续收治的APL患者352例，其中高危组（WBC≥10×10⁹/L) 118例，中低危组（WBC<10×10⁹/L）234例。比较两组患者的临床特征及预后差异。

结果

高危组APL患者初诊PLT水平明显低于中低危组（P=0.003）；高危组患者PML-RARα融合基因异构体S型比例高于中低危组（51.8％对28.2%，P<0.001）；高危组患者早期死亡率为20.3%，显著高于中低危组患者的2.6%（P<0.001），其完全缓解（CR）率及预计5年总生存（OS）率均低于中低危组（76.3％对94.9%，P<0.001；74.2％对93.7%，P<0.001）；若除去早期死亡患者，则两组CR率与5年预计OS率差异均无统计学意义（P值分别为0.682、0.481）。高危组患者预计5年无复发生存率与中枢神经系统白血病（CNSL）发生率分别为82.7%、9.4%，与中低危组的87.8%、1.4％相比差异均有统计学意义（P值分别为0.048、0.002）；中剂量阿糖胞苷化疗及增加鞘内注射次数能降低高危组APL的CNSL发生率。

结论

高危组APL因有较高的早期死亡率和CNSL发生率，其预后明显较中低危组患者差；因此对于高危组APL患者的治疗更应重视降低早期死亡率及加强CNSL的预防性化疗。

[Complications of open reduction and internal fixation versus external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To make a systematic assessment of the complications of open reduction and internal fixation versus external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures. Method: A computer-based online search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, BIOSIS, Springer and Cochrane Library were performed.The randomized and controlled trials of open reduction and internal fixation versus external fixation for unstable distal radius fractures were collected.The included trials were screened out strictly based on the criterion of inclusion and exclusion.The quality of included trials was evaluated.RevMan 5.0 was used for data analysis. Result: A total of 17 studies involving 1 402 patients were included.There were 687 patients with open reduction and internal fixation and 715 with external fixation.The results of Meta-analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences with regard to the postoperatively total complications, infection, malunion, tendon rupture (I²=8%, RR=0.77(95%CI 0.65-0.91, Z=3.10, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences observed between two approaches with respect to nounion, re-operation, complex regional pain syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, neurapraxia, tendonitis, painful hardware, scar(P>0.05). Conclusion: Postoperative complications are present in both open reduction and internal fixation and external fixation.Compared with external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation is lower in total complications postoperatively, infection and malunion, but external fixation has lower tendon rupture incidence.

[HSP70 gene polymorphism on genetic susceptibility to the coal worker's penumoconiosis of han nationality in Xinjiang, China.]

Objective: To explore the influence of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene genetic susceptibility of coal worker's pneumoconiosis among the han nationality in xinjiang. Methods: 156 coal worker's pneumoconiosis patients and 96 mine workers were randomly selected from the han coal worker's pneumoconiosis patients and attend the health check retirement mine workers from March to December, 2014 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of Occupational Disease Hospital. Using TaqMan genotyping methods to detect HSP70 genotype distribution in the two groups. Results: The HSP70-1+190 loci GC genotype occurrence frequencies of coal worker's pneumoconiosis was significantly higher than the control group (χ²=6.75, P<0.05) , the risk of coal worker's pneumoconiosis armed with HSP70-1+190 GC genotype individual was 2.21 times of CC genotype individual (95%CI: 1.03~4.75) , and HSP70-2+1267 and HSP70-hom+2437 loci polymorphism were no significant difference between the two groups (HSP70-2+1267: χ²=3.30, P=0.19; HSP70-hom+2437: χ²=0.12, P=0.94) . Conclusion: HSP70-1+190 GC genotypes may be a susceptible genotype, the genotype individual may be more likely to suffer from coal worker's pneumoconiosis.

Estrogen alone or in combination with parathyroid hormone can decrease vertebral MEF2 and sclerostin expression and increase vertebral bone mass in ovariectomized rats

The study is about the regulatory effects of estrogen and parathyroid hormone (PTH) on sclerostin, a protein that inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The results indicate that estrogen may down-regulate sclerostin expression and that estrogen displays synergistic action with PTH. These results provide a new perspective on the relationship between estrogen and bone.

PURPOSE

To investigate whether estrogen can down-regulate SOST and MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2) expression and whether co-treatment with estrogen and PTH has a stronger effect on suppressing SOST than PTH applied alone in ovariectomized rats.

METHODS

Forty-three-month-old virgin female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were ovariectomized and divided into four groups (n = 10). Another ten age-matched rats received sham operations as controls. After allowing 8 weeks for the development of vertebral osteopenia, the rats were administered the drug intervention. For this intervention, the estrogen group was subcutaneously injected with 17β-estradiol at 25 μg/kg body weight, the PTH group was injected with 80 μg/kg synthetic human PTH (1-34), and the co-treatment group was concurrently treated with PTH and estrogen at the above dosage. The OVX group and sham group were treated with vehicle. The drug treatment was conducted for 12 weeks. After the lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) was measured, the rats were sacrificed, and the lumbar spine and blood were collected for qPCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and other tests.

RESULTS

Estrogen can down-regulate MEF2 and sclerostin expression, and co-treatment with estrogen and PTH has a stronger effect on suppressing MEF2 and SOST mRNA than PTH alone. The co-treatment group displayed slightly higher bone mass and biomechanical properties than the PTH group, but the differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Estrogen appears to be a regulator of sclerostin, and the effect may involve suppressing MEF2s. Combined treatment with PTH and estrogen is not more beneficial for vertebral bone mass and strength than treatment with PTH alone in ovariectomized rats.

Osteoblast proliferation is enhanced upon the insulin receptor substrate 1 overexpression via PI3K signaling leading to down-regulation of NFκB and BAX pathway

The insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) promotes bone formation via osteoblast proliferation mediated by PI3K/Akt signaling. A reduction in NFκB activity in osteoblasts results in an increase in bone formation. The NFκB signaling pathway leads to increased expression of BAX, which contributes to osteoblast apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of recombinant plasmid enhanced green fluorescent protein-N1 (pEGFP-N1) that transferred IRS1 gene into osteoblasts in vitro and evaluate the effects of IRS1 overexpression on NFκBp65 and on BAX. Osteoblasts were transfected with pEGFP-N1 or pEGFP-N1 encoding wild-type IRS1 (pEGFP-N1-IRS1). Cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry. The expression levels of NFκBp65 and BAX were measured by Western blotting. Our results revealed that overexpression of IRS1 stimulated osteoblast proliferation, as evidenced by an increase in the number of cells in the S phase compared to controls. IRS1 overexpression in osteoblasts activated the PI3K/Akt pathway, and inhibited expression of NFκBp65 and BAX. When osteoblasts transfected with pEGFP-N1-IRS1 were exposed to a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), the effects of IRS1 overexpression were reversed. On the basis of our study, it seems that osteoblasts proliferated upon IRS1 overexpression due to inhibition of the NFκB pathway and downregulation of BAX through PI3K/Akt signaling.

Association between use of benzodiazepines and risk of fractures: a meta-analysis

Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. It has been shown that BZD use could be associated with increased fracture risk. However, studies on the use of BZDs and fracture risk have yielded inconsistent results. Results from the present meta-analysis show that BZD use is associated with a moderate and clinically significant increase in the risk of fractures.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between the use of BZDs and fracture risk has been neither well identified nor summarized. This meta-analysis reports on the use of BZDs, especially short-acting BZDs, and their correlation with a moderate and clinically significant increase in fracture risk. This analysis will provide evidence for clinicians to consider fracture risk when prescribing BZDs among the elderly population. This study was conducted to determine whether people who take BZDs are at an increased fracture risk.

METHODS

A systematic search of studies published through January 2013 was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, and ScienceDirect. Case-control and cohort studies that assessed the relationship between BZD use and the risk of fractures were identified. Literature searches, study selections, methodological assessments, and data mining were independently conducted by two reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. STATA 12.0 software was used for the meta-analysis. Random effects models were used for pooled analysis due to heterogeneity among the studies.

RESULTS

There were 25 studies, including 19 case-control studies and 6 cohort studies, that met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the results of the meta-analysis indicated that BZD use was associated with a significantly increased fracture risk (relative risk (RR) = 1.25; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.17-1.34; p < 0.001). Increased fracture risk associated with BZD use was observed in participants aged ≥65 years old (RR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.15-1.38; p < 0.001). When only hip fractures were included as the outcome measure, the RR increased to 1.35. However, subgroup meta-analyses showed that there was no significant association between BZD use and fracture risk in Eastern countries (RR = 1.27; 95% CI, 0.76-2.14; p = 0.362) as well as between long-acting BZD use and risk of fractures (RR = 1.21; 95% CI, 0.95-1.54; p = 0.12). After accounting for publication bias, we observed that the overall association between BZD use and fracture risk to be slightly weaker (RR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13-1.30) but still significant.

CONCLUSION

The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that the use of BZD, especially short-acting BZD, is associated with a moderate and clinically significant increase in fracture risk. However, large prospective studies that minimize selection bias are necessary to determine a more accurate fracture risk associated with BZD use.

Ambipolar diffusion in complex plasma

A self-consistent model of the ambipolar diffusion of electrons and ions in complex (dusty) plasmas accounting for the local electric fields, the dust grain charging process, and the interaction of the plasma particles with the dust grains and neutrals is presented. The dependence of the diffusion coefficient on the interaction of the electrons and ions with the dust grains as well as with the neutrals are investigated. It is shown that increase of the dust density leads to a reduction of the diffusion scale length, and this effect is enhanced at higher electron densities. The dependence of the diffusion scale length on the neutral gas pressure is found to be given by a power law, where the absolute value of the power exponent decreases with increase of the dust density. The electric field gradient and its effects are shown to be significant and should thus be taken into account in studies of complex plasmas with not very small dust densities. The possibility of observing localized coherent dissipative nonlinear dust ion-acoustic structures in an asymmetrically discharged double plasma is discussed.

Strengthening tight junctions of retinal microvascular endothelial cells by pericytes under normoxia and hypoxia involving angiopoietin-1 signal way

PURPOSE

To determine the effects of pericytes and angiopoietin-1 on the expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in retinal endothelial cells (ECs) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

METHODS

Rat primary retinal microvascular ECs were cultured under normoxia or hypoxia in either absence or presence of pericytes conditioned medium (PCM). PCM was pretreated with or without angiopoietin-1 neutralizing antibody. Immuofluorescent staining, Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the alterations of occludin and ZO-1 expression.

RESULTS

Under normoxia, PCM strengthened occludin and ZO-1 immunofluorescent staining at cytomembrane as well as increased their expression at both protein and mRNA level. When pretreated with angiopoietin-1 neutralizing antibody, occludin upregulation induced by PCM was significantly blocked at protein level (62%) and mRNA level (34%). Under hypoxia, the continuity of occludin and ZO-1 staining at cell boundaries was disrupted consistent with a decrease of their protein level by 31 and 27%, respectively. Also occludin and ZO-1 mRNA level decreased by 46 and 57%, respectively. PCM was observed to partially increase expression of occludin at protein and mRNA level. Angiopoietin-1 antibody slightly inhibited (16%) PCM induced occludin mRNA increase under hypoxia.

CONCLUSION

Pericytes improved the integrity of endothelial barrier through inducing occludin and ZO-1 expression at protein and mRNA level under normoxia. Under hypoxia, pericytes could partially reverse occludin decrease. These protecting effects of pericytes on endothelial barrier were at least in part mediated by angiopoietin-1.

Giant discrete steps in metal-insulator transition in perovskite manganite wires

Optical lithography is used to fabricate LPCMO wires starting from a single (La(5/8-0.3)Pr(0.3))Ca3/8MnO3 (LPCMO) film epitaxially grown on a LaAlO3(100) substrate. As the width of the wires is decreased, the resistivity of the LPCMO wires exhibits giant and ultrasharp steps upon varying temperature and magnetic field in the vicinity of the metal-insulator transition. The origin of the ultrasharp transitions is attributed to the effect of spatial confinement on the percolative transport in manganites.

Visualization of localized holes in manganite thin films with atomic resolution

The magnetic and transport behaviors of manganites are critically related to the spatial distribution and correlation of doped holes. Using in situ scanning tunneling microscopy, we have imaged both occupied and unoccupied states simultaneously in a hole-doped (La(5/8-0.3)Pr0.3)Ca(3/8)MnO3 epitaxial thin film grown by laser molecular beam epitaxy. Doped holes localized on Mn4+ ion sites were directly observed with atomic resolution in the paramagnetic state at room temperature. In contrast to a random distribution, these doped holes show strong short-range correlation and clear preference of forming nanoscale CE-type charge-order-like clusters. The results provide direct visualization of the nature of intriguing electronic inhomogeneity in transition metal oxides.

Morphologically Templated Growth of Aligned Spinel CoFe2 O4 Nanorods

Uniaxially aligned CoFe₂ O₄ nanorods are obtained by coprecipitation of Co²⁺ , Fe²⁺ , and C₂ O₄ ^2- ions in a microemulsion solution, and subsequent high-temperature decomposition of CoFe₂ (C₂ O₄ )₃ . Each nanorod is made up of a "tectonic" assembly of CoFe₂ O₄ nanocrystals. Magnetization of such CoFe₂ O₄ materials may lead to their use in high-density magnetic recording media and high-performance electromagnetic and spintronic devices.

Propagation of hot electrons through high-density plasmas

Propagation of hot electrons through high-density plasmas generated by femtosecond laser pulses is investigated using three types of target configurations: Al-coated glass, Al and glass separated by a vacuum gap, and Al foil alone. Collimated ionization tracks lasting for 60 ps and extending 150-300 microm in length and 8 microm in cross section are observed via optical probing. For the Al-foil-alone target, a narrow plasma jet is formed at the rear surface in line with the laser. The collimation of the hot electrons may be attributed to a strong self-generated magnetic field in the target.