A review of quantification methods for light absorption enhancement of black carbon aerosol

Black carbon (BC) is a distinct type of carbonaceous aerosol that has a significant impact on the environment, human health, and climate. A non-BC material coating on BC can alter the mixing state of the BC particles, which considerably enhances the mass absorption efficiency of BC by directing more energy toward the BC cores (lensing effect). A lot of methods have been reported for quantifying the enhancement factor (Eabs), with diverse results. However, to the best of our knowledge, a comprehensive review specific to the quantification methods for Eabs has not been systematically performed, which is unfavorable for the evaluation of obtained results and subsequent radiative forcing. In this review, quantification methods are divided into two broad categories, direct and indirect, depending on whether experimental removal of the coating layer from an aged carbonaceous particle is required. The direct methods described include thermal peeling, solvent dissolution, and optical virtual exfoliation, while the indirect methods include intercept-linear regression fitting, minimum R squared, numerical simulation, and empirical value. We summarized the principles, procedures, virtues, and limitations of the major Eabs quantification methods and analyzed the current problems in the determination of Eabs. We pointed out what breakthroughs are needed to improve or innovate Eabs quantification methods, particularly regarding the need to avoid the influence of brown carbon, develop a broadband Eabs quantification scheme, quantify the Eabs values for the emissions of low-efficiency combustions, measure the Eabs of particles in a high-humidity environment, design a real-time monitor of Eabs by a proper combination of mature techniques, and make more use of artificial intelligence for better Eabs quantification. This review deepens the understanding of Eabs quantification methods and benefits the estimation of the contribution of BC to radiative forcing using climate models.

Does internet use benefit the mental health of older adults? Empirical evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study

The mental health (MH) of older adults is a prominent public health concern. However, research regarding the impact of emerging Internet use on MH among older adults remains limited, particularly in transitional economies experiencing a rapidly aging population such as China. Thus, to address this research gap, this study uses data from the 2013-2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. To investigate the causal relationship between Internet use and MH among older adults and explore the underlying channels through which this relationship operates. The results reveal a notable positive association between Internet use and MH among older adults. Furthermore, the study highlights social interaction, social trust, traveling expenses, and healthy habits as crucial channels through which Internet use can impact MH among older adults. The analysis also reveals how Internet use demonstrates a stronger positive effect on older individuals who have fewer chronic diseases and live with their offspring compared with their counterparts. These findings have significant policy implications, which thus emphasizes the need to enhance Internet use among older adults as a means of improving their MH.

[Microwave ablation versus radiofrequency ablation for solid or predominantly solid benign thyroid nodules: a randomized controlled clinical trial]

Objective: To compare the short-term efficacy and the safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs). Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial, performed from December 2019 to September 2021, included 36 patients with solid or predominantly solid BTNs who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent at the Nanjing sub-center (Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). Patients were assigned to either the MWA group or the RFA group (18 patients in each group) at a ratio of 1∶1 using a block randomization design and allocation concealment using sealed envelope randomization. The independent-sample t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the volume reduction rates (VRRs), effective rates (VRRs≥50%), cosmetic scores, and complication rates at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment between the two groups. Results: The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were comparable. After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced in both groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months, there was no significant difference in the volume between the two groups (all P>0.05). At 3 months, the RFA group had a larger VRRs than that in the MWA group (62.08%±12.46% vs. 46.90%±23.16%, t=-2.45, P=0.021). However, at 1 and 6 months, no statistical significance was observed (both P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the effective rates at the last follow-up (14/18 vs. 18/18, P=0.104). However, the RFA group had a lower cosmetic score than that in the MWA group (1.78±0.43 vs. 2.17±0.51, t=-2.47, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Both MWA and RFA were effective and safe treatments for BTNs, with no significant differences in short-term efficacy and safety. In addition, the RFA group showed slightly more favorable outcomes than the MWA group in terms of cosmetic improvement.

Metabolome and transcriptome analyses provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the enhancement of medicinal component content in the roots of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms through foliar application of zinc fertilizer

Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Harms is a perennial shrub of the Acanthopanax genus in the Araliaceae family and has a high medicinal value. The application of zinc fertilizer can improve the yield and quality of medicinal materials. However, there are limited reports on approaches to increase the content of medicinal components in A. senticosus, hindering the improvement of its medicinal quality. In this study, A. senticosus was treated with 0.1% (LZn) and 0.4% (HZn) zinc sprayed on the leaf surface. The effects of zinc treatment on the medicinal components in the roots of A. senticosus were analyzed by comprehensive metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses. A total of 316 metabolites were detected, with a prevailing occurrence of terpenoids and phenylpropanoids. We identified metabolites related to the medicinal components that were upregulated after Zn treatment, including 43 terpenoids, 19 phenylpropanoids, eight phenols, and three flavonoids. Combining differential gene expression and K-means analysis, we found 95, 65, and 25 upregulated genes related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, terpenoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis, respectively. Under different concentrations of Zn treatment, the upregulated metabolite biosynthesis-related genes and differentially expressed transcription factors varied. Pearson correlation network analysis revealed significant correlations among terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids biosynthetic genes, and several transcription factors (ERFs, WRKYs, bHLHs, NACs, and MYBs). This study lays the foundation for understanding the metabolic processes in response to varying levels of zinc foliar spray and provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the efficiency of zinc fertilizer utilization in A. senticosus.

Supported Ni Catalysts: Simple Vapor Deposition Preparation Method and Improved Catalytic Performance for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane

Developing new methods of catalyst preparation is one of the most important tasks in the field of catalysis. A simple one-tube vapor deposition (VD) is provided in this paper for preparing the supported Ni catalyst. Ni(acac)2 was used as the Ni precursor. This preparation method was successfully applied to three types of catalytic supports, that is, Al2O3 and zeolites 5A and Hβ. Varying Ni contents of less than 8 wt % can be obtained by employing different conditions. The Ni content, depending on different deposition conditions, was preliminarily explored. The catalytic performance for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE) was tested for the prepared Ni catalysts by the VD method. Several cases of catalytic tests showed that for the same Ni content, the VD-prepared Ni catalyst presented better performance for ODHE than the one prepared by a traditional impregnation method. Besides the improvement in catalytic performance, several advantages of our VD preparation method for catalysis are discussed.

[Association between internet use and healthy lifestyles in urban adults in Hangzhou, China]

Objective: To explore the association between internet use and healthy lifestyles in urban adults. Methods: From May to August, 2022, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted in residents aged 18-64 years selected in the urban area of Hangzhou by integrated cluster stratified random sampling and Kish grid method. The information about internet use included the internet use time in the past 7 days and 12 kinds of internet use contents. Using factor analysis and K-means clustering, three types of internet use were summarized, i.e. general type, video game type and working/learning type. Healthy lifestyles were defined as active physical activity, healthy diet habit, non-smoking, non-drinking, healthy weight, and healthy waist circumference. The correlations between internet use and healthy lifestyles were evaluated by using binary logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 1 624 participants were included. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the longer internet use time group (≥8.5 h/d) was less likely to have healthy weight (OR=0.59, 95%CI:0.41-0.85) and 5-6 healthy lifestyles (OR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.32-0.96) compared with those with shorter internet use time group (<2.5 h/d). For different types of internet use, it was found that compared with working/learning type group, the general type group was less likely to have healthy diet habits (OR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.46-0.86), non-drinking (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.47-0.99), healthy waist circumference (OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.42-0.84) and 5-6 healthy lifestyles (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.23-0.69), the video game type group was less likely to have active physical activity (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.55-0.97) and healthy diet habits (OR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.62-0.99). Conclusion: Too long internet use (≥8.5 h/d), general type and video game type of internet use were associated with unhealthy lifestyles.

Does forest farm carbon sink projects affect agricultural development? Evidence from a Quasi-experiment in China

Forest Farm Carbon Sink (FFCS) projects are one of the effective ways to achieve carbon neutrality and mitigate global warming. Though the existing literature has widely discussed the effect of FFCS on the allocation of agricultural factors, such as land, labor employment structure and income structure, little is known about whether FFCS projects could have an effect on agricultural development. Based on the panel data of 140 counties in Sichuan province, China, from 2002 to 2018, we examined the causal effect on agricultural total factor productivity (TFP), and revealed their dynamic effect and underlying mechanisms. Propensity score matching and the difference in difference (PSM-DID) method were used to address the endogeneity problem of FFCS implementation. Results showed that FFCS projects increased agricultural TFP by 1.7%-2.4%. Health, saving and industrial structure were the important channels through which FFCS projects affect agricultural TFP. Our findings suggest that policies promoting FFCS projects can increase agricultural TFP while achieving environmental goals-a win-win situation.

Nutrition Transition with Accelerating Urbanization? Empirical Evidence from Rural China

Although rapid urbanization is often considered as one of the most important drivers for changing dietary patterns, little attention has been paid to rural areas despite the profound transformation they have undergone. Using longitudinal data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) for the period from 2004 to 2011, this study seeks to better understand the relationship between the urbanization of rural areas and dietary transition, with the focus on nutrition intake and dietary quality. Our results suggest that with increasing urbanization, rural residents tend to have on average lower calorie intakes but higher dietary quality. Specifically, increasing urbanization consistently reduces carbohydrate consumption and reduces fat consumption after a turning point; protein consumption first decreases and then increases after the turning point with increasing urbanization. Urbanization shows a significant and positive effect on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). In addition to sociodemographic changes, we find that changing consumer preferences and knowledge serve as important determinants in explaining the dietary transition in rural China from 2004 to 2011. In our study, urbanization appears to positively affect rural residents’ healthy food preferences and dietary knowledge. This study is a first attempt for better understanding the nutrition transition resulting from accelerating urbanization in rural China; several limitations and areas for future research have been highlighted.

MiR-30a suppresses clear cell renal cell carcinoma proliferation and metastasis by targeting LRP6

Recently, the role of miR-30a in tumor development has attracted extensive attention. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of miR-30a and its associated target low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells. Here, miR-30a was markedly down-regulated in ccRCC tissues and cells, and was correlated with the advanced TNM stage and poor prognosis. By contrast, LRP6 protein level was increased in ccRCC specimens and cell lines, and inversely correlated with miR-30a expression. Stable overexpression of miR-30a suppressed cell proliferation in vitro, impeded tumor growth in vivo, prevented migration and invasion, and triggered apoptosis of ccRCC cells. Also, over-expression of miR-30a in ccRCC cells promoted the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and reduced the levels of mesenchymal markers. Mechanistically, the dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation and western blot assays confirmed that miR-30a directly targeted the 3'-untranslated regions of LRP6 to inhibit its expression. Further, miR-30a-mediated effect was partially reversed by co-transfection with LRP6 plasmids or enhanced by silencing of LRP6. In conclusion, miR-30a exhibits effective antitumor properties by targeting LRP6 in proliferation and metastasis of ccRCC. This study could provide new insights into the treatment of ccRCC.

Contamination assessment, health risk evaluation, and source identification of heavy metals in the soil-rice system of typical agricultural regions on the southeast coast of China

To quantitatively assess heavy metal accumulation and potential ecological and human health risks as well as analyze the sources of metals in a typical soil-rice system located on the southeast coast of China, 120 topsoil samples and corresponding rice grain samples were collected across the study area. The concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg, Zn, Cu, and Ni were analyzed. The results revealed that Hg, Cd, and Cu were the main pollutants in soils. Besides, according to geo-accumulation value of Hg, 18.3% of samples were at or above moderate contamination levels. Additionally, the soil was in moderate ecological risk from combined heavy metal pollution, and 49.7% and 27.0% of this risk could be attributed to Hg and Cd pollution, respectively, due to their high toxic-response factors. For the rice samples, Cd content showed the highest biological accumulation coefficient value (40.8%) in rice grains and was slightly greater than its maximum allowable value (MAV) (0.2 mg/kg) in 7.5% of samples, whereas the other metals were all lower than their corresponding MAVs. Heavy metal exposure (especially As exposure) via rice consumption causes significant carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to adults, and non-carcinogenic risk to children, while the carcinogenic risk to children was at tolerable level. Greater rice consumption might be responsible for the greater health risk to adults than children. Natural sources (loaded heavily with Cr and Ni) such as lithogenic components and soil parent materials, agricultural activities (loaded heavily with Cd, Cu, and Zn), especially excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, and industrial activities (loaded heavily with Hg, Pb, and As) including vehicle emissions, coal combustion, and those of the textile and chemical industries were identified as the main sources. Effective regulations should be enforced to guarantee the safety of farm produce and protect ecological and human health in the study area.

Toward a national emission inventory for the catering industry in China

Catering oil fumes are a major hazard to human health. In particular, the typical Chinese cooking style is characterised by a high temperature frying process that produces high levels of cooking oil fumes. However, limited data relating to this sector mean that national emission inventory data specific to the catering service industry do not exist. To address above deficiency and thus to establish the inventory of a city, or a province, or even a country, a door-to-door survey campaign was launched in the Chinese cities of Heze and Linfen to determine the structure of local catering industries. Data revealed that the number of catering businesses per 10⁴ people was 17 ± 4. Of these, 3.0 ± 1.4, 15.0 ± 1.4, and 82.0 ± 0.0% were classified as large, medium, and small enterprises, respectively. Furthermore, the installation rates of fume purifiers were 74 ± 13, 66 ± 9, and 51 ± 14% for large, medium, and small enterprises, respectively, with net removal efficiencies of 63 ± 11, 50 ± 7, and 31 ± 8%, respectively. This information was extrapolated across all provincial regions of China to construct a provincial and national emission inventory. In 2017, China's national catering industry released approximately 34 kt of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 38 kt of particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5), 48 kt of particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 μm (PM₁₀), 1 kt of black carbon (BC), and 27 kt of organic carbon (OC). A significant correlation was observed between vegetable oil consumption and emissions (e.g., for VOCs, y = 14.94 x + 76.50, R² = 0.87, where y is VOCs emissions and x is vegetable oil consumption), indirectly corroborating the rationality of the inventory. Moreover, this correlation provides the potential for a dynamic inventory based on vegetable oil consumption. Future studies are proposed to address more influential factors to improve the reliability of the national inventory and refer to big data, rather than door-to-door investigation, to identify the amount of catering service businesses in a region.

Dihydroartemisinin Induces Endothelial Cell Autophagy through Suppression of the Akt/mTOR Pathway

Aims: Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a derivative of artemisinin, suppresses angiogenesis by regulating endothelial cell phenotypes. In this study, we investigated the effect of DHA on endothelial cell autophagy and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with DHA. Formation of autophagosomes in HUVECs was observed by fluorescence microscope after pcDNA3.1-green fluorescent protein (GFP)-microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) plasmids transfection. Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot was performed to detect the protein levels of LC3, p62, beclin 1, autophagy-related protein (Atg) 5, p-Akt (protein kinase B), p-mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), p-4E-BP1 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1), and p-p70S6K (p70 ribosomal S6 kinase).

Results: DHA increased LC3-II and the number of fluorescent GFP-LC3 puncta in HUVECs. Silencing ATG5 by siRNA interference attenuated DHA-induced LC3-II elevation. DHA enhanced ROS production, but pretreatment with antioxidant N-acety-l-cysteine (NAC) failed to reduce DHA-induced autophagy in HUVECs. Pretreatment with PD98059, SP600125 and SB203580, the inhibitors of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK, did not reverse autophagy in DHA-treated HUVECs. DHA significantly reduced phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, 4E-BP1 in HUVECs. Rapamycin, an mTOR antagonist, compromised DHA-induced autophagy.

Conclusion: DHA induces autophagy in HUVECs by inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway

[Incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in cancer registries of Zhejiang Province, 2010-2014]

From 2010 to 2014, a total of 17 150 new cases of thyroid cancer (TC) reported in cancer registration areas of Zhejiang province, the crude incidence rate of TC was 29.28/100 000. Using the Chinese Census in 2000 and the World Segi's population as the standard population, the age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard population (ASIRC) and by world standard population (ASIRW) were 24.11/100 000 and 20.65/100 000 respectively. 256 TC death cases reported in all, the crude mortality rate was 0.44/100 000, the age-standardized mortality rate by Chinese standard population (ASMRC) and by World standard population (ASMRW) were 0.23/100 000 and 0.23/100 000 respectively. The ASIRC had a upward trend [annual percent change (APC)=28.62%, 95%CI: 21.00%-36.72%, t=13.10, P=0.001], while the ASMRC trend seemed stable (APC=0.73%, 95%CI: -7.47%-9.66%, t=0.27, P=0.803).

Thermoresponsive Bentonite for Water-Based Drilling Fluids

As an important industrial material, bentonite has been widely applied in water-based drilling fluids to create mud cakes to protect boreholes. However, the common mud cake is porous, and it is difficult to reduce the filtration of a drilling fluid at high temperature. Therefore, this paper endowed bentonite with a thermo response via the insertion of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) monomers. The interaction between NIPAM monomers and bentonite was investigated via Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), isothermal adsorption, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) at various temperatures. The results demonstrate that chemical adsorption is involved in the adsorption process of NIPAM monomers on bentonite, and the adsorption of NIPAM monomers accords with the D-R model. With increasing temperature, more adsorption water was squeezed out of the composite when the temperature of the composite exceeded 70 °C. Based on the composite of NIPAM and bentonite, a mud cake was prepared using low-viscosity polyanionic cellulose (Lv-PAC) and initiator potassium peroxydisulfate (KPS). The change in the plugging of the mud cake was investigated via environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), contact angle testing, filtration experiments, and linear expansion of the shale at various temperatures. In the plugging of the mud cake, a self-recovery behavior was observed with increasing temperature, and resistance was observed at 110 °C. The rheology of the drilling fluid was stable in the alterative temperature zone (70-110 °C). Based on the high resistance of the basic drilling fluid, a high-density drilling fluid (ρ = 2.0 g/cm3) was prepared with weighting materials with the objective of drilling high-temperature formations. By using a high-density drilling fluid, the hydration expansion of shale was reduced by half at 110 °C in comparison with common bentonite drilling fluid. In addition, the rheology of the high-density drilling fluid tended to be stable, and a self-recovery behavior was observed.

Th17 and IL-17 exhibit higher levels in osteonecrosis of the femoral head and have a positive correlation with severity of pain

OBJECTIVE

Synovitis associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is responsible for several clinical symptoms. However, the mechanisms underlying synovitis and the inflammatory environment remain unclear. This study analyzed the proinflammatory mediation expression of IL-17 and Th17, which perform key functions in regulating inflammatory processes in the inflamed synovium and peripheral blood in ONFH.

METHODS

Synovial fluid from the hips of 23 patients and 5 controls was collected during surgery, and peripheral blood samples were obtained from 34 patients and 9 controls. The expression of IL-17 in the synovium was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the levels of Th17 and IL-17 in the blood were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA. Pain assessment was performed for all the patients and controls.

RESULTS

An inflamed synovium was characterized by increased leukocyte infiltration and IL-17 expression in comparison with the control. Preoperative levels of Th17 and IL-17 were significantly higher in the peripheral blood of the ONFH group than those in the controls. The symptoms were also positively correlated with the Th17 levels of the ONFH patients.

CONCLUSION

Th17 cells were recruited to an inflamed synovium, and inflammatory cytokine IL-17 was expressed at an increased level in the hip synovium of ONFH patients, which possibly contributed to clinical syndrome development. Overall, this study will help in identifying new therapeutic strategies for ONFH, especially the targeting of IL-17 to decrease inflammation and pain. < p > < /p >.

Health-Related Quality of Life of Community Thyroid Cancer Survivors in Hangzhou, China

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of community thyroid cancer survivors in Hangzhou, China, and to explore the important correlates defining HRQoL.

METHODS

All thyroid cancer patients who met study criteria in 183 communities were invited to participate (N = 1551). A self-administered questionnaire including collection of personal information and HRQoL instruments was completed by each participant (n = 970), with a response rate of 62.5%. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Survey and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data for comparison were derived from a representative Hangzhou community sample (N = 1790). After bivariate analyses, multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate independent associations between socio-demographic variables, clinical characteristics, life-style behaviors, and HRQoL.

RESULTS

Information from 965 participants was available for analysis. A total of 92.1% were diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer, known as the most common type of thyroid cancer. In general, thyroid cancer survivors have impaired quality of life compared to the age- and sex-matched reference population using the Short Form 36 Health Survey. Thyroid cancer survivors reported the highest level of fatigue and insomnia. Multivariable regression analyses showed that being employed, higher education, and per capita disposable income (24,000-56,000 ¥ per year), and undertaking 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week were independent correlates of high physical component summary scores, while being overweight or obese and having a higher dose of levothyroxine intake per day had a negative influence. Being employed, higher per capita disposable income (>56,000 ¥ per year), undertaking 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week, and eating more fruit were positively associated with mental component summary scores, while females and patients having more surgeries reported lower mental component summary scores. The global quality of life scale scores were associated with education, employment status, marital status, per capita disposable income, physical activity per week, fruit intake per day, and type of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Although patients with thyroid cancer have a very good prognosis overall, in this study, they often experienced more problems than the community reference population, independent of their age and sex. Sex, education, marital status, employment status, weight status, per capita disposable income, number of surgeries, type of surgery, physical activity per week, fruit intake, and levothyroxine intake per day are important correlates of HRQoL of thyroid cancer survivors. Awareness of these relevant factors could help healthcare professionals provide better supportive care.

Contribution of industrial density and socioeconomic status to the spatial distribution of thyroid cancer risk in Hangzhou, China

BACKGROUND

The thyroid cancer (TC) incidence in China has increased dramatically during the last three decades. Typical in this respect is the case of Hangzhou city (China), where 7147 new TC cases were diagnosed during the period 2008-2012. Hence, the assessment of the TC incidence risk increase due to environmental exposure is an important public health matter.

METHODS

Correlation analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Poisson regression were first used to evaluate the statistical association between TC and key risk factors (industrial density and socioeconomic status). Then, the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) theory and the integrative disease predictability (IDP) criterion were combined to quantitatively assess both the overall and the spatially distributed strength of the "exposure-disease" association.

RESULTS

Overall, higher socioeconomic status was positively correlated with higher TC risk (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.687, P<0.01). Compared to people of low socioeconomic status, people of median and high socioeconomic status showed higher TC risk: the Relative Risk (RR) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) were found to be, respectively, RR=2.29 with 95% CI=1.99 to 2.63, and RR=3.67 with 95% CI=3.22 to 4.19. The "industrial density-TC incidence" correlation, however, was non-significant. Spatially, the "socioeconomic status-TC" association measured by the corresponding IDP coefficient was significant throughout the study area: the mean IDP value was -0.12 and the spatial IDP values were consistently negative at the township level. It was found that stronger associations were distributed among residents mainly on a stripe of land from northeast to southwest (consisting mainly of sub-district areas). The "industrial density-TC" association measured by its IDP coefficient was spatially non-consistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Socioeconomic status is an important indicator of TC risk factor in Hangzhou (China) whose effect varies across space. Hence, socioeconomic status shows the highest TC risk effect in sub-district areas.

rs1760944 Polymorphism in the APE1 Region is Associated with Risk and Prognosis of Osteosarcoma in the Chinese Han Population

The effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at APE1 have been investigated in several types of cancer. However, no reports of the association of APE1 polymorphisms with osteosarcoma (OS) have been published. The present study was designed to determine whether APE1 polymorphisms (rs1130409, rs1760944, rs1760941, rs2275008, rs17111750) are associated with OS. A 2-stage case-control study was performed in a total of 378 OS patients and 616 normal controls. Individuals carrying TG and GG genotypes had significantly lower risk of developing OS than those with the WT genotype TT at rs1760944 (OR = 0.65, 95%CI 0.49–0.86; OR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.34–0.74, respectively). OS patients with allele G at rs1760944 were less susceptible to low differentiation tumor and metastasis (OR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.54–0.98; OR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.43–0.92, respectively). Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank results revealed that OS patients harboring genotype GG and G allele at rs1760944 had better survival (P < 0.001 for both). In addition, the APE1 protein was underexpressed in individuals who carried G allele at rs1760944. This study suggested that APE1 rs1760944 polymorphism is associated with decreased risk of developing OS and better survival of OS patients.

Analytical theory and possible detection of the ac quantum spin Hall effect

We develop an analytical theory of the low-frequency ac quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect based upon the scattering matrix formalism. It is shown that the ac QSH effect can be interpreted as a bulk quantum pumping effect. When the electron spin is conserved, the integer-quantized ac spin Hall conductivity can be linked to the winding numbers of the reflection matrices in the electrodes, which also equal to the bulk spin Chern numbers of the QSH material. Furthermore, a possible experimental scheme by using ferromagnetic metals as electrodes is proposed to detect the topological ac spin current by electrical means.

Effector T helper cell populations are elevated in the bone marrow of rheumatoid arthritis patients and correlate with disease severity

This study is to investigate the frequencies of T-helper (Th)22, Th17 and Th1 cells and the levels of related cytokines in subchondral bone marrow in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Bone marrow and peripheral blood samples were collected from RA, osteoarthritis (OA) patients and healthy controls. The frequencies of Th22, Th17, and Th1 cells were examined by flow cytometry. Levels of interleukin (IL)-22, IL-17 and IFN-γ were examined by ELISA. Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) of RA patients were analyzed. Bone marrow Th22, Th17 and Th1 cells in RA patients were markedly increased comparing to OA or healthy controls. Each T cell subset in bone marrow was elevated comparing with that in the peripheral blood in RA patients. Consistently, plasma levels of IL-22 and IL-17 were elevated in RA patients, and the elevation was more notable in the bone marrow than in the peripheral blood. Additionally, the percentages of Th22, Th17 and Th1 cells as well as the levels of IL-22 and IL-17 in bone marrow were positively correlated with DAS28. These results suggest that local pro-inflammatory Th cells are elevated in bone marrow, which may play an important role in situ in RA and contribute to the pathogenesis of in RA.

T helper 17 and T helper 1 cells are increased but regulatory T cells are decreased in subchondral bone marrow microenvironment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

The present study is to investigate the profiles of Th17, Th1 and Treg cells in bone marrow of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Flow cytometry was used to analyze the frequencies of Th17, Th1 and Treg cells in paired peripheral blood and bone marrow of 26 RA patients and 11 osteoarthritis (OA) patients, as well as 10 healthy controls. In addition, the disease activity was analyzed by the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28).

RESULTS

The frequencies of Th17 and Th1 cells were significantly elevated in bone marrow of RA patients. Importantly, Th17 and Th1 cells were significantly elevated in bone marrow compared with the matched peripheral blood from RA patients. However, Treg cells were significantly decreased in bone marrow of RA patients compared with the matched peripheral blood of RA patients and bone marrow of osteoarthritis patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the frequencies of tumor necrosis factor-α-producing T cells were significantly elevated in bone marrow from RA patients. Additionally, Th17 and Th1 cells in bone marrow were positively correlated with DAS28, while Treg cells were negatively correlated with DAS28.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that Th17 and Th1 cells are markedly increased in bone marrow from RA patients. By contrast, Treg cells are significantly decreased in bone marrow from RA patients. These results suggest that local abnormality of Th17, Th1 and Treg cells in bone marrow of RA patients may contribute to bone destruction in skeletal system.

Effect of SNX-2112 on proliferation of esophageal cancer cells via regulation of excision repair cross-complementing 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, and p53 expression

SNX-2112 is a potential molecular targeted therapeutic drug against esophageal cancer (EC). However, its exact mechanism of action remains to be explained. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SNX-2112 on excision repair cross- complementing 1 (ERCC1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and p53, to elucidate the mechanism of action of SNX-2112 on EC. Fresh tumor sections were surgically obtained from 65 patients with EC, and the expression of ERCC1, EGFR, and p53 was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, the effect of SNX-2112 (0.2 μM) on the proliferation of EC-9706 cells and the expression of ERCC1, EGFR, and p53 in these cells were analyzed by a cell proliferation assay and western blot, respectively. We observed a significant decrease and increase in ERCC1 (P = 0.001) and p53 (P = 0.043) expression, respectively, and no significant difference in EGFR (P = 0.59) expression, with the TNM stage of EC, which suggested that ERCC1 and p53 could be potential markers for the TNM stage of EC. We also observed a significant increase in ERCC1 expression, and decrease in p53 and EGFR expression, in EC-9706 cells treated with SNX-2112 (P < 0.05), indicating the regulation of EC by SNX-2112. Furthermore, SNX-2112 treatment induced a significant decrease in the proliferation of EC-9706, which confirmed the function of SNX- 2112. In summary, SNX-2112 inhibits the proliferation of EC cells by regulating the expression of ERCC1, EGFR, and p53.

Spatiotemporal Co-existence of Female Thyroid and Breast Cancers in Hangzhou, China

Thyroid and breast cancers (TC, BC) are common female malignant tumors worldwide. Studies suggest that TC patients have a higher BC risk, and vice versa. However, it has not been investigated quantitatively if there is an association between the space-time TC and BC incidence distributions at the population level. This work aims to answer this question. 5358 TC and 8784 BC (female) cases were diagnosed in Hangzhou (China, 2008-2012). Pearson and Spearman rank correlation coefficients of the TC and BC incidences were high, and their patterns were geographically similar. The spatiotemporal co-existence of TC and BC distributions was investigated using the integrative disease predictability (IDP) criterion: if TC-BC association is part of the disease mapping knowledge bases, it should yield improved space-time incidence predictions. Improved TC (BC) incidence predictions were generated when integrating both TC and BC data than when using only TC (BC) data. IDP consistently demonstrated the spatiotemporal co-existence of TC and BC distributions throughout Hangzhou (2008-2012), which means that when the population experiences high incidences of one kind of cancer attention should be paid to the other kind of cancer too. The strength of TC-BC association was measured by the IDP coefficients and incidence prediction accuracy.

Serum CEACAM1 Level Is Associated with Diagnosis and Prognosis in Patients with Osteosarcoma

Carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is a trans-membrane multifunctional cell adhesion molecule associated with tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration during tumor development. In the present study, we evaluated serum CEACAM1 level in osteosarcoma patients to explore its diagnostic and prognostic value for this particular malignancy. Sera from 113 patients with primary osteosarcoma, 98 patients with benign bone tumors and 126 healthy controls were obtained. Serum CEACAM1 level was measured with ELISA and correlation with clinicopathological characteristics was further analyzed. Receiver operating curves (ROC), Kaplan-Meier curves, and log-rank analyses as well as Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate diagnostic and prognostic significance. The results revealed that serum CEACAM1 level was significantly higher in osteosarcoma patients compared to benign bone tumors and healthy controls (455.2 ± 179.9 vs 287.4 ± 103.2, 260.8 ± 109.7 pg/ml, respectively). Osteosarcoma patients with larger tumors, later-tumor stages, low tumor grades, and distant metastases had much higher CEACAM1 compared to those with smaller tumors, earlier tumor stages, high tumor grades and non-distant metastases (P < 0.05 for all). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that high serum CEACAM1 level was an independent risk factor for distant metastases (OR = 3.02, 95%CI 1.65–4.17). To distinguish osteosarcoma patients from those with benign bone tumor and healthy controls, ROC/AUC analysis indicated an AUC of 0.81 (sensitivity 0.61; specificity 0.89) and an AUC of 0.77 (sensitivity 0.57; specificity 0.92), respectively. Osteosarcoma patients with higher CEACAM1 had relatively lower survival compared to those with low CEACAM1 (P < 0.01), and multivariate analyses for overall survival revealed that high serum CEACAM1 level was an independent prognostic factor for osteosarcoma (HR = 1.56, 95%CI 1.23–3.28). The present study suggested that elevated serum CEACAM1 level might be a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for osteosarcoma patients.

A Geographic Analysis about the Spatiotemporal Pattern of Breast Cancer in Hangzhou from 2008 to 2012

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common female malignant tumor. Previous studies have suggested a big incidence disparity among different cities in China. The present work selected a typical city, Hangzhou, to study BC incidence disparity within the city.

METHODS

Totally, 8784 female breast cancer cases were obtained from the Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention during the period 2008-2012. Analysis of Variance and Poisson Regression were the statistical tools implemented to compare incidence disparity in the space-time domain (reference group: township residents during 2008, area: subdistrict, town, and township, time frame: 2008-2012), space-time scan statistics was employed to detect significant spatiotemporal clusters of BC compared to the null hypothesis that the probability of cases diagnosed at a particular location was equal to the probability of cases diagnosed in the whole study area. Geographical Information System (GIS) was used to generate BC spatial distribution and cluster maps at the township level.

RESULTS

The subdistrict populations were found to have the highest and most stable BC incidence. Although town and township populations had a relatively low incidence, it displayed a significant increasing trend from 2008 to 2012. The BC incidence distribution was spatially heterogeneous and clustered with a trend-surface from the southwest low area to the northeast high area. High clusters were located in the northeastern Hangzhou area, whereas low clusters were observed in the southwestern area during the time considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Better healthcare service and lifestyle changes may be responsible for the increasing BC incidence observed in towns and townships. One high incidence cluster (Linping subdistrict) and two low incidence clusters (middle Hangzhou) were detected. The low clusters may be attributable mainly to developmental level disparity, whereas the high cluster could be associated with other risk factors, such as environmental pollution.

Meta-analysis of association between IL-6 -634C/G polymorphism and osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common disease in the aging population and studies have shown that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is potentially implicated in its pathogenesis. This study was designed to assess the association between the IL-6 gene -634C/G polymorphism and osteoporosis. PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched for eligible studies published up to and including December 2014 in English or Chinese. Meta-analysis was conducted by the RevMan5.2 software. Weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated by a fixed-effect or random-effect model. Bone mineral density (BMD) was regarded as the assessment index. As a result, a total of four articles with 3068 subjects were included. Differences in BMD between the CC and GG genotypes were 0.03 g/cm(2) (95%CI = 0.01 to 0.05) at total body, 0.01 g/cm(2) (95%CI = 0.00 to 0.03) at femoral neck, and 0.03 g/cm(2) (95%CI = 0.00 to 0.06) at the lumbar spine (P < 0.05). For the CG versus GG genotypes, the differences in BMD were 0.03 g/cm(2) (95%CI = 0.02 to 0.05) at total body and 0.02 g/cm(2) (95%CI = 0.00 to 0.03 at the femoral neck (P < 0.05). For the CC versus CG genotypes, the differences in BMD were not significant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the GG genotype of the -634C/G polymorphism in IL-6 appears to play a role in reducing BMD, which affects normal bone metabolism and leads to osteoporosis.

[Effect of comprehensive intervention on capacity in prevention and control of chronic diseases in community medical staff in Hangzhou]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the Oxford Health Alliance-Community Interventions for Health on chronic diseases prevention and control capacity in community medical staff in Hangzhou.

METHODS

A two year comprehensive intervention on chronic disease prevention and control capacity was conducted in the medical staff in Xiacheng district and Gongshu district, Xihu district was used as control according to the study design principal of parallel comparison and non-random grouping. The intervention effect was evaluated with Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. A total of 985 questionnaires were completed in the baseline survey and 870 questionnaires were completed in the follow-up survey.

RESULTS

After 2 year intervention, the detection rates of blood cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose by community medical staff significantly increased compared with the rates before the intervention (χ² =7.97, P =0.05 ; χ² =27.21, P =0.00 ; χ² =21.32, P=0.00). While, in the control district, the fasting blood glucose detection rate increased from 25.37% to 31.19%, the differences showed statistical significance (χ² =15.29, P=0.00). The communication between community medical staff and patients about healthy diet pattern was improved after the intervention, the difference was statistical significant (χ² =8.64, P=0.03). However, no significant differences in communication about increasing physical activity and smoking cessation between community medical staff and patients was found before and after intervention both in intervention districts and in control district. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the interventions on screening of common chronic diseases and management of chronic diseases patients were related with the detections of blood cholesterol, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose. Moreover, the intervention on counsel and suggestion for chronic disease prevention and control had some influence on the communication about chronic disease risk factors between community medical staff and patients.

CONCLUSION

The intervention on chronic disease prevention and control capacity in community medical staff was effective to improve the detection of chronic diseases in community and the communication between the medical staff and patients.

[Association between walking time and perception of built environment among urban adults in Hangzhou]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between walking time and the perception of built environment among local adults in Hangzhou.

METHODS

Through multistage stratified random sampling, a total of 1 440 urban residents aged 25-59 years were surveyed in Hangzhou by face-to face interview in 2012. The international physical activity questionnaire-long version (IPAQ-L) was used to assess the physical activity levels, including walking time in the past week. Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Abbreviated (NEWS-A) was used to obtain information about their perception of built environment. Multiple logistic regression was applied to estimate the relationship between waking and the perception of built environment.

RESULTS

Among the local adults in Hangzhou, the median of total physical activity was 2 766 met·min⁻¹·week⁻¹, the average walking time per week was 90 min for leisure and 100 min for transportation respectively. After controlling the age, marital status, BMI, educational level, employment, community type and the total PA scores, the leisure-time walking was negatively related to the accessibility to stores, facilities and other things for both man (OR=0.764, 95% CI: 0.588-0.992) and woman (OR=0.633, 95% CI: 0.481-0.833). In sex specific analysis, the leisure-time walking was negatively related with the residential density (OR=0.997, 95% CI: 0.996-0.999) while transportation related walking was positively related with walking/cycling way scores (OR=1.537, 95% CI: 1.138-2.075) in females. In contrast, there were no significant associations between perception of built environment and transportation related walking in males.

CONCLUSION

Improving the built environment, such as the walking/cycling way, might be useful to increase the transportation related walking time for adults. The sex specific differences need to be considered in the environment intervention for walking promotion.

[Evaluation of perceptions of physical activity related built environment among urban adults with different characteristics in Hangzhou]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the perceptions of physical activity-related built environment among urban adults in Hangzhou.

METHODS

A face-to-face interview was conducted among the urban residents aged 25-59 years selected through multistage stratified random sampling in Hangzhou in 2012. The Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-Abbreviated (NEWS-A) was used to assess the perception of built environment among residents, including residential building density, the diversities of stores, facilities and others, the accessibility to public service, the street connectivity, walking/cycling facilities, aesthetics, traffic safety, and public security. The multilevel logistic regression model was used to assess the demographic characteristics, BMI and other factors' influence on people's perceptions.

RESULTS

Among 1 362 local residents surveyed, no sex, martial status and occupation specific significant differences in the perception of built environment were found. After adjusting other factors, the age group 45-59 years was positively related to the score of street connectivity (OR=2.02, 95% CI: 1.30-3.15). The educational level of college or higher was positively associated with the score of residential building density (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.29-3.00) but negatively associated with the score of facility variety (OR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.43-0.97). Overweight or obesity was negatively related to the scores of walking/cycling ways (OR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.48-0.95) and public security (OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.57-0.99). Compared with the class I residential area, the people in class III residential area had lower perception scores on facility diversity (OR=0.11, 95% CI: 0.04-0.30), accessibility to public service (OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.11-0.95), street connectivity (OR=0.30, 95% CI: 0.11-0.86) and traffic safety (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.17-0.91).

CONCLUSION

The perceptions of physical activity-related built environment was associated with age, educational level, BMI and residential area. The personal characteristics should be considered while performing environment intervention on physical activity.

Therapeutic effects of PKP on chronic painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with or without intravertebral cleft

This study aims to investigate clinical effects of protruding after percutaneous vertebral plasty (PKP holds) for treatment of chronic painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (CPOVCFs), and assess its safety and effectiveness. One hundred and eighteen CPOVCFs patients were included, and analyzed and followed up therapeutic effects of PKP holds. All of these patients were divided into NIVC (73 cases) and IVC (45 cases) group. Comparing operation time, bone cement perfusion, pain intensity modulus visual grading scoring, Oswestry disability index, fracture fanterior relative height, local convex Angle, and surgical complications between the two groups. There were no significant differences between two groups for operation time of PKP holds (P>0.05). Amount of bone cement injection in IVC groups was significantly higher compared to NIVC group (P<0.05). Pain intensity visual modulus ratings and Oswestry disability index were significantly improved in both groups after surgery and postoperative follow-up period compared to pre-operation (P<0.05). Fracture fanterior margin relative height and local convex angle were also significantly improved (P<0.05). Fracture fanterior margin relative height was also significantly improved for IVC compared to NIVC group (P<0.05). There were no differences for bone cement leakage rate and adjacent segment fracture between two groups (P>0.05). But there was a case of bone cement loose, which needs to be treated for further step. In conclusion, PKP holds is a kind of effective and safe method for the IVC and NIVC patients. Especially for the IVC patients, PKP holds can significantly improve the fracture fanterior margin relative height.

Gender, Age, and Education Level Modify the Association between Body Mass Index and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hangzhou, China

Introduction

Numerous studies have reported a strong inverse association between BMI and physical activity in western populations. Recently, the association between BMI and physical activity has been considered bidirectional. This study aimed to examine the associations of body mass index (BMI) with physical activity and sedentary behavior and to explore whether those associations were modified by socio-demographic characteristics.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a multistage random sampling survey in three districts of Hangzhou, China, in 2012. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire long form was used to collect data regarding physical activity and sedentary behavior. A multilevel mixed-effects regression model was used to assess the associations of BMI with physical activity and sedentary behavior.

Results

A total of 1362 eligible people (624 men and 738 women, ages 23-59 years) completed the survey. People who are young or middle-aged and have the highest education level are the most inactive. Significant differences in the associations between physical activity and BMI across socio-demographic groups were identified (sex*BMI, P=0.018; age*BMI, P<0.001; education level*BMI, P=0.030). Women or individuals older than 50 had a higher level of physical activity with increasing BMI. There was no statistically significant association between BMI and sedentary behavior (P=0.450).

Conclusions

The associations between BMI and physical activity were modified by sex, age, and education level in Hangzhou, China.

Prevention and treatment of bone cement-related complications in patients receiving percutaneous kyphoplasty

OBJECTIVE

This study is to investigate the complications and preventive measures of bone cement in percutaneous kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 134 cases of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture patients treated with percutaneous kyphoplasty, which involved 182 vertebral fractures, was performed. The bone cement-related complications, the reasons causing these complications, and the preventive measures were investigated.

RESULTS

Successful operation was performed in all patients. Operative bone cement toxic reaction occurred in 1 patient. Different degrees of leakage of bone cement were found in 21 patients with 25 fractures and 1 case needed operation treatment. During the long term follow-up, bone necrosis absorption and cement drifted away which needed operation treatment was found in 1 patient with vertebral fracture. Thirteen adjacent vertebral fractures were found in 11 patients and 10 patients underwent operation treatment again.

CONCLUSIONS

With careful surgery, complications associated with bone cement could be greatly reduced.

Three-dimensional image navigation system-assisted anterior cervical screw fixation for treatment of acute odontoid fracture

This study is to investigate the role of three-dimensional image navigation system for surgical treatment of odontoid fracture. A total of 21 patients were enrolled in this study. The anterior cervical hollow screw fixation was performed for treatment of acute odontoid fracture under monitoring of isocentric C-arm three-dimensional navigation system (Iso-C 3D) navigation system. The postoperative follow-up investigation duration was 13.8 ± 4.4 months. Twenty patients with odontoid fracture had bone union without intraoperative and postoperative complications. No loosening, dislocation or fracture of screw occurred. The average healing time was from 3 to 4 months. The cervical postoperative organ function evaluation of patients was scored by Smiley-Webster scoring methods. Eighteen cases were scored as excellent; 2 cases were scored as fine; 1 case was scored as good; and no case was scored as poor. Iso-C 3D image navigation system-assisted anterior cervical screw fixation is an effective approach for treatment of odontoid fracture.

[Assessment on the impact of smoking cessation counseling service and related influencing factors under comprehensive community-based intervention programs about the community medical staff in Hangzhou city]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short-term impact of comprehensive community-based intervention programs on smoking cessation counseling services provided by community medical staff and related influencing factors in three districts of Hangzhou city.

METHODS

Within the framework of Community Interventions for Health (CIH) Program, a community trial was conducted in two districts (Xiacheng and Gongshu) and a district (Xihu) as control, by a parallel comparison and random grouping based quasi-experimental design. Two independent questionnaire-based surveys of cross-sectional samples in the intervention and comparison areas were used to assess the impact of intervention.

RESULTS

There were 299 and 141 medical staff in the areas of intervention and 'control', respectively. For the intervention area, the quantity of available resources increased from 2 to 3 and the quantity of used resources increased from 1 to 3 (both P < 0.001), while the area of control had a downward trend for both quantities. For the ratios of well-readiness for smoking counseling, in the intervention area were 35.5% , 52.0% before and after intervention (P < 0.001), while the 'controlled' area they were 28.1%, 39.3%, respectively (P = 0.162). A slight increase was seen in the intervention area for the proportion of the medical staff who had been provided smoking cessation counseling, as ≥ 90% patients (including asking smoking status, announcing risks related to the risks of smoking and advising smoking cessation programs etc.), while the proportion decreased in the area of 'control'. The improvement of preparedness would promote medical staff to ask their patients about smoking status (OR = 1.43, P = 0.007), while all factors as a whole would not influence the medical staff to inform patients about the danger of smoking and advice patients to quit smoking.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive community-based interventions could increase the opportunities for medical staff to acquire and utilize smoking cessation resources to some extent, as well as promote those staff's preparedness. However, intervention itself might fail to improve the behavior of providing such services. Support that came from the policy or from the institutions also need to be strengthened.

[Impact factors on physical activity level among the urban junior high school personnel in Hangzhou]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the level of physical activities (PA) and related influencing factors among junior high school personnel in Hangzhou.

METHODS

In a cross sectional study, a self administered questionnaire was used to assess the levels of PA. Kruskal-Wallis H test and ordinal regression were applied to analyze the related factors.

RESULTS

Among the 1 497 school personnel included in this study, prevalence rates on the low, moderate and high levels of PA were 40.8%, 40.6% and 18.6%, respectively. Data from the multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that:when comparing with the low level, people aged ≥ 45 (OR = 1.576, 95% CI:1.128-2.201) or those having minor perceived stress (OR = 1.490, 95% CI:1.141-1.946) more likely to fall into the moderate level. However, factors as higher awareness scores on the benefit of PA (OR = 1.070, 95%CI:1.002-1.143), being male (OR = 3.088, 95%CI:2.162-4.409), always or very often taking PA together with colleagues (OR = 2.903, 95%CI:1.587-5.312), taking PA once in a while together with colleagues (OR = 1.900, 95%CI:1.160-3.110) or having space to walk around home (OR = 1.657, 95% CI:1.022-2.688) would increase the likelihood of having high PA level. However, factors as marital status, socioeconomic status, years of working at school, BMI, level of having received education and positive impact from colleagues etc. did not seem to have significantly related to the PA level.

CONCLUSION

Gender, age, stress from work and supportive environment should be taken into account while planning on promoting the PA level among junior high school personnel in Hangzhou.

Regulation of autophagy by miR-30d impacts sensitivity of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma to cisplatin

miR-30d has been observed to be significantly down-regulated in human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), and is believed to be an important event in thyroid cell transformation. In this study, we found that miR-30d has a critical role in modulating sensitivity of ATC cells to cisplatin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for treatment of this neoplasm. Using a mimic of miR-30d, we demonstrated that miR-30d could negatively regulate the expression of beclin 1, a key autophagy gene, leading to suppression of the cisplatin-activated autophagic response that protects ATC cells from apoptosis. A reporter gene assay demonstrated that the binding sequences of miR-30d in the beclin 1-3' UTR was the region required for the inhibition of beclin 1 expression by this miRNA. We further showed that inhibition of the beclin 1-mediated autophagy by the miR-30d mimic sensitized ATC cells to cisplatin both in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal xenograft model). These results suggest that dysregulation of miR-30d in ATC cells is responsible for the insensitivity to cisplatin by promoting autophagic survival. Thus, miR-30d may be exploited as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of ATC.

[Assessment on the short-term impact regarding the community-based interventions to improve physical activities in three urban areas of Hangzhou city]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short-term impact of comprehensive community based intervention on physical activity (PA) of adults living in the three urban communities of Hangzhou city.

METHODS

Within the framework of Community Interventions for Health (CIH) Program, a community trial was conducted in two urban areas (Xiacheng district and Gongshu district)and an urban area(Xihu district)as control, by a parallel comparison and random grouping based quasi-experimental design. Two independent questionnaire-based surveys of cross-sectional samples in the intervention and comparison areas were used to assess the short-term impact of the intervention program.

RESULTS

A total of 2016 adults at baseline and 2016 adults at follow-up stages, completed the survey, including 1016 adults from the intervention areas and 1000 from the comparison area. Over the two-year intervention period, the cognitive level on benefits of physical activity in the intervention areas were trending downward. The changes observed in the comparison area did not show statistical significance. Intervention areas showed a statistically significant increase (1204 vs. 1386, P = 0.023) in the level of physical activity(metabolic equivalent, MET-minutes/week)compared with the comparison area(918 vs. 924, P = 0.201). And results remained the same after eliminating the possible effects of age factor.

CONCLUSION

After a two-year intervention, beneficial changes were noted in the intervention areas with respect to the level of physical activity. A community-based intervention program on physical activity seemed feasible and effective in the urban areas of Hangzhou.

[Changes in knowledge and behavior related to tobacco consumption among urban population before and after the enforcement of the Smoke Control Ordinance in Public Places of Hangzhou in 2010]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the changes in tobacco related knowledge, smoking habit and the amount if environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) among urban population before and after the enforcement of the Smoke Control Ordinance in Public Places of Hangzhou in March 2010.

METHODS

Two independent cross-sectional surveys were conducted on random samples from adults aged 18 - 64 years in three districts of Hangzhou city between two petiods: October 2008 to August 2009 and June 2011 to February 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 2016 adults at the initial stage and 2016 adults during the follow-up program completed the survey. Nine out of the ten indices related to the knowledge on tobacco presented an improvement during the follow-up process. All the participants (22.4% vs. 17.7%, P < 0.001) and men (44.2% vs. 37.3%, P = 0.004) showed statistically significant declines in the prevalence of smoking, when compared with women (1.7% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.379). The proportions of individuals who had noticed anyone smoking in the previous 30 days demonstrated statistically significant declines in nine types of places: school (5.6% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001), health centre (11.4% vs. 3.7%, P < 0.001), public transportation (19.2% vs. 12.2%, P < 0.001), government building (11.3% vs. 5.6%, P < 0.001), restaurant (67.0% vs. 61.3%, P = 0.002), workplace (49.7% vs. 38.3%, P < 0.001), private office building (23.6% vs. 19.9%, P = 0.023), home (41.0% vs. 35.5%, P = 0.003), friend's home (33.9% vs. 29.5%, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Positive changes were noticed among urban population with respect to tobacco related knowledge, prevalence of smoking, and the environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) after the enforcement of the Smoke Control Ordinance in Public Places of Hangzhou.