Incidence and risk factors of tuberculosis among the elderly population in China: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: China is facing challenges of the shifting presentation of tuberculosis (TB) from younger to elderly due to an ageing population, longer life expectancy and reactivation disease. However, the burden of elderly TB and influence factors are not yet clear. To fill the gap, we generated a cohort study to measure the magnitude of TB incidence and associated factors among the elderly population aged 65 years and above in China. METHODS: In this cohort established in 2013 through a prevalence survey conducted in selected sites, a total of 34 076 elderlies without TB were enrolled into two-year follow-up. We used both active and passive case findings to find out all TB patients among them. The person-year (PY) incidence rates for both bacteriologically positive TB and active TB were calculated. Cox proportional regression model was performed to test effect of risk factors, and the population attributable fraction (PAF) of each risk factor contributing to incident TB among elderlies was calculated. RESULTS: Over the two-year follow-up period, a total of 215 incident active TB were identified, 62 of which were bacteriologically positive. The incidence rates for active TB and bacteriologically positive TB were 481.8 per 100 000 PY (95% CI: 417.4-546.2 per 100 000 PY) and 138.9 per 100 000 PY (95% CI: 104.4-173.5 per 100 000 PY), respectively. Incident cases detected by active case finding were significantly higher (P < 0.001). Male, non-Han nationality, previously treated TB, ex/current smoker and body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 presented as independent predictors for developing TB disease. For developing bacteriologically positive TB, the biggest contribution was from self-reported ex or current smoker (18.06%). And, for developing active TB, the biggest contribution was from non-Han nationality (35.40%), followed by male (26.80%) and age at 75 years and above (10.85%). CONCLUSIONS: Ageing population in China had a high TB incidence rate and risk to develop TB disease, implying that National TB Program (NTP) needs to prioritize for elderly. Active case finding should be applied capture more active TB cases among this particular population, especially for male, non-Han nationality, and those with identified risk factors.

Association between elevated blood glucose level and non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a report from the Guangzhou heart study.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the prevalence of elevated blood glucose level (EBG, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose), and its association with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in Guangzhou, China. METHODS: The population-based follow-up Guangzhou Heart Study collected baseline data from July 2015 to August 2017 among 12,013 permanent residents aged > 35 from 4 Guangzhou districts. Two streets (Dadong and Baiyun) in the Yuexiu District, and one street (Xiaoguwei) and two towns (Xinzao and Nancun) in the Panyu District were chosen as representative of urban and rural areas, respectively. Each participant completed a comprehensive questionnaire, and underwent physical examination, blood sample collection for laboratory testing, electrocardiography, and other evaluations. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the independent association between hyperglycemia and NVAF prevalence. RESULTS: The prevalence of EBG in overall study population was 29.9%. Compared with residents without EBG, the odds ratio (OR) for AF among residents with EBG was significantly higher (1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-2.70, P <  0.001), even after multivariate adjustment for metabolic abnormalities (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.14-2.25, P = 0.007), and driven by women (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.12-2.91, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: In Guangzhou, China, prevalence of EBG is high among residents aged > 35 years and associated with a multivariate adjusted increase in prevalence of NVAF overall and in women.

Adsorption of Cadmium Ions from an Aqueous Solution on a Highly Stable Dopamine-Modified Magnetic Nano-Adsorbent.

Magnetic nanomaterials were functionalized with dopamine hydrochloride as the functional reagent to afford a core-shell-type Fe3O4 modified with polydopamine (Fe3O4@PDA) composite, which was used for the adsorption of cadmium ions from an aqueous solution. In addition, the effects of environmental factors on the adsorption capacity were investigated. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics of the adsorbents were discussed. Results revealed that the adsorption of cadmium by Fe3O4@PDA reaches equilibrium within 120 min, and kinetic fitting data are consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 > 0.999). The adsorption isotherm of Cd2+ on Fe3O4@PDA was in agreement with the Freundlich model, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 21.58 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters revealed that adsorption is inherently endothermic and spontaneous. Results obtained from the adsorption-desorption cycles revealed that Fe3O4@PDA exhibits ultra-high adsorption stability and reusability. Furthermore, the adsorbents were easily separated from water under an enhanced external magnetic field after adsorption due to the introduction of an iron-based core. Hence, this study demonstrates a promising magnetic nano-adsorbent for the effective removal of cadmium from cadmium-containing wastewater.

[Effectiveness of 3 different methods in prevention of dental caries in permanent teeth among children].

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of fluoride vanish, fluoride foam, pit and fissure sealant with fluoride in prevention of dental caries, and investigate appropriate approach to prevent dental caries at schools. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial with 4 parallel groups was conducted. Totally 1016 children from 4 schools and 33 classes with a mean age of 7 to 8 years were included. They were randomly allocated into 4 groups: (1) fluoride vanish, semi-annual application; (2) fluoride foam, semi-annual application; (3) resin sealant, single placement; and (4) placebo control with oral hygiene instruction. Follow-up examinations were conducted after 2 years to monitor dental caries increment of first molars among these children. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 software package. RESULTS: Two years later, 977 children (96.2%) were examined. The results of multiple factor ANCOVA showed that fluoride vanish and resin sealant had significantly lower mean dental caries increment on tooth surface compared with control group (P<0.05). No significant difference of mean dental caries increment on tooth surface was found between fluoride foam and control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The placement of resin sealant with fluoride and annual application of fluoride protector are effective in prevention of dental caries in permanent teeth of children.

[A study on the combination of Nance arch and TPA in the use of straight-wire arch orthodontic treatment].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of combination of Nance and TPA on the use of MBT appliance to treat Class II division I malocclusion. METHODS: Nineteen cases of Class II division I malocclusion, aged from 12 to 16 years, underwent Nance arch and TPA in the use of MBT appliance to reinforce molar anchorage. Cephalometric analysis and model measurements were conducted and compared before and after treatment using SAS8.0 software package. RESULTS: The average forward movement of the first maxillary molar was (1.97 ± 0.696)mm, but still less than 1/3 of the extraction space.U1-SN reduced 10.97° ± 3.81°.There was no significant difference in GoGn-Sn angle,ALFH /AFH and posterior dental arch width(P>0.05).The soft tissue profile (Ls-E,Ls-Snpg,Cm-Sn-Ls) was improved remarkably (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The combination of Nance and TPA might be effective and simple anchorage in three dimensions.