Sociodemographic features associated with the MoCA, SPPB, and GDS scores in a community-dwelling elderly population.

BACKGROUND: An accurate evaluation of cognitive function, physical health, and psychological health is fundamental for assessing health problems in the elderly population, and it is important to identify the necessity of early therapeutic intervention. The objective of this study was to evaluate the states of mental and physical functions and to investigate the relationships between sociodemographic features and these functions in a community-dwelling elderly population. METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a suburban district of Shanghai, China. A total of 1025 participants aged 60-89 years underwent investigations of demographic and lifestyle features and a multidimensional geriatric evaluation comprising the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). RESULTS: The results of the multivariate linear regression models demonstrated that the MoCA and SPPB scores decreased with advancing age (all P < 0.01). However, the GDS score did not exhibit an age-related decrease (P = 0.09). Both sex and living alone influenced the MoCA score (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively), SPPB score (P < 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively), and GDS score (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). A higher education level was related to better MoCA and SPPB scores (all P < 0.01). Furthermore, age and sex had interactive effects on the MoCA score (P = 0.03) and SPPB score (P < 0.01). The kernel-weighted local polynomial smoothing curves exhibited similar trends. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative to develop a more sensitive evaluation of physical function, and to encourage various intellectually and emotionally stimulating social activity strategies to promote healthy aging, especially in elderly women and those living alone who have a low education level.

Assessment of the health status of middle-aged and elderly men with head scale, SF-36, IIEF5, AMS, and IPSS.

BACKGROUND: Identifying practical and distinguished indicators and influencing factors of male aging may be useful in predicting subsequent aging trends, designing personalized prevention, and improving lifestyle and health. METHODS: A cross-sectional, population-based study was performed in Jiashan County, China in 2016. A total of 690 local male residents, aged 40 to 80 years, were eligible for recruitment. Demographic and lifestyle information was collected through structured interviews. A self-designed head scale, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF5), Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were used. Analysis of variance, local polynomial regression smoothing curves, multiple linear regression, and partial correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: All the scales deteriorated with increasing age (P < 0.01), especially from the age of 60. The most significant changes between adjacent age groups were found in IIEF5 scores (16.7, 43.5 and 39.4%). Income, nutrition, personality and neighborhood relationship had an effect on SF-36 and AMS after adjusting for age (P < 0.01). Furthermore, neighborhood relationship modified the age effect on the head scale score and IIEF5 (P = 0.03); nutrition modified the relationship between age and SF-36 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Recession of reproductive health may be a distinct predictor of male aging. The associations of social inequalities or personality and health offer potential interventions for men's health in aging. Self-reported scales may limit the precision and more physical fitness tests could be combined for a more precise assessment.

Body Mass Index Changes in Relation to Male Reproductive Hormones: Longitudinal Results From a Community-Based Cohort Study.

The objective of the current study was to explore the relationship between longitudinal change in body mass index (BMI) and reproductive hormones in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men. A cohort study was conducted in a rural area of China. Local male residents aged 40-80 years were recruited at baseline in 2012 and were followed up in 2016. Information about weight, height, waist circumference, sex hormones, smoking status, and medical history were obtained. The change in BMI reported no significant relationship with the change in total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), and bioavailable testosterone (BioT) in Pearson correlation analyses. When the change in BMI was divided into three groups-"great loss," "normal fluctuation," and "great gain"-TT, cFT and BioT had the highest increase (or the lowest decrease) in men with "normal fluctuation" in BMI compared with the other two groups. The advantage of maintaining a stable BMI was more evident for those who were overweight, non-smoking, and disease-free. There was a tendency of a continuous increase in cFT and BioT with BMI increase in smoking and diseased populations. Maintaining a stable BMI is associated with maintaining normal levels of reproductive hormones, especially in overweight, non-smoking, and healthy men aged over 40 years.

Periconceptional Folic Acid Supplementation and the Risk of Spontaneous Abortion among Women Who Prepared to Conceive: Impact of Supplementation Initiation Timing.

It is unclear whether periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation decreases the risk of spontaneous abortion (SA). The impact of supplementation initiation timing has not been ascertained. This cohort study aimed to investigate the association between maternal periconceptional FA supplementation and risk of SA, with due consideration of the supplementation initiation timing. Through the National Free Pre-conception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP), we identified 65,643 pregnancies on FA supplementation in Chongqing, China between 2010 and 2015. After adjusting for covariates, maternal periconceptional FA supplementation was associated with a lower risk of SA (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-0.56). Pregnant women with FA supplementation initiated at least 3 months before conception had a 10% lower risk of SA (aRR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.42-0.50) than those with FA supplementation initiated 1-2 months before conception (aRR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.50-0.62) or after conception (aRR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.51-0.61). These associations might not thoroughly account for FA supplementation, and to some extent our findings confirm the role of the utilization of healthcare in preventing SAs. Women who initiated healthcare, including taking FA earlier during the periconceptional period, could have a lower risk of SA.

Intended place of residence in old age of internal migrants aged 15-64 years: a citywide cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the intentions of working-age internal migrants concerning their place of residence in old age and the relevant influencing factors. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the 17 districts of Shanghai, China in 2013. Through multi-stage stratified sampling with probability proportional to size, 7968 internal migrants (aged 15-64 years) were selected and interviewed individually face to face. The primary outcome concerned the intended place of residence in old age of internal migrants living in Shanghai. Information was collected on demographic characteristics, health insurance, economic condition and participation in social activities. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to analyse the factors influencing migrants' intentions concerning their place of residence in old age. RESULTS: A total of 7927 working-age migrants with complete data were analysed. Of these, 57.0% intended to live in their hometown in old age, 17.7% planned to remain in Shanghai and 25.3% were undecided. Those respondents who were male, less educated, from rural areas or Western China, living in rental houses or who had left family members behind in their hometowns were more likely to choose their hometown as their intended residence in old age (p<0.05). Engagement in business, longer residence duration, possession of social insurance and participation in social activities in Shanghai were identified as possible motivators for migrants who intended to remain in Shanghai in old age (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the migrants expressed an intention to remigrate to their hometowns in old age. Education, economic capacity and social insurance influenced internal migrants in their decision. Relevant authorities should monitor the remigration pattern of ageing migrants, strengthen the senior care system and prepare health service resources that are more adequate, especially in the provinces or cities whence the migrants came.

Longitudinal Trends of AMS and IIEF-5 Scores in Randomly-Selected Community Men 40 to 80 Years Old: Preliminary Results.

INTRODUCTION: Most of conclusions on the relationship between age and reproductive health in aging men relied on cross-sectional data. AIM: To better characterize the natural degradation trajectory of reproductive health of aging men based on longitudinal data. METHODS: A community cohort study was performed in randomly selected men 40 to 80 years old, initiated in 2012 and followed up in 2014 and 2016. Participants were investigated by face-to-face structured interview, including demographic information and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scales. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The differences among the 3 assessments of IIEF-5 and AMS were analyzed, and progression trajectories were traced. RESULTS: The high degree of variability on AMS and IIEF-5 was evident across individual subjects, as was the variability within individuals. The average IIEF-5 score of 248 subjects decreased from 16.9 to 14.1 during the 4 years, and the total AMS score increased from 22.6-27.0 (P < .001). Longitudinal data, both of individuals and of groups, showed the more rapid increase or decrease on AMS or IIEF-5 scores over 4 years in the 61-70 age group than in other age groups. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: The evidence of the greatest changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61-70 age group prompts the importance of early intervention to postpone the degradation of reproductive health. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: Compared with cross-sectional data, longitudinal data can provide a more natural progression trajectory of reproductive health of aging male individuals. The low follow-up rate might affect the parameter estimation to some extent. CONCLUSION: Cohort data over 4 years' follow-up showed more abrupt changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61-70 age group than in other age groups. Zheng J-B, Liang Q-F, Li J-H, et al. Longitudinal Trends of AMS and IIEF-5 Scores in Randomly-Selected Community Men 40 to 80 Years Old: Preliminary Results. J Sex Med 2019;16:1567-1573.

The impact of age, BMI and sex hormone on aging males' symptoms and the international index of erectile function scores.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of age, BMI and sex hormone on aging males' symptoms (AMS) and the 5-item version of the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) scores in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiashan County. A total of 969 men, aged between 40 and 80 years old, were admitted. Physical examination and the sex hormones were measured, and AMS and IIEF-5 scores were assessed. RESULTS: The oneway ANOVA analysis indicated older age groups had higher AMS total-scores, somatic and sexual sub-scores, and lower IIEF5 scores (all p < .01). Pairwise correlation (rpairwise) analyses showed the significant associations between AMS and age or sex hormone (cFT, Bio-T, SHBG, and LH) levels, and similar for IIEF5. However, when age was adjusted, the correlation coefficients (rpartial) weakened, and correlation significance disappeared, except LH (for AMS: rpartial = 0.096, p = .009; for IIEF-5: rpartial = -0.140, p = .001). Multiple linear regressions confirmed the influence of increased age and LH on the AMS and IIEF5 scores. CONCLUSION: CFT, Bio-T and SHBG failed to yield any additional predicting information when age was adjusted. To improve the male reproductive health, future research should pay more attention on aging-related comorbidities and how to improve general wellness.

Epitomics: IgG-epitome decoding of E6, E7 and L1 proteins from oncogenic human papillomavirus type 58.

To enable rational multi-epitope vaccine and diagnostic antigen design, it is imperative to delineate complete IgG-epitome of the protein. Here, we describe results of IgG-epitome decoding of three proteins from high-risk (HR-) oncogenic human papillomavirus type 58 (HPV58). To reveal their entire epitomes, employing peptide biosynthetic approach, 30 precise linear B-cell epitopes (BCEs) were mapped on E6, E7 and L1 proteins using rabbits antisera to the respective recombinant proteins. Using sequence alignment based on BCE minimal motif, the specificity and conservativeness of each mapped BCE were delineated mainly among known HR-HPVs, including finding 3 broadly antibody cross-reactive BCEs of L1 that each covers almost all HR-HPVs. Western blots revealed that 13 of the 18 BCEs within L1-epitome were recognized by murine antisera to HPV58 virus-like particles, suggesting that these are antibody accessible BCEs. Also, a highly conserved epitope (YGD/XTL) of E6 was found to exist only in known common HR-HPVs, which could be used as the first peptide reference marker for judging HR-HPVs. Altogether, this study provides systemic and exhaustive information on linear BCEs of HR-HPV58 that will facilitate development of novel multi-epitope diagnostic reagents/chips for testing viral antibodies and 'universal' preventive HPV peptide vaccine based on L1 conserved BCEs.

The reproductive health indices and sex hormone levels in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the age-related recession trajectory of reproductive health indices in middle-aged and elderly Chinese men. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiashan County, Zhejiang in 2012. Healthy men between 40 and 80 years of age were considered eligible for the study. Physical examination and the sex hormones were measured. The subjects were assessed based on the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), and Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale for Symptomatic Late-Onset Hypogonadism (SLOH). RESULTS: TG showed a decrease at age 60 years. Testis volume and TT did not show significant difference among the four age groups; cFT began to decrease at age 50 years and Bio-T decreased faster at age 50 years. SHBG and LH increased faster at age 50 and 70 years, respectively. IIEF5 score decrease faster at age 60 years. AMS scores increased faster at age 70 years. With the increase in age, the symptoms of ED and SLOH became severer. CONCLUSION: Different indices on reproductive health of men showed turning points at different ages. At first, androgenic sex hormones decreased faster, and then erectile dysfunction got severer, and the last overall male syndromes declined.

Single or double semen samples: the dilemma in epidemiological studies on semen quality.

STUDY QUESTION: Is it necessary to collect more than one semen sample from each individual in epidemiological studies? SUMMARY ANSWER: Single semen samples can be used in model construction as long as the model adjusts for major relevant covariates. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: If a series of semen samples are taken from one individual at different times, significant intra-individual variation may exist. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 December 2000 to 20 November 2002. A total of 1010 volunteers, aged between 20 and 60 years old, were recruited. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A total of 998 subjects were included for statistical analysis. Of these, 332 men provided single semen samples (group 1) and 666 men provided two samples (group 2). Semen parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility, vitality, and sperm morphology, were analyzed with standardized methods according to the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual for the examination of human semen and sperm-cervical mucus interaction (3rd edition). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Rapidly progressive motility of semen from group 1 was lower than that of group 2, but other parameters were not significantly different. The differences in mean values between the double samples were small on all semen parameters. The correlations between the two ejaculates were high, but the agreements were poor except for sperm vitality and normal morphology. Model selection and validation analysis supported the premise that the regression model from the first samples was applicable for the second samples. The large sample size with extensive quality control provides robust parameter estimation and promises good applicability for model selection and validation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The results are valid for healthy men in China, not for subfertile or infertile men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The overall semen quality of a given group of healthy men will not vary significantly in the short term. Single semen samples can be used in model building as long as major relevant covariates are considered. Utilizing multiple semen donations may actually cause the samples to be less representative. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This research was supported by a grant from Shanghai Science and Technical Committee (02DJ14053) and a grant from Ministry of Science and Technology, China (9902). All authors have no competing interests.

[Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals on semen quality].

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or man-made agents that interfere in some way with human or animal normal endocrine function, and even influence the endocrine function of their offspring. There are many kinds of EDCs, which are widely present in soil, water, and even food. This review elaborates the impact of EDCs on human and animal semen quality from the viewpoint of epidemiology and biology by focusing on pesticides, plasticizers and detergents.

Turning point of age for semen quality: a population-based study in Chinese men.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between age and semen quality in Chinese men. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: The Department of Reproductive Epidemiology and Social Science, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, People's Republic of China. PATIENT(S): Healthy 20- to 60-year-old men. INTERVENTION(S): Standard World Health Organization procedures (3rd ed.) for semen analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, progressive motility, vitality, and sperm morphology. RESULT(S): Statistical analysis results of 998 subjects showed that age was negatively correlated with progressive motility, vitality, and percentage of normal sperm. No declining trend was found between age and parameters semen volume, sperm concentration, or total sperm number. Rapidly progressive motility and percentage of normal sperm began to decrease slowly at age 30 years, and progressive motility began to decrease at age 40 years. Compared with the 20- to 29-year age group, the values of the latter three parameters showed significant differences in men aged ≥35, ≥45, and ≥40 years. CONCLUSION(S): Increasing age mainly influences sperm motility, vitality, and normal morphology, but these parameters have turning points at different ages. Because of the large sample size, this information can be used to provide standard values for Chinese men, particularly in the age range 30-50 years. Further research would enroll a large sample of healthy 40- to 70-year olds to examine declining semen parameters in these age groups.

[Study on genetic polymorphism of human mismatch repair gene hMLH1 and susceptibility of papillary thyroid carcinoma in Chinese Han people].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between the single nucleotide polymorphism of human mismatch repair gene hMLH1 and the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in Chinese Han people. METHODS: A hospital based 1:1 matched case-control study was carried out. The single nucleotide polymorphism (-93G > A, 1151T > A and 655A > G) for 204 pairs of cases with PTC as well as healthy controls was identified by PCR-RFLP, PCR-ASO and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: With univariate analysis, we found that compared to 1151TT genotype, the TA genotype could increase the PTC risk marginally, with odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95%CI: 0.99 - 4.85); While the mutant genotype TA + AA could increase the PTC risk statistically significant, with OR of 2.15(95%CI: 1.02 - 4.69). With 2 x 4 cross-over study, we found that compared to -93GG and 1151TT genotypes, individuals with both -93GA + AA and 1151TA + AA could increase the PTC risk marginally, with OR of 2.50 (95%CI: 0.96 - 6.67); While, compared to 655AA and 1151TT genotypes, individuals with both 655AA and 1151TA + AA could increase the PTC risk statistically significant, with OR of 2.50 (95%CI: 1.02 - 4.73). Multivariate and conditional logistic regression analysis showed the genotype of 1151TA, the history of receiving CT diagnosis, the history of tumor, the negative life events and eating seafood frequently could increase the risk of PTC, with OR of 6.79 (95%CI: 3.18 - 14.49), 3.35 (95%CI: 1.93 - 5.80), 39.03 (95%CI: 3.70 - 41.60) and 3.98 (95%CI: 1.81 - 8.73); While, eating fruit frequently could decrease the PTC risk. CONCLUSION: The 1151TA + AA genotype, the history of receiving CT diagnosis, the history of tumor, the negative life events and eating seafood frequently were the risk factors of PTC, while eating fruit frequently was the protective factor.

Mifepristone-induced abortion and placental complications in subsequent pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to explore the effect of first-trimester mifepristone-induced abortion (MA) on placental complications in subsequent pregnancy. METHODS: Two cohorts of nulliparous pregnant women were recruited in China during early pregnancy, one with a history of one MA and the other with no abortion (NA). Women were followed up until delivery. RESULTS: The incidence proportions of abruptio placenta, placenta previa, placenta accreta and retained placenta in the MA group (4673) and NA group (4690) were, respectively, 0.5 and 0.3, 0.8 and 0.9, 0.5 and 0.5, and 0.7 and 0.8% (all differences non-significant). After adjustment for center, age, education, occupation, residence, income, BMI and type of delivery, the incidence rates of placenta previa, accreta and retained placenta in the MA and NA groups showed no significant differences. The risk of abruptio placenta in women with a MA was nearly double that of women with no abortion, although this apparent increased risk was not statistically significant. Furthermore, this increased risk of abruptio placenta was found only in those with a gestational age >6 weeks at abortion (aOR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.00-6.04), a curettage after abortion (aOR: 3.00; 95% CI: 1.25-7.20) or a longer inter-pregnancy interval (P-value for trend: 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Mifepristone-induced abortion itself is not associated with placental complications in subsequent pregnancy, but other factors related to medical abortion-such as a gestational age >6 weeks at abortion, a curettage after abortion, and a longer interpregnancy interval-may increase the risk of abruptio placenta.

[Association of genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes in hMLH1 and hMSH3 gene with the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of the genetic polymorphisms and the haplotypes in hMLH1 and hMSH3 gene with the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in Chinese Hans. METHODS: A hospital based 1:1 matched case-control study was carried out. The polymorphisms for 204 pairs of PTC cases and healthy controls were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and allele specific oligonucleotide (PCR-ASO) assays. RESULTS: (1) The PTC risk was marginally increased in the hMLH1 1151TA genotype, with odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95%CI: 0.99-4.85); the PTC risk was significantly increased in the mutant genotype 1151TA+AA, with OR of 2.15 (95%CI: 1.02-4.69); (2) The haplotypes of -93G, 1151A, 655A in the hMLH1 gene could increase the PTC risk, with OR of 2.67 (95%CI: 1.16-6.53, P=0.011), compared with the haplotype of -93G, 1151T, 655A; (3) Compared to 3124A, 2835G haplotype in hMSH3 gene, the 3124G, 2835A haplotype could increase the PTC risk marginally, with OR of 3.08 (95%CI: 0.92-13.25). CONCLUSION: The 1151T/A polymorphism in hMLH1 was associated with PTC; both the haplotype of -93G, 1151A, 655A in hMLH1 and the 3124G, 2835A haplotype in hMSH3 were associated with PTC.

[A matched case-control study of papillary thyroid carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: In order to explore the risk factors of the papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC), a hospital-based matched case-control study was carried out in Shanghai. METHODS: Matched by gender, age (+/- 3 years old) and native place,205 pairs of cases and controls were recruited and studied. Database was established with Epi Info 6.0 software. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis were carried out with SPSS 11.5 software. RESULTS: Data from multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that often drinking tea and having better economic living standard 20 years ago were protective factors of PTC, with ORs of 0.456 and 0.221 respectively. Personal history of CT examination, familial history of cancer and the mother's age was older than 22 years when the research subject was delivered, were risk factors of PTC, with ORs of 12.935, 7.027 and 3.729 respectively. Results data from multivariate analysis on female subjects showed that the history of CT examination, mother's age was older than 22 (when the subject was delivered) and the history of gynecological disease were the risk factors of PTC,with ORs of 107.453,29.246 and 59.521 respectively. Taking bean products frequently and having higher standard of living 20 years ago were the protective factors of PTC,with ORs of 0.025 and 0. 144 respectively. CONCLUSION: History of CT examination, familial history of cancer and the mother's age(older than 22 when the subject was delivered) were the risk factors of PTC. Frequent tea drinking habit and having higher standard of living 20 years ago were the protective factors of PTC. History of CT examination,mother's age (older than 22 when the subject was delivered) and the history of gynecological disease appeared the risk factors of PTC for women. Habit on frequent bean products taking and had higher standard of living 20 years ago were the protective factors of PTC to women.

[Single nucleotide polymorphisms and point mutations of ataxia telangiectasia mutated gene in Chinese of Han ethnicity].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and point mutations of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene in Chinese of Han ethnicity. METHODS: The target fragments of the exon 39, exon 61 and exon 63 of ATM gene were first amplified using PCR technique, then screened for the SNPs and point mutations using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique, finally the representative bands were sequenced for the verification of the new single nucleotide polymorphisms and point mutations using the automatic DNA sequencing technique. RESULTS: Six new SNPs were found in the exon 39, intron 61 and intron 63 of ATM gene. They are respectively the A/T polymorphisms at nucleotide 5689 and 5691 in exon 39, the T/G polymorphisms at nucleotide +69 and +99, the A/G polymorphism at nucleotide +94 in intron 61, the G/C polymorphism at nucleotide +17 in intron 63. Five new point mutations were found in the exon 61, intron 62 and exon 63 of ATM gene. They are respectively the T/G transversion at nucleotide 8618 in exon 61, the T/G transversion at nucleotide -13 in intron 62, the T/G transversion at nucleotide 8793, the G/A transitions at nucleotide 8816 and 8848 in exon 63. The known three SNPs, the G/A polymorphism at nucleotide 5557 in exon 39, the T/C polymorphism at nucleotide +104 in intron 61 and the T/C polymorphism at nucleotide -55 in intron 62, were verified in Chinese of Han ethnicity. CONCLUSION: There are great differences in the SNPs of ATM gene between Chinese of Han ethnicity and Caucasian.

[Genetic polymorphisms in X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1 and susceptibility to papillary thyroid carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the association of polymorphisms in the X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1 (XRCC1) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: A hospital based, matched case-control study was carried out. The polymorphisms in XRCC1 for 105 pairs of cases with PTC and controls were identified by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: The frequencies of Arg/Arg, Arg/Trp and Trp/Trp genotypes at XRCC1 Arg194Trp site were 47.6%, 49.5% and 2.9% among cases compared to 45.7%, 48.6% and 5.7% among controls. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (chi(2) = 1.07, P = 0.59). The frequencies of Arg/Arg, Arg/Gln and Gln/Gln genotypes at XRCC1 Arg399Gln site were 46.7%, 41.9% and 11.4% among cases, while 54.2%, 42.9% and 2.9% among controls respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the two groups (chi(2) = 6.40, P = 0.04). Individuals with Gln/Gln genotype had a 3.65-fold increased risk of developing PTC compared to Arg/Arg genotype (OR = 4.65, 95% CI: 1.24 - 17.45). The multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism, negative life events and X-irradiation history were associated with PTC, with odds ratios of 2.71 (95% CI: 1.22 - 6.05), 5.34 (95% CI: 1.40 - 20.38) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.12 - 0.72) respectively. However, XRCC1 Arg194Trp polymorphism, drinking tea, fruit and economic levels did not show statistically significant associations with PTC. CONCLUSION: The Gln/Gln genotype at XRCC1 Arg399Gln site and negative life events significantly increased while X-irradiation history decreased the risk of developing PTC.