Chinese adult segmentation according to health skills and analysis of their use for smart home: a cross-sectional national survey.

BACKGROUND: Digital health has become a heated topic today and smart homes have received much attention as an important area of digital health. Smart home is a device that enables automation and remote control in a home environment via the internet. However, most of the existing studies have focused on discussing the impact of smart home on people. Only few studies have focused on relationship between health skills and use of smart home. AIMS: To analyze the health skills of Chinese adults and segment them to compare and analyze the use of smart home for each group. METHODS: We used data from 11,031 participants aged 18 and above. The population was clustered based on five health skills factors: perceived social support, family health, health literacy, media use, and chronic diseases self-behavioral management. A total of 23 smart homes were categorized into three sub-categories based on their functions: entertainment smart home, functional smart home, and health smart home. We analyzed demographic characteristics and utilization rate of smart home across different cluster. Each groups' features and the differences in their needs for smart home functions were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: As a result of the survey on health skills, three groups with different characteristics were clustered: good health skills, middle health skills, and poor health skills. The utilization rate of smart home was the highest was good health skills group (total smart home: 92.7%; entertainment smart home: 61.1%, functional smart home: 77.4%, and health smart home: 75.3%; P < 0.001). For entertainment smart home, smart TV had the highest utilization rate (good health skills: 45.7%; middle health skills: 43.5%, poor health skills: 33.4%, P < 0.001). For functional smart home, smart washing machine (good health skills: 37.7%, middle health skills: 35.11%, poor health skills: 26.5%; P < 0.001) and smart air conditioner (good health skills: 36.0%, middle health skills: 29.1%, poor health skills: 24.6%) were higher than other of this category. For health smart home, sports bracelet has the highest utilization rate (good health skills: 37.3%, middle health skills: 24.5%, poor health skills: 22.8%). CONCLUSION: People can be divided into different categories based on health skill profiles, those with good health skills had a better utilization rate of smart home. The government and smart home companies need to focus on people with poor smart home use in various ways to promote their use of smart homes for personal health management.

The DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin attenuates the progress of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein-E-knockout mice via AMPK- and MAPK-dependent mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin, a new anti-diabetic medicine, is effective in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus by increasing the activation and duration of action of glucagon-like peptide-1. Since atherosclerosis is the main pathological feature of diabetic cardiovascular complications, it is important to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effect of sitagliptin and explore the relevant mechanisms. METHODS: Male apolipoprotein-E-knockout mice were randomly divided into two groups and fed either high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD plus sitagliptin at a concentration of 0.3% for 16 weeks. Body weight, food intake, blood glucose, serum lipids and adhesion molecules were measured. The atherosclerotic plaque area and its histological composition were analyzed using Sudan staining and immunohistochemistry. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and interleukin (IL)-6) and the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the aortas were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Mice treated with sitagliptin developed fewer atherosclerotic plaques than the control group (7.64 ± 1.98% vs 12.91 ± 1.15%, p < 0.001), particularly in the aortic arch and abdominal aorta, where plaques were decreased 1.92- and 2.74-fold, respectively (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). Sitagliptin significantly reduced the content of collagen fiber in plaques 1.2-fold (p < 0.05). Moreover, sitagliptin significantly reduced the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-6 in the aorta (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), as well as the serum levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and P-selectin (both p < 0.05). In addition, Sitagliptin induced phosphorylation of AMPK and Akt (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), while suppressed phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) 1/2 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) in aortas. CONCLUSIONS: Our present study indicates that sitagliptin can reduce the area of the atherosclerotic lesion, possibly by regulating the AMPK and MAPK pathways and then reducing leukocyte -endothelial cell interaction and inflammation reactions. These actions are independent of weight loss and glucose-reducing effects.

Serial mediation effect of physical activity and sleep quality between dietary behaviour and depression symptoms: A nationwide cross-sectional survey.

Background: Substantial studies have revealed the potential mechanisms underlying the link between dietary behaviour and depression symptoms. This study investigated the relationship between depression symptoms and dietary behaviour, physical activity, and sleep quality in a nationwide sample of Chinese residents. Methods: A total of 18 819 Chinese Residents completed the dietary behaviour, patient health questionnaire, international physical activity questionnaire, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index. We used the Hayes' serial mediation model to investigate the correlation between the variables. Results: Among the participants, 85.5% were aged between 18 and 59, 41.2% were male, and 73.8% were urban residents. There is a negative correlation between dietary behaviour and physical activity (r = -0.038, P < 0.001), while there is a positive correlation with depression symptoms (r = 0.238, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (r = 0.115, P < 0.001). Additionally, depression shows a positive correlation with physical activity (r = 0.024, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (r = 0.298, P < 0.001), while there is a negative correlation between physical activity and sleep quality (r = -0.035, P < 0.001). Dietary behaviour was found to be connected with depression symptoms via three mediation pathways: (1) physical activity (B = -0.003, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.016, -0.007), (2) sleep quality (B = 0.034, 95% CI = 0.126, 0.164), and (3) physical activity and sleep quality (B = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.003). Conclusions: These findings highlight the significance of psychological and physical factors in exploring the mechanisms through which dietary behaviour is related to depression symptoms. Overall, this study showed the important role of lifestyle factors in depression symptoms, suggesting that appropriate dietary behaviours, appropriate physical activity, and good sleep quality are necessary for the avoidance or improvement of depression symptoms.

How is family health related to health-related quality of life among middle-aged and older adults in rural China? A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is unequal between countries and regions, and the emphasis on HRQOL of populations of low-income countries and regions is unprecedented. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between family health and HRQOL among middle-aged and older adults in rural China, and determine whether this association differs by age, gender and chronic disease subgroup. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey carried out from July to September 2021. The participants were 1059 people aged 46 and over living in rural China. We used the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level (EQ-5D-5L) and Family Health Scale-Short Form (FHS-SF) to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and family health, respectively. RESULTS: The mean EQ-VAS was 75.66, the mean EQ index score was 0.92, and the mean FHS was 37.90 in rural middle-aged and older adults. After Bonferroni correction, generalised linear regression models showed that FHS was significantly associated with the EQ-VAS (ß = 0.829; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.660 to 0.997; p < .001) and the EQ index score (ß = 0.003; 95%CI: 0.001 to 0.004; p < .001). Binary logistic regression models showed that FHS was associated with three dimensions of HRQOL (mobility, self-care and usual activities) (p < .01). Based on subgroup analyses, the effect of FHS on EQ-VAS and the EQ index score was significant in three subgroups after Bonferroni correction (p < .01), but the association between FHS and the dimensions of HRQOL differed by age, gender and chronic disease group (p > .01). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to explore that family health and its dimensions are significant positive predictors of HRQOL among middle-aged and older adults in rural China. Family-based measures may have more potential and value because better family health significantly improves HRQOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: In the health strategy, the government and primary health care workers should include family health as an indicator and assess it before and after the implementation of the strategy.

The mediating effect of family health on the relationship between health literacy and mental health: A national cross-sectional survey in China.

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems significantly affect people's well-being and result in a huge health burden. Health literacy and family health are critical to reducing people's mental health problems. However, limited studies have addressed their complex interaction. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the mediating effect of family health on the relationship between health literacy and mental health. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study based on multistage random sampling was conducted from July 10 to Sep 15, 2021, in China. Information about the public's health literacy, family health, and the level of three common mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) was collected. A structural equation model (SEM) was applied to explore the mediating effect of family health on the relationship between health literacy and mental health. RESULTS: A total of 11,031 participants were investigated. Approximately 19.93 and 13.57% of participants experienced moderate or severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The SEM showed that health literacy was directly associated with mental health, with higher health literacy resulting in lower levels of depression (coefficient: -0.018, p = .049), anxiety (coefficient: -0.040, p < .001), and stress (coefficient: -0.105, p < .001). In addition, family health played a significant mediating effect (p < .001) between health literacy and mental health, contributing to 47.5, 70.9, and 85.1% of the total effect of health literacy on personal stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the improvement of health literacy is directly and indirectly associated with less likelihood of people's mental health problems via family health. Thus, future mental health interventions should be integrated and targeted both at individual level and the family level.

Relationship between self-efficacy and adherence to self-management and medication among patients with chronic diseases in China: A multicentre cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the effects of self-efficacy on adherence to self-management and medication among patients with chronic diseases in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 2047 patients with chronic diseases in 120 cities across China was conducted between May and September 2021 using a multi-stage sampling method. Self-efficacy was measured using the New General Self-Efficacy Scale. The adherence to self-management was measured using the item response theory based self-management adherence scale, and the medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Adherence Scale for the Chronically Ill. The adherence to self-management and medication were evaluated by linear regression and logistic regression models, respectively. RESULTS: After adjusting for all covariates, self-efficacy was significantly associated with adherence to self-management (ß =0.207, 95% CI =0.064-0.350, P = 0.005), but not with medication adherence (for[middle/low]: OR = 1.119, 95% CI =0.828-1.511, P = 0.47; for[high/low]: OR = 1.281, 95% CI =0.935-1.754, P = 0.12). In subgroup analysis, self-efficacy positively correlated with adherence to self-management in patients with multiple chronic diseases (ß =0.286, 95% CI =0.037-0.535, P = 0.03), but not in those with only one chronic disease (P = 0.12). Self-efficacy was not significantly associated with medication adherence in any of the subgroups. CONCLUSION: Self-efficacy was positively associated with adherence to self-management in patients with chronic diseases, but not with medication adherence. Enhanced health education in patients with one chronic disease alone may have an association with better adherence to self-management and medication in daily life.

[Relationship between plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism and type 2 diabetic nephropathy in Chinese Han patients in Guangdong Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the association between plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene 4G/5G polymorphism and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN) in Chinese Han patients in Guangdong Province. METHODS: PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism was analyzed in 26 normal individuals, 77 patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy and 70 type 2 diabetic patients without nephropathy (DNN) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The 4G/4G genotype frequencies of PAI-1 gene were higher in DN than in DNN patients (0.390 vs 0.171, chi(2)=13.008, P<0.01), with the odds ratio (OR) of 1.447 (95% confidence interval: 0.533-3.934, P<0.05) in comparison with 5G/5G genotypes between the 2 patient groups. The 4G allele frequencies of PAI-1 gene were similar in DN and DNN groups (0.57 vs 0.51, chi(2)=1.22, P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The PAI-1 4G/4G genotype is associated with increased risk for type 2 DN the Chinese Han population in Guangdong Province, and type 2 diabetic patients with 4G/4G PAI-1 genotype are more likely to develop DN than those with 5G/5G PAI-1 genotype.

[Effect of short-term intensive therapy with glimepiride and metformin in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of short-term intensive therapy on blood glucose control, BETA-cell function, and blood lipid levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Out-patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled for intensive treatment with sulfonylureas and metformin for 12 weeks, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated. RESULTS: After the intensive treatment, FPG, 2 hPG, and HbA1c decreased significantly (P<0.01); HOMA-IR decreased and HOMA-B increased significantly (P<0.01), and TG, CHOL, LDL decreased significantly (P<0.01) after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Short-term intensive treatment with glimepiride combined with metformin is safe and effective in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients with HbA1c>9%.

[Cloning and secretory expression of islet neogenesis-associated protein in Pichia pastoris].

OBJECTIVE: To clone the recombinant human islet neogenesis-associated protein (rhINGAP) gene for its secretory expression in Pichia pastoris. METHODS: INGAP gene was amplified with PCR and inserted between Xho I and EcoR I downstream sites of the alpha factor of the recombinant plasmid alpha/pUC18. The fusion gene of alpha factor and INGAP was subsequently inserted between BamH I and EcoR I sites of the plasmid pPIC9K of P. pastoris. After confirmation with restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing, the positive recombinant plasmid that integrated INGAP gene was linearized with Sal I digestion and transformed into the yeast host strain GS115 through electroporation. The yeast transformants that harbored the INGAP gene with high copies were selected with the auxotroph medium and G418, followed then by PCR verification of the positive transformants, from which the expression of recombinant human INGAP was induced with methanol as the only carbone source. The antigenic activity of the desired protein was then detected using Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The recombinant expression plasmid INGAP/pPIC9K was successfully constructed, and 3 positive transformants were obtained. The expressed protein showed good antigenic activity as confirmed by Western blotting and ELISA.