Profiling of Gamblers and Problem Gamblers Among Casino Patrons in Macao SAR.

The study is one of the first prevalence studies of gambling and problem gambling among casino patrons in Macao. It aims to identify the demographic profile of gamblers and evaluate the extent of problem gambling among casino patrons. Using a convenience sampling approach, over 6,000 people were intercepted in the proximity of casinos and were invited to answer a structured questionnaire anonymously and voluntarily. Among these people 1,352 respondents indicated that they gambled in casinos at least once in the past 12 months. Over 90% (1,228) of the respondents reported that they gambled in Macao's casinos and slot lounges. The three most popular forms of casino gambling were baccarat, Sic Bo, and slot machines. The monthly median expenditure on gambling was HKD 1,845 with a range from HKD 2 to HKD 375,175. The prevalence rates for problem gambling and pathological gambling were 15.1% and 7.1%, respectively. Implications of the study's findings are given.

Can population BRCA screening be applied in non-Ashkenazi Jewish populations? Experience in Macau population.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic mutation in BRCA genes causes high cancer risk. Identifying the mutation carriers plays key roles in preventing BRCA mutation-related cancer. Population screening has demonstrated its power for comprehensive identification of the mutation carriers. However, it is only recommended for the Ashkenazi Jewish population with high prevalence of three founder mutations, but not for non-Ashkenazi Jewish populations as the cost-effectiveness could be too low due to their lower mutation prevalence and lack of founder mutation. Population screening would not benefit the majority of the human population for BRCA mutation-related cancer prevention. METHODS: We used population BRCA screening in 6000 residents, 1% of the Macau population, an ethnic Chinese population with unique genetic, linguistic and cultural features, and its BRCA mutation has not been analysed before. RESULTS: We called BRCA variants, identified 18 carriers with 14 pathogenic mutations and determined the prevalence of 0.29% in the population (95% CI 0.15% to 0.42%). We compared the testing cost between the Ashkenazi Jewish population, the Sephardi Jewish population and the Macau population, and observed only a few fold differences. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that testing cost is not the most important factor in considering population BRCA screening, at least for the populations in the developed countries/regions, regardless of the status of mutation prevalence and founder mutation.

Viral etiology and epidemiology of pediatric patients hospitalized for acute respiratory tract infections in Macao: a retrospective study from 2014 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are among the leading causes of hospitalization in children. Understanding the local dominant viral etiologies is important to inform infection control practices and clinical management. This study aimed to investigate the viral etiology and epidemiology of respiratory infections among pediatric inpatients in Macao. METHODS: A retrospective study using electronic health records between 2014 and 2017 at Kiang Wu Hospital was performed. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were obtained from hospitalized children aged 13 years or younger with respiratory tract diseases. xMAP multiplex assays were employed to detect respiratory agents including 10 respiratory viruses. Data were analyzed to describe the frequency and seasonality. RESULTS: Of the 4880 children enrolled in the study, 3767 (77.1%) were positive for at least one of the 13 viral pathogens tested, of which 2707 (55.5%) being male and 2635 (70.0%) under 2 years old. Among the positive results, there were 3091 (82.0%) single infections and 676 (18.0%) multiple infections. The predominant viruses included human rhinovirus/enterovirus (HRV/EV 27.4%), adenovirus (ADV, 15.8%), respiratory syncytial virus B (RSVB, 7.8%) and respiratory syncytial virus A (RSVA, 7.8%). The detection of viral infection was the most prevalent in autumn (960/1176, 81.6%), followed by spring (1095/1406, 77.9%), winter (768/992, 77.4%), and summer (944/1306, 72.3%), with HRV/EV and ADV being most commonly detected throughout the 4 years of study period. The detection rate of viral infection was highest among ARI patients presented with croup (123/141, 87.2%), followed by lower respiratory tract infection (1924/2356, 81.7%) and upper respiratory tract infection (1720/2383, 72.2%). FluA, FluB and ADV were positive factors for upper respiratory tract infections. On the other hand, infection with RSVA, RSVB, PIV3, PIV4, HMPV, and EV/RHV were positively associated with lower respiratory tract infections; and PIV1, PIV2, and PIV3 were positively associated with croup. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study in Macao to determine the viral etiology and epidemiology of pediatric patients hospitalized for ARIs. The study findings can contribute to the awareness of pathogen, appropriate preventative measure, accurate diagnosis, and proper clinical management of respiratory viral infections among children in Macao.

Updated understanding of the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China.

To help health workers and the public recognize and deal with the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) quickly, effectively, and calmly with an updated understanding. A comprehensive search from Chinese and worldwide official websites and announcements was performed between 1 December 2019 and 9:30 am 26 January 2020 (Beijing time). A latest summary of 2019-nCoV and the current outbreak was drawn. Up to 24 pm, 25 January 2020, a total of 1975 cases of 2019-nCoV infection were confirmed in mainland China with a total of 56 deaths having occurred. The latest mortality was approximately 2.84% with a total of 2684 cases still suspected. The China National Health Commission reported the details of the first 17 deaths up to 24 pm, 22 January 2020. The deaths included 13 males and 4 females. The median age of the people who died was 75 (range 48-89) years. Fever (64.7%) and cough (52.9%) were the most common first symptoms among those who died. The median number of days from the occurence of the first symptom to death was 14.0 (range 6-41) days, and it tended to be shorter among people aged 70 years or more (11.5 [range 6-19] days) than those aged less than 70 years (20 [range 10-41] days; P = .033). The 2019-nCoV infection is spreading and its incidence is increasing nationwide. The first deaths occurred mostly in elderly people, among whom the disease might progress faster. The public should still be cautious in dealing with the virus and pay more attention to protecting the elderly people from the virus.

Clinical characteristics and quality of life of older adults with cognitive impairment in Macao.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the characteristics of older adults with cognitive impairment in Macao. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and the quality of life (QOL) of older adults living in the community and nursing homes. METHODS: A consecutive sample of 413 subjects (199 from the community; 214 from nursing homes) was recruited and interviewed using standardized instruments. Cognition was measured with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status and QOL with the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument. RESULTS: Altogether 87 subjects (21.0%) had cognitive impairment. On multivariate analyses, advanced age (P < 0.001, OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.03-1.1) and depressive symptoms (P = 0.03, OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 0.005-1.1) were positively associated with cognitive impairment. Married marital status (P = 0.01, OR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.1-0.7) and higher education level (P < 0.001, OR = 0.1, 95%CI: 0.06-0.3) were negatively associated with cognitive impairment. After the confounders were controlled for, cognitive impairment was significantly associated with the lower psychological (F (11,412) = 6.3, P = 0.01) and social relationship domains of QOL (F (11,412) = 4.0, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Cognitive impairment was found to be common in community-dwelling and nursing home resident older adults in Macao. Given cognitive impairment's negative impact on QOL, appropriate strategies should be implemented to improve access to treatment in this population.

The epidemiology of current depression in Macau, China: towards a plan for mental health action.

PURPOSE: Macau is a Special Administrative Region in China that has experienced tremendous development in its gambling industry during its post-colonial years. To inform mental health planning, this study presents the first population estimates and correlates of the current depression in Macau. METHODS: A population-representative sample of 1068 Macau Chinese citizens aged 18 or above responded to a household telephone survey in January, 2015. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 measured the current depression. Logistic regression models assessed the association between depression and potential correlates. RESULTS: Overall, 8.0% (95% CI 6.3-9.7) of persons reported the current depression. A higher but non-significant proportion of women reported depression than men (9.3 vs. 6.6%) and older women reported higher prevalence (13.4%) than other demographic groups. Persons who were unemployed (OR = 4.9, 2.3-10.5), separated or divorced (OR = 3.1, 1.1-8.9), and reported poor self-rated health (OR = 5.0, 2.8-9.0), low quality of life (OR = 6.2, 3.1-12.7), lower social standing (OR = 2.4, 1.4-4.0), lower community trust (OR = 1.9, 1.2-3.1), lower perceived fairness (OR = 2.3, 1.4-3.8), lower social cohesion (OR = 3.8, 2.3-6.2), and lower social integration (OR = 3.0, 1.9-5.0) had greater odds of depression than their comparison group. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated the burden of depression among Macau adults disproportionately affects women during emerging adolescence and old age, and men during middle adulthood. Key strategies to improve mental health services in Macau are discussed.

Secondhand smoke exposure of children at home and prevalence of parental smoking following implementation of the new tobacco control law in Macao.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate secondhand smoke exposure (SHS) of children at home and the prevalence of parental smoking after implementation of the new tobacco control law in Macao. This study explored whether the smoking ban in public places in Macao has decreased the prevalence of smoking or led to increased SHS exposure of children at home. As smokers cannot smoke in public places any more, they may smoke at home more frequently; a displacement effect of smoke-free legislation. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: This study surveyed 337 fathers and 538 mothers. Questions from a subset of key questions from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2nd edition) were applied to assess the SHS exposure of children and the prevalence of parental smoking since the smoking ban. A classification tree analysis was used to analyse the factors increasing SHS exposure of children. RESULTS: The prevalence of SHS exposure in children at home was 41.3%. The prevalence rates of paternal and maternal smoking were 43.7% and 3.8%, respectively. Compared with data reported by the Health Bureau of Macao SAR in 2011, the prevalence of parental smoking and the prevalence of SHS exposure of children at home have not decreased since the smoking ban. Analysis of the factors increasing the prevalence of SHS exposure of children indicated that fathers with an education level below high school were more likely to contribute to this increase, compared with fathers with a high school education or more (48.2% vs 32.4%, respectively). In addition, fathers represented the majority of smokers at home, accounting for 92.0% of 415 smoking parents. The prevalence of paternal smoking (82.0%) in the group of children with SHS exposure was much higher than that in the unexposed group (16.7%, Chi-squared test = 367.199, P = 0.000). The SHS exposure of children increased consistently with the decrease in paternal education level. This was consistent with the increasing prevalence of paternal smoking as paternal education level decreased. SHS exposure was most common among children whose fathers had an education level below high school and whose mothers were aged ≤29 years (75.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find any decline in the prevalence of parental smoking after the smoking ban. These parents were more likely to smoke at home after the ban, leading to more frequent SHS exposure for their children.

Quality of life and clinical correlates in older adults living in the community and in nursing homes in Macao.

AIM: There have been no previous studies of quality of life (QOL) in older adults in Macao. This study aimed to examine QOL in relation to the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of adults aged ≥50 years in Macao. METHODS: A sample of 451 subjects (203 living in the community, 248 living in nursing homes) was interviewed using standardized instruments. Basic sociodemographic and clinical data including QOL were collected. RESULT: There were no significant differences between the community and nursing home groups in any of the QOL domains. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that poor physical QOL was significantly predicted by severe depressive symptoms, insomnia, major medical conditions, unmarried status, and lower education ( F 11,438 = 26.2, P < 0.001), which accounted for 38.2% of the variance. Poor psychological QOL was significantly predicted by severe depressive symptoms and lower educational level ( F 11,438 = 24.3, P < 0.001), which accounted for 36.4% of the variance. Poor social QOL was significantly predicted by severe depressive symptoms, male gender, and unmarried status ( F 11,438 = 5.6, P < 0.001), which accounted for 12.5% of the variance. Poor environment QOL was significantly predicted by lower educational level, severe depressive symptoms, and younger age ( F 11,438 = 6.6, P < 0.001), which accounted for 12.1% of the variance. CONCLUSION: Older Macanese adults had poorer scores on physical and social QOL domains than the general Hong Kong Chinese population. Their QOL was more strongly related to severe depressive symptoms, major medical conditions, and insomnia.

The Association Between Social Capital and Depression Among Chinese Older Adults Living in Public Housing.

Social capital is a critical resource for physical and mental health among older adults, but few studies have investigated this relationship in Chinese populations, and specifically among those with low socioeconomic status. This study examined the association between depression and cognitive social capital (reciprocity and trust) and structural social capital (social participation) in a community sample of older adults living in public housing in Macau (SAR), China (N = 366). Multivariable linear regressions estimated the associations between dimensions of social capital and depression, while adjusting for potential confounders. Significant inverse associations were found between reciprocity and trust and depression. No association was found between social participation and depression. Poor self-reported health was a robust correlate of depression in all models tested. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether enhancing social capital may reduce depression among Chinese older adults living in poverty.

Men in Macau SAR have higher prevalence in metabolic syndrome and among related metabolic components: a cross-sectional Macau Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Macau has recently experienced expansive socioeconomic growth, leading to lifestyle changes that could have contributed to the development of certain diseases. Little information exists on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated risk factors. This information is important, since the management of MetS is tightly connected with prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the population. METHODS: This study is based on the cross-sectional Macau Health Survey 2006. Information on anthropometry, physical measurements, socio-demographics, laboratory tests and life-style habits was collected by trained health professionals from a random sub-population sample, aged 18-44 (32.6 ± 8.3). Body Mass Index (BMI) cut-offs were based on WHO criteria for Asian population. The prevalence of MetS, as defined by the International Diabetes Federation was calculated and the associated lifestyle factors were analysed. RESULTS: Among Macau's adults (n = 1592), the age-adjusted prevalence of MetS was over two times higher in men (10.5%) than in woman (3.7%), (p <0.01). 15.8% were overweight (BMI ≥23 < 25) and 18.8% were obese (BMI ≥25). Man had significantly higher risk profile in almost all components of MetS (p <0.001), except the waist circumference and HDL. BMI, age and education were significantly related to MetS in both genders (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found significant gender differences in MetS among the 18-44 year old population of Macau, which should be addressed separately in the gender-specific preventive strategies.

Changes of PM2.5 and O3 and their impact on human health in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In recent years, the combined pollution of PM2.5 and O3 in China, particularly in economically developed regions such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), has garnered significant attention due to its potential implications. This study systematically investigated the changes of PM2.5 and O3 and their associated human health effects in the GBA, utilizing observational data spanning from 2015 to 2019. The findings revealed a spatial trend indicating a gradual decrease in PM2.5 levels from the northwest to the southeast, while the spatial distribution of MDA8 O3 demonstrated an opposing pattern to that of PM2.5. The monthly fluctuations of PM2.5 and MDA8 O3 exhibited V-shaped and M-shaped patterns, respectively. Higher MDA8 O3 concentrations were observed in autumn, followed by summer and spring. Over the five-year period, PM2.5 concentrations exhibited a general decline, with an annual reduction rate of 1.7 µg m-3/year, while MDA8 O3 concentrations displayed an annual increase of 3.2 µg m-3. Among the GBA regions, Macao, Foshan, Guangzhou, and Jiangmen demonstrated notable decreases in PM2.5, whereas Jiangmen, Zhongshan, and Guangzhou experienced substantial increases in MDA8 O3 levels. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 in 2019 was associated with 21,113 (95% CI 4968-31,048) all-cause deaths (AD), 1333 (95% CI 762-1714) cardiovascular deaths (CD), and 1424 (95% CI 0-2848) respiratory deaths (RD), respectively, reflecting declines of 27.6%, 28.0%, and 28.4%, respectively, compared to 2015. Conversely, in 2019, estimated AD, CD, and RD attributable to O3 were 16,286 (95% CI 8143-32,572), 7321 (95% CI 2440-14,155), and 6314 (95% CI 0-13,576), respectively, representing increases of 45.9%, 46.2%, and 44.2% over 2015, respectively. Taken together, these findings underscored a shifting focus in air pollution control in the GBA, emphasizing the imperative for coordinated control strategies targeting both PM2.5 and O3.

Study of heavy metal poisoning in frequent users of Chinese medicines in Hong Kong and Macau.

This study is a direct assessment of blood heavy metal concentrations of frequent users of Chinese medicines (CM), who had been taking prescribed CM at least 6 days per week for not less than 3 months, to determine whether their intake of CM could cause an increased load of toxic heavy metals in the body. From November 2009 to June 2010, 85 subjects were recruited with informed consent, and their blood samples were collected for measurement of arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury concentrations. Results showed that blood concentrations of four heavy metals of nearly all 85 subjects were within reference ranges. Only one subject who had consumed plentiful seafood was found to have transiently increased blood arsenic concentration (29% higher than the upper limit of the reference range). However, after refraining from eating seafood for 1 month, his blood arsenic concentration returned to normal. Eighty commonly prescribed CM in both raw medicine and powder concentrate supplied by local distributors were also tested for the four heavy metals. Twelve out of the 80 raw medicines were found to contain one or more of the heavy metals that exceeded the respective maximum permitted content. Cadmium was most frequently found in the contaminated samples. None of the powder concentrates had heavy metal content exceeding their respective maximum permitted level.

The correlations of work conditions with unhealthy lifestyles and occupational health problems of casino croupiers in Macau.

The Macau economy and employment of residents rely heavily on the gaming industry. It is important that the working conditions in casinos are not harmful to the health of the casino employees. This study examines the correlations between work conditions, unhealthy lifestyles and occupational health problems amongst casino croupiers in Macau. Its findings will provide casino managers and policy makers with evidence and awareness of the workplace health risks for the casino workers. The data were gathered by a questionnaire survey of 1,042 croupiers, which represents roughly 5 % of the croupier population in Macau. Work conditions were measured by worker satisfaction towards the biological, chemical and physical elements in their work environments. Unhealthy lifestyles were measured by practices of excessive drinking, smoking, electronic game playing and addictive substance use as well as gambling. Occupational health problems were measured by experiences of work related illnesses or symptoms. Results showed that high percentages of respondents were dissatisfied with the work conditions. On average each croupier experienced 10 work related health problems in the past 7 days. Over 5 % of the respondents drank more than three glasses of alcohol a day, 24 % smoked cigarettes, 12 % took addictive substances, 14 % gambled in the past 7 days. The analysis showed that dissatisfaction with work conditions did not correlate with unhealthy lifestyles but were strongly and significantly correlated with stress-related occupational health problems (R = 0.377-0.479, P < 0.001) and other occupational health problems (R = 0.348-0.461, P < 0.001). Casino workers in Macau experience a variety of problems associated with their work conditions that can be hazardous to their health. The working conditions in casinos need to be regularly monitored and improvements such as occupational health training and enhanced health related policies can be introduced.

The effect of maternal stress and health-related quality of life on birth outcomes among Macao Chinese pregnant women.

This study investigated the prevalence of preterm birth and low-birth-weight in Macao. It also evaluated the effects of maternal perceived stress and health-related quality of life on these 2 birth outcomes. A quantitative study using a prospective longitudinal design was undertaken in an antenatal clinic in Macao. A community-based sample (N = 581) of pregnant women in their second trimester was recruited; birth outcome data were collected from medical records. Perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, whereas health-related quality of life was measured using the standard SF-12 Health Survey. The prevalence rates of preterm birth and low-birth-weight were found to be 6.4% and 7.1%, respectively. Two multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that participants with past adverse obstetric complications and higher perceived stress levels were more likely to have premature infants. Also, those participants with higher perceived stress levels and poorer health-related quality of life in the physical health domain were more likely to have low-birth-weight infants. Preliminary information was provided on risk factors associated with adverse birth outcomes; this could help nurses to design appropriate risk-specific interventions for preventing preterm birth and low-birth-weight.

Psychological needs, purpose in life, and problem video game playing among Chinese young adults.

The negative impacts of excessive and problematic video game playing on both children and adults are attracting increasing concern. Based on self-determination theory (SDT; Ryan & Deci, 2000), this study hypothesized that the three basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness are positively associated with purpose in life, which in turn acts as a protective factor against problem video game playing among Chinese young adult players. Through a questionnaire survey with a sample of 165 Chinese adults aged between 18 and 30 years (mean age = 22.7 years), we found that perceived autonomy, competence, relatedness, and purpose in life were all negatively correlated with problem game playing. The demographic and psychological factors explained 38% of the variances of problem game playing. Specifically, gender, perceived relatedness, and purpose in life emerged as the three most salient predictors of problem game playing among the Chinese young adults. The mediating role of purpose in life was evidenced and it was found that purpose in life mediated the influences of the psychological needs proposed by SDT on problem game playing. Moreover, young men were significantly more susceptible to problem game playing than their female counterparts. To conclude, psychological needs and purpose in life influenced Chinese young adults' vulnerability to problem game playing directly or indirectly. Intervention programs that encourage social involvement and voluntary work, as well as counseling service that helps clients to search for life purpose, are suggested for intervening in problem game playing among Chinese young adults.

The association between posttraumatic disorder symptoms and addictive behaviours in Macao within a sample of female Filipino migrant workers: a network analysis.

Background: Filipino migrant workers in Macao are vulnerable to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and addictive behaviours due to trauma histories, postmigration stressors, and access to alcohol and gambling venues. While PTSD addiction comorbidity is well-established in the existing literature, such research among migrant workers is lacking.Objective: The current study investigated differential relations between PTSD symptoms and addictive behaviours in a polytrauma exposed sample of Filipino domestic workers in Macao (SAR), China.Methods: Data were collected from 1375 Filipino migrant workers; data from a subsample of 1200 participants who reported an index traumatic event and PTSD symptoms were used in the analyses. Participants responded to the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, gambling disorder symptoms checklist from DSM-5, and The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. We estimated a regularized partial correlation network structure of PTSD symptoms and addictive behaviours employing graphical LASSO and extended Bayesian information criterion.Results: PTSD symptoms of arousal and negative emotions had bridge connections with gambling disorder symptoms; while PTSD symptoms of arousal, restricted affect, negative emotions, and emotional reactivity had bridge connections with alcohol misuse.Conclusions: PTSD's arousal and negative emotion symptoms were common in the networks of PTSD and addictive behaviours, while PTSD's restricted affect and emotional reactivity symptoms were unique to the network of PTSD and alcohol misuse. Treatment of the comorbidity of PTSD and addictive behaviours may yield optimal effects when tailored to these symptoms.

A network analytic study was conducted to explore patterns of comorbidity among international migrants.Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms are associated with addiction symptoms among female Filipino migrant workers in Macau.Negative emotions symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are associated with both gambling disorder and alcohol misuse.Restricted affect and emotional reactivity are associated with alcohol misuse only.

Smoking Bans and Circulatory System Disease Mortality Reduction in Macao (China): Using GRA Models.

This study evaluates the association between smoking rates and mortality from circulatory system diseases (CSD) after implementing a series of smoking bans in Macao (China). (1) Background: Macao phased in strict total smoking bans since 2012. During the past decade, smoking rates among Macao women have dropped by half. CSD mortalities in Macao also show a declining trend. (2) Method: Grey relational analysis (GRA) models were adopted to rank the importance of some key factors, such as income per capita, physician density, and smoking rates. Additionally, regressions were performed with the bootstrapping method. (3) Results: Overall, smoking rate was ranked as the most important factor affecting CSD mortality among the Macao population. It consistently remains the primary factor among Macao's female population. Each year, on average 5 CSD-caused deaths were avoided among every 100,000 women, equivalent to about 11.45% of the mean annual CSD mortality. (4) Conclusions: After the implementation of smoking bans in Macao, the decrease in smoking rate among women plays a primary role in the reduction in CSD mortality. To avoid excess CSD mortality due to smoking, Macao needs to continue to promote smoking cessation among the male population.

Risk factors associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity among peritoneal dialysis patients in Macao.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Macao. Increased arterial stiffness determined by pulse wave velocity (PWV) has been established as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in end-stage renal disease patients. The present study aims to investigate the relationship between arterial stiffness and its associated risk factors in chronic PD patients. METHODS: A total of 96 chronic PD patients (48 males/48 females) were included in the cross-sectional study. Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV). Patients were divided into two subgroups according to mean baPWV value. On enrollment, clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters were collected. RESULTS: Compared with low baPWV group patients, high baPWV group patients were significant older (p<0.001) and more likely to have a high proportion of female gender (p=0.004) as well as previous CVD history (p=0.008). Serum albumin, pre-albumin levels and residual renal creatinine clearance (CCr) were significantly lower but the serum ferritin level was significantly higher in high baPWV group patients than in low baPWV group patients (all p<0.01). BaPWV was positively associated with age (r=0.534, p<0.001), Charlson comorbidity index (r=0.350, p<0.001) and serum ferritin level (r=0.340, p=0.001). Meanwhile, baPWV negatively correlated with serum albumin (r=-0.479, p<0.001), pre-albumin levels (r=-0.320, p=0.003) and residual renal CCr (r=-0.177, p=0.048). Age-adjusted partial correlation test found a significant correlation between baPWV and CRP (r=0.462, p<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that baPWV was independently associated with age (p<0.001), serum albumin level (p=0.015), CRP (p=0.019) and residual renal CCr (p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Arterial stiffness, assessed by baPWV, had an independent correlation with age, serum albumin level, CRP level and residual renal CCr among PD patients in Macao.

Human papillomavirus infection in Macau women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Macau women. STUDY DESIGN: Female patients presenting for a medical consultation or medical check-up were recruited with informed consent. METHODS: Cytology and HPV-DNA genotyping were performed on 402 cervical specimens that were collected from Macau women. RESULTS: Of the specimens, 29.9% were found to be HPV-DNA positive; 26.4% were infected with one HPV genotype, while 3.0% and 0.5% were infected with two and three HPV genotypes, respectively. The most prevalent HPV genotype was type 52 (11.1%), followed by type 16 (9.7%). Both types 51 and 62 ranked third (9.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The HPV infection rate in Macau appears to be higher than that in the neighbouring city of Hong Kong. The most prevalent genotypes were similar to those in South-west and Southern China.

Serum small-dense LDL abnormalities in chronic renal disease patients.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the principal cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Dyslipoproteinaemia is a common metabolic derangement in CKD and a traditional risk factor for CVD. This study investigates serum lipoprotein, especially small-dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL), abnormalities in CKD patients. A total of 131 CKD patients (age: 59 +/- 12 years, male = 64) diagnosed according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes, 2004 (KDIGO) and 121 age- and gender-matched control subjects (age: 58 +/- 6 years, male = 62) were recruited from Hong Kong and Macau. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and direct LDL-C were assayed enzymatically. In addition, sd-LDL, together with very low density and intermediate-density lipoproteins (VLDL and IDL) were measured by US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. Compared to controls, CKD patients showed significantly decreased TC, LDL-C, normal-size LDL and HDL-C with increased TG, VLDL, IDL and sd-LDL (all P < 0.01). The increased sd-LDL and decreased normal-size LDL fractions resulted in a significantly elevated sd-LDL:LDL ratio in CKD (P < 0.005). In contrast to the low TC and LDL-C, sd-LDL and sd-LDL:LDL ratio were significantly elevated in CKD. Thus, sd-LDL will be used increasingly for CVD risk assessment in CKD and other diseases that show lipoprotein derangement.