A comprehensive risk score for effective risk stratification and screening of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Using Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-based markers to screen populations at high risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an attractive preventive approach. Here, we develop a comprehensive risk score (CRS) that combines risk effects of EBV and human genetics for NPC risk stratification and validate this CRS within an independent, population-based dataset. Comparing the top decile with the bottom quintile of CRSs, the odds ratio of developing NPC is 21 (95% confidence interval: 12-37) in the validation dataset. When combining the top quintile of CRS with EBV serology tests currently used for NPC screening in southern China, the positive prediction value of screening increases from 4.70% (serology test alone) to 43.24% (CRS plus serology test). By identifying individuals at a monogenic level of NPC risk, this CRS approach provides opportunities for personalized risk prediction and population screening in endemic areas for the early diagnosis and secondary prevention of NPC.

Knee osteoarthritis prevalence in hospitalized elderly patients: a retrospective study.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the risk factors for OA in hospitalized elderly patients. We conducted this retrospective study in elderly patients (aged 65 years and older) who were hospitalized in the Geriatric Ward of General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command of the People's Liberation Army between January 2011 and June 2013, including general condition, present history, past history, physical examination, X-ray results, and disease diagnosis. The prevalence, awareness, and treatment rates of knee OA in hospitalized elderly patients were calculated. Risk factors were computed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Of a total of 267 (17.4%) hospitalized elderly patients diagnosed with knee OA, the prevalence rate of OA was 9.95% in males and 37.76% in females. The rate of awareness among those with OA was 51.68%; the rate of treatment was 83.33%; and the rate of control was 77.39%. The medical expenses for both females (1143±315 yuan month-1) and males (1192±357 yuan month-1) in knee OA patients are higher than that of the non-knee OA group (989±274 yuan month-1, 1038±295 yuan month-1). The risk factors for knee OA include gender (OR=2.448), age (OR=1.124), transportation mode (OR= 8.972), exercise (OR=7.374), bowel evacuation position (OR=5.767), family history of knee OA (OR=2.195), and body mass index (OR=2.469). The prevalence of knee OA is unexpectedly high in hospitalized elderly patients, and the rates of awareness and treatment are less than desirable. Prevention and control measures should be taken in patients with concomitant risk factors.

[Analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor expression and gene expression status in tissue microarray of cervical squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the protein expression and gene expression status and the relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein expression and EGFR gene status. METHODS: Tissue microarray containing 72 cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues was constructed, and EGFR protein expression and gene status were evaluated by immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques. RESULTS: Protein expression of EGFR: 69 of 72 cervical squamous cell carcinomas were observed. The results demonstrated it was significant association with invasion depth, lymph node metastasis and lymph-vessel invasion (χ(2) = 4.998, P < 0.05; χ(2) = 4.299, P < 0.05; χ(2) = 4.686, P < 0.05) in cervical squamous cell carcinomas. For FISH assessing EGFR gene, 64 of 72 carcinomas were observed; 7 of 64 cases showed EGFR gene amplification, and 25 disomy, 23 trisomy and 9 polysomy were detected. There were high levels of protein expression in all the EGFR gene amplification cases, and there were significant association between EGFR protein expression and the gene copy number (χ(2) = 13.564, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EGFR may participate in the occurrence, progression and metastasis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Overexpression of EGFR protein may result from gene amplification and gene copy number increases, which showed that EGFR gene expression status may be a more effective biological indicator of cervical squamous cell carcinoma targeted therapy.

[Correlation between orthostatic hypotension and cardiovascular risks in elderly population].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between orthostatic hypotension and cardiovascular risks and hospitalization rate in the elders. METHODS: A total of 1174 people over 65 years old underwent health screening physical examination through a self-made questionnaire at our hospital. Their clinical data were collected. The orthostatic blood pressure and heart rate were measured in supine position after resting for over 5 minutes and at 0 and 2 min after standing. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as 20 mm Hg or greater decrease in SBP or/and 10 mm Hg or greater decrease in DBP after standing. All cases were followed up by telephone or hospitalization medical records for a mean period of 315.8 days. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of such cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events as angina, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. RESULTS: The prevalence of OH was 25.6% in this cohort. Significant differences could be found in the rate of all-cause and cardiovascular-related hospitalization between OH positive and OH negative (45.1% vs 32.5%; 19.1% vs 7.4%); the rates of angina and myocardial infarction in the OH positive group were significantly higher than those in the OH negative group (7.5% vs 3.7%: 4.8% vs 0.5%, P < 0.05); after adjusting for age, supine blood pressure, heart rate and cerebrovascular history by logistic regression, statistical differences could also be observed between OH and angina [P = 0.011, HR (hazard ratio): 2.122, 95%CI (confidence interval): 1.184-3.802 and MI (P < 0.001, HR: 8.995, 95%CI: 2.909 - 27.819)]. CONCLUSION: Orthostatic hypotension may increase the rates of all-cause and cardiovasular-related hospitalization. And it is a robust predictor of angina and myocardial infarction in the elders.