Effects of Secondary Structures and pH on the Self-Assembly of Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polytyrosine.

Different from conventional synthetic polymers, polypeptides exhibit a distinguishing characteristic of adopting specific secondary structures, including random coils, α-helixes, and ß-sheets. The conformation determines the rigidity and solubility of polypeptide chains, which further direct the self-assembly and morphology of the nanostructures. We studied the effect of distinct secondary structures on the self-assembly behavior of polytyrosine (PTyr)-derived amphiphilic copolymers. Two block copolymers of enantiopure poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-tyrosine) (PEG-b-P(l-Tyr)) and racemic poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(dl-tyrosine) (PEG-b-P(dl-Tyr)) were synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization of l-tyrosine N-thiocarboxyanhydride (l-Tyr-NTA) and dl-tyrosine N-thiocarboxyanhydride (dl-Tyr-NTA), respectively, by using poly(ethylene glycol) amine as the initiator. PEG44-b-P(l-Tyr)10 adopts a ß-sheet conformation and self-assembles into rectangular nanosheets in aqueous solutions, while PEG44-b-P(dl-Tyr)9 is primarily in a random coil conformation with a tiny content of ß-sheet structures, which self-assembles into sheaf-like nanofibrils. A pH increase results in the ionization of phenolic hydroxyl groups, which decreases the ß-sheet content and increases the random coil content of the PTyr segments. Accordingly, PEG44-b-P(l-Tyr)10 and PEG44-b-P(dl-Tyr)9 self-assemble to form slender nanobelts and twisted nanoribbons, respectively, in alkaline aqueous solutions. The secondary structure-driven self-assembly of PTyr-derived copolymers is promising to construct filamentous nanostructures, which have potential for applications in controlled drug release.

Association between pulse pressure and carotid plaques in old adults with uncontrolled hypertension: results from a community-based screening in Hangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: There is a broad pulse pressure (PP) and a high prevalence of carotid plaques in old adults. Previous studies have indicated that PP is strongly associated with carotid plaque formation. This study aimed to explore this association in old adults with uncontrolled hypertension. METHODS: 1371 hypertensive patients aged ≥ 60 years with uncontrolled hypertension were enrolled in a community-based screening in Hangzhou, China. Carotid plaques were assessed using ultrasonography. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between PP and carotid plaques by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Carotid plaques were detected in 639 (46.6%) of subjects. Multiple plaques were found in 408 (63.8%) and soft plaques in 218 (34.1%). Elevated PP was associated with a high prevalence of carotid plaques. After adjusting for traditional risk factors, compared to patients within the lowest tertile of PP, those within the highest tertiles had an increased risk of carotid plaques (OR 2.061, CI 1.547-2.745). For each 1-SD increase, the risk increased by 40.1% (OR 1.401, CI 1.237-1.587). There was a nonlinear association between PP and carotid plaques (P nonlinearity = 0.039). The risk increased rapidly after the predicted PP level reached around 60 mmHg. The associations were stronger among participants with multiple and soft plaques. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that PP was independently associated with carotid plaques in old adults with uncontrolled hypertension who have an increased risk of atherosclerosis.

Study on the Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Factors of Ecological Security in Stages Based on the DPSIRM-SBM Model: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Scientific assessment of urban ecological security (ES) is an important prerequisite to realize regional sustainable development. Previous studies lack the consideration of quality and poor systematic correlation, which could not reflect the internal dynamic relationship. On the basis of considering the time lag, this study divided the research process into the natural operation stage and the management feedback stage based on the driving forces, pressures, state, impacts, responses, management (DPSIRM) framework model and DEA theory, so as to effectively overcome the above shortcomings. Finally, we analyzed the spatio-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of the ES level of 108 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) during 2005-2019. The results showed that: (a) both two stages showed a slow and fluctuating upward trend in time series, and the level of urban ES in the management feedback stage was significantly higher than that in the natural operation stage; (b) with the passage of time, the spatial distribution of ES in the natural operation stage gradually developed towards the middle and downstream of the YREB, while the management feedback stage mainly evolved from the midstream to the edge area; (c) the level of urban ES presented a different degree of spatial agglomeration phenomenon, and showed an increasing trend over time; and (d) the key influencing factors gradually changed from pressure to response during 2005-2019. This research aims to provide an innovative perspective for the measurement of urban ES, and provide scientific reference for improving urban ecological sustainable development.

The Association of Outdoor Walking Per Week with Mental Health and Costs of Psychotropic Drugs in Adults.

Regular walking confers many physical health benefits, including a reduced risk of disease-specific and all-cause mortality and better physical fitness. However, less is known about its role in mental health. Thus, the aims of this study were to determine the associations of outdoor walking per week with costs of psychotropic drugs used and mental health in adults. 500 adults aged 18 to 64 years in Hangzhou (China) reported sex, age, the name of the psychotropic drugs used and their dosage, and outdoor walking during the past 7 days. The cost that a person spends on buying psychotropic drugs for a month was considered psychotropic drugs costs. Overall mental health was assessed using the Chinese Version of the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire. The levels of walking in participants taking psychotropic were significantly lower than participants who did not taking psychotropic (p = 0.002). There was a significant negative correlation between mental health scores and minutes of walking per week and a significant positive correlation between the number of psychotropic drugs used and walking per week (p < 0.05). However, no particular associations were found between costs of psychotropic drug used and walking per week. Outdoor walking is prospectively associated with better overall mental health in adults. Then, awareness should be raised about the possible positive effects of outdoor walking on the mental health of adults.

Updates on fluorescent probes and open-field imaging methods for fluorescence-guided cytoreductive surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer: A review.

Fluorescence-guided surgery has emerged as a promising imaging technique for real-time intraoperative tumour delineation and visualisation of submillimetre tumour masses in cytoreductive surgery for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Researchers have developed several EOC-targeted fluorescent probes, most of which are currently in the preclinical stage. Interestingly, imaging devices designed for open surgery are proof of concept. This review summarises the recent advances in EOC-targeted fluorescent probes and open-field fluorescence imaging strategies and discusses the challenges and potential solutions for clinical translation.

Performance validation of the Mayo triage algorithm applied to individualize surgical management of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To externally validate the performance of the Mayo triage algorithm applied to treatment strategy management in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC) patients. METHODS: AEOC patients who underwent primary debulking surgery (PDS) were included and were divided into two groups based on the Mayo triage algorithm: "high risk" and "triage appropriate". The surgery outcomes and complications of the patients were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: 179 consecutive AEOC patients were enrolled for analysis, including 32 patients in the high-risk group and 147 patients in the triage-appropriate group. The results showed that patients in the high-risk group were older, had worse physical status and had lower preoperative serum albumin than those in the triage-appropriate group (P<0.01). The high-risk group had a lower proportion of women who underwent intermediate/high complexity surgery (38% vs. 72%, P<0.01) as well as a lower proportion of women who underwent optimal resection (50% vs. 71%, P<0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of 30-day complications (28% vs. 5%, P<0.01) and the proportion of patients who were unable to undergo adjuvant chemotherapy after PDS (22% vs. 2%, P<0.01) were both significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the triage-appropriate group. In addition, compared to the triage-appropriate group, the 90-day mortality rate in the high-risk group was also notably higher, but the difference was not statistically significant (6% vs. 1%, P=0.15). CONCLUSION: The validity of the Mayo triage algorithm for treatment decision-making in AEOC was externally confirmed in this study. This short-term complication assessment tool could be effectively used for the individualized primary management of high-risk AEOC patients. The feasibility of the Mayo triage algorithm for use in long-term management should be further explored.

Prenatal diagnosis of caudal regression with heterotaxy syndrome: "A mermaid with a broken heart".

Caudal regression syndrome (CRS) is a rare congenital malformation with varying degrees of early gestational developmental failure. It is characterized by agenesis of the sacrum and lumbar spine, with lower limb neurological deficit and accompanying deformities of the pelvis, lower extremities, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems. We report a case of CRS associated with rare complex congenital heart defect, that is, heterotaxy syndrome, diagnosed prenatally.

Uterine-Sparing Laparoscopic Pelvic Plexus Ablation, Uterine Artery Occlusion, and Partial Adenomyomectomy for Adenomyosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety, feasibility, and long-term clinical effects of adding laparoscopic pelvic plexus ablation to uterine-sparing procedures (uterine artery occlusion and partial adenomyomectomy) for adenomyosis. DESIGN: A prospective controlled study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: A teaching hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 112 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis were eligible for uterine-sparing laparoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic pelvic plexus ablation, uterine artery occlusion, and partial adenomyomectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After the exclusion of patients with malignant tumors or those lost to follow-up, 102 women underwent laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion and partial adenomyomectomy; 50 of these patients also had laparoscopic uterine pelvic plexus ablation (group A) with the remaining 52 patients serving as the control group (group B). Other than operative time (107.0 ± 15.4 vs 98.9 ± 20.2 minutes, p = .02), there were no statistical differences regarding other operative parameters between groups A and B. Relief of severe dysmenorrhea (Visual Analogue Scale score ≥ 7) at 36 months was higher in group A than in group B (100% vs 76.9%, p < .01). No patient suffered constipation or uroschesis in either group. CONCLUSION: Adding laparoscopic uterine pelvic plexus ablation to laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion and partial adenomyomectomy was more effective in relieving dysmenorrhea.

Associations of genetic variations in EYA4, GRHL2 and DFNA5 with noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese population: a case- control study.

BACKGROUND: Both environmental and genetic factors are attributable to the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between genetic variations in the EYA4, GRHL2 and DFNA5 genes and the risk to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in a Chinese population. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 476 NIHL workers and 475 normal hearing workers matched with gender, years of noise exposure, and intensity of noise exposure. Twelve tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the EYA4, GRHL2 and DFNA5 genes were genotyped using nanofluidic dynamic arrays on the Fluidigm platform. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the associations of genetic variations with NIHL adjusted by age, smoking/drinking status, and cumulative noise exposure and their interactions with noise exposure. RESULTS: The SNPs of rs3777781and rs212769 in the EYA4 gene were significantly associated with NIHL risk. In rs3777781, comparing with the subjects carrying with TT types, the carriers with AT and AA genotypes had the decreased risk of NIHL (OR = 0.721, 95% CI = 0.522 - 0.996). In rs212769, the AG and AA carriers had increased NIHL risk (OR = 1.430, 95% CI = 1.014 - 2.016) compared with the subjects with GG genotype. Rs666026 in the associated GRHL2 gene and rs2521758 in the DFNA5 gene were marginally t associated with NIHL (P = 0.065 and 0.052, respectively). Rs2521758 and rs212769 had significantly interacted with noise exposure (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variations in the EYA4, GRHL2 and DFNA5 genes and their interactions with occupational noise exposure may play an important role in the incidence of NIHL.

Genetic variations in protocadherin 15 and their interactions with noise exposure associated with noise-induced hearing loss in Chinese population.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between genetic variations in the Protocadherin 15 gene (PCDH15) and the risk to noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) in a Chinese population. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted with 476 noise-sensitive workers (NIHL) and 475 noise-resistant workers (normal) matched for gender, years of noise exposure, and intensity of noise exposure. 13 tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms in PCDH15 were genotyped using nanofluidic dynamic arrays on the Fluidigm platform. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the associations of genetic variations of PCDH15 with NIHL adjusted by age, smoking/drinking status, and cumulative noise exposure and their interactions with noise exposure. RESULTS: The allele frequency and genotypes of rs1104085 were significantly associated with the risk of NIHL(P=0.009 and 0.005 respectively ). The subjects carrying variant alleles (CT or CC) of rs11004085 had a decreased the risk for NIHL (adjusted odds ratio=0.587, 95% confidence interval 0.409-0.842) compared with subjects who had the wild-type (TT) homozygotes. The interactions were found between the SNPs of rs1100085, rs10825122, rs1930146, rs2384437, rs4540756, and rs2384375 and noise exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variations of PCDH15 and their interactions with occupational noise exposure are associated with genetic susceptibility to NIHL and modify the risk of noise induced hearing loss.

Improvement of the functional properties of insoluble dietary fiber from corn bran by ultrasonic-microwave synergistic modification.

A comprehensive investigation aimed to access the impacts of ultrasonic, microwave, and ultrasonic-microwave synergistic modification on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, and functional properties of corn bran insoluble dietary fiber (CBIDF). Our findings revealed that CBIDF presented a porous structure with loose folds, and the particle size and relative crystallinity were slightly decreased after modification. The CBIDF, which was modified by ultrasound-microwave synergistic treatment, exhibited remarkable benefits in terms of its adsorption capacity, and cholate adsorption capacity. Furthermore, the modification improved the in vitro hypoglycemic activity of the CBIDF by enhancing glucose absorption, retarding the starch hydrolysis, and facilitating the diffusion of glucose solution. The findings from the in vitro probiotic activity indicate that ultrasound-microwave synergistic modification also enhances the growth-promoting ability and adsorbability of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. Additionally, the level of soluble dietary fiber was found to be positively correlated with CBIDF adsorbability, while the crystallinity of CBIDF showed a negative correlation with α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition activity, as well as water-holding capacity, and oil-holding capacity.

Air pollution and cancer daily mortality in Hangzhou, China: an ecological research.

BACKGROUND: Long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to cancer incidence. However, the evidence is limited regarding the effect of short-term exposure to air pollution on cancer mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate associations between short-term exposure to air pollutants (sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <10 mm (PM10) and PM2.5) and cancer daily mortality. METHODS: This study used air quality, meteorological and daily cancer death data from 2014 to 2019 in Hangzhou, China. Generalised additive models (GAM) with quasi-Poisson regression were used to analyse the associations between air pollutants and cancer mortality with adjustment for confounding factors including time trends, day of week, temperature and humidity. Then, we conducted stratified analyses by sex, age, season and education. In addition, stratified analyses of age, season and education were performed within each sex to determine whether sex difference was modified by such factors. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, the GAM results indicated a statistically significant relationship between increased cancer mortality and elevated air pollution concentrations, but only in the female population. For every 10 µg/m3 rise in pollutant concentration, the increased risk of cancer death in females was 6.82% (95% CI 3.63% to 10.10%) for SO2 on lag 03, and 2.02% (95% CI 1.12% to 2.93%) for NO2 on lag 01 and 0.89% (95% CI 0.46% to 1.33%) for PM10 on lag 03 and 1.29% (95% CI 0.64% to 1.95%) for PM2.5 on lag 03. However, no statistically significant association was found among males. Moreover, the differences in effect sizes between males and females were more pronounced during the cold season, among the elderly and among subjects with low levels of education. CONCLUSIONS: Increased cancer mortality was only observed in females with rising concentrations of air pollutants. Further research is required to confirm this sex difference. Advocate for the reduction of air pollutant emissions to protect vulnerable groups.

Remnant cholesterol and the risk of carotid plaque in hypertension: results from a community-based screening among old adults in Hangzhou, China.

Elevated remnant cholesterol (RC) is considered a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but the evidence on this association applies to the Chinese population with hypertension is limited. We aimed to explore the association between RC levels and carotid plaque in old adults with hypertension. 8523 hypertensive patients aged ≥ 60 years with serum lipids and carotid ultrasonography data were included in this community-based screening. Fasting RC was calculated as total cholesterol minus high-density lipoprotein cholesterol minus low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC). The associations of RC levels with carotid plaque risk were evaluated using Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models. Carotid plaque was screened in 4821 (56.56%) subjects. After multivariable-adjusted, RC was significantly related to carotid plaque [Odd ratio (OR)] = 1.043 per 0.1 mmol/L increase, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.030-1.056). The highest versus the lowest quartile of RC was 1.928 (1.673-2.223) for carotid plaque. A nonlinear association was found between serum RC levels and the risk of carotid plaque (P for nonlinearity < 0.001). Moreover, an RC > 0.78 mmol/L differentiated patients at a higher risk of carotid plaque compared to those at lower concentrations, regardless of whether LDLC was on target at 2.59 mmol/L. In old adults with hypertension, elevated RC was positively associated with carotid plaque, independent of LDLC and other conventional risk factors.

Covid-19 vaccination coverage and associated factors among older hypertensive patients in Hangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination could provide effective protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to describe the COVID-19 vaccination coverage and influential factors in Chinese older hypertensive patients. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, participants were randomly selected from the electronic health records system during the pandemic era in Hangzhou, China. Logistic regression models were employed to compute the OR and 95% CI in order to assess the relationships between variables and the extent of COVID-19 vaccination coverage. RESULTS: As of 3 August 2022, among a sample of 77 970 individuals, 75.11% had completed the full COVID-19 vaccination, while 57.66% had received a booster dose. Disparities in coverage were observed across genders, regions and age groups. Unhealthy lifestyles, cardiovascular disease, cancer, uncontrolled blood pressure, abnormal fasting plasma glucose, dyslipidemia and renal dysfunction were risk factors for COVID-19 vaccination coverage. The coverage rates continuously declined along with the number of risk factors. The ORs for full and booster vaccination in subjects with ≥4 risk factors were 2.55 (2.12∼3.07) and 2.60 (2.16∼3.13), compared to individuals without risk factors. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 vaccination program for older hypertensive patients must be strengthened further. Emphasis should be placed on patients who reside in urban areas, have comorbidities or multiple risk factors.

The effect of mindfulness-based interventions during pregnancy on postpartum mental health: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness helps reduce negative emotions, but its ability to prevent postpartum psychological problems remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) during pregnancy on postpartum mental health, especially postpartum depression. METHODS: Online databases regarding the effect of mindfulness on pregnancy were searched and a meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and a self-controlled study were included. We found consistent results showing that MBIs significantly improve the depressive symptoms of all pregnant women in both the case-control (SMD = -0.90, 95 % CI (-2.71, -1.82), p = 0.01) and self-control (SMD = 1.24, 95 % CI (0.37, 2.11), p = 0.005) comparisons. However, MBIs were ineffective for high-risk pregnant women with severe depressive symptoms before delivery in both the case-control (SMD = -1.07, 95 % CI (-3.40, 1.25), p = 0.36) and self-control comparisons (SMD = 2.10, 95 % CI (-0.26, 4.47), p = 0.08). Furthermore, MBIs did not have significant advantages over other intervention methods (SMD = -0.45, 95 % CI (-1.17, 0.28), p = 0.23). LIMITATIONS: There were few high-quality RCTs, and the sample size was small. CONCLUSION: MBIs can relieve maternal depressive and anxiety symptoms, especially for the prevention of postpartum depression in healthy pregnant women. However, MBIs do not have significant advantages over other interventions and may not be useful for all pregnant women. These findings contribute to the optimization of perinatal mental health intervention programs and the improvement of pregnancy outcomes, playing an important guiding role in clinical decision-making.

The factors correlated with COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Chinese hypertensive patients managed by community general practitioner.

This study aims to describe COVID-19 vaccination coverage and its influential factors in hypertensive patients who were administered by community general practitioners in China. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using data from electronic health record systems. The subjects were hypertensive patients who had been involved in the health management of the Essential Public Health Service (EPHS) program in Hangzhou City, China. As of Aug 3, 2022, the full and booster vaccination rates were 77.53% and 60.97% in randomly selected 96,498 subjects. There were disparities across regions, age, and gender in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Obesity and daily alcohol consumption were factors in the promotion of COVID-19 vaccination. Current smoking, non-daily physical exercise, irregular medication adherence, and comorbidities were risk factors for COVID-19 vaccination. Coverage rates have decreased depending on the number of risk factors. The ORs (95% CI) were 1.78 (1.61 ~ 1.96) of full vaccination and 1.74 (1.59 ~ 1.89) of booster vaccination in subjects with ≥4 risk factors, compared to those without risk factors. In summary, the progress of COVID-19 vaccination among community hypertensive patients lagged behind that of the general population during the same period. Individuals who lived in urban areas, were elderly, and had an irregular medication adherence, comorbidities, and multiple risk factors should be highlighted in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination against all-cause mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The observation during the initial period of the cancellation of the "Dynamic Zero Policy" in mainland China.

AIMS: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination against all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Subjects were patients with T2DM who were administered by general practitioner (GP). Use electronic exchange platform to obtain the information on COVID-19 vaccination, all-cause deaths and risk factors. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the odd ratio (OR) and 95% CI for the association between COVID-19 vaccination and mortality. The vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated as (1- adjusted OR) × 100%. RESULTS: A total of 26,916 subjects had 53.81%, 17.65%, and 23.43% coverage for the booster, full, and partial COVID-19 vaccination, reported 328 deaths and a mortality of 1.2%. The adjusted OR (95%CI) was 0.85(0.60-1.21) for those received partial vaccination, 0.31(0.22-0.43) for those received full vaccination, and 0.12(0.08-0.18) for those received booster vaccination, compared to the unvaccinated individuals. The VE (95%CI) was 88.00%(82.30-91.80) of booster vaccination, 69.30%(56.60-78.30) of full vaccination, and 17.60%(-17.10-42.00) of partial vaccination. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccination could effectively prevent the all-cause death in patients with T2DM during the omicron variant outbreak period, after the cancellation of the "Dynamic Zero Policy" in mainland China.

Association between lifestyle and dietary preference factors and conventional adenomas and serrated polyps.

Introduction: Both conventional adenoma (AD) and serrated polyp (SP) were known precursor lesions of colorectal cancer (CRC). Modifiable lifestyle factors were significantly associated with CRC risk, but whether these factors were related to the risk of different precursors of CRC needed to be clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the risks of AD and SP caused by lifestyle factors and compare the risk differences between AD and SP. Methods: The study population was from the CRC screening cohort in Hangzhou, China. A total of 458,457 eligible individuals volunteered to undergo initial screening including the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and the CRC risk assessment. Finally, 13,993 participants who had undergone colonoscopy tests and had been diagnosed at designated hospitals were selected in this study. All participants were required to fill out a questionnaire during the initial screening for collecting their information. The generalized estimate equation (GEE) model was used to assess the association between lifestyle factors/dietary preferences and AD/SP. Results: The body mass index (BMI) and smoking were positively associated with the risks of only SP (BMI: OR = 1.50, 95%CI: 1.23-1.84; smoking: OR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.07-1.55), only AD (BMI: OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.28-1.82; OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.11-1.39), and synchronous SP and AD (BMI: OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.40-2.75; smoking: OR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.27-1.85). In the case-group comparison, smoking was more strongly associated with the risk of synchronous SP and AD than only AD. Alcohol drinking was positively associated with the risk of AD (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.14-1.44), but no statistically significant difference was observed in risks in the case-group comparison. Furthermore, whole-grain intake was associated with a decreased risk of only AD (OR = 0.78, 95%CI: 0.65-0.93). However, white meat intake was positively associated with risks of only SP when compared with AD cases (OR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.15-2.23). Conclusion: The current study identified common risk factors such as BMI and smoking as well as different risks of certain factors (e.g., alcohol drinking and whole-grain intake) for SP and AD. However, there were still some factors, especially diet-related factors, that have not been fully elucidated in their association with the two lesions. Further research is needed in future to confirm and develop prevention strategies for different lesions.

[Hexavalent chromium pollution and exposure level in electroplating workplace].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pollution of hexavalent chromium in the electroplating workplace and screen the biomarkers of chromium exposure. MATERIAL: Field occupational health investigation was conducted in 25 electroplating workplaces. 157 electroplating workers and 93 healthy unexposed controls were recruited. The epidemiological information was collected with face to face interview. Chromium in erythrocytes was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: The median of short-term exposure concentration of chromium in the air at electroplating workplace was 0.06 mg/m(3) (median) and ranging from 0.01 (detect limit) to 0.53 mg/m(3)). The median concentration of Cr (VI) in erythrocytes in electroplating workers was 4.41 (2.50 ∼ 5.29) µg/L, which was significantly higher than that in control subjects [1.54 (0.61 ∼ 2.98) µg/L, P < 0.01]. After stratified by potential confounding factors such as gender, age, smoking status and alcohol consumption, significant differences still existed between electroplating workers and control subjects, except for the subjects of age less than 30 years old (P = 0.11). CONCLUSION: There was hexavalent chromium pollution in electroplating workplace. Occupational hazards prevention measures should be taken to control the chromium pollution hazards.

Nomogram to predict postoperative complications after cytoreductive surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To establish nomograms to predict the risk of postoperative complications following cytoreductive surgery in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC). Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study that included patients with FIGO stage IIIC-IV epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery was designed. By using univariate and multivariate analyses, patient preoperative characteristics were used to predict the risk of postoperative complications. Multivariate modeling was used to develop Nomograms. Results: Overall, 585 AEOC patients were included for analysis (training cohort = 426, extrapolation cohort = 159). According to the findings, the training cohort observed an incidence of postoperative overall and severe complications of 28.87% and 6.10%, respectively. Modified frailty index (mFI) (OR 1.96 and 2.18), FIGO stage (OR 2.31 and 3.22), and Surgical Complexity Score (SCS) (OR 1.16 and 1.23) were the clinical factors that were most substantially associated to the incidence of overall and severe complications, respectively. The resulting nomograms demonstrated great internal discrimination, good consistency, and stable calibration, with C-index of 0.74 and 0.78 for overall and severe complications prediction, respectively. A satisfactory external discrimination was also indicated by the extrapolation cohort, with the C-index for predicting overall and severe complications being 0.92 and 0.91, respectively. Conclusions: The risk of considerable postoperative morbidity exists after cytoreductive surgery for AEOC. These two nomograms with good discrimination and calibration might be useful to guide clinical decision-making and help doctors assess the probability of postoperative complications for AEOC patients.