Lipidomics Reveals the Effects of Detergents on Skin Surface Lipids in Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Detergent is a chemical product commonly used in people's daily life. Contact with detergent solutions can damage the human skin barrier and cause skin diseases. Skin surface lipids (SSLs) play a decisive role in skin barrier function. This study aimed to observe the changes of SSLs in young adults after exposure to detergent solutions to explore the underlying mechanism of skin barrier function damage. METHODS: A self-controlled study on youth adults was conducted in Zhengzhou, China, in November 2020. The study lasted for a total of 1 week, and skin barrier function was assessed by trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) values. The changes of SSLs before and after exposure to the detergent with subjects were measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The skin barrier function of subjects' hands was impaired after exposure to detergent (TEWL value increased, p < 0.001). A total of 520 SSLs were detected, divided into 6 main categories. The average relative abundance of these 6 major lipids decreased after exposure. Sphingolipids (mainly ceramides), free fatty acids (mainly long-chain fatty acids), cholesterol lipids, and glycerophospholipids are the most severely damaged lipids. CONCLUSION: Detergent solutions can damage the skin barrier function and SSLs of young hands; interventions targeting SSLs to eliminate detergent damage to human skin may be of value.

Higher HDL-C levels attenuated the association of plasma polybrominated diphenyl ethers with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: Plasma polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) were used as flame retardants widely, however, epidemiological evidence for the association between PBDEs and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is inconsistent. Moreover, the combined effects of PBDEs and blood lipid indicators on impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and T2DM remains largely unknown in rural areas lacking good waste recycling infrastructure. METHODS: In this study, a total of 2607 subjects aged 18-79 years were included from the Henan Rural Cohort. Generalized linear and logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the associations of various PBDE pollutants on IFG and T2DM. Quantile g-computation regression and PBDE pollution score created by the adaptive elastic net were applied to evaluate the impact of PBDEs mixtures on IFG and T2DM. Interaction effects of individual PBDE pollutants and blood lipid indicators on IFG and T2DM were assessed by using Interaction plots. RESULTS: The geometric mean concentrations (detection rates) were 0.09 ng/mL (100.0%), 0.12 ng/mL (97.8%), 0.22 ng/mL (94.7%), 0.16 ng/mL (99.2%) and 0.28 ng/mL (100.0%) for PBDE-28, PBDE-47, PBDE-99, and PBDE-153 respectively. However, PBDE-28, PBDE-99, PBDE-100, and ΣPBDEs were positively associated with IFG (odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)): 1.14 (1.06, 1.23), 1.16 (1.04, 1.29), 1.25 (1.14, 1.37), and 1.27 (1.08, 1.50)). Similarly, PBDE-28, PBDE-47, PBDE-99, PBDE-100, and ΣPBDEs were positively associated with T2DM (ORs (95% CIs): 1.30 (1.10, 1.54), 1.13 (1.06, 1.22), 1.27 (1.13, 1.43), 1.27 (1.15, 1.40), and 1.30 (1.10, 1.54)). Moreover, five PBDE mixtures or jointly as PBDE pollution score, were significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM (P < 0.05 for all). In addition, the harmful effect of PBDE exposure on T2DM was decreased with accompanying high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of managing PBDEs contamination and suggest that HDL-C may be a novel way to prevent T2DM.

Ambient ozone exposure combined with residential greenness in relation to serum sex hormone levels in Chinese rural adults.

BACKGROUND: Long-term exposure to ambient ozone (O3) and residential greenness independently relate to altered hormones levels in urban settings and developed countries. However, independent and their joint associations with progestogen and androgen were sparsely studied in rural regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6211 individuals were recruited in this study. Random forest model was applied to predict the daily average concentrations of O3 using the satellites data. Residential greenness was reflected by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure serum progestogen and androgen concentrations. Gender and menopausal status modified associations of long-term exposure to O3 and residential greenness with hormones levels were analyzed by generalized linear models. RESULTS: Long-term exposure to O3 was negatively related to 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione in both men and women (premenopausal and postmenopausal); the estimated ß and 95% CI of ln-progesterone in response to per 10 µg/m3 increment in O3 concentration was -0.560 (-0.965, -0.155) in postmenopausal women. Association of long-term exposure to O3 with serum androgen levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal women were alleviated by residing in places with higher greenness. Additionally, a prominent effect of long-term exposure to O3 related to decreased serum progestogen and androgen levels was found in participants with middle- or high-level of physical activity or lower education level. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that long-term exposure to high levels of O3 related to decreased serum androgen levels was attenuated by living in high greenness places in women regardless of menopause status. Future studies are needed to confirm the positive health effects of residential greenness on the potential detrimental effects due to exposure to O3.

Associations of residential greenness, ambient air pollution, biological sex, and glucocorticoids levels in rural China.

AIMS: To evaluate the associations between residential greenness and glucocorticoid levels and whether air pollutants and sex modify the relationship between greenness and glucocorticoid level in Chinese rural adults. METHODS: We collected cross-sectional survey data from 6055 participants from the Henan Rural cohort. The three-year average residential greenness for participants was assessed using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values from a satellite platform. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed to quantify the concentrations of glucocorticoids, which were measured by morning blood draw after at least 8 hr of fasting. A random forest model was employed to obtain the average concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. A general linear regression model was performed to estimate the associations of NDVI500-m values with cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisone. Furthermore, interaction plots were used to present the interaction effects of particulate matter, sex, and green space on glucocorticoid levels. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple variables, an elevated average NDVI500-m value in the total population was associated with a decrease in cortisol levels (ß = -0.063, 95 % confidence interval (CI): - 0.118, - 0.008), and 11-deoxycortisol levels (ß = -0.118, 95 % CI: -0.190, -0.047), as well as an increase in cortisone levels (ß = 0.130, 95 % CI: 0.079, 0.181). By adding the interaction terms of air pollutants and residential greenness into the regression model, interaction effects between air pollutants and residential greenness were found (cortisol, PM2.5: P interaction=:0.018; PM10: P interaction=0.016; 11-deoxycortisol, all pollutants: P interaction< 0.001), suggesting that the protective effect of residential greenness on serum glucocorticoids disappeared accompanying with increased concentrations of particulate matter. Moreover, trends towards modification in the association between green space and glucocorticoid levels were also evident by sex, but these did not reach statistical significance (for all glucocorticoids: P interaction> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to green space was negatively correlated with cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol levels, and positively correlated with cortisone levels. There may be sex differences in these associations. Moreover, the protective effect of residential greenness on serum glucocorticoids was altered by high levels of particulate matter.

The correlation between testosterone and stroke and the mediating role of blood pressure: The Henan rural cohort study.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the association of serum testosterone with stroke and calculate the proportion explained by blood pressure on this association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6175 subjects were included in this study. Serum testosterone was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between serum testosterone and stroke. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the associations of serum testosterone with blood pressure. In addition, mediation analysis was performed to identify the mediation effects of blood pressure on the association of serum testosterone with stroke. Sex-stratified analysis was employed throughout the research. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple variables, serum testosterone levels were negatively associated with stroke in males (per 1 unit natural log-transformed, odds ratio (OR) = 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.94; Tertile 3 vs Tertile 1, OR = 0.65, 95% CI:0.44-0.96). Furthermore, blood pressure played a partial mediating role in the relationship between testosterone and stroke in males. The indirect effect/total effect of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were 7.37%, 9.54% and 9.22%, respectively. Notably, the relationship between testosterone and stroke and the role of blood pressure in regulating them was not observed in females. CONCLUSION: This study describes that in rural Chinese males, testosterone can reduce the risk of stroke by affecting blood pressure. To some extent, we provide a new epidemiological evidence for the relationship between testosterone and stroke.

Associations of serum androgens with coronary heart disease and interaction with age: The Henan Rural Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aimed to investigate the associations of testosterone and androstenedione with coronary heart disease, and the interaction effect of testosterone or androstenedione and age on coronary heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 6178 participants were included in this study. Serum testosterone and androstenedione were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the independent effects of testosterone and androstenedione on coronary heart disease. Interactive plots were employed to examine the interaction effects of testosterone or androstenedione with age on coronary heart disease. After adjusting for multiple variables, serum testosterone and androstenedione levels were negatively associated with coronary heart disease in males (tertile 3 vs tertile 1, odd ratio (OR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.33, 0.96), and OR = 0.40, 95% CI (0.22, 0.74)). Per 1 unit increase in ln-testosterone and ln-androstenedione was associated with a 24% (OR = 0.76, 95% CI (0.63, 0.91)) and 30% (OR = 0.69, 95% CI (0.55, 0.86)) lower risk of coronary heart disease, respectively. Additionally, the positive association of age with coronary heart disease was attenuated by increasing concentrations of ln-testosterone and ln-androstenedione concentration in males. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that serum testosterone and androstenedione were negatively associated with coronary heart disease risk in Chinese rural males. To some extent, this study supports the application of hormone therapy in males with coronary heart disease, which can contribute to reducing the burden of coronary heart disease and related cardiovascular disease.

Long-term exposure to ambient PM1 strengthened the association of depression/anxiety symptoms with poor sleep quality: The Henan Rural Cohort study.

Evidence from numerous epidemiological studies for the relationship between mental disorder and sleep quality was inconclusive and few studies assessed the modification effect of exposure to ambient air PM1 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 1.0 µm) on this association. In this study, 27,572 participants aged 18-79 years from The Henan Rural Cohort study were included in the final analyses. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) scales were used to estimate the frequency of depression and anxiety symptoms of all participants, respectively. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used to assess night sleep quality and PSQI global score (GSC) ≥ 6 was classified as poor sleep quality. The three-year average exposure concentration of PM1 before the baseline survey was determined as long-term exposure concentration of ambient PM1. Logistic regression model was conducted to estimate the independent or joint effect of depression/anxiety symptoms and ambient PM1 exposure on poor sleep quality. In the adjusted models, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of poor sleep quality associated with depression and anxiety symptoms were 3.75 (3.37, 4.17) and 3.42 (3.06, 3.81), respectively, and that associated with long-term exposure to PM1 was 1.06 (1.03, 1.09). An interaction effect was observed between anxiety symptoms score and PM1 concentration on poor sleep quality. With the increment of PM1 concentration, the association was strengthened between depression/anxiety symptoms and poor sleep quality. Besides, compared with the reference group, the ORs (95% CIs) of poor sleep quality in those with comorbidity of depression and anxiety symptoms were 4.98 (3.95, 6.29), 5.23 (3.98, 6.87), 5.76 (4.42, 7.49), and 5.58 (3.83, 8.14), respectively, from the first to the fourth quartile level of the PM1 concentration. These findings suggested that long-term exposure to PM1 strengthened the association of depression/anxiety symptoms with poor sleep quality in rural China.

Long-term exposure to PM1 and PM2.5 is associated with serum cortisone level and meat intake plays a moderation role.

BACKGROUND: Although short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) was associated with increased glucocorticoids (GCs) levels, available evidence on associations of long-term exposure to PM and GCs levels is still scant. Previous studies has showed that meat intake is associated with sex hormones levels, but it is unknown whether meat intake is associated with GCs levels. Furthermore, the role of meat intake in the associations between PM and GCs levels remains unclear. AIMS: The aims of this study were to explore the associations of long-term exposure to PM and GCs levels among Chinese rural adults, and the role of meat intake in these associations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6223 subjects were recruited from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Serum GCs levels were measured with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The concentrations of PM (PM1 and PM2.5) for each subject were assessed with machine learning algorithms. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to obtain each participant' information on meat intake. The effects of PM and meat intake on GCs levels were assessed using generalized linear models. In addition, modification analyses were performed to identify the role of meat intake played in the associations of PM with serum GCs levels. RESULTS: Per 1 µg/m3 increment in PM1 or PM2.5 concentration was associated with a 0.364 ng/ml (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.234, 0.494) or 0.227 ng/ml (95%CI: 0.110, 0.343) increase in serum cortisone, respectively. In addition, the moderation effects of total meat intake and red meat intake on the associations of long-term exposure to PM1 or PM2.5 with serum cortisone were observed (P < 0.05), indicating that individuals who had high levels of PM1 or PM2.5 and meat intake were more susceptible to have a higher state of serum cortisone. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that long-term exposure to PM1 or PM2.5 was associated with serum cortisone. Moreover, meat intake was found to be a significant moderator in the association of PM1 or PM2.5 with serum cortisone levels.

Association between attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccines and mental health among 140,259 college students in China.

Background: With the launch of the COVID-19 vaccines, the vaccination rate has become a hot issue of concern. However, the evidence for the relationship between college students' attitudes toward vaccines and anxiety and depressive symptoms has been limited. Methods: In total, 140,259 college students were recruited using a cluster sampling method in Zhengzhou, Xinxiang, Xinyang city of Henan Province, China, May 21-27, 2021. Anxiety symptoms were determined by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool (GAD-7) and depressive symptoms were determined by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Multiple logistic regression was performed to estimate the association between students' attitudes toward the vaccines and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results: The results indicate that 22.45% of students are unclear whether the vaccine can protect them from infection and 45.57% are unclear whether the vaccine is safe and has no side effects. In addition, after adjusting, the model showed that students who think vaccines can protect them and are safe had 0.128 (95%CI 0.110-0.150; Ptrend < 0.001) times lower risk of anxiety compared to their counterparts who think vaccines can neither protect them nor are safe. Similar ORs were found in depression (aOR = 0.157; 95%CI 0.137-0.180). Conclusion: This large-scale study has shown an association between symptoms of anxiety and depression and reluctance to obtain vaccination. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10389-023-01830-7.

Association between mask wearing and anxiety symptoms during the outbreak of COVID 19: A large survey among 386,432 junior and senior high school students in China.

AIM: To evaluate the association between mask wearing practice and the risk of anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 epidemic among Chinese students aged 12-18 years old. METHODS: Totally, 386,432 junior and senior high school students were recruited using a cluster sampling method across three cities of Henan Province in China during February 4-12, 2020. Mask wearing practice was defined according to its type and the behavior exhibited in relation to wearing a mask. Presence of anxiety symptoms was determined by Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool (GAD-7). Multiple logistic regression was performed to estimate the association between mask wearing and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: Among the participants, compared with students who completely adhered to the all the mask wearing practice, students who did not adhere to all the mask wearing practice had 1.97 times more likely to suffer from anxiety symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74-2.22). Furthermore, compared with students who did not know the proper type of mask, students who knew the proper type of mask had a lower risk of anxiety symptoms (aOR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.76-0.80). Students who adhered to proper behavior of mask wearing was associated with 34% decreased odds for anxiety symptoms (aOR = 0.68; 95%CI: 0.62-0.74). CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, proper mask wearing may be an important attribute that play a significant role in reducing the risk of anxiety symptoms among junior and senior school student. However, since this study is a cross-sectional study, prospective studies are needed to further verify.

Lipidomic analysis reveals the effect of passive smoking on facial skin surface lipid in females.

BACKGROUND: Smoking has toxic effects on the skin and can damage it. However, few studies have focused on the lipid profile changes of facial skin surface lipids (SSL) by passive smoking. METHOD: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on middle-aged females volunteered from Henan, China to participate in the study. A total of 20 passive smoking females and 20 non-passive smoking females were recruited for this study. The components of skin surface lipids were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Multivariate data analysis and enrichment analysis were used to investigate the differences in facial SSL between passive and non-passive smoking females. RESULT: There were 1247 lipid entities identified in facial SSL between passive and non-passive smoking females. Significant differences in composition of facial SSL were observed between the two groups. After multivariate data analysis suggested, 28 significantly different lipids were identified and classified into four classes in SSL of the female cheeks. As well as 32 significantly different lipids were obtained in SSL of the female foreheads, which included three classes of lipids. Subsequent analysis revealed that the content of fatty acids (FA) in passive smoking females was significantly reduced and the content of glycerolipids (GL) and sphingolipids (SP) increased, compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that an increase in GLs and SPs of facial lipids and a decrease in FAs in passive smoking females. These changes in lipids might be associated with oxidative stress and interference with signaling pathways by substances in smoke. And passive smoking affected facial SSL and changed the content and metabolism of skin lipids.

Attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines and its association with depressive symptoms in 386,924 Chinese primary school students during COVID-19 epidemic normalization.

AIM: Before Chinese primary school students were generally vaccinated against the COVID-19 vaccine, this study evaluated the willingness of this population and its influencing factors before vaccination, and evaluate its association between attitudes toward the vaccine and depressive symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involved 386,924 primary school students using a cluster sampling method during May 21-27, 2021. The Chinese version of the Children Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis models were used to estimate the relationship between attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Among the participants, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in higher grades. The prevalence was higher in fifth and sixth grade students than third and fourth grade students and first and second grades (10.22% vs. 6.07% vs. 3.04%). In addition, 20.79% of students do not know whether the vaccine can protect him from the COVID-19 infection, and 40.60% of students do not know whether the vaccine is safe. Of note, in terms of attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines, students with more positive attitudes have a lower risk of depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.151; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.140-0.164). CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, it is necessary for the government and schools to promote vaccine safety and reliability information in a timely manner to increase vaccination uptake.

Worry and fear during the COVID-19 epidemic normalization: Analyzing prevalence and risk factors among 182,991 high school students in China.

It is worth paying attention to the level of worry and fear of students during the normalization of the epidemic. We conducted the cross-sectional study that included 182,991 high school students using an online survey to assess worry and fear levels and its influencing factors in three cities in Henan Province, China, from May 21 to May 27, 2021. Worry and fear levels were measured using a five-item Likert-type scale. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors. Approximately 65.42% of students reported being high worry about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, and about 41.44% of students reported being high fear about the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition, compared with female, male had lower odds of suffering from a high worry, and compared with senior high school students, junior high school students were more likely to suffer from a high worry. Students lived in rural had highest odds increased likelihood of high worry. Similar results in fear levels. During the normalization period of the COVID-19 epidemic, many students have high levels of worry and fear. This study has implications for potential influencers of worry and fear levels in follow-up work.

Prevalence and risk factors of depressive symptoms among 140,259 college students during the COVID-19 epidemic normalization in China: A cross-sectional survey.

Objective: College students are one of the most vulnerable populations to the COVID-19 pandemic's mental health effects. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we wanted to see how common depressive symptoms were among college students and what factors contributed to that. Methods: Between 21 and 27 May 2021, 140,259 college students from three cities in Henan Province, China, were involved. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to determine depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for potential depressive symptom factors. Results: Mild depressive symptoms and above are present in 21.12% of college students. Women had a higher prevalence of mild depressive symptoms than men (61.38 vs. 59.75%), and depressive symptoms were most prevalent among rural students and least prevalent among city students (21.44 vs. 20.29%). Participants with depressive symptoms are also more likely to have a poor-behavioral status. From none-to-severe depressive symptoms, 78.88, 15.78, 2.80, 1.67, and 0.88% had them. Gender, residential location, and behavioral status were found to be associated with depressive symptoms after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion: This cross-sectional study identified the factors that influence the prevalence of depression in college students. It found that the government should pay more attention to mental health issues affecting college students in combating the COVID-19 epidemic normalization.

Serum cortisol-to-cortisone ratio and 11-deoxycortisol are associated with hypertension and blood pressure in Chinese rural population: a cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the associations of cortisol-to-cortisone ratio (F/E) and 11-deoxycortisol (S) in hypertension and blood pressure among Chinese rural population. METHODS: A total of 6233 participants from the Henan Rural Cohort Study were included. Serum cortisol (F), cortisone (E), and S were assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear model (GLM) and logistic regression model were performed to assess the associations of F, E, F/E, and S with blood pressure and hypertension. Moreover, the sex specificity of the associations was assessed. RESULTS: Serum F, F/E, and S were positively associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP), while E was negatively associated with SBP and PP. There were no statistically significant associations of F and E with the prevalence of hypertension, while F/E and S were positively associated with hypertension [odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of F/E and S were 1.28 (1.13, 1.44) and 1.10 (1.04, 1.17), respectively. Also, the combination of high F/E and S was significantly associated with hypertension. The blood pressure indicators and the prevalence of hypertension increased with an incremental in the serum concentration of F, F/E, and S (all Ptrend < 0.05). In addition, the positive association between F/E and SBP was stronger in women than that in men, and F/E was strongly positively associated with hypertension only in women (all Pinteraction < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum F/E and S were positively associated with hypertension and blood pressure. Additionally, their combination has a synergistic effect on hypertension. Moreover, the associations of F and F/E with hypertension and blood pressure were in a sex-specific manner.

Differential Expression of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and Their Related Functional Networks in New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Chinese Rural Adults.

Increasing evidence suggested that the expression and inter-regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA) were related to the development of diabetes. Based on bioinformatics analysis, this study aimed to comprehensively analyze the dysregulated RNA molecules related to new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Twenty-four patients with new-onset T2DM were included as cases, and sex- and age-matched participants were included as controls. The differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs between the two groups were screened by RNA sequencing. LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network and enrichment analysis were used to reveal the RNA molecules that were potentially associated with T2DM and their early changes. A total of 123 lncRNAs, 49 miRNAs, and 312 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the new-onset T2DM (fold change ≥ 1.5 and p value < 0.05). Functional analysis revealed that differentially expressed RNAs were likely to play essential roles in diabetes-related pathways. In addition, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network screened multiple hub mRNAs, and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks showed that a single miRNA could be related to multiple lncRNAs, and then they coregulated more mRNAs. SLC25A4, PLCB1, AGTR2, PRKN, and SCD5 were shown to be important mRNAs in T2DM, and miR-199b-5p, miR-202-5p, miR-548o-3p as well as miR-1255b-5p could be involved in their regulation. In conclusion, several new and previously identified dysregulated lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were found to be vital biomarkers in T2DM. Their alterations and interactions could modulate the pathophysiology of T2DM. Those findings may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of T2DM.

Pesticide Residues in Commonly Consumed Vegetables in Henan Province of China in 2020.

Background: Pesticides are widely used in agricultural production to control insect pests and regulate plant growth in China, which may result in the presence of some pesticide residues in the vegetables. However, few studies of monitoring pesticides have been conducted in Henan Province. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of pesticide residues in commonly consumed vegetables in the regions of Henan Province. Methods: In this study, we collected 5,576 samples of 15 different vegetables in 17 areas from Henan Province during 2020. Eight kinds of pesticides were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), including procymidone, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, pendimethalin, isocarbophos, isazophos, fenthion and deltamethrin. The chi-square test was used to compare the detection rates of pesticide residues in different regions. Results: Of all the pesticides above, procymidone, lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, pendimethalin and isocarbophos were detected in vegetables, the detection rates were 27.0%, 16.2%, 11.4%, 3.5%, and 1.9%, respectively. However, isazophos, fenthion, and deltamethrin were not detected. In addition, procymidone, lambda-cyhalothrin, and cypermethrin were detected in urban areas, while pendimethalin was detected in rural areas. The detection rates of cypermethrin and pendimethalin in rural were 19.8% and 5.4%, respectively, which in urban were at relatively lower levels (13.7% and 1.9%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Compared the differences of pesticide detection rates among five areas of Henan province, we found that there were statistical differences in the detection rates of procymidone, cypermethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin in different regions (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results have revealed that the pesticide residues are present. Higher detection rates and more types of pesticides were found in rural areas than urban areas. In addition, there were higher detection rates in Eastern Henan. The findings provided valuable information on the current pesticide residues status, which can be a reference of pesticide supervision and management.

Prevalence and risk factors for anxiety symptoms during the outbreak of COVID-19: A large survey among 373216 junior and senior high school students in China.

BACKGROUND: The increasing menace of the COVID-19 epidemic led to an atmosphere of anxiety around the world, however the evidence among Chinese students aged 12 to 18 years has been limited. METHODS: A total of 373216 junior and senior high school students were recruited using a cluster sampling method in Zhengzhou, Xinxiang, Xinyang city of Henan Province, China, during February 4-12, 2020. Presence of anxiety symptoms was determined by Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool (GAD-7). Multiple logistic regression was performed to estimate the potential risk factors. RESULTS: Among the participants, junior and senior high school students were found to have anxiety symptoms, producing an overall prevalence of 9.89%. The prevalence was lower in female than in male (9.66% vs. 10.11%) and the prevalence was higher for junior high school students than senior high school students (13.89% vs. 12.93%). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was highest among rural students and lowest among urban students (11.33% vs. 8.77%). The cognitive level was negatively associated with the prevalence of anxiety symptoms. After adjusting for potential confounders, age, gender, residential location, worried level, fear level and behavior status were found to be associated with anxiety symptoms. LIMITATIONS: Prevalence may be skewed by assessing anxiety symptoms using self-reported scales rather than clinical interviews. CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale study assesses the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and its potential influencing factors in junior and senior high school students. These findings suggest that governments need to pay more attention to the mental health of young people in combating COVID-19.

Gender-Specific Independent and Combined Effects of the Progesterone and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone on Metabolic Syndrome: From the Henan Rural Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the concentrations of progesterone (P4) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) have been correlated with some characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS), the relationships with MetS are inconclusive. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between P4 and 17-OHP with MetS. METHODS: In all, the present study includes 4807 participants. Serum P4 and 17-OHP were measured through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the independent and combined effects of P4 and 17-OHP on MetS. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple variables, the positive association of P4 with MetS was observed in postmenopausal women (Third tertiles vs First tertiles: OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.20-1.86) and the negative association of 17-OHP with MetS was observed in men (Third tertiles vs First tertiles: OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32-0.58). Compared with the combination of low P4 and low 17-OHP, the combination of high P4 and high 17-OHP were significantly related to MetS in postmenopausal women (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.18-2.48). Moreover, the combination of low P4 and high 17-OHP was negatively associated with MetS in men (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24-0.69). CONCLUSION: The association between P4 and MetS in postmenopausal women was positive, whereas 17-OHP was negatively associated with MetS in men. Additionally, their combination has a synergistic effect on MetS in postmenopausal women and an antagonistic effect on MetS in men.

The mediation role of SOCS3 methylation in the effect of serum testosterone on type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that testosterone and DNA methylation of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) were associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Testosterone affects SOCS3 gene expression. Therefore, we aimed to investigate how the SOCS3 methylation mediates the relationship between testosterone and T2D among Chinese rural adults. METHODS: A case-control study comprised 365 T2D patients and 651 controls was conducted. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and MethylTarget were used to determine the levels of serum testosterone and DNA methylation of SOCS3 gene, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of testosterone or SOCS3 methylation for T2D was calculated using logistic regression models, and ß value of testosterone for SOCS3 methylation was evaluated by linear regression models. Furthermore, through mediation analysis the mediating effect of SOCS3 methylation on the association of testosterone with T2D was estimated. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple variables, the protective effect of testosterone on T2D was found in men (OR = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.80), and the methylation of Chr17:76356190 or Chr17:76356199 was negatively related to T2D in both men and women. Moreover, testosterone was positively associated with Chr17:76356190 methylation in men and Chr17:76356199 methylation in women (both P < .05). The mediation analysis showed that the Chr17:76356190 methylation partly mediated effect of testosterone on T2D in men was approximately 8.2%. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of serum testosterone in men and Chr17:76356190 and Chr17:76356199 (SOCS3) methylation were related to a lower prevalent T2D. In addition, Chr17:76356190 methylation partially mediated the effect of testosterone on T2D in Chinese rural men.