Pulmonary PMCT angiography by right ventricle cardiac puncture: a novel, promising approach for investigating pulmonary thromboembolism.

Forensic scholars are paying more attention to postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and PMCT angiography (PMCTA), which are gradually becoming effective and practical methods in forensic practice. However, few studies have focused on the application of PMCTA to cardiac ventricular puncture-especially of the right ventricle. In this article, we introduce a pulmonary PMCTA approach by right ventricle cardiac puncture and its potential value in fatalities from pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The procedure was performed on 11 males and 6 females. PMCT was performed first; then a biopsy core needle was used for percutaneous puncture of the right ventricle under CT guidance. About 400 mL of contrast media was injected at a rate of 50 mL/8 s, followed by CT scanning. Visualization of the pulmonary artery contrast filling was complete in 9 cadavers, and the pulmonary arteries showed significant filling defects in 8 subjects. Unlike in clinical practice, the phenomenon of postmortem coagulation sometimes occurs in the vascular lumina after death. Therefore, the results of these 8 cases can only suggest or be highly suspicious of death from PTE. Then autopsy and histopathological examination confirmed that 4 of the above 8 patients were diagnosed with PTE; the remaining 4 had postmortem clot including chicken fat clot in the pulmonary artery. Pulmonary PMCTA approach is a simple, convenient, and effective method for the visualization of the pulmonary artery, which can be used as an effective auxiliary tool to identify PTE in forensic practice. It will also provide technical support to further investigate PTE imaging characteristics.

Burden and trend of ischemic heart disease and colorectal cancer attributable to a diet low in fiber in China, 1990-2017: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

PURPOSE: The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has increased in China. However, the contribution of dietary risks to the NCD burden has not been evaluated. This study aimed to estimate the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) attributable to a diet low in fiber in China from 1990 to 2017. METHODS: China data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017 were used to assess the age-, sex-, and province-specific mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of IHD and CRC related to a diet low in fiber. RESULTS: In 2017, a diet low in fiber contributed 170,143 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 99,623-256,806] IHD deaths and 25,561 (95% UI: 13,726-39,215) CRC deaths, with the population attributable fractions (PAFs) were 9.7 and 13.7%, respectively. Males had higher risk-attributable mortality and DALY rates for IHD and CRC than females. An upward trend with age in rates of mortality and DALY was observed. All-age risk-attributable mortality and DALY rates increased significantly by 111.4 and 53.2% for IHD, and 94.4 and 59.6% for CRC from 1990 to 2017, respectively; however, the corresponding age-standardized rates for IHD and CRC showed relatively stable trends. Heilongjiang, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia were ranked as the top three provinces in terms of total risk-attributable NCD burden in 2017. CONCLUSIONS: China has a large and growing NCD burden attributable to a diet low in fiber. Greater priority in disease prevention and control should be given to male and older adults throughout China, particularly in some western provinces.

Burden of viral hepatitis caused by specific aetiologies in China, 1990-2016: findings from the GBD 2016.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to quantify the burden caused by viral hepatitis in China from 1990 to 2016. METHODS: Data from the GBD 2016 study were extracted to calculate incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Trends in DALYs were assessed in 33 provinces/regions. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2016, the total incidence of hepatitis decreased by 88.5%. However, the prevalence of hepatitis (counts in thousands), increased by 37.6% from 153,856 (95% UI: 136,047-172,319) in 1990 to 211,721 (95% UI: 179,776-240,981) in 2016, with age-standardized prevalence rates changing slightly. The number and age-standardized rates of prevalence increased by 35.9 and 1.6% for hepatitis B, respectively, and by 81.8 and 30.4% for hepatitis C. Guangxi, Guangdong and Hainan had the highest age-standardized prevalence rates (≥16,500 per 100,000). Tibet, Qinghai and Gansu had the highest age-standardized DALYs rates (≥40 per 100,000). The largest absolute number of DALYs was observed in the 15-49 year age group in 2016. The highest rate of DALYs occurred in males aged 50-69 years and in females aged ≧70 years. CONCLUSION: The incidence and DALYs of viral hepatitis decreased dramatically from 1990 to 2016. However, the prevalence still remains at a high level, which may result in heavy burdens in the future.

Self-rated health and health-related quality of life among Chinese residents, China, 2010.

BACKGROUND: Self-rated health (SRH) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are two outcome measures used to assess health status. However, little is known about population-based SRH and HRQOL in China. METHODS: Data from the 2010 China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance, a nationally representative sample of 98,658 adults (≥18-year-old) residing in China, were analyzed. SRH was assessed by asking "Would you say that, in general, your health is very good, good, general, poor, or very poor?" HRQOL was assessed by asking "For about how many days during the past 30 days was your health not good due to physical illnesses, injuries, or mental unhealthy?". RESULTS: Overall, 6.3 % of participants rated their health as poor or very poor. The prevalence of poor/very poor health increased with advancing age ranging from 2.0 % in the 18-24 year-olds to 14.9 % in those ≥75 years-old, while it decreased with education levels from 13.0 % in illiterates/those with some primary school education to 2.2 % in college graduates or above. Additionally, women were more likely than men to rate their health as poor or very poor (7.2 % vs. 5.4 %). The reported rate of poor/very poor health was higher in western region residents compared to those in the east (7.4 % vs. 5.3 %). The mean numbers of self-reported physically unhealthy days, injury-caused unhealthy days, or mentally unhealthy days during the past 30 days were 1.48, 0.20, and 0.54, respectively. Older adults had more physically unhealthy days than the younger ones ranging from 2.92 days in those ≥ 75 year-old to 0.95 days in 18-24 year-olds. Women had more physically unhealthy days and mentally unhealthy days than men (1.72 vs. 1.23; 0.62 vs. 0.46, respectively). The highest mean number of physically unhealthy days (2.32) was reported by illiterates or those with some primary school education. The highest mean number of mentally unhealthy days (0.86) reported by college graduates or above. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variations existed in SRH and HRQOL among age groups, gender groups, education groups, and across regions in China. Considering these disparities will be important when developing health policies and allocating resources.

[Self-rated health status among Chinese residents, China, 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the self-rated health status among Chinese residents in 2010. METHODS: Data was from the Non-communicable Disease & Risk Factor Surveillance in China, 2010. A total of 98 638 adults aged ≥ 18 years were included in the study. Self-rated health was assessed by four questions: (1) Would you assess your health status as very good or good, general (not good/not poor), poor or very poor? (2) How many days was your health not good for physical illness during the past 30 days? (3) How many days was your health not good for injury during the past 30 days? (4) How many days was your health not good for mental illness, which include stress and problem with emotions depression during the past 30 days? After being weighed according to complex sampling scheme and post-stratification, the sample was used to estimate the prevalence of self-rated health. The Rao-scott χ(2) test with different samples was adopted for comparison among groups. RESULTS: In total, 57.5% (95%CI:55.5%-59.5%) of the participants rated their health as being either very good or good, 36.2% (95%CI:34.5%-37.8%) as general, and only 6.3% (95%CI:5.7%-6.9%) as poor or very poor; In different age groups and gender, the differences were statistically significant (χ(2) values were 1179.88, 85.36, both P values were < 0.05) . The reported rate of poor or very poor health increased significantly with advancing age ranging from 2.0% (95%CI:1.5%-2.4%)in 18-24 year-old group to 14.9% (95%CI:12.6%-17.2%) in ≥ 75 year-old group; Females were more likely than males to rate their health as poor or very poor , respectively (7.2%; 95%CI 6.5%-7.9% and 5.4%; 95%CI:4.9%-5.9%). During the past 30 days 18.5% (95%CI:17.1%-19.8%) of the participants was not in good health for physical illness. The reported rate of physical illness increased significantly with advancing age (χ(2) = 211.99, P < 0.01), and it was the lowest in 25-34 year-old group (15.4%; 95%CI:13.7%-17.0%), and the highest in ≥ 75 year-old group (28.3%; 95%CI:24.9%-31.6%) . It was statistically higher among females (21.1%; 95%CI:19.5%-22.6%) compared to males (15.9%; 95%CI:14.6%-17.3%) (χ(2) = 231.81, P < 0.01); the reported rates of physical illness were 17.4% (95%CI:15.3%-19.5%) among residents in the east region, 17.2% (95%CI:14.7%-19.6%) in the middle region, and 21.5% (95%CI:18.7%-24.4%) in the western region(χ(2) = 6.75, P < 0.01). During the past 30 days 2.7% (95%CI:2.3%-3.2%) of the participants was not in good health for injure. The reported rate of injure decreased significantly with advancing age (χ(2) = 25.54, P < 0.01), and it was the highest in 18-24 year-old group (3.8%; 95%CI:2.6%-5.0%), and the lowest in 35-44 year-old group (2.3%; 95%CI:1.8%-2.7%) . It was statistically higher among males (3.0%; 95%CI:2.4%-3.5%) compared to females (2.5%; 95%CI:2.1%-2.9%) (χ(2) = 8.89 P < 0.01) ; the reported rates of injure were 2.3% (95%CI:1.9%-2.7%) among residents in the east region , 2.1% (1.7%-2.4%) in the middle region, and 4.1% (95%CI:2.6%-5.6%) in the west region (χ(2) = 16.26, P < 0.01). During the past 30 days 10.0% (95%CI:8.8%-11.3%) of the participants was not in good health for mental illness. The reported rate of mental illness decreased significantly with advancing age (χ(2) = 92.14 P < 0.01), and it was the highest in 18-24 year-old group (12.9%; 95%CI: 10.6%-15.2%), and the lowest in ≥ 75 year-old group (5.7%; 95%CI: 4.4%-7.0%) .It was statistically higher among females (10.8%; 95%CI:9.5%-12.1%) than males (9.2%; 95%CI:7.9%-10.5%) (χ(2) = 21.59, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The self-rated health status among Chinese residents was good in 2010. Substantial variation exists in self-rated health status across age groups, between genders, and across regions. Considering these disparities will be important for developing health policy and allocating resources.

Burden of cardiovascular disease from 1990 to 2017 in Henan Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death in China. Little is known about the CVD burden and risk factors in Henan Province, China. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the CVD burden and main risk factors between 1990 and 2017 in the Henan Province in China. METHODS: The methodological framework and analytical strategies adopted in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 were used. RESULTS: (1) Age-standardized mortality rate attributed to CVDs increased from 355.0 per 100,000 persons in 1990 to 364.1 per 100,000 persons in 2017 in Henan. (2) Age-standardized disability adjusted life years (DALYs) rate fell by 3.9% from 1990 to 2017. However, the number of DALYs attributed to CVDs increased by 75.9% from 4.2 million person-years in 1990 to 7.3 million person-years in 2017. (3) The age-standardized years lived with disability (YLDs) rate increased by 27.5% from 1990 to 2017. However, years of life lost (YLLs) rate decreased by 6.7% from 1990 to 2017. The contribution of YLLs to the DALYs decreased from 91.4% in 1990 to 89.2% in 2017. (4) Stroke (52.3%) and ischemic heart diseases (38.8%) accounted for 91.1% of total CVDs DALYs among adults in 2017. (5) Dietary factors such as high intake of sodium, alcohol use and low intake of fruits, high systolic blood pressure, and tobacco use were the top risk factors for CVDs, and the estimated population attributable fraction in 2017 was 69.4%, 56.7% and 25.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The absolute burden of CVDs in Henan is still high, although age-standardized DALYs declined between 1990 and 2017. The prevention and control of stroke and ischemic heart diseases should focus on a few modifiable risk factors which mainly contributed to the burden of CVDs, such as dietary factors, high systolic blood pressure, and tobacco use.

Association between Baseline SBP/DBP and All-Cause Mortality in Residents of Shanxi, China: A Population-based Cohort Study from 2002 to 2015.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between blood pressure and all-cause mortality in Shanxi, China. METHODS: The '2002 China Nutrition and Health Survey' baseline data in Shanxi province was used. A retrospective investigation was performed in 2015. The effects of SBP and DBP on the all-cause mortality were analyzed using the Cox regression model. The hazard ratio ( HR) and 95% confidence interval ( CI) were estimated by the sex and age groups. RESULTS: The follow-up rate was 76.52% over 13 years, while the cumulative mortality rate for all participants was 917.12/100,000 person-years. The mortality rose with an increasing SBP ( χ 2 trend = 270.537, P < 0.001) or DBP level ( χ 2 trend = 57.240, P < 0.001). After adjustment for the confounding factors, a significant association between mortality and high SBP (≥ 160 mmHg) and high DBP (≥ 100 mmHg), with adjusted HR ranging from 1.405- to 2.179-fold for SBP and 1.550- to 2.854-fold for DBP, was noted. Significant HRs for most DBP subgroups were found in > 60-year-old participants. Males with DBP ≥ 100 mmHg had a significantly higher mortality, with an HR (95% CI) of 2.715 (1.377-5.351). CONCLUSION: Adults with SBP > 160 mmHg and DBP > 100 mmHg had a higher mortality risk. Sex and age difference was noted in both DBP and mortality risk.

Anti-cancer effects of Polyphyllin I: An update in 5 years.

Chong-lou, the rhizome of Paris polyphylla, has been used in herbal regimes to treat parotitis, mastitis and certain malignant tumors for thousands of years in traditional medicine. Polyphyllin I (PPI) is the main bioactive component in Paris polyphylla. Recent studies of PPI in various types of cancers have shown that PPI may exert a broad spectrum of anti-tumor effects, including inducing cell cycle arrest, inducing cell apoptosis, inducing autophagy, anti-angiogenesis, sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy, and participating in the modulation of inflammatory and immune response. Along with the growing research interest in PPI as well as accumulation of experimental evidences, this review periodically summarized the recent advances in regard to PPI's anti-tumor propensities in various cancers and the underlying mechanisms for future prospective research.

Association of cytokine gene polymorphisms with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection in Chinese Han population: An observational study.

Cytokines are extensively involved in the process of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and take a crucial part in host immune regulation. We aimed to explore the potential correlation of cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with HCV susceptibility and response rate of interferon (IFN)-based antiviral therapy in Chinese Han population.A case-control genetic association study was conducted between 198 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection and 142 healthy controls. Genetic polymorphisms of TNF-α (rs1800629), TGF-ß (rs1800469), IL-10 (rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872), IL-6 (rs1800795, rs1800796), IFN-γ (rs2430561), and IL-28B (rs12979860, rs12980275, and rs8099917) were analyzed by MassARRAY SNP technology. Patients were treated with IFNα-2b or pegylated-IFNα-2a plus ribavirin for 48 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was assessed 6 months after the completion of the treatment.The IL-28B rs12979860-CC (odds ratio [OR] = 4.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69-11.21, P = .001), rs12980275-AA (OR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.08-10.76, P = .028), and rs8099917-TT (OR = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.49-10.12, P = .004) were significantly associated with SVR, and IL-10 rs1800871-TT (OR = .50, 95% CI: 0.25-1.00, P = .049) and rs1800872-AA (OR = .50, 95% CI: 0.25-1.00, P = .049) were also significant for SVR. No association was found between the cytokine SNPs and HCV susceptibility. Additionally, multivariate analysis showed that low baseline viral load (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.01-13.02, P = .048), pegylated-IFN (OR = 9.68, 95% CI: 1.14-82.13, P = .037) and rs12979860-CC (OR = 6.08, 95% CI: 2.00-18.46, P = .001) were independent factors for SVR.IL-28 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms played an important role in predicting host response to IFN-based antiviral therapy in HCV genotype 1b infection.

Burden of Cirrhosis and Other Chronic Liver Diseases Caused by Specific Etiologies in China, 1990-2016: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases caused by specific etiologies in China. METHODS: Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 (GBD 2016) were used. We evaluated the burden by analyzing age-sex-province-specific prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of 33 provinces in China. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2016, prevalence cases in thousands increased by 73.7% from 6833.3 (95% UI: 6498.0-7180.6) to 11869.6 (95% UI: 11274.6-12504.7). Age-standardized mortality and DALY rates per 100,000 decreased by 51.2% and 53.3%, respectively. Male and elderly people (aged ≥ 60 years) preponderance were found for prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. The number of prevalence cases, deaths, and DALYs due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) increased by 86.6%, 8.7%, and 0.9%, respectively. Also, age-standardized prevalence rates decreased in 31 provinces, but increased in Yunnan and Shandong. The Socio-demographic Index (SDI) values were negatively correlated with age-standardized mortality and DALY rates by provinces in 2016; the correlation coefficients were -0.817 and -0.828, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases remain a huge health burden in China, with the increase of population and the aging of population. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains the leading cause of the health burden in China.

Abdominal Obesity and Its Attribution to All-cause Mortality in the General Population with 14 Years Follow-up: Findings from Shanxi Cohort in China.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association of waist circumference (WC) with all-cause mortality among Chinese adults. METHODS: The baseline data were from Shanxi Province of 2002 China Nutrition and Health Survey. The death investigation and follow-up visit were conducted from December 2015 to March 2016. The visits covered up to 5,360 of 7,007 participants, representing a response rate of 76.5%. The Cox regression model and floating absolute risk were used to estimate hazard ratio and 95% floating CI of death by gender and age groups (≥ 60 and < 60 years old). Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding current smokers; participants with stroke, hypertension, and diabetes; participants who accidentally died; and participants who died during the first 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: This study followed 67,129 person-years for 12.5 years on average, including 615 deaths. The mortality density was 916 per 100,000 person-years. Low WC was associated with all-cause mortality among men. Multifactor-adjusted hazard ratios ( HR) were 1.60 (1.35-1.90) for WC < 75.0 cm and 1.40 (1.11-1.76) for WC ranging from 75.0 cm to 79.9 cm. Low WC (< 70.0 cm and 70.0-74.9 cm) and high WC (≥ 95.0 cm) groups had a high risk of mortality among women. The adjusted HRs of death were 1.43 (1.11-1.83), 1.39 (1.05-1.84), and 1.91 (1.13-3.22). CONCLUSION: WC was an important predictor of death independent of body mass index (BMI). WC should be used as a simple rapid screening and predictive indicator of the risk of death.

Childhood BMI and Adult Obesity in a Chinese Sample: A 13-Year Follow-up Study.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is recognized as a significant risk factor for diabetes and hypertension. The present study aimed to examine the associations between adults'obesity risk and childhood and parental obesity. METHODS: A total of 204 children aged 6-17 years were recruited in 2002 with an average follow-up period of 13.2 years. Height and body weight were measured by trained staffs. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the Chinese standard for children and adults. T-test, analysis of variance, and Chi-square analysis were used for single factor analysis. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to perform multifactor analysis. RESULTS: The percentage of non-obese children who grew up to be non-obese adults was 62.6%, and that of obese children who grew up to be obese adults was 80.0%. There was a significant association between childhood body mass index (BMI) and adulthood BMI with a ß regression coefficient of 3.76 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-6.16], and between childhood obesity and adulthood obesity with an odds ratio of 5.76 (95% CI: 1.37-24.34). There was no statistical difference between parental obesity at baseline and children's adulthood obesity, after adjustment of confounders. Male participants and those aged 10.0-13.0 years had a higher risk of adulthood obesity with odds ratios of 2.50 (95% CI: 1.12-5.26) and 3.62 (95% CI: 1.17-11.24), respectively. CONCLUSION: Childhood obesity is an important predictor of adulthood obesity.

[The target plasma concentration of propofol required to induce electroencephalography burst suppression with target-controlled infusion].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal target plasma concentration of propofol required to induce EEG burst suppression administered by TCI in order to decrease cerebral metabolic rate and increase tolerance to cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. METHODS: One hundred and fifty ASA I-II patients(aged 18-55 years-old, BMI < 30, Mallampati Score I-II) scheduled for elective surgery undergoing general anesthesia were enrolled in this study. Patients with systemic diseases or other factors effecting the electrical activity of brain were excluded. ECG, IBP, SpO2, PetCO2, Temperature and EEG (two-channel referential montage system) were continuously monitored during the procedure. Patients were induced with TCI propofol (the target plasma concentration was initially set at 5.4 microg/ml), After induction and intubation, target plasma concentration was increased by 0.3 microg/ml increment and sustained 15 minutes until EEG burst suppression appeared(stable burst suppression waveform and BSR > 50%), and this target concentration was recorded. RESULTS: The mean target plasma concentration of propofol with TCI required to induce EEG burst suppression was 6.1 +/- 0.6 microg/ml with 95% confidence interval of 5.99-6.19 microg/ml. There was no significant difference between the genders. CONCLUSIONS: The target plasma concentration of propofol reached 6.2 microg/ml can induce EEG burst suppression, which is better for intraoperative cerebral protection.

Overexpression of Fbxo6 inactivates spindle checkpoint by interacting with Mad2 and BubR1.

The spindle assembly checkpoint prevents chromosome mis-segregation during mitosis by delaying sister chromatid separation. Several F-box protein members play critical roles in maintaining genome stability and regulating cell cycle progress via ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. Here, we showed that Fbxo6 critically regulated spindle checkpoint and chromosome segregation. Fbxo6 was phosphorylated during mitosis. Overexpression of Fbxo6 lead to faster exit from nocodazole-induced mitosis arrest through premature sister chromatid separation. Moreover, we found substantially more binuclear and multilobed nuclei cells accompanied with impaired cell viability in Fbxo6-overexpressed HeLa cells. Mechanistically, Fbxo6 interacted with spindle checkpoint proteins including Mad2 and BubR1 leading to the premature exit from mitosis. Overall, we revealed a novel role of Fbxo6 in regulating spindle checkpoint, which may shed light on the regulation of genome instability of cancer cells.