Both early and late maternal age at childbirth is associated with increasing odds of central obesity in offspring.

OBJECTIVE: Despite studies on offspring obesity and delayed parenthood, little attention has been paid to the central obesity of offspring. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that maternal age at childbirth (MAC) was associated with central obesity in offspring among the adult population, and fasting insulin may play a role in this association as a mediating factor. METHODS: A total of 423 adults (mean age 37.9 years, 37.1% female) were included. Information about maternal variables and other confounders was collected by face-to-face interview. Waist circumference and insulin were determined through physical measurements and biochemical examinations. Logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline model were used to analyze the relationship between MAC and central obesity of offspring. The mediating effect of fasting insulin levels on association between MAC and offspring waist circumference was also analyzed. RESULTS: There was a nonlinear relationship between MAC and central obesity in offspring. Compared with subjects with MAC 27-32 years, those with MAC 21-26 years (OR = 1.814, 95% CI: 1.129-2.915) and MAC ≥33 years (OR = 3.337, 95% CI: 1.638-6.798) had higher odds to develop central obesity. Offspring fasting insulin was also higher in MAC 21-26 years and MAC ≥33 years compared with those with MAC 27-32 years. Taking the group MAC 27-32 years as reference, the mediating effect of fasting insulin levels on the waist circumference was 20.6% and 12.4% for MAC 21-26 years and ≥ 33 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: MAC 27-32 years has the lowest odds of central obesity in offspring. Fasting insulin levels may have a partial mediating effect on the association between MAC and central obesity.

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.

Sex differences in the association between dinner-bedtime interval and abdominal obesity: a large-scale cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Dinner-bedtime interval was reported to be associated with general obesity. However, the association between dinner-bedtime interval and abdominal obesity is still unclear. This study was conducted to investigate the association of dinner-bedtime interval and abdominal obesity. METHODS: A total of 7600 participants from Henan rural cohort study were included in this study. A standard questionnaire was used to obtain the time of dinner and sleep by the way of face-to-face interview. Sleep quality of each participant was evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline were used to assess the association between dinner-bedtime interval and abdominal obesity. Line regression was used to estimate the association between dinner-bedtime interval and lipid metabolism indexes. The mediation effect of sleep quality on the relationship between dinner-bedtime interval and abdominal obesity was evaluated. RESULTS: In male, increased dinner-bedtime interval was associated with abdominal obesity risk (Adjusted OR: 1.084, 95% CI 1.009-1.164). Compared with participants with dinner-bedtime interval ≤ 2 h, those dinner-bedtime interval > 2 h had an elevated risk of abdominal obesity (Adjusted OR: 1.199, 95% CI 1.009-1.425). In addition, a positive linear dose-response relationship was detected between dinner-bedtime interval and abdominal obesity. Moreover, total cholesterol concentration increased by 0.047 mmol/L for each 1-h increase in dinner-bedtime interval (P = 0.019). In addition, sleep quality mediated 11.45% of the relationship between dinner-bedtime interval and abdominal obesity (adjusted mediation effect: - 0.010, 95% CI - 0.019 to - 0.003). But in female, these associations were not significant. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that increased dinner-bedtime interval was related to a higher risk of abdominal obesity in rural China and this association was differed by sex. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V: cross-sectional descriptive study.

In situ detection of plasma exosomal microRNA for lung cancer diagnosis using duplex-specific nuclease and MoS2 nanosheets.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) encapsulated in tumor-derived exosomes are becoming ideal biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer. However, the accuracy and sensitivity are often hampered by the extraction process of exosomal miRNA using traditional methods. Herein, this study developed a fluorogenic quantitative detection method for exosomal miRNA using the fluorescence quenching properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets and the enzyme-assisted signal amplification properties of duplex-specific nuclease (DSN). First, a fluorescently-labeled nucleic acid probe was used to hybridize the target miRNA to form a DNA/RNA hybrid structure. Under the action of the DSN, the DNA single strand in the DNA/RNA hybrid strand was selectively digested into smaller oligonucleotide fragments. At the same time, the released miRNA target triggers the next reaction cycle, so as to achieve signal amplification. Then, MoS2 was used to selectively quench the fluorescence of the undigested probe leaving the fluorescent signal of the fluorescently-labeled probe fragments. The fluorometric signals for miRNA-21 had a maximum excitation/emission wavelength of 488/518 nm. Most importantly, the biosensor was then applied for the accurate quantitative detection of miRNA-21 in exosome lysates extracted from human plasma and this method was able to successfully distinguish lung cancer patients from healthy people. This biosensor provides a simple, rapid, and a highly specific quantitative method for exosomal miRNA and has promising potential to be used in the early diagnosis of lung cancer.

Magnetic beads-assisted fluorescence aptasensing approach based on dual DNA tweezers for detection of ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1 in wine and corn.

A magnetic beads (MBs)-assisted fluorescence aptasensing approach based on dual DNA tweezers and magnetic separation was established for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisin B1 (FB1). A dual DNA tweezers structure with four ends linked with fluorophores (FAM, ROX) and quenchers (BHQ1, BHQ2) was designed, and produced the high initial fluorescence signals because of the long spatial distance between FAM and BHQ1, ROX, and BHQ2. Bio-aptamer/anti-aptamer of OTA and bio-aptamer/anti-aptamer of FB1 were respectively annealed to form dsDNA, and immobilized to MBs coated with streptavidin (SA). With the existence of OTA and FB1, OTA and FB1 preferentially bound with their respective bio-aptamers, which made anti-aptamers dissociate from dsDNA coupled on MBs. After magnetic separation, the dissociated anti-aptamers reacted with dual DNA tweezers, respectively, which made DNA tweezers close and the fluorescence was quenched. The linear ranges of approach for OTA and FB1 detection were 0.05-20 ng/mL and 0.1-40 ng/mL, respectively. The limit of detection for OTA and FB1 was 0.029 ng/mL and 0.061 ng/mL. The prepared MBs-assisted fluorescence aptasensing approach was applied to detect OTA and FB1 in spiked red wine and corn samples, which showed good recoveries between 92 and 106%.

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.

The association between dietary patterns with type 2 diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes in the Henan rural cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate whether dietary patterns were associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or pre-diabetes in adults of rural area in Henan. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Principal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns, while multivariate logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline regression models were used to analyse the association between dietary patterns and both pre-diabetes and T2DM. SETTING: Rural area of Henan province, China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 38 779 adults aged 18-79 years were recruited from the Henan rural cohort study as the subjects. RESULTS: The prevalence of pre-diabetes and T2DM in rural Henan was 6·8 % and 9·4 %, respectively. A total of three dietary patterns were assessed in the present study. Dietary pattern I with a high intake of red meat and white meat; dietary pattern II with a high intake of grains, nuts, milk and eggs and dietary pattern III with a high intake of vegetables, staple food and fruits. The highest quintile (Q5) of pattern III could reduce 32·7 % risk of pre-diabetes. The Q5 of pattern II showed a 15·5 % decreased risk of T2DM, in a U-shaped dose-response manner; meanwhile, the Q5 of pattern III was significantly associated with reduced risks of T2DM (OR: 0·582, 95 % CI (0·497, 0·682)). CONCLUSIONS: Pattern III is beneficial for reducing risk of pre-diabetes or T2DM. Though a higher consumption of 'grains-nuts-egg' may associate with a reduced risk of T2DM, excessive intakes should be avoided. This study may provide a reference for the prevention of diabetes on dietary precautions.

Associations of spicy food flavour and intake frequency with blood lipid levels and risk of abnormal serum lipid levels in Chinese rural population: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to investigate associations between spicy food intake and serum lipids levels in Chinese rural population. DESIGN: Information on spicy food flavour and intake frequency was obtained using a two-item questionnaire survey. Dietary data were collected using a validated thirteen-item FFQ. Fasting blood samples were collected and measured for total cholesterol (TC), TAG, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were employed to examine the relationship between spicy food and serum lipids levels according to the spicy food flavour and intake frequency, respectively. SETTING: A cross-sectional study in Henan Province. PARTICIPANTS: 38 238 participants aged 18-79 years old. RESULTS: Spicy flavour and intake frequency were consistently associated with decreased TC and non-HDL-cholesterol levels but mildly associated with elevated TAG levels. Each level increment in spicy flavour was inversely associated with high TC (OR: 0·91; 95 % CI 0·88, 0·93) and high non-HDL-cholesterol (OR: 0·88; 95 % CI 0·85, 0·91) but positively associated with high TAG (OR: 1·04; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·07). Similarly, 1-d increment in spicy food intake frequency was also inversely associated with high TC (OR: 0·92; 95 % CI 0·91, 0·94) and high non-HDL-cholesterol (OR: 0·91; 95 % CI 0·89, 0·93) but positively associated with high TAG (OR: 1·04; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·06). CONCLUSIONS: Spicy food intake was mildly associated with increased risk of abnormal TAG level, significantly associated with decreased risk of abnormal TC and non-HDL levels. Spicy food intake may be contribute to the management of lipid levels.

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.

New evidence for associations between vitamin D receptor polymorphism and obesity: case-control and family-based studies.

Association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) genetic polymorphism and obesity was observed in several case-control studies. This study hypothesized that these associations could be verified in family-based study. We aimed at investigating the associations between VDR SNPs and obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2) by case-control study with 688 subjects and family-based study with 419 pedigrees. The results of case-control study suggested that rs3847987 (AC vs CC, Adjusted OR: 1.938, 95% CI: 1.359-2.763, P = 0.000405) was associated with obesity. Allele C of rs3847987 was risk factors for obesity (P = 0.006). Furthermore, association of rs3847987 with BMI was verified in family-based study (Z = 2.077, P = 0.037811). In addition, sibling with AC genotype of rs3847987 had significant higher BMI than CC genotype in the same family (P = 0.03). Therefore, it could be concluded that VDR genetic polymorphism (rs3847987) may be associated with obesity.

The association between frequency of away-from home meals and type 2 diabetes mellitus in rural Chinese adults: the Henan Rural Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of data on the association between away-from home meals (AFHs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the dose-response relationship between AFHs and T2DM in a Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 29,910 participants were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Information on the weekly frequency of AFHs was collected by face-to-face questionnaires. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to estimate the relationship between the frequencies of AFHs and T2DM. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the contribution of body mass index (BMI) to the frequency of AFH-related T2DM. RESULTS: Compared with those who reported 0 AFHs per week, those who consumed ≥ 11 AFHs/week were associated with a 39% increase in the prevalence of T2DM. A nonlinear dose-response relationship between the frequency of AFHs and T2DM was found. Compared with the 0 AFHs/week group, in males, the multivariate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the groups with 11 or more AFHs/week for T2DM were 1.36 (1.01-1.84). However, no such association was found in females. BMI partly mediated the effects of the frequency of AFHs on T2DM, and the proportion explained was 23.4%. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship between the frequency of AFHs and T2DM was observed in the rural Chinese population. An excessive frequency of AFHs was likely to increase the prevalence of T2DM. Meanwhile, BMI partially mediates the effects of the frequency of AFHs on T2DM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Henan Rural Cohort Study, ChiCTR-OOC-15006699, Registered 6 July 2015, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375 .

Association of long-term exposure to ambient air pollutants with prolonged sleep latency: The Henan Rural Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged sleep latency is associated with far-reaching public health consequences. Although evidence about the effect of air pollution on sleep problem has been shown, the effect on sleep latency remained unknown. The study aimed to analyze the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and prolonged sleep latency in rural China. METHODS: In all, 27935 participants were included in the study from Henan Rural Cohort Study. A satellite-based spatiotemporal model was used to evaluate the 3-year average concentration of air pollutants at the home address of participants before the baseline survey. Air pollutants included NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), PM1 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤1 µm), PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters ≤ 2.5 µm), and PM10 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diametes ≤ 10 µm). A logistic regression model was conducted to assess the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) between air pollutants and prolonged sleep latency. RESULTS: There were 5825 (20.85%) participants with prolonged sleep latency. The average concentration of NO2, PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 were 38.22 (2.54) µg/m3, 56.29 (1.75) µg/m3, 72.30 (1.87) µg/m3, and 130.01 (4.58) µg/m3. The odds ratio (95%CI) of prolonged sleep latency with an IQR increase of NO2, PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 were 1.59 (1.33-1.90), 1.23 (1.13-1.33), 1.28 (1.13-1.45) and 1.43 (1.22-1.67). The stratified analysis showed the effect of air pollutants was stronger among those with stroke. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to NO2, PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with prolonged sleep latency. The adverse impact of air pollution should be considered when treating sleep problems.

Association between daily egg intake and lipid profiles in adults from the Henan rural cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The association between daily egg intake and dyslipidemia remains a contentious issue. Therefore, our study was aimed to explore the relation of daily egg intake to lipid profile; and whether the association was mediated by body mass index (BMI). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 39,021 participants (18-79 years) were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Data on egg consumptions and blood lipid indices were collected with standardized processes. Logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Mediation analysis using bootstrap was performed to examine the contribution of BMI to daily egg intake and HDL-C. The participants were divided into 3 egg intake groups (＜26.79 g/d, 26.79-62.50 g/d, ＞62.5 g/d). According to our results, comparing with the low daily egg consumption group, medium and high egg intake tertiles were related with increased high-TC (ORmedium = 1.546, 95%CI (1.417,1.688); ORhigh = 1.902,95%CI (1.703, 2.124)), high LDL-C (ORmedium = 1.224, 95%CI (1.121, 1.337); ORhigh = 1.368,95%CI (1.220, 1.534)) and non-HDL-C(ORmedium = 1.486,95%CI(1.358,1.625); ORhigh = 1.715,95%CI (1.499, 1.888)), as well as inversely associated with high-TG (ORmedium = 0.825, 95% CI(0.778, 0.875); ORhigh = 0.778,95%CI(0.718,0.844)) and low HDL-C (ORmedium = 0.914, 95%CI (0.858, 0.973); ORhigh = 0.756,95%CI(0.693,0.825)). Moreover, mediation analysis showed that both of BMI and WC partly mediated the relationship between daily egg intake and HDL-C. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that the daily egg intake may have a role in effect on lipid profiles, and the effect of daily egg intake on HDL-C may be partly mediated by BMI and WC.

Associations of SRD5A1 gene variants and testosterone with dysglycemia: Henan Rural Cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Multiple studies support a complex relationship between testosterone and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the transformation of testosterone is affected by several reductases. Thus, we aimed to explore the associations of steroid-5α-reductase type 1 (SRD5A1) gene polymorphism with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and T2DM and the interactive effects of testosterone and genotypes on glycometabolism. METHODS AND RESULTS: A case-control study including 2365 participants was performed. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood and genotyped for the SRD5A1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs1691053. Multivariable logistic regression and linear regression were performed to estimate the associations of SRD5A1 rs1691053 alleles and genotypes with glycometabolism. Generalized linear models were used to investigate the modulatory effects of serum testosterone on glycometabolism indexes in males. After multivariable adjustment, the odds ratio (OR) of homozygous CC genotypes in male carriers was 2.62 (95%CI: 1.11-6.18) for IFG. Furthermore, significant associations of SRD5A1 rs1691053 polymorphisms with adverse indices of glycometabolism were observed in males. Interestingly, the opposite associations in females were observed. The interactive associations of SNP and testosterone were found and mutations were more likely to lead unfavorable metabolic phenotypes. CONCLUSION: These results showed that SRD5A1 rs1691053 gene polymorphism was independently associated with glycometabolism. The interaction between a genetic polymorphism from SRD5A1 and testosterone involved glycometabolism was identified in males. Although this preliminary data should be replicated with other rigorous researches, it highlighted the importance of the SNP-testosterone interaction over the present of glycometabolism.

Reproducibility and validity of an FFQ in the Henan Rural Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the validity and reproducibility of a thirteen-item FFQ regarding identification of dietary conditions in a rural population in China. DESIGN: A reproducibility study repeated the first FFQ (FFQ1) approximately 4 weeks later (FFQ2). A validity study evaluated the mean of three consecutive 24 h diet recalls as the reference measure. SETTING: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Residents of a rural area in Henan Province, which is located in the central region of China. RESULTS: A total of 295 individuals participated in the reproducibility study. In addition, 123 people agreed to participate in the validity study. Spearman's correlation coefficients between the two FFQ ranged from 0·06 (vegetables) to 0·58 (eggs). Spearman's correlation coefficients between the two methods of collection ranged from 0·01 for cereal to 0·49 for staple foods. The mean of the intraclass correlation coefficients of the two FFQ (FFQ1 v. FFQ2) was 0·19. Bland-Altman analysis indicated good agreement for most food groups across the range of intake for the two studies. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that our FFQ design could be used as a representative tool to conduct a dietary evaluation of a rural population.

Mediation effect of body mass index on the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia in rural Chinese adults: the Henan rural cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of spicy food intake with hyperuricemia remains unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia, and whether this association was mediated by body mass index (BMI) in Chinese rural population. METHODS: 38, 027 adults aged 18-79 years were recruited from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Information on spicy food intake was obtained using a validated questionnaire survey. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between spicy food intake and hyperuricemia, multiple linear regression model was performed to estimate the relationships between spicy food intake, BMI and serum urate level. BMI was used as a mediator to evaluate the mediation effect. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with no spicy food flavor, the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of mild, middle, and heavy flavor for hyperuricemia were 1.09 (1.00-1.19), 1.10 (0.97-1.24), and 1.21 (1.10-1.46), respectively (Ptrend = 0.017). Similarly, compared with those without intake in spicy food, the multivariable adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1-2 days/week, 3-5 days/week, and 6-7 days/week were 1.15 (1.01-1.31), 1.14 (1.01-1.30) and 1.15 (1.05-1.26), respectively (Ptrend = 0.007). However, when we further controlling for BMI, the associations were substantially attenuated. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that BMI play a full mediating role in the relationship of spicy food intake with hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION: Spicy food flavor and intake frequency are positively related with hyperuricemia in Chinese rural population. BMI may play a full mediating role in the relationship. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Henan Rural Cohort Study registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699 ). Date of registration: 2015-07-06.

Effect of Vitamin D on Blood Pressure and Hypertension in the General Population: An Update Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The effect of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure has been explored in previous meta-analyses, but whether the association is causal in the general population is still unknown. We evaluated the association comprehensively and quantitatively. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Embase for relevant cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We used a 2-step generalized least-squares method to assess the dose-response association of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and hypertension and a fixed-effects model to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of blood pressure across RCTs. RESULTS: We identified 11 cohort studies and 27 RCTs, with 43,320 and 3,810 participants, respectively. The dose-response relationship between circulating 25(OH)D levels and hypertension risk was approximately L-shaped (Pnonlinearity = .04), suggesting that the risk of hypertension increased substantially below 75 nmol/L as 25(OH)D decreased, but it remained significant over the range of 75-130 nmol/L. However, pooled results of RCTs showed that there was no significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (WMD, -0.00 mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.71 to 0.71) or diastolic blood pressure (WMD, 0.19 mm Hg; 95% CI, -0.29 to 0.67) after vitamin D intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis indicate that supplementation with vitamin D does not lower blood pressure in the general population. RCTs with long-term interventions and a sufficient number of participants who have low levels of vitamin D are needed to validate these findings.

Fluorometric immunoassay for the simultaneous determination of the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen and cytokeratin 19 fragment using two kinds of CdSe/ZnS quantum dot nanobeads and magnetic beads.

A method is described for the simultaneous determination of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1). Two kinds of CdSe/ZnS quantum dot nanobeads (QBs), with emission maxima at 530 nm (green) and 585 nm (yellow), were used as labels, and magnetic beads (MBs) for separation. The MBs were used as substrates to couple CEA and CYFRA21-1 antibody for isolating the proteins. Then, the differently colored QBs were linked to the antibodies against CEA and CYFRA21-1, respectively. Following the formation of the immunocomplex, the intensities of the green and yellow emissions were measured at the same excitation wavelength of 340 nm. The detection limits are 0.1 ng⋅mL- 1 for CEA, and of 0.2 ng⋅mL- 1 for CYFRA21-1. The recoveries from spiked serum are 92.1 - 118.1% for CEA, and from 90.8% to 115.2% for CYFRA21-1, with the relative standard deviations of 6.3 - 12.3% and 7.1 - 11.8%. The method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of the two proteins in human serum sample (n = 45). The results correlated well with those of the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay kit. Graphical AbstractSchematic presentation of the fluorescence immunoassay for the simultaneous determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) based on quantum dot nanobeads (QBs) and magnetic beads (MBs) is reported. The intensities of two kinds of CdSe/ZnS QBs, with the emission maxima at 530 nm (green) and 585 nm (yellow) were measured at the same excitation wavelength of 340 nm.

Association between dietary patterns and dyslipidemia in adults from the Henan Rural Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore the association between dietary patterns and lipid levels in Henan rural area. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Fasting blood samples, information on dietary intakes (with food frequency questionnaires) and other data were collected from the Henan Rural Cohort Study. Principal component analysis was used to identify the dietary patterns. Binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression models were performed to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The study recruited 38,983 available participants aged from 18 to 79 from rural areas in Henan province. RESULTS: The study showed that, three patterns were identified by higher factor loadings: namely the "meat" (high intakes of red meat, white meat and fish), "grain-egg-nut complex" (high intakes of nuts, milk, eggs, grains and beans), and "vegetablesstaple food-fruits" pattern (high intakes of vegetables, staple food and fruits). "Grain-egg-nut complex" pattern was significantly positively related to the risk of dyslipidemia (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.05-1.16, p<0.05). The multivariable- adjusted ORs across tertiles of each dietary pattern were significantly associated with each component of dyslipidemia indexes. CONCLUSIONS: Grain-egg-nut complex dietary pattern was positively associated with dyslipidemia. All three dietary patterns were associated with blood lipid profiles aberrations.

Epigenetic-Based Biomarkers in the Malignant Transformation of BEAS-2B Cells Induced by Coal Tar Pitch Extract.

Background and objectives: The carcinogenicity of coal tar pitch (CTP) to occupational workers has been confirmed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, especially for lung cancer. Herein, we explored the dynamic changes of epigenetic modifications in the malignant transformation process of CTP-induced BEAS-2B cells and also provided clues for screening early biomarkers of CTP-associated occupational lung cancer. Methods: BEAS-2B cells treated with 3.0 µg/mL CTP extract (CTPE) were cultured to the 30th passage to set up a malignant transformation model, which was confirmed by platelet clone formation assay and xenograft assay. DNA methylation levels were determined by ultraviolet-high performance liquid chromatography. mRNA levels in cells and protein levels in supernatants were respectively detected by Real-Time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The number of clones and the ability of tumor formation in nude mice of CTPE-exposed BEAS-2B cells at 30th passage were significantly increased compared to vehicle control. Moreover, genomic DNA methylation level was down-regulated. The mRNA levels of DNMT1, DNMT3a and HDAC1 as well as the expression of DNMT1 protein were up-regulated since the 10th passage. From the 20th passage, the transcriptional levels of DNMT3b, let-7a and the expression of DNMT3a, DNMT3b, and HDAC1 proteins were detected to be higher than vehicle control, while the level of miR-21 increased only at the 30th passage. Conclusion: Data in this study indicated that the changes of epigenetic molecules including DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b, HDAC1, and let-7a occurred at the early stages of BEAS-2B cell malignant transformation after CTPE exposure, which provided critical information for screening early biomarkers of CTP-associated occupational lung cancer.