Causal relationship between circulating inflammatory factors and osteoporosis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis (OP), a persistent metabolic bone disorder linked with inflammation, has an undetermined cause. In our research, we employed bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the interplay between OP and inflammation agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed two-way pooled-level MR analyses to characterize the causal relationship between 41 circulating inflammatory modulators and OP. Genetic variation data for the 41 regulatory factors associated with inflammation were obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of human cytokines. Bone mineral density (BMD) was utilized as a phenotype for OP in our approach. The BMD dataset, sourced from the GEFOS consortium, a large GWAS meta-analysis study and UK Biobank, was classified based on varied sections [whole body (TB), lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), forearm (FA), and heel] and age brackets (0-15 years, 15-30 years, 30-45 years, 45-60 years, and above 60 years). Primary MR analyses were executed using the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method, and sensitivity analyses were performed using the MR-Egger, weighted median, simple model, and weighted model. Cochran's Q test was utilized to evaluate the existence of heterogeneity. We used MR-Egger regression and MR multiplicity of residuals and outliers (MR-PRESSO) to assess pleiotropy. RESULTS: After false discovery rate (FDR) correction, elevated levels of circulating interleukin-8 (IL-8) [ß = 0.072 (0.031-0.114), p < 0.01], macrophage inflammatory protein-1b (MIP-1ß) [ß = 0.008 (0.003-0.013), p < 0.01; ß = 0.026 (0.009-0.042), p < 0.01], and cutaneous T-cell attracting chemokine (CTACK) [ß = 0.037 (0.017-0.056), p < 0.01] was associated with a reduced risk of OP. Reduced levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), IL-1ra, IL-10, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF), and MIP-1α were associated with a reduced risk of OP [ß = -0.030 (-0.047 - -0.013), p < 0.01; ß = -0.025 (-0.041 - -0.010), p < 0.01; ß = -0.018 (-0.029 - -0.007), p < 0.01; ß = -0.060 (-0.097 - -0.024), p < 0.01; ß = -0.118 (-0.190 - -0.047), p < 0.01]. We observed a significant causal correlation between FN-BMD and MCP-3 (FDR < 0.05). The occurrence of OP may also lead to elevated levels of MCP3 [ß = -0.466 (-0.714 - -0.217), p < 0.01]. The reliability of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the pathogenic role of circulating inflammatory modulators in OP using bidirectional MR analysis. This further deepens the understanding of OP pathogenesis and provides new ideas for therapeutic intervention in OP.

Kawasaki Disease Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Population-based Study in the United States.

BACKGROUND: A decrease in the incidence of Kawasaki disease during the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported globally. Yet, previous US studies utilized patient populations of limited size and geographic scope, leaving a knowledge gap regarding the national trend. Employing a large sample size will increase the generalizability of the results and allow for more detailed analyses. METHODS: The observational study using the 2016-2020 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample examined changes in the Kawasaki disease hospitalization rate in pediatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sensitivity analyses examined hospitalizations between October and December each year, as the code for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children was implemented in October 2020. RESULTS: In total, 24,505 hospitalizations with Kawasaki disease diagnoses were examined. Hospitalization rates were 65.1 and 53.8 per 1,000,000 pediatric population during the prepandemic and pandemic periods, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed an overall decrease of 36.1%, with larger decreases for patients 1-4 years old (49.6%), males (40.0%), Asians or Pacific Islanders (57.9%) and patients in the South (47.5%), compared with their counterparts. Associations of the pandemic period with longer lengths of stay and higher daily costs were detected (adjusted mean ratio 1.11; P < 0.01 for length of stay, and adjusted mean ratio 1.33, P < 0.01 for costs). CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in the incidence of Kawasaki disease during the COVID-19 pandemic was observed nationwide in the United States. Contrary to a report from Japan, we did not observe a relationship between population density and a decrease in Kawasaki disease hospitalization. More detailed analyses in targeted geographical areas may provide further insights.

[Clinical characteristics of aplastic anemia patients with abnormal autoantibodies and the impact of autoantibodies on immunosuppressive therapy response].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with acquired aplastic anemia (AA) accompanied by abnormal antinuclear antibody (ANA) and autoantibodies and their effects on the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy (IST). Method: A retrospective case-control study was conducted, analyzing the clinical data of 291 patients with AA who underwent IST and were screened for autoantibodies at initial diagnosis between January 2018 and December 2019 at Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. According to the titer of ANA at the initial diagnosis, extracted nuclear antigen antibodies (ENAs) abnormality and the change of ANA titer after treatment, the treatment responses of 3 months and 6 months after IST were compared. The correlation between clinical features and ANA abnormality was analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The parameters of univariate analysis P<0.1 were included in multivariate analysis, stepwise regression analysis and subgroup analysis. Results: A total of 291 patients were included in the study, of which 145 (49.83%) were male. Among all patients, 147 (50.52%) tested positive for ANA at initial diagnosis, with titers of 1∶100, 1∶320, and 1∶1 000 observed in 94, 47, and 6 cases, respectively. Female gender, older age, presence of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clone, and higher levels of IgG, IgA, and thyroid hormone were significantly associated with ANA positivity at initial diagnosis, while white cell counts, reticulocytes, and free triiodothyronine were significantly lower than that of ANA-negatively patients (all P<0.05). Furthermore, logistic regression analyses revealed that female gender (OR=1.980, 95%CI 1.206-3.277), older age (OR=1.017, 95%CI 1.003-1.032), and presence of PNH clone (OR=1.875, 95%CI 1.049-3.408) were independent risk factors for ANA positivity at initial diagnosis. Subgroup analysis indicated that the risk of ANA positivity at initial diagnosis was even higher in PNH clone-positive patients in the subgroups of females (OR=1.24, 95%CI 1.02-1.51), severe AA (OR=1.26, 95%CI 1.07-1.47), and age≥40 years (OR=1.26, 95%CI 1.05-1.52) (all P<0.05). However, ANA titers at initial diagnosis, presence of other abnormal ENAs, and changes in ANA titers after treatment with IST were not correlated with treatment response (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Approximately 50% of patients with AA had abnormal ANA, and their presence was significantly associated with female gender, older age, and presence of PNH clone at initial diagnosis. However, the presence of abnormal ANA and changes in ANA titers after treatment did not affect the efficacy of IST in patients with AA.

[Study on related factors and characteristics of multimorbidity of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children in Hunan Province].

From January 2019 to December 2021, overweight and obese children who visited in health outpatient Center of Hunan Children's Hospital were studied to explore and analyze the rate, related factors and patterns of multimorbidity of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children in Hunan Province. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the multimorbidity-related factors of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children. Association rules (apriori algorithm) were used to explore the multimorbidity patterns of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children. A total of 725 overweight and obese children were included in this study. The multimorbidity rate of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children was 46.07% (334/725). Age, waist circumference, the frequency of food consumption such as hamburgers and fries and adding meals before bedtime were multimorbidity-related factors of overweight and obesity-related diseases in children. The multimorbidity associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was relatively common. The patterns with the top three support degrees were "NAFLD+dyslipidemia","NAFLD+hypertension" and "NAFLD+hyperuricemia". The patterns with the top three confidence and elevation degrees were "Hypertension+dyslipidemia => NAFLD","Hyperuricemia => NAFLD" and "NAFLD+hypertension => dyslipidemia".

[Clinical application of a quantitative method of atlantoaxial reduction angle in basilar invagination].

Objectives: To investigate the clinical application effect of a quantitative method of atlantoaxial reduction angle in basilar invagination. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical and radiographic data was conducted of 38 patients with complicated atlantoaxial dislocation and basilar invagination admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2020 to May 2022. There were 5 males and 33 females, aged (53.5±9.9) years (range: 38 to 80 years). All patients underwent C1-2 interarticular fusion cage implantation+occipital-cervical fixation by pressing rob with the cantilever technique. The atlantoaxial reduction model of previous studies by our team was used to calculate the reduction angles before surgery. Then titanium rods of prebending angle were prepared according to the calculation before the operation. After that quantitative reduction of angle was performed during the operation. The paired t-test was used to compare the difference between the theoretical and actual reset value. Results: The theoretical reduction angle of all patients was (10.62±1.78)° (range: 6.40° to 13.20°), the actual reduction angle was (10.53±1.63)° (range: 6.70° to 13.30°) and there was no statistical difference between them (t=1.688, P=0.100). The theoretical posterior occipitocervical angle after the operation of all patients was (117.37±5.88)° (range: 107.00° to 133.00°), the actual posterior occipitocervical angle after the operation was (118.25±6.77)° (range: 105.40° to 135.80°) and there was no statistical difference between them (t=-0.737, P=0.466). The postoperative follow-up time of the patients was more than 6 months and the symptoms of all patients were relieved. All patients had satisfactory fusion between small joints without incision infection, internal fixation fracture, displacement, atlantoaxial redislocation, and other long-term complications. Conclusion: The quantitative method of atlantoaxial reduction angle in basilar invagination can calculate the theoretical reduction angle of the clivus axis angle and guide the preparation of the pre-bending titanium rod before surgery, so as to realize the quantification of the atlantoaxial reduction angle.

Pulse Oximetry Screening: Association of State Mandates with Emergency Hospitalizations.

We evaluated the association between implementation of state-mandated pulse oximetry screening (POS) and rates of emergency hospitalizations among infants with Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) and assessed differences in that association across race/ethnicity. We hypothesized that emergency hospitalizations among infants with CCHD decreased after implementation of mandated POS and that the reduction was larger among racial and ethnic minorities compared to non-Hispanic Whites. We utilized statewide inpatient databases from Arizona, California, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, and Washington State (2010-2014). A difference-in-differences model with negative binomial regression was used. We identified patients with CCHD whose hospitalizations between three days and three months of life were coded as "emergency" or "urgent" or occurred through the emergency department. Numbers of emergency hospitalizations aggregated by month and state were used as outcomes. The intervention variable was an implementation of state-mandated POS. Difference in association across race/ethnicity was evaluated with interaction terms between the binary variable indicating the mandatory policy period and each race/ethnicity group. The model was adjusted for state-specific variables, such as percent of female infants and percent of private insurance. We identified 9,147 CCHD emergency hospitalizations. Among non-Hispanic Whites, there was a 22% (Confidence Interval [CI] 6%-36%) decline in CCHD emergency hospitalizations after implementation of mandated POS, on average. This decline was 65% less among non-Hispanic Blacks compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Our study detected an attenuated association with decreased number of emergency hospitalizations among Black compared to White infants. Further research is needed to clarify this disparity.

Current Postlaunch Implementation of State Mandates of Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease by Pulse Oximetry in U.S. States and Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to gauge adherence to nationally endorsed protocols in implementation of pulse oximetry (POx) screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in infants after mandate by all states and to assess associated characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: Between March and October 2019, an online questionnaire was administered to nurse supervisors who oversee personnel conducting POx screening. The questionnaire used eight questions regarding performance and interpretation of screening protocols to measure policy consistency, which is adherence to nationally endorsed protocols for POx screening developed by professional medical societies. Multilevel linear regression models evaluated associations between policy consistency and characteristics of hospitals and individuals, state of hospital location, early versus late mandate adopters, and state reporting requirements. RESULTS: Responses from 189 nurse supervisors spanning 38 states were analyzed. Only 17% received maximum points indicating full policy consistency, and 24% selected all four options for potential hypoxia that require a repeat screen. Notably, 33% did not recognize ≤90% SpO2 as an immediate failed screen and 31% responded that an infant with SpO2 of 89% in one extremity will be rescreened by nurses in an hour rather than receiving an immediate physician referral. Lower policy consistency was associated with lack of state reporting mandates (beta = -1.23 p = 0.01) and early adoption by states (beta = -1.01, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: When presented with SpO2 screening values on a questionnaire, a low percentage of nurse supervisors selected responses that demonstrated adherence to nationally endorsed protocols for CCHD screening. Most notably, almost one-third of respondents did not recognize ≤90% SpO2 as a failed screen that requires immediate physician follow-up. In addition, states without reporting mandates and early adopter states were associated with low policy consistency. Implementing state reporting requirements might increase policy consistency, but some inconsistency may be the result of unique protocols in early adopter states that differ from nationally endorsed protocols. KEY POINTS: · Low adherence to nationally endorsed protocols.. · Inconsistent physician follow-up to hypoxia.. · Reporting improved consistency with national policy..

[Quality of life and influencing factors of postoperative accelerated rehabilitation of esophageal cancer patients].

Objective: To explore the quality of life and its influencing factors of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) of esophageal cancer patients. Methods: The quality of life of 134 esophageal cancer patients was assessed using the quality of life assessment scale (EORTC QLQ-C30) developed by the European Cancer Research and Treatment Organization. Student's t test, One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression statistical methods were used to analyze the effects of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on patients' quality of life. Results: The overall score of quality of life (74.00) was lower than that of the general population (75.30). However, the scores of emotion and cognition in function dimension (93.97 and 95.77) were better than those of the general population (82.80 and 86.50). The results of fatigue, pain, insomnia and constipation in symptom dimension (14.18, 10.94, 11.69 and 5.72) were better than those of the general population (28.80, 20.50, 20.40 and 10.70). The pathological stage, body mass index and dietary were independent influencing factors for the quality of life of patients with esophageal cancer (P<0.05). Conclusions: ERAS can partially improve the quality of life of esophageal cancer patients. More attention should be paid to the esophageal cancer patients after surgery and take targeted measures to improve their quality of life.

[The reference intervals of thyroid functional indicators in pregnant population in Xi'an].

To establish reference intervals for thyroid functional indicators in early (T1), mid-term (T2), and late stage (T3) pregnancy in a population of women in Northwestern China. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 620 pregnant women. Subjects were recruited through a questionnaire where apparently healthy women were selected. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroid hormone (TT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroid hormone (FT4) were detected using the Beckman Unicel DXI 800 automatic chemiluminescence analyzer (the third-generation TSH detection reagent for TSH3),and the reference intervals of different gestation periods were established. The results showed that the reference intervals of TSH3 in T1, T2, and T3 were 0.05-4.59, 0.61-6.01, and 0.63-4.78 mIU/L, respectively; TT3 were 1.62-2.97 nmol/L, 1.59-2.95 nmol/L, and 1.45-2.70 nmol/L, respectively; TT4 were 95.49-185.00 nmol/L, 92.70-181.54 nmol/L, and 77.93-155.09 nmol/L, respectively; FT3 were 3.18-5.22 pmol/L, 2.78-4.67 pmol/L, and 2.51-4.18 pmol/L, respectively; and FT4 were 7.72-12.97 pmol/L, 6.90-1.09 pmol/L, and 5.63-9.85 pmol/L, respectively. All thyroid function indexes had statistically significant differences between the three stages of pregnancy (TSH:H=30.879,P<0.01;FT3:H =153.827,P<0.01;FT4:H =229.967,P<0.01;TT3:H =36.484,P<0.01;TT4:H =58.531,P<0.01). 20 independent samples were collected to verify the reference intervals of TSH, FT3, FT4, TT3 and TT4 for three trimesters of pregnancy, and all of them passed.

Effect of newborn screening for critical CHD on healthcare utilisation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of state-mandated policies for pulse oximetry screening on healthcare utilisation, with a focus on use of echocardiograms. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Healthcare Cost and Utilisation Project, Statewide Inpatient Databases from 2008 to 2014 from six states. METHODS: We defined pre- and post-mandate cohorts based on dates when pulse oximetry became mandated in each state. Linear segmented regression models for interrupted time series assessed associations between implementation of the screening and changes in rate of newborns with Critical CHD-negative echocardiogram results. We also evaluated the changes in rate of newborns who underwent echocardiogram but were not diagnosed with any health issues that could cause hypoxemia. RESULTS: We identified 5967 critical CHD-negative echocardiograms (2847 and 3120 in the pre- and post-mandate periods, respectively). Our models detected a statistically significant increasing trend in rate of critical CHD-negative echocardiograms in the pre-mandate period (Incidence Rate Ratio: 1.08, p = 0.02), but did not detect any statistical differences in changes between pre- and post-mandate periods (Incidence Rate Ratio: 0.93, p = 0.14). Among non-Whites, an increasing trend of Critical CHD-negative echocardiogram during the pre-mandate period was detected (Incidence Rate Ratio 1.12, p < 0.01) and was attenuated during the post-mandate period (Incidence Rate Ratio 0.89, p = 0.02). Similar results were observed in the sensitivity analyses among both Whites and non-Whites. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that mandatory state screening policies are associated with reductions in false-positive screening rates for hypoxemic conditions, with reductions primarily attributed to trends among non-Whites.

The knockdown of SNHG3 inhibits the progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by miR-340-5p/YAP1 axis and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignancy of the head and neck. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in the development and treatment of LSCC. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (SNHG3) in LSCC progression remain largely unknown. Twenty-five paired LSCC tissues and normal samples were collected. The expression levels of SNHG3, Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), and microRNA-340-5p (miR-340-5p) were measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot. Cell viability, apoptosis, and glycolysis were investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry, and specific assay kit, respectively. The association between SNHG3 and miR-340-5p or miR-340-5p and YAP1 was assessed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of a protein involved in the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway was detected by western blot. The xenograft model was established to assess the anti-cancer role of SNHG3 inhibition in vivo. We found that the levels of SNHG3 and YAP1 were increased but the miR-340-5p expression was decreased in LSCC tissues and cells. The knockdown of SNHG3 or YAP1 inhibited cell viability and glycolysis but induced apoptosis in LSCC cells. Overexpression of YAP1 reversed the effect of SNHG3 knockdown on LSCC progression. SNHG3 could regulate YAP1 expression by competitively binding with miR-340-5p. Overexpression of miR-340-5p suppressed cell viability and glycolysis but promoted apoptosis in LSCC cells. Knockdown of SNHG3 repressed Wnt/ß-catenin pathway by regulating miR-340-5p and YAP1. The silencing of SNHG3 reduced LSCC xenograft tumor growth. In conclusion, knockdown of SNHG3 inhibited LSCC progression via inactivating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway by regulating the miR-340-5p/YAP1 axis.

Examining Timeliness of Total Knee Replacement Among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis in the U.S.: Results from the OAI and MOST Longitudinal Cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Patients with knee osteoarthritis may undergo total knee replacement too early or may delay or underuse this procedure. We quantified these categories of total knee replacement utilization in 2 cohorts of participants with knee osteoarthritis and investigated factors associated with each category. METHODS: Data were pooled from 2 multicenter cohort studies that collected demographic, patient-reported, radiographic, clinical examination, and total knee replacement utilization information longitudinally on 8,002 participants who had or were at risk for knee osteoarthritis and were followed for up to 8 years. Validated total knee replacement appropriateness criteria were longitudinally applied to classify participants as either potentially appropriate or likely inappropriate for total knee replacement. Participants were further classified on the basis of total knee replacement utilization into 3 categories: timely (indicating that the patient had total knee replacement within 2 years after the procedure had become potentially appropriate), potentially appropriate but knee not replaced (indicating that the knee had remained unreplaced for >2 years after the procedure had become potentially appropriate), and premature (indicating that the procedure was likely inappropriate but had been performed). Utilization rates were calculated, and factors associated with each category were identified. RESULTS: Among 8,002 participants, 3,417 knees fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria and were classified into 1 of 3 utilization categories as follows: 290 knees (8% of the total and 9% of the knees for which replacement was potentially appropriate) were classified as "timely", 2,833 knees (83% of the total and 91% of those for which replacement was potentially appropriate) were classified as "potentially appropriate but not replaced", and 294 knees (comprising 9% of the total and 26% of the 1,114 total knee replacements performed) were considered to be "likely inappropriate" yet underwent total knee replacement and were classified as "premature". Of the knees that were potentially appropriate but were not replaced, 1,204 (42.5%) had severe symptoms. Compared with the patients who underwent timely total knee replacement, the likelihood of being classified as potentially appropriate but not undergoing total knee replacement was greater for black participants and the likelihood of having premature total knee replacement was lower among participants with a body mass index of >25 kg/m and those with depression. CONCLUSIONS: In 2 multicenter cohorts of patients with knee osteoarthritis, we observed substantial numbers of patients who had premature total knee replacement as well as of patients for whom total knee replacement was potentially appropriate but had not been performed >2 years after it had become potentially appropriate. Further understanding of these observations is needed, especially among the latter group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Undergoing total knee replacement too early may result in little or no benefit while exposing the patient to the risks of a major operation, whereas waiting too long may cause limitations in physical activity that in turn increase the risk of additional disability and chronic disease; however, little is known about timing of this surgery. We quantified the extent of premature, timely, and delayed use, and found a high prevalence of both premature and delayed use.

Analgesic benefits and clinical role of the posterior suprascapular nerve block in shoulder surgery: a systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis.

The posterior suprascapular nerve block has been proposed as an analgesic alternative for shoulder surgery based on the publication of several comparisons with interscalene block that failed to detect differences in analgesic outcomes. However, quantification of the absolute treatment effect of suprascapular nerve block on its own, in comparison with no block (control), to corroborate the aforementioned conclusions has been lacking. This study examines the absolute analgesic efficacy of suprascapular nerve block compared with control for shoulder surgery. We systematically sought electronic databases for studies comparing suprascapular nerve block with control. The primary outcomes included postoperative 24-h cumulative oral morphine consumption and the difference in area under the curve for 24-h pooled pain scores. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of opioid-related side-effects (postoperative nausea and vomiting) and patient satisfaction. Data were pooled using random-effects modelling. Ten studies (700 patients) were analysed; all studies examined landmark-guided posterior suprascapular nerve block performed in the suprascapular fossa. Suprascapular nerve block was statistically but not clinically superior to control for postoperative 24-h cumulative oral morphine consumption, with a weighted mean difference (99%CI) of 11.41 mg (-21.28 to -1.54; p = 0.003). Suprascapular nerve block was also statistically but not clinically superior to control for area under the curve of pain scores, with a mean difference of 1.01 cm.h. Nonetheless, suprascapular nerve block reduced the odds of postoperative nausea and vomiting and improved patient satisfaction. This review suggests that the landmark-guided posterior suprascapular nerve block does not provide clinically important analgesic benefits for shoulder surgery. Investigation of other interscalene block alternatives is warranted.

Comparison of microRNAs in adipose and muscle tissue from seven indigenous Chinese breeds and Yorkshire pigs.

Elucidation of the pig microRNAome is essential for interpreting functional elements of the genome and understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits. Here, we extracted small RNAs from skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, and we compared their expression levels between one Western breed (Yorkshire) and seven indigenous Chinese breeds. We detected the expression of 172 known porcine microRNAs (miRNAs) and 181 novel miRNAs. Differential expression analysis found 92 and 12 differentially expressed miRNAs in adipose and muscle tissue respectively. We found that different Chinese breeds shared common directional miRNA expression changes compared to Yorkshire pigs. Some miRNAs differentially expressed across multiple Chinese breeds, including ssc-miR-129-5p, ssc-miR-30 and ssc-miR-150, are involved in adipose tissue function. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs are associated mainly with signaling pathways rather than metabolic and biosynthetic processes. The miRNA-target gene and miRNA-phenotypic traits networks identified many hub miRNAs that regulate a large number of target genes or phenotypic traits. Specifically, we found that intramuscular fat content is regulated by the greatest number of miRNAs in muscle tissue. This study provides valuable new candidate miRNAs that will aid in the improvement of meat quality and production.

Asthma Hospitalizations Among Homeless Children in New York State.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma is widely prevalent among US children, particularly in homeless children, who often lack proper medication storage or the ability to avoid environmental triggers. In this study, we assess asthma-attributed health care use among homeless youth. We hypothesize that asthma hospitalization rates, symptom severity, and admission through the emergency department (ED) will be higher among homeless youth compared with nonhomeless youth. METHODS: This secondary data analysis identified homeless and nonhomeless pediatric patients (<18 years old) with a primary diagnosis of asthma from New York statewide inpatient databases between 2009 and 2014. Hospitalization rate, readmission rate, admission through the ED, ventilation use, ICU admittance, hospitalization cost, and length of stay were measured. RESULTS: We identified 71 837 asthma hospitalizations, yielding 73.8 and 2.3 hospitalizations per 1000 homeless and nonhomeless children, respectively. Hospitalization rates varied by nonhomeless income quartile, with low-income children experiencing higher rates (5.4) of hospitalization. Readmissions accounted for 16.0% of homeless and 12.5% of nonhomeless hospitalizations. Compared with nonhomeless patients, homeless patients were more likely to be admitted from the ED (odds ratio 1.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.82-2.12; P < .01), and among patients >5 years old, homeless patients were more likely to receive ventilation (odds ratio 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.09; P = .04). No significant differences were observed in ICU admittance, cost, or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Homeless youth experience an asthma hospitalization rate 31 times higher than nonhomeless youth, with higher rates of readmission. Homeless youth live under uniquely challenging circumstances. Tailored asthma control strategies and educational intervention could greatly reduce hospitalizations.

[HIV-1 drug resistance and influencing factors among people living with HIV/AIDS before antiretroviral therapy in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture].

Objective: To explore HIV-1 drug resistance and influencing factors among people living with HIV/AIDS before antiretroviral therapy in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture (Liangshan). Methods: Between January 1 and June 30, in both 2017 and 2018, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Liangshan HIV-1 pol sequences were gathered and analyzed according to WHO Guidelines on HIV drug resistance surveillance of 2014. Both HyPhy 2.2.4 and Cytoscape 3.6.1 software were used to analyze the drug resistant strains of HIV-1 transmission network. Results: A total of 464 people living with HIV/AIDS was recruited. The proportion of HIV-1 CRF07_BC subtype was 88.6% (411/464), with HIV-1 drug resistance rate was 9.9% (46/464). The HIV-1 drug resistance rates of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors(NRTI) and protease inhibitors (PI) were 6.7% (31/464), 1.9% (9/464) and 0.4% (2/464) respectively. New recombinant strains of HIV-1 URF_01BC subtype was independently clustered according to the drug resistant mutation sites. Results from the multivariate logistic analysis showed that injected drug users group had higher risk on HIV-1 drug resistance (aOR=3.03, 95%CI:1.40-6.54) than heterosexual group among people living with HIV/AIDS. Conclusions: HIV-1 drug resistance rate had already been in a high level before antiretroviral therapy was in place. The newly identified recombinant strains of HIV-1 URF_01BC subtype were independently clustered according to the drug resistant mutation sites. It was necessary to strengthen the prevention of the HIV-1 drug resistant strains transmission.

Temporal heterogeneity of the association between social capital and health: an age-period-cohort analysis in China.

OBJECTIVES: The temporal heterogeneity of the association between social capital and health has not been fully discussed yet, so this study aimed to examine whether and how the association between social capital and health varied with age, period, and cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Data were taken from the Chinese General Social Survey of 2005 and 2015, with 15,488 samples being collected. METHODS: An ordinary least square model with interaction terms was used to examine the age, period, and cohort variations in the association between bonding/bridging social capital and self-rated health/depression from the perspective of urban-rural comparison. RESULTS: In urban China, the association between bonding social capital and self-rated health varied with age, the association between bonding social capital and depression varied with age and cohort, the association between bridging social capital and self-rated health varied with period, and the association between bridging social capital and depression varied with period and cohort. By contrast, in rural China, only the association between bonding social capital and self-rated health varied with period and the association between bridging social capital and depression varied with cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This study extends the traditional perspective of social capital and health study, and the results indicate that we should not only examine the association between social capital and health from the perspective of urban-rural comparison but also consider the impacts of life course and social development on this association. In this sense, specific interventions should be taken to improve social capital and health.

Meta-analysis of completion lymph node dissection in sentinel lymph node-positive melanoma.

BACKGROUND: The role of completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive melanoma continues to be debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated survival and recurrence rate in these patients who underwent CLND, compared with observation. METHODS: A comprehensive MEDLINE and Embase database search was performed for cohort studies and RCTs published between January 2000 and June 2017 that assessed the outcomes of CLND compared with observation in patients with SLN-positive melanoma. The primary outcome was survival and the secondary outcome was recurrence rate. Studies were assessed for quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Pooled relative risk or hazard ratio with 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated for each outcome. The extent of heterogeneity between studies was assessed with the I2 test. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017070152). RESULTS: Fifteen studies (13 cohort studies with 7868 patients and 2 RCTs with 2228 patients) were identified for qualitative synthesis. Thirteen studies remained for quantitative meta-analysis. Survival was similar in patients who underwent CLND and those who were observed (risk ratio (RR) for death 0·85, 95 per cent c.i. 0·71 to 1·02). The recurrence rate was also similar (RR 0·91, 0·79 to 1·05). CONCLUSION: Patients with SLN-positive melanoma do not have a significant benefit in survival or recurrence rate if they undergo CLND rather than observation.

Impact of pediatric cardiac surgery regionalization on health care utilization and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Regionalization directs patients to high-volume hospitals for specialized care. We investigated regionalization trends and outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Statewide inpatient data from eleven states between 2000 and 2012. STUDY DESIGN: Mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost were assessed using multivariable hierarchical regression with state and year fixed effects. Primary predictor was hospital case-volume, categorized into low-, medium-, and high-volume tertiles. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: We used Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 (RACHS-1) to select pediatric cardiac surgery discharges. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In total, 2841 (8.5 percent), 8348 (25.1 percent), and 22 099 (66.4 percent) patients underwent heart surgeries in low-, medium-, and high-volume hospitals. Mortality decreased over time, but remained higher in low- and medium-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals had lower odds of mortality and cost than low-volume hospitals (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, P < 0.01, and relative risk [RR] 0.91, P < 0.01, respectively). LOS was longer for high- and medium-volume hospitals, compared to low-volume hospitals (high-volume: RR 1.18, P < 0.01; medium-volume: RR 1.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Regionalization reduced mortality and cost, indicating fewer complications, but paradoxically increased LOS. Further research is needed to explore the full impact on health care utilization.

Patient characteristics and incidence of childhood hospitalisation due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the United States of America 2001-2014.

This study investigated patient characteristics in paediatric hospitalisations for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We used Nationwide Inpatient Sample, which is the largest all-payer inpatient database in the United States, yielding nationally representative estimates, from 2001 to 2014. ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes identified hospitalisations for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and <18 years. Outcomes included yearly rate of hospitalisation, death, admission via emergency department, and need for surgery. Predictors of interest were age groups (<1, 1-9, and ⩾10 y/o), sex, and race/ethnicity. Logistic regression modelled associations, adjusted by patient- and hospital-level variables. With 2302 weighted hospitalisations, hospitalisation rates were 0.22 per 100,000 children/year, with higher rates for <1 y/o (0.42) and ⩾10 y/o (0.31). Male-to-female ratios were more prominent in the oldest age group; 2.7:1 in ⩾10 y/o versus less than 1.7:1 for <10 y/o. In-hospital mortality was 1.5%, with highest mortality rates among the <1 y/o (6.3%). Children ⩾10 y/o had 5.59 times higher risk of admission from the emergency department than 1-9 y/o age group. Both ⩾10 and <1 y/o age groups had lower risk of surgical intervention compared to the 1-9 y/o group with odds ratio 0.56 and 0.26, respectively. Black children had higher risk of admission from the emergency department than White children with odds ratio 2.78. A relation between age group and sex was observed, with sex-based differences in prevalence and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy becoming more pronounced with age. Further studies are needed to clarify mechanisms behind age and racial disparity in hospitalisation, especially admission source.